Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Manami Resort, the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay, Philippines, is redefining eco-luxury travel by putting the spotlight on the region’s rich forests, reefs, and coastal ecosystems. Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the resort encourages guests to observe rather than intrude, with forest paths weaving through native vegetation and elevated viewpoints opening onto uninterrupted vistas of the Sulu Sea. Along the shoreline, pristine waters shelter vibrant coral reefs, providing a sanctuary for diverse marine life and offering visitors a rare chance to explore one of the country’s least-explored coastal regions.
Central to Manami’s nature-led philosophy is the Reef Retreat, an immersive program allowing guests to experience Sipalay’s underwater world through guided snorkeling, diving, and non-motorized water activities. Designed for slow exploration, the Reef Retreat emphasizes observation over speed, giving participants an opportunity to study coral formations, reef fish, and delicate marine ecosystems while also exploring natural caves on land. These experiences cultivate a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness between land and sea, reinforcing the importance of protecting both habitats.
Founder Cristina Corro emphasizes that Manami was created in response to the landscape, not imposed upon it. The resort’s architecture and circulation respect natural sightlines, while activities and guest experiences are intentionally small-scale to maintain a light environmental footprint. This approach mirrors a global trend in travel that values environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and thoughtful engagement with local ecosystems. By integrating luxury with ecological consciousness, Manami Resort offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of Negros Occidental while fostering responsible tourism that preserves these landscapes for generations to come.
The launch of Moltbook in early 2026 marked a turning point for online interaction, presenting an AI-only forum where autonomous agents post, debate, and interact while humans observe. Initially perceived as a novelty, the platform highlighted a deeper shift: AI agents are no longer merely responding to human prompts—they are communicating with each other at scale. This evolution signals a structural change in the internet, transforming intelligent systems from tools into active digital participants. For countries like Malaysia, which is aggressively implementing its National AI Action Plan, the challenge is no longer about AI adoption, but about building infrastructure for a hybrid internet where human presence remains identifiable and verifiable. In this context, proof-of-human is emerging as a foundational layer for the next generation of digital participation.
Malaysia’s Path to a Hybrid Internet
Malaysia is fast embracing the hybrid internet with strong momentum. Under the National AI Action Plan, 2026 is a milestone year in the country’s ambition to become an AI-driven nation by 2030. Reports indicate that AI adoption among Malaysian businesses grew 35% year-on-year, while 81% of employees use generative AI to enhance productivity. From startups to large enterprises, AI is increasingly integrated into customer engagement, operations, and product development, positioning intelligent systems as active collaborators. As this trend scales, hybrid participation is evolving from experimental applications to essential infrastructure, with Malaysia’s competitive advantage hinging on the design of systems that enable both human and AI actors to coexist efficiently and securely.
From Identity Verification to Protocol-Level Proof
As AI systems proliferate across Malaysia’s economy, traditional identity verification models are no longer sufficient. Intelligent agents can generate realistic content, simulate engagement, and operate continuously, making it harder to distinguish human participation. Proof-of-human offers a solution by establishing a presence-first approach that confirms human uniqueness without requiring personal identity disclosure. Similar to how encryption secured digital transactions, or payment rails enabled e-commerce, proof-of-human is emerging as foundational infrastructure for distinguishing human and AI activity in digital ecosystems, ensuring accountability and structured participation.
Privacy-Preserving Human Verification
For proof-of-human to succeed, it must prioritize privacy. Expanding surveillance or centralizing personal data would introduce new risks in an AI-native environment. Solutions such as zero-knowledge proofs allow individuals to verify their humanness without revealing their identity or storing sensitive information centrally. This model separates verification from identity, enabling platforms to maintain clear distinctions between human and AI actors while preserving user anonymity. Instead of competing with AI, this infrastructure anchors human presence in hybrid ecosystems, maintaining trust and resilience as autonomous systems scale.
