Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

viral

food

issue

controversy

halal

jakim

expired

universiti malaya

sandwich

mart

Malaysia is renowned for its accessibility to halal food, making it a haven for those who adhere to Islamic dietary laws. However, in recent times, there has been a growing concern about establishments struggling to secure proper halal certification. Due to gaps in regulatory oversight, some businesses manage to bypass stringent halal compliance checks, slipping through the cracks unnoticed.&nbsp;
Ironically, in a country celebrated for its abundance of halal options, finding genuinely certified halal food seems to be becoming more challenging. This is particularly evident in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where the surge of non-halal eateries has made navigating halal dining increasingly complicated.
Speaking about halal food, Universiti Malaya (UM) has recently faced public scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding the sale of mislabelled halal products at two convenience stores on campus. The issue came to light when a student claimed that ham sandwiches, labelled with a halal logo, were being sold at these stores despite the logo not meeting the required official standards for halal certification.
The controversy gained widespread attention after TikTok user @pembinaum shared a viral video detailing the claims. The video highlighted a search on the official Malaysia Halal Status Verification website, which confirmed that neither the product nor the store in question held valid halal certification. This revelation has raised significant concerns about the authenticity of halal-labelled products sold within the university&rsquo;s premises.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@pembinaum/video/7458069214843129108" data-video-id="7458069214843129108">
<section><a title="@pembinaum" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@pembinaum?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@pembinaum</a>
PENGGUNAAN LABEL HAM PADA MAKANAN BERSTATUS HALAL? Makanan berstatus halal tetapi berlabelkan ham? Bagaimanakah keadaan ini boleh berlaku? #pembinaum #PPIM #halal #kkmart
<a title="♬ original sound - PembinaUM" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-PembinaUM-7458069261794200336?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - PembinaUM</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

UM Takes Immediate Action
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In response to the allegations, UM acted swiftly by shutting down the two convenience stores implicated in the controversy. The university issued an official statement explaining that the closures were necessary to facilitate a detailed investigation into the matter. UM also emphasised its commitment to ensuring that all products sold on campus are sourced from suppliers who comply with existing laws, regulations, and standards.
UM further assured the public that the university takes such matters seriously, particularly given the cultural and religious sensitivities involved. The affected outlets will remain closed until investigations are concluded, and any necessary corrective actions are taken.
UMNO Youth Leader and Authorities Respond
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5bda5ca9952729a8fe7eeec181e6613e881d14922a05af3b1953e7aeaf666b9e" />
UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, voiced strong criticism of the incident. He emphasised that the sale of ham or pork products with a halal logo is entirely unacceptable, particularly on a campus where most students are Malay.
&ldquo;Ham contains pork elements. How could such a product carry a halal logo?&rdquo; he questioned. Akmal also pointed out the need for clarity on how the product was labelled halal in the first place.
In light of these developments, a police report has been lodged, and investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the issue.
KPDN Raids Sandwich Factory Over Halal Logo Misuse
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fed3105dfdcefc73bcef6b48154d368c8f26e02d78a8050e4f14ef9a08b74d6d" />
The controversy deepened as the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) raided a sandwich factory in Sunway Damansara, Petaling Jaya, suspected of misusing a halal logo.
According to KPDN's Enforcement Director-General, Datuk Azman Adam, initial investigations revealed that the factory used a halal logo certified to another company whose certification had expired in October 2023. The original company is no longer operational, having sold its business to the raided factory.
KPDN confiscated various items, including sandwich products, business documents, a computer, and a printer, and sent samples of the sandwiches to the Department of Chemistry for content analysis.
Azman confirmed that the case is being investigated under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/984921fdbcc389a177a948375fa68aa82408409e20a5d4e97cc7f4f938dfec4a" />
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has verified that the "ham and cheese" sandwiches sold at UM lacked the Malaysia Halal Certification (SPHM). Furthermore, the factory responsible for the product does not hold SPHM certification.
JAKIM urged consumers to exercise caution and verify the halal status of products via the Malaysia Halal Portal.
A Call for Greater Vigilance
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of halal certification standards. Authorities have advised consumers to remain vigilant and ensure that halal logos on products are recognised by credible authorities.
With investigations ongoing, institutions, manufacturers, and retailers must uphold transparency and adhere to regulations to maintain public trust and respect cultural sensitivities.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Authorities confirmed the halal logo was only certified for a previous company whose licence expired in 2023.

