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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Move over brides: This Pak Andam gives grooms their wedding-day glow-up
AT first glance, Megat Mat Akhir Megat Mohamad seems like just any other successful entrepreneur, proudly running a well-known charcoal factory in Kuala Sepetang, a coastal town in Perak. But behind the business-like exterior is a man with an unexpected passion; one that involves shimmering powders, makeup brushes and wedding-day magic. Fondly known online as Megat Tan, he has been taking the Internet by storm with his wedding transformations, infectious energy and unwavering confidence. Not for brides, as you might expect — but for grooms. For the 57-year-old father of eight and grandfather of 12, the path to becoming a respected Pak Andam, a traditional term for makeup artists and stylists for Malay weddings, was neither conventional nor easy. In a field largely that's largely dominated by women, Megat had to carve out a space for himself through sheer passion and resilience. Smiling, he confides: "People online used to call me effeminate. But my children know that their father is a strong man. If I really were effeminate, I wouldn't have survived working in a mangrove charcoal factory." HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Long before he became a familiar face on TikTok and a go-to name for grooms on their big day, Megat was just a simple kampung boy from Matang Merbau, Sungai Tinggi in Trong, Perak. The eldest of seven, he grew up in a modest household where survival hinged on daily labour. His late father worked as a mangrove woodcutter and his mother was a full-time homemaker. "We lived hand-to-mouth — kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang. That was our reality," he says softly. Even sitting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination was nearly out of reach. The fees were too much for his family to afford, and if not for the generosity of neighbours and relatives, he might not have sat for it at all. He completed his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Tinggi before moving on to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tat Beng. "I couldn't continue my studies because I felt sorry for my late father," he shares, adding: "So, I started working to help ease the burden of supporting my six younger siblings, who were still very young at the time." After finishing school, Megat worked with his father in the mangrove wood industry, chopping logs and helping transport them to charcoal kilns. Within a year, his dedication earned him the position of kepala, or site supervisor. "From there, I started earning a bit more than usual. I had the woodcutting income plus a supervisor's allowance. That's when I began dreaming of becoming a mangrove wood and charcoal entrepreneur," he recounts. In 2000, Megat applied for a licence as a Kup Kayu Jaras Bakau (KKJ) operator. His application was approved by the Forestry Department, granting him the legal right to operate. That marked the beginning of his journey as a licensed mangrove harvester. Before long, he began delving deeper into the charcoal industry and eventually expanded into Kup Arang Kayu Bakau operations. With the licence secured, he successfully expanded into charcoal production — a business he still runs today. Yet, what many don't know is that his parallel journey as a Pak Andam also began around the same time. MAKING OF A GROOM STYLIST In the mid-1980s, Megat was one of only four young men in his village frequently chosen to serve as wedding groomsmen. He often found himself responsible for preparing the groom — adjusting outfits, calming nerves and even applying light makeup. It was an unpaid role, typically rewarded with food and bunga telur, but it quietly laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. "At that time, there was no such thing as a makeup artist for grooms," he recalls, adding: "The groomsmen had to do everything — from makeup to dressing the groom in traditional attire." Megat quickly became the go-to person for these tasks. Whether it was pinning the tengkolok or offering a last-minute touch-up, he was always ready. At first, he didn't think much of it. "Preparing a groom can be tricky. It involves a lot of tools. I wasn't really interested in the beginning," he admits, continuing: "But over time, the ideas started coming. I began to figure out how to enhance a groom's glow and picked up knowledge about the products along the way." Weddings then were formal, guided by strict religious customs. "If you wanted to be a groomsman or a Pak Andam, you had to know a bit about the religious side of things too," he says with a chuckle. Makeup was also much simpler. "We didn't have all the products available today. I only had four or five basics — face powder, an eyebrow pencil, lipstick and a bit of kohl." What began as a favour soon turned into fascination — and that fascination blossomed into a full-fledged passion, one that would quietly anchor his life for the next 40 years. Under the guidance of seasoned peers like Shaharudin Mat Nayan, Mohamad Haroon and Halim Bakar, Megat gradually mastered the craft the traditional way — slowly, patiently and with heart. Encouraged by a close friend who shared his passion, Megat also began to explore the world of makeup more deeply by studying skin tones, product formulas and the subtle art of enhancing rather than masking. Today, he is a seasoned Pak Andam, a groom stylist with four decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for making men look and feel their best on one of the most important days of their lives. "I don't just want to put makeup on faces. I want to bring out confidence in men to make them feel like they belong on the wedding dais just as much as the bride," he says. Passionately, Megat adds: "And for that, sincerity is everything. Without it, no matter how expensive your products are, the result will always look… flat." Unlike others who learnt the trade through formal courses or apprenticeships, Megat honed his craft one wedding at a time. He arrives at weddings not just in full traditional attire, but also with brushes in hand and a quiet determination to get it right. "Both paths — charcoal and makeup — have supported my family," he reflects with pride, adding: "It's been almost 40 years in both fields now… and