Building Scalable AI-Native Infrastructure
Moltbook’s early experimentation with AI-to-AI interaction offers insights into the future of digital participation. In Malaysia, where AI adoption spans multiple sectors, the next growth phase requires clear standards for human-machine coexistence. Aligning national strategy with enterprise execution and scalable infrastructure is crucial, and privacy-preserving proof-of-human frameworks provide a blueprint for ensuring human presence without compromising data security. As digital ecosystems become increasingly AI-native, anchoring participation through such protocols strengthens long-term resilience and positions Malaysia as a key contributor to global standards for the hybrid internet.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often referred to as a “quiet disease” because it progresses silently until significant damage has occurred. Globally, women develop CKD at a slightly higher rate than men—11.8% versus 10.4%—and in Malaysia, this gender gap persists, with a prevalence of 14% in women compared to 12% in men. Dr. Rosnawati Binti Yahya, Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplantation Physician at Sunway Medical Centre, explains that this difference is not always obvious in everyday clinical practice, as most CKD cases are driven by metabolic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which affect both genders similarly.
Indeed, metabolic conditions remain the leading cause of CKD, accounting for up to 86% of cases in kidney centres. In Malaysia, diabetes and hypertension are responsible for 56% and 30% of kidney failures, respectively, damaging kidneys silently over years without obvious signs. This often results in delayed diagnosis, with many patients only discovering CKD when kidney function is critically impaired and dialysis becomes necessary. Dr. Rosnawati stresses the importance of early screening, as the first three stages of CKD are typically asymptomatic.
Women are also more susceptible to autoimmune-related kidney conditions, such as lupus nephritis, a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE affects women far more than men, with a female-to-male ratio of 9:1, and can lead to severe kidney damage. Compounding the risk, CKD symptoms are often subtle and easily misinterpreted. Persistent fatigue, lethargy, frequent nighttime urination, and swelling in the legs or face may be dismissed as hormonal changes, stress, or ageing. Blood tests, particularly creatinine levels, may also mislead women due to lower muscle mass, potentially masking early kidney issues.
Certain life stages increase women’s long-term kidney risk. Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes raise the likelihood of hypertension and proteinuria later in life, while menopause reduces oestrogen protection, accelerating kidney decline. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) further heighten risk through insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, contributing to diabetes and high blood pressure early in life. Dr. Rosnawati recommends annual monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, emphasizing that normal results at one stage of life do not eliminate future risk.
Early detection is key. Simple tests—a kidney function blood test, a urine protein test (albumin-to-creatinine ratio), and regular blood pressure checks—can identify CKD before irreversible damage occurs. Protein in urine is one of the earliest warning signs, yet many standard dipstick tests miss it. Early diagnosis enables timely intervention, slowing kidney decline significantly. As Dr. Rosnawati explains, even reducing kidney decline from 10% per year to 2% could prevent many patients from ever needing dialysis.
CKD develops quietly, often without warning. Women, who often care for others, must prioritize their own health. Regular screenings and early intervention are essential, even when no symptoms are present. “Even if you feel fine, get checked. If your blood tests are ‘normal’ but something still feels off, ask your doctor about your kidneys,” urges Dr. Rosnawati. By understanding risks, monitoring key health indicators, and taking preventive measures, women can protect their kidney health and ensure long-term wellbeing.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 10 MARCH 2026 – Fukuro Malaysia, a rapidly growing homegrown kitchenware brand, has launched its latest innovation, the Rokku Food Storage Series, aimed at providing practical, modern, and reliable storage solutions for everyday households. The series includes 9 SKUs—six Clip Lock Containers and three Airlock Canisters—with the 550 ml Clip Lock Container priced at just RM9.90, making it an accessible option for daily use. Designed to support routines like meal prep, leftover storage, and organised kitchen spaces, Rokku addresses what Fukuro identifies as the “missing middle” in kitchenware: products that combine modern design, dependability, and affordability.
Available across 1,300+ retail outlets nationwide, including major departmental stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, premium grocers, and the Fukuro website, the series ensures customers can easily access high-quality kitchen essentials. “Good kitchenware should be functional, well-made, and fairly priced. It should not feel like a luxury decision,” said Daryl Lai, Co-founder of Fukuro Malaysia, emphasizing the brand’s mission to deliver practical value rather than novelty.
Fukuro applies a FMCG-style approach to kitchenware, prioritizing assortment planning, consistent pricing, retail visibility, and product availability, ensuring that households can always find what they need. This disciplined strategy has translated into strong consumer adoption, with more than 90,000 Fukuro units reaching Malaysian homes every month, reflecting the brand’s growing scale and everyday relevance.
