Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

highway

driving

PLUS

MIROS

minimum speed

phantom jam

lane hogging

SKVE

Malaysia may soon have a new way of improving highway traffic flow &mdash; not by raising speed limits, but by encouraging drivers to avoid travelling too slowly in the wrong lane.
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has launched a three-month proof-of-concept (POC) trial introducing advisory minimum speed limits on selected stretches of the PLUS Highway and South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE). The initiative, known as Had Laju Nasihat Minimum, began on 1 August and will run until 31 October 2026.
Developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), PLUS Malaysia Berhad and SKVE Holdings, the trial aims to improve lane discipline, reduce lane hogging and ease the "phantom traffic jams" that often frustrate motorists despite the absence of accidents or roadworks.
Advisory Speeds, Not A New Speed Limit
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c22a2583c1404d04e69a2abd9c3dac50b4cc204704608492db9f2cd69e85a21f" />
Unlike conventional speed limits, the figures displayed during the trial are recommendations rather than legally enforceable minimum speeds.
Motorists will not be issued summonses for travelling below the advisory speed, and existing maximum speed limits remain unchanged. Drivers are also expected to adjust their speed whenever road conditions require it, including during:
<ul>
<li>Heavy traffic congestion</li>
<li>Heavy rain or severe weather</li>
<li>Poor visibility</li>
<li>Road accidents or obstructions</li>
<li>Roadworks or lane closures</li>
<li>Instructions from enforcement officers or highway personnel</li>
</ul>
MIROS stressed that the initiative is intended to guide drivers in choosing the most appropriate lane based on their travelling speed, rather than encouraging faster driving.
Recommended Speed For Every Lane
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/09e487bf31b0e5df9d5e17c780dd8073d90e701a67b6570091205c12f4e8a0a1" />
The advisory speeds vary according to the number of lanes on each highway section.
For two-lane highways, motorists are encouraged to travel at 80km/h in the right overtaking lane and 60km/h in the left cruising lane.
On three-lane highways, the recommended speeds are 100km/h for the right lane, 80km/h for the middle lane and 60km/h for the left lane.
Meanwhile, four-lane highways adopt a similar approach, with the rightmost lane carrying a recommended 100km/h, followed by 80km/h in the next lane, while the remaining two left lanes are set at 60km/h.
Drivers are advised to follow the overhead signboards installed at the trial locations, which display the recommended minimum speed for each lane.
Three Highway Sections Selected
The trial is currently taking place along three high-traffic corridors chosen based on traffic conditions, congestion patterns and infrastructure suitability:
<ul>
<li>PLUS E1 Northbound: Tanjung Malim to Behrang (KM400.1 to KM388.0)</li>
<li>PLUS E2 Northbound: Bandar Ainsdale to Nilai (KM267.8 to KM278.8)</li>
<li>SKVE E26: Ayer Hitam Toll Plaza to Bandar Saujana Putra (KM9.6 to KM16.7)</li>
</ul>
According to MIROS, these stretches were selected because they frequently experience unexplained congestion, have limited entry and exit points, and are free from AWAS speed enforcement cameras, allowing researchers to better assess traffic behaviour throughout the trial.
