Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

issue

Badminton

Tennis

sports

concern

damage

argument

pickleball

courts

take over

In recent years, pickleball has gained immense popularity in Malaysia, following a global trend where the sport is becoming a favourite among casual and competitive players alike. A mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball is easier to learn and requires less technical skill than tennis, making it appealing to beginners and older players.
However, while its growth is generally seen as a positive development, concerns are mounting among tennis players and enthusiasts who worry that the rise of pickleball is coming at the cost of tennis infrastructure in Malaysia.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4e47d01101a73b0db90bc82cf2f308962a37f4f8fab46e58362f8986537926a1" />
Former national junior tennis player Maria Ghazali is among those raising concerns. Speaking at the Asics Regional Tennis Summit on 3rd February, Maria acknowledged that while having more racket sports is great, the conversion of tennis courts into pickleball courts is problematic.
&ldquo;At a macro level, the growth of pickleball is a good thing because it provides people with more sporting options. However, I&rsquo;m concerned that many existing tennis courts&mdash;especially at hotels and clubs&mdash;are being repurposed for pickleball instead of being maintained for tennis,&rdquo; she said.
Maria pointed out that Malaysia already has a limited number of tennis courts, and many of them are not well maintained. If courts continue to be converted, young tennis players could struggle to find proper facilities to train and develop their skills.
&ldquo;We already have a problem with the maintenance of tennis courts, and now some of them are being taken away for pickleball. This is a real issue for the development of tennis in Malaysia.&rdquo;
Will Pickleball Take Players Away From Tennis?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4e1b6688dd1125f81ef1dcdce9b80a93335205225db3e5843cf3dbd776ebd73c" />
Another concern raised by Maria is that pickleball might draw potential young athletes away from tennis. Since pickleball is generally easier to play, it could become more attractive to beginners who might otherwise have considered taking up tennis.
&ldquo;Pickleball is much less technical than tennis, which makes it more accessible for casual players. Already, many tennis players are giving it a try. From a grassroots perspective, this could mean fewer young players entering the tennis scene,&rdquo; Maria explained.
However, she also noted that tennis still holds a significant prestige advantage over pickleball. With its inclusion in the Olympics, Grand Slam tournaments, and a long-standing global history, tennis is unlikely to be completely replaced.
&ldquo;Pickleball doesn&rsquo;t have the prestige that tennis has. It isn&rsquo;t in the Olympics, and it doesn&rsquo;t have major global tournaments like the Grand Slams. Only time will tell if it grows bigger or if its popularity tapers off.&rdquo;
Maria, who is also the Honorary Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Lawn Tennis Association and a Tennis Malaysia exco member, stressed that her opinions are personal and do not represent the associations she is part of.
Pickleball Players Accused of Misusing Tennis Courts
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20e090f13c983263007d4eecd35d3383747a3b0f91e4f9c33c73540bd880d3cc" />
Beyond the concern of losing tennis courts to conversion, some players have raised issues about pickleball players misusing existing tennis facilities.
A Malaysian netizen, <a href="https://www.threads.net/@kamsanimb/post/DFjZVPLSKxi">@kamsanimb</a>, recently took to Threads to call out pickleball players for allegedly leaving a tennis court covered in masking and duct tape after marking out their own court.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/37ce4c25ea45f936352ae61d84d3509c7963d6e5230bcf33e2bf72bd6c5acfcf" />
&ldquo;Pickleball players, if you want to play on a tennis court, don&rsquo;t stick masking or duct tape like this. It&rsquo;s messy, and it ruins the court. Even better, play on actual pickleball courts. There aren&rsquo;t even a lot of tennis courts to begin with!&rdquo;
The user shared photos showing a tennis court covered in tape, apparently used to outline a pickleball court on the tennis court&rsquo;s surface.
&ldquo;The size and lines are different from tennis. They played on the tennis court because they wanted a cheap, free space, but they didn&rsquo;t consider the tennis players. A bit selfish, in my opinion.&rdquo;
His frustration resonated with many others, leading to an online debate about whether pickleball players should be allowed to share tennis courts.
Tennis Players Call for Proper Court Management
Following the viral post, many members of the tennis community criticised pickleball players for misusing tennis courts, with some arguing that they should only play at dedicated pickleball courts.
Here are some of the comments from netizens:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7fb3fd9bd19ade91846649dfd7530da4fd7680a00e7ee1df73bf6e10969e5f83" />
Some also raised concerns that public sports facilities in Malaysia are often mismanaged, with courts being left in poor condition, limiting access for players.
Should Tennis Courts Be Open to Multiple Sports?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0cd7ea2961d66f4c3169fc1e59847a33cac88100dc243d5306dd2a14c0d77f0b" />
The rise of pickleball in Malaysia has sparked a broader conversation about how sports facilities should be managed. Some argue that tennis courts should remain strictly for tennis, while others believe they should be open for multiple sports as long as they are shared responsibly.
One potential solution is for sports authorities and private developers to build more dedicated pickleball courts rather than converting existing tennis facilities. This way, fans of both sports can continue playing without stepping on each other&rsquo;s toes.
&ldquo;The key is balance. We should be encouraging more people to be active in sports, but we also need to protect our existing facilities. If we keep taking away tennis courts, where will young players go?&rdquo;
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3935/talks-ongoing-as-selangor-plans-to-introduce-pickleball-in-sukma-2026">Talks Ongoing As Selangor Plans To Introduce Pickleball In SUKMA 2026</a>
As pickleball continues to gain popularity in Malaysia, finding the right balance between accommodating new sports and preserving existing ones will be crucial.
What&rsquo;s Your Take?
Should tennis courts remain exclusively for tennis, or should they be shared with pickleball players? Should Malaysia invest in more dedicated courts for these new sports? Let us know your thoughts!
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Time for picklers to dink off our courts.

