Category Archives: Home + Entertainment Articles + News!

Home is where your heart lies, but tech makes it so much better!

Here, you will find articles on home technologies, including but not limited to appliances, IoT, televisions, home theatre, etc.

Samsung unveils AI For All future at IFA 2024!

Samsung celebrated 100 years of innovation at IFA 2024, with its showcase of AI For All innovations across devices and ecosystems. Take a look at new AI-powered Samsung home appliances, mobile devices, and more, announced at IFA 2024!

 

Samsung unveils AI For All future at IFA 2024!

Samsung Electronics marked its 100-year milestone at IFA 2024 with a bold commitment to its “AI For All” vision. The IFA 2024 showcase of new AI-powered devices and appliances highlighted Samsung’s stated mission to democratise AI, and extend its benefits across more devices.

Expanding AI for All

The central theme of Samsung’s presentation was “AI For All,” reflecting the company’s commitment to making AI accessible and beneficial for everyone. During the IFA conference, Samsung showcased the latest developments in its AI technology, demonstrating how it is set to transform daily life through enhanced communication, productivity, and creativity tools.

One UI 6.1.1 Brings Advanced AI Features To More Devices

Samsung’s announcement of the One UI 6.1.1 update was a major highlight. This update is set to expand AI features originally introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 to a broader range of devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 series. The update includes advanced tools like Live Translate and Circle To Search, which enhance communication and productivity.

You can read more about the One UI 6.1.1 update in our separate article here.

Recommended : Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review : Tech ARP Editor’s Choice!

AI-Enhanced Home Entertainment and Productivity

At IFA 2024, Samsung introduced a range of new products designed to leverage AI for superior performance in home entertainment and productivity:

  • Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 Projectors: These advanced projectors bring cutting-edge laser technology to home entertainment. They deliver stunning 4K resolution on screens up to 130 inches. AI-powered features like Upscaling enhance content to 4K quality, while Vision Booster adjusts brightness and contrast for optimal viewing in various lighting conditions. These projectors aim to transform any living space into a premium home cinema.
  • Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: In collaboration with Intel, this device features the new Intel Core Ultra processor and Galaxy AI to offer a top-tier cross-device experience. It includes enhanced graphics and displays for a premium productivity and entertainment experience.
  • Galaxy Book4 Edge 15-inch: Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® X Plus processor, this ultra-thin laptop integrates advanced NPU technology for high-end AI capabilities. It combines Copilot+ PC features with Galaxy AI, enhancing creativity and connectivity with a vibrant 15-inch display.

Recommended : Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Hands-on Preview In All 3 Colours!

Advancing Sustainability With AI

Samsung continues to lead in sustainability with its AI-driven technologies. The company’s commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2050 is supported by its efforts to enhance energy efficiency across its product lineup:

  • AI Hybrid Refrigerators: These refrigerators use a combination of compressor and Peltier cooling technology to optimize energy use. For instance, if the refrigerator door is left open, the Peltier technology acts as an additional cooling source, improving overall energy efficiency.
  • Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™: This all-in-one washer and dryer combo meets and exceeds A-grade energy efficiency requirements. It features advanced heat pump drying technology, which dries clothes quickly and efficiently at lower temperatures.
  • SmartThings Ecosystem: Samsung’s SmartThings platform connects over 500 million devices, offering seamless control of all Samsung AI-enabled products. The AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy can save up to 70% of energy consumption for washing machines, while SmartThings Away Mode ensures appliances are automatically turned off when not in use.

Recommended : Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Review : Entry-Level IP68 Tablet!

Enhancing User Experience with Smart Technology

Samsung’s focus on enhancing user experience extended to its latest home appliances:

  • Bespoke AI Appliances: Upgraded with enhanced voice control through Bixby, these appliances now understand multiple commands in a single sentence, recall context for continuous commands, and provide personalized responses. Users can now open refrigerator doors or washing machine doors with simple voice commands, making daily tasks more convenient.
  • Samsung’s AI TVs: Since 2015, Tizen OS has powered Samsung’s smart TVs, and the 2024 models will continue to receive upgrades for seven years, ensuring consumers have access to the latest features and improved connectivity. The Neo QLED 8K AI screens, equipped with the NQ 8 AI Gen 3 processors, offer a highly customized viewing experience with superior sound and picture quality.
  • The Frame and Art Store: Samsung introduced new partnerships with Marimekko and Jean-Michel Basquiat, along with an exclusive collection of works by René Magritte. These collaborations bring extraordinary art into homes, enhancing everyday surroundings with a touch of creativity.

Samsung’s showcase at IFA 2024, which ran from September 6-10, highlights its efforts to make AI more accessible and practical for everyday use.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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2024 Public + School Holidays For Malaysia!

To help you plan your holidays in the new year, here is a summary of the public and school holidays in Malaysia for 2024!

 

2024 Public Holidays For Malaysia

Here are the public holidays for Malaysia in the year 2024. Some of these days may be subject to change.

Recommended : 2024 – 2025 Malaysia School Term + Holiday Calendar!

Date Day Holiday States
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day All states except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis
and Terengganu
14 Jan
15 Jan
Sun
Mon
YDPB Negeri
Sembilan’s Birthday
Negeri Sembilan
25 Jan Thu Thaipusam Johor, Kuala Lumpur,
Negeri Sembilan, Penang,
Perak, Putrajaya and
Selangor
1 Feb Thu Federal Territory Day Kuala Lumpur, Labuan,
Putrajaya
8 Feb Thu Israk and Mikraj Kedah, Negeri Sembilan,
Perlis and Terengganu
10 Feb
11 Feb
Sat
Sun
Chinese New Year All states
12 Feb Mon All states except Johor and Kedah
20 Feb Tue Independence Declaration Day Melaka
4 Mar Mon Accession Anniversary
of Terengganu Sultan
Terengganu
12 Mar Tue Awal Ramadan Johor, Kedah and Melaka
23 Mar Sat Sultan of Johor’s Birthday Johor
28 Mar Thu Nuzul al-Quran All states except Johor, Kedah,
Melaka, Negeri Sembilan,
Sabah and Sarawak
29 Mar Fri Good Friday Sabah and Sarawak
10 Apr
11 Apr
Wed
Thu
Hari Raya Aidilfitri All states
26 Apr Fri Sultan of Terengganu’s
Birthday
Terengganu
1 May Wed Labour Day All states
17 May Fri Raja of Perlis’
Birthday
Perlis
22 May Mon Wesak Day All states
22 May
23 May
Mon
Tue
Hari Hol Pahang Pahang
30 May

31 May

Thu
Fri
Harvest Festival Labuan and Sabah
1 Jun
2 Jun
4 Jun
Sat
Sun
Tue
Hari Gawai Sarawak
3 Jun Mon YDP Agong’s Birthday All states
16 Jun Sun Arafat Day Kelantan and Terengganu
17
Jun
Mon Hari Raya Haji All states
18 Jun Tue Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis,
Terengganu
30 Jun Sun Sultan of Kedah’s
Birthday
Kedah
7 Jul
Sun Awal Muharram All states
8 Jul
Mon All states, except Johor, Kedah,
Kelantan & Terengganu
7 Jul
9 Jul
Sun
Tue
Georgetown World
Heritage City Day
Penang
13 Jul Sat Penang Governor’s
Birthday
22 Jul Mon Sarawak Day Sarawak
30 Jul
Tue Sultan of Pahang’s
Birthday
Pahang
11 Aug Sun Hari Hol Almarhum
Sultan Iskandar
Johor
24 Aug Sat Melaka Governor’s
Birthday
Melaka
31 Aug Sat Merdeka Day All states
1 Sep Sun Kelantan & Terengganu
16 Sep Mon Prophet Muhammad’s
Birthday
All states
16 Sep
17 Sep
Mon
Tue
Malaysia Day All states
29 Sep
30 Sep
Sun
Mon
Sultan of Kelantan’s
Birthday
Kelantan
5 Oct Sat Sabah Governor’s
Birthday
Sabah
12 Oct Sat Sarawak Governor’s
Birthday
Sarawak
31 Oct Thu Deepavali All states except Sarawak
1 Nov Fri Sultan of Perak’s
Birthday
Perak
11 Dec Wed Sultan of Selangor’s
Birthday
Selangor
24 Dec Tue Christmas Eve Sabah
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day All states

 

2024 School Holidays For Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic has thoroughly screwed up the school term and holidays. Instead of starting in January and ending in December, the new term now starts in March and every year will have two “academic years”.

It will now take until 2026 for the government to shift the school term back to January-December. This is quite confusing for many of us parents, so here is a quick summary of the school holidays for the year 2024.

Read more : Malaysia Schools To Start In January Again From 2026!

Group A Schools

Here are the school holidays for Group A states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Holiday Start End Days
Term 1 Holiday 24 May 2024 2 June 2024 10
Term 2 Holiday 13 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024 9
Term 3 Holiday 20 Dec 2024 28 Dec 2024 9
Year End Holiday 17 Jan 2025 15 Feb 2025 30

In addition, the government also announced these extra holidays for Group A schools:

Festival Holidays Group A Notes
Chinese New Year Saturday + Sunday,
10 and 11 February 2024
Part of 2023-2024
Year-End Holiday
Hari Raya Aidilfitri 7 to 9 April 2024
10 to 11 April 2024
3 extra days
Public Holiday
Hari Deepavali 30 October 2024
31 October 2024
1 extra day
Public Holiday
Christmas 25 December 2024 Public Holiday
Chinese New Year Wednesday + Thursday,
29 and 30 January 2025
Part of 2024-2025
Year-End Holiday

Group B Schools

Here are the school holidays for Group A states of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

Holiday Start End Days
Term 1 Holiday 25 May 2024 2 June 2024 9
Term 2 Holiday 14 Sep 2024 22 Sep 2024 9
Term 3 Holiday 21 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024 9
Year End Holiday 18 Jan 2025 16 Feb 2025 30

In addition, the government also announced these extra holidays for Group B schools:

Festival Holidays Group B Notes
Chinese New Year Saturday and Sunday,
10 and 11 February 2024
Within 2023
Year-End
Holiday
Hari Raya Aidilfitri 8 to 9 April 2024
10 to 11 April 2024
12 April 2024
2 extra days
Public Holiday
1 extra day
Pesta Kaamatan Only for Sabah + Labuan
Thursday and Friday,
31 and 31 May 2024
Part of
Term 1
Holidays
Hari Gawai Dayak Only for Sarawak
Saturday, 1 June 2024
Sunday, 2 June 2024
Part of
Term 1
Holidays
Hari Deepavali Except Sarawak
30 October 2024
31 October 2024

1 November 2024

1 extra day
Public Holiday
1 extra day
Only for Sarawak
30 October 2024
31 October 2024


1 extra day
Public Holiday
Christmas 25 December 2024 Part of
Term 3
Holidays
Chinese New Year Wednesday + Thursday,
29 and 30 January 2025
Part of 2024-2025
Year-End Holiday

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

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Grab Delivery Rider Flew To Singapore To Buy Chicken Rice?!

Did a Grab delivery rider really fly from Thailand to buy chicken rice in Singapore?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Grab Delivery Rider Flew To Singapore To Buy Chicken Rice!

A TikTok video, which allegedly shows a Grab delivery rider flying from Thailand to Singapore, simply to buy chicken rice, has racked up millions of views.

The 27-second video was recorded and posted by a Thai TikToker called Thita Vy, with these comments:

อยากกินขนมโตเกียว พี่เขาจะไปซื้อที่ญี่ปุ่นให้มั้ย 🤓 #วาสนาผู้ใด๋น้อ #grab #grabth

I want to eat Tokyo snacks. Will he go buy it in Japan for me? #grab #grabth

She apparently encountered this Grab delivery rider, while flying from Bangkok to Singapore. At first, she thought someone had ordered food delivery at the airport. But the man allegedly told her that he had been asked by a customer in Thailand to buy chicken rice in Singapore!

The viral video shows the man queuing up for the flight with the signature green Grab thermal bag, while holding a passport with his flight ticket. He is then shown stowing the thermal bag in the plane’s overhead compartment.

Recommended : Massive Crack In Second Penang Bridge Fact Check!

 

Truth : That’s Not (Really) A Grab Delivery Rider!

Now, we all know that chicken rice in Malaysia is tastier (and much cheaper!) than chicken rice in Singapore, Heck, everything is tastier and cheaper in Malaysia! 😉

In fact, Malaysian food is so delicious, someone actually sent a helicopter to collect 36 packets of Nasi Ganja from a famous nasi kandar outlet Ipoh in July 2021! But I digress…

Here is what we know so far about this viral story about chicken rice…

Fact #1 : Video Was Allegedly Recorded At DMK

According to the media outlet, 8world, the TikToker alleged that the incident occurred on 12 October 2023, at the Don Mueang International Airport.

That is plausible because the video shows people boarding an AirAsia flight, and AirAsia flies from the Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Changi International Airport (SIN) several times a day.

Fact #2 : The Man Flew From Bangkok To Singapore

The video shows the man holding a Thai passport, as he is waiting to board the AirAsia flight. It then cuts to the Changi International Airport, where the man is seen checking the green Grab thermal bag.

So the video does appear to show the man taking an AirAsia flight from Bangkok to Singapore. It, however, does not show him actually purchasing any chicken rice.

Fact #3 : Grab Labelled Video As Fictional

After the video went viral, Grab came out to refute the video, calling it “fictional”:

We understand that the fictional video was created by a member of the public independently.

Recommended : Did Penang Bridge Get Hit By Tornado This Morning?!

