Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

viral

children

tiktok

Apple

Rolex

entrepreneur

Birthday

daughter

million

gifts

How much is Debt How much is Flex? B day for Daughter or for herself?
A Malaysian entrepreneur has captured national attention &mdash; and divided opinion &mdash; after throwing a lavish RM1 million birthday party for her 11-year-old daughter. The extravagant celebration, shared across social media platforms, featured luxury gifts and heartfelt messages, but also sparked debate over parenting, privilege, and public displays of wealth.
A Million-Ringgit Surprise
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3162d0e8aa100e7038017ff537ec3913b2029fc2f6c8855e63a974d1d9c46c4e" />
The entrepreneur, identified as Farhana Zahra, went viral after posting a series of videos showcasing an elaborate birthday celebration for her daughter, affectionately called Yaya. The event was marked by pink-themed decorations, formally dressed guests in black attire, and a string of high-value surprises.
Farhana explained that she had intentionally pretended to forget her daughter&rsquo;s birthday in order to create a more dramatic surprise on the day. The party revealed not only a grand setup but an impressive list of gifts that left many viewers stunned.
Among the presents gifted to the young girl were:
<ul>
<li>A brand-new Apple desktop computer</li>
<li>A Rolex watch</li>
<li>A Toyota Vellfire, a luxury MPV</li>
</ul>
Farhana wrote in one of the video captions:
&ldquo;I purposely acted like I forgot her birthday because I had planned everything. Yaya even told me, &lsquo;Mama, I thought you forgot my birthday.&rsquo;&rdquo;
She added:
&ldquo;Forgive Mama&hellip; this is all I could afford to give you. I only spent RM1 million for this birthday.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@farhanazahra91/video/7510903158978252050" data-video-id="7510903158978252050">
<section><a title="@farhanazahra91" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@farhanazahra91?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@farhanazahra91</a> Selamat ulang tahun Yaya yang ke 11 tahun, besar da anak mama, semoga cita-cita untuk menjadi business women berjaya menjadi kenyataan 🥺 <a title="farhanazahra91" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/farhanazahra91?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#farhanazahra91</a> <a title="farhanazahra" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/farhanazahra?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#farhanazahra</a> <a title="cikna" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cikna?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cikna</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Farhana Zahra" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Farhana-Zahra-7510903224774249233?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Farhana Zahra</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

Lavish Spending or Love on Display?
Farhana&rsquo;s gesture was framed as an act of love for her daughter, whom she claims already has her every wish fulfilled on a near-daily basis. She admitted struggling to decide what to give Yaya on her birthday since there was little left that the child did not already have.
&ldquo;All of Yaya&rsquo;s desires have been granted almost every day. So when her birthday came around, I was truly at a loss for what to give her,&rdquo; Farhana said.
Despite describing the lavish celebration as a &ldquo;small gift&rdquo;, the statement sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.
A Gift for the Former Driver Too
In a separate video, Farhana is also seen surprising her daughter&rsquo;s former driver with a luxury car as a gesture of appreciation, further adding to the extravagance and conversation surrounding the event.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@farhanazahra91/video/7511243237760240903" data-video-id="7511243237760240903">
<section><a title="@farhanazahra91" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@farhanazahra91?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@farhanazahra91</a> Begini rasanya bila kita dapat buat orang happy ! Menangis cikna tengok video ni 😭😭😭 <a title="farhanazahra91" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/farhanazahra91?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#farhanazahra91</a> <a title="farhanazahra" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/farhanazahra?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#farhanazahra</a> <a title="cikna" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cikna?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cikna</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Farhana Zahra" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Farhana-Zahra-7511243424108989200?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Farhana Zahra</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