all to put food on the table." In his 40s, he even enrolled in a distance-learning diploma in business management at Open University Malaysia. But midway through, he had to give up to support his eight school-going children. Today, Megat stands proud. Not just as a businessman or stylist, but as someone who carved his own path with grit, resilience and heart. TIKTOK FAME AND VIRAL STARDOM It wasn't until Megat began documenting his process on social media, especially TikTok, that things took a dramatic turn. With videos that now reach up to 5.6 million views, his flair for transformation quickly caught the attention of Malaysians across generations. The views translated into bookings. Where he once only received two or three clients a month, Megat now gets two to three bookings a week, earning him a supplementary income of RM1,000 to RM3,000 per month solely from his services. And with service charges starting at RM250, excluding transport and lodging, his rates are considered affordable, especially given the premium cosmetics he uses. "I only use international brands," he explains, adding: The full kit I carry costs around RM5,000. But I want the best for my clients, they deserve it. These products are more comfortable on the skin and reduce the chances of breakouts." BUILDING A WEDDING EMPIRE Today, Megat proudly helms a growing wedding empire that includes deejay and emceeing services, his own equipment, a bridal boutique and full-service wedding packages. Despite his success, Megat believes there's still space — and a real need — for more men in the field. He feels the role of Pak Andam, particularly for grooms, is one where a male presence can offer genuine comfort and make a meaningful difference. "When you're helping the groom dress or applying skincare, there's a certain comfort when it's another man," he says, adding: "I hope more young men realise that this is a dignified profession and there's nothing to be ashamed of." It's a message that resonates with a new generation unafraid to break free from gender stereotypes. And if Megat's journey proves anything, it is that passion and authenticity will always outshine outdated labels.
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
19-year-old Malaysian takes pride in Alam Flora drain cleaner job, netizens moved
A young man's job of being a drain cleaner in Alam Flora has reminded many to never judge a book by its cover. At just 19 years old, Muhammad Zamri Zaidi Nizam has become an unexpected inspiration on social media for his pride and positivity in working as a drain cleaner. Employed by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, Zamri's candid reflections on his job — shared through the company's official TikTok page — have struck a chord with many Malaysians. 'We cannot judge a job based on one perspective only. We have to try working there first to truly understand what it feels like. 'We should not do something based on what others say. We do it for ourselves. If they feel that young people should not do these things, I will prove to them that I can,' said the young worker in the video. Zamri said he began working as a drain cleaner in June 2024, following the advice of his father, who also works at Alam Flora as a driver. He added that he had no specific plans for work or higher education at the time he finished his Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM). Recalling his early days on the job, Zamri said he initially felt intimidated by how fast his colleagues worked. As a new hire, he was only assigned basic tasks such as opening slabs, before eventually being allowed to enter the drains. Regarding acceptance, Zamri said his family fully supports his current job. 'With my family, it's okay because it's still work, and as long as it is halal (permissible),' he said. However, his friends were shocked by his choice of work, questioning why he had chosen it – but Zamri does not let their opinions affect him. 'Even though the workload is heavy, it's still manageable. And another thing – thank God –, the work helps me stay fit and my body feels light after clocking out because I get to do a lot of physical activity,' he added. Netizens were touched by the 19-year-old's positivity and determination in taking pride in a job that many would overlook. Others also praised Zamri's communication skills, noting how eloquently he spoke, and encouraged him to realise his full potential by furthering his studies. 'Why should you feel ashamed? I always tell my children that people who work in jobs like construction or the service industry are amazing – because without them, no one else would be able to do it,' one user commented.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dharma Harun's son disappointed, offered indecent work for RM1k
PETALING JAYA: The second son of veteran actor Dharma Harun, Muhammad Al Syafiq, 36, revealed he once considered dropping out of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) to find stable employment. However, Syafiq said he abandoned that idea because he was unwilling to work with only his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications, and also due to moral support from various parties urging him to complete his studies. "Honestly, I thought about quitting my studies many times. But the dean, lecturers, and everyone else told me the same thing. They said I was different, that there was value in being at Aswara, which made me hesitate to quit. "My friends also told me it would only take a short while more, and if I quit, I'd be earning an SPM-level salary. I've managed to support my family by working while studying all this time," he said. Syafiq admitted he was embarrassed to publicly discuss his family's financial struggles. But he was desperate as his earnings from part-time work while studying were insufficient to support them. "Do you want to know the sad story about why I shared the post? The landlord told us to move out. The landlord was kind, but there were debts. "My salary was small. I truly hope the 'Deko Ibadah' programme could be aired on TV so we'll have financial resources. "Because things weren't going well, the landlord asked me to vacate within a month. I tried to find another house. But when they heard we'd be paying with help from Baitulmal, people weren't interested. "Whether I liked it or not, I decided to tell the public about our hardships. Thank