oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, commerce, retail, retailers, small and medium enterprises
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Unified commerce platform EasyStore has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alliance Bank, Ninja Van, and SUNMI to support more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. This partnership aims to enhance the customer journey across brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce sites, fostering advancement and expansion for Malaysian firms.
Expanding upon this collaboration, EasyStore is strengthening its dedication to the advancement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via the ‘Supporting Businesses Through Mutual Aid’ program. This Memorandum of Understanding aims to establish a cohesive environment designed to provide local SMEs with all-encompassing solutions such as digital resources, logistics assistance, and innovative payment methods, catering to the changing demands of contemporary technology-aware consumers.
The updated ecosystem will provide companies an extensive suite of services to streamline their processes. This includes offerings from EasyStore along with Sunmi Technology’s intelligent Internet-of-Things gadgets, facilitating quicker and more secure payments within stores. In collaboration with Ninja Van, EasyStore aims to improve supply chain management through real-time monitoring and expedited shipping choices. Additionally, partnering with Alliance Bank, EasyStore intends to deliver smooth financial assistance aimed at fostering business expansion, offering digital funding opportunities, and providing adaptable options tailored specifically for local enterprises.
Partnership to enhance customer experience spanning both brick-and-mortar stores and digital platforms.
These strategic partnerships and customer-focused tools will enable numerous Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tap into advanced trade solutions, thereby helping them tackle daily business hurdles and provide outstanding service to their customers.
It is anticipated that SMEs will experience an increase in revenue, shorter delivery periods, and a reduction of more than 25% in operating expenses, thereby enhancing total efficiency and fostering expansion.
Yien Yee Soh, who holds the position of Chief Relationship Officer at EasyStore, mentioned that this initiative allows enterprises to seamlessly handle client engagements spanning both digital and physical platforms.
“We’re developing a revolutionary environment specifically tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It’s not merely about providing tools; in Malaysia, these businesses encounter numerous hurdles as they navigate through the growing digitized world. With the boundaries between traditional retail and e-commerce becoming less distinct, countless companies struggle to keep up due to insufficient resources to merge both domains. This collaboration aims to bridge that gap,” she explained.
Yien Yee elaborated that as the local SME sector expands, companies must adjust to integrating digital and physical platforms. Implementing unified commerce will assist these enterprises in maintaining their edge, guaranteeing competitiveness.
Furthermore, EasyStore has introduced the
EasyStore Brand App
Designed to assist businesses in maintaining connections with their clientele. Given that more than 70% of consumers prefer buying from applications already present on their devices, this app helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) become part of their customers’ everyday habits.
Companies have the ability to completely customize the application using their own logos and brand names, providing clients with a user-friendly and engaging shopping environment that boosts customer retention as well as fosters lasting brand allegiance.
Raymond Chui, who holds the position of Group Chief Business & Transaction Banking Officer at Alliance Bank, highlighted the bank’s dedication to helping local enterprises access suitable financial resources to reach their maximum capability.
“Our acclaimed offerings are crafted to assist companies prosper in the rapidly changing digital marketplace. Partnering with EasyStore signifies our continued commitment to delivering efficient, cutting-edge financial assistance to small and medium enterprises—enabling them to concentrate on what truly counts: expanding their ventures,” he declared.
The updated ecosystem will enhance the efficiency of SMEs and strive to reduce costs by 25%.
Victor Tan, who serves as SUNMI’s country manager for Malaysia, highlighted that smart IoT solutions are transforming retail transactions. He noted that secure, smooth, and efficient payment processing will improve the overall customer experience and simplify business processes.
In the meantime, Fariz Maswan, who holds the position of Chief Sales Officer at Ninja Van Malaysia, highlighted the crucial part played by logistics in molding customer experiences. He emphasized that their partnership guarantees dependable deliveries coupled with real-time tracking, which boosts overall customer contentment and dedication.
Register today and join the digital ecosystem.
www.easystore.co/lp/let-business-help-business.
Don’t let this chance to revolutionize your business pass you by.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | europe, infectious diseases, medicine and healthcare, news, public health
The measles outbreak in Romania persisted for almost three years until Dr. Claudia Cojocaru contracted the virus from a patient she treated in the infectious disease ward of a Bucharest hospital back in 2019.