The Rokku Food Storage Series further exemplifies Fukuro’s commitment to making modern, reliable, and accessible kitchenware a standard part of Malaysian households. “We aim to make good kitchenware easy to live with—not just through design or pricing, but through consistent availability wherever Malaysians shop,” Daryl added. As a local brand competing in a market often dominated by international names, Fukuro continues to demonstrate that homegrown products can deliver both quality and scale, supporting practical, everyday routines for Malaysian families.
10 March 2026 Manila, Philippines — LBC Express, the Philippines’ pioneering logistics and courier company, recently commemorated its 75th anniversary, marking a major milestone with over 600,000 deliveries completed worldwide as of the end of Q3 2025. Established in 1950 and recognized as the originator of the iconic balikbayan box service, LBC has grown into a global network with over 6,400 locations, partners, and agents spanning 30 countries. This extensive reach allowed the company to deliver more than 4,000 TEUs globally, with nearly 1,000 TEUs originating from the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the area’s role as a key driver of regional trade and e-commerce growth.
Aligned with its 75th-anniversary theme, “We Move With You”, LBC Express continues to strengthen its global footprint while providing essential supply chain solutions for businesses and individuals alike. Financially, the company achieved a gross revenue of PHP 10.47 billion in the first nine months of 2025, with overseas markets contributing around PHP 3.83 billion, or 39% of total revenue. Domestic operations remained a strong growth engine, accounting for PHP 6.29 billion. Revenue was primarily driven by its Retail segment, which includes courier, air cargo, and balikbayan box services, generating PHP 6.88 billion, alongside the Corporate segment, which contributed PHP 3.2 billion through business solutions, freight forwarding, and e-commerce services.
By the end of Q3 2025, LBC handled over 7,000 TEUs in sea cargo and nearly 13 tons of domestic air cargo, further establishing itself as a critical partner for SMEs, entrepreneurs, and large enterprises. Beyond logistics, the company has also recorded substantial growth in remittances and payment solutions, generating approximately PHP 346.37 million and PHP 7.35 million respectively, reinforcing LBC’s position as a holistic partner for Filipino families and businesses.
Enrique V. Rey, COO and President of LBC Express, emphasized the company’s mission: “For 75 years, LBC has stood as a symbol of reliability, connection, and care. We see the Asia-Pacific region not only as a key market for our Filipino community but as a crucial engine for trade and e-commerce innovation. ‘We Move With You’ is not just our anniversary theme — it’s our story. Through every milestone, every movement, and every Filipino journey, LBC has been there, carrying more than just parcels — but the spirit of family, resilience, and nationhood.”
From its beginnings as a trusted balikbayan box service for overseas Filipinos to its current role as a comprehensive logistics and financial services provider, LBC Express continues to evolve, connecting communities and driving commerce across the globe.
Pada 12 Mac 2026, Melodi Glam Raya Runway menjadi tumpuan ramai apabila pertunjukan fesyen unik di dalam tren MRT berjaya mencipta pengalaman Aidilfitri yang interaktif dan glam, merentasi perjalanan dari Stesen MRT Bandar Utama sehingga ke Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). Acara ini menggabungkan elemen fesyen, muzik, hiburan dan teknologi interaktif, menjadikan setiap perhentian tren dan segmen persembahan sebagai pengalaman Raya yang memukau bagi penonton.
Kemeriahan bermula di Stesen MRT Bandar Utama dengan persembahan flash mob yang dipimpin oleh finalis One In A Million (OIAM), Marygrace, Kai Deva, Jimi dan Mariam, serta disertai Rakan Selebriti Watsons, Sharifah Rose dan Fahrin Ahmad. Persembahan ini menghidupkan suasana pembukaan dengan tarian istimewa berirama lagu Raya jenama Watsons, menambah keceriaan sebelum sesi pelepasan rasmi (flag off) yang menandakan permulaan perjalanan tren khas ini.
