Latest news with #Porsches
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
It's a picture-perfect English town. Now an asylum seeker war is ripping it apart
'I'm afraid I agree that the government has got to find some other means of housing the people once they arrive.' Also like many in this town, he believes the protests are out of control. In his view, the police should be using their powers to arrest anyone trying to hide their identity at the protests. Six men were arrested on Sunday night for what Essex Police called 'mindless thuggery' – including injury to a police officer and damage to a vehicle. Witnesses saw a protestor kick in the windscreen of a police car. Epping, the last stop on the Central Line for those heading north-west on the London Underground, now looks like a war zone to Britons watching the news. But it is a comfortable town with no history of heated division – until the asylum hotel arrived. At lunchtime on Monday, for instance, the main street was busy with people in a dozen cafes or at an open-air market with arts and crafts. A few Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes and Range Rovers passed along with the local traffic. The jewellery store displayed a Rolex in its front window. But the mood has changed in Epping since one of the asylum seekers was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. The man, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, denied all the offences when he appeared in court on July 10. This has not quelled the concerns among local parents, who began protesting outside the asylum hotel. 'I'm not far-right. I'm worried about my kids,' said one sign on Sunday, held by six women outside the asylum hotel. The sexual assault charges turned a tidal wave of concern into a tsunami, says Epping journalist David Jackman, who covered the region for local newspapers for 38 years before setting up his own news site, Everything Epping Forest. There were at least two fires at asylum hotels in the area in recent years and one man who was staying at the Bell Hotel will stand trial in September, charged with two counts of arson. Jackman, in a written account of the past few weeks, said the protest on Sunday night required police with riot shields to hold the line against protesters throwing plastic bottles, eggs, milk and other objects. 'Video footage now seen around the world shows unbelievable scenes including a protestor jumping up and down on the roof of a moving police van and a man kicking another police vehicle,' he wrote. In an echo of the Australian debate over the past two decades, the UK is struggling to respond to thousands of people arriving by boat. While French police can wade into water to try to stop the boats leaving, they do not venture into the English Channel to turn them around. British authorities intercept the boats to escort them to Dover – a sight that infuriates right-wing critics such as Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK. The arrivals surged to 19,982 in the six months to the end of June – up 50 per cent on the same period last year, according to a tally by Reuters based on government data. The problem is not new; boat arrivals increased when the Conservatives held power from 2010 to 2024, but it has become toxic in local communities because authorities have taken over hotels and motels to house asylum seekers. Some Epping residents simply fall silent when the subject comes up. Others express their anxiety about right-wing activists using Epping to make headlines. Loading 'It is outrageous, irresponsible and preposterous to assert and even suggest that residence of Epping and Epping Forest were at all violent last night,' wrote Glenn Hernandez, a local resident, on the community Facebook group. He and others want the hotel shut down and the asylum seekers relocated to prevent more clashes. For now, the Bell Hotel is closed to visitors and surrounded by a temporary fence. Signs order passers-by not to take photographs. A security guard stands inside the entrance. Holland, who lives close to the hotel and sees the asylum seekers walking to and from their temporary home, believes the protests must be kept away from the Bell Hotel to avoid greater riots in the weeks to come. 'There's no point in protesting outside the hotel,' he says. 'If they're going to have a protest, have it in the town centre and make it an organised protest to keep the thugs away from the hotel.' correspondents .