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Universiti Malaya Shuts Down Convenience Stores Over Allegations of Selling Non-Halal Ham Sandwiches

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

The declassified Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has uncovered a troubling picture of how the country's pilgrimage fund continued paying generous staff bonuses and declaring high hibah (profit distributions) despite being in a weak financial position.
Released four years after it was completed, the 211-page report examined TH's management and governance between 2014 and 2020, highlighting governance failures, questionable investment decisions, creative accounting practices and political interference that ultimately placed the institution under severe financial strain.
Bonuses Continued Despite Mounting Losses
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2cd6482fe4c6d0875e3991d0a4424931047fbc8579d8304e614fb85b516f054d" />
Among the report's most striking findings was that TH continued rewarding employees with substantial bonuses even as its finances deteriorated.
Between 2010 and 2017, staff received bonuses ranging from one to 13 months' salary. In 2014 alone, TH reportedly set aside RM74 million for staff bonuses, comprising an 11-month performance bonus and a two-month special bonus.
However, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which later reviewed TH's financial position, concluded that the fund had already been operating with an asset-liability deficit since 2014.
The RCI found there was no justification for such generous payouts while the institution was effectively losing money, recommending that the practice be discontinued and that improperly approved bonuses be recovered where appropriate.
The report also highlighted bonus payments made by TH Properties Sdn Bhd in 2017 and 2018, amounting to RM1.15 million and RM1.05 million respectively. According to the commission, these payments breached the Companies Act 2016 as they were approved without the necessary shareholder resolutions and by a committee lacking the authority to do so.
Profits Reported Despite Underlying Losses
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7c80e03d2184410a156ed4d52f5ee7c3278b924f849c7e73bc68628dba8f74f7" />
The commission found that TH's financial position appeared significantly healthier than it actually was.
For the 2017 financial year, depositors were informed that TH had recorded a profit of RM3.4 billion. However, after applying the appropriate accounting standards, the RCI concluded the fund should instead have reported a loss of approximately RM1.4 billion &mdash; a difference of around RM4.8 billion.
Much of the discrepancy stemmed from the failure to recognise impairment losses on investments whose value had fallen substantially.
PwC estimated that TH had accumulated losses of roughly RM10 billion by 2017, with the fund remaining in deficit for several years before the financial problems became publicly known.
'Creative Accounting' Used To Maintain Hibah Payments
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3eb9a262180575587c8e21d5fc2accfae136a921d5baa6c28fbb15a3cb715708" />
Despite the deteriorating financial position, TH continued distributing attractive hibah returns to depositors.
Under Section 22 of the Tabung Haji Act 1995, hibah can only be declared if the fund's assets exceed its liabilities.
Instead of relying on audited asset values, however, the RCI found that TH management used a higher internal valuation known as the Realisable Asset Value (RAV), allowing the institution to satisfy the legal requirement on paper while avoiding the recognition of significant impairment losses.
The commission described this as "creative accounting", concluding that TH's 2017 hibah distribution of 4.5%, together with an additional 1.75% haj hibah costing RM2.75 billion, should never have been declared under the audited financial position.
Crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said such accounting practices could indicate deliberate criminal conduct rather than simple administrative mistakes, arguing that manipulating financial statements to conceal losses may expose both those directly involved and those responsible for oversight to potential legal liability.
Warning Signs Were Ignored
The RCI found that several warning signs emerged years before TH's financial issues became public.
Bank Negara Malaysia reportedly issued multiple warning letters to TH between 2014 and 2015 regarding its financial position.
In 2017, international consultancy Roland Berger also warned that TH had been depleting its reserves to maintain hibah payouts and cautioned that the adoption of new accounting standards would expose billions of ringgit in unrealised losses.
However, the report found no evidence that these findings were ever presented to TH's board before the 2018 General Election.
Costly Investments Added To Financial Pressure
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa65353e162e04c1fd3b4ddef81393dfbc7e7e9a5bd704331f492dd74a37d03d" />
The commission identified 14 investments that should undergo forensic audits due to governance concerns and significant losses.
Among the largest was TH's investment in FGV Holdings, which resulted in an unrealised loss exceeding RM1.06 billion after the value of its shares fell sharply following the company's 2012 listing.
Other major losses included:
<ul>
<li>RM364.31 million impairment involving Trurich Resources.</li>
<li>RM278 million impairment linked to TH Marine.</li>
<li>RM225 million loss from the Deru Semangat plantation project after environmental issues affected buyers' confidence.</li>
<li>RM170 million impairment involving TH Plantations.</li>
</ul>
According to the RCI, investment decisions were often made through weak coordination and excessive reliance on recommendations from TH's own management, while ministers approved proposals without obtaining independent external advice.
Governance Failures And Political Influence
The report also highlighted broader governance weaknesses within TH.
Political appointments to the board between 2014 and 2018 were said to have undermined public confidence, while several senior executives simultaneously held numerous directorships across TH subsidiaries, creating potential conflicts of interest and reducing oversight.
The commission also criticised the growing financial burden of haj subsidies, which had been funded using TH's investment returns, placing additional pressure on its long-term financial sustainability.
Investigations To Continue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/95c2c7b5e168ddaaf2459237f03410d72d4fbfb01384e1d504062f1b1db895ba" />
The RCI recommended 25 reforms, including stronger governance measures, forensic audits into selected investments, stricter board appointment criteria and limiting political involvement in TH's management.
It also called for immediate follow-up on police reports and referrals to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) involving allegations of corruption, document falsification and financial misconduct.
The Cabinet has since ordered enforcement agencies to continue investigations and take legal action against any parties found to have breached the law.
In response, Tabung Haji said the issues identified in the report related to the period before 2018 and maintained that significant improvements had since been implemented. According to TH, approximately 75% of the RCI's recommendations have already been carried out, with the remaining reforms currently underway.
The pilgrimage fund added that it has rebuilt its financial position, restored its reserves and recently announced a 3.5% profit distribution for the 2025 financial year &mdash; its highest hibah rate in eight years &mdash; while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening governance, protecting depositors and restoring public confidence.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Big bonuses, mounting losses and serious governance concerns take centre stage in the latest RCI findings.