Sepanjang perjalanan tren, penonton dihiburkan dengan persembahan lagu tema rasmi Watsons Raya oleh finalis OIAM, diikuti alunan suara merdu Nabila Razali, yang menambah keseronokan dalam suasana Raya sambil bergerak. Segmen runway mula menarik perhatian apabila model mula memperagakan rangkaian produk penjagaan kulit, solekan, kesihatan dan penjagaan diri daripada barisan Rakan Jenama Watsons, lengkap dengan pakaian dan aksesori Raya daripada jenama tempatan yang merupakan Rakan Jenama TikTok Shop. Setiap produk dan gaya yang diperagakan turut dipaparkan melalui konsep “beg kuning”, membolehkan penonton membuat pembelian terus secara interaktif melalui platform TikTok Shop dengan tawaran eksklusif. Inisiatif ini bukan sahaja memperkenalkan dimensi baharu dalam pengalaman menonton, tetapi juga membuka peluang kerjasama masa hadapan dengan lebih banyak jenama dan rakan industri.
Dalam perjalanan, suasana turut dipenuhi dengan sesi sembang santai oleh hos Melodi, Ain Edruce dan Fikry Ibrahim, sebelum tren berhenti seketika di Stesen MRT Pasar Seni, menampilkan kemunculan barisan model seterusnya yang terus menghidupkan pengalaman penonton. Segmen ini memberikan penekanan kepada interaksi antara penonton, selebriti, dan model, menjadikan acara lebih intim dan dekat dengan pengunjung.
Kemeriahan mencapai kemuncaknya di Stesen MRT Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), di mana pentas utama menampilkan aksi pembukaan oleh Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri sebelum Melodi Glam Raya Runway dilancarkan secara rasmi. Pentas utama ini dipenuhi dengan persembahan memukau daripada penyanyi popular tanah air termasuk Aisha Retno, Amir Masdi, Nabila Razali, dan Ernie Zakri, yang menyemarakkan suasana dengan persembahan penuh energi dan pesona. Segmen runway di pentas utama turut menampilkan barisan Duta dan Rakan Selebriti Watsons seperti Ayda Jebat, Che Puan Sarimah, Sharifah Rose, Fahrin Ahmad, Akmal Nazri, Lyssa Jean dan Mekyun, yang turut memperagakan produk sambil memberi inspirasi gaya Raya kepada penonton.
Bertemakan “Gaya Raya Glam”, acara ini menekankan bahawa penampilan Aidilfitri yang elegan dan bergaya boleh dicapai tanpa perlu berbelanja besar, selari dengan misi Melodi dalam mengangkat bakat tempatan, jenama fesyen tempatan, serta membuka ruang kolaborasi antara dunia fesyen, hiburan, dan platform digital. Melalui inisiatif interaktif “beg kuning” di TikTok Shop, penonton bukan sahaja dapat menonton tetapi turut berpeluang membeli produk yang dipersembahkan, menjadikan pengalaman Raya lebih dinamik dan moden.
Acara ini dianjurkan dengan sokongan Watsons Malaysia sebagai penaja utama dan TikTok Shop sebagai penaja bersama, manakala siaran langsung eksklusif disediakan melalui TikTok MBuzz Terhangat, membolehkan penonton seluruh negara menikmati kemeriahan acara walaupun tidak hadir secara fizikal. Melodi Glam Raya Runway 2026 membuktikan bahawa pengalaman Raya boleh dihidupkan melalui gabungan hiburan, fesyen, muzik, dan teknologi interaktif, sambil menonjolkan budaya tempatan dan semangat Aidilfitri.
Untuk perkembangan terkini mengenai Melodi, ikuti platform rasmi Melodi dan MBuzz Terhangat.
Penang is set to welcome the 4th edition of the Northern International Audio & Visual Show 2026 from 17–19 April 2026 at the iconic Setia SPICE Convention Centre, offering an immersive showcase of cutting-edge audio, visual, and technological innovations. Organised by Gryphon Production and supported by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, the three-day exhibition has grown into one of Asia’s most anticipated events for audiophiles, professionals, and families alike.
The event will feature approximately 45 exhibitors from around the globe, including Singapore, Canada, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and more, with an expected visitor count of around 7,500. Attendees can experience world-class audio brands such as Ray Tubes, Marten Audio, Galion Audio, Marantz, Bowers & Wilkins, MSB Technology, Vitus Audio, and DALI, showcasing premium sound systems, innovative components, and high-end listening experiences.