Traffic data and public feedback collected during the three-month period will help determine whether the initiative should be expanded to other highways across the country.
Tackling Lane Hogging And "Phantom Jams"
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3b8764c7c1933953c7386f03a99646b8c5a27c729ca4cee4eed45a6146f42e9d" />
One of the main objectives of the trial is to address lane hogging, particularly drivers travelling well below the normal flow of traffic while remaining in the right overtaking lane.
According to MIROS, when a slower vehicle occupies the fast lane, vehicles behind are forced to brake or change lanes unexpectedly. These repeated braking movements create ripple effects that can eventually develop into so-called phantom traffic jams&mdash;sudden congestion with no visible cause.
Large differences in speed between vehicles also increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions and dangerous lane-changing manoeuvres, especially when motorists attempt to overtake from the left.
Research has consistently shown that maintaining a more consistent traffic flow, rather than simply increasing speed, plays a significant role in improving highway safety and reducing congestion.
Encouraging Better Lane Discipline
As part of the campaign, MIROS is encouraging motorists to:
<ul>
<li>Choose the lane that matches their travelling speed.</li>
<li>Use the right lane primarily for overtaking.</li>
<li>Return to the left lane after completing an overtaking manoeuvre.</li>
<li>Avoid overtaking slower vehicles from the left whenever possible.</li>
<li>Maintain a safe following distance.</li>
<li>Give way to faster-moving vehicles approaching from behind in the overtaking lane.</li>
</ul>
The organisation's campaign slogan, "Jangan jadi punca trafik terganggu" ("Don't be the cause of disrupted traffic"), reinforces the message that proper lane discipline benefits all road users.
Lane Hogging Already Carries A Penalty
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f2225ee4dce2088d4d40d5377bbdc1ebae26d4979e0c104d6f10ee331e822ece" />
Although the advisory minimum speeds themselves are not enforceable, motorists should remember that lane hogging is already an offence under Malaysian road transport laws.
Drivers who unnecessarily obstruct traffic by remaining in the overtaking lane without passing other vehicles can face compound fines of up to RM2,000.
Heavy commercial vehicles must also continue complying with existing lane restrictions and maximum speed regulations, as the new advisory signs do not override current traffic laws.
Trial Will Determine Future Rollout
For now, MIROS describes the initiative as a research project designed to evaluate whether advisory minimum speed signage can improve traffic flow and road safety on Malaysian expressways.
If the findings show positive results, the concept could eventually be expanded to additional highways nationwide.
While the trial does not introduce a mandatory minimum speed limit, it serves as a reminder that safe highway driving is not only about avoiding excessive speed. Driving too slowly in the wrong lane can also disrupt traffic, increase crash risks and contribute to unnecessary congestion.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to encourage motorists to use the appropriate lane for their speed, helping create a smoother, safer and more predictable driving experience for everyone.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Could minimum speed advisories be the answer to Malaysia's lane hogging problem? MIROS has begun a three-month highway trial on selected routes.

