Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), which stepped up during the Covid-19 pandemic by converting its convention centre into a temporary hospital in record-breaking time, is now offering its venue to honour the nation’s leaders.
Saddened by news that the mural by Muhammad Suhaimi Ali, Muhamad Firdaus Nordin and Abdul Hadi Ramli featuring Malaysian leaders was defaced by vandals, MAEPS chief operating officer Norafizah Rahman says there are two venues available if the trio wants to recreate the mural or paint a new one.
The vandalised mural at Taman Cahaya Alam, Section U12, Shah Alam, depicted images of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, among others.
The mural was to remind Malaysians about the heroics of people like Dr Hisham, who has worked tirelessly to ensure Covid-19 is under control.
“We don’t mind allowing them to use two of our venues to paint new murals. They can choose one or both,” said Norafizah.
“And we have a bigger space, about 12 feet tall, compared to the earlier one which was about seven feet.”
Norafizah was upset reading what happened to the mural in Shah Alam. Even Sultan of Selangor Sultan, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj decreed the act of painting derogatory words on the mural was “biadap” (insolent) and hoped the culprits will be nabbed.
“It must be the work of someone with a mental disorder. That is the only way I can describe it,” added Norafizah.
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.
15 NEW COVID-19 CASES
Fifteen new cases were recorded today (11 local transmissions, four imported cases). The death toll stands at 123.
BACK TO QUARANTINE CENTRES
No more self-quarantining at home. That is the latest decision by the government for all those returning from overseas.
Beginning Friday, they would have to be quarantined at hotels or quarantine centres. This applies to Malaysians and non-citizens and they will have to bear the full cost of the quarantine.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob added medical tourists were allowed to enter the country to undergo treatment under the Recovery Movement Control Order but is only extended to those in critical condition or with serious illnesses.
FIVE WAYS TO ADDRESS BABY-DUMPING
Federation of Reproductive Health Association of Malaysia member Dr John Teo Beng Ho has outlined common features of teenagers with unplanned pregnancies.
Dr John, a senior consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician, also provided several solutions to address the matter, one of which is having comprehensive sexuality education. Read more here.
RUKUN NEGARA A GUIDING COMPASS FOR ALL
The Rukun Negara acts as a moral compass and a national philosophy that can unite a fragmented society. As such, its five aspirations and principles should be a reference point for Malaysians, irrespective of their ethnicity and religion.
CARING BANK
OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad recently contributed RM40,000 towards conserving the endangered Malayan tapir. The funds will be used for annual food provision, enrichment and veterinary care.
EX-NATIONAL ATHLETE AMONG 11 TO GET ROYAL SCHOLARSHIP
Former national tennis player Bryan Lim, 24, received a PhD scholarship from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara.
He was among 11 students of higher learning institutions who were conferred the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship (BYDPA) for the 2020/2021 session.
As at 2019, BYDPA has sponsored 161 students – 82 for PhD courses and 79 at the Masters level with sponsorship covering four main fields namely science and technology, economics, law, and Islamic finance.
ROBERT GAMBARDELLA TO RUN BADMINTON ACADEMY
American Robert Gambardella has been named chief executive officer of the Malaysia Badminton Academy.
The 62-year-old was previously Singapore Sports Institute chief. He was also CEO of the USA Shooting team and had various roles with the US Olympic Committee. He has been given a two-year contract effective Aug 1.
TWO MORE RECORDS FOR RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at least 50 goals in Serie A, La Liga and the English Premier League after scoring a brace against Lazio.
He is also the fastest player to hit half a century in Serie A history – taking just 61 matches to reach the impressive tally. He now has 51 Serie A goals, 311 in La Liga and 84 in the Premier League.
