Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

youth

controversy

fraud

photographer

NatGeo

community pride

A Malaysian photographer&rsquo;s claim of being selected for National Geographic&rsquo;s prestigious Explorer programme has unravelled after the organisation confirmed his acceptance letter was &ldquo;fraudulent&rdquo;. Yet, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) &mdash; which contributed RM15,000 towards his trip &mdash; is standing by him, insisting he was a victim, not a fraudster.
From Inspiration to Sponsorship
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f8e8663a4aebcb0056b4cc17f272366a2dfddbd7f974272028704ddd59a9e47f" />
The case revolves around Tinesh Sritharan, who told local media in early August that he had been chosen to document the Great Migration at Kenya&rsquo;s Masai Mara National Reserve. His announcement drew praise, with MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran calling it a &ldquo;moment of pride&rdquo; for the community.
According to MIC central working committee member Dato&rsquo; Sivaraj Chandran, Tinesh first approached the party after spotting earlier news reports about his own achievement gaining attention. The photographer reached out via Instagram, leading Sivaraj to arrange a meeting with Vigneswaran.
The president was reportedly impressed by Tinesh&rsquo;s passion for wildlife photography and his stated plans to capture and raise awareness about conservation. MIC quickly decided to sponsor his journey, pledging RM15,000 to cover part of his travel and equipment costs.
A Sense of Community Pride
Sivaraj described the sponsorship as more than just financial support:
&ldquo;We saw this as a chance to showcase Malaysian Indian talent on an international platform. Supporting someone chasing a dream in a specialised field like wildlife photography reflects our commitment to helping youth achieve their ambitions.&rdquo;
MIC&rsquo;s support was part of a wider sponsorship pool that also included the Wedding Professionals Alliance Malaysia (WPAM) and Sony Malaysia via Alpha Universe Malaysia, which loaned Tinesh advanced camera gear &mdash; including a 400&ndash;800mm telephoto lens ideal for long-range wildlife shots.
The Truth Emerges
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7326c018775e320afb741d3fc83ef500d06cf681000cbbb84615846bd75f30ec" /> Image via <a href="https://says.com/my/news/fraudulent-nat-geo-denies-malaysians-claim-of-being-selected-for-prestigious-programme">Says</a>
But the celebration was short-lived. When SAYS attempted to verify Tinesh&rsquo;s story, they found no record of his name in the official National Geographic Explorer directory. Contacting the organisation directly, they received a reply from Natasha Daly, senior manager and editor, stating:
&ldquo;Tinesh Sritharan is not an Explorer. The letter you&rsquo;ve attached is a fraudulent letter that is not genuine.&rdquo;
This cast immediate doubt over the legitimacy of Tinesh&rsquo;s claim &mdash; and, by extension, the sponsorships.
MIC&rsquo;s Reaction to the Scandal
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/30344cf5e5b3f62caddb95ff754f5be020b5a6e03791f849c20cf7025f72e0b9" />
Rather than distancing themselves, MIC doubled down in their defence. Sivaraj stressed that the fraud lay in the letter, not in Tinesh himself.
