EOS M5: Canon's mini mirrorless marvel - Price: RM4,699

Looks can be deceiving: Without anything else beside it to give you a sense of scale, the Canon EOS M5 looks a lot larger than it actually is. – Photos: TAN KIT HOONG/ The Star

With the EOS M5 Canon finally has a worthy contender in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera market.

The EOS M5 is quite a major departure from the other EOS M models that came before it – instead of being modelled after a compact camera with minimal ­controls, the M5 looks like a tiny Canon EOS DSLR. Also, instead of an optical viewfinder, the M5 houses an ­electronic viewfinder on top.

Just like most DSLRs, the M5 has a lot more buttons on the body, which is great as you have easy access to a lot of functions that would otherwise be hidden in the menus.

The camera also has a good ­number of ports, including a 3.5mm microphone jack – great for videographers but it’s a bit of a letdown because it’s missing an audio output port for audio monitoring.

The M5 has two command dials – one around the shutter release in front and the other next to the viewfinder. 

Images shot with the Canon EOS M5 are very sharp with good detail and colour balance.

The second thumb dial has a rather cool button in the ­centre which allows you to quickly select common settings like ISO and white balance.

Rounding out the functions is a 3.2in tiltable touchscreen on the back.

The review unit came with the Canon 18-150mm, a good all-round kit lens that takes you from the equivalent of a 28mm wideangle to a really long 240mm telephoto.

Joining WiFi and NFC (near-field communication) that we’ve seen before in other Canon cameras is Bluetooth 4.1, which allows you to make a low-power connection with a smartphone so you can control the camera remotely.

However, the Bluetooth ­connection only offers basic ­controls – to get Live View, you still need to make a WiFi connection.

Tiny shooter

Despite the small size, the EOS M5 is actually a very nice camera to hold, thanks to the contoured grip on the front.

Due to the small size, the palm of your right hand will cover the ­buttons on the back when you hold the camera, but I’ve never accidentally pressed those buttons when shooting.

The camera has two command dials, with one around the shutter release button and the other around the multifunction button.

Like most modern mirrorless cameras, there’s an eye sensor so that when you bring the camera up to your eye, the back screen turns off and switches to the electronic viewfinder.

I mention this specifically because you can configure the camera so that when you’re looking through the ­viewfinder, the LCD on the back doubles as a touchpad so you can use your finger to select the focus point.

Talking about ­autofocus, this has received the biggest improvement in the EOS M series – thanks to Canon’s 24-megapixel dual-pixel image sensor (which is similar to, if not the same as, the one on the EOS 80D DSLR), the camera now has a very fast and accurate phase-­detect autofocus instead of the ­contrast detect system of previous models.

The phase-detect autofocus works very well for most situations and is definitely leaps and bounds above previous EOS M models.

Where the EOS M5’s dual-pixel autofocus shines is for shooting video – just touch the screen and the EOS M5 will smoothly snap into focus at that point without any hunting.

Unfortunately, the EOS M5 doesn’t offer 4K recording which is a bummer but it shoots really well in 1080p at 60fps.

Again, while you can fit an ­external microphone, you don’t get to monitor the audio.

ISO performance is pretty good and you can easily shoot ­anywhere from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 with excellent results.

This side of the top plate is home to the mode dial and power switch.

ISO 6400 is still perfectly usable though you do lose some detail as noise reduction kicks in a little stronger.

Anything above ISO 6400 is best avoided unless you have no other choice to get the shot.

Battery life on the EOS M5 is not bad though not particularly good – you can get about half a day of heavy shooting before you need to recharge the camera.

Also, you have to remember to turn off the camera before you stow it in your camera bag or risk a huge power drain.

However, you can mitigate this issue by turning on Eco mode, which will dim the screen after two seconds of inactivity and if you still haven’t touched it, the screen will turn off completely after 10 seconds.

Conclusion

With the EOS M5, Canon has finally got a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with very few compromises – image quality is very good, autofocus is very fast and positive and the controls are well thought out.

Canon’s EF-M lens range is still not as large as it could be, but if you buy the adaptor that allows you to use Canon’s EOS DSLR ­lenses, you will have access to Canon’s entire range of DSLR ­lenses to choose from.

However, the only problem with the EOS M5 is the price – at RM4,699 for body only, the EOS M5 is very close to the price of Canon’s own EOS 80D (RM4,899) which is a little bit better for video since it has a headphone output port.

So whether you’re willing to pay the price of the EOS M5 or not will depend largely on how much you really want a compact DSLR.

Pros: Great autofocus, especially for video; very compact size; lots of functions mapped to various customisable buttons.

Cons: A little pricey; no 4K video recording; no headphone output.

EOS M5  (Canon)

Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera 

Sensor: 24 megapixels

Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder (2.36-million dot), 3.2in (1.62-million dot) touchscreen

Lens: EF-M 18-150mm IS STM kit lens

Shutter speed: 30sec to 1/4,000sec

ISO range: 100-25,600

Shooting modes: P, Tv, Av, M

Video format: 1080p (up to 60fps)

Battery: 1,040mAh lithium ion

Storage: SDXC

Interface: USB 2.0, micro HDMI, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC

Other features: Digic 7 image processor

Dimensions (W x H x D): 116 x 89 x 61mm

Weight: 427g

Website: www.canon.com.my

Price: RM4,699 (body only); RM6,399 (with kit lens)

Rating: Four stars

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2017/01/23/canons-mini-mirrorless-marvel/#VRc56e7VdSM6pXO5.99

Fibre me up!