The illness—one of the most highly infectious globally—struck her severely, even resulting in her admission to the very hospital where she was employed.
It was not until after Cojocaru made a recovery and gave birth to her second daughter nearly a year later that she came to understand how her illness would alter the course of her career. She transformed into an outspoken advocate for vaccinations in a nation plagued by widespread health misinformation, antiscience political tendencies, and a beleaguered healthcare sector.
“I got to know measles very intimately,” Cojocaru, a neonatologist who is also training in family medicine, told SANGGRALOKAHealth. “[Now] I’m the one [parents] call when they have mixed messages”.
Romania reports the lowest measles vaccination rate within the European Union, where only 62 percent of individuals were fully vaccinated as of 2023.
That’s well beneath the 95 percent threshold required to stop measles outbreaks among infants and individuals with compromised immune systems who can’t receive vaccinations.
The outcomes include further lethal outbreaks. Romania’s previous measles epidemic concluded in 2020, however, the government announced yet another one.
December 2023
.
Approximately 31,000 individuals were affected, resulting in 22 fatalities last year, with 44 percent of those cases being unvaccinated children under five years old. No particular cure exists for this condition.
However, even though Romania’s outbreak is the biggest one in Europe, it isn’t the sole nation dealing with measles.
In the last year, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and France have individually documented numerous cases, with infections continuing to rise.
expected to rise
in the coming months.
This suggests that Romania’s recent measles outbreak might serve as an early warning of similar epidemics that could occur in other parts of Europe.
“The challenge spans across the entire region,” Dr Dragan Jankovic, who heads up efforts towards measles elimination at the WHO’s European office, told SANGGRALOKAHealth.
2024 turned out to be the absolute worst year for measles in Europe.
since the 1990s
, he added. “This is precisely why nations must step up once more and begin vaccinating individuals who have yet to receive their shots.”
Why vaccination rates plummeted
By 2013, Romania’s measles vaccination rates were comparable to or exceeded those of numerous other European Union nations.
However, vaccinations declined during the 2010s because of an “uptick” in vaccine reluctance, postponements in immunisation schedules, kids dropping out of follow-up visits as their families relocated, insufficient vaccine supplies, and a significant exodus of medical professionals from the nation.
according to a study
headed by the country’s main public health institution.
“It’s akin to a perfectly mixed cocktail being prepared before an outbreak,” said Dr. Stefan Dascalu, an immunologist at Oxford University from Romania, who wasn’t part of the study, to SANGGRALOKA Health.
If you neglect one of these issues, it will spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided ample opportunity for such sentiments to flourish. Similar to what occurred in numerous other nations, false information about vaccines along with conspiracy theories resulted in widespread doubt towards public health measures, sparking an upsurge in anti-scientific discourse that aided in
raise three conservative political parties
to the Romanian parliament, where they currently have control over approximately
third of seats
.
“God has not been vaccinated,” Diana Sosoacă, the leader of the SOS Romania party, stated during a speech last year.
barred from running
In the latest presidential election, following a court ruling that found some of her remarks “at odds with democratic principles.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, public trust in standard childhood vaccinations has
plummeted
in Romania.
For Cojocaru and other vaccination supporters in Romania, combating online conspiracy theories and anti-scientific political stances is just part of the challenge. They must also confront healthcare professionals who oppose vaccines—sometimes even facing resistance from within the medical community itself.
Romania’s healthcare system lacks adequate resources; the nation allocates insufficient funds for its medical needs.
5.8 per cent
In terms of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it allocates approximately half of what the European Union spends on healthcare. The country continues to face challenges stemming from past corruption during the Communist period.
“You’ll still encounter this widespread belief that if I visit a doctor, I must offer a little bribe… as otherwise, they might not attend to my needs,” Dascalu explained.
Many people think doctors are “corrupt or earning substantial profits or influenced by pharmaceutical companies,” which is quite a complicated issue to tackle, he mentioned.
Moreover, the measles vaccine is provided at no cost and advised for young children, though it isn’t compulsory. Additionally, although medical students study the historical background of vaccines, they do not
always trained
On how to provide them to patients.
In the meantime, certain healthcare providers offer patients inaccurate details regarding vaccinations and their possible adverse reactions. Additionally, these professionals frequently fail to inform individuals about which vaccine corresponds to which illness or when they ought to come back for subsequent visits, as reported.
a 2019 study
those following vaccination discussions at clinics throughout Romania.
