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Respect. someone really dare to check their PM's personal bank account! http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10130211234592774869404581083700187014570 Prime Minister Najib’s bank accounts are scrutinized in probe of investment fund 1MDB. By Tom Wright And Simon Clark July 2, 2015 4:42 p.m. ET KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Malaysian investigators scrutinizing a controversial government investment fund have traced nearly $700 million of deposits into what investigators believe are the personal bank accounts of Malaysia’s prime minister, Najib Razak, according to documents from a government probe. The investigation documents mark the first time Mr. Najib has been directly connected to the probes into state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB. Mr. Najib, who founded 1MDB and heads its board of advisors, has been under growing political pressure over the fund, which amassed $11 billion in debt it is struggling to repay. The government probe documents what investigators believe to be the movement of cash among government agencies, banks and companies linked to 1MDB before it ended up in Mr. Najib’s personal accounts. Documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal include bank transfer forms and flow charts put together by government investigators that reflect their understanding of the path of the cash. The original source of the money is unclear and the government investigation doesn’t detail what happened to the money that went into Mr. Najib’s personal accounts. Advertisement “The prime minister has not taken any funds for personal use,” said a Malaysian government spokesman. “The prime minister’s political opponents, unwilling to accept his record or the facts, continue to try to undermine him with baseless smears and rumours for pure political gain.” Mr. Najib has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to 1MDB and has urged critics to wait for the conclusion of four official investigations that are ongoing into 1MDB’s activities. Investigators have identified five separate deposits into Mr. Najib’s accounts that came from two sources, according to the documents viewed by the Journal. By far the largest transactions were two deposits of $620 million and $61 million in March 2013, during a heated election campaign in Malaysia, the documents show. The cash came from a company registered in the British Virgin Islands via a Swiss bank owned by an Abu Dhabi state fund. The fund, International Petroleum Investment Co., or IPIC, has guaranteed billions of dollars of 1MDB’s bonds and in May injected $1 billion in capital into the fund to help meet looming debt repayments. A spokeswoman for IPIC couldn’t be reached for comment. The British Virgin Islands company, Tanore Finance Corp., couldn’t be reached. ENLARGE Another set of transfers, totaling 42 million ringgit ($11.1 million), originated within the Malaysian government, according to the investigation. Investigators believe the money came from an entity known as SRC International Sdn. Bhd., an energy company that originally was controlled by 1MDB but was transferred to the Finance Ministry in 2012. Mr. Najib is also the finance minister. The money moved through another company owned by SRC International and then to a company that works exclusively for 1MDB, and finally to Mr. Najib’s personal accounts in three separate deposits, the government documents show. Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, a director of SRC International, declined to comment. Mr. Kamil had power of attorney over Mr. Najib’s accounts, according to documents that were part of the government investigation. A 1MDB spokesman said, referring to the transfers into Mr. Najib’s account: “1MDB is not aware of any such transactions, nor has it seen any documents to this effect.” The spokesman cautioned that doctored documents have been used in the past to discredit 1MDB and the government. For months, concerns about 1MDB’s debt and lack of transparency have dominated political discussion in Malaysia, a close ally of the U.S. and a counterweight to China in Southeast