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Hype Malaysia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
'Malaysian Rod Stewart' Vernon Steele Succumbs To Health Decline; Passes Away At 73 Years Old
Sometimes, the most talented musicians aren't the ones headlining tours or topping charts. Instead, they're the ones playing in dimly lit pubs, forging deep connections with small crowds. Over time, these underground artists build loyal, family-like followings. As a result, their music lives on not through fame, but through the people they touched. Vernon Steele was one of those rare artists. Sadly, on 5th June (Thursday), his son Rodney Anthony Steele announced that Vernon had passed away at the age of 73. Though he never chased stardom, his soulful presence left a lasting mark. His fans remember him not just for his music, but for his warmth. The singer had been in the music industry for almost five decades before his passing, thirty of those years performing his own gigs. He was said to have a voice that was naturally husky and deep and could effortlessly create music, earning the name 'Rod Stewart of Malaysia'. However, Vernon mentioned in an article back in 2014 that his idol was the legend Cliff Richard. Last year, doctors determined that the singer could no longer perform after his leg was amputated due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The disease severely restricted his airflow and prevented him from breathing without assistance. After the news of his death, fans and friends flooded Rodney's Facebook page to share heartfelt condolences with his family. They remembered Vernon as a kind and warm-hearted man who lit up their nights with the music he brought to life. His performances didn't just entertain—they created memories, lifted spirits, and brought people together. We give our deepest condolences to Vernon's family with the hope that his legacy will forever live on. If you wish to give your support to the family, the wake will begin today, 6th June (Friday), to the 9th June (Monday), from 10am till 10pm, at the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier, Petaling Jaya. Here is the information for the wake: Source: The Rakyat Post Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Hype Malaysia
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
Manufacturer Claims Actress Nur Fazura's Hijab Company Owes It RM4.65mil
Malaysia boasts a number of hijab brands, some of which are founded by beloved celebrities. Actress Nur Fazura's brand is one of the biggest in the country's hijab market, yet it has recently come under fire for allegedly owing its supplier. According to a statement sighted by The Rakyat Post, tudung manufacturer Feline Malaysia and its owner Obor Holding Sdn Bhd recently alleged that it's facing financial difficulties after its client, Pink Fate Sdn Bhd, owed it millions of ringgit. Pink Fate is known as the parent company of Fazura's Tudung FAZURA brand and Obor Holding claimed that it had supplied the company headscarves worth RM7,330,197.04 since June 2022. However, Pink Fate has allegedly only paid its supplier RM2,680,167.90, which means the company still owes an outstanding balance of RM4.65 million. In addition, the headscarf supplier said it faced increasing difficulties collecting payments since December 2023. The company is now seeking legal action against Pink Fate and its two founders – Fazura and her brother, Ahmad Faiz Shariffudin. It's worth noting that Fazura is no longer a director under the company, but all transactions mentioned in the document were made when she still held the position. According to the document, the RM4.65 million debt includes five additional orders made in June and September 2025, amounting to RM3.6 million. These new orders were made despite the previous debts remaining unpaid at the time of order. The document states that Faiz mentioned that the additional orders were made for the Ministry of Education, under the Merdeka Collection initiative. The Pink Fate co-founder also allegedly reassured its creditor that its company's financial capacity is sufficient, as it has partnerships with reputable companies and government agencies, like Boh Plantations Sdn Bhd (BOH) and the National Cancer Institute (IKN). While Obor Holding was handed a RM1 million cheque signed by Faiz and Fazura on 3rd September 2024, the company was unable to cash it. As it turns out, the cheque bounced and the company received a Return Cheque Advice notice from the bank. Obor Holding is currently in the process of filing a Judgement in Default against Pink Fate, as the deadline to respond has passed. Fazura, Faiz and Pink Fate have yet to publicly comment on the matter, but we hope they can settle this issue as soon as possible. What are your thoughts on this? Sources: The Rakyat Post
Independent Singapore
01-05-2025
- Independent Singapore
Singaporean fined RM817 for undeclared Dyson vacuum at Malaysian Customs