Fact #4 : Man Was Not A Registered Grab Delivery Rider

In addition, a Grab spokesperson said that it does not offer cross-border food delivery services, and the man in the video was not registered with them as “a delivery partner”:

We do not offer such a service, and the person starring as a delivery partner in the video is not registered with Grab.

It is certainly plausible for rich folks to go to extreme measures to get their favourite foods. For example, Macau tycoon Stanley Ho famously sent 88 Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) durians on a private plane from Singapore to Hong Kong. Note – the durians were from Malaysia. 😉

That said, it doesn’t make sense for the man to put on a Grab uniform, or bring the Grab thermal bag… especially if he isn’t actually a Grab delivery rider!

Fact #5 : Grab Does Not Offer Cross-Border Food Deliveries

Grab said that it does not offer cross-border food deliveries. The only cross-border delivery service Grab offers is its 100+ Cities Delivery service, which is in beta testing.

Even that option only allows users to “order and send food and physical gifts from GrabFood and GrabMart merchant-partners that are available in the recipient’s city within an hour”.

In other words – the food and physical gifts must already be present in the recipient’s city. The only thing that is “cross-border” is the ability to order from another country.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Maxis Rushes Out Broadband Deals – Too Little, Too Late!

Maxis just rushed out its own broadband deals, and is offering a free speed upgrade for existing customers! Find out why it’s really too little, too late.

 

New Maxis Home Broadband Deals In October 2023!

In early October 2023, Unifi announced that all broadband customers will receive a free upgrade of their Internet speeds – up to 3X their current speeds!

Weeks later – on 27 October 2023, Maxis belatedly announces new 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps broadband packages, as well as its own broadband deals to fight back. Unfortunately, they are pretty much too little, too late.

On top of introducing the new 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps (overkill) packages, Maxis announced RM10 discounts for their cheaper broadband packages.

Broadband
Speed
Old
Price
New
Price
Promo
Price *
2 Gbps (New) NA RM 319 NA
1 Gbps (New) NA RM 249 Free Max Wifi
500 Mbps RM 159 RM 159 RM 149
300 Mbps RM 149 RM 139 RM 129
100 Mbps RM 129 RM 99 RM 89

* Only for new subscribers, and applicable to the first 24 months.

However, the pitiful RM10 discount is limited to new subscribers, and even then, only for the first 24 months! After that, the price goes back to the “New Price” list above.

This is quite unlike Digi or Unifi, whose prices are not limited to the first 24 months:

Broadband
Speed
Maxis Unifi * Digi
2 Gbps RM 319 RM 289 NA
1 Gbps RM 249 RM 159 RM 269
500 Mbps RM 149 x 24
Then RM 159
RM 139 RM 149
300 Mbps RM 129 x 24
Then RM
139
RM 129 Free 6 months
Then
RM 129
100 Mbps RM 89 x 24
Then RM
99
RM 89 RM 89

* After free speed upgrade

If you are an existing customer, Maxis has announced a free speed upgrade for customers on 100 Mbps or faster packages. However, details on this free upgrade – how much faster, and when they kick in – are only coming in November 2023.

Read more : Switching From Maxis To Digi Saves Me RM1.9K / Year!

 

New Maxis Business Broadband Deals In October 2023!

Maxis also announced a new 1 Gbps business broadband package, but curiously did not offer a 2 Gbps package for business users. You would think that a business would need a 2 Gbps package more than home users, right?

In any case, Maxis is offering slightly better discounts on its business broadband packages. However, you must be a new subscriber, and you must register by 30 November 2023!

If you are an existing customer – too bad, so sad. Unlike Home Fibre customers, Maxis did not announce any free speed upgrade for their Business Broadband customers. It appears that the only way to get an upgrade and save money is probably to migrate to a different provider

Broadband
Speed
Old
Price
New
Price
Promo
Price *
1 Gbps (New) RM 189
(early bird)
RM 299 NA
500 Mbps RM 269 RM 219 RM 199
300 Mbps RM 149 RM 179 RM 139
100 Mbps RM 139 RM 119 RM 99

* Only for new subscribers who register by 30 November 2023

That said – a quick check on their April prices show that Maxis was actually offering cheaper prices back then!

The 1 Gbps package was only RM189 – RM110 less than their “new price”, while the 300 Mbps package was only RM149 – RM30 less than their new price, and just RM10 more than their October-November 2023 promo price.

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Viral Video Proves Japanese Food Is Radioactive?!

Were Japanese food products proven to be highly radioactive in a viral video?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-10-27 : Added new version, and other updates
Originally posted @ 2023-07-16

 

Claim : Viral Video Proves Japanese Food Is Highly Radioactive!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, TikTok and social media platforms, which claims to prove that Japanese food products are highly radioactive!

In the video, a man explains in Cantonese how he tested the radioactivity level of a Japanese food product, and found that it was highly radioactive.

The radiation of Japanese products exceeds the standard. Please note the video instructions above.

日本产品辐射超标。 请注意上面的视频说明

Japanese foodstuffs full of radiation.

Japan has d very toxic nuclear radiation waters to be release or partially released already… be aware…fr d FUKUSHIMA Nuclear plant.

This video is also being promoted by pro-CCP netizens, as well as the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).

Recommended : Treated Fukushima Water Is Still Highly Radioactive?!

 

Truth : Video Does Not Prove Japanese Food Is Radioactive At All!

This is yet another example of FAKE VIDEOS circulating on WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : The Viral Video Is Several Months Old

Let me just start by pointing out that the viral video is several months old, coming to our attention in the middle of July 2023. The video was certainly recorded and distributed on WhatsApp, TikTok and other social media platforms in early July, if not earlier.

At that time, Japan had not yet released treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power station into the Pacific Ocean. So it is impossible for the video to show radioactive food caused by the release of Fukushima nuclear plant’s treated water.

The Fukushima Nuclear Power Station (NPS) only started releasing its ALPS-treated and diluted water into the sea on the afternoon of Thursday, 24 August 2023 – about 6 weeks after the video first went viral on WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Recommended : Nuclear Radiation Created These Mutant Creatures?!

Fact #2 : The Viral Messages Are Misleading

The viral English and Chinese messages tied to this video are misleading. The man in the video never once mentioned that this food product was from Fukushima, or mentioned the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

With help from Yuh Hui and Adrian Tung, here is the English translation of what the man actually said in the viral video:

This is a radiation monitoring device.

Now, there is Japanese food that I placed on a bench over there. Now, I will walk towards it, and see how much radiation it has.

As I approach the Japanese food, the radiation reading goes up. Now, I place the device here (on the food). See how the radiation reading is very high. This is food from Japan.

See how the device gives a “beep beep” sound, and the screen turns red. The radiation reading is more than 400.

If you ever go to Japan, try not to eat the food there, or buy any food souvenirs for your relatives and friends. It will be terrible if they get radiation poisoning!

This food was given to me by a friend who bought it from Japan. I’m not going to eat it. I will accept it and will throw it away later.

Recommended : Truth About FDA Import Alert 99-33 On Japanese Food

Fact #3 : That Was An EMF Meter, Not A Geiger Counter

The man claimed in the viral video that he was using a radiation monitoring device. The truth is – he was just the ST1393 EMF Meter, which anyone can buy from Amazon for just $31.39. Here are other purchase options :

The ST1393 EMF meter is designed to detect and measure the electromagnetic radiation produced by magnetic and electric fields. It is not designed to detect nuclear radiation like alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma rays.

To detect ionising radiation from nuclear sources, he needs to use a Geiger counter, not an EMF meter.

As the manufacturer advertises, the ST1393 EMF testers is used to detect “electric field radiation” and “magnetic field emission” from mobile phones, hair dryer, computer, TV, printer, etc. It does NOT detect nuclear radiation!

Recommended : Chinese Nuclear Plants Release More Tritium Than Fukushima?!

Fact #3 : EMF Meter Likely Measured Static Electricity

In the video, the EMF meter was seen registering between 292 V/m and 441 V/m. That was the measurement of a static electric field, not nuclear radiation.

If you look closely, the meter says the unit is V/m (volts per meter), and the type is Electric Field. Nuclear radiation is measured in units like Becquerel (Bq) or Curie (Ci) or Sievert (Sv) or Rem (One Sv = 100 rem).

The EMF meter was very likely measuring the static electricity on the Japanese food product’s plastic polymer packaging. If the man tests other plastic packaging, he would likely register similar levels of static electricity.

In case you are worried about the “high” static electricity produced by Japanese food packaging, here are some common static electricity levels:

  • Natural electric field in atmosphere : 100 V/m
  • Electric field during thunderstorms : Up to several thousand V/m
  • Walking on non-conducting carpets : Up to 500,000 V/m
  • High voltage DC power lines : Up to 20,0000 V/m
  • Inside DC-powered electric trains : Up to 300 V/m

In other words – you do NOT need to worry about a few hundred volts per meter of static electricity!

Recommended : Did Man Using Bluetooth Get Electrocuted Near Train?!

Fact #4 : Induction Cooker Not Source Of Electric Field

Some sharp-eyed folks have pointed out that the man placed the Japanese food item on an induction cooker, and posited that the increase in electric field “radiation” was due to EM radiation from the induction cooker.

I have to point out that while it appears to be an induction cooker, it could potentially be a radiant cooker which come in similar designs, with a black glass top. You can only tell them apart when they are operating – the radiant cooker’s heating element will glow red, while induction cookers won’t.

In any case, an induction cooker works by inducing an electromagnetic field to transfer energy to a magnetic pan / pot. So the EMF meter should have registered a magnetic field as well.

Since the video showed no magnetic field, the induction cooker was not powered and would not have affected the results.

Recommended : Did Fukushima Water Kill Thousands Of Fish In Penang?!

Fact #4 : EM Radiation Is Not Nuclear Radiation

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is a form of radiation, but it is not the same as nuclear radiation.

EM radiation is wide-ranging, and includes everything from visible light to radio waves, microwaves, infrared to X-rays. It is emitted by everything from the sun to computers and smartphones.

Nuclear radiation, on the other hand, consists mainly of Alpha particles, Beta particles, and Gamma rays, that are produced as a result of a nuclear reaction, or radioactive decay.

It is like comparing bicycles with cars. They are both vehicles (radiation), but a bicycle (electromagnetic radiation) is different from a car (nuclear radiation). Getting hit by a bicycle is also very different than getting hit by a car!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | ScienceTech ARP

 

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Klang Valley Water Cut Recovery Less Than 40% So Far!

Klang Valley residents will need to put up with the October 2023 water cut longer than expected, because water supply recovery is still less than 40% to date!

 

Major Water Cut In Klang Valley From 10-12 October 2023!

Please note that this is genuine news, and should not be confused with the fake news that was circulating earlier about a 4-day water cut in the Klang Valley, or the emergency water cut on 10 October.

At 26 September 2023, Air Selangor announced that it will shut down the Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant (WTP) for asset upgrading, and maintenance works.

The upgrading works at the Sungai Langat WTP will take place from 9 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday, 10 October 2023. After that, Air Selangor expects water supply to be fully restored to all affected areas by 12 PM noon on Thursday, 12 October 2023.

Unfortunately, there appears to be delays in restoring water supply to the affected areas. As of 9 AM on 12 October 2023, only 38.35% of affected areas have had their water supply restored.

In the next section, you will find the list of Klang Valley areas that are still experiencing water cuts as of 9 AM, 12 October 2023.

Clean and safe treated water supply has been distributed in stages to consumers.

As of 9:00 am, 12 October 2023 (Thursday), the recovery status of the water supply in the affected areas has reached 38.35%. The list of areas that has not yet recovered is as shown.

The duration of the water supply recovery in the affected areas will vary depending on the location and distance of consumers’ premises.

Read more : Major Water Cut In Klang Valley From 10-12 October 2023!

 

Klang Valley Areas Still Affected By October 2023 Water Cut!

Here is the latest list of areas still affected by the October 2023 water cut in the Klang Valley!

Kuala Lumpur

Petaling + Hulu Langat Districts

 

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Major Water Cut In Klang Valley From 10-12 October 2023!

Klang Valley residents should start getting ready today for at least two days of water cut, from 10-12 October 2023!

Updated @ 2023-10-12 : Added an update on delayed restoration of water supply in the Klang Valley
Originally posted @ 2023-10-09

 

Major Water Cut In Klang Valley From 10-12 October 2023!

Please note that this is genuine news, and should not be confused with the fake news that was circulating earlier about a 4-day water cut in the Klang Valley, or the emergency water cut on 10 October.

Update : Water supply has been restored to less than 40% on 12 October, and is delayed for most areas. Please see our update article for more details.

At 26 September 2023, Air Selangor announced that it will shut down the Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant (WTP) for asset upgrading, and maintenance works.

The upgrading works at the Sungai Langat WTP will take place from 9 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday, 10 October 2023. After that, Air Selangor expects water supply to be fully restored to all affected areas by 12 PM noon on Thursday, 12 October 2023.

Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) would like to inform about the implementation of asset improvement and maintenance works at the Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

The implementation of these works will cause a scheduled water supply disruption in the Petaling, Kuala Lumpur and Hulu Langat regions starting at 9:00 am, 10 October 2023 (Tuesday). The works are expected to be completed by 7:00 pm, 10 October 2023 (Tuesday).

Water supply is expected to start being distributed to users in stages after the improvement and maintenance works are completed, and then when the main water supply distribution system has been stabilized. Water supply is expected to be fully restored at 12:00 noon, 12 October 2023 (Thursday).

The duration of interruption and restoration of water supply in the affected areas is different depending on the distance of the location of the user’s premises and the pressure on the water supply distribution system.