Asia. When he founded 1MDB in 2009, Mr. Najib promised it would kick-start new industries and turn Kuala Lumpur into a global financial center. Instead, the fund bought power plants overseas and invested in energy joint ventures that failed to get off the ground. The fund this year has rescheduled debt payments. The Journal last month detailed how 1MDB had been used to indirectly help Mr. Najib’s election campaign in 2013. The fund appeared to overpay for a power plant from a Malaysian company. The company then donated money to a Najib-linked charity that made donations, including to local schools, which Mr. Najib was able to tout as he campaigned. “We only acquire assets when we are convinced that they represent long-term value, and to suggest that any of our acquisitions were driven by political considerations is simply false,” 1MDB said last month. The four probes into 1MDB are being conducted by the nation’s central bank, a parliamentary committee, the auditor general and police. A spokeswoman for Bank Negara Malaysia, the central bank, declined to comment. Malaysia’s police chief and a member of the parliamentary committee also had no comment. The auditor general said this week it had completed an interim report on 1MDB’s accounts and would hand it to the parliament on July 9. The prime minister is facing increasing pressure over 1MDB. The country’s longest-serving prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, who left office in 2003, publicly has urged Mr. Najib to resign. This week, Malaysia’s home minister threatened to withdraw publishing licenses from a local media group, citing what he said were inaccurate reports on 1MDB. The $11.1 million of transfers to Mr. Najib’s bank account occurred at the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, according to the government investigation. Among the companies that investigators say it passed through was Ihsan Perdana Sdn. Bhd., which provides corporate social responsibility programs for 1MDB’s charitable foundation, according to company registration documents. Attempts to reach the managing director of Ihsan Perdana weren’t successful. Documents tied to the transfer said its purpose was for “CSR,” or corporate social responsibility, programs. The Wall Street Journal examination of the use of funds tied to 1MDB for Mr. Najib’s election campaign showed that the money was slated to be used for corporate social responsibility programs as well. The government probe documents detail how investigators believe SRC International transferred 40 million ringgit on Dec. 24 last year to a wholly owned subsidiary. This company on the same day wired the money to Ihsan Perdana, according to the documents. Two days after receiving the money, Ihsan Perdana wired 27 million ringgit and five million ringgit in two separate transfers to two different bank accounts owned by Mr. Najib, the government documents show. In February, 10 million ringgit entered the prime minister’s account, also from SRC International via Ihsan Perdana, the documents show. The remittance documents don’t name Mr. Najib as the beneficiary but detail account numbers at a branch of AmIslamic Bank Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. Two flow charts from the government investigation name the owner of these accounts as “Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Hj Abd Razak,” the prime minister’s official name. A spokesman for AmIslamic Bank declined to comment. In another transaction, Tanore Finance, the British Virgin Islands-based company, transferred $681 million in two tranches to a different account at another Kuala Lumpur branch of AmIslamic Bank. The government probe said the account was owned by Mr. Najib, according to the documents. The transfers came from an account held by Tanore Finance at a Singapore branch of Falcon Private Bank, a Swiss bank which is owned by IPIC, the Abu Dhabi fund, according to the documents. A spokesman for Falcon Private Bank declined to comment. The $681 million was transferred to Mr. Najib’s accounts on March 21 and March 25, 2013, the government documents show. Write to Tom Wright at [email protected] and Simon Clark at [email protected]

