Day: May 21, 2026

Jonassen Demands Self-reflection From Men’s Singles

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 -- National men’s singles players have been urged to ‘look into the mirror’ and confront the reality of their declining standards after another disappointing outing at the Malaysia Masters 2026. The national men’s singles department suffered a complete wipeout in the opening round for the second consecutive year after national number one Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh were both eliminated at the Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, here, yesterday. World No. 25 Jun Hao went down 19-21, 21-23 to China’s world No. 69 Hu Zhe An, while Justin was eliminated by experienced Indonesian shuttler Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, 16-21, 14-21. The latest setback has further heightened concerns over their alarming inconsistency and inability to compete on court, prompting national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen to deliver a brutally honest assessment of the current situation. Jonassen said the issue was not a lack of talent or technical ability, but rather the players’ mentality, discipline and unwillingness to adapt to the demands of modern badminton. “I don’t feel we’re losing because of a lack of skill. No. We’re losing because of a lack of discipline to execute and stick to a game plan, and to stay composed even when things become uncomfortable. “You must be disciplined in all aspects. Discipline to be intrigued about how to play when it’s uncomfortable,” he told reporters at the Malaysia Masters 2026 here. Jonassen said both players were still too focused on producing winners and spectacular attacking shots instead of learning how to build pressure patiently through consistency and tactical awareness. “In today’s badminton, you cannot rely on attacking shots all the time. The game has changed. Consistency and the ability to make your opponent uncomfortable are far more important now,” he said. The Dane also admitted confidence within the camp had dropped significantly following Malaysia’s underwhelming Thomas Cup campaign earlier this month, which saw the team crash out in the quarter-finals after a 0-3 defeat to defending champions China. In the meantime, Jonassen said lasting improvement would only happen if players themselves were willing to change their daily habits, mindset and training intensity. “Training is not just training (for the sake) of training. It is always preparation for the next tournament. That must be the mindset. It’s not something I just come in and do. “If I hit the gym, I’m there to get stronger. If I hit the court, I’m there with a specific plan, not just to get through the two hours. I need targets. Any player who comes in must have that mindset: ‘How do I want to become better today?’ If we get that quality, we have a chance,” he said. Despite his criticism, the 51-year-old insisted he still believed in the current crop of players, including Leong Jun Hao, but stressed that their future would depend entirely on their willingness to change. “I strongly believe in second chances or even last chances, but it all comes down to the willingness to change, adapt and learn new things on a day-to-day basis,” he said. In contrast, Jonassen pointed to the women’s singles department as an example of players embracing a long-term development process despite facing setbacks and difficult situations. He said the girls are reaching the point where they accept that things can get very uncomfortable out there, and when things go wrong, they do not look elsewhere but at themselves in the mirror. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — National men’s singles players have been urged to ‘look into the mirror’ and confront the reality of their declining standards after another disappointing outing at the Malaysia Masters 2026. The national men’s singles department suffered a complete wipeout in the opening round for the second consecutive year after national number […]

Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 -- Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun has confirmed that no by-elections will be held for the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats yesterday. He said the matter was based on Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution, whereby Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul had informed the EC that there was no necessity to fill the casual vacancies. “In line with that, no by-election for the P.100 Pandan and P.118 Setiawangsa parliamentary constituencies will be held,” he said in a statement today. He said the EC received notification from Johari through a letter dated today regarding the status of the two parliamentary seats after they were declared vacant under Article 51 of the Federal Constitution. On Sunday (May 17), Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who is also a former PKR deputy president, and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, a former PKR vice-president, announced that they would vacate their parliamentary seats on Monday and leave the party effective Tuesday through letters submitted to the party secretary-general. They subsequently took over Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a small political party based in Penang. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 — Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun has confirmed that no by-elections will be held for the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats yesterday. He said the matter was based on Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution, whereby Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul had informed the EC that […]