MALAYSIA: What began as a routine drive from Singapore to Malaysia turned into an expensive lesson for a Singaporean traveller, who was fined RM817.28 (S$248) by Malaysian Customs for failing to declare a newly purchased Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner. According to The Rakyat Post , the man was travelling in a group and had only the vacuum cleaner tucked inside his backpack, with no additional luggage or parcels. Assuming the item wouldn't attract scrutiny, he chose to use the Green Channel, which is reserved for passengers who declare no taxable or restricted goods. When mistaken assumptions backfire That assumption quickly unravelled when Malaysian customs officers stopped the group for inspection. The officer informed them that the vacuum was taxable, explaining that entering through the Green Channel means that they are not carrying with them any taxable goods. The failure to declare the vacuum was thus viewed as a concealment attempt. Under Malaysian customs law, such cases attract not just standard duties but an additional penalty of 20%, as reported by The Rakyat Post . This brought the amount that they had to pay to RM817.28. The group asked whether the amount might be negotiable, but were informed that the penalty was calculated based on the guidelines. Firm enforcement and a warning When the group continued to express concern, a female officer was brought in. She took a firmer approach, informing them that the amount imposed was already the minimum allowable penalty. She issued a stern reminder that refusal to pay could result in a fine of up to RM5,000 and a formal investigation for attempted concealment of goods. 'Rules are rules,' she stated, making clear there would be no flexibility. Realising the risks, the Singaporean quietly asked where to make the payment. He later admitted to feeling frustrated but acknowledged that the mistake was his own for not declaring the vacuum cleaner in the first place. As a result, he and his group called the experience a 'learning opportunity' and urged others to familiarise themselves with customs requirements when crossing borders. Understanding Customs rules The case highlights a common misunderstanding among casual travellers: that smaller or personal purchases don't need to be declared. In reality, Malaysian Customs distinguishes clearly between the Green and Red Channels. Entering via the Green Channel without declaring taxable goods constitutes an official declaration of carrying nothing subject to duty. Any items found can therefore be considered as concealed, leading to steep fines or even legal action. Malaysian authorities calculate tax and penalties based on the product's original value, not the discounted price, which is why luxury or high-end items such as electronics, designer handbags, or in this case, a vacuum cleaner, are often subject to closer inspection. This is increasingly relevant as more Singaporeans shop in Malaysia, drawn by a favourable exchange rate and lower retail prices. Public reaction and online analysis The story drew wide attention online, with many netizens offering commentary ranging from amused to supportive. One of the most liked comments on social media echoed the customs officer's stance: 'Rules are rules. I see nothing wrong here.' The remark reflected a broader sentiment that the fine, though hefty, was fair and consistent with the law. Others expressed shock at the high penalty. 'Oh my god!' wrote one user, while another pointed out that border enforcement works both ways: 'Some things can't also be brought to Singapore,' referring to restrictions on foreign goods entering the city-state. The virality of the story, paired with a sense of relatability, also speaks to how economic habits are evolving. As more people seek to stretch their dollar by shopping across the border, incidents like this are likely to become more common, unless efforts are made to raise consumer awareness and provide clearer guidance from authorities. A cautionary tale for cross-border travellers This incident serves as a reminder that even routine trips can go awry if rules are overlooked. In today's climate of increased cross-border movement and regional spending, being well-informed is not optional. For any traveller, whether buying groceries or a high-end vacuum, the safest route may just be the Red Channel. When in doubt, declare. The few extra minutes it takes might save you hundreds of ringgit, a stern lecture, or worse, a full-scale investigation. Read also: Actress Juin Teh moves back to Johor to save on rent, commutes daily for work in Singapore
South China Morning Post
21-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian ‘budgie smuggler' caught on camera stuffing Labubu toys down his shorts
A Malaysian man has given a whole new meaning to the Australian term 'budgie smugglers', after the serial shoplifter was caught on camera stuffing blind boxes containing Labubu toys down his shorts and casually strolling out of a store. Advertisement Budgie smuggler is a slang reference to a man's snug swimsuit that looks like an Australian parrot, the budgerigar is tucked inside. Ace Cards & Collectibles in Kuala Lumpur's Mid Valley Megamall posted a video on social media on Tuesday featuring a montage of a man it dubbed the 'blind box bandit,' who made off with stolen goods on three separate occasions, The Rakyat Post reported. 'Looks like someone could not resist taking Labubu home … in their undies!' the store posted on social media, along with surveillance footage of the suspect during his undie-cover operation. In the footage, the suspect is seen entering the store with a decoy child each time. Despite changing his attire – from tees to polos to button-down shirts – his strategy remains consistently below the belt. Advertisement The store posted the video, hoping someone would help catch the man with his pants down.