Wow... Next level $2.60??

Woodlands Checkpoint vs Tuas Checkpoint

Didn't realize that the causeway has been around for a century. It was officially opened on 28 June 1924. Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/malaysia-singapore-causeway-bridging-borders-100-years EVERY morning, two to three 40-foot trailers from Malaysian dairy producer Farm Fresh depart from farms in Kota Tinggi and Desaru, each delivering 18,000 litres of fresh milk to Singapore. Founder and group managing director Loi Tuan Ee credits the Johor-Singapore Causeway – which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month – for this seamless operation. “The proximity, easy accessibility and lower logistics costs enable us to send fresh milk to our Singaporean customers daily,” he told The Business Times. The Malaysia-listed dairy producer, based in Johor, began exporting to Singapore six years ago. Today, the city state is its largest export market, contributing around 5 per cent of total sales. Farm Fresh's trailers are among 3,000 to 4,000 trucks transporting goods from Malaysia that queue daily at the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, waiting for clearance to enter Singapore. The 1 Km-long motorway crossing, also referred to as the Malaysia-Singapore Causeway, is one of the world's busiest border crossing, averaging 350,000 travellers and 100,000 vehicles daily. During peak periods such as school holidays, it handles more than 400,000 crossings daily. Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) projects that this will rise to 400,000 daily travellers by 2050. Some days, the numbers can be staggering. The recent Hari Raya Haji long weekend broke records with more than 530,000 people crossing on the Causeway and Tuas Second Link on Jun 14, said ICA. The Causeway is more that a bridge for Jeffrey Lai, president of the Johor Bahru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "It's not just for workers travelling from JB (Johor Bahru)to Singapore everyday... it also promotes the flow investment, education and culture between both countries," said Lai, as he recalled pleasant bus journeys during his school days from Singapore to JB on Friday evenings. Lai grew up in Singapore, where his parents moved to when he was just three. After the returned to JB to start a business, Lai remained in Singapore for his secondary school education, making the cross-border commute a nearly weekend to visit them. "I still remember... every Sunday night, my father would drop me at the old customs complex, and I would take the number 170 bus from JB to Singapore," he reminisced. Now residing in JB, he still uses the Causeway to visit relatives, friends and business partners here, and to enjoy his favorite Singapore chicken rice. "The Causeway is an important link connecting both countries," he added, noting that more than 10,000 students cross the Causeway daily for their studies. They are not just Malaysian students from JB studying in Singapore, but also, increasingly, students from Singapore going to international schools in JB. Kelvin Kee, executive director of international business division at Singapore Business Federation (SBF), said bilateral trade between Singapore and Malaysia has grown, not just for merchandise, but also in services and digital trade. "Following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, we have seen the cross-border flow of people using the Causeway return to pre-pandemic levels, and even exceed such levels during peak periods," he told BT. He highlighted that Malaysia's proximity to Singapore offers business owners an attractive option for overseas expansion, with significantly lower costs for labour, overheads, rent and land. Since the GlobalConnect@SBF programme launched in November 2019 to aid Singapore businesses in overseas expansion, the business chamber has facilitated 32 successful projects into Malaysia as at December 2023, across various sectors including manufacturing, retail, education and services. In 2023, Johor garnered a total investment of RM43 billion (S$12.4 billion) from 751 approved projects, with more than 70 percent, or RM31 billion, coming from foreign direct investment (FDI). Over half of the FDI went to service sector, while the manufacturing sector received 30 percent. Lee Ting Han, Johor state investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee chairman, said 70 percent of the FDI in the state's manufacturing sector comes from Singapore. With ongoing projects and robust tourism, the state government is confident total investment in 2024 will surpass last year's. In the first quarter of 2024, 221 projects were approved, focusing on machinery and equipment, food processing, electrical and electronics, and chemical and petrolchemical sectors. Singapore is the second-largest investor in Malaysia and one of the biggest investment sources for Johor, especially the Iskandar region - Malaysia's southern growth corridor. From 2006 to September 2023, cumulative investment from Singapore to the Iskandar region reached RM45.8 billion - about 25 percent of total investment. Wile the Causeway remains the primary connection between the two cities, a significant catalyst for enhanced connectivity will be the JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), set to begin operations by end-2026. In an earlier interview with BT, Malaysia's Mass Rapid Transit Corp CEO Mohd Zarif said the 4 km journey on the light rail shuttle service will take about five minutes. If all goes well, travelling from Bukit Chagar station in JB to Singapore will take only 15 minutes. Chua Hak Bin, regional co-head for macro at Maybank Investment Banking Group, expects the RTS, which is over two-thirds complete, to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and strengthen JB-Singapore ties. The RTS will increase its capacity to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, compared to the current KTM rail service's 640 passengers.

Roughly how much for a decent lifestyle excluding overseas travel? 3,000RM per couple? 5,000RM per couple? For views, thanks.

Hi, For those that drive in regularly to Pelangi area often, what apps are you all using for parking your car by the roadside?

Former Malaysian PM Mahathir to form new Malay-based party amid talk of possible snap polls https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-politics-mahathir-new-malay-party-12999888 Uncle form new party machiam change clothes. This time round might as well just call "Mahathir party" since he's son targeted to take over later.