cd3272daac11d3c6202ab71f213cdb54d7b89ddf65dcab8297f77e547c700c23

MIROS Trials Advisory Minimum Speeds On Highways To Reduce Lane Hogging And Phantom Traffic Jams

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BIllie Eilish UMMY

cdb6070aabbec308a543cd4adeeb88164255929fcd5130c1f206502017c1c52f

Coke Fifa

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UMMY Sienna Spiro

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Meta has confirmed that one of its artificial intelligence models accessed the internet and exploited a security vulnerability in a third-party service during a cybersecurity evaluation. The incident adds to a growing number of cases involving advanced AI models carrying out unexpected cyber activity during controlled testing.
Meta said the incident was caused by a misconfiguration in the testing environment operated by Irregular, an independent cybersecurity evaluation company working with the tech giant. The error unintentionally gave the AI model access to the open internet, allowing it to interact with systems outside the intended testing environment.
Meta said it is investigating the incident and plans to provide more information once it has established the full details.
How The AI Model Gained Access
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e8b26d2caf7e957da01f5672361db776f53868a244f5a5b38f5139dcde9e6992" />
According to Meta, the model was supposed to operate within a controlled evaluation environment designed to test its cybersecurity capabilities safely.
However, a configuration error by Irregular inadvertently allowed the model to access the internet. Once connected, the model went on to exploit a security vulnerability in a third-party service.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the behaviour was similar to previously reported incidents involving AI models from other companies.
Reports from The Information identified the model involved as Muse Spark 1.1, which Meta has described as its most capable model for real-world coding and agentic tasks. The model reportedly breached an unidentified company's systems and made changes to its internal environment.
However, Irregular stressed that the incident did not involve an AI model escaping from a secure sandbox or carrying out a sophisticated cyberattack.
The company described it as an evaluation-environment issue and said there were no ongoing security issues resulting from the incident.
Irregular is now working on a white paper outlining best practices for safely containing AI models and conducting cybersecurity evaluations.
Similar Incidents Involving Anthropic And OpenAI
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa66d350a68b48e24177213667c3aa35bd9a2028cae7803564a1405c86c60b8c" />
Meta's disclosure comes shortly after similar incidents involving other major AI companies.
Anthropic recently revealed that some of its models had accessed the internet and breached the systems of three organisations during cybersecurity testing. Like the Meta incident, Anthropic said the models were given unintended internet access because of a configuration issue involving Irregular's testing environment.
OpenAI has also disclosed a separate incident involving its AI agents during cybersecurity testing. In that case, an AI system reportedly exploited a previously unknown vulnerability to gain internet access and subsequently targeted systems associated with Hugging Face, an AI development platform.
The OpenAI case differed from the Meta and Anthropic incidents because the model itself identified and exploited a vulnerability rather than simply benefiting from an incorrectly configured testing environment.
Together, the incidents have raised questions about how effectively increasingly capable AI systems can be contained, particularly when they are given the ability to perform complex tasks autonomously.
AI Models Are Becoming More Capable
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4dff0145bfaff573d4b9eadb8d58690ba704f985459304f6fc484fdbb789f46c" />
The incidents highlight a growing challenge for AI developers: models designed to solve increasingly complicated problems can sometimes find unexpected ways to achieve the objectives they are given.
Daniel Hulme, global chief AI officer at WPP, told the BBC that AI systems are not conscious or deliberately acting maliciously. Instead, they can develop sophisticated strategies to achieve a particular goal, including approaches that their developers may not have anticipated.
This is particularly relevant to so-called agentic AI, where models can independently carry out multi-step tasks, use tools, browse the internet and interact with external systems.
As these capabilities improve, ensuring that models remain within their intended boundaries during testing becomes increasingly important.
Growing Concerns Over AI Cybersecurity
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98bb14e438c895fe583c245186b299d7bbc22fcea434c4d8bb7d9c15409fe849" />
The recent incidents have also attracted attention from cybersecurity researchers and policymakers, with concerns that increasingly capable AI could eventually be used to conduct or facilitate real-world cyberattacks.
The UK's AI Security Institute (AISI) recently reported finding instances of "unsanctioned agent behaviour" during its own cybersecurity evaluations. Some AI systems reportedly took autonomous actions online, including creating fake identities to interact with real people and attempting to gain access to services.
AISI stressed that its tests were deliberately conducted under reduced safeguards, including intentionally enabled internet access, to assess the maximum capabilities of advanced AI models. The conditions did not reflect how the models are normally deployed to the public.
OpenAI and Anthropic similarly said their incidents occurred in controlled testing environments with safeguards reduced or altered specifically to assess cybersecurity capabilities.
The Challenge Of Testing AI Safely
The latest Meta incident demonstrates the difficult balance AI companies face between testing what their models are capable of and ensuring those tests do not create genuine security risks.
Cybersecurity evaluations often require models to be given significant freedom to explore vulnerabilities. But if those safeguards are incorrectly configured, a model may be able to interact with real-world systems beyond the intended test environment.
With Meta, Anthropic and OpenAI all reporting incidents involving AI models and cyber systems in recent weeks, pressure is likely to grow on developers to establish stronger testing standards and containment measures.
For now, Meta and Irregular say the incident is being investigated, with Irregular preparing guidance on how future AI cybersecurity evaluations can be conducted more securely.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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AI security concerns grow after Meta’s AI model hacked a third-party system during testing.

d905e7d6af07f9cda9114d6e2e949d4e92245fd968293b63af7b7e22b25037b9

Meta AI Model Hacks Another Company During Testing After Internet Access Misconfiguration