72e2ddc1bf1c38fe4626bb1077f940f5ab15b649063b856d2ced40c2376916cf

Concerns Grow Over Pickleball Taking Over Badminton & Tennis Courts In Malaysia

In a spectacular all-Malaysian men&rsquo;s doubles final at the 2025 PERODUA Malaysia Masters, underdogs Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun defied expectations to defeat senior compatriots Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in a gripping 50-minute encounter at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur.
The eighth-ranked pair claimed a thrilling 21-12, 15-21, 21-16 victory, delighting the home crowd and ending Malaysia&rsquo;s 12-year wait for a homegrown men&rsquo;s doubles champion at this tournament. The last local pair to claim the crown was Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah in 2013.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0dc01360cfe6de514895fe19e2478bd91afbb8a69949bb5169749ed476f9beb6" />
Their latest triumph adds to Man and Tee&rsquo;s growing reputation as giant-killers, having already won the Super 500 Indonesia Masters earlier this year by toppling world No. 4s Fajar Alfian and Rian Ardianto. Sunday&rsquo;s win marks their second Super 500 title in 2025, and their fifth World Tour title overall.
&ldquo;This feels different&mdash;winning at home, in front of our fans,&rdquo; said an emotional Wei Chong. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a breakthrough for us, especially after losing in the final two years ago.&rdquo;
Tee added, &ldquo;We may be teammates off the court, but on the court, we are opponents. We prepared thoroughly for this match.&rdquo;
Heartbreak for Aaron and Soh, But Encouragement for Malaysia&rsquo;s Depth
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d75d08f7d7e75b53914d64b9e727083ab81d425aec7b23016cd3e22dfe4cb1a8" />
The defeat was a bitter blow for world No. 3 pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who were aiming for their first ever title on Malaysian soil. Fresh from back-to-back wins at the Badminton Asia Championships and the Thailand Open, they appeared to run out of steam in the decisive third game.
The loss also halted their bid for a third title this year. Still, with four international titles under their belt&mdash;including the Denmark Open (2023), Korea Masters (2024), and the recent Asian and Thailand championships&mdash;the reigning Asian champions remain among Malaysia&rsquo;s elite.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s disappointing not to win at home,&rdquo; said Chia. &ldquo;But we&rsquo;re proud that Malaysian men&rsquo;s doubles is now producing strong contenders across the board.&rdquo;
Soh added: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a long time since we&rsquo;ve had an all-Malaysian final here. It shows our depth. Credit to our coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, who has taken all of us to another level.&rdquo;
A Malaysian Renaissance in Men&rsquo;s Doubles
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All to play for as Chia/Soh 🇲🇾 and Man/Tee 🇲🇾 clash on home soil. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFWorldTour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BWFWorldTour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MalaysiaMasters2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MalaysiaMasters2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/WJ2vJhKxA6">pic.twitter.com/WJ2vJhKxA6</a>
&mdash; BWF (@bwfmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia/status/1926616740886466832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Man and Tee&rsquo;s success against the more established Chia-Soh partnership could signal a changing of the guard in Malaysian badminton. Not only have they beaten Aaron and Wooi Yik in three of their last five meetings, they have also reached nine World Tour finals in total, with titles in the Taipei Open (2022, 2023), Syed Modi International (2022), and their two Super 500 victories this year.
