Day: June 16, 2026

Every Ringgit Counts: Why More Malaysians Are Returning to Home Cooking

As the cost of living continues to shape household spending decisions, more Malaysians are rediscovering a simple yet effective way to save money while maintaining a healthy lifestyle — cooking at home. From young professionals living in urban apartments to families managing monthly budgets, home cooking has become more than just a practical necessity. It is increasingly seen as a lifestyle choice that promotes financial discipline, healthier eating habits and stronger family connections. A Return to the Home Kitchen In recent years, food delivery apps and dining out became an integral part of modern Malaysian life. Convenience often outweighed cost considerations, especially for busy working adults. However, as household expenses rise, many consumers are taking a closer look at their daily spending habits. A meal purchased outside can easily cost between RM15 and RM25 per person, while the same meal prepared at home may cost significantly less. For families with children, the savings become even more substantial. Preparing meals at home allows households to control both their budget and food quality, making every ringgit go further. Smart Shopping, Smarter Spending Home cooking begins long before ingredients reach the kitchen. Budget-conscious Malaysians are becoming more strategic shoppers by comparing prices, purchasing seasonal produce and planning meals around weekly promotions. Wet markets remain popular for fresh vegetables, fish and poultry, while supermarkets offer competitive discounts on pantry essentials. Many households are also embracing meal planning, creating weekly menus to avoid unnecessary purchases and reduce food waste. By buying only what is needed, families can maximise value while minimising spoilage. Simple ingredients such as eggs, tofu, vegetables, rice and local fish continue to form the foundation of affordable and nutritious meals. Traditional Recipes Make a Comeback Interestingly, the trend towards home cooking is also contributing to the revival of traditional Malaysian recipes. Dishes such as nasi goreng kampung, sambal telur, sayur lemak, ikan kembung bakar and chicken curry are finding their way back onto dining tables. These meals are not only economical but also deeply connected to Malaysia's rich culinary heritage. Many younger Malaysians are learning recipes from parents and grandparents, ensuring that family traditions are preserved while adapting them to modern lifestyles. Social media platforms have further accelerated this movement, with countless creators sharing affordable meal ideas, cooking tutorials and budget-friendly recipes tailored to local tastes. Health Benefits Beyond Savings While financial considerations may drive the decision to cook at home, the health benefits are equally significant. Home-cooked meals generally contain less sugar, salt and unhealthy fats compared to many commercially prepared foods. Families can choose fresher ingredients, control portion sizes and incorporate more vegetables into their diets. Nutrition experts have long emphasised that healthy eating does not necessarily require expensive ingredients. Balanced meals can be prepared using affordable local produce and traditional cooking methods. As awareness of wellness and preventive healthcare grows, home cooking is becoming an important component of a healthier lifestyle. Strengthening Family Bonds Beyond economics and nutrition, home cooking offers something that money cannot buy — quality time. For many families, preparing and sharing meals together creates opportunities for conversation, learning and bonding. Children can participate in simple cooking tasks, while family recipes become a way of passing knowledge from one generation to the next. In an increasingly digital world, the dinner table remains one of the few places where families can slow down and reconnect. More Than Just Saving Money The growing popularity of home cooking reflects a broader shift in how Malaysians define a good quality of life. Living well on a tight budget is not merely about cutting expenses. It is about making thoughtful choices that support financial stability, personal wellbeing and family relationships. As Malaysians navigate economic challenges, many are discovering that some of life's greatest comforts do not come from expensive restaurants or trendy food deliveries. Sometimes, they come from a simple home-cooked meal shared with loved ones around the dining table. In a time when every ringgit counts, home cooking is proving that living well does not have to mean spending more. Instead, it is becoming a powerful reminder that good food, good health and strong family connections can all begin at home. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

As the cost of living continues to shape household spending decisions, more Malaysians are rediscovering a simple yet effective way to save money while maintaining a healthy lifestyle — cooking at home. From young professionals living in urban apartments to families managing monthly budgets, home cooking has become more than just a practical necessity. It […]