Social Media Reacts: Admiration and Criticism
Online reaction was swift and polarising. While some viewers praised Farhana for her hard work and for going to such lengths to make her child happy, others were far more critical.
Some comments mocked the idea of gifting such expensive items to a child who is far from the legal driving age.
&ldquo;What would a little girl do with a Rolex? Use it during her Barbie tea party?&rdquo; quipped one user.
Others questioned the public sharing of the RM1 million price tag and speculated on Farhana&rsquo;s motives. A few even raised concerns about financial transparency, with jokes about tax evasion and whether the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) should investigate.
&ldquo;She put the car under her daughter&rsquo;s name so her assets can&rsquo;t be seized,&rdquo; speculated one netizen. &ldquo;People like this still get fuel subsidies like RON95,&rdquo; another commented cynically.
More serious concerns were also voiced, particularly around the expectations such extravagant gifts might create for the future. One user warned that raising children with such luxury at an early age could distort their values.
&ldquo;Be prepared &mdash; when you start this big, you&rsquo;ll need to go bigger every year. Not even their friends can keep up,&rdquo; said another comment.
Here&rsquo;s some of the other comments by netizens:
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/31b839576c709c8a45d08c3e63cef2c838813ec1ea17395b3f53b07f4d525852" />
A Mother's Wish for Her Daughter
Despite the backlash, Farhana remained focused on what she described as the core of her celebration &mdash; her daughter's happiness.
In the birthday message shared on TikTok, she wrote:
&ldquo;Happy 11th birthday, Yaya. You&rsquo;re growing up so fast. May your dream of becoming a successful businesswoman come true.&rdquo;
Whether seen as over-the-top indulgence or a heartfelt gesture of motherly love, the viral celebration has undeniably ignited conversations across Malaysia about wealth, parenting, and what it means to show affection in the digital age.
Ed's Notes:
Some Free Ideas from MYC's Editor .. How about opening a BTC account for the Child or a Stock account with BYD shares or visiting a Children's Hospital to give treats to Kids there - to learn the real Gift of Life on a Birthday ?
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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Meanwhile, most Malaysians are grateful just to enjoy a slice of cake on their birthday.

835ea247768af8395d2be5f582444a3c73fd53917af8af9ccec3a0705b5ae843

M’sian Entrepreneur Stuns Netizens With RM1 Million Birthday Bash for 11-Year-Old Daughter

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Scentify

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Oatside

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Rohto

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PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) will lay off around 10% of its workforce&mdash;impacting more than 5,000 employees&mdash;as part of a major restructuring exercise aimed at navigating prolonged profit declines, shrinking margins, and volatile crude oil markets.
The move, which was first initiated in February 2025, forms part of the state-owned energy giant&rsquo;s broader cost-cutting strategy to &ldquo;rightsize&rdquo; operations and build resilience amid an increasingly challenging environment for fossil fuel producers.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b869fcc4de0af9420ddbcdedeadde270d6d64f32782346f860c22a0709265a37" />
Announcing the decision at a media briefing on Thursday, 5 June, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz confirmed that the workforce reduction will affect staff across all levels, including management. Those impacted will be notified in stages by the end of the year and throughout 2026.
Hiring and Promotions Frozen Until End-2026
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4cd371102ebb1d3063a84893fac666bc57cb0664b999cdf7264db446a64bb08d" />
In addition to the layoffs, PETRONAS will implement a complete freeze on new hires and staff promotions until December 2026. Tengku Muhammad Taufik said this was essential to ensure the company maintains leaner and more agile operations regardless of oil price fluctuations.
"PETRONAS 2.0 will be run and organised differently, with revised work processes,&rdquo; he said, referring to the group&rsquo;s internal transformation initiative. &ldquo;We need to correct the way we work to remain commercially competitive, not just locally but globally.&rdquo;
The restructuring reflects the growing urgency for the company to adapt to tighter margins and smaller resource fields. Tengku Taufik noted that in the past, PETRONAS could enjoy profit-before-tax margins of up to 40% when oil extraction was more straightforward. Today, those margins have declined to between 25% and 38%, with further reductions expected.
Profits Down 32% in 2024 Following Decline in 2023
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b9ad673df07879a61829df143aaaf6326149da01b932d5e723e07122fff1f31f" />
PETRONAS reported a net profit of RM55.1 billion for the financial year ended 31 December 2024&mdash;a 31.7% decrease from RM80.7 billion the previous year. This decline follows a 21% drop in 2023, driven by lower average realised oil and gas prices and the absence of favourable tax adjustments that had supported earlier figures.
The financial strain is further exacerbated by falling global oil prices. The company&rsquo;s internal budget was based on Brent crude prices ranging between USD 75 and USD 80 per barrel, but the benchmark has hovered closer to USD 65 this year&mdash;marking a 13% decline. The drop is attributed to rising OPEC+ output and worsening global trade tensions, both of which have placed downward pressure on demand.
Difficulties Meeting Dividend Targets and Revenue Pressures
Tengku Taufik acknowledged that PETRONAS is under increasing pressure to meet its dividend obligations to the government. In 2024, the company accounted for approximately 10% of Malaysia&rsquo;s national revenue through dividends and taxes. With narrowing margins and declining output from mature fields, he warned that sustaining these contributions under current market conditions will be &ldquo;challenging.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The margins are shrinking, the fields are getting smaller. It will be difficult to meet dividend targets unless the price environment improves,&rdquo; he stated.
No Exit from Canada Despite Speculation
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/1a4e51ae5d8f5214fdb8b3b2a1d873dee838b307806b43a862f5de166b268d69" />
Amid speculation about PETRONAS' international portfolio, Tengku Taufik clarified that the company has no plans to exit its Canadian operations, where it owns what was formerly Progress Energy Resources Corp.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not exiting Canada. It&rsquo;s a resource-rich geography that remains strategically important for our ambitions in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector,&rdquo; he said. While PETRONAS continues to entertain commercial proposals, he emphasised that this is part of the company&rsquo;s regular business review and not indicative of any planned withdrawal.
Ongoing Discussions with Sarawak over State Gas Role
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/26b68530d23871fe6051ca93909733f4be5fee7e9a872e9d0a36556bea81e95f" />
Separately, Tengku Taufik also addressed the evolving relationship between PETRONAS and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), amid recent shifts in the state&rsquo;s gas aggregation policies.
On 21 May 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signed a joint declaration affirming that PETRONAS will continue to carry out its functions under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and related regulations. This declaration also recognised the Sarawak government&rsquo;s appointment of Petros as the state&rsquo;s official gas aggregator, effective 1 March 2025.
Tengku Taufik noted that PETRONAS remains open to continued negotiations to strengthen cooperation with Sarawak and to ensure energy needs are met across the region.
Restructuring for Long-Term Resilience
While the coming months will bring uncertainty and job losses for many within PETRONAS, the restructuring aims to better position Malaysia&rsquo;s national oil company for the future. Tengku Taufik emphasised that PETRONAS must become more efficient and commercially disciplined if it is to compete in a shifting global energy landscape marked by transition and volatility.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Over 5,000 jobs to be cut; hiring frozen until December 2026.