A study has found that the mean fibre intake of Malaysians is only about 13 to 16g, which does not meet the national population intake goal of 20 to 30g a day.-SPONSORED-

Dietary fibre comes from the edible parts of plants, and are analogous of carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine.

It can be found in grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruits. Consuming these plant sources help to provide fibre in the diet.

Dietary fibre has long been associated with health benefits related to gut health, satiety, weight management and cardiovascular disease.

However, one study found that mean fibre intake among Malaysians is only about 13g to 16g, which does not meet the national population intake goal of 20g to 30g a day.

This lack of fibre intake can be explained by inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. In addition, this problem is compounded by the habit of eating out frequently, as revealed in the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) carried out in 2014.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, and are also good sources of dietary fibre.

Soluble fibre (oats is one source) dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut. This helps to slow down the process of digestion, so that sugar is released and absorbed gradually into the bloodstream.

There are two types of dietary fibre: insoluble and soluble. Each helps the body in different ways, therefore, it is important to eat a variety of cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables so that variety in dietary fibre is maximised.

Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water. This type of fibre acts like a sponge in the gut, adding bulk to the stool, thus helping ease stool passage through the large intestine, which helps to relieve constipation.

Nuts, seeds, whole wheat, vegetables, and fruits eaten together with the skin, are good sources of insoluble fibre.

Soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut. This helps to slow down the process of digestion, so that sugar is released and absorbed gradually into the bloodstream.

Soluble fibre helps to keep stools soft, making them easier to pass out, which also helps to aid in preventing or treating constipation.

It is also known to bind with bile acids in the small intestine, removing them from the body.

The loss of bile acids will stimulate the liver to increase cholesterol uptake, hence reducing bad cholesterol in the body.

Soluble fibre is found in oats, beans, citrus fruits, sweet potato and barley, among others.

On top of that, some researchers have found that certain soluble fibres such as inulin, oligofructose and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharide) serve as food sources to the good bacteria in the gut.

Onions are a good source of prebiotics.

These good bacteria have very important functions to perform, which include strengthening the bowel wall, facilitating absorption of essential nutrients, producing hormones that control appetite and anxiety, and more.

These fibres are called prebiotics. Food sources high in prebiotics include asparagus, garlic, onion, leek and banana. Some food contain both soluble and insoluble fibres, such as oats and beans.

Hence, we should eat a wide variety of high-fibre food to receive the greatest health benefits.

Below are some tips to increase one’s dietary fibre intake:

1. Include two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables in a day 

• Fill half a plate with vegetables during main meals.

• Ask for more mustard greens (sawi) or taugeh added into your noodles soup or curry noodles when eating out.

• Make sure fruits are always available in the fridge. Take it as dessert after meals or a snack in between meals.

• Add more fresh fruits into every meal. It is a sweet way to add fibre into your diet.

Maggi has just introduced a steamed noodles cake made from 51 whole grain oats and 49 high protein wheat that provides 18 of the recommended daily fibre intake for adults.

2. Go whole grain 

• Substitute refined food products with a whole grain product – such as eating whole meal bread instead of white bread, noodles made from oats or using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour. 

• Be creative in your cooking. Oats can be added into both sweet or savoury food. Add them to your fresh fruits yoghurt mix, or into idli, pancakes, soups or curries.

3. Include nuts, seeds, beans and legumes into your daily diet

• Substitute animal protein with beans/legumes once or twice a week. 

• Take one handful of nuts or seeds a day as a snack (e.g. cashew nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds).

4. Read food labels 

• Compare the fibre content of two similar products based on one serving or per 100g. Then choose the one that contains more fibre.

5. Do not forget to hydrate

• Increased fibre intake should be coupled with adequate hydration as well. Fibre pulls water into the intestine, which can aggravate rather than alleviate constipation. Therefore, drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

- Source: The Star Online 

No relationship so far for Neelofa

Neelofa 

POPULAR actress, model and entrepreneur Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor (pic) has brushed aside rumours of a romance with actor Fattah Amin, saying that her jodoh (match) was a subjective matter, Utusan Malaysia reported in its Mega Hits pullout.

Neelofa said many of her fans wanted her to get together with Fattah “on and off” the film set, but declined to comment further.

She admitted that they are close friends but did not want rumours to damage their good relationship.

“I am focusing on my career and my private life. When we talk about relationships, it can be him or others,” she said.

Neelofa was one of several Malaysians to make Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 list, and was the featured honouree in the Retail and E-Commerce category.

Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/29/no-relationshipso-far-for-neelofa-scarfed-beauty-focusing-on-her-career/#wd3SLHaVpyF0LLvx.99

Match made in heaven

Hemera diamonds are exclusive to Poh Kong. — Sunpix by Zulfadhli Zaki

THEY say weddings are affairs of the couple who are the stars of the day, but we must not forget that weddings also bring together two families – and with that, not only does the couple need to adorn themselves with jewellery, but family members as well. 

With 40 years of experience in Malaysia, Poh Kong is the largest jewellery retail chain store, making it the top of mind brand when thinking of jewellery. Its years of experience also contributes to its understanding of customer demand, while making it a trustable and stable brand. 