Not Wearing Your Seatbelt While Sitting In The Backseat May Get You A S$100 Fine In M’sia source: https://mustsharenews.com/malaysia-seatbelt-fine/ Malaysia Government Introduces S$100 Fine For Rear Passengers Who Do Not Wear Seatbelts Everyone knows that it’s important to buckle up when you’re in a car. However, most of us will only do so when we’re sitting at the front seat. If you’re planning a road trip soon to Malaysia, remember to put on your seatbelts even when you’re in the backseat. Failing to do so might get you a S$100 fine. S$100 fine for those who don’t wear seatbelts at the back As the new year begins, Malaysia is making child seats and rear seatbelts mandatory. Needless to say, the same goes for putting on the seatbelts. Those who fail to comply with the law face an S$100 (RM 300) fine. The new law only applies to passengers aged 17 and above. Action will be taken against rear passengers who have access to seatbelts but choose not to buckle up. Law originally introduced in 2009 Putting on seatbelts when sitting in the rear was made mandatory in 2009. However, many took it lightly, which hindered the enforcement of the law. The government then gave a grace period of 3 years, according to Beetify. Wear seatbelts for your own safety Buckling up when you’re sitting at the back might seem like an unnecessary interruption to your comfort. Yet, it’s better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to be injured, especially when you’re on a holiday. Wherever you are, it’s best to buckle up and drive safely.

Now the the causeway and 2nd link is back to its business, lets have a thread to share and recommend food places up north ? I did a search and actually could not find a similar thread. This would be useful to many. To kick this off, this is my first contribution. The curry mee which I find it so hard to find in Singapore. Address: Kang Bee Hong, 4446Jalan Eko Botani 3/679100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

Hi, I was looking at my G-plate commercial vehicle insurance terms and conditions. Realized that "geographical area" includes West Malaysia and 80 km into Thailand ! So I am planning to drive G-plate into Malaysia without getting the relevant permits from Malaysia side. I wish to know: How is the ban on Singapore commercial vehicles enforced? Is it aggressively enforced, or just another close-one-eye type of regulation? Exactly where do they do they conduct checks?

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_760851.html plate of raw fish and julienned vegetables was all it took to reignite a 'food fight' between Singaporeans and Malaysians. Following food ownership debates over bak kut teh and Hainanese chicken rice, the bone of contention this time is the popular Chinese New Year dish yusheng. The hullabaloo first erupted at the northern end of the Causeway earlier this month, when Singaporean celebrity foodie K.F. Seetoh first drew attention to a finance and accounting professor's Facebook page that revolved around local heritage. Writing in his weekly food column in The New Paper on Jan 3, Mr Seetoh noted Professor Tan Wee Cheng's list of six things in Singapore that he would like to see entered on Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The items are the ritual and custom of serving yusheng, Singapore cuisine, Singlish, Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the yumseng ritual in weddings and getai performances. Yusheng is a raw fish salad served in a predetermined sequence, with the server reciting wishes of luck and prosperity evoked by the names of the ingredients used. But Prof Tan's suggestion quickly sparked strong protests from across the Causeway after it was reported in the Malaysian media, which is believed to have picked up Mr Seetoh's column. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yusheng Yusheng, yee sang or yuu sahng (Chinese: 鱼生; pinyin: y

Hi All, Anyone has been to Kluang before ? Pls share your experience about the place of interest...foods...etc Thank you

Shag sia. But I wanna know if it is an EV. 🤣

JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has announced that the Government has decided to implement the Vehicle Entry Permit fee for all foreign vehicles entering Johor. Najib said that the decision was made following a request made by the state. "I have discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and have also informed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Wahid Omar of our decision. "I have instructed him to inform the Road Transport Department (JPJ) so they can work out the details before the VEP is implemented," he said during a buka puasa event organised by the state Wednesday. "We will make an announcement later on the date of implementation and the rates for the VEP," he said. Najib also assured that a portion of the collection would be channelled to the state Government.