f73f082c0332449ca530130c8b2d3a06404bb784c965fc60a51c5d77adc6d8c7

PETRONAS To Slash 10% Of Workforce Amid Restructuring And Profit Slump

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suffered a legal setback after the High Court in Kuala Lumpur dismissed his bid to seek constitutional immunity from a civil lawsuit filed by his former research assistant. The lawsuit, which accuses Anwar of sexual assault in 2018, is now set to proceed to trial on 16 June.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a3fd3a51194f59a6788a951b95ac0c2e61f914bec1359d2b9074f28d94f12a73" />
High Court Judge Roz Mawar Rozain ruled on 4 June that Anwar&rsquo;s application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court lacked merit. She said the questions failed to meet the required legal threshold under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, stating they did not involve "genuine constitutional controversy" and were neither necessary nor relevant to the current proceedings.
&ldquo;There is no express constitutional or statutory immunity accorded to a sitting prime minister for private acts committed before assuming office,&rdquo; she said. She also emphasised that constitutional guarantees of equal protection under the law mean equal treatment, not exemption.
The court ordered Anwar to pay RM20,000 in costs to the plaintiff, Muhammad Yusoff Rawther. Anwar&rsquo;s legal team has since indicated plans to appeal the decision and request a stay of the upcoming trial.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/85cb2328f2070ecedb2b7d80d261c41df3c6353698fe33b7f375f8e25d4ffa7f" />
The civil suit was filed in July 2021 by Yusoff, now 32, who alleges that Anwar sexually assaulted him at the latter&rsquo;s residence in Segambut on 2 October 2018&mdash;several years before Anwar took office as Prime Minister in November 2022. Yusoff claims to have suffered lasting physical, psychological, and social trauma due to the incident and is seeking unspecified damages and relief.
Anwar, 77, has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attempts to discredit his leadership. He has also filed a countersuit against Yusoff. The plaintiff had previously lodged a statutory declaration and a police report in 2019, although the Attorney General&rsquo;s Chambers announced in January 2020 that it would not pursue criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
In a statement following the High Court's ruling, Anwar maintained that his application was &ldquo;never about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny,&rdquo; but rather about upholding the constitutional integrity of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s office. He argued that strategic litigation of this nature could disrupt governance and affect executive duties.
&ldquo;This matter concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I remain committed to the rule of law and will continue to discharge my responsibilities without distraction or compromise.&rdquo;
Legal Arguments and Constitutional Debate
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/97bfcfbdc5914fe396ee6ceb5bca3c2442dbab89e18c2a276433191925f124d9" />
Anwar&rsquo;s legal team had sought to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court under Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution. These included whether a sitting prime minister is entitled to immunity from civil litigation, whether such a lawsuit interferes with the discharge of executive functions, and whether ongoing proceedings infringe the constitutional right to equal treatment under the law.
His lawyers cited several constitutional articles&mdash;Articles 5, 8, 39, 40, and 43&mdash;arguing that the nature of executive responsibilities warranted some form of immunity from private legal action. They contended that the lawsuit could impair Anwar&rsquo;s ability to serve effectively and urged that the questions raised novel legal issues deserving Federal Court scrutiny.
However, Judge Roz Mawar found the arguments speculative and irrelevant to the immediate dispute between the two parties. Yusoff&rsquo;s legal team, led by Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, countered that this was a private law matter and not a constitutional crisis.
Speaking after the verdict, Rafique praised the court&rsquo;s ruling: &ldquo;This is an important milestone for Malaysia. It reinforces the fundamental principle that all individuals, regardless of status or position, are equal before the law.&rdquo;
A Political Legacy Marked by Legal Battles