Their latest win earned them a prize purse of US$37,525 (~RM159,000), while Chia and Soh walked away with US$18,050 (~RM76,542).
Commenting on the broader success of Malaysia&rsquo;s men&rsquo;s doubles scene, Man said, &ldquo;I think our men&rsquo;s doubles is getting stronger. Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin are about to be ranked world No. 1. This is a great sign for Malaysia.&rdquo;
China Dominates Other Finals, But Malaysia Steals the Spotlight
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/50b3bda04fd641972c734567e75e9bbc9a4aaf59f14d2e6955181e4d8ce61902" />
While Malaysia celebrated a long-overdue home victory, China asserted its dominance in the other finals.
Li Shifeng made history as the first Chinese men&rsquo;s singles player to win the Malaysia Masters, beating India&rsquo;s Kidambi Srikanth 21-11, 21-9. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t even realise this was a first for China in this event,&rdquo; Li admitted. &ldquo;The score may look one-sided, but I still made mistakes that I&rsquo;ll need to work on.&rdquo;
In the women&rsquo;s singles final, top seed Wang Zhiyi overcame compatriot Han Yue 13-21, 21-13, 21-18 in a gripping all-Chinese showdown, successfully defending her title. &ldquo;People say Malaysia is lucky for me,&rdquo; Wang joked. &ldquo;I love the weather, the food, and the fans&mdash;it&rsquo;s always amazing to play here.&rdquo;
The Chinese sweep continued in women&rsquo;s doubles, where Sheng Shu and Tan Ning stunned Olympic gold medallist Jia Yifan and her new partner Zhang Shu Xian 21-17, 21-18. In mixed doubles, Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping triumphed over top seeds Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin in three sets.
Yet, despite China&rsquo;s dominance, the defining story of the day belonged to Malaysia.
A Minister&rsquo;s Praise and National Pride
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c8812209c15a5c1e69b9f9e72950351a3d980b13f9621e5b2ce179b20c72a022" />
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh took to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hannahyeoh/posts/pfbid0PS9k5ACVbLX4zcpVP7NLuNvsVJZrnNSvm7iB9PENmoXgUNzgsp8G1Rxg7aAqunvsl">Facebook</a> to celebrate the all-Malaysian final and the country&rsquo;s newfound badminton depth.
&ldquo;This is how I envision the Olympics one day&mdash;gold and silver for Malaysia,&rdquo; she wrote. &ldquo;Congratulations to Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun on being crowned Malaysia Masters men&rsquo;s doubles champions! This is our national pair&rsquo;s second title of the year. Well done also to Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik for reaching their second final in a week.&rdquo;
She concluded her post with the hopeful hashtag: #RoadToGold.
More Than Just a Title
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun&rsquo;s emotional triumph is more than just another title win&mdash;it symbolises a generational shift and renewed optimism in Malaysian badminton. With multiple men&rsquo;s doubles pairs now proving they can compete&mdash;and win&mdash;at the highest levels, Malaysia's quest for Olympic glory looks more alive than ever.
The crowd at Axiata Arena bore witness to more than just a final&mdash;it was a statement that Malaysian badminton is not just back, but ready to lead.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Changing of the guard as underdogs shine on home soil. 

054b0ceb0bb4e5eea19206edde7890c4ce6ff7033af2365d11d00a258602214c

Perodua Malaysia Masters 2025: Man Wei Chong And Tee Kai Wun Stun Senior Teammates In Historic All-Malaysian Final