This year, the show introduces exciting new segments focused on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in audio engineering and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, creating new opportunities for visitors to engage with immersive sound and visual technology. Local professional audio manufacturers will also showcase their innovations alongside international specialists, including a Canada-based vacuum tube manufacturer, highlighting the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
Beyond product displays, the event will feature interactive workshops, industry talks, and live performances led by respected audio engineers, hi-fi reviewers, and local talents. These sessions aim to educate visitors on sound design, equipment optimisation, music appreciation, and the future of immersive audio-visual experiences, while fostering a strong sense of community among audiophiles, creators, and tech enthusiasts.
By hosting the event in Penang, the show strengthens the state’s position as a hub for audiovisual innovation, driving increased visitor arrivals, hotel bookings, and local spending, benefiting businesses across hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. With its growing international participation, expanded programme, and inclusive atmosphere, the Northern International Audio & Visual Show 2026 promises to be the most dynamic edition yet—a celebration of sound, vision, and creativity that welcomes enthusiasts of all ages.
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Mac 2026 – Kembali buat edisi ke-15 selepas kejayaan penganjuran pertama, Art of Speed 2026 (AOS 2026) bakal memukau pengunjung pada 1 dan 2 Ogos 2026 di Taman Ekspo Agro Malaysia (MAEPS). Dengan kawasan dalaman seluas 452,084 kaki persegi dan 320 ekar ruang luar, setiap dewan dipenuhi pelbagai aktiviti, pameran automotif, seni dan budaya pop yang pastinya mengujakan peminat dari dalam dan luar negara. Bonus istimewa tahun ini ialah pemulangan Festival SoundCircus, yang menempati ruang 4 ekar dengan enam pentas persembahan, menampilkan artis tempatan, serantau dan antarabangsa, termasuk Cokelat X Ella, Tenxi, Masdo, Iqbal M, Couple X Adnan Othman dan banyak lagi.
Menurut Pengarah Festival Asep Ahmad Iskandar, edisi 2026 menandakan evolusi festival dengan impak lebih besar terhadap industri kreatif dan pelancongan Malaysia. SoundCircus memperkenalkan konsep persembahan baharu seperti ‘TAKHTA RATU NUSANTARA’ (Cokelat X Ella), ‘LEGENDS X RENEGADES’ (Jemson X Def Gab C), ‘DIKIR KUSTOM’ (Issey & The Clique) dan ‘POWER POP YEAH YEAH’ (Couple X Adnan Othman), selain meraikan muzik hardcore melalui ‘30 YEARS OF ASIAN HARDCORE’. Festival ini juga menonjolkan gabungan artis dari empat negara iaitu Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapura dan Jepun, yang akan menghiburkan pengunjung melalui tiga fasa persembahan.
Fasa 1 menampilkan 20 pemuzik termasuk The Jansen (Indonesia), Masdo, Midnight Fusic, Sweetass dan Iron Gaze, manakala Fasa 2 menampilkan 34 pemuzik dari Malaysia dan antarabangsa seperti Freshtown All Stars, Nadin Amizah (Indonesia), Tenxi (Indonesia), Couple X Adnan Othman, Jemson X Def Gab C, Iqbal M dan pelbagai kumpulan rock, DJ dan artis indie lain. Untuk kali pertama, Festival SoundCircus 2026 menyediakan sehingga enam pentas gabungan dalaman dan luaran untuk memastikan pengalaman tontonan dan hiburan yang lebih epik.
Dengan sokongan rakan strategik seperti Tourism Selangor, AOS 2026 bukan sahaja memeriahkan industri muzik dan automotif, malah menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan pelancongan domestik, sektor perhotelan dan ekonomi kreatif tempatan. Tiket masuk AOS 2026 berharga RM35, manakala tiket SoundCircus bermula RM89 sehingga RM388 untuk pelbagai kategori termasuk General Admission, Rockzone dan Hero Guest Care Pack. Pengunjung boleh mendapatkan tiket secara dalam talian di https://biz.bboevents.com/event/#/aosscf26 atau terus di pintu masuk pada hari acara.