This is far from the first time Anwar Ibrahim has faced serious legal allegations. His political career has long been overshadowed by accusations of sexual misconduct&mdash;charges he has consistently denied and labelled as orchestrated attempts to derail his reformist agenda.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lWvBJwDQXs" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
In 1998, during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar was sacked by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and later convicted of corruption and sodomy. He was sentenced to nine years in prison in a trial that drew international scrutiny and widespread condemnation. The Federal Court eventually overturned the sodomy conviction in 2004, resulting in his release.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8fc6527eb4d72813e4fc229f98d44b76d1e8368952e190a21824fa0865264632" />
In 2008, new sodomy charges surfaced, this time brought by a former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. Although initially acquitted in 2012, an appeals court reversed the decision in 2014, and Anwar was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 2018 after receiving a full royal pardon, paving the way for his political comeback.
Anwar and his allies have long asserted that all charges were politically motivated, aimed at neutralising him as a threat to the ruling establishment. He has publicly forgiven his accusers but often speaks of the deep personal and political scars caused by the trials.
Impact on Anwar&rsquo;s Leadership and Reform Agenda
The latest legal development could have significant political repercussions for Anwar, particularly as his unity government continues to navigate a fragile coalition and a public impatient for tangible reforms.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fd600ce7f50a6a7ec9b8a04c8fc34a2958426145f3a29dc5408f183f41f9545f" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4341/rafizi-ramli-resigns-as-economy-minister-following-pkr-defeat-nik-nazmi-follows-suit">Rafizi Ramli Resigns As Economy Minister Following PKR Defeat; Nik Nazmi Follows Suit</a>
Already, the Prime Minister is under pressure following the recent resignations of two key cabinet members, which came on the heels of internal party elections in which his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, secured the deputy presidency of PKR. Her elevation has raised eyebrows and stoked allegations of nepotism, particularly troubling for a leader whose platform was built on a promise of Reformasi, or democratic reform.
Commentators have noted that Anwar&rsquo;s ongoing legal troubles risk eroding his credibility, especially among the conservative Malay-Muslim electorate. &ldquo;This latest case could be highly damaging politically for Anwar among the Malay-Muslim community,&rdquo; said James Chin, a political analyst at the University of Tasmania.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad&mdash;Anwar&rsquo;s long-time rival and one-time mentor&mdash;seized on the court&rsquo;s decision to renew his criticisms. &ldquo;No one should be above the law. Not even the Prime Minister,&rdquo; he said in a statement. Mahathir&rsquo;s re-emergence has added another layer of political intrigue ahead of the trial.
Yusoff&rsquo;s Own Legal Troubles
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9bd3b74970346b970e43b0752f410ea32a04fb5f536ca31a0aaf5ac2151c5d35" />
The complainant, Yusoff Rawther, is also currently facing serious legal charges unrelated to this civil suit. He has been in police custody since September 2024, and is on trial for alleged drug trafficking and possession of imitation firearms. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment and caning. He has pleaded not guilty and claims he was framed by those in power.
Despite his legal challenges, the court has decided that Yusoff&rsquo;s credibility and circumstances are issues to be evaluated during trial&mdash;not grounds to delay or dismiss the proceedings.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Moment in Malaysian Politics
The civil trial, set to begin on 16 June, is poised to become a highly scrutinised legal and political event in Malaysia&rsquo;s recent history. It will not only test Anwar&rsquo;s personal integrity but also the robustness of the country&rsquo;s judicial independence and constitutional checks on executive power.
Whether the proceedings will derail Anwar&rsquo;s leadership or simply serve as another chapter in his long, turbulent political journey remains to be seen. For now, the Prime Minister faces one of the most critical tests of his tenure, with the eyes of the nation&mdash;and much of the international community&mdash;closely watching.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Courts rule no special privilege for Prime Ministers. 

