Latest news with #DANIALHAKIM
Sinar Daily
12 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Malaysians are rediscovering the joy of domestic travel
By DANIAL HAKIM 22 Jun 2025 01:00pm According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. Photo: Canva THE joy of old-school region hopping has once more struck among local Malaysians as domestic travels surge like never before. According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. As a result, this trend reflects a shift in travel behaviour as Malaysians seek out more intimate, flexible, and culturally connected experiences without leaving their own backyard. 'It is encouraging to see Malaysians continuing to explore and celebrate the richness of their own country. 'The growing trend of domestic travel, led by millennial guests, reflects a broader shift toward more meaningful, connected, and flexible travel,' Airbnb country head for India and Southeast Asia, Amanpreet Bajaj said. While major cities like Kuala Lumpur remain firm favourites, off-the-beaten-path destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Hulu Langat in Selangor and Kinta in Perak were among the top ten most visited local cities on Airbnb in 2024 by Malaysian guests — a clear indication of rising interest in nature-filled retreats and lesser-known escapades. From rainforest getaways to riverside kampungs, these alternative destinations offer a different kind of travel, one that is much slower, more intentional, and often more rejuvenating. Airbnb also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Photo: Canva Malaysia isn't just winning local hearts — it's also drawing international eyes. Kuala Lumpur ranked among the top three most booked cities in Southeast Asia by international Airbnb guests in 2024, standing proudly alongside regional heavyweights like Bangkok. This further positions Malaysia strongly as it gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, with increasing global interest in its diverse travel offerings — from heritage-rich towns and island escapes to vibrant urban hubs. The year 2024 also saw millennials (aged 30 to 39) emerging as the leading demographic for Airbnb bookings in Malaysia, further cementing the age group as one of the leading voices for travel buffs locally and globally when it comes to the Malaysian landscape. It was also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Additionally, long-term stays increased by over 17 per cent, suggesting more travellers are opting for slower-paced journeys and 'work-from-anywhere' lifestyles. As Airbnb data suggests, the top cities visited by international Airbnb guests included Johor Bahru, Penang, Petaling Jaya, Melaka, Langkawi, and Kuching — a mix of culinary capitals, coastal gems, and culture-rich locales. On the flipside, the top inbound travellers to Malaysia came from Singapore, China, Indonesia, the US, and South Korea, highlighting Malaysia's continued appeal as a regional and global favourite. More Like This
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
What's hiding in your banana fritters? Penang woman finds fried lizard
Penang woman's dessert comes with deep-fried lizard By DANIAL HAKIM 18 Jun 2025 10:09am The shocking discovery was documented in a 16-second video posted on TikTok by user @ where the charred remains of a reptile are clearly seen inside the paper container holding the fritters. Photo: TikTok / @ SHAH ALAM – What began as a routine takeaway snack quickly spiraled into a stomach-churning experience for a Malaysian woman who ordered pisang goreng tiramisu (tiramisu banana fritters) from a roadside stall in Bayan Baru, Penang. Hidden under layers of shredded cheese and dessert toppings was the last thing she expected: a fried lizard. The shocking discovery was documented in a 16-second video posted on TikTok by user @ where the charred remains of a reptile are clearly seen inside the paper container holding the fritters. Using a fork, she lifted the object, rinsed it under running water and revealed the unmistakable shape of a lizard. In the video's caption and in follow-up comments, Alisha did not hold back her fury over the stall's unsanitary practices. 'Bought tiramisu banana fritters and got a fried lizard. "Be careful of irresponsible, filthy eateries. If you get food poisoning or die from it, you'll have to bear it yourself because the seller doesn't care as long as they profit,' she said. She also mentioned that the stall had an overwhelming stench, describing it as smelling 'like a sewer' and accused the seller of being indifferent when confronted. 'The seller didn't even care when we told them. I've been to two clinics. I have had food poisoning since May 29 and I still have not recovered,' she said. Although no official statement has yet been released by local authorities or the stall in question, the video has reignited concerns about the cleanliness and food handling standards of roadside eateries. This is not the first time local food vendors have come under fire for hygiene lapses, but the grotesque nature of this incident involving a dead lizard deep-fried with dessert has elevated the concern to new levels. Consumers are calling for stricter enforcement, especially at popular street food locations. For now, Alisha is recovering from food poisoning and hopes her story will keep others from suffering the same fate. 'I'm sharing this so others are careful when eating. This shop is disgusting,' she added. More Like This
Sinar Daily
7 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
How pizza deliveries near the Pentagon are becoming an unofficial war signal