"We have various wedding-related products under one roof from engagement rings, wedding bands to bridal jewellery as well as items for your parents, siblings and friends," said Poh Kong Holdings Berhad marketing manager Elizabeth Choon. 

"We cater to a wide range of budgets from affordable to high-end. We also have our own house brands which means we can control everything from material, design, quality to friendly pricing. We also offer exclusive designs that are specifically suited to Malaysians," she added. 

When it comes to choosing their desired wedding rings, most people base it on their personality and style. Some look for simple, classic designs while some look for sophisticated designs that are bolder. Some may find rose gold special, while others may think a mix of yellow and white gold is interesting. 

Poh Kong produces designs for all races and cultures by introducing different collections. For example, the Happy Love collection combines traditional and modern styles with oriental design. Another collection named Anggun is specially catered to Malay weddings which require the hantaran. It features local flowers such as hibiscus, jasmine, orchid and allamanda. 

"We continuously launch new designs, at least once a year. Sometimes, we come up with interesting pieces such a heart-shaped hair pin adorned with the dragon and phoenix motif. Charms have also become popular so we launched a bracelet with charms," Choon said. 

But the crème de la crème is the brand's Hemera engagement rings. Hemera translates to "goddess of daylight" in Greek and just as its name, it is the most brilliant diamond in the world. 

"We have been researching the market and think there are no outstanding diamonds. Everyone has been generically branding their diamonds; there is no real differentiation. We see the market gap for a breakthrough diamond and after two years of research with Belgium cutters, they found they can cut a 101-cut diamond which we branded as Hemera," Choon said. 

"It doesn't mean if you have 102 cuts you are superior. You have to bring out the diamond's performance, and when we tested generic diamonds to Hemera diamonds, the former produces medium sparkle while Hemera has almost the highest sparkle.

"We hope when someone wants to get a proposal ring they will think of Hemera, which is exclusive to Poh Kong."

Jewellery care:

» Jewellery is damaged when in touch with mercury, and mercury is easily found in perfumes. It is advisable to put on your perfume first and your jewellery last. 

» Store each piece separately because a diamond ring might scratch another piece of jewellery. Also, pearls cannot be stored under harsh conditions as they are something organic. 

» Do not wear jewellery while doing intensive sports or housework. You may think gold is a tough material but when it is made into jewellery, it is quite fragile. 

» If you care to bring it back to its original shine, it is advisable to bring it back to the shop to be cleaned and polished.

- Source: The Sun | April 2017

Ruhainies letak target ke layar perak

Ruhainies. - Foto: ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR

TUAH ayam nampak di kaki, tuah manusia siapa yang tahu, mungkin pepatah sesuai untuk menggambarkan populariti pendatang baru, Ruhainies dalam industri seni.

Meskipun belum dua tahun bergelar anak seni, namun sudah dikenali ramai.

Tidak hanya tawaran demi tawaran, pemilik nama penuh Nur Ruhainies Farehah Zainul Ilyas ini juga tidak sebagai duta pelbagai produk.

Bagaimanapun, ujar gadis yang bakal menginjak ke usia 25 Julai depan itu, setiap tawaran tidaklah diterima samberono, sebaliknya ditapis dan dilihat kesesuaiannya.

"Alhamdulillah, saya banyak terima tawaran berlakon dan jadi duta produk.

"Tapi tak semua saya terima. Kalau berlakon, saya tengok dulu wataknya, skripnya, kalau menarik saya terima. Sekarang ni,saya lebih suka karakter berat.

"Kalau nak jadi duta, saya cuba dulu untuk sebulan. Kalau sesuai, baru saya terima," jelasnya ketika ditemui pada majlis menandatangani memorandum persefahaman antara syarikat produk kecantikan dan kesihatan Cantik Dara Sdn Bhd dengan Spektra Selasih Sdn Bhd.

Teruja bercerita perkembangan terkini, Ruhainies berkata, dia baru saja selesai penggambaran drama Menantu Bilal untuk slot Dahlia TV3, Ramadan nanti dan akan menjalani penggambaran produk jenama Himalaya pula selepas ini. 

Ruhainies juga beruntung kerana wajah ayunya turut menjadi pilihan sebagai duta produk mata jenama Ameena, face shapping serta bekerjasana dengan Cantik Dara,

Pelakon genit ini kini berfikir untuk bercuti Ramadan nanti selepas sibuk sebagai duta.

Pelakon ini juga disunting menjadi wakilan Norah Cookies untuk tempoh tiga bulan. Kesibukan Ruhainies tidak hanya setakat itu kerana dia juga akan bergandingan bersama Azrel Ismail untuk telefilem Jasmin dan seterusnya menjalani penggambaran di London dan Paris untuk Kelip-Kelip Kota London dan Cikgu Dina Pakai Prada ke Paris.

Anak kelahiran Pulau Pinang ini juga memberitahu, dia terpaksa menolak tawaran berlakon filem buat masa ini kerana mengakui masih banyak kelemahan yang perlu diperbaiki dan mengambil peluang menimba pengalaman sebanyak mungkin.

"Sebenarnya ada tawaran berlakon filem, tapi saya tak mahu terburu-buru menerima.