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RCI Reveals Tabung Haji Paid Generous Bonuses Despite Financial Losses

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing opposition after unveiling a controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.
The plan, which would create a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, national football associations, politicians and supporters, many of whom argue that football's biggest competition should not become an investment vehicle.
With FIFA's 211 member associations given until 19 September to decide whether to support the proposal, the debate has quickly become one of the biggest governance issues in world football.
What Is FIFA Proposing?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f3262b4559bdbcfa36b0ea81633d95f00b890266dad84b32110c02fd588da3d6" />
Under the proposal, FIFA would establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a separate company responsible for managing the commercial operations of the World Cup, Women's World Cup, Club World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
FFE would oversee areas such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, licensing and event operations.
Although FIFA says it would retain majority ownership and continue to control football governance, competition formats, regulations and the international match calendar, it intends to sell up to 21% of the company to private investors, raising approximately US$4.2 billion.
The governing body values FFE at around US$20 billion, with investment firm Thrive Capital, led by Joshua Kushner, expected to head the investor group. Global banking giant JP Morgan is serving as FIFA's financial adviser on the project.
Infantino Promises Billions For Member Associations
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f05414b81f9778aabc3ec7ae4bad1ff021c9dae8636c276f8c9364357c359762" />
Infantino has framed the proposal as a way to "democratise football" by redistributing more of the sport's commercial wealth to national football associations.
In a letter sent to all 211 FIFA member associations, he said countries that approve the proposal by 19 September could receive development funding worth up to US$40 million each during the 2027-2030 cycle.
This includes an immediate US$20 million payment from January 2027 through a new FIFA Fast-Forward Programme, alongside another US$20 million through FIFA's expanded Forward development programme.
Overall, FIFA says the initiative would unlock more than US$10 billion in football development funding over the coming years.
However, Infantino also warned that if the proposal is rejected, member associations would instead receive only the previously planned US$2.7 billion development package, amounting to around US$10 million per association.
The financial incentive has led critics to argue that member associations are effectively being pressured into backing the proposal.
UEFA Leads Fierce Opposition
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/63eb451756bbed1fecba81bda0c9e33648ea5a5c9edec080ff5aba81f6ce8c88" />
The strongest resistance has come from UEFA, which accused FIFA of crossing a line by attempting to commercialise football's most prestigious competitions.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said football's governance and heritage "are not assets to trade", adding that "none of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell."
European football's governing body also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal, saying major stakeholders were not properly consulted before the plans became public.
UEFA has since convened discussions with its 55 member associations, with reports suggesting that some European nations are even considering the possibility of a boycott should the proposal proceed.
National Associations And Politicians Raise Concerns
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/22aafc594021d0e9b037197f26a895f1430c86ec4cdddbe87971745f10443852" />
Several national football associations, including the Football Association (FA) of England, said they had received virtually no information before news of the proposal emerged publicly.
The FA described itself as "deeply concerned" about both the process and governance behind the plan, saying it would reserve judgement until FIFA provides full details.
Similar concerns have been voiced by the Football Association of Wales, the Irish FA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation and numerous European football organisations.
Politicians have also entered the debate.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0a5f737a1583ed8d016acc32139c0a0d0c6900ba6406429ee8bdb69c80f15cdc" />
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham argued that football belongs to supporters rather than investors, insisting that the World Cup "was never anyone's to sell".
La Liga president Javier Tebas similarly criticised the proposal, accusing Infantino of prioritising commercial interests over the sport itself.
Why Critics Are Worried
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19ea94ced861132bc4d9a37b3dc61e068870623f03097b26a278c11e779f893c" />
Although FIFA insists that outside investors would only own minority stakes and have no control over football decisions, many critics believe commercial pressures could eventually influence how tournaments are organised.
There are concerns that investors seeking maximum returns may push FIFA to expand tournaments further, stage the World Cup more frequently, prioritise commercially attractive host nations or introduce additional revenue-generating changes.
Critics also argue that once private capital becomes financially invested in football's flagship competitions, protecting investor returns could gradually become a greater priority than preserving sporting integrity.
The involvement of Thrive Capital has also attracted scrutiny due to founder Joshua Kushner's family ties to US President Donald Trump, while Infantino's increasingly close relationship with Trump has further fuelled concerns about transparency.
Why Many Believe The Plan Could Still Pass
Despite the backlash across Europe, Infantino is still widely expected to secure enough support for the proposal.
Since becoming FIFA president in 2016, he has significantly increased development funding distributed to football associations across Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Many smaller associations rely heavily on FIFA grants and could view the additional funding as too significant to reject.
Because FIFA proposals only require support from a simple majority of its 211 member associations, Infantino may have enough backing outside Europe for the proposal to succeed.
A Defining Moment For Football Governance
The proposal has become one of the most controversial initiatives of Infantino's presidency, raising wider questions about the future ownership and commercialisation of football.
Supporters argue that attracting private investment could generate unprecedented funding for football development around the world.
Opponents, however, believe football's greatest competition should never become an asset partly owned by investment firms, warning that commercial interests could eventually outweigh the interests of players, clubs and supporters.
With FIFA members set to vote by 19 September, the outcome could reshape how the World Cup is funded and managed for decades to come.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A billion-dollar proposal has sparked football's biggest backlash yet.

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FIFA's World Cup Sell-Off Plan Sparks Global Backlash As Infantino Pushes Multi-Billion-Dollar Proposal