Officials from Romania’s National Institute of Public Health did not reply to SANGGRALOKAHealth’s queries for information.
When patients express worries or even conspiracy theories regarding vaccines, Cojocaru mentioned that she aims to remain composed and unbiased, clarifying that vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are among the most thoroughly researched and safest medications available.
Cojocaru also informs her patients that she has vaccinated her two children, aged 5 and 7, who are both healthy.
I avoid pushing or teasing them,” she stated. “I inform them that there’s no rush for making decisions; my channel remains open. Should they have questions or worries, they can reach out to me anytime.
Implications for Europe
Regardless of how many households Cojocaru convinces to get vaccinated, it won’t suffice if there remain clusters of unimmunized individuals since the illness spreads so easily.
In Romania’s previous measles outbreak, individuals lacking health insurance, people experiencing poverty, single-parent households, and the Roma ethnic group were notably more susceptible, as indicated by the national public health institute’s research.
However, “no individual nation can be immune to the introduction of the virus,” Jankovic stated. “Once this virus enters a country and comes into contact with susceptible individuals, it will lead to cases, and regrettably possibly even outbreaks.”
Only four European Union nations — Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia — boast measles immunization rates at 95 percent or above.
In numerous nations, the number of susceptible individuals seems to be increasing. Since the pandemic began, routine childhood vaccination rates have declined globally, leading international health organizations to initiate a promotional drive known as the
“big catch-up”
in 2023.
Jankovic stated that typically, nations that performed well throughout the pandemic—such as those boasting robust healthcare systems, effective public health communication, and consistent approaches to managing the crisis—seem to be progressing smoothly with regular childhood vaccinations.
However, some nations with inadequately coordinated efforts, contradictory advice, and overburdened medical facilities now appear to be in a worse situation, he mentioned.
“If you experience confusion… this will inherently impact not just that particular vaccine, but also other vaccines already within the system,” Jankovic stated.
Experts warned that without a sustained effort to enhance trust in public health initiatives and increase vaccination rates for measles and other illnesses, similar issues facing Romania might emerge across other parts of Europe.
“We are now facing the danger of losing all these investments,” Jankovic stated. “Should those skeptical attitudes towards vaccinations turn into a worldwide trend, we will be in serious trouble.”
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | happiness, politics, society, welfare, world
Finland has been crowned the globe’s happiest nation for eight years running, as stated in the World Happiness Report 2025.
Specialists point out that easy access to natural areas and an effective social support network contribute to this.
This is followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
These nations consistently achieve top scores in indicators such as social support, trust, and general well-being.
The World Happiness Report polled over 100,000 individuals across 140 nations and regions.
“Contentment in Finland isn’t defined by unceasing happiness but rather by a feeling of safety, trust, and equilibrium in everyday living. This satisfaction stems from the assurance that help is available whenever required, be it via robust social welfare systems, superior educational opportunities, or proximity to natural environments,” stated Miika Mäkitalo, CEO of
HappyOrNot
, a Finnish firm that assists companies gauge customer contentment.
Mäkitalo added: “In our community, we uphold principles of equity and environmental stewardship, fostering a setting where individuals receive support and can flourish. By implementing policies like extensive paternity leave and accessible early childhood care, we guarantee that households enjoy economic stability along with ample opportunities to bond with offspring, underscoring a broader dedication to health and harmony between professional duties and personal life.”
Eating together and having someone to count on
Communities where individuals often have meal-sharing experiences tend to exhibit greater levels of happiness and stronger social support systems.
The sole EU nation appearing in the upper echelon is Poland, where individuals partake in over 10 communal meals each week on average.
In contrast, Estonia sits at the bottom of the list, with residents reporting just 2.7 shared meals per week.
Individuals residing solo tend to be unhappier.
In Europe, households comprising four to five individuals show the greatest degrees of happiness.
Nevertheless, loneliness amongst younger individuals is increasing, with 19% stating they have nobody to depend on — this marks a 39% rise from what was seen in 2006.
A lot of young people often undervalue their friends’ ability to understand and share feelings, causing them to shy away from forming connections and losing chances for significant bonds.
Deeds of compassion saw an upsurge during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be 10% higher than before the outbreak.