"Kalau ada tawaran pun saya tak suka karakternya dan saya rasa tak sesuai. Orang kata alang-alang dah berlakon filem, biarlah yang berbaloi.

"Mungkin saya tunggu orang muak lihat muka saya di kaca TV dulu baru saya beralih pada filem kot," katanya berseloroh.

Masih sendiri

Di usik mengenai percintaan pula, lebih-lebih hubungannya dengan Azrel, adik kepada Risteena Munim ini menegaskan dia dan aktor itu hanya bersahabat baik.

"Senang kata kalau saya bercinta, saya akan beritahu. Tapi buat masa ni kami hanya berkawan.

Pelakon itu mengaku senang dengan peribadi Azrel yang sangat baik dan meletakkan Azrel layak sebaris dengan wanita berperibadi sama.

Baginya, kerjaya lebih utama kerana masih baru dalam industri dan tidak terfikir berkahwin dalam masa terdekat.

- Sumber: SH Online | 29 April 2017

Museum with a 3D touch

PEOPLE usually think of a museum as a solemn gallery house where antiques are displayed for visitors to browse through and comment on quietly – usually in whispers – but not touch.

The Borneo House Museum in Kuching is different. It is an interactive fun house for both young and old alike. Visitors can even show off their creativity by immersing in the artworks on display and becoming part of them.

The Borneo House Museum can be described as an interactive three dimensional (3D) and educational museum where visitors are encouraged to have fun while interacting with the artworks, seeing them come to life and experiencing the trick paintings and replicas. 

Selected Sarawak artists took months to cover the 12,500 square foot museum with paintings, cleverly designed to trick the eyes into seeing depth.

The museum, opened to the public in November last year, features interactive displays that bring Sarawak’s nature, culture, heritage and food to life. Through clever simulations, visitors can feel as though they are walking through the heart of Sarawak and Borneo.

The museum has four zones – Sarawak Nature, Old Sarawak, Sarawak Today and Sarawak Iconic Food. The Sarawak food replicas took half a year to set up – from planning to completion.

All the art pieces on display are the result of concerted efforts from the selected Sarawak artists. Each piece carries a very informative and educational storyline. In fact, touring the museum allows one to be an actor, director and photographer – all rolled into one.

“We try to add a new dimension to the concept of a museum,” said Chai Mingtze, one of the supervisors.

“Traditional museums seem to be serious places and visitors can only look but not touch. But here, the overall setup is focused on interactions because we believe visitors can have a more meaningful appreciation of the artworks if they can touch and play with them. We have, for example, made the paintings appear incomplete if you’re not in them.”

He added that visitors could look for the camera angle guides on the floor to know where is the best spot to stand to take a picture of the object for the best 3D effect. Staff are on hand to help visitors with suggestions on where and how to pose to have a perfect picture taken.

Encouraging response

The museum has received up to 10,000 visitors since its opening. Besides from Kuching city itself, visitors also came from Betong, Sri Aman, Sibu, Miri, Sabah, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Perak, Penang and Kedah with some foreign tourists as well. The numbers do not include school educational tours.

“The response we receive is very encouraging. We are planning to add more zones to make touring the museum more interesting,” Chai said.

He said 3D museums are still rare, being new to the tourism industry, especially in Sarawak, adding that the Borneo House Museum should, therefore, be added to the list of places to see and visit for tourists to the Land of the Hornbills.

Chai explained that since the idea was to promote local culture and food, all art works were produced by local artists.

“In this way, we are also promoting local talents to the world. We do receive a lot of positive feedback from visitors – mainly about the enjoyable time they spent here and that it is a perfect venue for a beneficial family outing because everything on display is educational and informative.”

He noted that children were more attracted to the food replicas probably because they could touch and hold the items and also pose for pictures in their own creative ways.

According to him, the reason could be that children have all the while been asked to just look and not touch or play with any of the displays in a museum. But when they come to the Borneo House Museum, they get very different treatment.

Local food replicas

Chai said the displayed Sarawak food replicas were “very realistic looking” and not cheap to produce.

The tomato kueh tiaw, a uniquely Sarawak dish, is included in the top 10 must-show local foods. It is fried rice noodles served in a slightly sweet tomato-based gravy with sliced fish balls, fish, meat and local vegetables.

Among the other food replicas are Sarawak rojak, Sarawak laksa and kolo mee.

“These are among the popular local food sold at eateries or hawker stalls in the city that foreigners must try if they visit Kuching,” Chai suggested.

The Sarawak rojak consists of mainly pineapple slices, jicama (sengkuang), cucumber and puffy deep fried bean curd mixed with a sweet and fragrant thick sauce made of shrimp paste, sugar and tamarind with coarsely ground roasted peanuts sprinkled on top, and served on a plate.

The laksa is a signature dish of Sarawak and a must-try for gourmets. It consists of vermicelli with a shrimp-based broth, thickened with coconut milk and garnished with prawns, shredded chicken meat, julienned omelette, bean sprouts and chopped parsley, and served with thick sambal paste and lime at the side.

Kolo mee is another popular dish. Many Kuching residents claim they cannot go without a bowl of kolo mee for breakfast. It is a simple noodle dish, tossed in plain or red sauce together with fried onions, and topped with barbecued meat, minced meat and local vegetables – a dish suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Another food replica is sago grubs, a traditional delicacy of some indigenous groups of Sarawak. To most people, the idea of eating the grubs can be rather intimidating. The grubs, found inside fallen sago palms, are usually stir-fried and but can also be eaten while they are still live. If you are daring enough, just put a wriggling grub into your mouth and start chewing – like chewing gum.