A PKR lawmaker has urged the government to suspend Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo&rsquo;s operations in Malaysia until a proper cross-border anti-dumping framework is introduced, arguing that the platform&rsquo;s business model could put local businesses at a disadvantage.
Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing called on the government to consider removing Pinduoduo from app stores and delaying its operations until stronger regulations are established to ensure fair competition.
According to Tan, Pinduoduo&rsquo;s factory-to-consumer (F2C) model allows overseas manufacturers to sell directly to Malaysian consumers at prices that local businesses struggle to match. While Malaysian companies must bear costs such as taxes, product certifications, safety requirements, warehouse expenses and other regulatory obligations, overseas sellers can often operate with lower costs.
He warned that unchecked growth of cross-border e-commerce platforms could place pressure on local manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, potentially affecting businesses, jobs and the wider economy.
What Is Pinduoduo And Why Is It So Cheap?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bc5e669073f084aef63bd0cb786d7c078573ece6bdd9872d424dda19ef67d536" />
Pinduoduo is one of China&rsquo;s largest e-commerce platforms, connecting consumers directly with manufacturers through a factory-to-consumer model. By reducing the number of middlemen involved in the supply chain, sellers are able to offer products at significantly lower prices compared with traditional retail channels.
For example, a household product sold by a Malaysian retailer for around RM13 could reportedly be listed on Pinduoduo for as little as RM2, including delivery from China.
Unlike platforms such as Shopee and Lazada, which mainly operate as marketplaces where local and international sellers run their own online stores, Pinduoduo focuses heavily on direct factory sales, bulk manufacturing and aggressive pricing strategies.
All three platforms offer products ranging from electronics and fashion to household goods and daily necessities. However, Pinduoduo&rsquo;s competitive advantage comes from its close connection with manufacturers, allowing consumers to purchase goods closer to factory prices.
While this benefits consumers looking for affordable products, some local businesses worry that they will struggle to compete against prices that may be difficult for domestic retailers to sustain.
Tan Claims Local SMEs Face An Uneven Playing Field
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/855fd062c172ed299944e7eb6903f416c2cde8f3081626ffff6579c23ef30be7" />
Tan argued that the issue goes beyond cheaper prices, claiming local businesses face higher compliance costs compared with some overseas sellers.
He said Malaysian companies are required to comply with regulations involving product certification, taxation, quality control and other operational requirements, while certain foreign platforms may not face the same level of obligations.
To address these concerns, Tan proposed several measures, including requiring overseas platforms to store Malaysian users&rsquo; data locally and encouraging partnerships with local manufacturers, suppliers and logistics companies.
He said such requirements could help ensure foreign platforms contribute to Malaysia&rsquo;s economy through technology transfer, industry development and support for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), rather than only benefiting from Malaysian consumer spending.
Some Figures Cited By MP Face Scrutiny
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1eed72f844944ff81f1c0c4fba1fae004f60809dcac27f343a8d58148a3f8dbc" />
While many agree that local businesses face growing pressure from low-cost overseas platforms, some statistics cited by Tan have been questioned.
Tan stated that SMEs make up 98% of Malaysian businesses and contribute &ldquo;nearly half&rdquo; of the country&rsquo;s GDP.
However, figures from SME Corp Malaysia show that SMEs account for around 96.1% of businesses nationwide, while contributing 39.5% of GDP. The figure closer to half relates to employment, with SMEs accounting for 48.7% of the workforce.
Tan also criticised cross-border platforms for avoiding taxes, although Malaysia introduced a 10% Low Value Goods (LVG) Tax on eligible imported online purchases from 1 January 2024.
The tax was introduced to reduce the gap between local and overseas sellers. However, concerns remain over differences in areas such as product certification, consumer protection requirements and regulatory compliance.
Debate Over Cross-Border E-Commerce Expected To Continue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0815cd06ee1eeee6023024669da35489d3e79e3412c648107591ab39e4d4fdff" />
Despite questions surrounding some of the figures used, Tan&rsquo;s concerns highlight a wider debate over how Malaysia should regulate rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce platforms.
He stressed that his proposal is not aimed at rejecting foreign investment or digital platforms, but rather creating a fairer environment for local businesses to compete.
As platforms offering ultra-low prices continue to grow in Malaysia, policymakers will need to balance consumer demand for affordable goods with the need to protect local businesses and maintain a sustainable domestic retail ecosystem.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Could Pinduoduo be banned in Malaysia? PKR MP pushes for suspension over fair competition concerns.

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PKR MP Calls For Pinduoduo To Be Suspended Until Malaysia Introduces Anti-Dumping Safeguards