Huawei Unveils Three New Wearables In Malaysia, Expand Health And Premium Smart Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 -- Huawei has unveiled three new wearable devices in Malaysia under its “Now Is Your Spark” campaign, expanding its smart ecosystem with products focused on health monitoring, sports performance and premium lifestyle design. In a statement today, the technology company said the new lineup comprises the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series, the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition and the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 in Berry Purple. Huawei said the WATCH FIT 5 Series introduces enhanced display and health-tracking capabilities, including Malaysia’s first diabetes risk assessment feature integrated into a wearable smartwatch using non-invasive vascular signal analysis technology. The company said the feature is designed to provide users with early awareness indicators of potential health risks. The WATCH FIT 5 Pro edition also incorporates advanced cardiovascular monitoring functions such as electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse wave arrhythmia analysis and arterial stiffness detection, in addition to sleep tracking, emotional well-being monitoring and women’s health features. “The series also supports TruSleep 5.0 sleep monitoring, HRV analysis, emotional well-being tracking, and women’s health management features, reflecting Huawei’s growing focus on more holistic health experiences,” said the statement. For fitness enthusiasts, the smartwatch series supports dedicated activity modes for badminton, tennis and pickleball, while the Pro model includes advanced outdoor sports capabilities such as trail running, golf and freediving. Huawei also announced a collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC) aimed at supporting Malaysia’s sports development ecosystem through recognition platforms including the National Sports Awards (ASN). According to the company, selected award recipients will receive Huawei flagship products in recognition of their sporting achievements. The WATCH FIT 5 Series is priced from RM799 and is available for pre-order starting today via Huawei Experience Stores and online platforms, with early-bird promotions and complimentary gifts offered during the campaign period. Meanwhile, Huawei has also expanded its premium wearable portfolio with the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition, a luxury smartwatch co-designed with jewellery designer Francesca Amfitheatrof. Priced at RM17,999, the smartwatch features 99 natural diamonds and sapphire glass elements, targeting consumers seeking luxury wearables that combine elegant craftsmanship with wellness functionality. “For those seeking a smartwatch that combines luxury craftsmanship with advanced wellness experiences, the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition is designed to transition effortlessly from business settings to evening occasions,” said the company. Completing the lineup is the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 in Berry Purple, an open-ear audio device designed for all-day comfort and seamless multi-device connectivity. Featuring Huawei’s signature Airy C-Bridge design, the earbuds deliver lightweight comfort and immersive audio experiences while allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. “Whether taking calls during crowded commutes, listening to playlists on morning walks, or switching seamlessly between laptops and smartphones throughout the workday, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 is designed to move naturally alongside modern routines,” the statement said. For more information on the wearable visit the HUAWEI Official Website or its Facebook and Instagram. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Huawei has unveiled three new wearable devices in Malaysia under its “Now Is Your Spark” campaign, expanding its smart ecosystem with products focused on health monitoring, sports performance and premium lifestyle design. In a statement today, the technology company said the new lineup comprises the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Series, […]

KPKT Staff Urged To Upgrade Skills, Adopt New Technologies

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 -- Staff of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) have been urged to enhance their skills and master new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to improve the quality of public service delivery, making it more efficient, innovative and impactful for the people. Minister Nga Kor Ming said this is in line with the directive of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has emphasised the importance of digital transformation in the public service. “In this regard, the MADANI Government has launched AI at Work 2.0, which provides civil servants with access to Google Workspace with Gemini, equipping them with Gen AI capabilities. “By leveraging tools such as Gemini, government officers can generate reports, summarise documents, and analyse data more quickly and accurately,” he said at the KPKT appreciation reception here today. Nga said this would not only reduce manual workload but also enable civil servants to focus more on strategic tasks and effective solutions to public issues. He also stressed that KPKT personnel must think globally and adopt a forward-looking perspective, particularly in policymaking. “Today, the world is moving at a very fast pace. Every development at the international level, whether in trade, economy, technology or geopolitics, will have a direct impact on the country and the well-being of the people. “Therefore, we can no longer work within a narrow scope or remain too comfortable with routine approaches. Instead, we must understand local issues while being alert to global developments so that every policy and decision made remains relevant, progressive and able to enhance the country’s competitiveness,” Nga said. A total of 441 KPKT staff who demonstrated excellent performance were honoured at the ceremony, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 — Staff of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) have been urged to enhance their skills and master new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to improve the quality of public service delivery, making it more efficient, innovative and impactful for the people. Minister Nga Kor Ming said this […]

Malaysia’s Hottest Food Trends in 2026: From Matcha Craze to Luxury Hotpot Experiences

