Category: #Malaysia

  • Cashless Payments on the Rise in Malaysia with Cross-border QR Code Payment Linkage

    Cashless payments have been gaining popularity in Malaysia, and a recent development is set to boost this trend further. Singapore and Malaysia have launched a cross-border QR code payment linkage that is expected to increase the number of cashless transactions between the two countries.

    This new payment system allows users to make instant transactions via their mobile phones. It is a more efficient payment method for smaller businesses as they can receive payments immediately without the need to wait for the funds to be transferred to their accounts.

    The QR code payment option also benefits customers who can easily make small transactions without worrying about carrying excessive amounts of cash. With this payment system, they can simply scan the QR code and pay even for transactions involving just a few ringgit.

    This development is a significant step forward in the digital payment landscape of both countries, and it is expected to promote economic growth by making cross-border transactions more accessible and convenient. It will also pave the way for other countries in the region to develop similar cross-border payment systems.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Malaysia’s Toll-Free Highways During Hari Raya

    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced toll-free highways on 19-21 April and 24 April, coinciding with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday. The toll waiver is applicable to 33 highways, costing the government approximately RM93 million. Travelers must pass through tolls using a valid Touch ‘n Go card, SmartTAG, or RFID tag during the toll-free period. However, toll fares will still be charged on 22-23 April. Those who cannot make it to their desired exit by 11:59 pm should exit the highway at the nearest exit and re-enter during the toll-free period.

    The full list of 33 participating highways are:

    1. North-South Expressway (PLUS)
    2. North–South Expressway Central Link (ELITE)
    3. Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH)
    4. Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA)
    5. Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE)
    6. Penang Bridge (JPP)
    7. Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS)
    8. East Coast Expressway (LPT1) Phase 1
    9. East Coast Expressway (LPT2) Phase 2
    10. Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway
    11. Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA)
    12. New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
    13. Kajang-Seremban Highway (LEKAS)
    14. Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
    15. Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA)
    16. Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)
    17. Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
    18. Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
    19. Sprint Expressway
    20. Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP)
    21. Smart Tunnel (SMART)
    22. Cheras-Kajang Expressway (GRAND SAGA)
    23. New North Klang Straits Bypass (Grand SEPADU)
    24. Maju Expressway (MEX)
    25. Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
    26. Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE)
    27. South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE)
    28. Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)
    29. Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB)
    30. West Coast Expressway (WCE)
    31. Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE)
    32. Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Expressway (SUKE)
    33. Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) 

  • Malaysian Government Declares Additional Public Holiday and Toll Exemptions for Hari Raya Aidilfitri

    The Malaysian government has announced an additional public holiday in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference in Putrajaya.

    According to Anwar, the additional holiday will be declared on April 24 (Monday) if the first day of Hari Raya falls on April 21 (Friday). However, if the first day of Hari Raya falls on April 22 (Saturday), the additional holiday will be declared on April 21 (Friday).

    Anwar emphasized that the additional holiday would make it easier for people to plan ahead of the celebration and make the journey back to their home towns.

    In addition to the public holiday, the government has also announced toll exemptions for all highway users from April 19 to 21, and April 24. The toll exemptions will be applicable on 13 highways and for all classes of vehicles. Anwar stated that this move will reduce the cost of paying toll for those who are returning to their home towns to celebrate Aidilfitri, and make it easier for them to plan their journey.

    Moreover, the government has also announced a special rate of RM50 for members of the public to settle traffic summonses issued before 2023. This special rate will be applicable from April 21 to May 21, and aims to reduce the burden of traffic summonses on the public.

    Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi will be announcing further details regarding the toll exemptions.

    This move by the government has been welcomed by many Malaysians, who are looking forward to celebrating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones.

  • Malaysia’s Data Center Market Booms as Cloud Service Providers Invest Billions

    The technology industry has recognized the rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) data center landscape, fueled by cloud computing, big data, and e-commerce demands. In recent years, tier 2 markets have become popular locations for data center development, with cloud service providers prioritizing dedicated cloud regions over major hubs like Singapore and Tokyo. Malaysia is emerging as one of the most dynamic data center markets in the APAC region, with the impressive growth of its data center industry occurring in two primary regions – Greater Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

    Over the past decade, Malaysia’s data center market has seen significant growth, fueled by increased interest in cloud services, government-backed initiatives, and the Singapore data center moratorium. The initial data centers in Malaysia were established within Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District and were relatively small. However, as global data center operators and cloud service providers begin to establish a presence in these markets, their standings are anticipated to shift in the upcoming years.

    The Knight Frank SEA-5 Data Centre Opportunity Index (SEA-5 Index) analyzes key markets within the SEA-5 and provides insights into each country’s data center rankings compared to its peers. Malaysia’s impressive growth in the data center industry is reflected in its strong rankings in the SEA-5 Index, which is set to increase as global data center operators and cloud service providers invest billions in the country’s cloud infrastructure market.

    One such example is AWS’s recent announcement to invest US$6 billion in the Malaysian cloud infrastructure market by 2037. This highlights the cloud service provider’s commitment to hosting Malaysian data within the country, as opposed to other key data center hubs in the region, such as Tokyo and Singapore. The locations offer a less constrained power grid and increased geographical diversification compared to Cyberjaya, providing enhanced redundancy for data center clients looking to distribute computing loads across multiple locations.

    Overall, Malaysia’s data center market is booming, with cloud service providers investing billions in the country’s cloud infrastructure market. The country’s strong rankings in the SEA-5 Index demonstrate its potential for continued growth and expansion in the region.