Global K-pop sensation BTS has announced that it will not submit any of its music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, a decision widely viewed as a response to the Recording Academy&rsquo;s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The seven-member group shared a joint statement across their individual social media accounts on Wednesday (29 July), saying they had chosen to sit out next year&rsquo;s awards despite being expected to receive several major nominations.
&ldquo;We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.&rdquo;
The group also thanked their global fanbase, ARMY, and supporters for standing by them throughout their career.
Decision Comes After New Grammy Category Announcement
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/547d9f11ce26b7b22e6bc9a63557c057401f81eb622de86f22412bfb1ace54db" />
Although BTS did not directly mention the Recording Academy&rsquo;s new category, the timing of the announcement has led many fans and industry observers to interpret the move as a protest.
The Recording Academy unveiled the Best Asian Pop Music Performance award in June as part of several new categories for the 2027 Grammys. The category is intended to recognise artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, for performances featuring meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
According to the Recording Academy, the category was introduced to create more opportunities to celebrate different genres and artists from across Asia.
However, its introduction immediately sparked debate online, with critics arguing that it risks separating Asian artists from the main Grammy categories instead of recognising them alongside other global acts.
Fans Fear Asian Artists Are Being Boxed Into Separate Categories
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fcd48bdea1b6a1d2d15c6669df3d179078fbc577df5555e1b01148d9a845b0a8" />
Many BTS fans believe the new category could unintentionally sideline Asian artists from prestigious awards such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Supporters have argued that artists should compete based on the quality of their music rather than their nationality or language, echoing BTS' statement that music should not be defined by geographical or linguistic boundaries.
Some also questioned why a separate Asian Pop category was introduced now, particularly as BTS returned this year following the completion of their military service and were widely tipped to be strong contenders in several major Grammy categories.
A Strong Comeback Year For BTS
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3ukkRHDHbN8tNRPKsGZR1h?utm_source=generator&amp;si=e470903e77a44abd" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
The announcement comes despite one of the biggest years of BTS' career.
The group's comeback album, Arirang, released in March, became a major commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 chart and earning widespread critical acclaim. Lead single Swim also enjoyed significant chart success, with many predicting it would be among the frontrunners for Grammy nominations.
BTS has also been selling out its world tour, with concerts across South Korea, North America and Europe attracting overwhelming demand. Earlier this year, the group also won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, beating several international stars.
BTS' Grammy Journey
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/55bc67cb8c1d5cb9672a859181692ba901b70a0a8de667105966ac6da04d5730" />
BTS became the first K-pop group to receive a Grammy nomination in 2021 with Dynamite, marking a significant milestone for Korean music on the global stage.
Since then, the group has received multiple Grammy nominations across both group and solo projects and has performed at the awards ceremony several times. However, despite their international success, they have yet to win a Grammy.
The seven members are also voting members of the Recording Academy.
HYBE Denies Boycott Claims
Following the announcement, HYBE clarified that BTS' decision was not part of a wider company boycott of the Grammys.
Instead, the label said the group made the decision collectively in order to "protect the status and pride of the K-pop industry as a whole."
The Recording Academy has yet to issue an official response to BTS' decision.
While BTS will not be competing at the 2027 Grammy Awards, their announcement has reignited discussions about how international artists are recognised by major Western award ceremonies and whether music should continue to be categorised by region or language.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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BTS are sitting out the 2027 Grammys, with many viewing the move as a stand against the Recording Academy's new Asian Pop category.

c86b7b877e6b509cc0e8857b85eb5a0125a217fdc9e692bfe2774d9211e34979

BTS Decline Grammy 2027 Consideration Following Introduction Of New ‘Best Asian Pop’ Category