&ldquo;He is a genuine photographer, and nothing in this incident changes that fact. If indeed he has been scammed, then we feel sympathy for him. His passion, his work, and his ambitions remain his own, and they deserve respect.&rdquo;
Internally, MIC leaders were said to be frustrated that such a scam could slip through, but the mood quickly shifted to rallying behind Tinesh. &ldquo;When one door closes, 10 more open,&rdquo; Vigneswaran reportedly told him. &ldquo;You are already there, so make the most of it. Return home with work you can be proud of.&rdquo;
Why MIC Chose to Stand By Him
MIC&rsquo;s choice not to cut ties was based on two key factors:
<ol>
<li>No evidence he fabricated the scam himself &ndash; The email came from a Gmail address claiming to be from National Geographic.</li>
<li>The sponsorship&rsquo;s intent &ndash; The funds were given to support a Malaysian youth&rsquo;s aspirations, regardless of the platform.</li>
</ol>
Sivaraj told media the party felt it would be unfair to label Tinesh a fraud when he might simply have been an unsuspecting target of a sophisticated con.
A Push for Scam Awareness
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8b16c373ec3ed30491c5d3745c1a42df9d95b999f7afaae38b521d235d39a533" />
MIC has since used the incident to call for stronger action against scams that exploit ambition and opportunity. The party urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate similar frauds and increase public awareness.
&ldquo;This case shows how even those with good intentions can be misled. We must educate our youth to verify opportunities thoroughly before committing,&rdquo; Sivaraj said.
Tinesh&rsquo;s Version of Events
Tinesh maintains that in November 2024, he pitched a wildlife photography project to Sadie Quarrier, National Geographic&rsquo;s senior director of storytelling, via email. Receiving no reply, he deleted the message. Months later, on 16 April 2025, he received an acceptance email from a Gmail address &mdash; with the now-confirmed fake letter attached.
&ldquo;This was the only thing that I received. I&rsquo;m lost for words&rdquo;. He never got the &ldquo;briefing packet&rdquo; promised in the letter and now wonders if someone deliberately targeted him.
Making the Most of Kenya
By the time the scandal broke, Tinesh was already in the Masai Mara. MIC encouraged him to continue photographing the migration and to use the trip to produce work that could open doors to legitimate opportunities in the future.
Despite the embarrassment, MIC sees the RM15,000 as an investment in talent rather than a loss. &ldquo;He is still representing Malaysia with his camera,&rdquo; Sivaraj said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s worth something.&rdquo;
A Lesson in Verification
For MIC, the saga is a reminder of the need for rigorous vetting before committing funds to high-profile claims. For the public, it&rsquo;s a warning that scams can target anyone &mdash; even with official-looking documents.
As Tinesh continues his work in Kenya, the party hopes the controversy will be a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Whether or not National Geographic ever comes calling for real, MIC insists the photographer has already proven his dedication &mdash; and that is what they intended to support.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While the letter from “Sadie” was fake, MIC still supports the photographer in chasing his ambitions.