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob&rsquo;s scheduled court appearance has been postponed after he was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) with an irregular heartbeat.
The 66-year-old Bera Member of Parliament was due to appear before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (7 August) to face a charge under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, believed to be linked to the declaration of his assets.
His lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, told the court that Ismail Sabri had been admitted to IJN the previous day after experiencing health problems while recording his statement at MACC headquarters.
The prosecution did not object to the postponement, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusof Khan saying it was appropriate on humanitarian grounds. The court subsequently fixed 27 August for the charge to be read and for Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s plea to be recorded, subject to his health improving sufficiently for him to attend.
Health Setback Delays Court Proceedings
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d42e5d494ab1bbf2c9c6a4dac850350057370b16a70968890f1ba4eb20f6da88" />
According to Amer, Ismail Sabri was at MACC headquarters from around 9am until 6pm on Thursday when he began experiencing health problems. MACC officers were informed of his condition before he was taken to IJN for further assessment.
Doctors later confirmed that he was suffering from arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. He is scheduled to undergo a pacemaker procedure at IJN and is expected to require several days of recovery.
Amer also revealed that Ismail Sabri had suffered a fall around two weeks ago and was admitted to Pantai Hospital. He had already been scheduled for a check-up at IJN next week before his latest health episode.
The lawyer said Ismail Sabri remains under MACC bail and there was no concern that he would abscond.
After visiting his client at IJN, Amer said the former prime minister remained determined to clear his name, although his immediate priority was his health.
&ldquo;He is determined to clear his name. However, his immediate priority is his health,&rdquo; Amer said, adding that the legal team would be ready to return to court once Ismail Sabri had stabilised and received medical clearance.
Charge Linked To Asset Declaration
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f0a2dd52a394d17c8e36792fe57987e4309d151533e1eccae4e5abafc9de2a85" />
The charge is registered under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act, which concerns compliance with a notice issued by the anti-corruption agency.
The case stems from a wider MACC investigation into Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s declaration of assets. He was questioned by the agency several times throughout 2025 as investigators examined allegations linked to corruption and money laundering during his time as prime minister.
The investigation reportedly centred on expenditure and procurement for promotional and publicity activities under the Keluarga Malaysia initiative, which was launched during Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s tenure from August 2021 to October 2022.
MACC completed its investigation in June 2025.
RM170 Million In Cash And Gold Seized
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b34fb93db8dfa79ba60456c9b33fe96fdb63472d97fe2ba1f06059097f496622" />
The investigation gained significant attention after MACC arrested four of Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s senior aides in February 2025 and carried out raids on properties believed to have been used as &ldquo;safe houses&rdquo;.
Authorities seized around RM170 million in cash in various currencies, approximately 16kg of gold bars valued at about RM7 million, as well as jewellery and luxury watches.
In October 2025, the Sessions Court ordered more than RM169 million in cash allegedly linked to Ismail Sabri and his former political secretary, Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus, to be forfeited to the Malaysian government.
The money included Malaysian ringgit and several foreign currencies, including US dollars, Singapore dollars, Swiss francs, euros, Japanese yen, British pounds, New Zealand dollars, Emirati dirhams and Australian dollars.
The forfeiture was not contested by Ismail Sabri or his former aide, and no third-party claims were made against the money.
The forfeiture proceedings are separate from the criminal charge that Ismail Sabri is now expected to face.
Court Proceedings Rescheduled For 27 August
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5014c66fc93a4de65a017e2b94bcceee97afa10dabd0a3bbd4ba7f601a014462" />
Ismail Sabri was originally expected to become the third Malaysian prime minister to face criminal charges, following former prime ministers Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Earlier reports suggested prosecutors could seek permission for the charge to be read at IJN following his hospitalisation. However, the court ultimately decided to postpone the proceedings instead.
The prosecution did not object to the defence&rsquo;s application, while the judge accepted that Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s medical condition and scheduled pacemaker procedure made it inappropriate to proceed with the charging and plea recording.
The case will now return to the Sessions Court on 27 August, when the charge is expected to be formally read and Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s plea recorded, provided he is medically fit to attend.
For now, his legal team says his focus remains on his recovery, while maintaining that he is prepared to face the allegations in court and clear his name.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Hospitalised with an irregular heartbeat, Ismail Sabri’s hearing has been postponed to Aug 27.