Air Selangor will move water tankers to the affected areas by giving priority to critical premises such as hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers and funerals. Therefore, Air Selangor would like to advise the affected customers to store sufficient water supply and use water prudently throughout the period of this scheduled water supply interruption.

For commercial customers, treated water supplies can be purchased at any Air Selangor customer service counter in the affected region. For this purpose, commercial customers can use their respective water tankers at the two water filling stations that will be opened at Sunway Batu Caves and Selayang Mutiara.

Read more : Klang Valley Water Cut Recovery Less Than 40% So Far!

 

List Of Klang Valley Areas Affected By October 2023 Water Cut!

Here is the official list of areas affected by the October 2023 water cut in the Klang Valley!

Kuala Lumpur

Petaling District

Hulu Langat District

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Air Selangor : Emergency Water Cut In KL + Selangor Over!

Air Selangor initiated an emergency water cut involving 3 water treatment plants, affecting thousands of homes across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Fortunately, that is now over, but Selangor and KL residents are still expected to face “unscheduled water disruption” and “low water pressure” for some time.

 

Air Selangor : Emergency Water Cut In KL + Selangor Due To Pollution!

Please note that this is genuine news, and should not be confused with the 2-day water cut, or the fake news that was circulating earlier about a 4-day water cut in the Klang Valley.

In the wee hours of 10 October 2023, Air Selangor initiated an emergency water cut involving 3 water treatment plants, affecting thousands of homes across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

This was an “unscheduled” water cut that is separate from the planned water cut for some parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, scheduled for 10-12 October.

Due to an “odour pollution incident at Sungai Selangor”, Air Selangor was forced to temporarily shut down three water treatment plants. But fortunately, they were able to resume operation by 4 AM.

Even so, Air Selangor says that certain areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur should expect “unscheduled water disruption” and “low water pressure” for some time.

Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) would like to inform on the water supply disruption due to the temporary shutdown at the Sungai Selangor Phase 1 (SSP1), Sungai Selangor Phase 2 (SSP2), Sungai Selangor Phase 3 (SSP3) and Rantau Panjang Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) following an odour pollution incident at Sungai Selangor.

As of 4:00 am this morning (10 October 2023), all four SSP1, SSP2, SSP3 and Rantau Panjang WTPs have resumed operations. However, unscheduled water disruption and low water pressure are still expected at some areas in Klang, Shah Alam, Petaling, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor regions. The list of affected areas is being updated and will be announced soon.

Alternative assistance through water tankers has been mobilised to the affected areas by giving priority to critical premises. Air Selangor is taking every effort to minimise the impact of disruptions on affected users.

Recommended : Major Water Cut In Klang Valley From 10-12 October 2023!

 

List Of KL + Selangor Areas Affected By Emergency Water Cut!

Here is the official list of areas affected by the October 2023 emergency water cut in the Selangor and KL!

Kuala Lumpur

Petaling District

Gombak District

Klang District

Shah Alam District

Kuala Selangor District

Hulu Selangor District

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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How To Get Special Deals On Maxis Mobile + Broadband!

If you want the very best mobile + broadband deals from Maxis, there is only one way – you must first quit Maxis! Here is how it worked for me…

 

Don’t Bother Asking For Special Deals On Maxis Mobile / Broadband!

I have been a loyal Maxis customer for many years, and every time my contract comes up for renewal, I will ask for special deals to stay on. The most I will get is a free smartphone to renew my contract for another 2 years.

But finally, I had enough. I was stuck with 0-1 bar of mobile connectivity from March until September 2023, and Maxis wouldn’t even compensate me for the poor reception. So I gritted my teeth and waited out my contract.

Once my contract expired, I quickly decided that I would save over RM1,900 per year migrating to Digi. But out of (misplaced?) loyalty to Maxis, I called their customer care hotline, and even went to a Maxis Center to check if there are any deals for me to stay on.

As usual, Maxis had nothing to offer me as a loyal customer. But there was a surprise for me this year – I will not be receiving a free smartphone to continue my contract, unless I choose to upgrade to the new Maxis 5G plans… with an increase, of course!

So learn from my experience – don’t bother asking Maxis for any special deals to stay on as a loyal customer. To be fair, other telcos likely don’t offer deals to loyal customers to stay on as well. But I have only been a Maxis customer, and can only speak from my own experience.

Read more : Switching From Maxis To Digi Saves Me RM1.9K / Year!

 

How To Get Special Deals On Maxis Mobile + Broadband!

I discovered that the only way that Maxis will ever offer me any special deals to stay on, is if I actually quit their service. And even then, Maxis only did it at the very cusp of my migration process.

When Maxis was ready to hand over my five mobile numbers to Digi, a member of their retention department called me and offered these great deals to stay on.

Existing Maxis 4G Package : RM423 Per Month

First, I should point out that my existing Maxis package bundled a RM98 principal line with four supplementary lines, and 100 Mbps fibre broadband. By bundling with broadband, my principal line has unlimited data, albeit only on the 4G network. There is no 5G connectivity.

However, Maxis only allows a single Share 48 supplementary line with 30 GB of data for the RM98 principal line. So I have to pay a ridiculous RM38 for the remaining three supplementary lines, with just 1 GB of data.

The total pre-tax cost was RM399 per month, or RM4,788 per year.

Maxis 4G Plans 4G Data Cost
Postpaid 98 Unlimited RM 98
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
100 Mbps Fibre Unlimited RM 139
Total Before Tax RM 399

300 Mbps Broadband Offer : RM100 Per Month

First, Maxis agreed to match Digi’s offer of just RM100 per month for 300 Mbps. That’s RM39 (28%) cheaper than my current 100 Mbps plan, and RM49 (33%) off their current 300 Mbps plan.

Over two years, I will save RM1,176! But I was only getting this special offer because I was really quitting Maxis.

Bundled
Broadband
Maxis
Normal
Maxis
Special
Digi
100 Mbps RM 129 RM 90 RM 90
300 Mbps RM 149 RM 100 RM 100

Special Maxis 5G Offer #1 : RM245 Per Month

For the five mobile lines, Maxis offered me a RM245 plan, which would give every user 120 GB of 5G data per month.

There is a 2-year contract, but Maxis will throw in five free smartphones – a Vivo Y36 (8 GB + 256 GB) or equivalent per account.

Not only does that give all of us a heck of a lot of mobile data, and a new smartphone per person, it is also RM15 cheaper than my current package!

Maxis 5G Plans 5G Data Cost
Special Postpaid 49 120 GB RM 49
Special Postpaid 49 120 GB RM 49
Special Postpaid 49 120 GB RM 49
Special Postpaid 49 120 GB RM 49
Special Postpaid 49 120 GB RM 49
Total Before Tax RM 245

Special Maxis 5G Offer #2 : RM281 Per Month

Maxis also offered me a more expensive RM281 monthly plan, consisting of a principal line with 300 GB of data, and four supplementary lines with 50 GB of data.

It would come with a more expensive HONOR 90 smartphone with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, with a 2-year contract.

I should point out that the supplementary lines are not only RM10 cheaper, they come with 50X more data, and 5G connectivity!!! Makes you want to tear your hair out, doesn’t it?

Maxis 5G Plans 5G Data Cost
Special Postpaid 169 300 GB RM 169
Special Postpaid 28 50 GB RM 28
Special Postpaid 28 50 GB RM 28
Special Postpaid 28 50 GB RM 28
Special Postpaid 28 50 GB RM 28
Total Before Tax RM 281

Special Maxis 4G Offer : Only RM200 Per Month!

If I prefer to stick with 4G connectivity only, Maxis offered me a 4G-only plan for just RM200 a month, without contract or free smartphone.

Basically, my supplementary lines would now get a ton of data, and I would save RM60 per month on my existing Maxis package!

Maxis 4G Plans 4G Data Cost
Special Postpaid 48 70 GB RM 48
Special Postpaid 48 70 GB RM 48
Special Postpaid 48 70 GB RM 48
Special Postpaid 28 50 GB RM 28
Special Postpaid 28 50 GB RM 28
Total Before Tax RM 200

 

Why I Declined The Special Deals On Maxis Mobile + Broadband!

While the special deals offered by the Maxis retention department were enticing – free phones! more data! more speed! – Digi still offered a substantially better deal.

My parents, for example, do not need 50 GB of data. They just needed something more reasonable than 1 GB, and I wanted to pay a more reasonable price for their lines.

On top of that, staying with Maxis would not solve my biggest problem – poor connectivity. I have been suffering from poor reception for six months (and counting), and sticking with Maxis for another 2 years was unthinkable.

Maxis may have once been known for having “better coverage” than other telcos. But if they cannot restore proper connectivity after 6 months (and counting), it’s time to move on. I also did not like the fact that they refused to compensate me for the poor connectivity all those months.

But this article is not about dissing Maxis. I wrote this article to share with you the best way to get such special deals from Maxis.

I called them, I even spent time at the Maxis Centre to talk to the staff. There was simply NO special deal or offer for an existing customer. You must literally quit Maxis – sign an agreement to port out to another telco, and be on the verge of switching, before Maxis will ever offer you these special deals.

Even if you want to stick with Maxis, you should still quit and port out to another telco at the end of your contract. This way, you will get access to these special deals. You will only lose out if you stay loyal.

As for me, I bid adieu to Maxis, and started my journey with Digi hours later. It was easy. You should give it a try!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Switching From Maxis To Digi Saves Me RM1.9K / Year!

I just saved over RM1,900 per year by simply switching from Maxis to Digi! Here is what happened!

 

Switching From Maxis To Digi Saved Me RM1.9K / Year!

My contract with Maxis just expired, and I decided to see if it was worth renewing with them, or switching to Digi. I had earlier asked my neighbours using Digi, and most of them seemed happy with their service.

So I compared the latest mobile and broadband packages from both Maxis and Digi, and I was shocked by how much cheaper Digi was, compared to Maxis. Take a look at what I found!

Existing Maxis 4G Package : RM423 Per Month

My existing Maxis package bundled a RM98 principal line with four supplementary lines, and 100 Mbps fibre broadband. By bundling with broadband, my principal line has unlimited data, albeit only on the 4G network. There is no 5G connectivity.

However, Maxis only allows a single Share 48 supplementary line with 30 GB of data for the RM98 principal line. So I have to pay a ridiculous RM38 for the remaining three supplementary lines, with just 1 GB of data.

The total cost was RM423 per month, or RM5,075.28 per year. Maxis offered to let me continue with this 4G-only package, but I would no longer get any free smartphone for a 2 year contract.

Maxis 4G Plans 4G Data Cost
Postpaid 98 Unlimited RM 98
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
4G Backup Unlimited RM 0
100 Mbps Fibre Unlimited RM 139
Total Before Tax RM 399
6% Service Tax RM 23.94
TOTAL PAYABLE RM 422.94

New Maxis 5G Package : RM445 Per Month

If I wanted a free smartphone with a 2 year contract, I would need to upgrade to the new Maxis 5G plans. The existing RM98 4G plan has been replaced by a new RM109 5G plan – a RM 11 per month premium for 5G connectivity.

From what I understand, tying it with Maxis fibre broadband would still get me unlimited mobile data, but only on 4G. The 5G data is limited to 150 GB, which is more than plenty especially since 5G connectivity is limited.

What I cannot understand is why Maxis continues to limit this RM109 principal line to just one RM48 Share line. If I want all four supplementary lines to have more than 1 GB of data, I would need to upgrade my principal line to their RM199 plan! Ridiculous!

The only good news is they dropped the price of their 100 Mbps broadband from RM139 to RM129. But it makes more sense to upgrade to 300 Mbps for just RM149 per month. Even so, the new Maxis package works out to an unpalatable RM572.40 per month, or RM6,868.80 per year!

Maxis 5G Plans 5G Data Cost
Postpaid 199 4G : Unlimited
5G : 300 GB
RM 199
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
4G Backup Unlimited RM 0
300 Mbps Fibre Unlimited RM 149
Total Before Tax RM 540
6% Service Tax RM 32.40
TOTAL PAYABLE RM 572.40

Sorry, mum and dad, you guys are just going to have to put up with just 1 GB of data if we stick with Maxis.

With their sacrifice, I can get by with just paying Maxis RM445.20 per month, or RM5,342.40 per year. That’s a small 5% increase of RM267.12 per year.

This new package would also get me one of these smartphones with a 24-month contract:

  • Samsung A14
  • vivo A78
  • HONOR 90 Lite
Maxis 5G Plans 5G Data Cost
Postpaid 109 4G : Unlimited
5G : 150 GB
RM 109
Postpaid Share 48 30 GB RM 48
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
Talk and Surf 1 1 GB RM 38
4G Backup Unlimited RM 0
300 Mbps Fibre Unlimited RM 149
Total Before Tax RM 420
6% Service Tax RM 25.20
TOTAL PAYABLE RM 445.20

Digi 5G + 4G Package : Only RM286 Per Month!

But when I checked out the Digi plans, they completely wipe out Maxis.

The Digi RM90 principal line offers free 5G connectivity, with 60 GB of data per month. Unlike Maxis, tying up with Digi Fibre Broadband does not give me unlimited mobile data, but that’s okay – 60 GB is plenty.

More importantly, Digi lets me add up to six supplementary family lines, and their cheapest RM20 family line comes with 10 GB of data per month! That goes up to 15 GB with a 1-year contract, and 25 GB with a 2-year contract!

On top of that – Digi offers 300 Mbps fibre broadband for only RM 100 per month! Granted – there is no 4G backup, but that’s RM49 cheaper than Maxis! Would you pay RM49 per month for “4G backup”? Heck, no!

