It’s the end for Nicholas Tse and Cecilia Cheung 謝霆鋒、張柏芝 – 鋒芝變? These few days all the news been focusing on Nicholas Tse and Cecilia Cheung about their marriage. I think they need time to settle their own family issue and get over it.
After the actress broke her silence and hit out at her husband for pretending to be a good man and a good father, Tse issued a statement on Friday.
Although he did not mention the word “divorce” or “split”, he hinted that the five-year marriage was over.
“From today, I will start handling my family affairs, I hope to stop all speculation as soon as possible.” He ended his statement by saying: “Finally, I am deeply grateful of Cheung’s contributions in the last five years and sincerely send my blessings to her.”
Now, CANTO-POP queen Faye Wong 王菲 has been dragged into the Nicholas-Cecilia 鋒芝變 drama, major Chinese dailies reported.
Cecilia Cheung recently broke her silence about her marital rift and said her husband was a “fake”. The actress said: “How fake is Nicholas Tse? In this world, only me and Miss Wong (Faye Wong) know.
“But Miss Wong is smarter than me. She got out of it by herself, I realised too late.”
Faye Wong 王菲, after a failed first marriage, began dating Tse in 2000. Their on-off relationship ended three years later. She is now married to Chinese actor Li Yapeng.
Rick Chin之後再留言支持柏芝，他借好友之言罵霆鋒：“霆鋒借第三者或知情人事發放消息傷害柏芝，這才是恐怖！無聲狗咬死人，真是要這麼殘忍對待你5年的老婆及2個兒子的媽媽？”他又說：“愛真的很可愛，亦很可怕！不愛時，可以何等傷害你，甚至於你不還擊前，一刀一刀刺向你，躺下跪下還要體無完膚，獨自承受痛楚，結果受到惡意中傷，批評。”Rick Chin強調幫理不幫親：“柏芝這幾年已做了好媽媽，好太太，不記仇，善良美麗，已問心無愧！你不必傷心，不愛你和孩子的，怎樣保護你們？認命吧，張柏芝！主和我們都是愛你的！”
Yahooooo, I’m going to Bangkok tomorrow! Thursday till Sunday. What can I do in Bangkok? Where to visit in Bangkok? What’s nice in Bangkok? What to eat in Bangkok? I heard people saying tailor a set of suit in Bangkok is cheaper compared to here?
Any advise on my trip to Bangkok? Can you give me the answer to the above queries if you know or some suggestion then I would love to check that out!
I have done some research and come out with a list of things to do in Bangkok for my own reference and you may want to keep for your future reference too!
Let’s imagine the scenario: You’ve only got a limited amount of time in Bangkok: You want to see the must-sees and do the must-dos. Where to turn? Worry no more – here are some of the tips for your Bangkok’s Trip! (Just click on the link and it will bring you to the source of the tips in Bangkok)
Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.
The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.
Navigating Chatuchak Weekend Market
For first-timers, ‘conquering’ Chatuchak may seem like an impossible task, but worry not. There is a system to help you navigate your way through Chatuchak. Inside, one main walkway encircles the entire market, and it branches off into a series of numbered alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on.
These alleyways are grouped into sections, with 27 sections in all. You will find more than one category of goods contained in one section, and the same category of goods will appear again in the other sections. In terms of locating your category of goods, this system is rather useless; but it will come in handy when you try to locate your particular stall or where your exact location is on the Chatuchak map.
Another way to find your way around Chatuchak is to find points of reference as you go along. The BTS and MRT stations as well as banks and numbered entrance gates are good points of references, as you will come across them as you turn corners. Then again, use the map to locate these references to find your correct orientation.
What’s For Sale?
If you can dream it up, Chatuchak probably has it. Here, you will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise, whether a Moroccan lamp, an antique wooden chest, a pair of vintage Levi’s jeans, or, on the exotic side, a python.
Although it’s impossible to name all, the selection of goods being offered at Chatuchak can be roughly divided into 11 categories:
-Clothing & Accessories (sections 2-6, 10-26)
-Handicrafts (sections 8-11)
-Ceramics (sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25)
-Furniture and Home Decoration (sections 1,3,4,7,8)
-Food and Beverage (sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, 27)
-Plants and Gardening tools (sections 3, 4)
-Art and Gallery (section 7)
-Pets and Pet Accessories (sections 8, 9, 11, 13)
-Books (sections 1, 27)
-Antiques and Collectibles (sections 1, 26)
-Miscellaneous and Used Clothing (sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 25, 26)
When buying goods at Chatuchak, particularly ‘antiques’, it is wise to exercise a few precautions. Check your goods thoroughly to see whether there is any damage, as many vendors sell factory rejects. For ‘antiques’, don’t trust the vendor when he tells you it is genuine. It’s better to bring along an expert, unless you are happy with what you are paying for.
Bargaining Tips
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place for bargain hunting, although whatever you buy here is probably no longer the best deal you can find. So brush up your negotiation skills and be prepared to walk away when the deal fails to go your way. Then, you’ll either be offered a lower price or simply find the same merchandise at another stall. It also helps to do a few practice runs before you actually start buying. Note that a friendly attitude and big smile are your biggest allies in securing the best possible deal.
How to Enjoy Your Shopping Experience
Few people go to Chatuchak knowing exactly what they want or which stall to go to. Many expect to be surprised and let the sights of all the goods take them through a journey down the maze of stalls. Most often, shoppers arrive with a rough idea of what they want, then are hypnotised by what they see and end up going home with more than a few extra shopping items.
So, the best advice is, if you are going for the first time, to pick a starting point then just follow your instincts, enjoy the experience and bring home your exciting new finds.
Before You Go to Chatuchak
Chances are you will end up spending at least half a day here so it is a good idea to prepare a few things to ensure that your shopping experience at Chatuchak is an enjoyable one.
-Wear light and comfortable clothing, e.g. shorts and a t-shirt/tank-top
-Wear comfortable shoes, e.g. a pair of sneakers or sandals
-Protect yourself against the sun, by wearing sunglasses, a hat and use sunscreen
-Bring a backpack for storing your new-found treasures. It is recommended that you wear your backpack on the front rather than on your back
-Always have bottled drinking water handy
-Bring enough cash. Most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM
-Beware of pickpockets and watch your belongings
-Plan to go in the morning, as it can get very hot and crowded in the afternoon
-Free maps are available from one of the information kiosks
How to Get to Chatuchak
Hop on the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1 and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes. Turn right while continuing to follow the crowd and you will see a small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section).
Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station (exit no.1), then follow the crowd until you arrive at the small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section). For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit no. 1).
The weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 – 18:00, and Fridays 18:00 – 24:00. Plant sections are also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 07:00 – 18:00.
After recently cleaning up its act, Patpong’s become one of the ‘must’ night shopping destinations for avid shoppers. Found in the built-up area known as Silom, the place is always busy and chaotic with all the commotion from the GO-GO bars nearby and lots of foreign tourists. This market in Bangkok’s notorious nightlife district is often the first and easiest stop for many tourists just arriving to Bangkok, whilst lodging at one of several mid-to-upper-end hotels in Silom.
Be warned though, the quality and prices of most items sold are about as real and trustworthy as the girls shaking their wares in go-go bars flanking the area. Both market and go-go bars seem to complement each other well, but remember not to be fooled by first impressions, and to bargain hard.
Opening Hours: 18:00 – around 01:00 (every day) How to get there: Coming from BTS Siam station, depart at Sala Daeng station and exit down one of the right-hand stairs. Follow the increasing trail of vendors along the sidewalk, and after five minutes, you’ll know you’re there.
Bangkok’s nightlife has a reputation for being wild and rowdy. But at the same time it’s relaxed, safe, enjoyable and great fun! Rapidly establishing itself as Asia’s capital of cool, Bangkok’s diverse nightlife scene features everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants – and go far beyond its once-upon-a-time sleazy and naughty image. Also have a look at our What’s On guide to get the lowdown on exciting events and happenings during your stay in Asia’s coolest capital.
Bikini-clad dancing girls, over-the-top ladyboys and lewd, eye-popping shows… Yes, the Go-Go bars that earned Bangkok its worldwide notoriety are still alive and letting it all hang out. For better or worse, Bangkok’s illustrious ‘After Dark’ reputation owes much to these spots.
The first area that springs to mind is Patpong. Nowadays, having become part of a wider entertainment scene that includes the popular Patpong Night Market, bars, nightclubs and a gay back street, it isn’t the aggressive red-light district it once was.
Open-minded visitors, lured in by hard-selling touts and their curiosity, treat the infamous upstairs shows like a circus show, coming in for a quick look at the inventive performances, a giggle and a couple of overpriced drinks before heading off to continue their shopping or hit a nearby club (these performances are also dubbed ‘ping-pong shows’, and a lot of imagination isn’t needed to guess the origins of this phrase.)
Patpong Girls
These are found predominantly at Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, red light districts both situated on lower Sukhumvit Road. Depending on the current level of police interference, both offer explicit shows featuring girls in various stages of undress; usually uniforms, bikinis or pretty much nothing bar a coy smile and a dash of Burberry Weekend. Nana even has its own on-site ‘guesthouse’ for clients.
Located in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Nana Entertainment Plaza is Bangkok’s sleaze central. Notorious for its racy themed go-go bars – from school-girl and leather dominatrix to ladyboy – it’s literally a ‘sex mall’, with three storeys of eye-popping activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium. Unlike at the better-known Soi Cowboy or Patpong, Nana is a ‘more adult’ scene. That means no families, no markets and few curious tourists strolling in for a look. It is still worth a look if you are looking for an exotic visual experience, and a photo to talk about when back home.
One of the world’s most (in)famous red-light districts, Patpong is where it all started (Thailand’s Go-Go culture). It has even been immortalised in a James Bond chase-sequence. Its two parallel side-streets, found between Silom and Surawongse Roads, house around 100 neon-lit strip bars offering risque sex shows, purchasable pole-dancers and post-op ladyboys.
But while for men Patpong is likely to mean ‘adult’, for women, families and the kids Patpong definitely means ‘market’. At night this teems with hawkers and humble stalls selling what is mostly tourist tat.
For the serious flesh-seekers, Patpong has long since been usurped as the ‘king of the scene’ by its counterparts around Sukhumvit. However, its reputation means it’s still a huge attraction, mainly for sightseers more interested in ogling at – rather than indulging in – the carnal delights on offer.
Even though transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market;boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.
To enjoy the atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market. Floating markets are Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak.
Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market
Perhaps the best choice to enjoy a traditional Thai floating market without the touristy push is Bang Khu Wiang. Monks arrive by boat in early morning on their daily ‘tak baat’ (alms round), and a variety of farm – fresh produce is offered.
Opening Hours: 04:00 – 07:00 (every day) How to get there: One option is to rent a boat from Chang Pier (in Bangkok), and ask to be taken to Noi-Khlong Om-Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market. A cheaper option is to catch a boat from Wat Chalo Pier for a 45-minute ride to Bang Kruai (5 baht), which runs every 15 minutes from 05:00 – 20:00. From there it is a 10-minute boat ride to the market. If boats don’t suit you, no worries as taxis and tuk-tuks are available for hire at the market.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Well on the tourist trail after the Bond films, the trip to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak is still worth doing. Totally chaotic, small ‘klongs’ or canals are filled with small flat boats jockeying for position, expertly paddled by mature ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment’s notice. It’s colourful, noisy, totally touristy but great fun.
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 11:00 (every day) How to get there: Take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (+66 (0)2 434 5557-8) to Samut Sangkhram Ratchaburi province, 80 km southwest of Bangkok. You can then walk along the passageway to the market, or take a boat to the market pier. Tour Available: Bangkok Floating Market : Damnoen Saduak
Taling Chan Floating Market
This market is in close proximity to Bangkok, and so makes a nice weekend trip if you’re in for a new shopping experience. A strew of canals around the market can be visited by hired boat where small villages are revealed along the way. Homestays are also available for a truly Thai experience.
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (weekends only) How to get there: Take bus numbers 79 or 83, which cross the Chao Praya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok. The market is located near the front of Taling Chan District Office.
Tha Kha Floating Market
Tha Kha has a much smaller amount of tourists compared to other floating markets in Samut Sangkhram. With a canopy of natural surroundings, it is protected from the commerical onslaught as experienced at nearby Damnoen Saduak market. Most importantly, don’t forget to take a look at the stars before embarking; the market is only open six days a month in accordance to the lunar calendar.
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 12:00 (weekends only) How to get there: Little sister of and 10 kilometres from touristy Damnoen Saduak market, this market can be reached by following the same directions to Damnoen Saduak market, and then hiring a taxi to the market. Another option is to hire a taxi from Bangkok to Tha Kha (around 500 baht). Tour Available: Ampawa & Tha Kha Floating Market
Bangkok’s modern, multi-storey shopping malls are a shopaholic’s paradise… From the legendary Mah Boon Krong (MBK), to the sophisticated Emporium, trendy Siam Discovery or unashamedly upscale Siam Paragon, Bangkok’s accommodate every taste, pocket and style. The latest addition to the city’s ‘mallscape’ is the newly and fabulously revamped CentralWorld, officially the largest mall in Southeast Asia.
