Latest news with #VAT69
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Pioneer ex-VAT 69 commando keeps beaches clean
KUALA LUMPUR: Che Yak @ Embong Ngah, 77, one of the first VAT 69 commandos, now fights a different scourge — litterbugs — walking more than 10 kilometres along Terengganu's beaches, collecting rubbish as part of his daily exercise. Residing in Kampung Rhu Muda, Che Yak begins his three- to four-hour routine as early as 7am. Utusan Malaysia reported that one of the 30 members of the first nucleus troop of VAT 69, Che Yak said he finds great satisfaction in walking long distances, which has become a routine deeply ingrained in him. "Almost every day I walk from my house to Pantai Rhu Muda and continue along the beach, sometimes as far as Pantai Kelulut and Pantai Kekabu. "Since suffering from knee joint problems about five years ago, the distance I cover is no longer as far as before, now around 10 kilometres. "Almost every day I walk from my house to Pantai Rhu Muda and continue along the beach. Since suffering from knee joint problems about five years ago, the distance I cover is now around 10 kilometres. While exercising, I pick up rubbish such as containers and plastic bottles because I enjoy seeing the beach clean," he said. He added that some people have mistaken him for "not right in the head" when they see him in shabby clothes, dragging a stick or carrying a sack of rubbish. "I don't take it to heart and just carry on with my usual exercise," he said. Living with his wife, Siti Rohana Nordin, 57, Che Yak also enjoys gardening and growing flowers as a hobby, as well as caring for several cats at home. Sharing memories from his time in service, Che Yak said his experience battling communist insurgents in Sarawak between 1970 and 1971 remains unforgettable. He recalled how the fort where he and his comrades were stationed came under ambush late at night, sparking a firefight that lasted until early morning, from which they survived. "I began as a member of the police force in June 1969 in Hulu Kinta, Perak, and in October of the same year, I was selected for VAT 69 commando training and underwent basic commando training. "We were trained by a team of instructors from the United Kingdom's Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), and out of all those who joined the training, only 30 of us, including myself, made it to the end, becoming the first nucleus troop of VAT 69. "I retired from the police on Feb 1 2004, at the Terengganu police contingent headquarters. "Now, we are all old, and some of my comrades have passed away," he said. Among the awards he has received are the Pingat Pangkuan Negara, the Pingat Bentara Pasukan Polis, and the Pingat Jasa Pingat Darjah Bentara Pasukan Pahlawan Negara.
The Star
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Remembering a fallen hero
Reenacting the battlefield: Police personnel performing in the 'Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru' pantomime in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors' Day ceremony at Dataran Pahlawan in Putrajaya. — Bernama PUTRAJAYA: For Sarjan Jafri Khairul Mohd Jaafar, playing the role of a national hero who was killed in combat with communist insurgents was not just about acting. 'This role is heavy. It's not just acting. It's a responsibility,' said the 44-year-old member of the elite VAT 69 Commando unit, reflecting on the experience of portraying the late Asst Supt Mohd Zabri Abdul Hamid in a pantomime held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors' Day ceremony yesterday. Sgt Jafri Khairul, who has served with the special forces based at the Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp in Ulu Kinta for two decades, admitted that he did not expect the task of performing in the pantomime to be so emotionally overwhelming and touching. 'ASP Mohd Zabri is not just a figure in our unit's history. He's a legend and playing him reminded me of my late comrade, ASP Zulkifli Mamat,' he told Bernama, his voice breaking as he fought back tears. He said he was present during the bloody Lahad Datu incident on March 1, 2013, which claimed the lives of ASP Zulkifli and nine other security personnel, adding that the tragedy remains etched in his memory. 'When I stepped onto the stage, I didn't see the lights or the audience. All I saw were the faces of those who are no longer with us,' he said quietly. The pantomime titled Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru (Zabri, Warrior of the Blue Banner) by the police took the audience through the heroic tales of VAT 69 commando ASP Mohd Zabri. The 15-minute performance portraying the struggles of ASP Mohd Zabri, famed as the legendary wielder of Kerambit Kembar (twin curved knife), was brought to life by 142 police officers and personnel. It was followed by a video, which was creatively produced by the Royal Malaysia Police team using 80% artificial intelligence technology to illustrate the true story. ASP Mohd Zabri, who was on a mission to pursue and stop the insurgents from escaping across the border, had stepped on a booby trap. The explosion severed his right ankle, causing massive blood loss. Before drawing his last breath, ASP Mohd Zabri delivered a final message to his men, urging them to continue the mission of hunting down and defeating the nation's enemies, even in his absence.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Diageo India and WSET Launch Landmark Initiative powered by Diageo Bar Academy to Empower Women in the Bar Industry
MUMBAI, India, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move set to redefine inclusivity and professional growth in the Indian beverage industry, Diageo India, in collaboration with the globally renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and powered by the Diageo Bar Academy, has launched exclusive WSET Level 1 Spirits training sessions for women bartenders and junior professionals across the country. This first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Diageo India's ongoing commitment to fostering gender diversity, skill development, and leadership opportunities within the bar and beverage space. In its inaugural phase, the programme will certify over 80 women, equipping them with globally recognised credentials in spirits. The sessions are curated as part of Our Hive — Diageo India's platform to empower women in hospitality — and aim to not only elevate technical knowledge, but also drive long-term career progression through mentorship, education, and inclusive community building. "This collaboration reflects our long-standing commitment to inclusion, capability-building, and progress," said Anchal Kaushal, Vice President – Customer Marketing, Diageo India."With WSET's world-class certification and the Diageo Bar Academy's legacy of training excellence, we're not just upskilling—we're opening doors to leadership, confidence, and opportunity. This is how we build a workforce that reflects the diversity and dynamism our industry needs." With this launch, Diageo India continues to invest in building a more inclusive, skilled, and progressive future for the bar industry in India. About Diageo India Diageo India is among India's leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL). Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 35 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell's No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India's growth agenda. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh man held with 42 bottles of illegal liquor in Sector 28
The Chandigarh Police have registered a case against a 30-year-old man for possessing large quantity of illegal liquor. The accused, identified as Aman Kumar, a resident of Sector 28-C, was arrested on May 17. According to police officials, a total of 42 bottles of liquor—comprising premium brands such as Ballantine's, Rockford, 100 Pipers, Antiquity, VAT 69, and Magic Moments—were recovered from his possession. The seizure was made following a complaint lodged by sub-inspector Baljit Singh. An FIR under Sections 61, 1, and 14 of the Excise Act has been registered at police station, Sector 26. The accused was arrested on the spot and was later released on bail. Police are investigating the source of the illicit liquor and whether it was intended for sale.