Malaysian students recently accepted into Harvard University are now caught in the crossfire of a major political crackdown by the Trump administration, which has revoked the prestigious institution&rsquo;s ability to enrol international students. The decision, announced by the US Department of Homeland Security, takes effect from the 2025&ndash;2026 academic year and has thrown future and current students into deep uncertainty.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of "fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party". The university&rsquo;s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has been revoked, barring it from issuing the documents required for student visas. Existing foreign students, including Malaysians currently enrolled, have been told to transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal immigration status.
Unprecedented Move with Far-Reaching Impact
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6007d43a278630ba14159c7a19fda94a4d7eb6f794d881e34496c2779c9583c1" />
This is the first time in recent history that a US administration has directly revoked a single university&rsquo;s ability to host international students, and it marks an escalation in what critics describe as a politically charged assault on academia. Harvard has vowed to challenge the decision, calling it "unlawful" and a retaliatory act that threatens the university&rsquo;s mission and global standing.
In a statement, Harvard said, &ldquo;This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard&rsquo;s academic and research mission.&rdquo; The university added that it remains "fully committed" to educating international students and scholars.
Harvard enrolled around 6,800 international students in the 2024&ndash;2025 academic year &mdash; approximately 27% of its student body. Although it is not immediately clear how many Malaysians are currently studying there, Malaysia has historically been represented in Harvard's international community, alongside peers from countries like China, India, Singapore, and the UK.
Harvard Club of Malaysia Responds
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a5852b4fa119e781d9cd08eba13606ea9703cdf2d1fc5804e7b7362e3a700bd1" />
Speaking to local media, Harvard Club of Malaysia president Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob acknowledged the growing concern among Malaysian families and students. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a developing situation and legal avenues are likely to be pursued. At the moment, we&rsquo;re waiting for further clarification on how this will affect Malaysian students specifically,&rdquo; she said.
Wan Nadiah also shared Harvard&rsquo;s official response and reiterated that the university is committed to supporting affected students. &ldquo;The community is understandably anxious, but Harvard is working hard to find a resolution,&rdquo; she added.
Trump Administration&rsquo;s Wider War on Universities
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f09b76af8ebf4d894cbb7d5923de800b4d88e59c42422897a09fecfe57e6a2da" />
The revocation is part of a wider campaign by US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s administration to reshape American higher education. The administration has accused elite institutions of harbouring &ldquo;radical left&rdquo; ideologies, promoting anti-American sentiment, and providing platforms for pro-Palestinian protests.
The decision against Harvard came shortly after the university reportedly refused to comply with Homeland Security&rsquo;s demand for extensive records on foreign students &mdash; including video and audio recordings of protest activity dating back five years.
In a stark warning to other institutions, Noem stated that similar action could be taken against other universities, such as Columbia University. &ldquo;This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together,&rdquo; she said in an interview.
Financial and Legal Implications
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9e4659d1cd5d2147408dfa8e5c4637aa818ea3354f030d034bcaf09ba6a77922" />
The decision has serious financial implications for Harvard. International students, including those from Malaysia, often pay full tuition, contributing significantly to the university&rsquo;s income. Annual tuition at Harvard is estimated at around US$59,000 (~RM 250,101), with total costs including accommodation reaching nearly US$87,000 (~RM 368,793). Although Harvard offers need-blind admissions, international students still make up a substantial part of its funding ecosystem.
The Trump administration has already frozen roughly US$3 billion in federal grants to Harvard and recently withdrew an additional US$60 million over alleged failures to address antisemitism. These moves prompted Harvard to launch legal action to restore its funding and defend its independence.
In a related legal challenge, a federal judge recently blocked the administration from terminating the legal status of foreign students without following proper regulatory procedures. However, it remains uncertain whether that ruling will protect Harvard&rsquo;s international student body.
Malaysian Students Treated as &ldquo;Collateral Damage&rdquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d75fb3bbb72e185ff4079a32e4632cea098bba207f5244c488cd10971fbe4cc8" />
Advocates and immigration experts have slammed the administration&rsquo;s move as politically motivated and damaging to innocent students. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, of the American Immigration Council, described the situation bluntly: &ldquo;None of them have done anything wrong. They&rsquo;re just collateral damage to Trump.&rdquo;
For Malaysian students who earned places at one of the world&rsquo;s most selective universities, the decision is both devastating and disruptive. It raises serious questions about the future of academic collaboration and access to US education for Malaysians.
What&rsquo;s Next for Malaysians Affected?
For now, affected Malaysian students have few clear options. They may be forced to transfer to other US institutions, though that process is fraught with logistical and legal complications. Some may defer their studies or consider universities in countries like the UK, Australia, or Singapore, where international students are still actively welcomed.
The Malaysian government has yet to issue an official response, but education counsellors and alumni networks are stepping up efforts to provide guidance and support. Many in Malaysia&rsquo;s academic and diplomatic circles are watching closely to see whether Harvard&rsquo;s legal fight will yield any reprieve for students who had dreamed of studying in the US.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Visa crisis alarms international students heading to the Ivy League; Harvard pledges swift support.

e570750737d3fcb0405ad92bce6c5dafae41fe5f241587cf96447bc565bd0985

Malaysian Students In Limbo As Trump Revokes Harvard’s Right To Enrol International Students