These malls are where you’ll find the city’s finest fashion stores, global brands, book shops, speciality stores, accessories stands and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods. Not only are you spoiled for choice; it’s all super easy to navigate. Modern and air-conditioned, they’re also a pleasant alternative to the bustling hot markets, and most complexes are easily accessible via the city’s modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system. Just don’t forget to sport comfortable shoes.
From a sporty yellow Ferrari to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes straight from the set of Sex and the City, Siam Paragon is a shopping mall without rival in Southeast Asia when it comes to luxury goods.
This shopping and entertainment complex is an upmarket, five-storey colossus with 500,000 square metres of retail space. The gleaming, modern mall opened in December 2005 at a cost of 15 billion baht (US$ 375 million), and is home to more than 250 famed international and local luxury brands. Let’s take a closer look…
Shopping Tip: For 5% discount on most purchases, you can apply for a Tourist Discount Card at the information desk on the ground level.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 Location: Next to Siam Centre, Pathumwan BTS: Siam Station
The multi-storey MBK is probably Bangkok’s most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals. Eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVD’s (and then some).
MBK (launched in 1986) is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. And plenty of bargains are to be found here!
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 Location: Phayathai Road, Pathumwan BTS: National Stadium Station
Pantip Plaza
The mother of all IT shops, the entirety of Pantip Plaza is dedicated to computer and technology items. The multistory shopping centre on Petchaburi Road offers a wide selection of stores, selling everything from computers and computer-related accessories, including; parts, printers, digital cameras, MP3 players, PDAs, and much more.
Pantip Plaza is also (in)famous for its inexpensive counterfeit versions of software and DVDs. Although you might not be a techno-geek, it’s worth visiting when you’re in the area for the pure fascination value. Walking through the main entrance of this IT complex, you’ll be greeted with copies of the latest software for sale (100 – 150 baht), along with DVDs, MP3 CDs, and anything else that can be put on a disk. If you’re looking for a new wireless mouse, USB stick, CD-Rom drive, or whatever you can think of, sift your way through as many vendors as possible to compare prices and find the best deal.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (every day). Location: Petchaburi Road, opposite Pratunam’s City Complex BTS: Chidlom (but still quite a walk)
How to get there: From BTS Chidlom, either hire a tuk-tuk/taxi or walk ten minutes down Ratchadamri Road past Central World on your left, over the Saen Saeb canal and then left on Phetburi Road. Walk about two blocks, and Pantip should be on your left.
Few other cities offer such a vast choice of goods, much enhanced by the polite sales techniques and good-natured haggling that accompanies most transactions. Provided you have sufficient time, following the standard tourists’ shopping rules will help you secure some incredible deals.
Deciding what to buy, and comparing prices around, is a good start. Things start to get really cheap when you’re buying bulk. And don’t worry about carrying everything around with you; most places will package and deliver straight to your hotel, and there are also several shipping agents around. The golden rule for bargaining is to do so with a smile – your most important negotiating tool!
For more shopping venues, head towards the Ratchaprasong and Chidlom-Ploenchit areas, here you’ll find CentralWorld, and other options like the posh Gaysorn, a Big C Superstore (department store), as well as upmarket Amarin Plaza and Peninsula Plaza. A skywalk also connects from here all the way to that other of holy shopping grounds, Siam.
Platinum Fashion Mall Bangkok
A relatively new shopping center in the Petchburi area, Platinum Fashion Mall caters especially to wholesale clothing, selling a similar range of clothing to the Pratunam Market across the street, except in air-conditioned comfort. The mall has six floors which are filled with small outlets – most of them specialising in women’s clothing and fashion accessories. Since this is a wholesale mall, you can get items at very reasonable prices – provided you buy larger quantities, usually three items and up.
The price you pay will be about 30% lower per piece. Some shops allow you to mix different types of items, for example, purses and bags, shirts and trousers. And as with most shopping malls in the city, there is also a food court on the fifth floor, along with cafs and fast food chains. If you’re coming from CentralWorld, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. Just head north, cross the small canal, and turn left into Petchburi Road, a few metres along and you’re there.
Located at the intersection of Ratchaprop and Petchburi roads, Pratunam Wholesale Market is one of Bangkok’s major markets, selling clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Entry the small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you will find yourself in the middle of a clothe-maze. Shops and tiny stalls dotted on both sides displaying all kind (literally) of clothes from; shorts, t-shirts, formal evening, suits, winter jackets or even bizarre outfits and fancy dress. Bargaining at the market is acceptable, though you barely need to – they’re cheap.
Thai massage draws significant influence from India’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions of medical practice. Ayurvedic medicine, also a holistic form of healing, plays an integral role in the practice of both Hinduism and Therevada Buddhism. Monks and similar practitioners of healing transmitted Ayurvedic techniques to Thailand some 2,500 years ago, thus giving birth to the wonderful phenomenon that is Thai massage.
From an aromatherapy and oil massage thought to trigger memory, amongst other things, a facial massage that will make your skin glow radiantly, or a Thai foot massage that will ensure your feet and legs are lavished with the attention they deserve, a proper massage treatment can be beneficial for everyone. Have a look here at the different types of massages available, and recommended places to go to.
You can see massage outlet everywhere you go and just look for a nice and decent one will do!
Food is very much a part of your Bangkok experience, and luckily you don’t have to walk very far to find something to eat. Shop-house restaurants and food carts can be found on almost every street corner, at pavement eateries with fold-up tables and chairs, and in the smallest of sois (lanes). In fact, the smell of food is omnipresent in this sprawling metropolis, which is home to more than seven million people.
Contrary to the ‘popularised’ version of Thai cuisine found in the West, there’s a lot more to it than Phad Thai or red, yellow and green curries. For starter, the variety is vast – be prepared to see some strange-looking dishes. Absolutely nothing goes to waste, pork innards, chicken feet, even creepy looking insects included. All in all, Thai food is not just a culinary feast, but an unrivaled adventure. Arrive with an open mind and you will be hooked in no time. And the best advice is: Don’t hesitate to try something new or different.
Two of the most luxurious foods in the world are widely available in Bangkok. With dubious health benefits and extravagant price tags, both Birds Nest Soup and the controversial Shark Fin Soup are lovingly lapped up at Thai-Chinese wedding banquets, by businessmen looking to close the next big deal, or by those just intrigued when wandering Chinatown. You must try Birds Nest and Shark Fin Soup, it’s cheap in Thailand.