It seems that donating and volunteering are more prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe, whereas sharing tangible assets is more frequent in Western Europe.
The current year’s report encourages us to focus on factors beyond conventional measures such as health and wealth. Surprisingly, activities like sharing meals and having trust in others emerge as more significant indicators of happiness than anticipated,” stated Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, who directs Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre and co-edits the World Happiness Report. “Amidst today’s climate of social distancing and political division, it becomes essential to discover methods to gather individuals at one table once again—this action is vital for both personal and communal well-being.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, consumer electronics, gadgets, smartwatches, technology
If you’ve been following the wearable technology sector for the past few weeks, you may have come across news about the comeback of the
Pebble
, or currently referred to as
Core smartwatches
.
In brief, Eric Migicovsky, who founded the Pebble smartwatch brand, introduced two new smartwatches.
Core 2 Duo
and
Core Time 2
— successfully reviving the formerly defunct e-paper-driven Pebble smartwatches.
But since
Google
Since he still owned the rights to the Pebble name, Migicovsky chose “Core” instead. At the behest of the Pebble founder, Google graciously released PebbleOS as open-source software. This move was primarily responsible for making these watches possible.
Although I am excited along with other Pebble enthusiasts about the comeback of the “Pebble” watches, we should take into account an important factor prior to spending between RM700 and RM1,100 on them—the warranty coverage offered with these timepieces.
Basic smartwatches offered with just a 30-day warranty period?
In the frequently asked questions section on the rePebble website, Core Devices, the firm responsible for the two new smartwatches, will offer a warranty solely for issues related to manufacturing defects.
30 days
once customers get their order.
Certainly, this offers a 30-day warranty. It isn’t for one year or even six months; rather, it lasts for just 30 days. However, considering Migicovsky’s position fairly, his group at Core Devices comprises merely four members. As previously noted, the duration of the warranty can be easily found on the rePebble website.
The FAQs also mentioned that should your watch turn out to be faulty, you can return it to Core Devices via shipping. Upon receiving the watch, the company will send you a new one free of charge. Additionally, no more specifics about the warranty were provided; however, the firm pledges to release a comprehensive legal warranty document sometime in the future.
In response to queries regarding the limited 30-day warranty, Migicovsky addressed the concerns via a detailed post on the r/Pebble subreddit. He clarified that as a smaller entity named Core Devices, they aim to manage customer expectations carefully without overpromising. The CEO further stated that although he anticipates minimal troubles, both he and his team are committed to taking all possible measures to prevent any issues from arising.
To venture or not to venture? That is your decision.
Furthermore, Migicovsky has openly mentioned that the Core smartwatches aren’t meant for everybody. In a blog post, he outlined groups of potential buyers who may find these devices less than ideal.
In addition to these, many individuals seek out a flawlessly refined smartwatch. The founder highlighted that the Core smartwatch initiative stems more from personal passion than an enterprise aiming to offload countless devices.
Purchasers should be aware that the items might have coarse edges, can potentially break easily, may experience delays, won’t endure as long as desired, and certain features might not be functional upon release.
In the end, the choice is yours whether you want to take such risks or not. Personally, I was one of those excited for the comeback of the “Pebble” smartwatch, as I had regretted missing its peak period ten years earlier. However, upon reconsidering my decision to buy, I ended up cancelling my preorder. Despite worrying that items like this could disappear forever without making another appearance.
At times, being pragmatic makes more sense than getting carried away by emotions.
Ultimately, shelling out more than RM1,100 for a smartwatch (including Core Time 2 and the delivery cost) definitely isn’t pocket money. Should anything go wrong with the timepiece beyond the 30-day guarantee window, I would likely end up with a defective watch and hardly any chance of getting it repaired.
However, if you’re more inclined towards being a hands-on DIY type of individual and are ready to find and install components like the actual buttons yourself, you may have stronger motivations than I do for making this purchase.
Nevertheless, this does not imply that my enthusiasm for straightforward, functional, and eccentric wearables such as these has diminished. Actually, I extend my best wishes to Migicovsky and hope his initial two offerings achieve success, providing him with sufficient resources and inspiration to create even more.
And should that occur, either now or sometime later, I would gleefully use my well-deserved money to buy the more advanced next-generation Core smartwatches. These watches will hopefully include a warranty lasting longer than just 30 days.