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MIC Stands By Photographer After RM15,000 Donation, Says Fake National Geographic Letter Was The Real Fraud

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Malaysia has capped the validity of its international passports at a maximum of 10 years, following reports of travellers facing difficulties at airline check-in counters overseas with passports that were issued with validity periods exceeding a decade.
The Immigration Department said the move takes immediate effect and is intended to standardise passport validity and prevent further confusion during international travel.
Why Were Some Passports Valid For More Than 10 Years?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/03a229d91100d765d4055fc984f93bd2fb447b3d56321dc9c2c0781274ca53a2" />
The issue stemmed from a previous renewal arrangement where up to six months of remaining validity from an existing passport could be carried forward to a new one.
For example, someone renewing a 10-year passport with six months still remaining could receive a new passport valid for 10 years and six months.
While the arrangement was not prohibited under international regulations, it created complications when some travellers encountered airline systems and check-in staff that interpreted passport validity requirements differently.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department had referred the matter to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which confirmed that passports valid for more than 10 years did not breach international rules.
However, several Malaysians reportedly experienced problems when travelling overseas, prompting the department to standardise the validity period.
Airlines And Border Systems Caused Confusion
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0ec0c2bc8882cdbdf72521c1b322491fa381258d6eb1d51d90751b5ce65f6835" />
According to the Immigration Department, the difficulties were largely linked to how individual airlines and their systems interpreted passport requirements.
Some airlines apply strict requirements regarding passport validity, including the commonly used rule that travellers must have at least six months of validity remaining when entering certain countries.
The different interpretations meant that passports which were technically valid could still cause problems during check-in or ticket booking.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db7CcT9DVpn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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The issue gained attention after reports circulated online from Malaysians who claimed to have encountered difficulties at overseas airports, including problems with boarding and baggage arrangements.
Immigration said it had received several complaints relating to flight bookings and advised Malaysians holding affected passports to purchase tickets directly from airline service counters where their documents could be checked immediately.
Affected Passports Can Be Replaced For Free
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/430f7b2c1a6302a4a4e4765f07bcc5b1a5cffe9ce636c82408606c1dbe430a6d" />
Under the new policy, passports issued with more than 10 years of validity will no longer be issued.
Malaysians who already hold passports exceeding the 10-year limit will be allowed to replace them free of charge, with affected applicants given priority.
The Immigration Department will also issue notification letters to airlines to help travellers who are currently overseas and may encounter difficulties with their extended-validity passports.
The department said the measure is intended to ensure passport requirements are applied consistently and to reduce unnecessary complications for Malaysians travelling abroad.
What Happens When Renewing Your Passport?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5cf19143399a3467ab01fda1cc89cff2893c16f2138afca1e0ba723307992b42" />
For Malaysians opting for the 10-year renewal, the new passport will now carry exactly 10 years of validity.
Any remaining validity from the old passport will no longer be added to the new document.
However, the existing arrangement for five-year passports remains different. Up to six months of remaining validity from the previous passport can still be carried forward, meaning a five-year passport could have a validity period of up to five years and six months.
The Immigration Department said around 26,000 passports with validity periods exceeding 10 years had been issued since the 10-year passport option was introduced in July.
10-Year Passport Remains Valid Under International Rules
Despite the change, Immigration stressed that there is no international rule prohibiting passports from being valid for 10 years or longer.
The department said ICAO had confirmed that passports exceeding 10 years did not breach international regulations and that longer validity periods do not, in themselves, prevent travellers from crossing international borders.
The decision to impose a 10-year cap is therefore aimed at standardising the Malaysian passport system and avoiding issues with airlines, rather than correcting a breach of international law.
The 10-year Malaysian International Passport was introduced on 1 July, costing RM350, while the five-year option remains available at RM200.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Travelling soon? Immigration has a new update for passport holders.