Dengan gabungan pameran automotif, persembahan muzik pelbagai genre, fesyen dan aktiviti sampingan, Art of Speed 2026 & Festival SoundCircus bakal menjadi pengalaman hiburan yang tidak boleh dilepaskan, membawa pulang kenangan dan inspirasi buat pengunjung sepanjang dua hari epik di MAEPS.
📌 Maklumat Utama
Acara: Art of Speed 2026 & Festival SoundCircus
Tarikh: 1 & 2 Ogos 2026
Masa: 10:00 pagi – larut malam
Lokasi: Taman Ekspo Agro Malaysia (MAEPS)
Dengan sokongan: Tourism Selangor
🎤 Pentas Utama & Aktiviti
Pentas SoundCircus – persembahan utama festival
Pentas 16
Panggung Chaos
Backdoor SoundSystem
Pentas AOS – automotif & pameran interaktif
Pentas Kartel
Aktiviti tambahan:
Majlis Anugerah
Pelancaran & Persembahan Jenama
Majlis Rasmi
Prestasi Cahaya & Akustik
Pertunjukan Ride-In
Pertunjukan Fesyen
Persembahan B-boy
Talkshow & Sesi Perkongsian Sunburst Talk
🎵 Persembahan Pemuzik
Fasa 1 (20 Pemuzik):
The Jansen (ID), Masdo, Midnight Fusic, Sweetass, Johny Comes Lately
Dannqrack & Eemrun, Second Combat (30 Years Anniversary), Krusty, After Midnight
The World Ends With You, Iron Gaze, Heavener, BesSka Tok Saad, Open Privacy, Kosmik
DJ Queizham, DJ Miko Naiko, S4d.kl, DJ Zu, DJ Creamminalsm
Fasa 2 (34 Pemuzik):
Freshtown All Stars, Cokelat X Ella (ID x MY), Hari Slatan, Nadin Amizah (ID), Tenxi (ID)
Johnny Pandora (JPN), Sukses Lancar Rejeki (ID), Issey & The Clique (Dikir Kustom)
Couple X Adnan Othman, Iqbal M, Moneybag, Empty Page, Tricks, Ya Bunayya, High Therapy (ID)
In conjunction with the Ramadan season, Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Lotus’s Malaysia) is extending the spirit of giving beyond its retail outlets through the #KitakanJiran Juadah Pembawa Senyuman initiative. As part of its broader Senyuman Ekstra Bernilai campaign, the programme focuses on sharing iftar meals with gig riders who work tirelessly delivering groceries and daily essentials across the country. Rooted in the values of compassion, generosity and sharing rezeki, the initiative aims to recognise the dedication of these riders while strengthening community connections during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Hanim Hamdan, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Lotus’s Malaysia, the initiative is a meaningful way for the company to show appreciation to gig riders who play an essential role in supporting communities every day. Through the programme, volunteers distribute freshly prepared iftar meal packs to riders who often spend long hours on the road. By delivering these meals, Lotus’s hopes to create small yet impactful moments of kindness while bringing the spirit of the Senyuman Ekstra Bernilai campaign to life.
Lotus’s #KitakanJiran Volunteers, Coke Buddies together with volunteers from brand partner Mondelez were seen distributing packed meals and goodies for the gig riders surrounding Lotus’s Ampang.
The outreach began at the Lotus’s Kota Bharu outlet before expanding to several locations in Penang, including Lotus’s Penang E-Gate, Lotus’s Sungai Dua, Lotus’s Tanjung Pinang, Lotus’s Seberang Jaya and Lotus’s Bagan Ajam. The programme has since continued across the Klang Valley, where volunteers gather to prepare and distribute iftar meals to riders stopping by the participating stores. Altogether, Lotus’s Malaysia has distributed more than 1,400 meal packs to gig riders nationwide during this Ramadan.
The effort also saw strong participation from within the organisation, with over 100 volunteers from Lotus’s head office and 10 stores coming together to cook, prepare and pack the meals. For many employees, volunteering during Ramadan offers an opportunity to give back to society while practising the spirit of sadaqah. The initiative further strengthens Lotus’s ongoing partnership with Food Aid Foundation, marking their fifth year of collaboration. Since 2022, both organisations have contributed more than 6,000 meals to communities in need through various outreach programmes.