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | disaster management, emergencies, emergency management, government, news
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all pertinent departments to spare no effort in aiding those affected by recent floods as the Eid al-Fitr celebrations draw near.
At today’s media briefing held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah stated that Anwar has requested all stakeholders to promptly allocate resources towards post-flood restoration activities to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected by the floods.
This involves helping with the cleanup of houses, particularly as Hari Raya approaches.
He stated, “Since conditions in Johor and Sabah are progressively getting better, everyone—including NGOs and the private sector—should come together to assist flood-affected individuals in their recovery process. This disaster has led to considerable destruction of properties, financial losses, and interruptions in Eid al-Fitr celebrations.”
It was reported yesterday that the flooding conditions in Johor and Sarawak have continued to show improvement; however, the number of displaced individuals in Sabah has seen a slight increase.
Earlier this week, Anwar encouraged all state administrations to focus first on addressing civic problems like poverty, flooding, and public housing, while also advocating for progress in infrastructure development.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | crime, criminal cases, criminal justice, criminology, murder cases
More than 60 years after a female corpse was discovered on a cliff in Northern California, DNA tests have finally unraveled the mystery surrounding her identity.
On December 18, 1966, Dorothy Jean Williams’s remains were found on a cliff in Tiburon, close to San Francisco, by an individual hunting who then alerted the officials.
They couldn’t pinpoint Williams’ identity, despite estimating her age to be somewhere between 45 and 60 when she died, as stated by Othram—the forensic genetic genealogy firm claiming their techniques cracked this long-standing mystery.
The California Department of Justice validated the conclusions, informing Euronews: “Following comprehensive analysis, there was a significant connection between Dorothy Jean Williams’ (Vaillancourt) genetic material and that of a family member of Dorothy.”
Described as sporting a red dress and an off-white trench coat with red hair, Williams stood approximately 157 cm tall and had a weight of around 47 kg at the time her remains were found.
Even though they couldn’t verify her identity back then, officials discovered that a woman fitting Williams’s profile had been spotted at a fire station roughly three months prior to when her remains were located, as stated in an earlier report from a local newspaper.
It is said that she informed the employees she had no funds for transportation and was stuck, asking if she could stay overnight at the station. Upon their refusal, she departed.
The postmortem examination estimated her demise occurred roughly three months before the recovery of her remains, described as “significantly decomposed” when found, as mentioned in the archived news excerpt provided by Othram.
Unknown for many years simply as the “Marin County Jane Doe,” she has now been identified through genetic evidence. It turns out that her maiden name was Williams, and when married, she went by Dorothy Jean Vaillancourt. She originated from Tasmania, which is part of Australia.
“From her family’s point of view, this woman simply vanished, and they might have believed they would never discover what happened to her,” stated Kristen Mittelman, who serves as the chief development officer at Othram. “However, after nearly six decades, they finally learned the truth.”
The age of a case or its previous hopelessness does not matter; we have advanced technologies available now that can provide solutions for many families, just as seen in this instance.
Multiple failed efforts were made to pinpoint Williams’ identity, and her case was logged into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) under the designation UP12018, as reported by the genetic testing firm.
The investigation concluded after the Marin County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the California Department of Justice to submit evidence to Othram’s laboratory. The lab then generated a DNA profile linking Williams to her family members.
Euronews contacted the Marin County Sheriff’s Office seeking their input.
Over the past few years, investigative genetic genealogy has emerged as a crucial method for cracking cold cases. By integrating advanced technologies with traditional family history studies, this approach helps uncover the identities of individuals linked to long-unsolved criminal activities, often spanning several decades.
The technique made front-page news after it was employed to pinpoint Joseph DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer.
resulting in his detention in 2018
He was later found guilty and handed a sentence for 13 killings in 2020.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | commerce, government, government regulations, laws and regulations, politics
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the KPDN to enforce strict adherence to the cap prices during the upcoming Hari Raya period.
Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, his senior press secretary, mentioned that Anwar would personally carry out an onsite examination to enable him to assess the circumstances directly.
This will ensure enforcement of pricing regulations, including accurate labeling of regulated products, and assure that consumers can benefit from fair prices throughout the festive season.
This initiative is essential for sustaining equitable pricing periods and fostering a beneficial outcome for both consumers and enterprises,” he stated at the virtual press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Festival Season Highest Price Regulation Program, set to be implemented from March 24 through April 7.