We already have a reckless thread, but this one is for M'sia and some info I gleaned from ST, as well as the info advice: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/askst-what-to-do-if-you-get-into-motor-related-incidents-in-malaysia "SINGAPORE - Since the land borders reopened on April 1, motorists have resumed driving to Malaysia. On July 16, a Singapore-registered Honda Civic Type R was reportedly stolen from the parking compound of SkyAvenue shopping mall in Genting Highlands in the state of Pahang. It was said to be found three days later in a condominium carpark in another state - Selangor - with parts missing and carrying a different registration plate. The Straits Times answers some questions on what to do if one encounters such troubles in Malaysia. Q: Do I need additional insurance to use my vehicle outside Singapore? A: Unless specifically stated otherwise, the typical private motor insurance policy will include coverage in Peninsular Malaysia and up to 80km of the border between Malaysia and Thailand. It is a legal requirement to have valid insurance against third-party risks to use a car or motorcycle on Malaysian roads. This is the minimum level of coverage, which will address any damage or injury to other parties but not for you or your vehicle. Q: My car has gone missing in Malaysia - what do I do? A: Make a police report and take that document back to Singapore to file a claim with your insurer. Note that compensation will be applicable only for comprehensive and third party with fire and theft coverage policies. Q: Now that my car is gone, when will I be compensated? A: Mr Oliver Ong from Accord Insurance Agency said in the case of a car stolen in Malaysia, the insurer will wait for the police to conclude their investigation before compensation can be disbursed. Q: I just had a motor accident involving my Singapore-registered vehicle in Malaysia. Do I need to make a police report? A: Yes. It is a legal requirement under the country's Road Transport Act 1987 to report the accident at the nearest police station within 24 hours. Bring along your driving licence and certificate of insurance. Your insurer in Singapore will also require a copy of the police report when you file your claim. According to General Insurance Association of Singapore's (GIA) motor claims framework, the driver has to report the accident to the insurer within the next working day. However, you will not be penalised for being late if it is not possible to take the car back to Singapore any earlier. The vehicle has to be taken to an approved reporting centre or authorised workshop for assessment. In addition to the details of the other parties involved, include any photographs of the damage, the surrounding road conditions and in-car video footage to help the insurer determine the liability to be assumed by each party. In the case when both vehicles are Singapore-registered, the respective insurance companies will proceed to ascertain how much liability is attributed to the parties. Q: My Singapore-registered car was hit by a Malaysian car in Malaysia. How do I get it fixed? A: Lawyer Sarjeet Singh, head of the insurance department at Kelvin Chia Partnership, recommends making an "own damage" claim on your own policy. For insurance claim repairs in Singapore, motor workshops would not start work before insurers agree on cost estimates and give the go-ahead. If you wish to make a third-party motor claim against an insurer in Malaysia, GIA advises that you take up your case with the company in Malaysia. It stated that "as an industry practice, an insurer will not act on your behalf to file a third-party claim". To make the claim, you will need to include, among other documents, a copy of your vehicle registration card, insurance cover note, identity card, police report, result of the police investigation and proof of losses incurred. If the claim is unsuccessful after all means have been exhausted, GIA advises to approach its Malaysian counterpart, Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (at this website and e-mail: [email protected]), with the evidence. 'I thought we were all finished': Family smashes windows to escape after car overturns in Johor Lorry driver arrested after ramming into 11 vehicles on Causeway Q: Will I receive compensation for the damage caused by an accident with a Malaysia-registered car in Malaysia? A: Industry experts told The Straits Times that this is a very difficult task as there are no official links between the insurance companies on either side of the border. One insurance broker explained that the motor insurer's priority would be to settle the compensation quickly rather than having the case stretch out for many months to pursue a third-party claim with a Malaysian insurer. Mr Douglas Chia from g&m Singapore said resolution hinges on whether the Malaysian insurer responds in the first place; assuming that you are able to identify the insurer for the other party. He put the success rate for making claims against a non-Singapore registered car in Malaysia to be around one in 10. Mr Ho Kai Weng, chief executive of GIA, advises motorists that the fastest and easiest option would be for each party to make a claim against his own insurer. How much can I claim? Traffic accident claims simulator launched to help motorists settle out of court 'There is a