On June 13, 2025, a flurry of Domino's orders near the Pentagon set off digital alarms. By DANIAL HAKIM 16 Jun 2025 05:16pm Not only was Domino's humming with orders, but Papa John's and other chains in Arlington also spiked in activity. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. A suspicious spike in pizza orders near the Pentagon just before a major Middle East escalation has revived one of the internet's most oddly accurate conspiracy theories: that when pizza flows, war follows. Long before Google Maps and real-time delivery tracking, Soviet spies in Washington noticed something strange: before every US military operation, pizza places got slammed. They called it Pizzint — short for 'pizza intelligence.' Fast-forward to 2025 and this once-shadowy tactic is now a tongue-in-cheek OSINT (open-source intelligence) indicator tracked by a viral X account @PenPizzaReport. The theory? If the Domino Pizza's near the Pentagon is suddenly busier than usual, something big is brewing behind the scenes. Slice by Slice, the Evidence Builds On June 13, 2025, a flurry of Domino's orders near the Pentagon set off digital alarms. 'As of 6.59pm ET, nearly all pizza establishments nearby the Pentagon have experienced a HUGE surge in activity,' posted X user @PenPizzaReport. Fast-forward to 2025, and this once-shadowy tactic is now a tongue-in-cheek OSINT (open-source intelligence) indicator tracked by a viral X account @PenPizzaReport. Photo: X Barely an hour later, Iran reported explosions in Tehran, confirming an Israeli strike that was previously undisclosed to the public. For those watching the pizza pattern, the signs were there. The Israel-Iran attacks are not one-off incidents either. In April 2024, the Pentagon's pizza scene lit up again, just hours before Iran launched drones into Israel. Not only was Domino's humming with orders, but Papa John's and other chains in Arlington also spiked in activity. Then, on June 1 this year, @PenPizzaReport stated a late-night delivery surge and mere hours later, another separate Israel-Iran escalation hit global headlines. Coincidence? Perhaps. But as former CNN Pentagon correspondent Wolf Blitzer famously said back in 1990, 'Bottom line for journalists: Always monitor the pizzas.' The Pentagon Pizza Index While it started as a Cold War anecdote, the Pentagon Pizza Index has become a modern meme-meets-monitoring tool. It relies on platforms like Google Maps, Uber Eats and social media to track when Pentagon-area pizza joints become busy. When it comes to pizza, it's a worldwide comfort food, easy to share and perfect for ordering in during marathon nights when military brass are stuck behind desks dealing with a crisis. Behavioral psychology also supports the concept of the Pentagon Pizza Index. Under stress, people crave calorie-heavy, familiar meals. There are no pizza places inside the Pentagon itself, so external orders, especially at odd hours, are often a signal that 'something's up.' The Gay Bar Theory To broaden the analysis, @PenPizzaReport does not just monitor pizza. They recently stated that a popular gay bar near the Pentagon was 'abnormally empty for a Thursday night,' suggesting a quiet panic may be brewing. This has become a form of amateur threat analysis: when pizza orders rise and nightlife drops, it may signal all hands on deck behind classified walls. Long before Google Maps and real-time delivery tracking, Soviet spies in Washington noticed something strange: before every US military operation, pizza places got slammed. They called it Pizzint — short for 'pizza intelligence.' Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. Despite the recent viral meme sensation of the theory, most skeptics dismiss the Pentagon Pizza Index as silly internet speculation. However, the consistency is hard to ignore. The theory's viral resurgence came in August 2024 when X user @RealBenGeller said the 'Pizza Meter was off the charts' as DC bars emptied. The chatter exploded, landing on TikTok feeds around the world. While the United States military has not confirmed any connection between pizza and secret operations, it has changed its fast-food habits. After the theory gained notoriety, government staffers began ordering from various locations or picking up pies themselves, trying to cover their cheesy tracks. 'You can't bank a war call on pizza...'While the consistency is clearly visible and as they say down in the West, "the pie don't lie," analysts remain cautious about reading too much into pepperoni patterns. While it started as a Cold War anecdote, the Pentagon Pizza Index has become a modern meme-meets-monitoring tool, relying on platforms like Google Maps, Uber Eats, and social media to track when Pentagon-area pizza joints light up with activity. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. 'You can't bank a war call on a pizza. But if the Pentagon's burning the midnight oil and feeding everyone, it's worth a second look,' an unnamed senior OSINT expert told The Economic Times. With Israel's recent strike on Iran, the Pizza Index has once again scored a piping-hot point for the theory. Whether the world calls it coincidence or crowd-sourced clairvoyance, the Pentagon Pizza Index continues to intrigue. In a digital world awash with noise, it's oddly comforting and slightly terrifying that a Domino's order history could be the breadcrumb trail to global conflict. One thing is for sure: the next time you see that 'busier than usual' banner on Google Maps near the Pentagon, you might want to turn on the news or duck for cover. More Like This
Sinar Daily
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Sinar Daily
Strawberry Moon dazzles Malaysian stargazers with golden-orange glow