Ringgit opens higher against US dollar on expectations of Fed rate hold

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 -- The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on expectations that the United States Federal Reserve (US Fed) will maintain interest rates amid easing inflation concerns and falling US Treasury yields. At 8am, the local currency strengthened to 4.0455/0550 against the US dollar from 4.0485/0525 at yesterday's close. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist, Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said crude oil prices continued to decline following growing expectations that a peace deal between the US and Iran on June 19 could potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He said West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices fell 4.87 percent and 4.24 percent to US$80.75 and US$83.63 per barrel, respectively, while the 10-year US Treasury yield fell below 4.50 percent, reflecting concerns over easing inflation. "Therefore, such developments could influence members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) as they consider the interest rate decision on June 16 and 17," he told Bernama. Mohd Afzanizam said the ringgit has the potential to continue its strengthening today after closing 0.18 percent higher on Monday, supported by optimism over the possibility of a US-Iran peace deal, although investors remain cautious ahead of the signing of the deal expected to take place on June 19. At the opening of trading, the ringgit also strengthened against a basket of major currencies. The local currency rose against the Japanese yen to 2.5245/5306 from 2.5283/5309 at Monday's close, strengthened against the British pound to 5.4270/4398 from 5.4355/4409 and rose against the euro to 4.6891/7002 from 4.6987/7033. Against regional currencies, the ringgit traded mostly higher except against the Philippine peso which was almost unchanged at 6.69/6.71 compared to the 6.69/6.70 level when it closed on Monday. The ringgit also strengthened against the Thai baht to 12.4228/4601 from 12.4294/4474 at yesterday's close, rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 228.4/229.1 from 228.5/228.9 and rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.1534/1611 from 3.1580/1613. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on expectations that the United States Federal Reserve (US Fed) will maintain interest rates amid easing inflation concerns and falling US Treasury yields. At 8am, the local currency strengthened to 4.0455/0550 against the US dollar from 4.0485/0525 at yesterday’s close. Bank Muamalat […]

Taiping Prison incident: One member charged, five face disciplinary action

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 -- Five Taiping Prison officers are currently facing disciplinary action proceedings, while a prison officer has been charged in court following an attack on more than 100 prisoners that killed a prison inmate last year. In an incident on 17 Jan 2025, the media reported that more than 100 prisoners at Taiping Prison were attacked by about 60 wardens during the transfer process from Ward B to Block E, resulting in the death of one prisoner, Gan Chin Eng. The Malaysian Prisons Department (JPM) in a statement on Monday confirmed that action against the prison staff involved was taken following an examination of the report and conclusions of the Public Inquiry Panel of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) regarding the incident. According to the JPM, it has provided full cooperation to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to ensure that the investigation is carried out independently, transparently and thoroughly. "The results of the investigation led to a charge against a prison staff member under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code. At the same time, five other prison staff are facing disciplinary action proceedings implemented by the JPM," the statement said. The JPM said the action reflects the department's continued commitment to upholding the principle of accountability without protecting any individual found to have violated the law, regardless of rank or position. "The department practices a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct, abuse of power or violation of the law in the service," the statement said. Meanwhile, the SUHAKAM Public Inquiry Panel in its final decision on the inquiry into the incident also recommended that Taiping Prison be turned into a museum because it was no longer suitable for use as a prison institution. In a related development, the JPM, through the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), is committed to continuing the prison infrastructure modernisation agenda, including planning the construction of a new complex to replace the aging institution. According to the statement, Taiping Prison, which is now 146 years old and has the status of a National Heritage Building, is among the institutions identified as needing immediate replacement. "The construction of new facilities that are more modern, safe and conducive is important to increase the efficiency of institutional management, strengthen security aspects and preserve the welfare of prospects and prison officers," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 16 — Five Taiping Prison officers are currently facing disciplinary action proceedings, while a prison officer has been charged in court following an attack on more than 100 prisoners that killed a prison inmate last year. In an incident on 17 Jan 2025, the media reported that more than 100 prisoners at […]