The grubs are said to be very creamy and rich in taste and also full of protein. The head is crunchy as well.

Historical appeal

Chai said among other things of interest – and historical appeal – is the replicated office of the third Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Vyner Brooke, where some old documents are kept, including one on Sarawak Land Indenture, dated Jan 16, 1897, signed by Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak.

According to the document, the signing was witnessed by Charles Samuel Pearse, the Treasurer of Sarawak, whose signature could also be found on the banknotes of that period.

Mark Gordon signed as Land Office Clerk. He was later promoted to Superintendent of the Public Works Department and Acting Registrar of the Supreme Court.

“Everything on display in the office is real. The antiques and the table you see are more than 50 years old. The phone is also an antique. Actually, most of the furniture and antiques displayed in our museum are authentic. The bicycle you see is also an antique,” Chai said.

Situated at Jalan Penrissen, Kuching-Serian Road, the museum is 25 minutes from Kuching City centre, eight minutes from Kuching International Airport and five minutes from Kuching Sentral by car. It is open from 9am to 6pm every day and usually packed on weekends and public holidays. There are part-time staff to attend to visitors during peak seasons. Travellers will pass by the museum on the way to Serian, Bau, Sri Aman and beyond.

- Source: The Borneo Post | April 2017 

China's all-girl boy band

Made up of all girls, this "boy band" is the latest in the androgyny trend in China.

Acrush made headlines even before dropping any music, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans on Weibo. The pop band's first single, "Action," comes out Friday.

"We're a girl band. But we look more like beautiful young men, not young girls," said band member Min Junqian. "So the positioning fits us more."

Min Junqian is from Shandong, an eastern Chinese province.

Their promotional photos present the five girls — ages 18 to 24 — in short hair, ties with pants, sitting with spread-out legs. They also are shown in shorts, like tomboys playing soccer, for their affiliation with the sports brand Fantasy Football Confederation (FFC). Their formal name is FFC-Acrush, with "A" standing for the Greek god Adonis.

"We're just tapping into the unique beauty of gender neutral," said Wang Tianhai, head of the band's entertainment company. "We recognize this group of people who represent a special sense of beauty and a unique sense of handsomeness, and we reckon that this style may become a trendy element."

- CNN

Pati ditahan menyorok bawah rumah

Pati yang menyorok bawah rumah kongsi namun berjaya ditahan dalam ops

KOTA BHARU - Tindakan pendatang asing tanpa izin (Pati) melarikan diri dan menyorok di bawah rumah kongsi bagi mengelak ditangkap pegawai imigresen di sini berjaya dikesan dalam serbuan di dua lokasi berasingan di rumah kongsi di Gual Periok, Pasir Mas, malam tadi.

Dalam serbuan berkenaan yang dijalankan sekitar jam 2 pagi dan berakhir jam 5 pagi itu turut menahan 92 Pati.

Pengarah Imigresen Kelantan, Wan Saupee Wan Yusoff berkata, ketika serbuan dilakukan hampir ke semua Pati terdiri daripada warga Mnyamar, Indonesia dan Bangladesh sedang tidur dalam rumah kongsi.

"Setelah menyedari kehadiran pihak imigresen, ada antara Pati yang bertindak melarikan diri dan menyorok.

"Namun hasil tindakan pantas pegawai kami, kesemua 92 pati berjaya ditahan di dua lokasi berasingan," katanya kepada pemberita di sini, hari ini.

Wan Mohd Saupee berkata, turut menyertai ops berkenaan, Timbalan Penolong Pengarah Imigresen, Tuan Hassan Tuan Abdullah bersama 44 anggota dan pegawai imigresen termasuk lapan anggota Agensi Kawalan Sempadan Malaysia (AKSEM) .

"Menurutnya kesemua Pati ditahan dan akan dihantar ke depot Tahanan Tanah Merah untuk tindakan lanjut," katanya.

- Sumber: SH Online | 29 April 2017

Subaru XV 2.0i-S STI introduced in Malaysia – RM122,688

Motor Image has introduced a new addition to the facelifted Subaru XVrange – the XV 2.0i-S STI arrives all dressed up with STI accessories. Kit includes an STI rear roof spoiler, STI rear under spoiler and STI side skirts as standard for this edition.

Buyers have the option to add on more bits, at a premium. Additional items on the list include an STI flexible tower bar, STI front under spoiler and 17-inch STI alloy wheels.

Otherwise, the XV rolls on unchanged, mechanically or physically. The facelift made its local debut in January last year, and at point of launch two versions were introduced, a 2.0i and 2.0i-Premium.

The XV is powered by a FB-series 2.0 litre DOHC naturally-aspirated flat-four petrol engine offering 150 PS at 6,200 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Drive is sent to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (60:40 split front-to-rear) via a Lineartronic CVT, which has six virtual ratios.

The Subaru XV 2.0i-S STI is available at an introductory price of RM122,688 (before GST, without insurance, registration fee and road tax), and this special pricing is applicable while stocks last.

