Author - James Lim

No water, so they opted for a mini break

GEORGE TOWN: Many people here opted for staycations and short getaways to escape the ­multi-day water cut that began on Friday. Hotels in Penang, particularly along the northern coast, which relies on water from the Teluk Bahang dam, were bustling with locals looking to unwind. Some even introduced “no- water” packages. Engineer Nur Liyana Mazlan, 37, was seen...

QuickCheck: Is there a European ‘delicacy’ that has live maggots?

WHEN it comes to culinary adventures, Europe is known for stretching the limits of the palate. From blue-veined Roquefort to fragrant Limburger, cheese-lovers have long been tempted by bold flavours and daring textures. But is there really a traditional dish that takes things to a whole new level – complete with wriggling, live maggots? Verdict: TRUE Europe’s storied culinary landscape...

Late HK star Lydia Sum’s daughter Joyce Cheng wipes clean social media accounts

Hong Kong singer Joyce Cheng, who has been largely out of the public eye for two years, has wiped clean her social media accounts. Fans noticed on April 24 that all the posts on the 37-year-old’s Instagram account have been deleted. The vlogs on her YouTube channel were also removed, but a few songs remain on...

Singapore GE2025: SDP candidates will be full-time MPs, can outdo those from PAP, says Chee Soon Juan

SINGAPORE: If elected into Parliament, candidates from the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) will outdo those from the PAP any time in managing town councils and raising pertinent issues in Parliament, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan told voters in Sembawang at a rally on April 27. That is because the SDP candidates are committed to becoming full-time...

Jessica Alba, Cash Warren list RM83mil estate amid divorce

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren aren’t just closing the chapter on their marriage, but their US$19mil (RM83.2mil) Beverly Hills home. The Honest Company co-founder, 43, and producer, 46, listed the 9,000-square-foot 7-bed, 8.5-bath estate for $18,995,000, TMZ reports. Alba and Warren purchased the sprawling digs for US$10mi in 2017 and oversaw an 18-month remodel. The property currently...

QuickCheck: Is there a flower that blooms only once a year?

FLOWERS are lovely (unless you're allergic to pollen). Whether for a celebration of gratitude, love, birthdays, or anniversaries, they are often gifted to others and bloom throughout the year or in accordance with the seasons. However, is it true that there is a flower that blooms only once a year? Verdict: TRUE The Queen of the Night (QotN), which...

Japan to resist Trump efforts to form trade bloc against China

TOKYO: Japan intends to push back against any US effort to bring it into an economic bloc aligned against China because of the importance of Tokyo’s trade ties with Beijing, according to current and former Japanese government officials. Like many other countries, Japan is trying to get permanent relief from President Donald Trump’s tariffs by addressing...

Ayer Kuning polls: Voters to vote tomorrow

TAPAH: Registered voters in the Ayer Kuning state constituency, totalling 31,315, will go to the polls on Saturday to fulfil their responsibility to elect a new representative, marking the end of the 14-day campaign. A total of 19 polling centres involving 63 channels will open from 8am to 6pm, except for the polling centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan...

UN spokesperson says ‘food supplies in Gaza are dangerously low’

NEW YORK: UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said Wednesday night that the UN humanitarian aid operations in Gaza can only be conducted in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, and independence, Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported. He was responding to a question about reports that Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz had stated at a meeting...

First team of Tabung Haji personnel arrives in Madinah

MADINAH: The first team of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) personnel for the 1446H/2025M season arrived at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, here at about 8.10pm Thursday (local time). The team, consisting of 74 individuals including media practitioners, welfare workers and information technology personnel, were taken to their place of accommodation in Roha Al-Madinah. They are part of...