53135824521ddc8abac8aac146f6b5469fcca4242c42f3ad74d8a4fc728bd125

Former PM Ismail Sabri’s Corruption Charge Postponed After Hospitalisation

Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is set to launch its first standalone hijab collection in Malaysia on 17 August 2026, marking another step in the brand&rsquo;s growing focus on modest fashion and everyday wear.
The collection is developed under UNIQLO&rsquo;s LifeWear philosophy, which focuses on creating functional clothing designed around comfort, practicality and quality. Rather than following seasonal fashion trends, the brand said the new hijab range was created around fabric innovation, with each design offering different features to suit various lifestyles and occasions.
The collection includes three styles &mdash; the AIRism UV Protection Hijab, Georgette Hijab and Satin Hijab &mdash; each designed with different materials and wearing experiences in mind. All three designs will be priced at RM59.90 and will be available at all UNIQLO stores nationwide as well as through the brand&rsquo;s online store.
Three Hijabs Designed For Different Needs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/61f00bf7e6943f271f42af64504871c2839dd17eb1190bf7cf808f097a05363b" />
The AIRism UV Protection Hijab is positioned as an everyday option, featuring UNIQLO&rsquo;s signature AIRism fabric known for its lightweight, breathable and quick-drying properties. The hijab also includes UV protection, making it suitable for Malaysia&rsquo;s warm and humid weather, especially for those who spend long periods outdoors.
Meanwhile, the Georgette Hijab focuses on a softer and more lightweight feel, offering a flowing texture and elegant drape. The Satin Hijab provides a smoother finish with a subtle sheen, designed for those who prefer a more polished appearance for formal occasions or events.
The three styles come in a variety of colours and feature a one-size triangular cut aimed at providing a simple and versatile wearing experience.
The launch also builds on UNIQLO&rsquo;s previous involvement in modest fashion. In 2015, the retailer collaborated with British-Japanese designer Hana Tajima to introduce a modest-wear collection featuring hijabs, long dresses and loose-fitting clothing. The collection was first launched across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand before later expanding into markets including the United Kingdom and United States.
Collection Sparks Debate Over Hijab Coverage
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6cb4a7c0905b3e0ea49eaf131b3aa160011962052f1d56680ab67b3c46510fe8" />
While many welcomed UNIQLO&rsquo;s entry into the hijab market, the collection has also sparked debate online, particularly regarding the level of coverage provided by the designs.
Some social media users questioned whether the product fully aligns with traditional expectations of a hijab in Malaysia, with criticism focusing on the fact that certain campaign images appeared to show parts of the wearer&rsquo;s neck and chest area remaining visible.
Some critics argued that the design was closer to a turban-style head covering rather than what many Malaysians commonly understand as a hijab. Others called on the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to review the branding and use of the term &ldquo;hijab&rdquo;, expressing concerns that consumers could be confused about the meaning and expectations associated with the product.
The discussion also extended to the wider issue of how international fashion brands adapt products for different cultural markets, particularly when terms carry religious and social significance.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some users defended the collection, noting that hijab styles can vary depending on personal preference, cultural background and individual interpretation. Others argued that consumers should have the freedom to choose how they wear the product based on their own understanding of modesty.
Some also pointed out that creative decisions behind major campaigns usually involve multiple stakeholders, including brands, agencies and production teams, rather than being determined by a single individual.
Modest Fashion Continues To Grow Globally
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c84e34790a503167834d28b332b11700c482768106ee5cb04727763f69616b1f" />
The debate surrounding UNIQLO&rsquo;s collection comes as modest fashion continues to expand from a niche market into a major segment of the global fashion industry.
Over the past decade, international brands have increasingly introduced products aimed at customers seeking modest clothing options. Sportswear giant Nike launched its Pro Hijab for Muslim athletes in 2017, while brands such as H&amp;M, Tommy Hilfiger, Mango and Dolce &amp; Gabbana have also explored modest fashion through dedicated collections or campaigns featuring hijab-wearing models.
For UNIQLO, the latest launch reflects the brand&rsquo;s approach of applying its expertise in functional fabrics to meet the needs of a wider customer base. With features such as breathability, comfort and versatility, the collection appears designed to cater to women looking for practical everyday options, particularly in warmer climates.
As the launch approaches, the collection has already generated both excitement and discussion among Malaysian consumers. While supporters see it as a step towards greater representation and accessibility in fashion, critics continue to debate whether the designs reflect local expectations surrounding hijab coverage.
Regardless of differing opinions, UNIQLO&rsquo;s latest move highlights the increasingly complex conversation around modest fashion &mdash; where functionality, cultural identity and personal choice intersect.
The UNIQLO Hijab Collection will officially launch on 17 August 2026, with all three styles available nationwide and online at RM59.90 each.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The collection is here, but UNIQLO’s hijab design has sparked a wider conversation.