The Digi package is a mix of 4G and 5G, but that’s okay, because my parents no longer have to worry about how much data they have left.

Digi Plans Data Cost
Postpaid 90 5G : 60 GB RM 90
Postpaid Family 20 4G : 25 GB RM 20
Postpaid Family 20 4G : 25 GB RM 20
Postpaid Family 20 4G : 25 GB RM 20
Postpaid Family 20 4G : 25 GB RM 20
4G Backup NA NA
300 Mbps Fibre Unlimited RM 100
Total Before Tax RM 270
6% Service Tax RM 16.20
TOTAL PAYABLE RM 286.20

And here is the cherry on the top – for a 24-month contract, Digi gives you one of these two bonuses:

  • a free smartphone worth up to RM1,099 (HONOR 9o Lite / Samsung A14), or
  • extra 60 GB of mobile data, or
  • unlimited social media data, or
  • 5 GB of international roaming data in 70 countries

Needless to say, this Digi package is a much better deal, as it only costs RM286 per month, or RM3,434.40 per year!

 

How Much I Save Over 2 Years Switching From Maxis To Digi

In the end, I switched to the Digi Postpaid 90 principal line, and gave all of my supplementary lines a decent 25 GB of mobile data.

Over a standard two-year contract, I will end up saving RM 3,281.76, and get a free smartphone worth RM 1,099. That’s a total saving of RM 4,380.76! Just think of what you can do with all that money!

If I renewed with Maxis, I would have upgraded to their new 5G plan to get that free smartphone and unlimited data. However, my parents would have to continue suffering with 1 GB of data, and I would have to pay an additional RM 3,816 over 2 years compared to Digi!

If I wanted my parents to have a decent amount of mobile data, I would have to really pay Maxis through my nose, and fork out an extra RM 6,868.80 – exactly twice of what the Digi package costs. It just doesn’t make sense to do that.

No matter how I calculate, it just doesn’t make sense (sen?) to stick with Maxis. I will save anywhere from RM1,900 to RM3,400 per year switching to Digi. It really pays to shop around!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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2023 Public + School Holidays For Malaysia!

To help you plan your holidays in the new year, here is a summary of the public and school holidays in Malaysia for 2023!

Updated @ 2023-06-27 : Added extra public holiday for Hari Raya Haji 2023.
Updated @ 2023-04-20 : Added extra public holiday for Hari Raya 2023.
Updated @ 2023-04-11 : Added extra school holiday for Hari Raya 2023.
Updated @ 2023-04-07 : Added extra school holidays for 2023 / 2024 school term.

Originally posted @ 2023-01-02

 

2023 Public Holidays For Malaysia

Here are the public holidays for Malaysia in the year 2023. Some of these days may be subject to change.

Date Day Holiday States
1 Jan Sun New Year’s Day All states except Johor, Kedah,
Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu
2 Jan Mon All states except Johor, Kedah,
Kelantan and Terengganu
14 Jan Sat YDPB Negeri
Sembilan’s Birthday
Negeri Sembilan
22 Jan
23 Jan
Sun
Mon
Chinese New Year All states
24 Jan Tue All states except Johor, Kedah,
Kelantan and Terengganu
1 Feb Wed Federal Territory Day Kuala Lumpur, Labuan,
Putrajaya
5 Feb Sun Thaipusam Johor, Kuala Lumpur,
Negeri Sembilan, Penang,
Perak, Putrajaya and
Selangor
6 Feb Mon Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan,
Penang, Putrajaya and Selangor
18 Feb Sat Israk and Mikraj Kedah, Negeri Sembilan,
Perlis and Terengganu
19 Feb Sun Terengganu
4 Mar
5 Mar
Sat
Sun
Accession Anniversary
of Terengganu Sultan
Terengganu
23 Mar Thu Awal Ramadan Johor, Kedah and Melaka
Johor Sultan’s Birthday Johor
7 Apr Fri Good Friday Sabah and Sarawak
8 Apr Sat Nuzul al-Quran All states except Johor, Kedah,
Melaka, Negeri Sembilan,
Sabah and Sarawak
9 Apr Sun Kelantan and Terengganu
15 Apr Sat Declaration of Melaka
as a Historical City
Melaka
21 Apr
22 Apr
23 Apr
Fri
Sat
Sun
Hari Raya Aidilfitri All states
24 Apr Mon All states except Johor + Kedah
26 Apr Wed Sultan of Terengganu’s
Birthday
Terengganu
1 May Mon Labour Day All states
4 May Thu Wesak Day All states
17 May Wed Raja of Perlis’
Birthday
Perlis
22 May Mon Hari Hol Pahang Pahang
30 May
31 May
Tue
Wed
Harvest Festival Labuan and Sabah
1 Jun
2 Jun
Thu
Fri
Hari Gawai Sarawak
5 Jun Mon YDP Agong’s Birthday All states
18 Jun Sun Sultan of Kedah’s
Birthday
Kedah
28 Jun Wed Arafat Day Kedah and Terengganu
29 Jun Thu Hari Raya Haji All states
30 Jun Fri Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis,
Terengganu + Selangor
7 Jul Fri Georgetown World
Heritage City Day
Penang
8 Jul Sat Penang Governor’s
Birthday
19 Jul Wed Awal Muharram All states
22 Jul Sat Sarawak Day Sarawak
30 Jul
31 Jul
Sun
Mon
Sultan of Pahang’s
Birthday
Pahang
23 Aug Wed Hari Hol Almarhum
Sultan Iskandar
Johor
24 Aug Thu Melaka Governor’s
Birthday
Melaka
31 Aug Thu Merdeka Day All states
16 Sep Sat Malaysia Day All states
17 Sep Sun Kelantan and Terengganu
28 Sep Thu Prophet Muhammad’s
Birthday
All states
7 Oct Sat Sabah Governor’s
Birthday
Sabah
14 Oct Sat Sarawak Governor’s
Birthday
Sarawak
3 Nov Fri Sultan of Perak’s
Birthday
Perak
11 Nov Sat Sultan of Kelantan’s
Birthday
Kelantan
12 Nov
13 Nov
Sun
Mon
Sultan of Kelantan’s
Birthday
Kelantan
12 Nov Sun Deepavali All states except Sarawak
13 Nov Mon All states except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak
and Terengganu
11 Dec Mon Sultan of Selangor’s
Birthday
Selangor
24 Dec Sun Christmas Eve Sabah
25 Dec Mon Christmas Day All states
26 Dec Tue Christmas Holiday Sabah

 

2023 School Holidays For Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic has thoroughly screwed up the school term and holidays. Instead of starting in January and ending in December, the new term now starts in March and every year will have two “academic years”.

This is quite confusing for many of us parents, so here is a quick summary of the school holidays for the year 2023.

Read more : 2023 / 2024 Malaysia School Term + Holiday Calendar!

Group A Schools

Here are the school holidays for Group A states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Holiday Start End Days
2022 Year End Holiday 17 Feb 18 Mar 30
2023 Mid-Term 1 Holiday 21 Apr 29 Apr 9
2023 End-Term 1 Holiday 26 May 3 Jun 9
2023 Term 2 Holiday 25 Aug 2 Sep 9
2023 Term 3 Holiday 15 Dec 1 Jan 18

In addition, the government also announced these extra holidays for Group A schools:

Festival Holidays Group A Notes
Chinese New Year Sunday to Tuesday,
22 to 24 January 2023
1 extra day
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Wednesday, 19 April 2023
Thursday, 20 April 2023
2 extra days
Hari Raya Qurban Wednesday, 28 June 2023 1 extra day
Hari Deepavali Sunday, 12 November 2023
Monday, 13 November 2023
Public Holiday
1 extra day

Group B Schools

Here are the school holidays for Group A states of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

Holiday Start End Days
2022 Year End Holiday 18 Feb 19 Mar 30
2023 Mid-Term 1 Holiday 22 Apr 30 Apr 9
2023 End-Term 1 Holiday 27 May 4 Jun 9
2023 Term 2 Holiday 26 Aug 3 Sep 9
2023 Term 3 Holiday 16 Dec 1 Jan 17

In addition, the government also announced these extra holidays for Group B schools:

Festival Holidays Group B Notes
Chinese New Year Friday to Tuesday,
20 to 24 January 2023
1 extra day
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Wednesday, 19 April 2023
Thursday, 20 April 2023
Friday, 21 April 2023
3 extra days
Pesta Kaamatan Only for Sabah + Labuan
Tuesday, 30 May 2023
Wednesday, 31 May 2023
2 extra days
Hari Gawai Dayak Only for Sarawak
Thursday, 1 June 2023
Friday, 2 June 2023
2 extra days
Hari Raya Qurban Wednesday, 28 June 2023
Thursday, 29 June 2023
2 extra days
Hari Deepavali Except Sarawak
Monday, 13 November 2023
Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Replacement
1 extra day
Only for Sarawak
Monday, 13 November 2023
1 extra day
Chinese New Year Friday, 9 February 2024
Saturday, 10 February 2024
Sunday, 11 February 2024
Monday, 12 February 2024
1 extra day
Public holiday
Public holiday
Replacement

 

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Malaysia hikes electricity tariff for top 1% of households!

Malaysia just raised the electricity tariff for the top 1% of households, while slashing industrial power tariffs!

 

Malaysia Hikes Electricity Tariff For Top 1% Of Households

On Friday, 23 June 2023, the Malaysia Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Ministry announced a hike in the electricity tariff for the top 1% of households for the second half of 2023.

From July to December 2023, household using more than 1,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month, will no longer enjoy the 2 sen/kWh rebate. In addition, they will incur a surcharge of 10 sen/kWh, resulting in a total increase of 12 sen/kWh.

What this effectively means is that all those high-consumption households will see a minimum increase of RM 187 or 25%. Approximately 83,000 households would be affected if they continue to use more than 1,500 kWh per month.

For the ICPT adjustments within the period of July to December 2023, the users who will be affected are domestic users who use more than 1,500-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and the majority of which live in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang.

Of course, those high-consumption households can avoid the surcharge by reducing their power consumption.

The remaining 99% of domestic users will be unaffected by this hike in electricity tariff. The government has allocated RM2.7 billion to continue their electricity subsidy.

Read more : Scam Alert : Remote Control Electricity Saver!

 

Malaysia Reduces Electricity Surcharge For MV / HV Users!

Meanwhile, the electricity tariff surcharge for non-domestic medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) users will be reduced from 20 sen/kWh to 17 kW/h for the months of July to December 2023.

This is based on normalising fuel costs – the electricity tariff surcharge is adjusted every six months under the ICPT mechanism to reflect changes in power generation costs in the preceding six months.

The electricity surcharge for non-domestic customers using low-voltage (LV) power, such as small and medium-industries (SMEs) will remain unchanged at 3.7 sen/kWh.

Finally, the government agreed to greatly lower the electricity surcharge on water and sewerage operators, from 20 sen/kWh to just 3.7 sen/kWh.

Category Usage Rebate Surcharge
Domestic Up to 1,500 kWh 2 sen/kWh
(no change)
Domestic Over 1,500 kWh 10 sen/kWh
(+12 sen/kWh)
Commercial Low Voltage 3.7 sen/kWh
(no change)
Commercial Medium Voltage
High Voltage
17 sen/kWh
(-3 sen/kWh)
Commercial Water + Sewerage
Operators
3.7 sen/kWh
(-16.3 sen/kWh)

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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How To Disable Android TV Lock Screen Requirement!

If you own an Android TV, or Android TV box, you might need to disable the Lock Screen requirement. Find out how to do that!

 

Why Do You Need To Disable Android TV Lock Screen?

Android TV, whether it’s already integrated into your television set, or in a separate box, requires a Google account to download and install apps through the Google Play Store.

If you have been using your Google Workspace account, or the Free Legacy G Suite account, you will likely encounter this error message:

To access your work account on this device, you’ll need to set a lock screen. This is your organization’s mobile device policy.

A lock screen? Android TV has a TV lock option, but by default, that’s disabled and rightly so – TVs traditionally do not require a password when you turn them on!

You can ignore it, and continue to use your Android TV or Android TV box, but you cannot log into Google Play Store to download and install any apps.

 

How To Bypass Android TV Lock Screen Requirement!

This Android TV Lock Screen error message appears because Google, by default, sets company accounts to require a Lock Screen on all mobile devices.

The easiest way to bypass this Android TV Lock Screen requirement is to simply use a personal Google Account. Or better still, create a new personal Google Account just for your Android TV.

Once you switch to a personal Google account, you won’t have to face this Lock Screen requirement, and can freely download and install apps from the Google Play Store. However, this method only works for people who only intend to download and use free apps.

If you intend to download and install a paid app, like Minecraft for example, then this method won’t work because that paid app is tied to your Google Workspace / Free Legacy G Suite account.

 

How To Disable Android TV Lock Screen Requirement!

If you need to use your Google Workspace / Free Legacy G Suite account (which is tied to a company) with your Android TV, then you need to disable the Lock Screen policy. In this video tutorial, we will show you just how to do that.

https://youtu.be/pe3XpfLgW_s

Just in case you prefer a step-by-step guide, here are the steps with screenshots.

Step 1 : Log into Google Admin (https://admin.google.com/) for your Google Account.

Step 2 : Type “Universal Settings” in the search box at the top, and a list of relevant options will appear.

Step 3 : Click on Universal Settings. Alternatively, you can navigate manually using the menu on the left : Devices > Mobile and endpoints > Universal settings

Step 4 : In the Universal Settings page, click on General : Turn on device management and password controls to reveal the available general settings.