60702a13878b6f35cab3bcf398aa67ebe3f8b38c308bd67c640feb5de266a60d

Anwar Ibrahim’s Immunity Bid Rejected: High-Stakes Civil Trial To Proceed

Driving in an unfamiliar country is rarely a stress-free experience &ndash; and according to a new global survey, Malaysia has emerged as one of the scariest places in the world to get behind the wheel, particularly for tourists.
The study, conducted by a <a href="https://www.scrapcarcomparison.co.uk/blog/nerve-racking-nations/">UK-based car rental platform</a>, polled over 2,000 motorists worldwide, asking how nervous they&rsquo;d feel driving in different countries. Participants rated their anxiety on a scale from 1 (not nervous at all) to 10 (extremely nervous).
Malaysia scored a concerning 6.70 out of 10, placing it 10th globally and second in Southeast Asia, behind only Thailand (which ranked 5th overall with a score of 6.86). India took the top global spot with a scare score of 7.15.
Malaysia: Tricky Roads, Tough Habits
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2a5ec910cd43e357ba60b9c94554d5156e4bba3fe49fafcfb6e56fd1874dd6f" />
While seasoned Malaysian drivers might scoff at the results&mdash;after all, dodging potholes while weaving through motorbike traffic is second nature&mdash;foreigners see it quite differently. The blend of high-speed overtaking, motorcyclists with a death wish, and the occasional free-for-all at junctions has left many tourists clutching the steering wheel in terror.
Let&rsquo;s not forget the local quirks. In states like Penang, for instance, even Malaysians will admit the driving etiquette (or lack thereof) deserves its own chapter in a survival manual. From triple-parking to creative roundabout interpretations, Penang&rsquo;s roads are practically an obstacle course&mdash;albeit with good food at every wrong turn.
Why Are Tourists So Anxious Behind the Wheel?
&nbsp;<img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbWw3NGtreTR0d2thMzc1YzB4czE1eHgydG55aHRzbjBhbDhsbmwwMCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/qQJ1xyQXVuVfW/giphy.gif" />&nbsp;
According to the survey, several key concerns fuel the fear of driving abroad. These include:
<ul>
<li>Driving on the opposite side of the road (56.2%) &ndash; A major source of disorientation for tourists used to different systems.</li>
<li>Dangerous driving by other motorists (55.9%) &ndash; Speeding, aggressive lane-changing, and unclear signalling top the list.</li>
<li>Fear of breaking local traffic laws (52.7%) &ndash; Many worry about committing infractions without even realising it.</li>
<li>Unfamiliar road layouts (48.1%) &ndash; Confusing junctions and inconsistent signage don&rsquo;t help.</li>
<li>Not understanding road signs (43.1%) &ndash; Especially when they&rsquo;re in unfamiliar languages or symbols.</li>
</ul>
Other anxieties include fears of getting lost, being unable to communicate during a traffic stop or accident, and unexpected road hazards.
Other Countries in the Rankings
The top 10 countries deemed the scariest for driving include:
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/278cccba3499c233878d65e2833a750334a30528bc44dff2d2eba532931b8c7a" />
Singapore ranked 17th on the list, suggesting that its strict enforcement and orderly roads inspire more confidence, although its sky-high fines might still keep tourists on edge.
Driving in Malaysia: An Adventure, Not a Holiday?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/845245594d3ee65aad7a2eddcfd19dcfa99e27a1279b516b1a8e8f78fb8d8146" />
While Malaysia boasts a well-connected road network and stunning scenic drives&mdash;from the hills of Cameron Highlands to the coastal stretches of Terengganu&mdash;the on-road experience can be a little overwhelming for the uninitiated. Combine right-hand traffic with the creative parking habits, fast-paced expressways, and the occasional cow crossing in rural areas, and it&rsquo;s no wonder tourists are reaching for public transport or ride-hailing apps.
That said, the fear factor isn&rsquo;t all doom and gloom. Understanding the common concerns can help tourism operators, car rental companies, and local authorities better support international drivers through clearer signage, better road education, and perhaps even multilingual driving guides.
Conclusion: A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
For Malaysians, this survey might come as no surprise, especially for those who&rsquo;ve braved Penang&rsquo;s streets on a long weekend or tried merging lanes in downtown KL during rush hour. But for visitors, it&rsquo;s a helpful reminder that road conditions and driving norms vary wildly across the globe.
So, if you're a tourist feeling nervous about renting a car in Malaysia, don&rsquo;t worry. Just be prepared, stay alert, maybe skip the self-drive tour of George Town, and remember: in Malaysia, horns are a language of their own.
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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Driving isn’t that scary in Malaysia… until it rains and the floods start.