  • TNG eWallet Kini Boleh Digunakan di China Tanpa Perlu Aplikasi Tambahan

    Lebih daripada 10 juta peniaga Alipay di China kini menerima kod QR Alipay+ daripada TNG eWallet, membolehkan rakyat Malaysia membuat transaksi tanpa wang tunai di China seperti orang tempatan. Ini adalah berita baik kerana anda tidak perlu memuat turun aplikasi tambahan dan cukup memastikan baki mencukupi di dalam TNG eWallet anda.

    Namun, terdapat beberapa kekangan kerana sesetengah peniaga kecil di China mungkin menggunakan kod QR peribadi mereka untuk menerima pembayaran dan kod QR Alipay+ mungkin tidak diterima oleh peniaga Alipay lama. Pada masa ini, pembayaran Alipay+ melalui Touch ‘n Go eWallet tidak menyokong pemindahan peer-to-peer. Kod QR bukan peniaga pada masa ini tidak disokong oleh dompet luar negeri disebabkan oleh sekatan peraturan.

    Untuk menggunakan TNG eWallet anda di China, cukup tekan Bayar dan kemudian geser ke atas untuk menunjukkan kod QR Alipay+ anda seperti yang ditunjukkan di atas. Kemudian pilih China Daratan dan tunjukkan kod QR anda kepada peniaga Alipay. Aplikasi TNG eWallet akan memaparkan kadar pertukaran mata wang asing semasa kod QR dipaparkan.

    Pengguna Touch ‘n Go eWallet kini boleh bertransaksi di China tanpa perlu memuat turun aplikasi tambahan. Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat beberapa kekangan yang perlu diambil kira sebelum membuat transaksi menggunakan TNG eWallet.

  • The Joyful Tradition of Iftar in Malaysia: A Celebration of Food and Community

    As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world prepare for the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr. But before the festivities begin, Muslims in Malaysia gather every evening to break their fast with a special meal called iftar.

    Iftar is a time for family, friends, and the community to come together and share a meal after a long day of fasting. In Malaysia, the most common foods served during iftar are a combination of savory and sweet dishes that are both filling and delicious.

    One of the most popular dishes is bubur lambuk, a rice porridge that is traditionally cooked and distributed to the community during Ramadan. Bubur lambuk is a hearty dish that is made with a variety of spices, vegetables, and meat, and is often served with fried onions and chili sauce.

    Another favorite dish during iftar is nasi tomato, a fragrant rice dish that is cooked with tomatoes, spices, and meat or seafood. Nasi tomato is often served with a side of acar, a tangy and refreshing pickled vegetable dish that helps to balance out the flavors of the main dish.

    Other common dishes served during iftar include mee goreng, a spicy fried noodle dish, and ayam masak merah, a sweet and savory chicken dish that is cooked with tomato sauce and spices. For dessert, Malaysians often enjoy a variety of kuih, bite-sized cakes and pastries that come in a variety of flavors and colors.

    In Malaysia, iftar is not only a time to break one’s fast, but also an opportunity to come together as a community and share in the blessings of Ramadan. Many mosques and community centers throughout the Klang Valley offer free iftar meals for those in need, and people of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome to join in the festivities.

    As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, Malaysians prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a time of joy and thanksgiving. But the spirit of community and togetherness that is celebrated during iftar will continue to live on long after Ramadan has ended. 

  • Discovering Tarawih in the Klang Valley: A Guide to Famous Mosques and Surau

    Tarawih is a special nightly prayer performed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an essential part of Ramadan, as it offers a chance for Muslims to get closer to Allah by reciting the Quran and performing prayers. Tarawih is usually performed in congregation in mosques and suraus (smaller prayer halls) all around Malaysia, including the Klang Valley.

    The Tarawih prayer consists of eight units, or rakats, of prayer, with each rakat being a series of recitations, bowing, and prostrations. The recitations of the Quran during Tarawih are typically completed over the course of the month, with the entire Quran being recited by the end of Ramadan.

    One of the most famous mosques in the Klang Valley for Tarawih prayers is the Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz, which is located in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. This mosque is known for its beautiful architecture and large prayer hall, which can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers.

    Another famous mosque for Tarawih prayers is the National Mosque of Malaysia, also known as Masjid Negara. This mosque is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and can hold up to 15,000 worshippers. It is a beautiful modern mosque that is a symbol of the country’s Muslim faith.

    In addition to these larger mosques, there are also numerous smaller suraus located throughout the Klang Valley that offer Tarawih prayers. Some of the most popular suraus for Tarawih include Surau Al-Falah in Wangsa Maju, Surau Al-Mawaddah in Damansara Damai, and Surau Al-Raudah in Bandar Parkland.

    During Ramadan, Muslims flock to mosques and suraus throughout the Klang Valley to perform Tarawih prayers in congregation. The sense of community and togetherness is palpable, with families and friends often joining together to break their fast and perform their prayers.

    In addition to the religious aspect of Tarawih, it is also a time of reflection and introspection for Muslims. It is a time to strengthen one’s faith, to seek forgiveness for past sins, and to show gratitude for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them.

    In conclusion, Tarawih is an essential part of Ramadan for Muslims in Malaysia and around the world. It is a time to come together in prayer, to recite the Quran, and to strengthen one’s faith. The Klang Valley is home to numerous beautiful mosques and suraus where Tarawih prayers can be performed, and the sense of community and togetherness during this special time of year is truly inspiring.