God, after that, some aid came in, and the landlord said as long as I could pay, we could stay. I could use any donations for that purpose, but I did not stop working," he said. Earlier, Syafiq expressed his displeasure at criticism from netizens who accused him of being idle and hoping for his 69-year-old father, Dharma, to return to work to support the family. Syafiq clarified that he had undertaken numerous part-time jobs as a barista, model, and actor to support his family all this time. However, his monthly income of less than RM1,000 was simply not enough. Syafiq also revealed that he had received various indecent job offers that compromised his self-respect. Among them was an individual who brazenly offered RM1,000 for sexual favours. "I received all sorts of offers. For example, someone wanted to 'rent' my body for RM1,000. I just got that message early this July. There were even worse offers, but I don't think it's appropriate to share them publicly," he said. He admitted he wasn't surprised by such an offer, given his work as a model. According to him, the offer might have stemmed from posting photos from his portfolio on social media. Yesterday, producer Richard Ung organised a special screening of the action film 'Felai Fx', starring both Dharma and Syafiq, while also channeling donations to their family. Ung said that the event, held at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), was primarily to help collect donations for Dharma due to their difficulties, rather than to promote the 'Felai Fx' film.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
5 initiatives for armed forces personnel
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry, through Yayasan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (Yayasan LTAT), has introduced five educational initiatives for armed forces personnel, their children and family members. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said these initiatives were introduced to ensure their wellbeing by focusing on education and skills development. "The first initiative is the e-Perkasa Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 Programme, a collaboration between Yayasan LTAT and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris involving 652 students who are children of armed forces personnel attending schools outside military camps. "Through this programme, each student has been provided with a laptop for free, sponsored by BHIC AeroServices Sdn Bhd, Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Armed Forces Trading Corporation," he said at the launch of Yayasan LTAT's 2025 Educational Initiatives here yesterday. Khaled said the second initiative was the SPM Elite Touch Programme, where 658 students from six in-camp schools would benefit from tuition classes, workshops and career guidance programmes. "The third initiative is the Armed Forces Family Skills Programme, which extends education and skills development for armed forces personnel, including members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association and their children. "Those pursuing studies in Mara institutions in the field of technical and vocational education and training or equivalent will receive tuition sponsorship of up to RM3,000 per person." The fourth initiative, Khaled said, was the Madani Education Savings Programme, a collaboration between Yayasan LTAT and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation. The fifth initiative is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme, where Yayasan LTAT has formed a strategic partnership with Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
STPM top scorer from Jakun tribe set to pursue dreams at University of Manchester
KUANTAN: Driven by determination and hope, a young Orang Asli woman from the Jakun tribe has earned a place to study economics at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step forward in her mission to drive change in her community. Roziana Tan Beng Hai, 20, who scored a perfect 4.0 CGPA in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination, said she chose to pursue economics and social studies with the ambition of becoming an economist. "I am the first person from Kampung Mentelung, Rompin, to sit for STPM. Not many people in my village have had the chance to study this far, and most of them are from the B40 group. "It's my hope to raise the living standard and create job opportunities for my community,' she told reporters at the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and STPM Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony organised by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) at a hotel here on Tuesday. Roziana described the opportunity to study abroad as her way of repaying her mother, Rohani Lamwan, 56, who had raised her alone while working at an oil palm estate under YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd. "I want to give my mother something to be proud of, so she'll know that raising me on her own wasn't in vain,' said Roziana, who is currently preparing to sit for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) on July 19. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Siti Nur Hawani Muhammad Almi, who scored 9As in the SPM examination, said she would pursue Islamic Education at the Teacher Training Institute, Dato' Razali Ismail Campus, Kuala Terengganu, starting Aug 11. The former Sekolah Menengah Agama Al-Hasanah student said furthering studies in Islamic Education was her first choice as she aspired to become an Ustazah (religious teacher). "I was truly inspired by my teachers at school and found that teaching is something I actually enjoy. "I used to help my friends study during SPM, and that's where my passion grew,' she said. At the same time, Siti Nur Hawani encouraged SPM candidates to step out of their comfort zones to achieve extraordinary results. "I never used to get 8As or 9As. Usually, I scored 5As or 6As. I wasn't very focused at first, but as SPM got closer, I realised I needed to change. I pushed myself to work harder, and in the end, I achieved 9As. Alhamdulillah,' she said. Roziana and Siti Nur Hawani were among 149 Orang Asli students recognised for their academic achievements at the ceremony. Jakoa deputy director-general (Development) Zamri Mustajap said a total of RM45,550 in incentives was allocated to all recipients.- Bernama