Step 5 : In the General section, you will see two options – Mobile management and Password requirements.

Either option will let you disable the Lock Screen requirement in Android devices. So you will need to select one of them.

I will share the two available methods as Option A and Option B below. Choose one.

Option A : Disable Mobile Management

By default, your account is set to Basic (Agentless) mobile management, which applies basic password controls (including requiring the Lock Screen).

Step 6A : Select Turn off mobile management (Unmanaged).

Step 7A : Click on Save to save the changes. The change generally happens instantaneously but can take a few minutes to propagate.

As turning off basic mobile management will deprive you of the ability to wipe work accounts, and remove compromised device protection, I would recommend you try Option B as the first resort, and keep Option A as a back up alternative.

Option B : Disable Password Requirements Recommended!

By default, your account is set to Require users to set a password, which has a basic requirement of “Any screenlock“.

Step 6B : Untick the Require users to set a password checkbox.

Step 7B : Click on Save to save the changes. The change generally happens instantaneously but can take a few minutes to propagate.

I personally recommend using this option, as it would leave you the ability to perform some basic mobile management of your devices.

Step 8 : While the change happens within seconds to minutes, you must remove your Google Account from your Android TV / Android TV box.

Step 9 : Log into Google Play Store using your Google Account again. It should now work properly, without asking you to register a Lock Screen.

I hope you found this guide useful. Please SHARE this guide out, and SUPPORT our work!

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Ray Liotta Die From COVID-19 Vaccine SADS?!

Did actor Ray Liotta die suddenly from COVID-19 vaccine SADS?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Ray Liotta Died From COVID-19 Vaccine!

Within hours of news breaking that veteran actor Ray Liotta passed away, people started claiming that he died from the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ray Liotta has passed away at the age of 67 in his sleep… from sudden death syndrome caused by vaccine effects on his heart? #rayliotta #LongCovid #COVID19 #VaccineSideEffects

Still no official cause of death for Ray Liotta. Apparently a heart attack in his sleep. Hey, doesn’t the #Pfizer vaccine cause blood clots?

Now @rayliotta ?! When are we going to start looking at the cause of sudden death of the ridiculously high numbers of #Hollywood elite? #VaccineSideEffects #vaccine #COVID #suddendeath hmmm 🤔

Ummmm he just died in his sleep…. yep i bet he was vaccinated 💉💉💉💉

Another vaccine death….. they will cover up #rayliotta 👇👇👇👇

When I read about Ray Liotta’s death it made me think of Bob Saget who also died suddenly. Is there a connection that both deaths were vaccine related? The true cause of death will NEVER be disclosed. SAD 😞

Recommended : Did Chelsea Clinton Call To Force-Jab Every Child?!

 

Truth : Ray Liotta Did Not Die From COVID-19 Vaccine SADS!

It’s now tradition for anti-vaccination activists to immediately blame all celebrity deaths on the COVID-19 vaccine.

So it’s no surprise that they would immediately claim that Ray Liotta died from the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are the reasons why these claims are FAKE NEWS

Fact #1 : Ray Liotta Died In His Sleep

On 26 May 2022, Raymond Allen Liotta died in his sleep at the age of 67, according to his publicist, Jennifer Allen.

Paramedics rushed to his room, but he was already dead when they arrived 12 minutes later.

Fact #2 : Ray Liotta’s Cause Of Death Was Not Vaccine!

Ray Liotta’s body was transferred to the National Forensic Institute of Santo Domingo for an autopsy, with a toxicology report expected later. Authorities said that there were no signs of foul play, or anything suspicious about his death.

His publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed on or around June 9, 2022, that the claims that Liotta died from the COVID-19 vaccine are “100% not true“. She also stated that :

The family has not released the cause of death yet, but I do know the cause, and (it) has nothing to do with COVID or the vaccine.

That was finally confirmed by his official autopsy report which was released on 8 May 2023.

According to Dominican Republic officials, manner of death for Ray Liotta was categorised as “natural” and “non-violent“, and his official causes of death were respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs), and acute heart failure.

The autopsy also revealed that Ray Liotta also suffered from atherosclerosis, although that was not a direct cause of death.

Now that the official cause and manner of death for Ray Liotta has been released, let this be the final word – his death had nothing to do with COVID-19 vaccines.

Read more : Ray Liotta’s Cause Of Death Not COVID-19 Or Vaccine!

Casas del VXI Hotel in Santo Domingo, where Ray Liotta stayed while filming ‘Dangerous Waters’ in the Dominican Republic

Fact #3 : Ray Liotta Was Shooting A Movie

Liotta died in the Dominican Republic, where he was shooting a movie called “Dangerous Waters”.

By all accounts, he was healthy and well. There was no evidence he was suffering from any side effects of COVID-19, or any vaccination he may have received.

Fact #4 : His Fiancée Was With Him When He Died

Ray got engaged to former hairstylist, Jacy Nittolo, in December 2020, and she was with him when he died.

In fact, Jacy was the one who called 911 at around 6 AM on that Thursday morning.

This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Dominican Republic’s General Direction of Cinema :

We understand that he was accompanied by his [fiancée] and that the [fiancée] asks that you please respect her grief.

Fact #5 : His Fiancée Did Not Say He Died From Vaccine

His fiancée who was by his side when he died, did not claim that he died from the COVID-19 vaccine.

When she spoke of the tragedy in her Instagram post, she only mentioned the life they shared together :

My life these past couple of years have been nothing but truly magical.
Ray and I share a deep love that I will cherish in my heart forever.
We laughed daily and we were inseparable.
The chemistry was wild in the best way.
He was everything in the world to me and we couldn’t get enough of each other.
The kind of real love that one dreams of.

He was the most beautiful person inside and out that I’ve ever known…and even that is an understatement.

Read more : Did Bruce Willis Get Aphasia From COVID-19 Vaccine?!

Fact #6 : His COVID-19 Vaccination Status Is Unknown

Claims that Ray Liotta died from side effects of the Pfizer vaccine are not based on any evidence. In fact, we don’t even know if he was vaccinated against COVID-19, much less what vaccine he received!

The Dominican Republic no longer required travellers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination on arrival, since 23 April 2022.

The government also suspended all COVID-19 restrictions since 16 February 2022, after “100% of the tourism sector personnel… have been vaccinated with two doses, and are in the process of being vaccinated with a third dose of the vaccine against COVID-19“.

Ray Liotta may very well be unvaccinated, because the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandated in the United States. Many people who died suddenly were found to be unvaccinated, like Kris Jordan, Aaron Carter, Kirstie Alley, Stephan Bonnar, David Wayne Burleson, and Kaden Clymer.

Until and unless his family reveals his COVID-19 vaccination status, anyone who claims that Ray Liotta died from the COVID-19 vaccine is likely lying to you.

Fact #7 : Ray Liotta Looked Healthy Days Earlier

A woman called Alba spotted Ray walking with his handlers at the BlueMall in Santo Domingo several days before he died, and asked to meet him.

Ray not only embraced her, he agreed to take a selfie with her. He looked happy and healthy in the selfie that Alba shared.

If he was sick from COVID-19 vaccine side effects, he wouldn’t even be taking a stroll through a mall, never mind filming in a foreign country!

Recommended : Do mRNA Vaccines Increase Risk Of Death + Injuries?!

Fact #8 : COVID-19 Vaccines Proven Safe + Effective

COVID-19 vaccines underwent massive clinical trials, and were only approved after they were proven to be safe and effective.

In addition, they were constantly monitored after they received their approvals, which picked up rare side effects after they were administered to billions of people.

Anti-vaccination activists have often claimed that those who received the vaccine would die. Yet, the opposite was true – the vaccines were not only safe, they were effective in protecting people from getting hospitalised or dying from COVID-19.

Fact #9 : Vaccine Side Effects Generally Last Only A Few Days

COVID-19 vaccine side effects are generally mild, and last only a few days.

In rare cases, the recipient may suffer from blood clots (AstraZeneca) or myocarditis (Pfizer), but they develop within days of receiving the vaccine, not months later.

If Ray Liotta received the COVID-19 vaccine, he would have received all his doses last year. It is quite impossible for Ray’s death to be related to any COVID-19 vaccine he may have received months earlier.

Read more : Did Pfizer Vaccine Documents Reveal 1,291 Side Effects?!

Fact #10 : Post-Vaccination Myocarditis Not A Risk For 50+

Claims that Ray Liotta died from a heart condition brought on by the Pfizer vaccine are based on the fact that the mRNA vaccine can cause myocarditis in some recipients.

Those claims are nonsensical, because the post-vaccination myocarditis happens within days of receiving the mRNA vaccine, not months later.

In addition, the risk of developing post-vaccination myocarditis is practically non-existent for his age group – Ray was 65 years old when the Pfizer vaccine was first approved, and 67 years old when he died.

To help you understand that, I created this table to show you the risk of vaccine-induced myocarditis for different age groups.

It clearly shows that even if Ray was indeed vaccinated against COVID-19 using the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, there was no risk of getting vaccine-induced myocarditis.

Note : Baseline refers to the typical number of myocarditis cases expected in the unvaccinated population.

Age Group Male Rate
(per million doses)
Baseline
(per million doses)
12-17 32.4 2.0
18-24 30.7 1.8
25-29 12.2 1.9
30-39 6.9 1.9
40-49 3.5 1.9
50-64 1.9 1.9
65+ 0.61 1.05

Fact #11 : Claims Of Celebrities Dying From COVID-19 Vaccine Proven False

This is yet another example of anti-vaccination activists abusing celebrity deaths / injuries to create and propagate FAKE NEWS about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

So far, claims of celebrity deaths / injuries due to the COVID-19 vaccine have been proven false in every instance.

Will these anti-vaccination activists apologise for lying to you? Nope! They will just move on to the next celebrity death…

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please support our work!

And please protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Samsung Unveils 2023 QLED, OLED TVs + Monitors!

Samsung just unveiled its 2023 TV lineup of Neo QLED 8K, OLED, sound devices and monitors at the Unbox & Discover virtual livestream!

 

Samsung Unveils 2023 QLED, OLED TVs + Monitors!

Samsung just unveiled its 2023 TV lineup of Neo QLED 8K, Samsung OLED, sound devices and monitors at the Unbox & Discover virtual livestream, which showcased its latest innovations in smart connectivity, sustainability initiatives, premium viewing, and gaming experiences.

According to Samsung, its 2023 lineup focused on enhancing the user experience by making complex technologies more intuitive and seamlessly integrated into people’s lives, while delivering impeccable picture and sound quality consumers expect from Samsung screens.

At Samsung, we understand that technology should empower and enhance people’s lives, not complicate them.

By choosing Samsung, consumers can expect to experience an unparalleled level of wow factors, all while participating in eco-conscious practices for a sustainable future.

– Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of DX (Device eXperience) Division at Samsung Electronics

In his opening remarks, JH Han underscored the company’s commitment to calm tech and innovation, providing consumers with the latest technologies that make life better. In particular, he introduced five core foundations of SmartThings, which aims to provide increased convenience when setting up their smart homes.

  • Instant Connection: SmartThings enables users to easily connect their devices in just one step, allowing them to enjoy the synergy created by Samsung devices more easily.
  • Automated Connection: SmartThings automatically connects devices, like TVs or smartphones, with other Samsung devices such as the air conditioner, dryer, refrigerator, and washer, eliminating the need for manual setup.
  • Hub Everywhere: The IoT hub is built into various Samsung products, including Samsung Smart TVs, making IoT setup a breeze.
  • Expansive Compatibility: SmartThings goes beyond just the Samsung ecosystem, enabling devices from any brand to work seamlessly together thanks to the Home Connectivity Alliance and the international IoT communication standard, MATTER.
  • Security: With CC EAL 6+ certification, the new Samsung Knox Vault hardware chip encrypts all information from connected devices, ensuring the highest level of security and offering peace of mind for users.

Samsung also helped form the Home Connectivity Alliance, and support MATTER – an international IoT communication standard, so that the diverse intelligent devices that our homes contain can work together, regardless of brand.

 

2023 Samsung QLED, OLED TVs + Monitors Unveiled!

At Unbox & Discover 2023, Samsung focused on showcasing its 8K QLED and OLED TVs.

  • Neo QLED 8K QN900C is its top-of-the-line model with technologies like Auto HDR Remastering and 8K AI upscaling
  • New 98-inch Neo QLED 8K model with enhanced audio through Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony 3.0.
  • 2023 Samsung OLED lineup features Neural Quantum Processor 4K’s perceptional color mapping, making them the “World’s First Pantone-Validated HDR OLED” televisions!

In addition to QLED and OLED TV models, Samsung also unveiled two new Odyssey monitors:

  • Odyssey Neo G9 – the world’s first dual UHD resolution monitor, and
  • Odyssey Ark – a 55-inch curved screen with a powerful sound system and multitasking capabilities.

The new 2023 Odyssey models will be available in 2H 2023 in 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 and the 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 options.

Samsung also upgraded its Gaming Hub to allow gamers to play their favourite games directly from the cloud without a console or PC.

In addition to its advanced features for viewing experiences, the 2023 Odyssey lineup also offers gamer-centric features such as Game Bar, which places gamer controls front and center, as well as Mini Map Zoom and Virtual Aim Point, which can make all the difference between winning and losing in competitive gameplay.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

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Roborock S8 Series Robot Vacuum Cleaners Launched!

Roborock just launched its S8 series of AI-powered robot vacuum cleaners! Here is what you need to know!

 

Roborock S8 Series Robot Vacuum Cleaners Launched!