The price structure was set following discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well as various pertinent governmental bodies and sector participants.
He additionally mentioned that Anwar has directed both ministries to keep collaborating closely and to step up their surveillance and law enforcement activities. This includes conducting more regular checks to ensure an adequate provision of crucial items during the festive season.
During this time, consumers are urged to bring any concerns about unusual pricing directly to the relevant authorities.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | amusement, entertainment, events and festivals, recreation and leisure activities, tourist attractions
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Organize a laid-back yet lively vacation for your entire family’s delight at Resorts World Genting (RWG), Malaysia’s top integrated resort, until April 20, 2025! This magical entertainment center high up in the sky is welcoming Eid celebrations with magnificent decorations, captivating shows, and numerous offers to create an incredibly unforgettable experience! Let’s celebrate Hari Raya at the summit!
Honoring Malay craftsmanship through batik-themed decor
Inspired by the enchanting allure and distinctiveness of batik, the resort’s signature Kimhua Atrium exudes opulence with elaborately crafted hanging lanterns and arcs adorned with twinkling fairy lights. Vibrant flowers, butterflies, classic kites, and larger-than-life hibiscus patterns featuring batik borders frame an impressive batik archway. On either side of the stage stand six photogenic booths showcasing elements of Malaysian culture and heritage for picture-perfect moments.
Cherubic characters dressed up in traditional Raya attire
Join us in welcoming our charming Genting Highlands’ heroes dressed up in festive Raya attire! Catch them performing amusing acts at Kimhua Atrium between 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm, along with shows at Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park from 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm until 20th April.
Ethnic dances
Enjoy an array of cultural dance performances! Admire the skillful moves of our troupe of dancers presenting Traditional Raya Dance shows regularly between 12 noon and 9 pm each day at Kimhua Atrium from 29 March through 13 April. Meanwhile, Raya Dance exhibitions are taking place at Skytropolis every day from 4pm to 4:13pm up until 20 April. Also, catch Raya Mana Dancers dressed in batik attire performing daily at 6pm at Kimhua Atrium until 20 April.
Sand painting and batik artwork
Satisfy your artistic impulses and create stunning batik masterpieces! Visit our batik painting and sand art area to dive into colors and creativity with your loved ones. These public-accessible events run daily from 10 am until 10 pm at Kimhua Atrium.
Game of “Grab the Ketupat”!
Shopaholics have the opportunity to win special rewards through the ‘Catch The Ketupat’ challenge held at SkyAvenue Mall! As your spending increases, so do your odds of securing exclusive items like cash or discount coupons, limited-edition Hari Raya decorative plates and scented candles, handmade batik notepads paired with stylish lanyards, RWG Diamond Jubilee kits, and much more! If you wish to join in, just show evidence of an expenditure amounting to RM300 for Genting Rewards Cardholders or RM350 for those without cards across two separate bills at the mall’s Info Center located on Level 1 near Zouk Atrium. Every entrant gets up to two attempts to claim their prize. Please check terms and conditions before participating.
Fuuhhh! Staycation
Wrapping up the sweet Eid promotions, the jungle-surrounded Resorts World Awana is providing from now until March 31st, their Superior Deluxe Room starting from RM202 for stays between April 1st and June 30th. For those interested in the Super Deluxe Sixers with two Queen-sized beds and two Super Single bunk beds at the resort, these can be booked for RM342 nett for GRC members and RM380 nett for non-members.
Book early at the unique Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park hotel and enjoy savings of up to 70% on your room!
To learn more about lodging options and current deals at the resort, kindly head over to
rwgenting.com
.
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | chicken, cooking, cooking eggs, food preparation, recipes
Side dish
Fancy a tender, juicy
chicken breast
in no time?
Pan-frying
Is the best method to achieve meat that turns out crispy on the exterior and tender on the interior. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s an excellent option for a
fast, wholesome and tasty dish
Whether paired with a Caesar salad, sautéed veggies, or some pasta, pan-seared chicken breast makes for an ideal complement to any dish 😉
Ingredients
-
1
chicken
breast
-
1 drizzle of oil
Materials
-
1 saucepan that comes with a cover
Preparation
-
Step 1:
Take the chicken breast out of the fridge 10 minutes prior to cooking. Add a splash of oil to a heated skillet. Place the chicken breast in the pan and sear for about 1 minute on each side.