loophole in the system': Car accident victim finds himself unable to claim insurance Q: Would claiming against my own policy mean losing my no claims discount (NCD)? A: Claiming against your own insurance policy would usually include paying the insurance excess, which is the maximum amount that you will be liable to pay. Any amount above will be borne by the insurer. The amount varies according to individual policies. The NCD is a discount given by insurers to lower the premium payable for the policy in the following year. It is given as a benefit for motorists who do not make any claims on their policy. Mr Ho from GIA said "if a motorist's insurer deems that its own driver is completely not at fault for an accident, their NCD will not be affected even if an 'own damage' claim is made". Q: Any tips to stay out of trouble when driving in Malaysia? A: It is important to have the essential documents with you when you are driving in Malaysia. This will include a copy of the insurance certificate and the vehicle registration card. Save the contact details to reach your insurer in your mobile phone for easy access. When it comes to parking, a well-lit and more visible space with security guards is always preferred. Valuables in the vehicle should be kept out of sight. Fitting an in-vehicle camera that operates even during parking is also recommended. It can be seen as a deterrent to thieves as well as a useful tool to provide evidence in the unfortunate event of a traffic accident. Q: What if you were at fault for the accident in Malaysia? Can the other motorist file a claim against your insurer in Singapore? A: Yes. Mr Ong from Accord Insurance said third-party claims for accidents in Malaysia have been successfully lodged in Singapore. It is critical that you report the accident to your insurer. GIA warns that your insurer may refuse to accept responsibility if you fail to do so. This means that you will be left to bear the claim from the other motorist." ________________________________________________________________________________________________ My usual advice: When traveling abroad 1- get enough rest before starting out on a long journey - if you just got off a long plane ride, think hard before you embark on a long drive 2- get a car that you can handle - don't bite more than you can chew - if you have never driven a 4000cc car, don't start now.. 3- understand the local rules and SOP 4- take a day or two to get use to the roads especially if it's a left hand drive 5- have more than one designated driver 6- take regular breaks 7- don't try and cover too much ground, such that you drive too much and get tired and also don't get to see much 8- check the car (tires, brakes, liquids etc) 9- get travel insurance, even if you have cover from your credit card 10- tell someone where you are going and where you come from - eg your hotel for the next night 11- drive at safe speeds 12- look out for cross winds 13- remember to buckle up - front and rear passengers alike 14- enjoy the journey and the ride with friends - nothing like the open road, here, M'sia or a longer trip... it doesn't matter so long as you are with good company! In Singapore, most of the tips still apply: - drive only when you can - drive at a speed you can handle - if you drink, don't drive - don't try and multi-task - don't use the HP, actually even with a hands free, it's not such a good idea (I try and put my phone out of reach or silence it, so I don't try to reach for it) - check the car and send it for regular servicing (oils, liquids, tires etc) - preventive maintenance is vital, don't wait til it's broken then change it - don't assume the other guy is a pro and is aware of you, drive like the other person is a lousy driver, so keep the appropriate distance away - BUCKLE UP, it's the law, and it's for your safety - stay visible and signal your intentions early - if you think you can't make it, don't accelerate and try to beat the light or the other car - if you err, stick out your hand and wave a 'sorry' - you will be surprised how that calms the other guy - if someone let's you go, and gives way, wave too - pay it forward If there's really going to be an accident: - brace brace brace - take pics - it's an SOP to have a DVR these days - FRONT AND BACK - carry a first aid kit - a bit late, but always make sure your insurance is up to date - stop the vehicle somewhere safe before you get out to talk to the other party - don't fight, don't get violent, take pics and walk away if the other party is aggressive If you see an accident, DON'T KPO, keep moving. Report it when you are safe, or on a hands free. Don't add to the accident. Rubbernecking is a bad idea. Watch out for oil slicks Be safe, not sorry Oh and if you do get stuck in a jam, just enjoy the time alone, reflect, since the car is going nowhere, don't horn or get angry. Spend a few moments of quiet time.. Finally if you have kids in the car, watch what you say or do.. Your young son / daughter is learning from daddy - if you curse and swear at everything and everyone around you, don't blame them for doing the same too later in life.. Sometimes, it's more important to do the right thing, than to lecture them, they learn more from our actions. That's it for now Finally if you do get into an accident, remember to keep cool, even if the other chap was an idiot.