On Thursday, 23 March 2023, Roborock launched its Roborock S8 series of AI-powered robot cleaners in Malaysia. The Roborock S8 vacuum cleaner series consists of three models:

  • Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
  • Roborock S8+ (S8 Plus)
  • Roborock S8

All three Roborock S8 models feature a new cleaning system with two rubber roller brushes, instead of just a single brush in previous models. The dual roller brushes improves its dust pickup, while more effectively tackling matter hair.

All three models also come with higher suction power – up to 6,000 Pa, for a superior cleaning performance. They also feature the Roborock Carpet Boost+ System, which boasts 30% better hair pick-up rate by identifying carpets using ultrasound so the vacuum lifts itself over them and increases suction power for better cleaning.

These robot vacuums also used 3D structured light and infra-red imaging technology to identify and avoid potential hazards on the floor, whether it’s bright or dark.

Recommended : Did China Invent Artificial Woman Called HOORI?!

The top-of-the-line S8 Pro Ultra comes with the new RockDock Ultra system, which delivers automatic mop cleaning, dust emptying and refilling, and self-cleaning.

When the S8 Pro Ultra is in the mopping mode, its dual brush system automatically raises 6 mm to prevent cross-contamination when it returns to the docking station. In addition, it uses warm air drying to prevent mould and odours developing on the mop pad and dock.

The VibraRise 2.0 Mopping System is available on the S8 Pro Ultra and the S8+ models, vibrating at 3,000 times per minute to remove stains from floors. The S8 Pro Ultra comes with two vibration modes for the best possible cleaning in different situations.

 

Roborock S8 Series Robot Vacuum Cleaners : Price + Availability

These new Roborock vacuum cleaners is available for purchase, at these official launch prices:

  • Roborock S8 Pro Ultra : RM 5,599 / S$1,759.90 (~US$1,267 / £1,030 / A$1,886 / S$1,681)
  • Roborock S8 Plus : RM 3,999 (~US$905 / £736 / A$1,347 / S$1,200)
  • Roborock S8 : RM 2,699 / S$799.90 (~US$611 / £497 / A$909 / S$810)

Here in Malaysia, these Roborock robot vacuum cleaners are available at AiHome stores in IOI City Mall, One Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, Setapak Central Mall, Sunway Velocity, and iGadgets Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Online, you can find these Roborock vacuum cleaners at these official stores:

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Does Steaming Food Cause Cancer From Chlorine?!

Can you get cancer from chlorine if you steam your food?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Steaming Food Can Cause Cancer From Chlorine!

This advice by a Chinese professor keeps going viral on WhatsApp, and social media platforms:

Please be sure to forward:

Steam food with water
Beijing Xuanwu Hospital Professor Qi’s article:

When steaming food, please be sure to open the lid to boil the water before adding the food to be steamed covered! No wonder more and more people have cancer.

When cooking food with the pot, we must use boiled water. Because if we directly use tap water, which has chlorine, and after heating due to the lid been covered, the chlorine is completely coated on the food. So be sure to use boiled water or filtered water without chlorine to steam thing.

Because chlorine is carcinogenic. This is really important! Even if only steaming buns, we must have this common knowledge.

Please share this info to more people. I hope all my friends are healthy.

請一定要轉發:

用開水蒸東西 ,北京宣武醫院齊教授的文章:蒸食物請一定要先開著蓋子把水燒開,再放入要蒸的食物,蓋上蓋子!難怪患癌症的人愈來愈多。用鍋蒸煮東西時,一定要用開水。因為如果直接用自來水,自來水有氯,再經過加熱後,由於鍋蓋是蓋著的,氯被全部包覆在食物上,所以一定要用煮沸過的開水或用已過濾掉氯的水來蒸東西。因為氯有致癌的危險。這真的很重要!即使只是蒸饅頭,都要有此常識。不要自私,讓更多的人看到。 這個以前真不知道,以後得記住了。希望所有朋友都健健康康,贈人玫瑰 手有餘香

Recommended : Died Suddenly : Anti-Vaccination Movie Lies Exposed!

 

No Evidence Steaming Food Can Cause Cancer From Chlorine!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : There Is No Chlorine Gas In Tap Water

First, I should point out that tap water does not actually contain chlorine gas. Chlorine gas may be used to disinfect tap water, but it is quickly transformed into other chemicals that actually disinfect the water – hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite anion.

The common usage of chlorine (or free chlorine) in tap water really refers to these chemical compounds, and not chlorine gas itself. There is certainly no chlorine gas inside tap water.

Fact #2 : Regulated Tap Water Has Low Levels Of Chlorine

Tap water in most countries only has low levels of chlorine – between 0.2 to 1 mg per litre, although it may go as high as 4 mg per litre – four parts per million.

Fact #3 : Water With Too Much Chlorine Is Undrinkable

In places where the levels of chlorine in the tap water is poorly regulated, it may be possible for the tap water to have too high levels of chlorine – anything above 4 mg per litre – four parts per million.

Even if you do not have professional testing on hand, you can look out for signs of too much chlorine in the water:

  • the water smells or tastes like swimming pool water
  • you experience nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting after drinking the water

I should point out that swimming pools have an upper limit of 5 mg per litre – five parts per million, while spas can go as high as 10 mg per litre. You can taste the chlorine in the water, but even then, it is not dangerous to accidentally swallow some of the water, although it is distasteful.

Recommended : Why You Can’t Get Pregnant From Sperm In Swimming Pools

Fact #4 : Chlorine Evaporates Naturally From Tap Water

What people may not realise is that chlorine is volatile and evaporates naturally from tap water over a day or so.

If you leave a glass of tap water in the open, it should be pretty much chlorine-free after a day or so.

Fact #5 : Chlorine In Tap Water Evaporates When Heated

The vapour pressure of chlorine is much lower than that of water, so it will evaporate by the time your tap water starts boiling.

The evaporated chlorine “escapes” with the steam, and doesn’t coat your food as claimed, because… its vapour pressure is lower than that of water!

So the risk of getting cancer from chlorine is lower, if not eradicated, by steaming or boiling tap water.

Fact #6 : Only Certain Water Filters Can Remove Free Chlorine

The typical particle filters will not remove free chlorine. Only water filters using reverse osmosis and/or active carbon filters can remove free chlorine from tap water.

So the advice to just use filtered water is not accurate, as the filtered water will likely still contain chlorine (unless it uses reverse osmosis / carbon filtration)

Fact #7 : Carcinogenicity Of Chlorine Has Not Been Determined

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not classified chlorine regarding its human carcinogenicity.

That’s likely because chlorine is an irritant, and it is unlikely for humans to willingly consume large amounts of it.

Recommended : Kinder Joy : Does Its Wax Coating Cause Cancer?

Fact #8 : Trihalomethanes Are The Real Risk, Not Chlorine

Chlorine may react with organic matter in the water to produce compounds like trihalomethanes, such as chloroform, dibromochloromethane (DBCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), and Bromoform.

These trihalomethane compounds are potential human carcinogens. These are the compounds that pose a potential health risk, and not the free chlorine in tap water itself.

However, the level of trihalomethane compounds in well-regulated tap water is very low, so the real risk occurs when there is poor regulation of tap water.

Yan Zonghai, Director of the Clinical Toxicology Department of Chang Gung Hospital in Linkou, said that the public is worried that after chlorine disinfection in tap water, there may be residual “trihalomethanes”, which are volatile organic compounds with low boiling points. Long-term exposure in large quantities may cause cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists trihalomethanes as a confirmed carcinogenic risk in animals, but there is no relevant evidence for human cancer. Yan Zonghai emphasized that the limit value of chlorination and disinfection of tap water is checked, and the possible production of trihalomethanes is very small, so the public should not worry.

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Can Mobile Phone Spark Stove Fire / Explosion?!

Can our mobile phone spark a gas stove fire or explosion?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Mobile Phone Can Spark Stove Fire / Explosion!

People are sharing this video on WhatsApp and social media, warning that our mobile phone can spark a gas stove fire or explosion!

This video shows an Indian lady using her mobile phone in her kitchen. She places a pot on the stove, and proceeds to turn on the gas.

You can see the stove light up and suddenly, the Indian lady is on fire and does two pirouettes before falling to the ground.

I have no idea who actually created the video, but it has two Symcon Foundation logos, and the narrator mentions the Symcon Foundation in Mysore, India as well.

Read more : Did A Ringing Phone Cause This Gas Stove Explosion?

 

Truth : Mobile Phone Cannot Spark Stove Fire / Explosion!

This is yet another mobile phone causes gas stove fire / explosion hoax, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : It Won’t Happen Without A Gas Leak / Defective Gas Tank

A gas explosion cannot happen without a gas leak, or a defective gas tank.

Even if you are holding a sparkler or a candle with an open flame, turning on the gas stove won’t set you afire, because… LGP gas is heavier than air!

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is a mix of butane and propane gas. Butane is just over 2X heavier than air, while propane is a little over 1.5X heavier than air.

As long as the sparks or open flame is higher than the gas source, it won’t set the stove on fire if you just turn on the gas.

For there to be an explosion, there has to be a gas leak as significant amounts of gas has to leak before it becomes combustible.

Fact #2 : Our Mobile Phone Don’t Create Sparks

Even if there is a gas leak, using a mobile phone won’t spark a fire or explosion, as the mobile phone does not create sparks during use or when it rings.

The electrodynamic speakers in your phone vibrate to produce sound waves. They do not generate sparks.

Think about it – how popular would mobile phones be if their speakers emitted sparks into our ears?

Without a source of sparks or an open flame, it is not possible for your mobile phone to spark any fire or explosion.

Recommended : Did Phone In Pocket Catch Fire After Man Farted?!

Fact #3 : Authorities Confirm Mobile Phone Do Not Pose Fire Hazard

The US FCC, US NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the Petroleum Equipment Institute have all confirmed that mobile phones do not pose a fire hazard.

US FCC : In these stories, a fire was reportedly ignited or an explosion occurred when an individual’s phone rang and was answered. Supposedly, an electrical spark from the phone ignited the fires or caused the explosion. These reports are not supported by any documentation that the fire and/or explosion was caused by the wireless phone – or that the incidents even occurred.

US NFPA : The wireless industry has done studies on the potential for wireless phones to create sparks that could possibly ignite flammable materials. The studies generally conclude that while it may be theoretically possible for a spark from a cell phone battery to ignite gas vapor under very precise conditions, there is no documented incident where the use of a wireless phone was found to cause a fire or explosion…

Fact #4 : Static Is The Real Hidden Danger

Fire incidences blamed on mobile phones can often, if not always, be traced back to static electricity.

Our bodies can get “charged” with static electricity, if we wear rubber-soled shoes or slippers. Or when we walk on a rug. The risk increases when the air is cold and/or dry. The lower the humidity, the higher the voltage of a static discharge.

Sparks are created when an electrostatic discharge occurs – this is what causes the petrol station fires that people blame on mobile phones. Similarly, static electricity in your kitchen can create sparks that may ignite if there is a gas leak in the kitchen.

 

No Risk, But Bad Idea To Use Mobile Phone In Kitchen!

While your mobile phone will not spark fires, you should still avoid using it whenever you’re in your kitchen, or even at the petrol station.

Using your phone at the petrol station or kitchen is dangerous because it can distract you from dangers in an environment with flammable liquids.

It’s really the same reason why you are not allowed to use a mobile phone while driving. Your mobile phone may not cause your car to explode, but you could get distracted and cause an accident!

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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The Wall All-In-One From Samsung Video Preview!

Samsung recently gave us a closer look at the massive professional LED display called The Wall All-In-One!

 

The Wall All-In-One From Samsung : A Quick Look!

The Wall All-In One is Samsung’s latest entry to its The Wall series, and was created as the ultimate display for professional purposes.

All models in The Wall line up feature the latest display technologies like:

  • Black Seal technology for purer black levels with enhanced depth and details;
  • Ultra Chroma technology, where narrower wavelengths produce RGB colors two times purer and more accurate than conventional LEDs;
  • 20-bit processing to present extraordinary contrast ratio and smooth, natural tonal gradients; and
  • Micro AI Processor to enhance image contrast while removing noise instantly.

 

The Wall All-In-One From Samsung : Specifications

The Wall All-In-One comes in two sizes, with three models. I created this table to make it easier to compare the three models.

Specifications 146-inch (4K) 146-inch (4K) 110-inch (2K)
Screen Size 3,225.6 mm wide
1,814.4 mm tall
49.6 mm thick
2,423.1 mm wide
1,364.4 mm tall
49.5 mm thick
Screen Weight 160 kg 99 kg
Diode Type Flip-chip RGB LED (150,000 hours lifetime)
Refresh Rate 50 / 60 / 100 / 120 Hz
Pixel Pitch 0.84 mm 1.68 mm 1.26 mm
Peak Brightness 1,600 nit 1,400 nit 1,600 nit
Max. Brightness 500 nit
Contrast Ratio 24,000:1 22,000:1 24,000:1
Viewing Angle 170° horizontal / 155° vertical
HDR10 Yes No
Bit Depth 16-bit (20-bit internal processing)
Speaker 10 watt speakers x 2
IP Rating IP20
Sensors Temperature, Eco Sensor
Operating System Tizen 6.5
Remote Control Standard Samsung IR remote control
Input 1 x DP 1.2
3 x HDMI 2.0
2 x USB 2.0
1 x DP 1.2
3 x HDMI 1.4
2 x USB 2.0
Output Stereo mini jack / eARC
Power Consumption 1700 watt (max.)
1100 watt (typ.)
1240 watt (max)
860 watt (typ.)
900 watt (max.)
650 watt (typ.)