Malaysia&rsquo;s roads are no strangers to congestion &mdash; a persistent daily nuisance for millions of commuters. During peak hours, traffic in and around urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and Subang Jaya can grind to a halt, with journey times ballooning far beyond what would be considered acceptable in most major cities. As a result, many Malaysians have turned to public transportation in search of a more efficient, stress-free alternative.
Services such as the MRT, LRT, and KTM Komuter lines are positioned as affordable and practical ways to beat traffic, particularly for daily commuters. However, frequent breakdowns, delays, technical issues, and infrastructure weaknesses have continued to undermine public confidence in these services. For KTM Komuter in particular, its reputation has taken a repeated beating, with passengers often reporting unreliable schedules, poor communication, and inadequate contingency planning.
Three-Hour Delay Between Bangi and Serdang: A TikTok Video Goes Viral
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@horajunie/video/7507131892366462226" data-video-id="7507131892366462226">
<section><a title="@horajunie" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@horajunie?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@horajunie</a> a baddie dont deserve this typa service KTMB <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="ktmb" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ktmb?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#ktmb</a> <a title="baddie" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/baddie?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#baddie</a> <a title="stecu" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/stecu?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#stecu</a> <a title="♬ Dilanjaniyar - Chanclipse" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Dilanjaniyar-7495735523894774534?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Dilanjaniyar - Chanclipse</a></section>
</blockquote>
A recent incident involving a KTMB Komuter train on the Pulau Sebang&ndash;Batu Caves route has once again drawn widespread criticism. The issue gained viral attention after a user on TikTok, @horajunie, shared her personal experience aboard a train that came to a sudden halt between Bangi and Serdang stations.
According to her, the train was stranded on the tracks for three hours due to a fallen tree that caused a technical fault, compounded by a complete loss of electricity on board. The power outage rendered onboard systems non-functional, plunging carriages into darkness and cutting off ventilation and announcements.
There was reportedly no immediate update from staff regarding the cause of the delay or how long passengers would be stuck. For three hours, hundreds of passengers sat helplessly in sweltering heat, unsure of their next steps. The lack of communication and preparedness frustrated many, especially as conditions inside the train deteriorated.
Unplanned Evacuation: &ldquo;We Had to Walk Through the Bushes&rdquo;
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20ca46fd72998fffeee8332bc6945c197f33bb9777ef967bbfeeb79a6fd6d003" />
Eventually, KTMB staff instructed passengers to disembark the train and make their way to a nearby road on foot &mdash; through overgrown terrain that was clearly not designed for pedestrian access. In the TikTok video, passengers can be seen cautiously descending from the train and navigating a steep, uneven embankment while carrying bags and luggage.
&ldquo;It felt like jungle trekking,&rdquo; the user remarked, attempting to inject humour into the situation. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know the guy in front was so brave &mdash; he was carrying luggage and still managed to balance himself with a backpack.&rdquo;
Despite her lighthearted tone, she expressed concern for elderly passengers who struggled with the impromptu descent. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s really sad, especially for the older folks. There was a shop area in front of us, but we still had to go down a very steep and slippery path to get there,&rdquo; she added.
Others who commented on the video highlighted the risks involved &mdash; such as the possibility of injuries, lack of safety railings, and the complete absence of any emergency evacuation procedure.
Netizens React: Humour, Frustration, and Resignation
Unsurprisingly, the post triggered a wave of reactions online. Some users responded with sarcasm and humour, reflecting the public&rsquo;s growing sense of exasperation with KTMB&rsquo;s services.