Riders showing big smiles after receiving the surprise iftar meals in Kelantan and Pulau Pinang from #KitakanJiran volunteers and Coke Buddies.
In addition, the programme receives support from several brand partners including Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Mondelez, F&N and All Kurma, reflecting a shared commitment to spreading festive goodwill during Ramadan and Hari Raya. The #KitakanJiran initiative forms part of the larger Senyuman Ekstra Bernilai campaign running across Lotus’s stores nationwide until 8 April 2026, offering festive promotions of up to 50 percent on more than 4,500 items, including essential goods under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme. Through this campaign, Lotus’s Malaysia continues to celebrate the values of gratitude, generosity and togetherness while ensuring the joy of the festive season can be shared with families and communities alike.
Appendix
Details
Notes / Locations
Appendix 1: Participating Partners
1. Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad
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2. Mondelez Malaysia Sales Sdn. Bhd.
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3. Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd.
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4. All Kurma Sdn. Bhd.
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5. Coca-Cola Refreshments (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Official Beverage Partner
Appendix 2: Participating Stores
Klang Valley (4 Stores)
Semenyih, Kajang, Shah Alam, Ampang
Penang (5 Stores)
Penang E-Gate, Sungai Dua, Tanjung Pinang, Seberang Jaya, Bagan Ajam
KUALA LUMPUR (10 March 2026) – Festive seasons are often associated with joy, forgiveness and togetherness, where families and friends gather for open houses and indulge in a variety of traditional dishes. From favourites like rendang and lemang to kuah kacang and an array of festive kuih, celebrations usually span several days with generous servings of rich foods. While these festive feasts are an integral part of the celebration, repeated heavy meals in a short period can place significant strain on the digestive system. One of the most common digestive complaints during this time is Dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, which is estimated to affect between 15 to 25 percent of Malaysians.
According to Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr Deborah Chew Chia Hsin from Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, dyspepsia refers to a group of symptoms originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Patients often experience bloating, early satiety, nausea, excessive belching and discomfort in the upper abdomen. These symptoms may arise even when medical scans or endoscopy show no visible structural abnormalities. Dr Deborah explains that in many cases, the issue lies in how the stomach functions rather than physical damage to the digestive tract. Slower gastric emptying or increased sensitivity to stomach stretching after meals can cause individuals to feel discomfort despite normal diagnostic results.
During festive periods, doctors frequently observe an increase in patients experiencing gastric issues. The combination of large meal portions, repeated eating sessions and rich ingredients contributes to digestive strain. Dishes high in fat, particularly those prepared with coconut milk such as rendang, slow down gastric emptying and prolong the feeling of fullness. At the same time, sugary desserts and beverages increase osmotic load while carbonated drinks introduce excess gas into the stomach, further worsening bloating and discomfort. Spicy foods may also intensify symptoms for individuals with sensitive stomachs or underlying conditions such as Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Another factor that aggravates indigestion is lying down immediately after a heavy meal. According to Dr Deborah, remaining sedentary or going to bed soon after eating can slow digestion and increase the risk of acid reflux. This may cause burning sensations, bloating and persistent discomfort. Experts recommend waiting at least two to three hours after a meal before lying down to allow the stomach enough time to empty. Over several days of continuous feasting, the cumulative effect of large meals combined with poor post-meal habits can overwhelm the digestive system.
While occasional indigestion after a festive meal is usually temporary, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, black stools, anaemia or difficulty swallowing may require medical evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, screening for Helicobacter pylori infection and upper endoscopy. In certain cases where symptoms remain unexplained, doctors may recommend advanced procedures such as Endoscopic Ultrasound, which combines endoscopy and ultrasound technology to provide detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs.
Despite the potential digestive challenges during festive celebrations, prevention remains the most effective approach. Practising portion control, pacing meals and allowing sufficient time between heavy dishes can help reduce the risk of indigestion. Maintaining moderate eating habits, staying active after meals and listening to the body’s signals are simple yet effective ways to enjoy festive gatherings comfortably. As Dr Deborah emphasises, festive celebrations are about connection and togetherness rather than overindulgence, and mindful eating ensures that the joy of the season is not overshadowed by digestive discomfort.