- Source: paultan.org

Taman Tema Memfokuskan Realiti-Maya Bakal Dibuka Di Damansara Pada Awal 2018

Arena realiti-maya sedia menjadi sebutan ramai sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, dan kini, sebuah syarikat yang dinamakan sebagai US VR Global dilihat ingin membuka taman tema reality-maya pada suku pertama 2018 kelak di Malaysia.

Taman tema ini bakal dinamakan sebagai Hero Central Park, dan akan terletak di Empire City, Damansara Shopping Mall, Selangor. Taman tema ini bakal mengambil keluasan tapak 170,000 kaki persegi, serta mengabungkan penggunaan realiti-maya dan AR di dalamnya.

Info penuh mengenai taman tema ini masih samar-samar buat masa ini. Tetapi, menurut syarikat disebaliknya, mereka mengatakan mempunyai kerjasama dengan sejumlah syarikat kandungan dan juga pembangun memfokuskan realiti-maya.

Kita mungkin akan melihat dan mendapat info penuh mengenai penawaran taman tema ini pada awal 2018 kelak.

- Sumber: Amanz | 28 April 2017

Di Filipina isteri potong kemaluan suami kaki perempuan

Mark Betita,33, dikejarkan ke hospital selepas diserang isterinya. - Foto News Wire

ILOILO CITY - FILIPINA . Dek kerana tidak tahan dengan sikap suami kaki perempuan, seorang wanita bertindak memotong kemaluan suaminya dengan gunting.

Mark Betita,33, sedang tidur di kediamannya di bandar Carles di sini ketika isterinya Leizel memotong kemaluannya menggunakan gunting 22 April lalu.

Leisel kini ditahan di balai polis di bandar Carles sementara menunggu penyelesaian kes yang difailkan terhadapnya kerana mencederakan suaminya.

"Saya tidak menyesal kerana memotong kemaluannya. Ini sebagai hukuman kepadanya kerana kaki perempuan. Saya bersedia berdepan apa-apa kemungkinan kerana tindakan saya ini," kata Liezel dipetik inquirer.net

Pegawai polis Carles, Alexis Bataga berkata, siasatan menunjukkan Liezel bersama-sama dengan suaminya yang juga penyelia pembinaan minum pada malam kejadian.

"Apabila suaminya mabuk, mereka masuk ke bilik tidur. Tidak berapa lama kemudian, mangsa keluar dalam keadaan berlumuran darah.

"Isteri mangsa didakwa memotong kemaluan suaminya," kata Bataga.

Mangsa dibawa ke hospital namun doktor gagal menyambungkan semula zakarnya. Leizel menjelaskan dia hanya mahu memberi pengajaran kepadanya.

"Saya bosan dengan sikapnya yang kaki perempuan. Dia mempunyai teman wanita baharu baru -baru ini," kata Liezel.

Liezel mendakwa kekasih baru suaminya itu adalah isteri kepada rakan sekerja lelaki itu namun Mark menafikan dakwaan isterinya dan bertekad memfailkan kes terhadap wanita itu.

- Sumber: SH Online | 28 April 2017

Suami mengaku tiduri pelajar

Tad hilang bersama pelajarnya. - Foto Reuters

TENNESSEE - AMERIKA SYARIKAT. Seorang guru, Tad Cummins yang dituduh 'menculik' pelajarnya berusia 15 tahun, mengaku kepada isterinya bahawa dia mengadakan hubungan seks dengan gadis tersebut.

Memetik laporan New York Post, perkara menjijikkan itu didedahkan isterinya, Jill selepas satu perbualan telefon dengan suaminya di penjara sejurus selepas penahanan lelaki terbabit pada 20 April lalu.

"Saya bertanyakan kepada suami saya, adakah awak tidur dengan gadis terbabit? Dia menjawab...Ya," katanya.

Jill memfailkan perceraiannya bulan lalu selepas bekas suaminya itu menghilangkan diri bersama gadis terbabit.

Kehilangan mereka menyebabkan pencarian besar-besaran di seluruh negara, sebelum pasangan terbabit muncul di sebuah pekan kecil berhampiran Utara California.

Ekoran itu, Tad ditahan atas dakwaan menculik dan jika disabit salah akan berdepan hukuman penjara 10 tahun.

- New York Post via SH Online | 29 April 2017

H6 Coupe & H9 tembusi pasaran Malaysia

KUNJUNGAN kali ini cukup berbeza. Sepanjang berada di jalan raya, mata tidak lekang melihat keunikan model-model kereta buatan China. Bayangkan, jenama kereta tempatan negara itu sahaja melebihi 100 jenis.

Soal plagiat reka bentuk membuatkan anda terkadang salah sangka. Pada satu model, anda boleh melihat campuran rekaan produk Korea Selatan, Eropah dan Amerika Syarikat. Sebaik melihat logo di belakang dan gril depan, ternyata ia jenama tempatan.

Lebih mengusik hati, apabila terserempak dengan model persis Range Rover Evoque. Perbezaan kualiti buatan boleh dilihat dengan jelas dan sangkaan penulis adalah betul, ia produk milik LandWind.

Berdasarkan pemerhatian penulis, pengguna di China tidak akan menukar logo kenderaan mereka kepada jenama rebadge asal. Ini kerana ia merupakan satu kesalahan mengakibatkan pemilik boleh disaman.