&ldquo;Since when did KTMB start offering jungle survival camps?&rdquo; one user quipped, while another wrote, &ldquo;Next time, don&rsquo;t forget to bring hiking boots when boarding KTM.&rdquo;
Yet others took a more serious tone, asking whether passengers would receive any form of compensation for the lengthy delay and the hazardous disembarkation. The TikTok user confirmed that no reimbursement or official response was provided to passengers at the time of writing.
Many commenters also shared similar past experiences on KTMB trains, revealing that service disruptions are not uncommon. One user lamented: &ldquo;KTMB has been unreliable for decades. From my student days to now, as a working adult, nothing has changed.&rdquo;
Another added, &ldquo;I used to live in Rawang. If there were MRT or LRT services there, I&rsquo;d never use KTM again. But we don&rsquo;t have a choice &mdash; and that&rsquo;s the sad part.&rdquo;
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9c06d03b7050e05c26e65d6b79349842bf22b55f5f0526c022b3fce5992b708f" />
Not the First Time: A History of Train Disruptions and Power Failures
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Updated - still no moving <a href="https://t.co/1ByoWlxndQ">pic.twitter.com/1ByoWlxndQ</a>
&mdash; syab (@sybwho) <a href="https://twitter.com/sybwho/status/1713877131355472265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
but I believe that KTM could be doing more to address these issues. I urge you to look into this matter and take steps to improve the reliability and comfort of the KTM train service. Thank you for your time and consideration. Here some pictures for today issues. <a href="https://t.co/0Bquqxo0TU">pic.twitter.com/0Bquqxo0TU</a>
&mdash; syab (@sybwho) <a href="https://twitter.com/sybwho/status/1713875382074740773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
This was not an isolated incident. In fact, complaints about KTMB delays due to power outages or technical problems are alarmingly frequent. A similar case was reported earlier by a X (formerly known as Twitter) user, who shared photos of passengers waiting outside a stalled train at Batang Benar station. That delay reportedly lasted over an hour.
The user claimed this was a regular occurrence and that no meaningful improvements had been observed in recent years. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been commuting on KTM for over three years, and every few weeks there&rsquo;s some sort of delay or technical fault. Sometimes, trains just stop between stations for 20&ndash;30 minutes without any explanation.&rdquo;
Passengers in that case were also left to wait without guidance or support, fuelling perceptions that KTMB lacks the infrastructure and crisis management capability to handle such situations efficiently.
Calls for Structural Reforms and Transparent Communication
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0bca11cb9d8dcc7f3abb103eed4008bb30a999d5d1bec5fecd34f3b5743dff19" />
With Malaysia&rsquo;s public transport system expected to play a central role in reducing traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and urban sprawl, these repeated failures have prompted calls for serious reform. Many argue that the KTM Komuter network is long overdue for a comprehensive upgrade &mdash; not just in terms of trains and tracks, but also in staff training, emergency planning, and communication protocols.
&ldquo;People will never shift away from cars if they can&rsquo;t trust the train system to get them to work on time,&rdquo; one netizen commented.
Transport advocacy groups have also weighed in, calling on the government to hold KTMB accountable for service standards and passenger welfare. Suggestions have ranged from implementing service-level agreements (SLAs) with financial penalties for delays, to establishing independent oversight for public complaints and response management.
A System in Need of Direction
For everyday commuters, public transport is not a luxury &mdash; it&rsquo;s a necessity. The KTM Komuter line serves thousands of Malaysians who rely on it daily for work, school, and appointments. When delays occur without warning, and passengers are forced to evacuate in unsafe conditions, the consequences go beyond mere inconvenience. Trust erodes, productivity suffers, and the broader public transport agenda is set back.
While @horajunie&rsquo;s video managed to find humour in an otherwise uncomfortable situation, the underlying issue is no laughing matter. Until concrete steps are taken to modernise the KTMB system and ensure safe, reliable service, many will continue to feel that taking the train is a gamble &mdash; one that too often ends with them stranded in the bushes.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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&nbsp;