 

The Wall All-In-One From Samsung : Price + Availability

The Wall All-In-One from Samsung is a very niche product, because it comes with a shocking price tag.

As this display is meant for professional use, it does not come with any 4K media packaged, or access to The Frame Art Store.

Model Model Code RRP
110-inch 2K LH012IABMHS/XS RM 496,543
~ US$ 112,036
~ £93,599
146-inch 2K LH016IABMHS/XS RM 707,132
~ US$ 159,551
~ £133,296
146-inch 4K LH008IABMUS/XS RM 1,229,419
~ US$ 277,396
~ £231,823

 

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Air Selangor : Water Supply Almost Fully Restored!

Air Selangor just announced that water supply to 472 areas in Selangor and Putrajaya are almost fully restored!

 

Air Selangor : Water Supply Almost Fully Restored!

Since the emergency shutdown of the Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Bukit Tampoi Water Treatment Plant (WTP) occurred yesterday, Air Selangor has been conducting sampling tests, as it cannot restart operations at any of the two water treatment plants, until they record 0 TON three times in a row..

At 8 AM this morning, Air Selangor announced that the Threshold Odour Number (TON) has dropped to 0 for the Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant (Sg Semenyih WTP), and 2 TON for the Bukit Tampoi WTP.

At around 10 AM on Christmas Day 2022, Air Selangor announced that it recorded the Threshold Odour Number (TON) level of 0 three times in a row at the Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant (Sg Semenyih WTP).

At 2:30 PM, the Bukit Tampoi WTP also recorded 0 TON three times in a row, allowing that water treatment plant to restart operations,.

Air Selangor also announced that the Sungai Semenyih WTP has started pumping out clean water at 2 PM today, and will fully restore water supply by 6 AM on Tuesday, 27 December 2022.

The Bukit Tampoi WTP started producing clean water at 6 PM, and will fully restore water supply by 2 PM on Monday, 26 December 2022.

As of 10 PM on Monday, December 26, 2022, Air Selangor announced that it has restored water supply to 98% of affected areas.

Only a few areas in the Petaling district and one area in the Sepang district have not received water supply.

  • Petaling : Taman Bukit Serdang, Taman Mutiara Indah, Taman Saujana Puchong, USJ 11, USJ 12, USJ 15
  • Sepang : Taman Bandar Bukit Puchong

Read more : Water Cut In 472 Selangor + Putrajaya Areas!

 

Earlier : Air Selangor Cuts Water In 472 Areas!

At 7 AM on 24 December 2022, Air Selangor announced that it had to quickly shut down the Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Bukit Tampoi Water Treatment Plant (WTP), due to “odour pollution” at the Jenderma Hilir Raw Water Pump Station.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng later confirmed that the water cut was due “perfume essence” being dumped into the river.

The pollution this time took place in Negeri Sembilan. Perfume essence was dumped into the river. It is one of the most difficult smells to (get) rid of.

As at 10am, the ton (threshold odour number) recorded is as follows: 1 ton at Sungai Limau Manis, 1 ton 1.5km from Sungai Semenyih intake and 4 ton at Sungai Semenyih intake point.

The smell shows to be gradually reducing closer to intake; it is therefore a matter of time before 0 ton is recorded.

Until then, a total of 472 areas in Selangor and Putrajaya continue to have their water supply cut, with 172 areas in Petaling, 54 areas in Hulu Langat, 196 areas in Sepang, 23 areas in Putrajaya, and 27 areas in Kuala Langat.

Recommended : Prego Carbonara Sauce Recall In Malaysia + Singapore!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Alert : Water Cut In 472 Selangor + Putrajaya Areas!

Air Selangor just announced an emergency water cut in 472 areas in Selangor and Putrajaya on Christmas Eve 2022!

 

Alert : Water Cut In 472 Selangor + Putrajaya Areas!

At 7 AM on 24 December 2022, Air Selangor announced that it had to quickly shut down the Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Bukit Tampoi Water Treatment Plant (WTP), due to “odour pollution” at the Jenderma Hilir Raw Water Pump Station.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng later confirmed that the water cut was due “perfume essence” being dumped into the river.

The pollution this time took place in Negeri Sembilan. Perfume essence was dumped into the river. It is one of the most difficult smells to (get) rid of.

As at 10am, the ton (threshold odour number) recorded is as follows: 1 ton at Sungai Limau Manis, 1 ton 1.5km from Sungai Semenyih intake and 4 ton at Sungai Semenyih intake point.

The smell shows to be gradually reducing closer to intake; it is therefore a matter of time before 0 ton is recorded.

Until then, a total of 472 areas in Selangor and Putrajaya continue to have their water supply cut, with 172 areas in Petaling, 54 areas in Hulu Langat, 196 areas in Sepang, 23 areas in Putrajaya, and 27 areas in Kuala Langat.

Recommended : Prego Carbonara Sauce Recall In Malaysia + Singapore!

 

472 Selangor + Putrajaya Areas Affected By Water Cut

Here is the official list of the 472 areas in Selangor and Putrajaya affected by the 2022 Christmas Eve water cut!

Petaling District

  • Bandar Baru Sri Petaling
  • Bandar Bukit Puchong
  • Bandar Pinggiran Putra
  • Bandar Puchong Jaya – Jalan Tempua
  • Bandar Puchong Utama
  • Bandar Puteri Puchong – Bandar Puteri 1-12
  • Bandar Putra Permai
  • Bukit Jalil
  • Desa Millennia
  • Desaminium
  • Hospital Serdang
  • Hospital UPM
  • Hotel Palace/Selangor Turf Club
  • Kampung Baru Sri Puchong
  • Kampung Batu 14 Puchong
  • Kampung Bersatu Puchong
  • Kampung Kenangan Puchong
  • Kampung Orang Asli Rasau
  • Kampung Sri Aman
  • Kampung Sri Aman Mas 1 Dan 2
  • Kampung Sri Andalas
  • Kampung Sri Langkas
  • Kampung Tengah Puchong
  • Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Kembangan
  • Kota Perdana
  • KTM Serdang
  • Laman Grand View
  • Lestari Perdana – LP1-8
  • Lestari Perdana – Apartment Sri Indah
  • Lestari Putra – Lep 1, 3-7
  • Mardi UPM
  • Mutiara Bukit Jalil
  • Nahrim
  • Pasar Borong Selangor
  • Perindustrian Bukit Serdang
  • Puchong Gateway
  • Pusat Bandar Puchong – Jalan Bandar 3-20
  • Pusat Bandar Puchong – Jalan Merbah
  • Pusat Bandar Puchong – Jalan Bandar 1-2
  • Pusat Perdagangan Seri Kembangan
  • Serdang Jaya
  • Serdang Lama
  • Seri Kembangan – SK 1-4, SK 6-13
  • Sungai Penaga Industrial Park
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – Apartment Bayu
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – Apartment Megaria
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – BS 1-4
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – BS 5/3-5/30
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – BS 6-11
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – BS 9/1-9/4
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – BS 13, 14
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – Jalan Bersatu
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – Jalan Cemara
  • Taman Bukit Serdang – Serdang Heights
  • Taman Dato Demang
  • Taman Denai Puchong
  • Taman Equine
  • Taman Gembira
  • Taman Indah Subang UP
  • Taman linma
  • Taman Kembangsari
  • Taman Muhibbah
  • Taman Mutiara Indah
  • Taman Mutiara Puchong
  • Taman Perindustrian Puchong – Jalan TPP 1, 5, 6
  • Taman Perindustrian Pusat Bandar Puchong
  • Taman Perindustrian Putra Permai
  • Taman Perindustrian Subang
  • Taman Perindustrian UEP – Jalan TP 1-7
  • Taman Pinggiran US) 13
  • Taman Puchong Hartamas
  • Taman Puchong Impian
  • Taman Puchong Intan
  • Taman Puchong Prima
  • Taman Puchong Tekali
  • Taman Puchong Utama
  • Taman Puncak Jalil – PUJ 1-9
  • Taman Putra Permai
  • Taman Saujana Puchong
  • Taman Serdang Jaya
  • Taman Serdang Perdana
  • Taman Serdang Raya – SR 1-8
  • Taman Sri Petaling
  • Taman Sri Puchong
  • Taman Sri Serdang
  • Taman Teknologi Malaysia – ASTRO
  • Taman Universiti Indah – Jalan Indah
  • Taman Universiti Indah – Apartment
  • Taman Universiti Indah
  • Taman Wawasan
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • UPM Infoport
  • UPM Veterinar
  • USJ1 – 27

Hulu Langat District

  • Bandar Bukit Mahkota
  • Bandar Puteri Bangi
  • Bandar Rinching (2,3,4)
  • Bandar Seri Putra
  • Bangi Avenue
  • Bangi Estate
  • Blue Water Estate
  • Desa Mahkota Bangi
  • Eco Majestic
  • Institut Genom Malaysia
  • Jalan Dagang Sungai Besi
  • Kampung Aman Bangi
  • Kampung Bahagia
  • Kampung Bangi
  • Kampung Batu 2, 3 & 5 Jalan Bangi
  • Kampung Bukit Kepong
  • Kampung Jalan Enam Kaki Beranang
  • Kampung Kuala Pajam
  • Kampung Machang Hilir Beranang
  • Kampung Rinching Hilir
  • Kampung Sesapan Kelubi
  • Kampung Sesapan Minangkabau
  • Kampung Sesapan Rembau
  • Kampung Sungai Jai
  • Kampung Sungai Kembung Hilir
  • Kampung Sungai Kembung Hulu
  • Kampung Sungai Sematar
  • Kampung Teras )ernang
  • Kolej Professional Mara Beranang
  • Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Selangor (KUIS)
  • Mara Japan Industrial Institude
  • Mines Resort & Heritage The Mines
  • Pekan Bangi Lama
  • Pekan Beranang
  • Perindustrian Beranang
  • Perumahan PKNS Beranang
  • Pusat Nuklear Negara
  • Rumah Murah PKNS Bangi
  • Seksyen 14 Bandar Baru Bangi
  • Seksyen 15 Bandar Baru Bangi
  • Setia Ecohill
  • Taman Angsana
  • Taman Bangi Indah
  • Taman Bangi Permai
  • Taman Bangi Villa
  • Taman Dalma
  • Taman Desa Serdang
  • Taman Gita Bayu
  • Taman Impian Putra
  • Taman Manikavasagam
  • Taman Perindustrian Mahkota Beranang
  • Taman Serene Height
  • Taman Sri Bangi Bangi Lama
  • Taman Tiara South

Sepang District

  • IPI Ayamas
  • lUKL Block
  • IWK Kota Warisan
  • Jalan Air Hitam Sungai Merab
  • Jalan Bukit Tinggi Sungai Merab
  • Jalan Haji Abdullah
  • Jalan Kemboja Kampung Dato Abu Bakar Baginda
  • alan Teratai, Cempaka Biru, Anggerik
  • Jalan Tok Morah
  • Kafe Beriani Gam
  • Kampung Dato Abu Bakar Baginda
  • Kampung Jenderam Hilir
  • Kampung lenderam Hulu
  • Kampung Licincing
  • Kampung Limau Manis
  • Kampung Orang Asli Bakok
  • Kampung Orang Asli Jambu
  • Kampung Orang Asli Kelinsing
  • Kampung Orang Asli Melut
  • Kampung Pulau Meranti
  • Kampung Sungai Buah
  • Kampung Sungai Merab
  • Kawasan Industri Meranti Jaya 1
  • Kawasan Industri Meranti Java 2
  • Kawasan Industri Presint 14
  • Kedai Makan Seksyen 12
  • Kediaman Nilai Kaseh Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi
  • Kilang WRP Asia Pacific
  • King Henry Vill College
  • Kondominium Pelangi Sungai Merab
  • Kosmopleks Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi
  • Lim Kok Wing University
  • LKIM Pulau Meranti
  • MAEPS
  • Mahkamah Sepang
  • Mahkamah Syariah
  • Majlis Perbandaran Sepang
  • Maktab Perguruan Islam (MPI)
  • Masjid Cyberjaya
  • Masjid Sultan Hishamuddin Salak Tinggi
  • Medan 120
  • Medan Lot 10 Abu Bakar Baginda
  • Muhaimi Auto Service
  • Mutiara Ville Cyberjaya
  • Nusa Putra
  • Pam Minyak Petron
  • Pangsapuri Murni
  • Pangsapuri Suasana Idaman
  • Pejabat Agama Islam Daerah Sepang
  • Pejabat Daerah Tanah Sepang
  • Pejabat]KR Sepang
  • Pejabat Veterina Serdang
  • Perantau Hill
  • Perdana Lake View
  • Perindustrian Meranti Permai
  • Perindustrian Puchong 1-Hub
  • Petronas Sungai Merab
  • PLUS Section C5 Sg Merab
  • Pusat Kejuruteraan Bomba Salak Tinggi
  • Pusat Latihan Dan Institusi Bangi
  • Pusat Latihan Orang Kurang Upaya (PLPP)
  • Pusat Perdagangan KLIA Avenue
  • Pusat Perniagaan Gemilang Kota Warisan
  • Pusat Pertanian Labu Lanjut
  • RKT Sungai Merab
  • Rumah Orang Kaya Sepang
  • Science Park 2 (Pinggiran Cyber, Vega, Qcell)
  • Sekolah Menengah Teknik Sepang
  • Sekolah Agama Abu Bakar Baginda
  • Sekolah Agama Kiblah Bukit Unggul
  • Sekolah Agama Menengah Sungai Merab
  • Taman Desa Mutiara
  • Taman Desa Restu
  • Taman Desa Salak Pekerti
  • Taman Desa Saujana
  • Taman Desa Sentosa
  • Taman Desa Utama
  • Taman Desa Vista
  • Taman Desiran Bayu
  • Taman Indah KLIA
  • Taman Indah Putera
  • Taman Indah Puteri
  • Taman Intan Baiduri
  • Taman Ixora
  • Taman Kenanga
  • Taman Kipark Puchong
  • Taman Kota Warisan
  • Taman La Cottage
  • Taman Lestari Permai
  • Taman Mas Sepang
  • Taman Mawar
  • Taman Merab Persona
  • Taman Meranti Jaya
  • Taman Mulia Sungai Merab
  • Taman Mutiara Merab (Jalan Imam Othman)
  • Taman Pesona Mekar
  • Taman Prima Tropika
  • Taman Puncak Pinggiran Putra
  • Taman Putra Height
  • Taman Putra Impiana
  • Taman Putra Perdana
  • Taman Putra Prima
  • Taman Salak Kasih
  • Taman Salak Perdana
  • Taman Saujana KLIA
  • Taman Selasih
  • Taman Seroja
  • Taman Suria Tropika
  • Taman Suria Warisan
  • Taman Tasik Puchong
  • Taman Villa Merab
  • Temple Mariamman West Country
  • Temple Sri Renganathar
  • The Street Mall
  • Tiara Heights
  • Tol Putrajaya
  • Unipark Condominium
  • UNITEN College
  • Xiamen University Malaysia Campus
  • Sekolah Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Tampoi
  • Kampung Orang Asli Belakang Loji Tampoi