Masih Mencari Identiti

Secara peribadi, penulis berpendapat industri automotif China masih mencari jati diri. Sepertimana yang berlaku di Jepun. Sekitar era 60-an sehingga 70-an, Jepun masih lagi meniru rekaan dan teknologi dari Eropah dan Amerika Syarikat.

Jati diri negara matahari terbit tersebut mula kelihatan sekitar era 80-an dan 90-an. Walaupun identiti jenama China itu semakin terserlah, namun masih di peringkat permulaan.

Oleh kerana pasaran China yang besar, majoriti jenama automotif tempatan itu masih selesa memasarkan produk mereka secara lokal. Hanya dua model yang dilihat begitu agresif menakluki pasaran global iaitu Haval dan Geely.

Menariknya usia Haval hanya muda setahun berbanding Proton Holdings Berhad. Namun nama daripada singkatan perkataan ‘Have It All’ itu sudah 18 tahun berkecimpung dalam pasaran eksport. Sehingga September 2016 Haval menembusi 18 pasaran global termasuk Rusia, Australia, Chile, Peru, Malaysia, Georgia, Oman dan Bolivia.

Lebih menarik, syarikat SUV (kenderaan utiliti sport) popular di China itu menawarkan satu produk baharu yang memfokuskan kepada jenama mewah. Produk itu dinamakan sebagai WEY (diambil sempena nama pengasasnya). Jika Toyota memiliki Lexus, Nissan dengan jenama Infiniti, maka Haval pula dengan WEY.

Siapa tahu, WEY bakal menjengah pasaran tempatan satu hari nanti. Sebelum WEY muncul, ini model Haval yang bakal pasaran Malaysia terima.

Dua model untuk pasaran tempatan

Semasa lawatan ke kilang Haval di Baoding, Beijing, penulis dapat melihat secara dekat model Haval H6 Coupe dan H9 yang bakal memasuki pasaran tempatan.

Dibawakan oleh GO Auto, pengedar eksklusif jenama Haval di Malaysia, model H6 Coupe dan H9 ditawarkan menerusi enjin yang sama iaitu 2.0 liter petrol turbo. Varian diesel tidak akan dibawa masuk.

Versi import (CBU) akan dibawa masuk terlebih dahulu dan ketibaan kedua-dua SUV itu sekitar suku ketiga dan keempat tahun ini.

Enjin 2.0 liter petrol turbo H6 mampu menghasilkan kuasa 194hp dan tork 315Nm. Penghantaran kuasa ke roda ditugaskan kepada transmisi klac berkembar 6-kelajuan DCT. Harga anggaran bagi model Haval H6 Coupe ialah RM115,000 seunit.

Ketika di China, H6 turut ditawarkan dengan versi 1.5 liter turbo. Namun, pihak Go Auto tidak bercadang untuk membawa masuk versi tersebut. Mungkin bimbang akan bertindih dengan model sedia ada di pasaran tempatan iaitu H2.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Go Auto, Ahmad Azam Sulaiman berkata pihaknya turut merancang melakukan pemasangan tempatan (CKD) model tersebut di kilang Go Auto di Gurun, Kedah.

“Bagaimanapun spesifikasi bagi pasaran Malaysia untuk kedua-dua model masih dalam perbincangan.

“Namun, unit yang dibawa masuk akan menerima 99 peratus kualiti yang sama seperti di China,” katanya.

Manakala SUV tujuh tempat duduk, Haval H9 lebih berkuasa yang mana enjin 2.0 liter turbo itu menghasilkan kuasa 215hp pada 5,500rpm dan tork 324Nm seawal 2,000rpm. Enjin itu digandingkan dengan transmisi ZF 6-kelajuan.

Model SUV ladder frame itu bakal bersaing dengan model Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest dan Toyota Fortuner. Harga anggaran H9 ialah RM140,000 seunit. Di China, H9 ditawarkan dengan tiga varian iaitu Standard, Luxury dan Super Luxury.

Kualiti Bertaraf Global

Dapat dilihat kualiti kenderaan China kini sudah bertaraf global. Tidak semua, hanya pada jenama-jenama tertentu.

Sepanjang lawatan, penulis kagum dengan kualiti terkini yang ditawarkan Haval. Perbezaannya begitu ketara jika dibandingkan dengan produk awal yang memasuki pasaran tempatan.

Produk SUV berkenaan dibina dengan kualiti premium. Masuk ke kabin, menerusi sentuhan dan pandangan anda dapat melihat serta merasa material lembut di papan pemuka dan sisi pintu, kemasan kulit upholsteri dan penggunaan komponen plastik yang padu. Bahkan getah pada bingkai pintu juga boleh dikatakan mencapai standard Volvo.

Manakala model H9 tampil menarik dengan adanya running board yang keluar secara automatik ketika pintu dibuka.

Sukar untuk mengikis pandangan skeptikal berkaitan produk buatan China. Untuk lebih adil, apabila model tersebut tiba di pasaran tempatan, anda nilaikan sendiri dan rasai perbezaannya.

- 27 April 2017

2017 Mazda CX-3 with G-Vectoring Control - price RM138,373

The new 2017 Mazda CX-3 has been on sale since February, but the launch of the facelifted Mazda 3 and MX-5 RF gave us our first look at the revised B-segment crossover, which looks nearly identical to before – apart from the new Machine Grey hue seen here – but carries a few choice updates under the skin.