Passengers say the power supply was cut after a fallen tree obstructed the tracks, leaving them stranded for hours.

350503a5403f778d61d58460b4a9a77204279004a2f157010feb176c23bce4ad

KTMB Train Delay Sparks Outrage After Passengers Forced To Disembark And ‘Jungle Trek’

Singapore has been ranked the <a href="https://happy-city-index.com/">third happiest city in the world</a> for 2025, following Copenhagen and Zurich, according to the latest Happy City Index by the London-based Institute for the Quality of Life. The annual study evaluates 250 cities across 82 indicators covering six themes: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1a1a9f86a02252095bf1b3ec8297965aa163f01183e352286f538fc9c20e1a55" />
Praised as a &ldquo;city-state unlike any other,&rdquo; the index commended Singapore for its economic strength, effective governance, and urban innovation. With a score of 979 points, Singapore was identified as one of the institute&rsquo;s so-called &ldquo;Gold Cities&rdquo; &mdash; a label given to urban centres offering consistently high standards of living.
Education and innovation were named as key pillars of the city&rsquo;s success, with local universities ranked among the top 50 globally and a remarkable 7.37 patents granted per 10,000 residents, highlighting a &ldquo;steady pipeline&rdquo; of new ideas. Singapore also enjoys high digital literacy, with 55 per cent of citizens possessing digital skills and over 63 per cent fluent in a foreign language &mdash; a reflection of its global connectivity.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5922aedd37c841510f2dfeacda8e192a849d48ebf366a5890d88184226a48cc7" />
From a governance standpoint, the city scored highly thanks to its 95.81 per cent voter turnout, its expansive open data ecosystem featuring over 8,000 datasets, and a robust e-governance framework offering digital access to services ranging from online payments to scheduling public appointments.
Singapore&rsquo;s healthcare system also drew praise. The city offers universal medical insurance, a doctor-to-population ratio of 2.8 per 1,000, and an average life expectancy of 83 years. Mental health services are reportedly expanding, with 15 per cent of adults receiving coordinated care.
Mobility and public safety also contributed to Singapore&rsquo;s high standing. All public transport vehicles are accessible to individuals with disabilities, while traffic-related fatalities remain exceptionally low at 0.24 per 10,000 residents. Crime rates are minimal, with only 3.31 cases of public violence per 1,000 residents reported.
Environmentally, the country was noted for having 100 per cent sewage treatment coverage and placing sustainability at the centre of urban planning. However, the index did point out challenges in waste management, despite recent improvements in recycling.
<img src="https://i0.wp.com/media4.giphy.com/media/xTiQyBOIQe5cgiyUPS/giphy.gif?w=780&amp;ssl=1" alt="VIDEO: Using A Ski To Jimmy Car Door Lock - Unofficial Networks" />
TikToker Fires Back: &ldquo;Stress Until You Want to Cry&rdquo;
Despite the glowing report, not every Singaporean is convinced, especially one outspoken TikToker whose fiery video has gone viral across social media platforms. In a scathing monologue, the content creator sarcastically questioned the credibility of the rankings, exclaiming,
&ldquo;Singapore is ranked third happiest city in the world &mdash; knina*, who vote one?! You ask any Singaporean on the street, we all got the same emotion: stress, tired until you want to cry. You call this happy?&rdquo;
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@benwoahh/video/7505432372230507794" data-video-id="7505432372230507794">
<section><a title="@benwoahh" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@benwoahh?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@benwoahh</a> Knn Singapore is the third happiest country in the world&hellip;my ka chng la&hellip; <a title="benwhoah" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/benwhoah?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#benwhoah</a> <a title="tiktoksg" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tiktoksg?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#tiktoksg</a> <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Benwhoah 2.0" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Benwhoah-20-7505432414530489089?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Benwhoah 2.0</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
&nbsp;
His vivid rant highlighted the pressures of everyday life in Singapore, including crowded MRT commutes, relentless work culture, and the struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.
&ldquo;Everyday my blood pressure break national record. My kchng* (butt) never relax since I was born. Happy is when I sleep 12 hours, when I can touch my CPF, or when my pay go up &mdash; not just GST.&rdquo;
Rounding off with biting sarcasm, he concluded:
&ldquo;If Singapore is third happiest in the world, then I&rsquo;m the first happiest person in the world la siak. Don&rsquo;t gaslight me with happiest country. I&rsquo;m surviving, I&rsquo;m not smiling!&rdquo;
Netizens Weigh In
The video struck a chord with many online. Several commenters chimed in, agreeing with the TikToker&rsquo;s sentiments and questioning whose perspectives were truly being measured in the Happy City Index.
Some speculated the survey results may have leaned heavily on expats or high-income residents, rather than the average Singaporean citizen. Others even went as far as to say that life in Malaysia may be more attainable due to cheaper housing and car ownership.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/47a001fc54ccc01ece9384dd76b6b187085f257215efe27640e38b903e68d972" />
Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya Trail Far Behind
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bbb13fbd4ba9afb8316bc1386413c6284df19d1b89b5dd86485cad9193939a0e" />
While Singapore basked in its third-place glory, its regional neighbours fared significantly worse in the index. Kuala Lumpur was ranked 167th, while Petaling Jaya followed at 183rd out of over 200 cities.
The wide gap in rankings suggests a stark contrast in terms of infrastructure, governance, public services, and overall urban liveability &mdash; although local sentiments in Singapore show that a high rank doesn&rsquo;t necessarily equal high satisfaction on the ground.
As the debate rages on between data and daily realities, one thing is clear: happiness is far more complex than a number on a list.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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#3 in happiness — but still not #1 in food, lah.

fb62e1b27bf1ae84d7fc7226081f9874e727e85d402945cb1a2ecb5e1d09316e

Singapore Ranked One Of The World’s Happiest Cities — But This TikToker Doesn’t Agree