Hi Just to check for those who frequent malaysia, other than data passport, is there any cheap alternative in getting data plan? Most of the ICC only provide data for short term? Any advice on getting 6 months and above data sim? thanks

Bros I figured that I want to do a little road trip with friends before I have to give up my car.. See some of the nice places around M'sia, and not just the typical stuff. The plan is to go in October just before the school holidays, or end of Sept.. so I can also see the East coast before the annual monsoon. Some ideas: Perak rice fields Makan in Ipoh Tasik Kenyir in Trengganu Food in Penang I won't mind stopping in Malacca along the way, but I have been there a lot of times If anyone has a similar plan or done this before, please share, thanks! Also please share if you have tips on food spots, places to stay (under $100Sin), and sights to see. Cheers

Wah no fried chicken (KFC) in MY for a while sia, so will KFC SG grab to MY? All other chicken outlets, faster stock up, give promotions and take their customers. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/kfc-malaysia-temporarily-shutters-outlets-citing-challenging-economy-4302171

Hi all, my friends and i are planning a trip up north... thinking of renting a mini-bus... around 15 of us. Anyone can recommend lobang for this?

Source: https://www.todayonline.com/world/10-killed-after-2-malaysian-military-helicopters-collide-mid-air-2409031 KUALA LUMPUR — Two Malaysian military helicopters collided and crashed during a training session on Tuesday (April 23), killing all 10 crew onboard, the country's rescue agency said. Footage shared online showed several helicopters flying low in formation over the Lumut naval base, located about 160km from the capital Kuala Lumpur. The helicopters were participating in a flypast rehearsal ahead of Naval Day celebrations in May. One chopper was seen clipping the rear rotor of another, causing both to go into a tailspin and crash. "The two helicopters collided during flight training," said Mr Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail, senior operations commander from the fire and rescue department, adding that all 10 crew members on board were confirmed dead by medical officers. The two aircraft involved were a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139, the rescue agency said. Photos showed the Eurocopter model heavily mangled in the wreckage on the naval base stadium track with rescue personnel surrounding it as well as various debris. The AgustaWestland helicopter crashed at the naval base's swimming pool area. 'NATIONAL HEROES' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent his condolences to the families of the victims, saying "the nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy". "I was informed that an immediate investigation will be carried out by the Ministry of Defence, especially TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to find the cause of the crash," he said. Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also shared condolences. "Queen Zarith and I feel very sad over the loss of national heroes in this tragedy," he said in a social media post. Helicopter crashes are not uncommon in the Southeast Asian nation. Last month, all four people onboard a Malaysian coast guard helicopter were rescued after it crashed in the Strait of Malacca. The helicopter was on a training flight when it plunged into the waterway, a narrow shipping lane which runs between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Two people were killed in 2020 when a pair of helicopters from the same Malaysian pilot school collided during a training flight, according to authorities. In 2016, a deputy minister was among those who died after a Eurocopter AS350 crashed in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. AFP