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Malaysia Caps Passport Validity At 10 Years After Overseas Travel Issues

The Malaysian Bar has called for a thorough investigation and stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws following the death of Rocky, a dog that died during a stray-dog enforcement operation carried out by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) on 29 July.
In a statement on 11 August, Malaysian Bar president Anand Raj said the lack of a pet licence could never justify cruelty towards, or the killing of, an animal.
&ldquo;The mere lack of a pet licence, ie, a piece of paper, cannot justify cruelty to, or the killing of, an animal,&rdquo; the Bar said, stressing that animal welfare laws must apply regardless of whether an animal is licensed.
Malaysian Bar Raises Concerns Over Rocky&rsquo;s Death
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e6cb06c89e283b108d2a3352ae17a61d9c176be6e955d82bbd38670a7d3f471f" />
Rocky died during an operation involving the capture of stray dogs in Klang, prompting public concern over the methods used by enforcement personnel.
The Malaysian Bar said it was &ldquo;gravely concerned&rdquo; by the incident, emphasising that no enforcement objective, even if legitimate, should result in unnecessary pain, suffering or death.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 428 of the Penal Code, which covers mischief by killing an animal. Separately, the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is investigating the case under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (AWA 2015).
The Bar questioned whether the use of the Penal Code adequately reflected the seriousness of alleged animal cruelty, arguing that the AWA 2015 was specifically enacted to protect animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering.
Animal Welfare Act Should Take Precedence
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20380c17498be03746bae176f1a5be7f742a09355b99b20fd9fe47a2d394fdcd" />
The Malaysian Bar said investigating animal deaths solely under the Penal Code could risk reducing cruelty to an issue involving damage to property, rather than recognising the welfare and suffering of the animal involved.
It argued that the AWA 2015 provides stronger and more specific protections against cruelty and should therefore play a central role in investigations involving alleged mistreatment.
The Bar also pointed out that the AWA 2015 is the latest and specific federal legislation governing animal welfare. As such, it said the Act should take precedence over any state legislation or subsidiary rules that contradict its provisions.
It also highlighted the Federal Constitution, which places the prevention of cruelty to animals under the Concurrent List. This means both the Federal and state governments have responsibilities in preventing animal cruelty, with that responsibility extending to local authorities such as MBDK.
The Bar also echoed remarks made by Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin on 1 August, who said cruelty towards animals should not be tolerated regardless of whether the perpetrator is an individual, company or government agency.
Licence Status Does Not Remove Animal Welfare Protections
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/236e0bafa3803570d71d0b5e29c0364a1bbf16c516f9ae6de5c950ba4c0e6bde" />
Under Section 29 of the AWA 2015, the Malaysian Bar noted that acts of violence or cruelty towards an animal constitute an offence regardless of whether the animal is licensed.
Section 30 also generally prohibits the killing of animals, subject to limited exceptions.
The Bar stressed that these provisions should guide all enforcement operations involving animals, meaning the absence of a licence should not be treated as permission to use unnecessary or harmful methods.
It said the principle should apply equally to members of the public and enforcement authorities.
&ldquo;No one is above the law,&rdquo; the Bar said.
Calls For Stricter Stray Dog Enforcement Procedures
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4ae76f97b32b395b553a0ce0d0789578ec66995fcd5f3287ebc8125771123319" />
The Malaysian Bar also called on local authorities and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to ensure strict compliance with existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the capture and disposal of stray dogs.
Under the current SOP, approved methods include the use of a loop, trap, net or tranquiliser gun. Certain methods require prior approval from the police and DVS.
The Bar said authorities must ensure these procedures are followed and that clear consequences are imposed when they are breached.
It also welcomed the Selangor Government&rsquo;s commitment to review stray animal management procedures across local councils, but stressed that any new or revised SOPs must be consistent with the AWA 2015.
The review, it added, should form part of a broader move towards a more humane, coordinated and data-driven approach to managing stray animal populations.
Suggests Summons Instead Of Capturing Owned Dogs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ce7ae42355cf584c46ecd4f108aafd7e4a07e8e1348fe96cdf686d072b29f00" />
The Bar also proposed an alternative approach when authorities encounter animals with identifiable owners.
Instead of immediately capturing, detaining or potentially killing the animal, authorities could consider issuing a summons to the owner, similar to how traffic offences are handled.
It argued that this would be a more proportionate response where ownership can be established and other enforcement options are available.
The Malaysian Bar said enforcement methods should also keep pace with modern technology and focus on protecting both public interests and animal welfare.
Calls For Transparent Investigation And Reform
The Malaysian Bar has called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into Rocky&rsquo;s death, with accountability imposed if wrongdoing is established.
It also urged authorities to introduce meaningful and lasting reforms to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The Bar said animal welfare should not be treated as secondary during enforcement operations, particularly when laws and procedures already exist to regulate how animals should be handled.
&ldquo;The humanity (or cruelty) with which a society treats its pets and animals is a mark of its civilisation,&rdquo; Anand said.
The case remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With answers and accountability needed, the Bar says a lack of a pet licence should never justify animal cruelty.