Bolt, the leading European mobility platform, has introduced an innovative Flight Tracking feature aimed at transforming the airport pick-up experience for travellers arriving in Malaysia. Starting today, passengers landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 can now enjoy a more seamless journey from the runway to their final destination, thanks to Bolt&rsquo;s integration of real-time flight data into its ride-scheduling service.
This new tool empowers users to sync their flight details with their Scheduled Ride on the Bolt app. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the app will automatically adjust the pick-up time or cancel the ride accordingly&mdash;with no additional cost to the user. The update is designed to reduce stress and eliminate the uncertainty of airport transfers, especially during periods of flight disruption.
How to Use the New Flight Tracking Feature
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19d132082793cf214f8e67bf7a875e45f575f89e4a75d9188d2be13e673bfec6" />
To take advantage of the Flight Tracking function, users should follow these simple steps within the Bolt app:
<ol>
<li>Open the app and tap on the &lsquo;Schedule&rsquo; button located next to the destination search bar.</li>
<li>Enter KLIA Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 as the pick-up location.</li>
<li>Choose your intended destination.</li>
<li>Select the option to &lsquo;Add Flight Details&rsquo;, where you can enter your flight&rsquo;s landing date, flight number, airline, or departure city to search and select the specific flight.</li>
<li>Choose the preferred waiting time after the flight has landed before being picked up.</li>
</ol>
Once these steps are completed, Bolt will monitor the flight status and automatically revise the ride&rsquo;s pick-up time in case of delays or remove the booking altogether if the flight is cancelled. This real-time adjustment ensures that passengers are not left stranded or charged for missed connections outside their control.
Bolt Strengthens Position as Airport Mobility Leader
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e479b20a4a58663e609b59ebc8f576ec2faf2052bebc1e4a0978e19f5b2f6913" />
Afzan Lutfi, General Manager of Bolt Malaysia, expressed pride in the company&rsquo;s expanding role in global airport mobility services. &ldquo;Bolt is now an official ride-hailing partner at more than 30 airports around the world, including both KLIA 1 and KLIA 2. Our users can enjoy direct pickups from the Arrivals area without needing to hunt for a designated zone or walk long distances,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;With the new Flight Tracking feature for Scheduled Rides, both individual and corporate customers using Bolt Business can now relax knowing that their ground transport is aligned with their flight schedule. If their flight is delayed or cancelled, we&rsquo;ll take care of the adjustments automatically, allowing passengers to spend less time waiting around the airport and enjoy a smoother, more predictable journey&mdash;whether they&rsquo;re travelling during peak holiday seasons or the quieter late-night hours.&rdquo;
Enhanced Scheduling Options for Frequent Flyers
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/12661e1cecca32d8e36eb0a691241d5b200cbd99af651b378bd0897ddc45cbe6" />
The launch of Flight Tracking follows Bolt&rsquo;s previous expansion of its Scheduled Rides booking window, which now allows users to arrange their rides up to 90 days in advance&mdash;a key benefit for business travellers and long-term planners.
Customers also have the flexibility to cancel a Scheduled Ride up to one hour before the arranged time at no cost. Cancellations made less than one hour prior will incur a RM10 late cancellation fee, helping balance flexibility for passengers with fair compensation for drivers.
Bolt continues to refine its Scheduled Rides offerings across international markets, tailoring service categories to local needs and customer habits, making the platform increasingly attractive to both casual travellers and frequent flyers.
Improving the On-the-Ground Airport Experience
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/22bc307bc9792434d66b73445696b856b108f4382d45fa4fb224181984eeef0f" />
As airport transfers represent one of the most common ride types on Bolt&rsquo;s platform, the company is also investing in improving the end-to-end user experience. In addition to Flight Tracking, the Bolt app now includes in-app visual directions, complete with clear photos, to help users locate the designated Bolt pick-up zones at KLIA with ease.
Furthermore, Bolt is working on enhanced airport branding and signage, so passengers can spot Bolt vehicles and pick-up points more readily after disembarking. These measures are intended to simplify navigation within the often complex airport environment and ensure passengers enjoy a stress-free transition from flight to road.
Positioning Bolt as a Leader in Airport Mobility
The introduction of Flight Tracking represents another step in Bolt&rsquo;s commitment to becoming a comprehensive travel partner, not just a point-to-point transport service. By reducing the friction typically associated with post-flight transportation, Bolt hopes to set a new benchmark in convenience, customer service, and technological integration.
As the aviation industry continues to rebound and international travel increases, innovations such as these will be key in building user loyalty and enhancing the experience of ride-hailing services in competitive urban and travel markets.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Delayed flight? Your Bolt pickup time adjusts itself—no need to rebook.

Concerns Grow Over Pickleball Taking Over Badminton & Tennis Courts In Malaysia

Time for picklers to dink off our courts.

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