The Age
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
It's a picture-perfect English town. Now an asylum seeker war is ripping it apart
'I'm afraid I agree that the government has got to find some other means of housing the people once they arrive.' Also like many in this town, he believes the protests are out of control. In his view, the police should be using their powers to arrest anyone trying to hide their identity at the protests. Six men were arrested on Sunday night for what Essex Police called 'mindless thuggery' – including injury to a police officer and damage to a vehicle. Witnesses saw a protestor kick in the windscreen of a police car. Epping, the last stop on the Central Line for those heading north-west on the London Underground, now looks like a war zone to Britons watching the news. But it is a comfortable town with no history of heated division – until the asylum hotel arrived. At lunchtime on Monday, for instance, the main street was busy with people in a dozen cafes or at an open-air market with arts and crafts. A few Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes and Range Rovers passed along with the local traffic. The jewellery store displayed a Rolex in its front window. But the mood has changed in Epping since one of the asylum seekers was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. The man, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, denied all the offences when he appeared in court on July 10. This has not quelled the concerns among local parents, who began protesting outside the asylum hotel. 'I'm not far-right. I'm worried about my kids,' said one sign on Sunday, held by six women outside the asylum hotel. The sexual assault charges turned a tidal wave of concern into a tsunami, says Epping journalist David Jackman, who covered the region for local newspapers for 38 years before setting up his own news site, Everything Epping Forest. There were at least two fires at asylum hotels in the area in recent years and one man who was staying at the Bell Hotel will stand trial in September, charged with two counts of arson. Jackman, in a written account of the past few weeks, said the protest on Sunday night required police with riot shields to hold the line against protesters throwing plastic bottles, eggs, milk and other objects. 'Video footage now seen around the world shows unbelievable scenes including a protestor jumping up and down on the roof of a moving police van and a man kicking another police vehicle,' he wrote. In an echo of the Australian debate over the past two decades, the UK is struggling to respond to thousands of people arriving by boat. While French police can wade into water to try to stop the boats leaving, they do not venture into the English Channel to turn them around. British authorities intercept the boats to escort them to Dover – a sight that infuriates right-wing critics such as Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK. The arrivals surged to 19,982 in the six months to the end of June – up 50 per cent on the same period last year, according to a tally by Reuters based on government data. The problem is not new; boat arrivals increased when the Conservatives held power from 2010 to 2024, but it has become toxic in local communities because authorities have taken over hotels and motels to house asylum seekers. Some Epping residents simply fall silent when the subject comes up. Others express their anxiety about right-wing activists using Epping to make headlines. Loading 'It is outrageous, irresponsible and preposterous to assert and even suggest that residence of Epping and Epping Forest were at all violent last night,' wrote Glenn Hernandez, a local resident, on the community Facebook group. He and others want the hotel shut down and the asylum seekers relocated to prevent more clashes. For now, the Bell Hotel is closed to visitors and surrounded by a temporary fence. Signs order passers-by not to take photographs. A security guard stands inside the entrance. Holland, who lives close to the hotel and sees the asylum seekers walking to and from their temporary home, believes the protests must be kept away from the Bell Hotel to avoid greater riots in the weeks to come. 'There's no point in protesting outside the hotel,' he says. 'If they're going to have a protest, have it in the town centre and make it an organised protest to keep the thugs away from the hotel.' correspondents .