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Malaysian Bar Calls For Accountability Over Rocky’s Death

Subang MP Wong Chen has resigned from his parliamentary seat, bringing an end to his three-term tenure as a lawmaker and making him the third PKR parliamentarian to vacate his seat in less than four months.
Wong confirmed on Monday (10 August) that his resignation as the Subang MP would take effect at 5pm. He had handed his resignation letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on 5 August, with both parties agreeing not to disclose the decision until the resignation formally took effect.
Wong said the five-day delay was intended to give parliamentary officers time to prepare the necessary documentation and administrative arrangements for the vacancy.
In a social media post announcing his departure, Wong also said the honorific &ldquo;Yang Berhormat&rdquo; would be removed from his correspondence, billboards and other official signage by next month.
MyKHAS Dispute Preceded Resignation
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Wong&rsquo;s resignation comes after months of political tension within PKR, particularly over access to constituency allocations.
In May, Wong revealed that his parliamentary office had lost access to the MyKHAS portal, the government system used by MPs to manage special constituency allocations and submit applications for community projects.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/5083/subang-mp-wong-chen-claims-he-was-blocked-from-government-funding-portal-amid-political-speculation">Subang MP Wong Chen Claims He Was Blocked From Government Funding Portal Amid Political Speculation</a>
He was among several PKR backbenchers who reported similar restrictions. Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail also said their offices had been denied access to the portal.
Wong, Lee, Rodziah, Sungai Siput MP S Kesavan and Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan subsequently issued a joint statement calling for an explanation over the restrictions.
The issue became politically sensitive after Wong and several other MPs were linked to Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a new political party led by former PKR leaders Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil previously stressed that constituency allocations were public funds intended to benefit residents, rather than money belonging to individual MPs.
Wong was also removed as non-executive chairman of Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd in May, although no public explanation was given for the change.
Three-Term MP Leaves Parliament
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f73887af51406afd027af0db77c91811cf8e05e7b04382a9cbed6ab08d9d7f0d" />
Wong first entered Parliament in 2013 as the MP for Kelana Jaya before becoming the representative for the redrawn Subang constituency in 2018.
He retained the Subang seat in the 2022 general election with a majority of 115,074 votes, one of the largest margins recorded in the election. A trained lawyer, Wong has been associated with PKR and Pakatan Harapan for more than a decade and was known for his work on economic and institutional reform issues.
His resignation follows the departure of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who both resigned from PKR and vacated their parliamentary seats in May before taking on leadership roles in Bersama.
Wong had attended the launch of the new party, fuelling speculation over whether he would eventually follow them. However, he has not formally confirmed that he will join Bersama.
PKR Says Constituents Will Still Receive Assistance
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c4b86f208ff254f21184ceb1972a0652f84c647ae9a1edde9bfe52d10e8015d1" />
Despite Wong&rsquo;s departure, PKR has sought to reassure Subang residents that government assistance and constituency services will continue.
PKR Puchong division chief Zaihasri Jaafar said allocations for Subang would continue to be channelled through the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department, describing the change as simply a matter of who would deliver the assistance.
&ldquo;The allocation for Subang residents will still come from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department. Only the postman has changed,&rdquo; he said.
Zaihasri acknowledged that Wong&rsquo;s resignation could come as a surprise to some voters, but maintained that residents should not be concerned about losing access to government support.
He also suggested that PKR would remain focused on its responsibilities despite the latest departure, saying the party&rsquo;s administration and services to the public would continue.
PKR Vice-President Criticises Wong
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ffa42c1b16d4d0dc474271aa40b2c8365f9a7da5d791e9ca2c8a52df3b80820b" />
Wong&rsquo;s decision has also drawn criticism from within PKR.
PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan described the resignation as disappointing, arguing that Wong had a responsibility to the voters who had elected him.
Ramanan said Wong&rsquo;s departure had let down both the party and Subang constituents, adding that elected representatives should remain in office despite political difficulties.
He also argued that Wong&rsquo;s electoral victories were achieved as part of PKR and Pakatan Harapan, with the support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
At the same time, Ramanan acknowledged that Wong was entitled to make his own political decisions, including choosing whether to join another political party.
No By-Election For Subang
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/126cd4050bc937f83be31df498eacd62817056e5a2be354d8328bfad932c167f" />
Despite Wong&rsquo;s resignation, Subang residents will not be returning to the polls.
The Election Commission (EC) confirmed on Tuesday (11 August) that no by-election would be held for the P.104 Subang parliamentary constituency.
EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the decision was made under Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution, following notification from Johari that there was no need to fill the casual vacancy.
Johari had earlier confirmed that he had formally received Wong&rsquo;s resignation and notified the EC of the vacant seat.
This means the Subang parliamentary seat will remain vacant for the time being, without voters being called upon to elect a new MP.
Wong's Next Move Remains Unclear
With Wong now officially out of Parliament, attention is likely to turn towards his political future.
His resignation adds another layer to the growing political realignment surrounding PKR and Bersama, particularly following the departures of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi earlier this year.
For now, Wong has not confirmed his next political move. He is expected to address the reasons behind his resignation and his future plans at a press conference.
His departure marks the end of his 13-year parliamentary career, while also leaving Subang without an elected MP as the political developments surrounding PKR and Bersama continue to unfold.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Wong Chen has officially left the Subang seat, adding another twist to the growing political shake-up within PKR.