As we’ve previously reported, the new model is available as before in a single 2.0 litre petrol trim level, priced at RM138,373 on-the-road with insurance. That’s RM3,230 more expensive than before; the older model is still being sold at RM135,082. Included in the price tag is a five-year/100,000 km warranty and a three-year/60,000 km free service package.

No changes on the outside, but the interior does feature a new three-spoke steering wheel from the CX-9 SUV, along with a new Active Driving Display – the head-up display is now full-colour and has increased brightness, contrast and definition for improved legibility. An eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat has also been added, with two-position memory that also saves the positioning and brightness of the HUD.

Otherwise, standard kit is the same and includes LED head- and tail lights, LED fog lights, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, leather and suede upholstery, a glass sunroof, automatic air-conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, paddle shifters, cruise control, an MZD Connect infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen, six speakers and a reverse camera.

Safety kit has also been carried over – six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill-start assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Under the skin, the biggest addition comes in the form of the new G-Vectoring Control system which modulates engine torque to optimise vertical load on each wheel, improving steering response and stability. The steering and suspension systems have also been revised for improved ride and handling in concert with the new technology. There’s thicker rear windscreen glass and increased sound insulation, too.

The engine remains unchanged – a 2.0 litre direct-injected SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine produces 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and 204 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm. All that is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.

- Sumber: paultan.org

Lelaki Thailand gantung bayi, diri sendiri di FB Live

Seorang lelaki merakam perbuatannya membunuh diri dan anaknya melalui Facebook Live. 

BANGKOK - THAILAND. Seorang lelaki bertindak merakam perbuatannya membunuh anak serta diri sendiri melalui FB Live, lapor AFP

Polis di pulau peranginan selatan itu berkata, pihak polis dimaklumkan berhubung video berkenaan oleh rakan-rakan lelaki itu dan bergegas ke hotel terbiar berhampiran lapangan terbang antarabangsa pada petang Isnin.

"Mereka telah mati ketika saya tiba di sana," kata Leftenan Jullaus Suvannin, individu pertama yang tiba di tempat kejadian memberitahu AFP.

Menurut Jullaus, telefon pintar lelaki berkenaan turut ditemui disandar pada dinding. 

Polis berkata, mereka percaya lelaki berkenaan telah bertengkar dengan ibu kanak-kanak yang berusia 11 bulan itu sebelum bertindak menggantung diri sendiri serta anak perempuannya. 

Saluran 3 menyiarkan rakaman ibu bayi berkenaan dilihat bersama ahli keluarga menuntut kedua-dua mayat di hospital tempatan pada Selasa. 

Facebook tidak dapat dihubungi untuk mendapatkan komen berhubung insiden berkenaan.

Pemilik Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg sebelum ini berikrar untuk memastikan rangkaian sosial terkemuka dunia itu tidak digunakan untuk menyebarkan perbuatan mengerikan seperti pembunuhan dan bunuh diri.

Sementara itu, Gabenor Phuket menggesa rakyat Thailand supaya tidak berkongsi rakaman pembunuhan berdurasi empat minit tersebut yang masih boleh didapati di rangkaian sosial pada Selasa.

- Sumber: AFP melalui SH Online | 26 April 2017

Ibu tonton anak sendiri dibunuh di FB Live

Jiranuch Trirat. - Foto AFP

PHUKET - THAILAND. Ibu kepada bayi yang maut digantung seorang lelaki dan disiarkan di Facebook Live menggambarkan betapa ngeri dan luluh hatinya menyaksikan sendiri perbuatan teman lelakinya itu.

Jiranuch Trirat yang berusia 22 tahun dari Phuket mengakui sangat terkesan dan sedih selepas teman lelakinya Wuttisan Wongtalay menggantung anak perempuannya Natalie 11 bulan di sebuah bangunan terbengkalai sebelum bertindak membunuh diri.

Lelaki itu menyiarkan pembunuhan Natalie di Facebook Live yang turut disaksikan Jiranuch pada petang kejadian.

"Saya berada dengan abang saya ketika itu dan dia melayari Facebooknya.

"Ketika melayari Facebook, secara tiba-tiba kami melihat satu rakaman melalui FB Live.

"Ketika meneliti video berkenaan, saya lihat dia (Wuttisan) menggantung anak perempuan saya dengan tali dan tidak mampu terus menontonnya lagi," katanya dipetik AFP.

Video ngeri itu terus tersebar dan gerakan mencari oleh saudara mara serta polis dibuat dan mayat Wuttisan dan Natalie ditemui hanya beberapa jam kemudian.

Bagaimanapun, punca lelaki itu bertindak demikian masih belum diketahui.

Jiranuch berkata, dia dan teman lelakinya sering bertengkar terutamanya berkaitan bekas suaminya.

"Dia sering mendera anak lelaki saya, Sanook." katanya

Namun menurut Jiranuch, Wuttisan sangat baik dengan anak perempuan, Natelie dan menambah ketika kejadian, dia meminta teman lelakinya itu menjaga anaknya itu sementara dia menghadiri kelas di sekolah berdekatan.

"Apapun yang teman lelaki saya lakukan, saya memaafkannya kerana menyimpan rasa marah tidak akan dapat mengembalikan semula anak perempuan saya," kata Jiranuch.

- Sumber: SH Online | 29 April 2017