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
X Factor star Sam Callahan reveals shocking new job and it's worlds away from music
The singer is a jack of all trades and even races Porsches game man X Factor star Sam Callahan reveals shocking new job and it's worlds away from music Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SAM Callahan's new career is a huge pivot from his rise to fame as a pop star on X Factor. Essex singer Sam appeared on the reality singing series in 2013 and since then has moved into a number of different careers, including a racing car driver. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 The X-Factor's Sam Callahan has an interesting new job Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 He works as a marksman for a pest control and wildlife management company Credit: Instagram / @itssamcallahan 5 The singer posed with an air rifle to promote his company Credit: Instagram / @itssamcallahan But a recent post on his Instagram revealed that the 31-year-old now works as a marksman for his own company which offers pest control and wildlife management in Essex. Sam modeled some of the gear he wears and uses, including a 12ft/lbs air rifle sub. "Putting the @jack_pyke gear to the test, with some great shooting out on the farm today. Good quality 'get up' breeds good performance if you ask me," Sam captioned the post where he posed in camouflage gear while holding the large rifle. The business is described as "professional and ethical pest control and UK wild game management, carried out using precision rifle methods and "ideal for rural properties across Essex." Along with modelling some of his favourite hunting clothes, Sam also revealed he'd recently partnered with a local butcher to process small game, such as rabbit, pigeon or partridge among others, that he captures through his work. "Proud to be turning pest control into a real food resource and reducing waste whilst helping landowners manage their properties," Sam wrote on the business' Facebook page. Sam also runs another business where he offers mobile car retuning around Essex. But the X Factor alum has not given up on singing entirely and last week performed a set at Bournemouth Pride, where he sang a number of cover songs, including Prince's Purple Rain and Robbie Williams' Rock DJ. Sam has also worked as a personal trainer and a racing car driver, including behind the wheel of a sporty Porsche, on the GT4 Supercup series. As if that all wasn't enough, Sam regularly stars in Christmas pantomimes. Sam Callahan sings You're Beautiful by James Blunt in his X Factor audtion The singer still has a legion of fans thanks to his X Factor fame, as proven by the fact he's able to knock out calendars of himself topless year after year. Sam was mentored by Louis Walsh on X Factor, but he didn't quite make it to the final on X Factor with a performance of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls seeing him bow out of the contest. Last year, Sam popped the question to girlfriend, Charlie, a veterinary nurse and the pair will soon tie the knot. 5 Sam appeared on the 2013 series of The X Factor Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
Shah Alam's 'Acik Kusyen': The artisan behind RM30,000 monthly car interior makeovers
With increasing demand, Abu Zarin relocated his workshop from Taman Senawang Jaya to a new, larger space in the Tasik Jaya Industrial Area earlier this year. Abu Zarin has 20 years of experience in car upholstery. SHAH ALAM – From a modest workshop in Jelebu to transforming luxury vehicles like Porsches, Abu Zarin Abu Hassan, known as 'Acik Kusyen', has dedicated over 20 years to mastering car upholstery and interior modification. With increasing demand, Abu Zarin relocated his workshop from Taman Senawang Jaya to a new, larger space in the Tasik Jaya Industrial Area earlier this year. Abu Zarin showing the Acik Kusyen workshop, now relocated to Taman Tasik Senawang. This move offers clients a more comfortable experience and a bigger work area. He began his career learning from his brother's furniture upholstery business before completing an automotive diploma. 'I started my own workshop after finishing my studies, offering services to repair torn seat cushions and install new ones in vehicles. "I also provide cleaning services and full car interior decoration,' he said. His business now handles approximately ten cars monthly, generating between RM20,000 to RM30,000. Prices vary based on the service and materials used, ranging from RM900 for PVC seat covers to as much as RM9,000 for a complete vintage car interior restoration. 'The most expensive job I have handled was a vintage car that came in completely bare. We did the entire interior from start to finish. Our work is well received. Abu Zarin displaying the upholstery material options offered to customers at his workshop. "Some even travel from Johor after hearing about us through social media or referrals,' he shared. Abu Zarin's process involves customers selecting designs, materials and colours. Sewing typically takes a week, and installation is completed in just one day. Despite his success, he continues to improve his business skills through Risda training and support. He also navigated tough periods, including the pandemic, by securing loans from Tekun and local banks. Looking ahead, he hopes to eventually expand into the Klang Valley but is taking a measured approach to ensure quality and staff capacity. 'I definitely want to expand there, but for now I need to maintain quality and focus on what I have. Insyaallah, one day we will reach that goal,' he said. More Like This