PM Anwar Calls on Johoreans to Defend Politics of Hope and National Reform

JOHOR BAHRU, June 16 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called on the people of Johor to remain steadfast in supporting what he described as the "politics of hope" and a reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, justice and good governance in Malaysia. Speaking at a gathering in Johor, Anwar stressed that the nation's political struggle has never been solely about winning elections, but rather about determining the direction Malaysia takes in the years ahead. "Our struggle has never been just about winning elections. It is about deciding whether Malaysia continues to be driven by old politics filled with hatred and abuse of power, or moves forward based on the principles of accountability, justice and respect for the people," he said. The Prime Minister said the Unity Government has demonstrated that its reform commitments are more than mere slogans, citing improvements in governance, efforts to combat corruption, increased investments and the restoration of international confidence in Malaysia. "We have proven that what we promised is not merely rhetoric. Governance has been strengthened, corruption has been challenged, investments have increased and global confidence in Malaysia has recovered," he said. However, Anwar acknowledged that the government's reform journey remains a work in progress and that many challenges still need to be addressed. He noted that there are still shortcomings within the system that require correction, citizens who need greater protection and assistance, and public concerns that must continue to be heard and addressed. "The journey is still long and far from perfect. There are many things that need to be improved, many citizens who need to be defended and assisted, more voices that must be heard, and weaknesses in the system that need to be closed," he said. Anwar urged Johoreans to continue supporting an inclusive political approach that promotes unity and mutual respect among Malaysians. "With the support of the people, we will continue working harder to uplift the nation's dignity and ensure Malaysia emerges as a strong, just and respected country," he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

JOHOR BAHRU, June 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called on the people of Johor to remain steadfast in supporting what he described as the “politics of hope” and a reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, justice and good governance in Malaysia. Speaking at a gathering in Johor, Anwar stressed that the […]

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

INNSBRUCK, Austria, June 15 -- AV-Comparatives, the world's leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, has published the results of its Real-World Protection Test covering the period from February to May 2026. The evaluation assessed 20 consumer security products under conditions that reflect the threats home users encounter daily, including malicious URLs.     Key findings at a glance: 20 home-user security products evaluated against real-world internet threats under controlled test conditions Seven products achieved the highest award level, ADVANCED+, demonstrating consistent and reliable protection The complete test report is freely available at av-comparatives.org, without registration or fees Why is independent consumer security testing more relevant than ever? The threat landscape facing home users has shifted considerably. Earlier in 2026, researchers at AV-Comparatives found MEL/Vacphage.A, a Python-based worm embedded in Autodesk Maya Binary files distributed through Epic Games' Fab.com, a widely used creative asset marketplace trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike. The finding was disclosed responsibly to the Epic Games security team before publication. This discovery reflects a broader and increasingly common pattern: attackers are embedding malware in files shared through platforms that users have every reason to trust. "Our Fab.com discovery is a reminder that malware does not always arrive via suspicious links or shady downloads," said Andreas Clementi, Founder and CEO of AV-Comparatives. "It can come from a platform a professional or enthusiast visits every day. The Real-World Protection Test is designed precisely to evaluate how security software performs when the unexpected happens." How was the Real-World Protection Test conducted? The test ran from February to May 2026 and covered 20 widely used home security products. Each product was evaluated against a curated set of real-world internet threats, with the primary criterion being whether a given threat was able to alter the test system. All products also underwent a false-positives test, assessing their ability to correctly identify legitimate files without generating unnecessary alerts. Products with elevated false alarm rates had their award levels adjusted accordingly. The 20 products evaluated were: Avast One Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Bitdefender Total Security, ESET HOME Security Essential, F-Secure Internet Security, Fortect PC Suite, G DATA Total Security, K7 Total Security, Kaspersky Premium, Malwarebytes Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Norton Antivirus Plus, Panda Free Antivirus, Quick Heal Total Security, Sophos Home Premium, Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus, TotalAV Premium, Trend Micro Internet Security, and VIPRE Advanced Security. Which products achieved the highest award level? Seven products earned the ADVANCED+ award, the highest designation in the AV-Comparatives consumer testing framework. Listed alphabetically by vendor, these are: Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. Frequently Asked Questions Is the test report available to the public? Yes. AV-Comparatives provides open access to all test reports without requiring registration or payment. The full Real-World Protection Test report for February to May 2026 is available at av-comparatives.org. What does the ADVANCED+ award indicate? ADVANCED+ is the highest award level in the AV-Comparatives consumer testing framework. It is awarded to products that demonstrate consistently high protection against real-world threats while maintaining low false alarm rates. How often does AV-Comparatives publish Real-World Protection Test results? The Real-World Protection Test is part of the ongoing Consumer Main-Test Series and runs throughout the year. This report covers the first half of 2026. Read the Full Report The complete Real-World Protection Test report for February to May 2026 is available free of charge, without registration: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-february-may-2026/ About AV-Comparatives AV-Comparatives is the leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, evaluating security solutions that have evolved far beyond traditional antivirus software. Our systematic testing assesses modern endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across PC, Mac, Android, and IoT devices. Using one of the world's most relevant and sophisticated threat collections, we create real-world testing environments for comprehensive evaluation. Test results are freely accessible worldwide, and AV-Comparatives certification provides a globally recognized seal of approval for proven cybersecurity performance. -- PRNewswire -- Source: AV-Comparatives