Location: Chinatown Price Range: Depending on the quality (grade of the fins), expect to pay anything between 600 baht and 2,000 baht for a portion, sometimes big enough to serve two.
Some of the phrase that might be handy and useful when you are in Bangkok:-
Hello >> Sawatdee (khrap/kha)
Thank you >> Khawp Khun (khrap/kha)
How much >> Tao rai
How much is this? >> Nee tao rai (khrap/kha)
That is a little expensive. >> แพงไหม (paeng bai)
Can you make it cheaper? >> ลดหน่อยได้ไหม (lot noi dai mai)
Good >> Dee
It’s more about visiting the famous places and shopping in Bangkok. What’s nice food and must try food in Bangkok?
Perodua Myvi first arrived on the scene in May 2005. Myvi is the country’s best-selling model for five years. You can see plenty of Myvi on the road.It’s time for a change after so many years, or a complete makeover for Myvi.
The first-generation Myvi was facelifted in August 2008, but now it’s a full revamp and makeover with the arrival of the 2011 Myvi.
These photo were taken back in last year 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS) so is this the same one as shown last year? It doesn’t seems like the New Myvi to me. So could it be another model?
All New Perodua Myvi 2011
Projector Headlamps
Modern, youthful and stylish
Round Fog Lamps
Complement front image and increase visibility
(Premium variants only)
Eletric Retractable Side Mirrors
Retract at the touch of a button for easy parking in narrow spaces.
(Premium variants only)
UV Protected Glass
Reduces the harmful effects of UV rays by 91% compared to normal green glass.
Rear LED Lamps
Updated, sleeker rear LED combination lamps.
What do you think? Is the new Perodua MyVi 2011 suitable for you in terms of design and features and price? Is it value for money? Will you get this new MyVi if you haven’t own any car now?
More read up and MyVi photo can refer : PaulTan.Org (few pictures here are taken from PaulTan.Org)
New Myvi launched, priced from RM43,900 to RM57,400
KUALA LUMPUR: After five consecutive years as the country’s best selling car, the Perodua Myvi five-door hatchback has been replaced by a new model that promises better safety, fuel efficiency and a string of new enhancements.
Launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here Thursday night, the new Myvi is available in six variants and priced between RM43,900 and RM57,400 – some RM500 to RM700 more than the previous model.
While still recognisably a Myvi, the new car has a more rounded front end and is 5mm lower to improve its aerodynamics.
Buyers can choose from three grades of Standard, Premium and Elegance, and transmission type of four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
The new Myvi is available in six variants.
While maintaining almost the same size as the outgoing model, the latest Myvi now includes electric power steering, projector headlamps and a two-tone dashboard.
In keeping with current automotive trends, the new Myvi includes upgraded safety features.
Where previously only the more expensive variants featured two front airbags, this item is now included across the range.
Also standard are Isofix mounting points for child seats and a three-point seatbelt for the rear centre passenger.
Premium and Elegance grades, however, get additional safety equipment such as anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.
Audio system for the Standard grade Myvi is the radio/CD type with MP3/WMA but the Premium grade features additional USB and Bluetooth support. The Elegance gets a multimedia system that comes with satellite navigation.
The 1.3-litre engine is derived from the older Myvi model but has been retuned to get an extra 4bhp for a total of 90bhp promising improved performance.
Perodua managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the new car’s improved aerodynamics resulted in better fuel economy, something consumers are looking for in view of rising fuel prices.
“Compared with the old automatic Myvi which can go 13.5km on a litre of petrol, the new automatic model can go 14.6km on the same amount of fuel,” he said.
The original Myvi was launched in May 2005 and some 484,000 units were sold until April. During its six-year run, the model garnered 11 awards.
The new Myvi is sold in ebony black, medallion grey, glittering silver, pearl white, ivory white and a new colour, mystical purple.
KUALA LUMPUR: After five consecutive years as the country’s best-selling car, the Perodua Myvi five-door hatchback has been replaced by a new model that promises better safety, fuel efficiency and a string of new enhancements.
Launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin here last night, the new Myvi is available in six variants with prices between RM43,900 and RM57,400 some RM500 to RM700 more than the previous model.
Buyers can choose between three grades of Standard, Premium and Elegance and transmission type of four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
Pocket rocket: Muhyiddin at the launch of the new Myvi at PWTC Thursday. The new model promises better fuel economy and has a host of new features. — Bernama
The latest Myvi now includes electric power steering system, projector headlamps and a two-tone dashboard.
In keeping with current automotive trends, the new Myvi has upgraded safety features, including two front airbags.
The 1.3-litre engine is derived from the older Myvi model but has been retuned to get an extra 4bhp for a total of 90bhp promising improved performance.
Perodua managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the new car’s improved aerodynamics results in better fuel economy, something that consumers were looking for in view of rising fuel prices.
“Compared with the old automatic Myvi which can go 13.5km on a litre of petrol, the new automatic model can go 14.6km on the same amount of fuel,” he said.
The original Myvi was launched in May 2005 and some 484,000 units were sold until April.
The new Myvi comes in ebony black, medallion grey, glittering silver, pearl white, ivory white and a new colour of mystical purple.
In his speech, Muhyiddin said the Perodua success story was a product of its partnership with Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan.
He revealed that the two companies would be investing almost RM250mil to build an electronic automatic transmission plant here.
I like bubble tea and recently there’s this bubble tea craze where there’s these two new bubble franchise blooming in Malaysia. Chatime vs Cong Cha!
I was wondering is this safe for us to drink as recently there’s a lot of news saying that a lot of products are not safe to be consumed as there contain some substance that will bring harm to ppl. So the question is, “Is Chatime & Gong Cha Safe to drink in Malaysia?”
Bubble tea syrup is unsafe
PETALING JAYA: A Taiwanese product commonly used in bubble tea drinks sold in the Klang Valley has been confirmed by the Health Ministry to be contaminated with the carcinogen diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).
In a statement, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the product had been identified as the “Strawberry Syrup” manufactured by T & M Resources Corporation and imported by Elegant Solution Trading.
Two other products suspected to be contaminated by DEHP were Chuang’s Square Cookies the brown sugar, all-wheat, almond and sesame variants; and Natural Beauty Drink Powder and Natural Beauty Fruit and Vegetable Powder.
“The ministry has instructed the companies concerned to recall their products immediately while samples have been taken for analysis. All retailers have also been advised to halt sales of the food products with imme-diate effect.
“Customers who have bought the items are advised not to consume them,” Liow said.
The manufacturers for the products were Chuang’s King Tai Chang Food Co Ltd and Prince Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, while the importers are Syarikat Nguan Seng (1990) Sdn Bhd and Billion Synergy Sdn Bhd.