The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Grease, grit and glory: Prestige CarCare celebrates 15 years of passion, precision, and purpose
IT IS only 5pm, but the Prestige CarCare Flagship Automall along Jalan Chan Sow Lin is already buzzing with energy. At 25,000sq ft, the state-of-the-art space is a gleaming cathedral for car lovers – and today, it's alive with anticipation. Rows of luxury vehicles – Bentleys, Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes, Jaguars – stand proudly, hoods lifted, engines exposed. Technicians move swiftly and methodically around them, ensuring each detail is in place. Elsewhere, team members inflate balloons, tweak lighting, and rehearse the flow of guests for the evening's celebration. In just two hours, Prestige CarCare will mark its 15th anniversary – a major milestone for a business that began humbly in 2010, as a 2,400sq ft workshop tucked away in Sungei Besi. Founder and chief executive officer Toh Kean Wai is pacing quietly, visibly nervous. For him, tonight is more than just a celebration. It's the culmination of a dream rooted deep in memory. From shed to showroom As a boy, Toh watched his father – a lone mechanic – work tirelessly in a makeshift shed behind someone else's shoplot. 'Being a mechanic was considered a 3D job,' he says, referencing Malaysia's perception of dirty, dangerous, and difficult work. 'It wasn't something people looked up to, nor respected. I knew it was my mission to change that,' he confides. From the very beginning, Toh set out to do things differently with Prestige CarCare. Toh even travelled to Germany, China, and Japan — eager to learn about their cutting-edge equipment, technical expertise, and exacting standards. In Toh's first workshop there were no dimly lit, cluttered, grease-smeared spaces, typical of traditional workshops. In their place: bright, clean and organised service bays staffed by passionate professionals who treated every car like a prized possession — and every customer with respect. Over time, those same high standards became the blueprint for all six Prestige CarCare outlets across the Klang Valley. Toh set out to restore dignity to an overlooked trade, transforming workshops into spotless spaces built on excellence, respect, and service. Today, Prestige CarCare handles everything auto — from major engine work and transmission fixes to tires, brakes, and routine oil changes — all done to exact manufacturer standards. Their team knows cars inside and out, using high-tech diagnostics to spot and solve issues with ease in addition to premium detailing and cosmetic services for luxury cars. And if their customers ever get stuck, they offer their 24/7 roadside help, post-service follow-ups, and even courtesy rides. It comes as no surprise that Prestige CarCare has grown to become Malaysia's largest independent luxury car servicing company. But the road hasn't been without bumps. There were tough times – from having to vacate one of their service centres on short notice to surviving the uncertainty of the MCO lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'For us, challenges are opportunities in disguise,' Toh reflects. 'To last 15 years, you need courage, focus, and consistency.' At the heart of Prestige CarCare's success is a simple philosophy: go the extra mile. And their 'zero downtime' policy is a perfect reflection of that. Need your car serviced? They'll come to you. Cars are picked up and returned post-service. Customers get courtesy vehicles in the meantime, or a shuttle service if needed. 'We understand that time is money,' says Toh. 'So we've built our service around that belief.' Driving into the future That same spirit of innovation led to the launch of DirectBuy, Prestige CarCare's newest venture — an online platform where people can buy and sell pre-owned cars transparently and without hassle. 'We noticed many of our customers wanted to sell their cars but weren't getting fair prices from traditional dealers,' Toh reveals. 'When we checked the market rates, they were often much higher. That's when we knew — there was a gap we could fill.' Toh believed DirectBuy could finally take the guesswork out of buying and selling used luxury cars a smoother, smarter alternative to the old-school dealer hustle. 'We help sellers to sell at a better price. And we help buyers to buy at a good price,' he adds. DirectBuy takes a fresh approach. Cars are thoroughly inspected, with a detailed report generated covering everything from dents and scratches to verified mileage. A 55-point mechanical check – powered by Prestige's deep technical background – ensures buyers know exactly what they're getting. 'I believe we're the first to offer this kind of platform with this level of transparency,' says Toh. 'Other dealers still rely on outdated, wait-and-see methods. We're changing that.' Back at the Automall, the final touches are being placed. The team is ready. Guests will soon begin arriving. Toh pauses for a moment, taking it all in. 'I think my late father would have been very touched to see this,' he says quietly.