cc67c39e4b470714ea8b39b65d0dfd884b46e8140ce83661a184af419874178d

Wong Chen Resigns As Subang MP, No By-Election To Be Held

Some flavours are more than just something we eat. They can bring back memories of school days, family breakfasts, afternoon tea breaks and snacks shared with friends.
That nostalgia is at the heart of Inside Scoop&rsquo;s Lokal Legends 2026, which returns this year with its biggest collection yet. The annual campaign brings together nine familiar Malaysian brands and transforms their signature products into limited-edition ice cream flavours.
Launched in conjunction with Malaysia&rsquo;s National Day celebrations, the campaign celebrates the local brands that have become part of everyday Malaysian life &mdash; this time, with a scoopable twist.
Nine Familiar Brands, Nine New Flavours
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2a0f6d6278d5b0bd8c687b427acffab6379a9e203cb31be817b4df2108fa908" />
The 2026 collection features a mix of nostalgic favourites and modern Malaysian icons, with each collaboration drawing inspiration from a recognisable product or flavour:
<ul>
<li>Beryl&rsquo;s Tiramisu Almond Chocolate &ndash; Tiramisu dark chocolate ice cream layered with fudgy chocolate and honey-roasted almonds.</li>
<li>BOH&rsquo;s Teh Tarik &ndash; A Malaysian classic made with BOH tea and condensed milk, swirled with chewy brown sugar mochi. The flavour also pays tribute to BOH&rsquo;s nearly 97 years of tea-making heritage.</li>
<li>Farm Fresh&rsquo;s Pistachio Yoghurt Crunch &ndash; Tangy yoghurt ice cream paired with crunchy pistachio kunafa.</li>
<li>Gardenia&rsquo;s Choc-A-Lot Twiggies &ndash; Milk chocolate ice cream packed with bite-sized pieces of the familiar Gardenia Twiggies Choc-A-Lot.</li>
<li>Mister Potato&rsquo;s Choc Potato Chips N&rsquo; Cream &ndash; Creamy vanilla ice cream with salted caramel and crunchy chocolate-coated Mister Potato chips.</li>
<li>Oriental Kopi&rsquo;s Kaya Butter Toast &ndash; A take on the classic kopitiam breakfast, combining pandan kaya and brown butter ice cream with toast crumbs.</li>
<li>Secret Recipe&rsquo;s Chocolate Indulgence&reg; &ndash; Rich chocolate and creamy custard ice cream layered with chocolate hazelnut sauce and pieces of the iconic Chocolate Indulgence&reg; cake.</li>
<li>Thumbs&rsquo; Peanut Butter Jelly &ndash; Creamy peanut butter ice cream with ribbons of blueberry jam and peanut butter.</li>
<li>ZUS Coffee&rsquo;s Ube Latt&eacute; &ndash; Earthy ube ice cream swirled with chewy mochi bites, inspired by ZUS Coffee&rsquo;s popular Ube series.</li>
</ul>
Together, the nine limited-edition flavours put familiar Malaysian favourites into a completely different form, bringing everything from childhood snacks and kopitiam staples to popular local drinks into a single collection.
From Local Favourites To Ice Cream
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dad46a91b1e3f1a3adf395fdef48806158b26ff04198546c89f3cd11cb3b48dd" />
Since its introduction in 2024, Lokal Legends has grown into one of Inside Scoop&rsquo;s most anticipated annual campaigns, with fans often guessing which brands will make the next lineup and sharing their wishlists online.
According to Inside Scoop Co-Founder Edmund Tan, the campaign is about celebrating the brands that have become part of the Malaysian experience.
He said the excitement surrounding each year's reveal reflects the strong connection Malaysians have with homegrown brands &mdash; from those they grew up with to those associated with family gatherings and everyday routines.
This year&rsquo;s partners share a similar sentiment, with each bringing a familiar product and story into an entirely different format. Secret Recipe Group CEO Patrick Sim revealed that the Chocolate Indulgence&reg; collaboration went through 13 different versions before arriving at the final recipe.
ZUS Coffee, meanwhile, is bringing its popular Ube flavour into ice cream after receiving an enthusiastic response to its Ube drinks last year.
A Supermarket Full Of Malaysian Nostalgia
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a820827e6f756a8f4237eae3e1e80dfe327f827c7845af69565830fad72c9d5f" />
For 2026, Inside Scoop has taken the campaign beyond the flavours themselves with a supermarket-inspired concept.
Supermarkets are a familiar part of everyday Malaysian life, bringing together everything from breakfast staples and snacks to drinks and treats. Inside Scoop has recreated that experience through the Lokal Legends Supermarket, bringing all nine collaborations together under one roof.
For the campaign launch, the Inside Scoop outlet at Galeria SA Sentral was transformed into the themed supermarket. Visitors could explore dedicated brand aisles, learn more about the collaborations and sample the new flavours in an interactive setting.
The concept also gives the campaign a nostalgic feel, connecting the ice cream flavours with the products and brands Malaysians might usually find while doing their weekly grocery shopping.
Get All Nine In One Box
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6c299b7d32adedd9dc5441802b89b8e684ae33ef8c04fcfe308a3e8a4fe2c556" />
For those who want to try the entire collection, Inside Scoop is also offering a 9-Scoop Party Pack, featuring all nine Lokal Legends flavours in one box.
The set comes with an exclusive Lokal Legends Ice Cream Passport and sticker pack, allowing fans to collect and celebrate each of the nine collaborations.
Whether it is a familiar childhood snack, a kopitiam breakfast staple or a favourite modern drink, the collection gives Malaysians a chance to revisit familiar flavours in a completely different form.
Lokal Legends 2026 is now available at participating Inside Scoop outlets nationwide from 10 August 2026, for a limited time.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Nine Malaysian icons, one very sweet collab! 🍦

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Inside Scoop Brings Nine Malaysian Brands Together For Lokal Legends 2026