9158034842465e742bf716021b73e6c0cf58914fe94ef3c5ef4f70cae86e53b1

Malaysia Ranked 2nd Scariest Country In SEA To Drive In – Especially For Tourists

Malaysian police have confirmed that the decomposed body found at a construction site in Bangsar is that of Jordan Michael John Johnson-Doyle, a 25-year-old British software engineer who had been reported missing since 2 June.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4346/british-family-turns-to-social-media-after-son-goes-missing-in-kuala-lumpur-following-night-out-at-irish-bar">British Family Turns To Social Media After Son Goes Missing In Kuala Lumpur Following Night Out At Irish Bar</a>
The discovery was made during a search operation on 4 June, at a partially completed condominium along Lorong Maarof. The search was initiated after Johnson-Doyle&rsquo;s movements were traced to the area. Over 30 officers took part in combing the site, and at approximately 5pm, a body was found face-down in a partially submerged lift shaft at one of the still-under-construction blocks.
Tattoo Identification and Autopsy Results
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed977b832875703563f16018ce06cbf74c694b7d04050b8eae7d142d4b261169" />
Kuala Lumpur police chief Commissioner Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed that the body had been positively identified by Johnson-Doyle&rsquo;s uncle, based on a distinctive tattoo. A post-mortem conducted at University Malaya Medical Centre revealed that the cause of death was a chest injury sustained from a fall from height.
&ldquo;There were no signs of foul play or criminal elements at the scene,&rdquo; said Rusdi. &ldquo;The case has been classified as a sudden death.&rdquo;
The body, which was discovered with most of its clothing removed, was recovered at around 9.30pm on the day of the search and taken for forensic examination.
Last Known Movements Before Disappearance
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/50f12414bc279a3011361942bbe8db690764d0adea88f56a65dacd29d23be876" />
Johnson-Doyle had been on a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia while working remotely for a United States-based tech company. He had arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam on 17 May and was believed to be staying at Robertson Residences in Bukit Bintang during his time in Kuala Lumpur.
His last known contact was on the night of 27 May, when he was seen attending a quiz night at Healy Mac&rsquo;s Irish Bar in Bangsar. He had sent a photograph from the bar to a friend, but after that, his phone went silent and his social media activity abruptly stopped. Concerned family members, unable to reach him, reported his disappearance to the authorities.
Staff at the bar confirmed his attendance that evening, but were unable to provide further details about his departure or movements afterward.
Public Urged Not to Speculate
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ad67327d921adfe715dd3fa01f06264365d3eb587cf1177a706e19ec88ae31fd" />
Commissioner Rusdi advised the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances of Johnson-Doyle&rsquo;s death and urged anyone with additional information to come forward to assist the investigation.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal fall. While the possibility of an accidental fall into the elevator shaft remains the leading theory, officers have stated that all avenues will be examined thoroughly.
The case has drawn significant media attention both locally and in the United Kingdom, where outlets such as the Daily Mail reported on the young man&rsquo;s disappearance and the eventual discovery of his body.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A tragic end to the search for the 25-year-old backpacker.