Msia boleh. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/foreigners-entering-malaysia-from-dec-1-must-submit-digital-arrival-card

Is it easy to use? Can use throughout Malaysia? Consume alot of data?

source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/09/28/bring-back-hsr-to-excite-the-world-again-says-najib/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_AzHpCmrHbXPR9DK06.27Ybl5ZuKUYjXah80i34EzfG0-1632906920-0-gqNtZGzNAnujcnBszQal KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Najib Razak says Malaysia needs to regain the global economy’s interest and attention, and suggested that Putrajaya revive the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project. Najib (BN-Pekan) said the project would give a new lease of life to the peninsular’s southern economic corridor, such as Iskandar Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Muar, Melaka and Seremban. “Aside from efforts to rebuild international relations with major economies that were affected after the 14th general election, Malaysia needs to excite the world again. “Projects like HSR, which would connect two of Asean’s biggest economies, need to be revived according to the original concept and design,” he told the Dewan Rakyat while debating the 12th Malaysia Plan today. Najib said the project would also create 70,000 job opportunities directly and indirectly, while potentially generating US$1.6 billion in revenue, according to the Institute of Developing Economies in Japan. However, this would hinge on the rail project directly connecting to Singapore, instead of just running from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru. The latter, he said, would make the project not viable while costing the nation billions in subsidies. “Reviving the HSR project according to its original plan can also revive the Bandar Malaysia project, worth RM140 billion in terms of gross development value.” He suggested that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) be assigned such development projects, citing their success with the Battersea project in the UK. “This (Bandar Malaysia) project can also be worked on with Singaporean investors since the HSR would connect with the country, if EPF and PNB are of the view that it would bring an advantage. “If this happens, I propose that the project be rebranded to Bandar Asean, placing Malaysia as the centre for Asean in efforts to attract the international community’s attention,” he said. The HSR project was officially cancelled this year, with Malaysia set to compensate Singapore for costs incurred as part of its obligations under the bilateral agreement. Previously, a source in Putrajaya had told FMT that Malaysia would have to pay compensation of around RM320 million.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...&sec=nation "A Ledang flood operations centre spokesman said four roads

Looking at the list of initiatives, do we have more to win or lose? Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-malaysia-special-economic-zone-mou-johor-passport-free-travel-4039876 Singapore and Malaysia on Thursday (Jan 11) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Under the MOU, both sides will work towards boosting the cross-border flow of goods and people and developing a framework that will lead to a full-fledged agreement on the zone Singapore and Malaysia are also exploring other initiatives leading up to the SEZ, including a passport-free clearance system on both sides of the border Further updates on the SEZ are expected at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat later this year JOHOR BAHRU: People travelling between Singapore and Johor may soon be able to enjoy passport-free clearance on both sides of the border, as well as digitised processes for cargo clearance at the land checkpoints. These are among the "early initiatives" being explored leading up to a new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which aims to boost cross-border economic connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia. Under the MOU, both countries will explore several initiatives that will "build towards" the SEZ, including more expeditious clearance of people at land checkpoints, and the facilitation of renewable energy cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, said Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy. According to the joint statement, the two countries will "explore work on several initiatives that will build towards" the SEZ, which are: A one-stop business or investment service centre in Johor Implementing a passport-free QR code clearance system on both sides Digitised processes for cargo clearance at the land checkpoints Co-organising an investors forum to gather feedback from businesses on the Johor-Singapore SEZ Facilitating Malaysia-Singapore renewable energy cooperation in the zone Curating training to address talent and skill gaps for industries in the SEZ Developing joint promotion events between Johor and Singapore to promote trade and investment in the SEZ The MOU also establishes a Johor-Singapore SEZ Committee co-led by MTI and Malaysia’s Economy Ministry. This committee will report to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) co-chaired by Singapore Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and Mr Rafizi, the Malaysian economy minister.