dd311c6c2a1b7564f8eebd778f4485eaeafec051e108909d7be183c162bce049

UNIQLO Launches First Standalone Hijab Collection In Malaysia, But Coverage Sparks Debate

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has denied a viral claim that all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 payment under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme in conjunction with this year's National Day.
The ministry confirmed that the poster circulating on social media is fake and stressed that no such payment has been officially announced.
MOF has urged the public not to believe or share the misleading poster, reminding Malaysians to rely only on information published through its official channels.
Viral Poster Claims RM100 Will Be Credited Through MyKad
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The viral poster claimed that every Malaysian aged 18 and above would receive RM100 under SARA between 15 August and 31 August 2026.
It also alleged that the assistance would be credited directly to recipients' MyKad and could be used to purchase essential goods at more than 4,100 participating stores nationwide.
However, MOF dismissed the claims, saying no official announcement has been made regarding any National Day SARA payment.
"The public is advised to always obtain verified information through the Ministry of Finance's official channels before sharing it, to avoid the spread of false information that could mislead the public," the ministry said.
As such, there are currently no confirmed plans for another nationwide RM100 SARA distribution in conjunction with National Day.
What Is SARA And Who Is Eligible?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0fd2847c7fa1841c003c8e55e78d135a1f92d1c0e5cb64e008d88cb585871123" />
Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) is a government assistance programme that helps eligible Malaysians purchase essential goods using their MyKad instead of receiving cash directly.
The programme is intended to ease the cost of living by allowing recipients to buy approved daily necessities, such as groceries and household essentials, at participating retailers. Earlier this year, frozen food was also added to the list of eligible purchases.
Eligibility is determined by the government and generally covers qualifying recipients under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme, as well as other approved low-income groups. Eligible recipients do not need to submit a separate application if they have been approved under the relevant government assistance schemes.
Once the assistance is credited, recipients simply present their MyKad when making purchases at participating stores. The amount spent is automatically deducted from their available SARA balance.
The Last RM100 One-Off SARA Payment Was Distributed Earlier This Year
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/836cd80a4c44a98240d49fb2a3085eb1fdd85c6e9993676aaf874a2cb3c0caf2" />
The government previously introduced a one-off RM100 SARA allocation for Malaysians aged 18 and above, which was credited on 9 February 2026.
The assistance was loaded directly onto recipients' MyKad and can still be used to purchase approved essential items at participating merchants until the end of 2026.
Although a similar initiative was introduced earlier this year, MOF said there has been no announcement that the programme will be repeated for this year's National Day celebrations.
Government Considering Higher STR And SARA Assistance
While there is no new RM100 National Day payment, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently said the government is considering increasing assistance under both the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and SARA programmes if economic conditions allow.
The proposal was discussed with Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican and is expected to be considered as part of the upcoming Budget announcement.
Until any official decision is made, MOF has advised Malaysians to ignore unverified claims and refer only to official government announcements regarding financial assistance programmes.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Don’t trust everything you see on the internet. MOF has debunked the fake RM100 SARA claim with an official post.