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Body Found At Bangsar Construction Site Confirmed To Be Missing British Man

Singapore will be acquiring two plots of land currently owned by the Malaysian government as part of its ambitious redevelopment plan for the Woodlands Checkpoint &mdash; one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. The move, which aims to address persistent traffic congestion and improve cross-border travel efficiency, was formally gazetted on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
In a joint statement, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed that the acquisition, involving a total of 0.79 hectares of unused, vegetated land, forms a central part of the broader phased expansion. The parcels are located near the core of the proposed redevelopment zone and are slightly larger than a football field in total area.
Both Singapore and Malaysia have emphasised ongoing cooperation, with the authorities stating, &ldquo;We will continue our strong partnership with the Malaysian government to strengthen connectivity and people-to-people links.&rdquo;
A Cross-Border Congestion Crisis
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6d70661197b6d097be71d14f059c3fee564951bd5d1e619e4f37747eae67c552" />
Anyone familiar with travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore knows that traffic bottlenecks at the Woodlands Checkpoint are a longstanding issue, particularly during weekends, public holidays, and school vacation periods. The checkpoint has consistently operated over capacity for years, and the numbers continue to climb.
In 2024, the average daily number of travellers using the checkpoint surged by 22%, rising from 269,000 in 2023 to 327,000. A new record was set on 20 December 2024, when 376,000 people crossed the checkpoint in a single day &mdash; a testament to both the importance of the route and the severe congestion it experiences. Authorities project that by 2050, the checkpoint could see up to 400,000 daily users.
A Decade-Long Redevelopment Plan
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fba3000c93a576909727ace9f1895e2c6130ff8f665b09214fcad190ffe2de7f" />
To cope with this growth, Singapore has mapped out a comprehensive 10- to 15-year plan to redevelop the checkpoint in multiple phases. The goal is to provide a sustainable, long-term solution to the chronic traffic congestion while maintaining national security standards and enhancing automation.
The ICA revealed that Singapore had officially approached Malaysia about the land acquisition as early as May 2022, and followed up with a formal proposal in November 2023. The current acquisition is one of the first concrete steps towards realising the redevelopment blueprint.
Phase One: New Facilities and Better Traffic Flow
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/290e377f7ff9bc1732d015fb7f88d17c23af5cf0cb5286069c8acba4c61e5255" />
Construction under the first phase of the project is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. This stage will focus on extending the existing checkpoint into the Old Woodlands Town Centre area, integrating modern infrastructure designed to streamline the clearance process.
Key features of the first phase include:
<ul>
<li>Automated clearance facilities for arriving cars, motorcycles, and cargo vehicles;</li>
<li>An extension of the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) to provide direct access for outbound vehicles, thereby reducing pressure on nearby roads;</li>
<li>Holding areas for vehicles within the checkpoint compound to prevent spillover congestion on surrounding expressways;</li>
<li>Off-site security screening zones, easing the burden on the main checkpoint complex.</li>
</ul>
These innovations aim to improve the overall clearance experience for travellers while significantly boosting processing efficiency.
Future Phases: In-Car Clearance and More Automation
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19e1825e22ebbb9696a8653058adbd87bd1b45ed4a633fe639ae316112bc2184" />
Subsequent phases of redevelopment will involve upgrading the current checkpoint infrastructure, adding further clearance lanes, and deploying high-tech systems, including automated in-car immigration clearance, to accelerate processing time for travellers without requiring them to disembark.
Singaporean authorities have stated that the ultimate goal is to reduce average peak-hour travel time from 60 minutes to just 15 minutes. This will be achieved by leveraging smart infrastructure and automation, combined with strategic traffic management enhancements.
The ICA added that it will continue to invest in technological advancements to balance secure border management with seamless cross-border travel and trade.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Despite the sensitivities involved in acquiring land owned by a neighbouring government, the process has been described as cooperative and mutually beneficial. Singapore has reassured that all negotiations and procedures are being conducted with full transparency and close coordination with the Malaysian government.
Both sides recognise the strategic value of the Woodlands crossing, not just for trade and tourism, but also for the deep interpersonal ties shared between Singaporeans and Malaysians. With more efficient infrastructure, the hope is to foster greater mobility, economic opportunity, and regional integration.
A Future-Ready Border Gateway
The redevelopment of the Woodlands Checkpoint marks a significant infrastructural commitment by Singapore to future-proof one of Southeast Asia&rsquo;s busiest land links. With daily crossings expected to rise further in the coming decades, the upgrades are seen as crucial to maintaining smooth and secure travel between the two nations.
As construction begins in late 2025, commuters can expect temporary disruptions, but the long-term outcome promises faster, safer, and more streamlined border crossings &mdash; a major upgrade for one of the region&rsquo;s most vital transit points.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The land acquisition is part of a long-term strategy to ease chronic congestion at the border.

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