INNSBRUCK, Austria, June 15 — AV-Comparatives, the world’s leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, has published the results of its Real-World Protection Test covering the period from February to May 2026. The evaluation assessed 20 consumer security products under conditions that reflect the threats home users encounter daily, including malicious URLs. Key findings at a glance: 20 […]

Take to the Pitch, Feel GAC’s Power: Where Cars and Football Create the Perfect Synergy

GUANGZHOU, China, June 15 -- The world's most anticipated football spectacle is now in full swing. On the pitch, players sprint, turn and score with everything they have, constantly pushing the limits of athletic performance. This relentless competitive spirit perfectly mirrors the core of a great automobile. Riding the wave of this global celebration, Chinese automaker GAC has made a distinctive deep dive. We partner with top clubs including Australia's Sydney FC, Mexico's Toluca FC, Brazil's CR Flamengo and Colombia's Millonarios FC, bringing the pace of the game and a champion's mentality to every model, and creating a powerful resonance between football passion and product strength.    In terms of speed and power, the GAC EMPOW is powered by the Mega Wave 2.0TGDI engine, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.95 seconds — like a striker's lightning burst, bringing the excitement of the pitch to everyday driving. For precise control, the AION i60 comes standard with an electric power steering system, L2 driver assistance and full-speed adaptive cruise control, delivering effortless handling and midfield maestro-like command.    On range and reliability, the AION V features Magazine Battery 2.0 technology and a CLTC combined range of over 600 km, eliminating range anxiety. Its rigorously tested dependability ensures steady performance, just like a player running nonstop throughout the match. For safety, the GAC S7 is equipped with 10 airbags and whole-vehicle torsional rigidity of 35,000 N•m/deg, mirroring a team's coordinated defense to provide 360° protection for all occupants. Meanwhile, the HYPTEC HT is equipped with Bosch's latest-generation Intelligent Integrated Brake System (IPB), inheriting the calm resilience of a core player under pressure to master complex road conditions and emergencies. As the football festival reaches its climax, GAC invites you to share this passionate journey through automobiles. This summer of football, let the game reveal GAC's commitment to quality and unshakable confidence. For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social. -- PRNewswire -- Source: GAC  

GUANGZHOU, China, June 15 — The world’s most anticipated football spectacle is now in full swing. On the pitch, players sprint, turn and score with everything they have, constantly pushing the limits of athletic performance. This relentless competitive spirit perfectly mirrors the core of a great automobile. Riding the wave of this global celebration, Chinese automaker […]