Tesla owners in Malaysia will now have to pay to use the brand&rsquo;s Destination Chargers after nearly three years of complimentary charging, while the government has confirmed there is currently no price ceiling on public EV charging rates.
Beginning 28 July 2026, Tesla has introduced a flat charging fee of RM0.88 per kWh across its nationwide network of Destination Chargers, marking the end of one of the key ownership perks offered since the company entered the Malaysian market.
The announcement comes as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) confirmed that public EV charging operators are free to determine their own pricing, with no government-imposed cap currently in place.
Tesla Destination Chargers No Longer Free
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa42a2b0bd65cab98fdc527fe530651579276aa1f182176d943fb6ff394d4d34" />
Tesla&rsquo;s Destination Chargers are AC charging points typically located at shopping malls, hotels and commercial buildings, allowing owners to top up their vehicles while parked for several hours.
Since the network was launched in Malaysia in late 2023, charging at these stations had been free for Tesla owners. That has now changed, with all 75 Destination Chargers across 18 locations nationwide now charging RM0.88 per kWh.
Locations affected include popular destinations such as Pavilion Bukit Jalil, The Gardens Mall, IOI City Mall Putrajaya, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Sunway Velocity, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Quayside Mall and several others.
Still Cheaper Than Most Public AC Chargers
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/13cc31c7bb098f7aa782bceb23424b5648bec8046ec2c7f076edb9a8582b8fbc" />
Although charging is no longer complimentary, Tesla's new pricing remains competitive.
At RM0.88 per kWh, it is still slightly below the current market rate for public 11kW AC chargers, which generally ranges between RM1.00 and RM1.10 per kWh, with some operators charging even more.
Tesla's Superchargers, which provide significantly faster DC charging, are priced separately under a time-based pricing structure. Depending on the location and time of day, charging at a Supercharger can even cost less than RM1.00 per kWh during off-peak hours.
For those looking for the lowest charging costs, home charging remains the most economical option. Under Tenaga Nasional Berhad's domestic electricity tariff, charging at home typically costs around RM0.50 per kWh, depending on household electricity usage.
A Move That Could Reduce Charger Hogging
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d82457cbfd3c727bc23651e7e2544cdbb3bc926d97a66c39bf505c80ec8712bd" />
The introduction of charging fees is also expected to improve charger availability.
When Destination Chargers were free, some owners reportedly left their vehicles plugged in long after charging had finished, effectively using the charging bays as reserved parking spaces for extended periods.
By attaching a cost to charging, Tesla is hoping drivers will be more likely to move their vehicles once charging is complete, allowing more owners to access the facilities when needed.
Government Confirms There Is No Price Ceiling
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7088a625d51b2096f50cd3c9bccb2ee2920dd902b4c1d477111280177934fc91" />
The pricing change comes as MITI clarified that Malaysia does not currently regulate public EV charging fees.
In a written reply in the Dewan Negara, the ministry confirmed that charging rates are determined entirely by individual charging point operators based on their own commercial considerations. The response was given after Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew asked whether EV charging prices were subject to government regulation or a pricing framework.
While operators are free to set their own charging fees, MITI stressed that charging infrastructure must still comply with technical standards, safety requirements and licensing rules enforced by the ministry, the Energy Commission and relevant local authorities.
Malaysia's EV Charging Network Continues To Expand
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ea4a907ebdf3c26a9b593c915d20257e3df2c6112147dba4e7e5e3d918f3774a" />
MITI also revealed that Malaysia had 6,416 public EV chargers nationwide as of 31 May 2026.
Of these:
<ul>
<li>2,143 units (33.4%) are DC fast chargers.</li>
<li>4,273 units (66.6%) are AC chargers.</li>
</ul>
The vast majority are located in Peninsular Malaysia, which accounts for 6,176 chargers, while Sarawak has 208 and Sabah has 32.
The government said allowing operators to determine their own prices is intended to encourage greater private sector investment and competition, helping accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure across the country.
A Regulatory Framework May Still Be Introduced
Although charging prices remain unregulated for now, MITI said it is working with the Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to develop a regulatory framework for EV charging fees in the future.
The ministry added that it aims to strike a balance between maintaining an attractive environment for private investment while ensuring wider access to public charging infrastructure.
For the time being, however, EV charging prices remain entirely at the discretion of individual operators, meaning companies such as Tesla can determine their own charging rates without government-imposed price controls.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Tesla has ended complimentary Destination Charging in Malaysia, with no government cap currently in place for public EV charging rates.

67414997929a154d8253273ad0a398fd28506a690916efb048f54af56a541ae4

Tesla Ends Free Destination Charging In Malaysia As Government Confirms No Cap On EV Charging Prices

American singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, will stand trial after a Los Angeles judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for prosecutors to proceed with murder, child sexual abuse and unlawful mutilation charges linked to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The decision follows a five-day preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented witness testimony, forensic evidence, text messages and graphic crime scene photographs. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, depending on whether prosecutors ultimately decide to pursue capital punishment.
Judge Finds Enough Evidence For Trial
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6b07afc316020849221fe685202eca888fbd8c38be57d50f0caf5dd7c717f473" />
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had met the legal threshold required for the case to proceed to a jury trial.
The charges against Burke include:
<ul>
<li>First-degree murder</li>
<li>Continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14</li>
<li>Unlawful mutilation of human remains</li>
</ul>
The judge also allowed special-circumstance allegations to proceed, including claims that the alleged murder was committed for financial gain and to eliminate a witness, both of which could increase the severity of the sentence if he is convicted.
Burke is due back in court on 31 August 2026 for his arraignment, with the trial expected to begin within 90 days of that hearing.
Prosecutors Allege Teen Was Killed To Protect His Career
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d1d39a95248c70f9f15c888c2ff4faf351ab4596b1dd70accffcbc2090d78470" />&nbsp; In a courtroom sketch, D4vd is shown briefly lowering his head as the prosecution displayed a full-body photograph of the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
According to prosecutors, Burke began a sexual relationship with Celeste when she was 13 years old, while he was 18.
They allege the teenager threatened to expose their relationship in April 2025, just days before Burke was due to release his debut studio album. Prosecutors claim Burke feared the revelation would destroy his rapidly growing music career.
Court proceedings revealed text messages in which Celeste allegedly threatened to expose him after arguments over another woman.
Prosecutors claim Burke arranged an Uber to bring Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on 23 April 2025, where they allege he fatally stabbed her before later dismembering her body.
Evidence Presented During The Hearing
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a29ce160e97ed81c8b2e023c60a906e70741a71ee3d0d8d23b209b34d3c89e2a" />
Throughout the hearing, prosecutors presented what they described as key evidence supporting the charges.
This included:
<ul>
<li>Text messages exchanged between Burke and Celeste.</li>
<li>Amazon purchase records allegedly showing Burke bought chainsaws, a shovel, an inflatable pool and a portable incinerator shortly after her death.</li>
<li>DNA evidence reportedly linking blood samples recovered from Burke's garage to the victim.</li>
<li>Testimony that pieces of blue plastic found on Celeste's remains matched an inflatable pool allegedly purchased by Burke.</li>
</ul>
Investigators also told the court that Celeste's decomposing remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after the abandoned vehicle was towed to an impound lot, where workers noticed a strong odour.
Court Hears Details Of Their Relationship
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e37412a682f45c8f3fa692254a0b70bb8af95d4b1112e2c8f8a72a9fe8b662fb" />
One of the most disturbing revelations during the hearing was prosecutors' claim that Burke had impregnated Celeste when she was 13.
Text messages shown in court indicated the teenager later underwent an abortion.
Prosecutors argued this evidence formed part of a broader pattern of alleged abuse, while also suggesting Burke's motive was to prevent the relationship from becoming public.
The hearing also heard that Burke and Celeste remained in contact even after they reportedly ended their relationship.
Defence Rejects Murder Allegations
Burke's legal team maintains his innocence and argues there is insufficient evidence to prove he intentionally killed Celeste.
His lawyers told the court there was no direct evidence demonstrating deliberate intent to murder and questioned aspects of the forensic findings.
The defence also argued:
<ul>
<li>Celeste had previously misrepresented her age.</li>
<li>Her parents were aware of parts of the relationship and had previously consented to her travelling with Burke.</li>
<li>Medical evidence could not conclusively determine exactly how the fatal injuries occurred.</li>
</ul>
Prosecutors rejected those arguments, insisting the evidence points to a deliberate killing rather than an accident.
Timeline Of The Case
January 2024
<ul>
<li>Text messages presented in court indicate Celeste became pregnant and later underwent an abortion.</li>
</ul>
2024
<ul>
<li>Prosecutors allege the sexual relationship between Burke and Celeste continued.</li>
</ul>
22 April 2025
<ul>
<li>Prosecutors say Celeste threatened to expose their relationship following an argument.</li>
</ul>
23 April 2025
<ul>
<li>Burke allegedly arranged an Uber to bring Celeste to his home, where prosecutors claim she was fatally stabbed.</li>
</ul>
April 2025
<ul>
<li>Burke released his debut studio album just days after Celeste's alleged death.</li>
</ul>
September 2025
<ul>
<li>Celeste's decomposing remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered to Burke.</li>
</ul>
April 2026
<ul>
<li>Burke was formally charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.</li>
</ul>
July 2026
<ul>
<li>Following a five-day preliminary hearing, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.</li>
</ul>
31 August 2026
<ul>
<li>Burke is scheduled to return to court for arraignment before the murder trial begins.</li>
</ul>
Trial Set To Be Closely Watched
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eKL3TceSxvk" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Burke first rose to fame in 2022 after his hit song Romantic Homicide went viral on TikTok, eventually leading to a major recording contract and millions of dollars in earnings.
However, prosecutors argue his rising career became the motive behind the alleged murder, claiming he wanted to stop Celeste from revealing their relationship.
The upcoming trial is expected to draw significant public attention as prosecutors present the full body of evidence before a jury. Burke continues to deny all allegations against him, and under the legal system, he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The singer will stand trial after a judge found sufficient evidence against him. 

Universiti Malaya Shuts Down Convenience Stores Over Allegations of Selling Non-Halal Ham Sandwiches

Authorities confirmed the halal logo was only certified for a previous company whose licence expired in 2023.

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