-
Step 2:
Lower the heat to medium, put the lid on the pan, and let it simmer for 4 minutes.
-
Step 3:
Flip the chicken breast over, cover once more and let it cook for another 4 minutes.
-
Step 4:
And now it’s ready!
read more
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | economics, international economics, international trade, venezuela, world
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Venezuela has shown “extreme hostility” towards the United States, and as of April 2nd, nations buying oil from it will have to pay tariffs on all their imports into the U.S.
These duties would probably increase the taxation burden for China, which accounted for 68% of Venezuela’s oil exports in 2023, as per a 2024 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The report indicates that Spain, India, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam are some of the nations also getting oil from Venezuela.
However, even the United States—despite imposing sanctions on Venezuela—continues to purchase oil from the nation. According to data from the Census Bureau, the U.S. imported approximately 8.6 million barrels of oil from Venezuela in January, which constituted part of the total imports for that month at around 202 million barrels.
On Monday, the Treasury Department granted an extension to US-based Chevron Corp., permitting them to extract and export Venezuelan oil until May 27. This extension, referred to as a general license, provides relief from economic sanctions and enables the continuation of their oil production activities.
In February, Trump declared an end to the business ties between Chevron and Venezuela, which had served as a crucial financial support for the South American nation.
The Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, retaliated by stating that the U.S. had breached global commerce regulations through what he termed as an “unjustified, unlawful, and desperate action.” This move was aimed at impeding the progress of the South American country.
The government stated that for many years, the rejected far-right faction in Venezuela has advocated for economic sanctions, aiming to cripple the country.
Their failure stems from Venezuela being a sovereign nation where its people have stood firm with pride, and due to the global refusal of any economic tyranny.
The US president contends that tariffs will revive manufacturing jobs instead of exacerbating inflationary pressures and impeding economic growth, contrary to warnings from economists. He recently cited an informal example when Hyundai declared at the White House plans to construct a $5.8 billion (€5.4 billion) steel facility in Louisiana.
This investment clearly shows that tariffs are highly effective,” stated Trump, adding that the new facility being built by the South Korean carmaker will generate 1,400 employment opportunities.
The executive chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, Euisun Chung, conveyed to the president: “We feel truly honored to be alongside you and delighted to construct the future together.”
In 2024, Maduro was inaugurated for a third presidential term in Venezuela; however, both the country’s opposition groups and the European Union dismissed this swearing-in ceremony as invalid due to claims of rigged voting processes.
The former US President Joe Biden’s administration similarly condemned the “fraudulent” election and enacted fresh sanctions on Caracas. Notably, they raised the bounty to $25 million (€23.9m) for details resulting in the apprehension of the Venezuelan leader.
During Maduro’s long tenure as ruler, millions of Venezuelans have fled their homeland due to political instability, economic downturn, and severe shortages of essential supplies like food, medication, and power.
A more daring action against China?
Trump’s recent tariff threats indicate that his administration might be prepared to adopt more aggressive actions against China as part of their push to reshape the rules governing the worldwide economic system.
The Trump administration has already imposed blanket 20% tariffs on goods coming from China in an attempt to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking. However, adding yet another 25% duty on these imports might heighten the strain between the globe’s two biggest economic powers.
Trump said Venezuela will face a “secondary” tariff because it is the home to the gang Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration is deporting immigrants that it claims are members of that gang who illegally crossed into the United States.
Trump has labelled 2 April as “Liberation Day” based on his still unclear plans to roll out import taxes to match the rates charged by other countries, as well as fully levy 25% tariffs against Mexico and Canada, the two largest US trading partners.
The US President has furthermore raised the 2018 duties on steel and aluminum to 25% for every imported product and has pledged to impose extra taxes on vehicles, medical products, timber, semiconductor chips, and copper.
On Monday, the US stock market was rising as investors anticipated that the tariffs would be more precisely aimed rather than being widespread. Nevertheless, the S&P 500 index has declined year-to-date due to worries that a trade conflict might impede economic expansion and boost inflationary pressures.
However, Trump has been rather carefully guarding his intentions regarding tariffs, stating on Monday that although he aims to impose “reciprocal” charges, they “might end up being even more lenient than expected.”