Malaysia’s food scene has never been more exciting. In 2026, the local culinary landscape is being shaped by social media trends, café culture, fusion flavors, and Gen Z dining habits. From viral matcha drinks and Japanese ramen culture to aesthetic desserts and premium hotpot experiences, Malaysians are no longer just eating for taste — they are dining for lifestyle, experience, and Instagram-worthy moments. Across cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, cafés and restaurants are rapidly adapting to evolving consumer preferences, especially among younger diners seeking unique flavors and visually appealing meals. Industry reports show that bold flavors, fusion menus, and comfort foodare dominating the food industry globally, with Malaysia becoming one of Southeast Asia’s strongest trend-driven markets. One of the biggest food trends currently dominating Malaysia is the explosive rise of matcha-based beverages and desserts. Matcha cafés are expanding nationwide, with drinks such as strawberry matcha latte, pistachio matcha, and matcha cloud foam becoming staples among urban café-goers. The popularity of matcha has surged due to its wellness appeal, vibrant aesthetic, and strong influence from TikTok and social media culture. For café lovers looking to explore Malaysia’s growing specialty coffee and matcha scene, places like VCR, LOKL Coffee Co, and Feeka Coffee Roasters have become popular lifestyle destinations known for their artisanal beverages, brunch culture, and aesthetic interiors. Another major trend sweeping through Malaysia is the growing obsession with Japanese ramen culture. Premium ramen restaurants are seeing long queues daily as Malaysians embrace authentic Japanese dining experiences featuring rich broths, handmade noodles, and premium ingredients. Social media exposure and rising travel influence have also accelerated demand for Japanese comfort food among younger Malaysians. Among the popular ramen spots gaining attention are Ippudo • Pavilion KL, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Towzen - Kuala Lumpur, and 豚麺処 官兵衛 KANBE RAMEN JB, each offering unique Japanese noodle experiences ranging from creamy tonkotsu broth to refined chicken-based ramen. Dessert culture is also evolving rapidly in Malaysia, with visually creative sweets becoming one of the country’s strongest food lifestyle movements. Consumers are increasingly drawn to molten chocolate desserts, soufflé pancakes, matcha pastries, and Japanese-inspired sweets that combine taste with social media appeal. Many cafés are designing desserts specifically to attract online engagement through TikTok and Instagram. Popular dessert destinations include Molten Chocolate Cafe (Lot 10), Fluffed Cafe, Nomi Dessert • Wisma Cosway, Nucre Patisseries, and Next Door Dessert, where diners can enjoy trendy cakes, pastries, and creative dessert presentations. At the same time, luxury hotpot dining has emerged as one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing social dining trends. Unlike traditional steamboat concepts, modern hotpot restaurants now emphasize premium meats, private dining experiences, dramatic interiors, and late-night social gatherings. Hotpot culture has become especially popular among young professionals and groups seeking interactive dining experiences. Restaurants such as FU Pot, Harbour Hotpot, 小龙坎老火锅 Xiao Long Kan Hot pot, Shu Daxia Hot Pot@Tun Razak 蜀大侠火锅, and Zhu Guang Yu Hotpot Pudu are among the trending destinations redefining communal dining experiences in Kuala Lumpur. Despite modern food trends dominating social media, Malaysians continue to embrace traditional local dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Laksa. Online discussions across Malaysian food communities show that these classic dishes remain deeply connected to national identity and everyday comfort food culture. Interestingly, modern cafés and restaurants are now reinventing these traditional flavors through fusion concepts such as nasi lemak burgers, gourmet sambal pasta, and elevated café-style Malaysian breakfasts. Brands and restaurants are increasingly modernizing heritage cuisine to attract younger consumers while maintaining nostalgic flavors. Ultimately, Malaysia’s 2026 food trends reflect more than just changing tastes. They represent a shift toward lifestyle-driven dining, where food is tied closely to identity, social media culture, wellness, and experiential dining. Whether it is sipping premium matcha, sharing luxury hotpot with friends, enjoying Japanese ramen, or rediscovering local classics, Malaysians are proving that food remains one of the country’s strongest cultural and lifestyle passions.

Malaysia’s food scene has never been more exciting. In 2026, the local culinary landscape is being shaped by social media trends, café culture, fusion flavors, and Gen Z dining habits. From viral matcha drinks and Japanese ramen culture to aesthetic desserts and premium hotpot experiences, Malaysians are no longer just eating for taste — they […]

Trump Says He Will Not Provide Sanctions Relief For Iran Until Deal Complete

WASHINGTON, May 21 -- United States (US) President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will not sign off on any effort to ease sanctions on Iran until a deal to permanently end the war on Tehran is finalised, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. “I'm not doing any relief until they sign an agreement. When they sign an agreement, we can get that place built up again and have something that's really a good country for the people, but no, we haven't offered anything,” he told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. Trump earlier on Wednesday said negotiations are in their ‘final stages” but insisted he is “in no hurry” to complete them. “I just wonder whether or not they have the good of the people, because some of the things they're doing, to me, mean they don't have the good of the people, and they have to have the good of the people. There's a lot of anger now in Iran, because people are living so badly,” he said. Earlier Wednesday, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for his second visit to Iran in less than a week, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported. After his arrival, Naqvi met with his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni at the Interior Ministry. Pakistan has played a key role in mediating efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Regional tensions boiled over Feb 28 when the US and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate with barrages of drones and missiles that hit targets across the region as Tehran shuttered the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports through the strategic waterway. -- BERNAMA

WASHINGTON, May 21 — United States (US) President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will not sign off on any effort to ease sanctions on Iran until a deal to permanently end the war on Tehran is finalised, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. “I’m not doing any relief until they sign an agreement. When they sign […]

Motorcyclist dies after being crushed under excavator

SHAH ALAM -- A motorcyclist died after being pinned under an excavator in an accident at the Federal Highway exit heading towards the sugar factory junction from the Shah Alam direction, midnight last night. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Assistant Director of Operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said his department received an emergency call at 12.06 midnight. "The accident involved a Yamaha Y15 motorcycle ridden by a 20-year-old man who is believed to have hit an excavator from behind. "The victim who was trapped under the excavator was confirmed dead by Ministry of Health personnel and handed over to the police for further action," he said in a statement here today. He said the operation involved five members of the Shah Alam Fire and Rescue Station with a Sitrak FRT vehicle. -- BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM — A motorcyclist died after being pinned under an excavator in an accident at the Federal Highway exit heading towards the sugar factory junction from the Shah Alam direction, midnight last night. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Assistant Director of Operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said his department received an emergency call at […]