Malaysians planning to study in the United States will soon have to keep a closer eye on their immigration timelines, following new rules that replace the country&rsquo;s decades-old &ldquo;Duration of Status&rdquo; system with fixed admission periods.
The changes, announced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are scheduled to take effect on 15 September 2026. They will affect international students and exchange visitors, while also introducing additional requirements for those who need to remain in the US beyond their authorised period.
For Malaysian students, one of the most significant changes will be the introduction of a defined end date for their stay, as well as a shorter period to make arrangements after completing their studies.
Students Will No Longer Have An Open-Ended Stay
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19cc5e00fcd54cc1707d4442526f9ca2fa86589f654f36d758de33c8749b20c3" />
Under the previous &ldquo;Duration of Status&rdquo; system, international students could generally remain in the US for as long as they maintained their student status and continued making satisfactory progress in their approved programme.
There was no fixed admission end date in the same way that applies to many other categories of non-immigrant visas.
The new system will replace this with an &ldquo;Admit Until Date&rdquo; (AUD). Students and exchange visitors will generally be admitted for the length of their programme, subject to a maximum period of four years.
This does not mean every student will be required to finish their entire education within four years. Those whose programmes take longer, or who require additional time to complete their academic requirements, will need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The extension process will also involve additional federal oversight, including background checks, biometric screening and fraud-related checks.
As a result, academic delays that could previously have been managed under the existing system may now also require formal immigration action.
Post-Graduation Grace Period Cut To 30 Days
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9ad28e22965c5d20ef0291d01c848eadd1ab587e9c1064a155a2cc9c176066ba" />
Another major change for Malaysian students will come after graduation.
The new rules reduce the F-1 student grace period from 60 days to 30 days. Previously, students generally had up to two months after completing their programme to leave the US, transfer to another school or take steps towards changing their immigration status.
From 15 September, students will have only 30 days to make those arrangements.
This could be particularly important for Malaysian graduates hoping to remain in the US to pursue employment or transition to another immigration status.
Students planning to return to Malaysia will also need to organise their departure more quickly, while those hoping to continue their careers in the US will have less time to sort out their next steps.
Malaysian Students Concerned About Travel
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/df39bd795f646fe7e3ad396b39cdbe802c96476ea61b6c6c2c472576dd088ff0" />
The changes have also created uncertainty for some Malaysian students, particularly those who need to travel home while completing their studies.
Yasmin Muhaiddin, a 44-year-old Malaysian pursuing a PhD in Texas, said students were increasingly concerned about travelling home for visa stamping and whether they would be able to return to the US to continue their education.
She noted that international travel for immigration purposes can involve significant expenses, including flights, visa fees, accommodation and other costs. For students who are unable to re-enter the US as planned, the consequences could extend beyond financial losses and potentially disrupt their academic progress.
The uncertainty may be especially significant for students with ongoing research, examinations or other academic commitments.
Existing Students Will Also Transition To The New System
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/782a0a5d73a4c99226198fcc3a320f314659f8519b06219041d6a2cf733f5863" />
The new framework is not limited to Malaysians who apply for student visas after the rules take effect.
According to DHS, current non-immigrant visa holders in the US under the previous system will automatically transition to the new framework. Their authorised stay will be subject to the new maximum period from the rule's effective date.
However, students should not assume that this means everyone will simply receive a fresh four-year period from September.
The actual impact will depend on each student's admission record, programme and individual immigration circumstances. Those whose studies could extend beyond the permitted period may therefore need to consult their university's international student office well in advance.
Students Urged To Plan Ahead
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/beb2cd73034eea752e593977cfc4a7b26ace1301d33777d6684da758d9f0a7f5" />
The National Assembly of Malaysian Students in the United States of America (NAMSA) has encouraged Malaysian students to review their academic and career plans before the new rules come into effect.
Students intending to return home should ensure they are on track to complete their programmes within the authorised period. Those hoping to work in the US after graduation, meanwhile, have been advised to prepare well ahead of the shortened 30-day grace period.
NAMSA also stressed that universities remain an important source of support for international students navigating immigration changes.
Students have been encouraged to speak with their international student advisers early and seek assistance from organisations such as NAMSA and Education Malaysia in Washington, DC.
US Also Expanding Visa Screening
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/047bc4891322081eed52b3a815e45bb0c064dfa9ec6f003643589475289ac249" />US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that &lsquo;a visa is a privilege, not a right&rsquo; 
The changes to student visas come amid a broader tightening of US immigration screening.
The US State Department is reportedly expanding social media vetting for certain visa applicants, with applicants in some categories required to make their social media accounts publicly accessible for screening.
Student visa applicants are already subject to online presence vetting, while the expanded measures are expected to cover additional categories of visa applicants.
The US government has said such screening is intended to assess whether applicants are eligible for visas and whether they pose potential national security or public safety risks.
The wider changes reflect the Trump administration's push for stricter immigration controls and greater scrutiny of foreign nationals entering the country.
What This Means For Malaysians
The new rules do not prevent Malaysians from studying in the US, but they do introduce additional planning requirements.
Students will need to pay closer attention to their authorised stay, academic timelines and post-graduation plans. Those who may require more than four years to complete their studies should also understand the extension process well before their admission period expires.
For Malaysian students already in the US or considering applying, the key takeaway is simple: plan earlier, monitor your immigration status and seek professional or university guidance before making decisions involving extensions or international travel.
The new rules are scheduled to take effect on 15 September 2026.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Planning to study in the US? These new rules could change how you manage your stay.