Liow also said that another 15 food products from Taiwan had been tested and found to be free of contamination, including New Choice Pudding, Lychee Syrup, Honey Peach Syrup and Black Tea imported by Elegant Solution Trading.
Other products free from contamination include Power Bifidus Yogurt Drink, Kinohimitsu Japan D’tox Juice and eight Cosway Oriyen products.
Other food products found not contaminated include Singlong Ho Egg Noodle, Sun Chi Song Hua Ban Noodles, White Jade Noodle and MIC’s Taiwan Lemon Wafer.
I have checked with both outlet facebook and they declared that they are safe and passed the DEHP test. They are free from DEHP so those bubble tea lovers can continue to enjoy Chatime or Gong Cha! =)
日出茶太 Chatime Bubble Tea
In the year of 2008, Chatime 日出茶太 holds a conviction for creating a whole new concept of eastern healthy drinking space. Currently, Chatime set up nearly a hundred branches of tea stores all over Taiwan & over three hundred oversea branches including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia etc…and continue growing.
日出茶太 Chatime Malaysia Outlet:
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur; 4th Floor,Connection
- Berjaya Times Square; Lower Ground
- Sunway Pyramid New Wing; First Floor, Blue Atrium
- The Gardens Mall; Lower Ground
- SStwo Mall
- SS15, Subang Jaya
- First Avenue, Penang
Gong Cha 貢茶 is a popular bubble tea chain that was established in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2006, and since 2009, has since swept Malaysia’s neighbouring countries – Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Macau and The Philippines.
貢茶 Gong Cha Malaysia Outlet
- SS15, Subang Jaya
- 2nd Floor, The Gardens Mall
RM50Mil project investment on 1Malaysia email which will be providing 1Malaysia e-mail account to every Malaysian aged 18 and above.
1Pengguna.com Portal
RMRM1.4 project investment on 1Pengguna.com which allows the consumers to compare the prices of goods sold at over 1,255 retail outlets nationwide.
Cuti-cuti 1 Malaysia Facebook Pages
Now RM1.8Mil spent on Cuti-cuti 1 Malaysia Facebook Pages which every Tom, Dick or Harry can create it for FREE? I also have my own Saimatkong 驶么讲 Facebook Page, now you can go and like mine! =p
One of my main concern is spending such amount of money on Facebook which is very much depending on the 3rd party and what if the Facebook creator, Mark Zuckerberg, close down Facebook or change Facebook to some subscription with a minimum amount of charge, then I would say all the money is like throwing into the sea? Am I right? =)
“Expenses for advertisements there are not included in the RM1.8mil budget, which is solely for the social media campaign.” – This is too good to be truth. Then I really hope I can be one of the people that handling the social media campaign!
One of the application / games in the budget of RM1.8Mil?
Actually the idea of this is good but don’t you think RM1.8mil is just too much and having competition with prizes of Free iPad 2 is good and maybe should run more competition or contest related to tourism and giving out some tour package to our own Local Attractions would be good as some of us will not been to those places! Keep it up!
If you need any talent to handle the Social Media can hire me and I would make sure the budget is wisely spend and the citizen would really benefited from these campaign that I could kick-start! I really have a lot ideas in my mind but just no money to execute it! =)
This Curi-curi Wang Malaysia Facebook Page after setup within few days they have already recorded 80,000+ likes. It’s really amazing and the cost of setup is Zero.
Tourism Ministry Utilises Social Website To Promote Domestic Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) — The Tourism Ministry has utilised the social website Facebook to promote domestic tourism among IT-literate Malaysians, especially the youngsters, said its Deputy Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit.
He said the ministry had developed six Facebook applications for Tourism Malaysia which cost a total of RM1,758,432 with each page costing RM293,072.
“The pages include product promotions, tourism destinations and activities such as ‘Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia’, Citrawarna 1Malaysia, 1Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival, Year End Sales Carnival and Fabulous Food 1Malaysia,” he said in reply to a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah) who had asked on the justification for the expenditure at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dawos added that an advertising company, Impact Creations Sdn Bhd, was responsible for all advertisements and events of the ministry and Tourism Malaysia or the domestic market for 2011 until 2013.
However, the RM1.8 million expenditure was questioned by several members of Parliament who claimed that it was a waste.
Loke said it was irrelevant as the social website could be accessed free of charge while Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) asked whether the ministry had set any key performance indicators to monitor the advertising agency’s performance.
KUALA LUMPUR: The RM1.8mil budget is for an overall social media advertising campaign and not just for Facebook, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
She said the entire campaign was aimed at creating and developing six tourism events, including Citrawarna 1Malaysia, 1Malaysia Malaysia Mega Sale/Malaysia Year-End Sale, Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia and Fabulous Food 1Malaysia.
Dr Ng said the budget for Impact Creations (M) Sdn Bhd, which had secured a RM30mil ceiling contract for the domestic tourism advertising campaign via open tender, included expenses for digital advertising on Google, Facebook and other websites and to run, manage and monitor responses.
“We also need to spend on the collection of data and evaluation of the campaign. All these need to be done by professionals and technical experts,” she said here yesterday.
She said Impact Creations would also coordinate the campaign with other promotional activities in newspapers, magazines, radio, television and billboards.
“Expenses for advertisements there are not included in the RM1.8mil budget, which is solely for the social media campaign.
“This part of the expenses will be funded by the remaining allocation under the RM30mil contract,” she said, adding that the Facebook page for the six events had attracted 24,000 fans within a month of its launch and expected to reach 120,000 by December.
She also denied the accusation that the RM1.8mil had been spent to set up Facebook pages for the six events.
“Everybody knows it can be done (setting up a Facebook page) for free. It costs us nothing because we do not spend a single sen on it,” she said.
On Tuesday, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit told Parliament that it spent close to RM1.8mil to develop its Facebook page to promote its domestic tourism market and activities from this year until 2013.
Dr Ng had since said this was a small sum, as compared to the Philippines which spent RM7mil while Australia had set aside RM485mil over the next three years.
Dr Ng accused DAP’s Rasah MP Anthony Loke, who questioned the expenditure, of making an issue out of the reply by “twisting the facts”.
Public outrage over Tourism Ministry’s RM1.8m splurge
PETALING JAYA: THE Tourism Ministry has spent a whopping RM1,758,432 on developing six Facebook pages to promote Malaysian tourism. In an online news portal yesterday, Tourism Deputy Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit was quoted as saying the Facebook pages — Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia, Citrawarna 1Malaysia, Karnival Jualan Mega 1Malaysia, Festival Pelancongan Seni Kontemporari 1Malaysia, Kempen 1Malaysia Bersih and Fabulous Food 1Malaysia — costing RM293,072 each.