63b3c6a2f58c3e1acd74a123430405d102c1f595abb6873dcbc3db329fd4ea39

MOF Denies Viral Claim Of RM100 SARA National Day Aid For All Malaysians

Telegram was briefly removed from Apple&rsquo;s App Store worldwide after Apple found content that violated its strict guidelines against child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The messaging app was later restored after Telegram removed the reported content and banned the account involved.
The incident has reignited discussions over content moderation on large platforms, with Telegram founder Pavel Durov questioning Apple&rsquo;s decision and warning that similar action could potentially affect other user-generated content platforms in the future.
Telegram Disappears From App Store Before Being Restored
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2024bbab0da57776ae0df5455f47de9f5f20d24dae33a02d8bc3892305137850" />
On Monday (3 August), Telegram users around the world noticed that the app had disappeared from Apple&rsquo;s App Store search results, preventing new users from downloading the application on iOS devices.
However, existing users who already had Telegram installed on their iPhones and iPads were still able to use the app normally. The application also remained available on Google&rsquo;s Play Store for Android users and continued to appear on the Mac App Store.
The disruption lasted only a few hours before Telegram confirmed that the app had been restored.
&ldquo;Telegram has been restored on the App Store and should soon be available again for all users,&rdquo; the company said in response to inquiries.
Apple Says Removal Was Due To Illegal Content
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aada2d6a2e688e095da8745cbf9bb5523590c07c32a14e3dfdfa5165e35ccacb" />
Apple later confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after a review discovered content that breached its guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material.
&ldquo;We briefly removed Telegram from the App Store after our review found content that violates our strict guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material,&rdquo; an Apple spokesperson said.
The company added that Telegram was reinstated after the platform removed the content and permanently banned the user responsible for uploading it.
The incident marks the second time Telegram has faced removal from Apple&rsquo;s App Store. In 2018, Apple also temporarily removed Telegram and Telegram X after finding &ldquo;inappropriate content&rdquo; accessible through the apps. The apps were restored on the same day after Telegram introduced additional safeguards.
Pavel Durov Claims Incident Was Linked To Alleged Extortion Attempt
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/63c8c4500d920a7730d975b3a570415b0661aa9caaee6b84939398609c05faac" />
Telegram founder Pavel Durov provided a different explanation for the incident, claiming the violation was caused by a user attempting to manipulate Apple&rsquo;s moderation process.
According to Durov, a member of a group chat allegedly edited an earlier message using artificial intelligence tools in an attempt to make the group appear to be violating Apple&rsquo;s rules.
He claimed the action was linked to an alleged extortion attempt, suggesting that the person behind it wanted to pressure the group&rsquo;s administrators into paying a settlement.
Durov criticised Apple&rsquo;s decision to remove Telegram without prior warning, arguing that platforms with billions of users could be vulnerable to similar situations.
&ldquo;If an app used by more than 1 billion people can be removed from the App Store without any prior warning, any app can face the same fate,&rdquo; he said.
Telegram&rsquo;s official account on X also responded to the incident with a post saying, &ldquo;reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated,&rdquo; alongside an Apple emoji.
Telegram Defends Its Content Moderation Efforts
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8fd9c3dbe3c223cfd209ecaa4d98ea5d102449b45919c1edd63ae0eeb11f009c" />
Telegram said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards child sexual abuse material and claimed it had removed hundreds of thousands of groups and channels containing such content.
The company said it had blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels linked to CSAM this year through its moderation systems and detection tools.
However, the platform has continued to face scrutiny from regulators worldwide over how it handles illegal content.
In April, the UK&rsquo;s communications regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into allegations involving the spread of child sexual abuse material on Telegram. The company denied the accusations, saying it had &ldquo;virtually eliminated&rdquo; public distribution of such material since introducing improved detection methods in 2018.
Telegram was also fined by Australia&rsquo;s online safety regulator after allegedly failing to provide sufficient information about measures taken to combat child abuse material and violent extremist content.
Previous Legal Challenges Facing Telegram
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ab67f1fac39057aaa25a329c31573251207448dd38e8211d0c12f1eb665060c" />
The latest App Store incident comes amid ongoing legal challenges involving Telegram and its founder.
Durov was charged in France in 2024 over allegations related to criminal activity taking place on Telegram, including accusations concerning the spread of illegal content. He has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly defended Telegram&rsquo;s approach to user privacy and platform freedom.
The founder has also faced criticism from Russian authorities, who accused Telegram of being used for extremist activities &mdash; allegations Durov has rejected.
Founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram is now one of the world&rsquo;s largest messaging platforms, with more than one billion monthly active users. The company is headquartered in Dubai after the brothers left Russia following disputes over their previous social media platform, VK.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A temporary App Store ban, a quick fix — Telegram returns after addressing Apple’s concerns.

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