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New US Student Visa Rules To Bring Fixed Stay Periods And Stricter Immigration Checks For Malaysians

A 62-year-old woman has suffered burns to around 50% of her body after she was allegedly doused with a substance believed to be petrol and set on fire at a lottery outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday (9 August).
The woman, who works as a counter attendant at the outlet, was reportedly preparing to open the premises when an unidentified man approached her. The suspect allegedly poured the flammable substance over her before setting her alight and fleeing the scene.
She was later rushed to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Attacker Fled After Setting Woman Alight
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/55bf1dab89163465bf9f8fb1674c81161e916877bde87a9b37611e3fe2b25a17" />
According to witnesses cited by local media, the suspect may have been loitering around the area before the attack.
The victim reportedly noticed the man approaching and attempted to escape into an office inside the premises. However, the suspect allegedly followed her, caught up with her and poured the substance over her.
Despite her reportedly pleading for mercy, the man allegedly set her on fire before fleeing the scene.
The woman then managed to make her way towards a nearby shop while still engulfed in flames, where members of the public rushed to help her. A nearby shop worker reportedly used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before emergency services were contacted.
The incident was also captured on CCTV, with footage believed to show the suspect walking away from the premises after the attack.
Police have been reviewing the footage as part of their efforts to identify and locate the suspect.
Police Say Victim Had No Known Enemies
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/877e263a2f97a7846324f9176ab9a35b57ed5374c5cfb6a7d335e95946583755" />
Sentul acting district police chief Superintendent Jasni Zolpa said preliminary investigations found that the victim had no known enemies and had not received any threats before the incident.
&ldquo;The motive for the incident is still under investigation,&rdquo; he said.
The victim had reportedly worked at the lottery outlet for around two years and was described by people familiar with the premises as being well-liked.
The absence of any known dispute or previous threats has left police working to establish what may have led to the attack and whether the victim was specifically targeted.
The Kuala Lumpur police forensic team has since examined the scene and collected DNA samples, along with other items believed to be relevant to the investigation.
Police are also examining available CCTV footage and other evidence in an effort to identify the person responsible.
The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using dangerous weapons or means.
RM5,000 Reward Offered For Information
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7e5fe50f5db48874d147370a78a0ef8b6b89f1989d54d8fa4feae1960ed1842b" />
As police continue their search for the suspect, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has offered a RM5,000 reward for credible information that directly leads to the man's arrest.
In a statement following the incident, Lim said he was &ldquo;sickened and outraged&rdquo; by the attack, describing it as an act of shocking cruelty. He called for the person responsible to be found and brought before the law, while urging anyone with useful information to assist the authorities.
However, Lim also warned members of the public not to approach or confront the suspect themselves, stressing that doing so could put them at risk.
The RM5,000 reward is intended specifically for credible information that can help police locate and arrest the suspect.
Police Appeal For Information
Police have launched a special operation to track down the unidentified man and are continuing to examine evidence gathered from the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact investigating officer Inspector Muhammad Amri Firdaus Jusoh at 010-919 8209, the Sentul district police headquarters operations room at 03-4048 2222, or the nearest police station.
Members of the public are also advised not to take matters into their own hands if they believe they have identified the suspect, but instead to pass the information directly to police.
With the victim still receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to establish the motive behind the attack and identify the person responsible.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng offers RM5,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

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