Mamit reportedly gave these figures in Parliament yesterday.
But website developers and members of the public say the move was a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Creative director Joey Khor, 33, who has seven years experience in developing websites, told The Malay Mail spending such an amount for setting up Facebook pages was simply not justifiable.
“Every website acts like a house and one have to ‘drive traffic’ to their ‘houses’ to promote it. Generally, the bulk of the money spent for websites is usually to attract traffic to it and Facebook pages are a form of an online marketing option.
“However, spending RM1.8 million on such a purpose is not justifiable.”
Khor opined he could easily set up a digital agency and run the websites of five different companies for a year with RM1.8 million. “With almost RM300,000 spent for each page, I can create two iPhone applications.”
Instead of setting up Facebook pages to promote Malaysian tourism, Khor said the ministry could have engaged in other online marketing strategies such as partnering with Google for promotional activities.
A website developer, who wished to remain anonymous, said a general website requires RM50,000 to RM200,000 to be set up, depending on its complexity.
“RM50,000 to RM80,000 is considered sufficient enough to develop each of the ministry’s Facebook pages.
The 32-year-old said even international brands usually spend about RM1 million for their websites.
“My most expensive project was to develop a website for a company that needed me to create a template which could be adapted across all countries. The website development cost the company RM1.2 million.
“Compared to the Tourism Ministry’s Facebook pages, the project I worked on was on a much higher scale. So, how could the ministry had spent more than us?”
Copy writer John Royce, from Petaling Jaya said the ministry either had extremely poor judgement when it comes to selecting its contractors for website development or they were not being completely honest with the public.
“Having worked in a digital marketing agency before, I think it’s ridiculous to spend about RM300,000 for a Facebook page. In fact, you can get a full corporate website with all the bells and whistles, plus social media accounts created and managed for you for RM300,000.
“What’s even more outrageous is that the government claim it can no longer afford to subsidise fuel. And yet here they are squandering taxpayers’ money,” said the 30-year-old.
Samantha Doray, 33, an architect said: “I opened the Facebook pages to find out if there was really anything worth RM1.8 million on them. The comments by the other users aptly describe my sentiments too. The ministry’s idiocy is out there in the open for everyone to see.”
Public relations officer Sasha Sundaran said there should be an inquiry done on how the ministry managed and spent the money.
“Malaysians need to know where their money is going.”
Tourism Minister defends RM1.8 million Facebook promo
Facebook is free, but it’s Tourism Malaysia’s social media advertising campaign that costs RM1.8mil, says minister
JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON: The world is going digital and if you’re not in social media, you’re outdated, says Ng
TOURISM Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen was supposed to be seething in anger with reports insinuating the ministry spent RM1.8 million on six Facebook pages.
The Malay Mail senior writer Marhalim Abas braved the traffic and a possible tongue lashing to find out what was really going on.
Q: What is the real story behind the RM1.8 million?
A: The ministry’s efforts to embark on a digital promotional campaign and branding via the social media was heavily twisted by Loke (DAP MP Anthony Loke) and caused confusion among Facebook fans and the media. He said the ministry spent RM1.8 million to create six Facebook pages. It was reported in the Chinese Press with, which I see, an intent to mislead the public.
Q: What was the money used for then?
A: Firstly, it was not used to develop the Facebook pages; you and I know those are free. Even I started my DrYenYen page on Facebook for free. Of course it’s stupid (to spend that amount) since it costs nothing to set up a page. Some media correctly reported the sum was for a social media advertising campaign.
Secondly, the sum was used to create and develop the campaign and branding of six major tourism events — Citrawarna; 1Malaysia Mega Sale and Year End Sale; Night Festival; Fabulous Food 1Malaysia; 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism and 1Malaysia Green; and Clean Campaign. The campaign involves content. Promoting and branding a campaign need back servers. You also need to manage the campaign and monitor the response.
Thirdly, data collection and data monitoring. Fourth, campaign evaluation. We don’t have experts in Tourism Malaysia. It’s okay if it’s just your personal Facebook page but this is a global brand, a national advertising campaign.
Q: Who is running the campaign?
A: Our advertising agency. They have been entrusted with domestic tourism promotion. They used to do TV, radio, billboards and print campaigns, and now social media. See what it says? (while holding up a Press clipping) Tourism Malaysia spends RM1.8 million on Facebook. Of course everyone wants an explanation! The Deputy Minister (Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit) was clear but he (Loke) skipped so many (details) and said even children know Facebook is free.
He purposely distracted people from the real issue. I’m happy to report the Citrawarna page has garnered 24,000 fans in less than a month. We are aiming for at least 120,000 fans within six months for the entire campaign.
One newspapers interviewed many people who talked about how much it costs to develop a website. I’m not talking because this is not a website.
Q: You said the papers got the wrong Facebook page. Can you show us the right one?
A: People think a social media campaign is simple. I deny the attempt by DAP, especially Loke. Of course, when people see his statement, they say it’s stupid as Facebook is free. You see the confusion created by DAP? This is a national tourism campaign which forms the RM56 billion national economy.
This is not our website, this is an open country (while holding up another Press clipping). Ours is here, Tourism Malaysia Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia (shows the web page on her iPad). Whoever did the interviews was barking up the wrong tree. You should interview the social media advertising agency.
Q: Why advertise in social media?
A: The world is going digital. The cost of digital advertising is going up because everybody is using social media. Total advertising in social media last year was RM12.7 billion. If you’re not in the social media, you are outdated. We need to attract new types of tourists, the so-called Foreign Individual Tourist or FIT. They go on packages. They check AirAsia (website) and pack their bags. Or they go on Facebook. Facebook has 700 million fans, 10 million of whom are Malaysian, so we have to go to social media and its advertising is not free.
Do you know why Google and and Facebook are so rich? Because you and I are all their fans. Tourism Malaysia’s social media campaign must be top class. We cannot be mediocre. How can Loke talk about Penang Tourism ‘not having to pay anything’? Theirs is only a Facebook page! No campaign, no applications, contest or advertising. It’s like a personal page. In two years, Penang Tourism gained 120,000 fans. Loke is either clueless or wants to distract (the attention) from my social media campaign, which is something the country needs.
Q: Are other countries promoting their tourism via social media?
A: Australia’s tourism authority announced they are going to spent RM150 million annually for three years on social media advertising, promotion and marketing. Queensland is spending RM5 million this year for social media while the Philippines is spending RM7 million. Thailand’s tourism authority is increasing its budget for social media by 40 per cent. There is a clear shift towards social media. That’s why we went that way.