Cloudy skies didn't stop many from catching a glimpse and sharing their thoughts. By DANIAL HAKIM 12 Jun 2025 03:00pm This picture taken from the southern Kibbutz of Afar Aza shows the full moon, known as the 'Strawberry Moon' rising on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP) SHAH ALAM – Last night, the skies were graced with the much-awaited "Strawberry Moon," a rare and captivating phenomenon that left stargazers across Malaysia mesmerised. The Strawberry Moon, the name given to June's full moon, is not actually pink or strawberry-coloured, as one might expect. The full moon, known as the 'Strawberry Moon' rises over the tower Sforza Castle in Milan, on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP) Instead, it gets its name from the traditional association with the strawberry harvest season in North America. This particular full moon marks the start of summer and was visible in various parts of the world, including Malaysia. Why is it called the Strawberry Moon? The name "Strawberry Moon" is believed to have originated from Native American traditions, as June was the month when strawberries would ripen and be ready for harvest. The full moon during this time was seen as a signal for berry-picking season. The term has since been adopted worldwide, although the moon's appearance remains the same, typically appearing as a regular full moon. The Strawberry Moon is also notable for another reason: it often coincides with a lunar phenomenon known as a "supermoon." This occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. Although the name might suggest a pinkish hue, Malaysia's view of the Strawberry Moon featured a warm, golden-orange tone. Cloudy skies didn't stop many from catching a glimpse and sharing their thoughts. One Instagram user posted, 'The Strawberry Moon I saw earlier had this golden-orange colour, its natural hue. It was so beautiful and bright, but sadly, it's cloudy here.' The rare sight also inspired a bit of local humour, with a commenter joking, 'Full moon tonight? So it means Raya was supposed to be Friday not Saturday.' Another chimed in with a cheeky wish: 'Hopefully there's going to be a green moon next!' Despite the misconception that the Strawberry Moon doesn't actually turn pink or red, that didn't stop netizens from embracing the cosmic magic and making it their own. Globally, many experienced the moon as a mood-setter, especially for astrology enthusiasts. 'Full moon in my sign Sagittarius. Probably why I'm feeling super chill today. Letting it all go.' X user @IAMSuChrist said, linking the full moon to their zodiac sign. Others were simply vibing with the moon's seasonal theme as X (formerly known as Twitter) user @eni_ shared a coincidence with the full moon phenomenon. 'I got a strawberry plant and planted it for this full moon and I didn't even realise at the time it was the strawberry full moon!' the account shared. Meanwhile, over on Instagram, @ameycakeenok in Michigan described the scene: 'Here in Michigan there was a light/dark haziness around that pink color. Nice shot.' What made this Strawberry Moon so special wasn't just the science behind it - it was the shared sense of awe, humor, and reflection it inspired. Whether seen through a clear lens or hidden behind clouds, the Strawberry Moon united people from all walks of life in a brief but beautiful cosmic moment. More Like This
Sinar Daily
09-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia ranks among top Asian getaways for European wanderlust
Malaysia has seen a significant 20 per cent surge in interest compared to 2024, the highest increase among all top destinations. By DANIAL HAKIM 06 Jun 2025 05:58pm The most searched locations in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and the Perhentian Islands, highlighting a growing appetite for both city adventures and island escapades. Photo: Canva DIGITAL travel platform Agoda has recently unveiled its latest 'Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends', and Malaysia is once again firmly on the map. Ranked as the fourth most searched Asian destination by European travelers for the second consecutive year, Malaysia has seen a significant 20 per cent surge in interest compared to 2024, the highest increase among all top destinations. According to Agoda, the most searched locations in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and the Perhentian Islands, highlighting a growing appetite for both city adventures and island escapades. Agoda's insights, derived from accommodation searches for the peak European summer months of July and August, show Malaysia's tourism magnetism on the rise, particularly among travelers from France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Agoda's insights, derived from accommodation searches for the peak European summer months of July and August, show Malaysia's tourism magnetism on the rise—particularly among travelers from France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Photo: Canva While these five markets continue to lead in search volumes, there's notable momentum coming from France and the Czech Republic, each recording a remarkable 95 per cent year-on-year growth, with Poland close behind at 74 per cent. Meanwhile, Spain overtook the UK in the search rankings this year, reflecting shifting travel interests among Europeans. Malaysia's 20 per cent growth in travel searches leads the pack, but other Asian destinations are catching up. China, benefitting from visa waivers introduced for several European countries, saw a 14 per cent increase, while Sri Lanka experienced a 13 per cent rise. Still, Malaysia's overall performance remains unmatched in growth among the top five destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the latter making its debut on the list. Malaysia's overall performance remains unmatched in growth among the top five destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the latter making its debut on the list. Photo courtesy of Agoda. 'Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality continue to captivate holidaymakers seeking authentic and diverse experiences. 'With a 20 per cent rise in searches this year, it's clear that more Europeans are eager to explore all that Malaysia has to offer during their summer holidays,'said Agoda country director for Malaysia and Brunei, Fabian Teja. More Like This