Q: Why is Impact Creations Sdn Bhd handling the social media advertising campaign?
A: Because it is my advertising agency in change of domestic tourism promotion. They manage everything so they can co-ordinate and collaborate their campaigns on TV, radio, billboards and electronics. We asked them to start on the social media campaign. We launched the Facebook page on May 18.
I read someone claimed she went to the page and found nothing much there. Of course, this is a six-month campaign. Another said he did not see RM1.8 million on the page. What about my advertising on Google and Facebook? Social media is not cheap. The Opposition is clever. Take one part and blow it open. I must state I consider the statements (by Loke) an attempt to mislead and discredit Tourism Malaysia.
Q: Where can we see the advertisements?
A: Its on CNN. Have you seen the Malaysia Truly Asia campaign? Our first advertisement on the social media campaign is on Citrawarna, on our Facebook Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia. The advertisements are related to my events.
Q: Why is Impact Creations involved in the social media campaign?
A: As I said before, Impact Creations is the domestic tourism promotion. The tourism promotion is divided into different countries. China and East Asia are under Mascom and Oceania (under) Saatchi. These companies won the tender that created a lot of brouhaha before. They all got an annual RM30 million contract for three years and RM30 million is the ceiling, they cannot go higher.
Q: It was alleged they were given the tender because they are your friends.
A: People can say what they want. I have been a politician for 45 years, everyone is my friend. The owner of Mascom is my friend. M&C Saatchi’s Datin Sharifah (Datin Sharifah Menjelara Hussein) is my friend. You are also my friend. The agencies won in an open tender.
I did not seat in the tender decision committee. I have been accused without justification. The tender board chose these companies for financial and technical reasons. I have answered the allegations clearly in The Star (newspaper) and I answered to Parliament clearly as well.
Impact Creations have the right to outsource or in-source.
After seeing the comments in Facebook, it was important for me to clear everyone’s minds. When we have social media campaigns, even my son who is overseas can see what’s going on.
Q: Besides Facebook, what other social media are you working with?
A: Mostly Facebook because it’s interactive and visual. Twitter is mostly text. It is now important to go to social media for tourism campaign. Print is losing out.
Q: Because print is seen as boring?
A: Yes, sorry. But the most positive and negative reactions are from you.
Do you love to play games? Love PlayStation? Love Android? Love lots free Apps? If yes, then this is the only smartphone that you have to grab! It is the world’s 1st PlayStation™ Certified Android smartphone and it’s also know as “PlayStation™ Portable (PSP) Phone”.
Available from as low as RM848 on Celcom Exec with 18 months contract. You know you will love it!
Sign up now and enjoy:
- FREE Multimedia Dock DK300 worth RM99
- FREE 6 exclusive games – (Bruce Lee, FIFA 10, Madden NFL 11, The SIMS 3, Star Battalion, Asphalt 6)
- Stand a chance to participate in Sony Ericsson Xperia Play gaming contest to win RM100,000!
Anonymous, the hacker group that has threatened to attack the Malaysian Government portal, just announced its reasons. The “Anonymous” group is acting against what it claims are various acts of censorship by the Malaysian Government which announced last week, and also because of the recent move to block filesharing sites, like The Pirate Bay, MegaUpload, in Malaysia.
Malaysian government is ordering the ISPs in the country to block many file sharing websites including The Pirate Bay and MegaUpload. The decision to block the websites is taken by the Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) – the arm of the Malaysian government which supervises the telecom and multimedia industry in Malaysia.
According to memo sent by the SKMM to the Malaysian ISPs, file sharing websites are in violation of Section 41 of the Copyright Act of 1987. The SKMM is, therefore, ordering the ISPs to block access to those websites under Section 263 (1) and 263 (2) of the Communication and Multimedia Act of 1998.
All service providers have been ordered to completely block various file-sharing sites including The Pirate Bay, MegaVideo and other hosting services. The move follows an April statement by the Prime Minister in which promised that would never censor the Internet.
If your favourite file sharing sites seemed to be inaccessible for the past few days, it’s most probably blocked! The file sharing sites might have been listed under the recent blockage order by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Greetings, Malaysia, We have seen the censorship taken by the Malaysian government, blocking sites like The Pirate Bay, and WikiLeaks. Malaysia is one of the world’s strictest governments, even blocking out movies, and television shows. These acts of censorship are inexcusable. You are taking away a basic human right. The internet is here for freedom, without fear of government interference. Do not think that no one else notices. Your structured government has done the talking, and we hear loud and clear. Let this be an announcement to all your people. This is a sign, a warning, and an opportunity to listen to ideas above your own. In a way you are being stubborn. But how will this help anyone or your country. We fear that if you make further decisions to take away human freedom. We are obligated to act fast and have no mercy. For rules were meant to be broken. And corruption was meant to be washed away and forgiven. Now we will wash your corruption away so be prepared. Take this as a favor.
Ohh no! Is this good or bad? Even this file sharing sites are blocked, there’s always way to bypass it! People will come out will guide on “How to bypass DNS block” or “How to access blocked file share websites” to help internet users to get around it. Just some simple DNS bypass will do the trick or just find some new file sharing website that offering the same service? How about other file sharing site like dropbox and box.net etc?
Are you one of the affected internet user by the block of fileshare website? I’m not as I don’t download much but was affected by the online streaming of TVB drama series as most of the latest drama series do not available for Malaysia anymore! Fear not of coz I have my own way to by pass and to grab the content and continue streaming of PPS.tv or Tudou.
Sure? Will see when the time come 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday 15th June (3.30am Thursday Malaysian time)! Do check out www.malaysia.gov.my Malaysia Government Portal that was targeted to be hacked and see whether the government can prevent the hack or not by Anonymous, the hacker group! I’m hoping to see that how strong our Malaysian Government system is!
Please do not hack our banking website like Maybank, CIMB Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Public Bank etc…
PETALING JAYA: A hacker group has threatened to attack the www.malaysia.gov.my website.
The group, which calls itself Anonymous, said it will launch the attack at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday (3.30am Thursday Malaysian time) and has named it “Operation Malaysia.”
Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at the F-Secure Corporation – a computer security software company based in Helsinki, Finland – tweeted about the threat at 4.42am Malaysian time.
No other details were available at this time. It is also not known why Anonymous has targeted the Malaysian website.
Hacker group Anonymous threatens to attack Malaysian Government website.
But there has been an uptick in “hacktivism” these past weeks, where hacker groups have targeted various organisations for political purposes.
Hackers have attacked the International Monetary Fund and Sony PlayStation Network, as well as the networks of aeronautics company Lockheed Martin Corp and Citibank in North America, amongst others.
Anonymous was blamed for the hack into the PlayStation network but a spokesman for the group has denied involvement, saying that its aims are political. Spain, however, has arrested three suspected members of the hacker group for that attack.
Anonymous apparently comprises a vast number of hackers in various countries, who have been organised into cells that share common goals. They operate anonymously but in a co-ordinated fashion.
Meanwhile the AP reported from New York that a group of hackers has gained access to the websites of the U.S. Senate and video game company Bethesda Softworks, the latest in a series of cyberattacks plaguing a broad range of online victims.
The group, which calls itself Lulz Security, posted what it called a “small, just-for-kicks release of some internal data” from Senate.gov on its website on Monday.
Likely referencing reports that the Pentagon is considering whether a cyberattack could be considered an act of war, the group also wrote “is this an act of war, gentlemen? Problem?”
A representative from the office of the Senate sergeant-at-arms did not immediately return a phone message for comment Monday afternoon.
File – In this May 15, 2011 file photo people wearing masks often used by a group that calls itself “Anonymous” take part in a rally in Madrid. Spanish police arrested three suspected computer hackers that allegedly belonged to a loose-knit international activist group that has attacked corporate and government websites around the world, authorities said Friday June 10, 2011. A National Police statement identified the three detainees as leaders of the Spanish section of a group that calls itself “Anonymous.” – AP
Bethesda acknowledged the intrusion in a blog post Monday, saying hackers may have gained access to users’ names, email addresses and passwords. The company said no credit card data or other financial information were compromised.
Josh Shaul, chief technology officer at database security software maker Application Security Inc., said the data Lulz posted is “verifiable proof” that it was able to gain access to and take control of the Senate’s website.
“It’s a very skilled group,” he said. “They claimed it was easy.”
Lulz Security has also recently claimed responsibility for breaking into the websites of PBS, Sony Pictures, Nintendo and others. Meanwhile, it’s unclear who was responsible for a recent cyberattack on the International Monetary Fund’s computer system or the one on Citibank that stole about 200,000 credit card account numbers, customer names and email addresses.
Shaul said the recent string of attacks take advantage of insecure systems. While companies are protecting the perimeter of their computer systems, once hackers get in, “everything is there to own,” he said. It’s the equivalent of a bank putting a guard at the door and leaving all the money in a pile instead of in safes and vaults, he added.
“We’ve created this situation where it’s so easy for a skilled attacker to break in and get data,” Shaul said. “They are doing it because they can.”
Bethesda declined to comment beyond its blog post and did not say how many users were affected.
In Twitter messages, Lulz (Internet-speak for laughs) said it has had information on more than 200,000 users “for weeks” and broke into Bethesda’s website more than two months ago. Bethesda, meanwhile, said that a hacker group “attempted an unlawful intrusion” over the weekend.
Lulz said on its website Monday it is not releasing information it has on the 200,000-plus users.
Bethesda, behind games such as “Brink” and “Fallout: New Vegas,” is a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media Inc., based in Washington, D.C.
Hacker group tells why it wants to attack Malaysian Govt portal
PETALING JAYA: Anonymous, the hacker group that has threatened to attack the Malaysian Government portal, just announced its reasons.
According to its statement on the Pastebin website, the group is acting against what it claims are various acts of censorship by the Malaysian Government, and also because of the recent move to block filesharing sites, like the Pirate Bay, in Malaysia.
Anonymous also accused the Government of censoring movies and television shows, and for restricting the Internet, which it says is a basic human right.
“We fear that if you make further decisions to take away human freedom, we are obligated to act fast and have no mercy,” the group said in its statement on Tuesday.
The message was also uploaded on video-sharing site YouTube.
It featured a digitally-generated voice that read out the group’s message.
Anonymous will launch the attack at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday (3.30am Thursday Malaysian time) and has named it “Operation Malaysia.” It posted the threat in a graphic on this website.
Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at the F-Secure Corporation – a computer security software company based in Helsinki, Finland – tweeted about the threat at 4.42am Malaysian time Tuesday.
Meanwhile, online news site Epoch Times reported that Anonymous selects target countries based on input from users in those countries.
However, the report said, the hacker group has declined to say if there are any Anonymous members in Malaysia.
In the exclusive interview with Epoch Times, Anonymous said it expects the Malaysian Government to “not be happy” over the coming attack.
According to the report, Anonymous has reminded its members taking part in Operation Malaysia to use Virtual Private Networks to encrypt their network connections, and to transfer data from remote locations that cannot be accessed without authentication.
This would help protect the identities of the hackers and their locations.
The attack on the Malaysian Government portal would be in the wake of several earlier attacks by Anonymous on Turkish Government websites for alleged Internet censorship.
According to recent news reports, the Turkish Government has arrested 32 people, suspected to be members of Anonymous, after “Operation Turkey” disrupted a number of official websites in that country.
Do you love to play games? Love PlayStation? Love Android? Love lots free Apps? If yes, then this is the only smartphone that you have to grab! It is the world’s 1st PlayStation™ Certified Android smartphone and it’s also know as “PlayStation™ Portable (PSP) Phone“.
Mobile phones are getting more and more powerful with advanced technology and Sony Ericsson XPERIA PLAY is no exception, it come with slide open to the touch-sensitive gaming controls with PSP-like gaming buttons, it has a 4-inch display that you could immerse yourself in the clarity of the game, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, WiFi/DLNA support and a 1GHz processor to ensure a smooth gaming experience with exceptional Frames Per Seconds (FPS).
The resolution for the 4-inch LCD multi-touch display is 854 × 480 (FWVGA) and with 5.1 Megapixel rear camera with LED flash and GPS support. It’s a all in one entertainment + multimedia smartphone device.
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY takes gaming to another level.
Available now with Celcom Exec with various affordable packages to offer.
Available from as low as RM848 on Celcom Exec with 18 months contract. You know you will love it!
Sign up now and enjoy:
- FREE Multimedia Dock DK300 worth RM99
- FREE 6 exclusive games – (Bruce Lee, FIFA 10, Madden NFL 11, The SIMS 3, Star Battalion, Asphalt 6)
- Stand a chance to participate in Sony Ericsson Xperia Play gaming contest to win RM100,000!
For more information on The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, check out Celcom Website.
I went to Resorts World Sentosa- Universal Studios Singapore last month and had a chance to take photo with Kung Fu Panda! Do we look alike? Do I look like Kung Fu Panda? Haha. It’s so cute! =)
Here I'll share my knowledge, discovery and experience related to latest news, gadgets and happening stuffs. Most articles on this site are related to IT, short reviews, tips and latest offers and many more. More