Putrajaya

  • Dataran Putra
  • Presint 1
  • Presint 2
  • Presint 3
  • Presint 4
  • Presint 5
  • Presint 6
  • Presint 7
  • Presint 8
  • Presint 9
  • Presint 10 (A, B, C, D)
  • Presint 11
  • Presint 12
  • Presint 13
  • Presint 14
  • Presint 15
  • Presint 16
  • Presint 17
  • Presint 18
  • Presint 19
  • Presint 20
  • Taman Botani

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Prego Carbonara Sauce Recall In Malaysia + Singapore!

Prego just announced a recall of its Carbonara Mushroom Pasta sauce in Malaysia and Singapore! Here is what you need to know!

 

Prego Carbonara Sauce Recall In Malaysia + Singapore!

On Friday, December 23, 2022, Prego announced a recall of its Prego Carbonara Mushroom Pasta sauce 665g jars sold in Singapore and Malaysia.

Please note that only selected Prego Carbonara Mushroom Pasta 665g jars sold in Malaysia and Singapore are affected by this recall:

  • Expiry Date : 17 August 2023
  • Time Code : 22.18 – 23.20
  • Batch Number : 2022081716

Prego is recalling this batch of Carbonara Mushroom Pasta Sauce because it may have “an unpleasant smell, unusual colour, watery appearance and separated layers of liquid“.

Prego warned that this batch of Carbonara Mushroom sauce should not be consumed, and is asking consumers who purchased them to return them for a full refund.

The Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) also issued a notice, confirming the recall of the Prego Carbonara Pasta Sauce that was produced by Campbell Cheong Chan (M) Sdn. Bhd.

 

Prego Carbonara Sauce Recall Notice

Here is the official recall notice by Prego Malaysia, but note that the recall applies to both Malaysia and Singapore:

We’re very sorry! Unfortunately, our Prego Carbonara Mushroom Pasta 665g, with an expiry date of 17 August 2023 and, a time code between 22.18 – 23.20 has a manufacturing error. The affected batch may have an unpleasant smell, unusual colour, watery appearance and separated layers of liquid so should not be consumed

As a precaution, we’re asking you to return any jars you may have with this exact expiry date and time code. These products are only available in Malaysia and Singapore. You can return it from where you bought for a full refund. No receipt or proof of purchase is required.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Rest assured that all our other Prego products meet high-quality standards and are safe to enjoy!

For more information please call us on 03 7787 6288 or email arn_my_consumers@arnotts.com

Please SHARE this recall notice out!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is King of Bahrain Protected By A Robot Bodyguard?!

Did the King of Bahrain arrive in Dubai with a US$7.4 million robot bodyguard with machine guns and tasers?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : King of Bahrain Is Protected By A Robot Bodyguard!

A video with these messages has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, claiming to show the King of Bahrain arriving in Dubai with his robot bodyguard!

King of Bahrain arrives in Dubai with his Robot bodyguard of IR 4.0
It can speak 6 languages. It can rescue him literally carry him from mobs. It can physically fight, chase, shoot & armed with an electric teaser, an undisclosed 360 deg camera.
The AI guard cost about US $7.4 M

The king of Bahrain arrives in Dubai with his robot bodyguard. It speaks six languages,able to rescue the king from mobs,it can physically fight,chase and shoot. It is armed with an electric teaser and an undisclosed 360 degree camera system,a set of infrared cameras and three hidden machine guns with enough ammunition to fight up to 1050 men,besides a laser guided sniper machine gun. It also carries medicine and water. This robot cost around US 7.4 million, small change to oil rich Arab nation. An amazing development of the 4th Industrial Revolution!😅

The king of Bahrain arrives in Dubai with his robot bodyguard! The fourth industrial revolution is changing the world. Previously the population of a country determined its global power because of soldiers it could deploy. Now nations will be deploying robots into battle!

 

Truth : King of Bahrain Is Not Protected By A Robot Bodyguard!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated on WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was Recorded In Abu Dhabi, Not Dubai

The video  does not show the King of Bahrain arriving in Dubai. It was recorded on 19 February 2019, at the 2019 International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi.

While both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), they are separate emirates. Dubai is about an hour’s drive away from Abu Dhabi.

Fact #2 : That Is Not The King of Bahrain

The man seen in the video walking in front of the robot is not the King of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Fact #3 : Titan Is Adorned With UAE Flags, Not Bahrain

If you look carefully, Titan is adorned with UAE flags, not the flag of Bahrain. That’s because it’s being exhibited in the UAE.

If this was really the robot bodyguard of the King of Bahrain, it would have been adorned with the flag of Bahrain, not the flag of the UAE.

Fact #4 : That Is Titan The Robot

The robot behind him isn’t the man’s bodyguard, never mind the bodyguard of the King of Bahrain. It is called Titan the Robot, and it was made by a British company called Cyberstein, as the world’s first entertainment robot!

The world-famous Titan the Robot is the ultimate family entertainment show and Titan’s comedic antics are adored by children and adults alike.

Titan’s show can also be easily adapted to any situation and works very well as corporate entertainment or for enticing clients to your exhibition stand.

Fact #4 : Titan The Robot Is A Costume With A Person Inside

Titan the Robot isn’t even a real robot, but is really a humanoid robot costume worn by a human actor who moves its appendages, and controls electronic functions like light and sound effects.

Needless to say, Titan does not have any machine guns, or sniper rifles, or tasers hidden inside. Only a human being. In fact, the costume only weighs 60 kg!

Fact #5 : Titan The Robot Is Not For Sale

Cyberstein does not sell Titan because it needs an actor to use the costume, but anyone can book it to perform at family, corporate and international events!

Titan the the Robot is based in the UK, but he is available worldwide and has performed in over 50 countries to date. Titan’s show can be configured for any kind of event and the footfall he creates in shopping malls is legendary.

Cyberstein has never stated how much Titan the Robot costs, but it is ludicrous to claim that a robot costume would cost US$7.4 million.

Fact #6 : Titan The Robot Is Over 18 Years Old!

While the viral posts suggest that this is a new robot bodyguard that the King of Bahrain purchased for an exorbitant price, Titan the Robot is over 18 years old!

Titan made its first appearance at the 2004 Glastonbury Festival on 25-27 June, and was 18 years old when it performed at Britain’s Got Talent.

There is nothing really high-tech about it, being developed in the early 2000s. It certainly does not have any Industrial Revolution 4.0 features!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Jake Flint Died After Wedding, But Not From Vaccine!

Why did country music singer Jake Flint die in his sleep, just hours after getting married?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out why Jake Flint did not die from the COVID-19 vaccine!

 

Claim : Jake Flint Died From Vaccine Sudden Death!

Right after news broke that Jake Flint died in his sleep hours after getting married, anti-vaccination activists immediately claimed that the 37 year-old country singer died from vaccine-induced sudden death (SADS / VIDS / VDS)!

Here is a selection of social media posts accompanying links or articles on his death:

🪦Country singer Jake Flint died in his sleep at 37…More of that “Sudden Adult Death Syndrome” that started right after Faucis “totally safe & effective” vaccine showed up💉

Remember folks, it is very common to die in your sleep at 37 years old as Jake Flint. Nothing to see here- after all it is natural to die in your sleep after taking the COVID vaccine. #Christianity #God #Family #politics

Country singer Jake Flint, 37, dies in his sleep after Covid vax

Another person dies of blood clots caused by you know what. When are we going to wake up and do something about this ????????

Recommended : Did Aaron Carter Die From Vaccine Sudden Death?!

 

Truth : Jake Flint Did Not Die From Vaccine Sudden Death!

It’s now a tradition for anti-vaccination activists to immediately blame all celebrity deaths or illnesses on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by anti-vaccination activists, and here are the reasons why, and what we know so far…

Fact #1 : Jake Flint Died In His Sleep

Jake Flint (born Jacob Flint on May 16, 1985) passed away in his sleep on Saturday night, November 26, 2022 – just hours after his wedding.

Jake, who was 37 years old, exchanged wedding vows with his wife, Brenda, at a remote homestead between Claremore and Owasso near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hours later, he died in his sleep.

Fact #2 : Jake Flint’s Cause Of Death Is Unknown

Jake Flint’s cause of death is currently unknown, and has not yet been determined. His publicist Cliff Doyal confirmed it in an email:

I can confirm that Jake died in his sleep sometime in the night following his wedding. No cause of death has been determined.

Until an autopsy is carried out, and the results revealed, anyone who tells you that Jake Flint died of this or that cause is simply LYING to you.

There is no evidence that his death had anything to do with the COVID-19 vaccine. Claiming that he died from the vaccine is as asinine as claiming that he died from being married!

Fact #3 : Jake Flint Did Not Die From COVID-19 Vaccine

Clif Doyal, his publicist and the representative for his family in this tragedy, confirmed on November 30, 2022, that Jake Flint did not die from the COVID-19 vaccine:

I can verify, from them, and from my personal knowledge, that Jake Flint’s sudden and tragic death was not related in any way to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Read more : Katy Perry : Why Did Her Eye Glitch On Stage?!

Fact #4 : Jake Flint Was Fully Vaccinated

Jake Flint was fully-vaccinated, getting his first dose on 29 March 2021 and his second dose on 19 April 2021, as he revealed in an Instagram post on April 22, 2021.

Jake appeared to suffer no ill effects from the vaccinations, announcing, “Fully Vaxed to the max and ready to make some tracks to Halifax or wherever else. Key West preferably.

Anti-vaccination activists usually like to blame myocarditis – a known rare side effect of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, but that generally affects younger adults.

Also, if Jake had myocarditis, he would have had symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, and would not be able to dance with his wife during their wedding.

Fact #5 : Vaccine Side Effects Appear Within Hours / Days

Jake Flint was fully-vaccinated 19 months ago. He cannot possibly have died from a vaccine side effect, because they appear within hours or days, not many months later.

Mild side effects like injection site pain, fever, muscle ache, headache, lethargy develop within minutes to hours of the vaccination.

Anaphylaxis develops within minutes, while other severe adverse reactions like myocarditis and VITT develop within days.

The spike proteins produced by the COVID-19 vaccines also do not stick around for months. If these spike proteins are permanent (as antivaxxers claim), we would have lifelong immunity.

Your own immune system will identify the spike proteins as foreign, and destroy them within a matter of days, although some may last for up to a few weeks. This is part of how vaccines teach your immune system to identify the enemy and destroy it.

Fact #6 : COVID-19 Vaccines Cannot Prevent Other Causes Of Death

COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect us against severe illness and death from COVID-19, by teaching our own immune system how to create antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

They, however, cannot protect us against other causes of death, whether it’s a heart attack, SADS or even other viruses. Hence, fully-vaccinated people can and will die from other causes of death.

It is therefore ludicrous for anti-vaccination activists to blame all deaths of fully-vaccinated people on the vaccine. Did they really expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be an elixir of immortality? Please grow up.

Read more : Do mRNA Vaccines Cause Invasion of Killer Lymphocytes?!

Fact #7 : Deaths / Injuries From COVID-19 Vaccines Can Be Proven

Despite anti-vaccination activists chalking up celebrity deaths to the vaccine; death or injury from rare vaccine adverse effects like anaphylaxis, myocarditis and VITT can be proven.

Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) from Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines happens within minutes. That’s why people are asked to wait for 15-30 minutes after getting the vaccine. People who get an anaphylactic shock will require an epinephrine shot to quickly relieve it.

Vaccine-induced myocarditis has distinct histopathology findings that are different from typical myocarditis, so a pathologist will be able to determine if the myocarditis was caused by the vaccines or otherwise.

Vaccine-induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) is very specific to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. It is also easily differentiated by its unique combination of blood clots in large veins of the brains, abdomen and lungs, together with low platelet counts leading to bleeding tendencies.

Fact #8 : Claims Of Celebrities Injured By COVID-19 Vaccine Proven False

This is yet another example of anti-vaccination activists abusing celebrity deaths / injuries to create and propagate FAKE NEWS about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

So far, claims of celebrity deaths / injuries due to the COVID-19 vaccine have been proven false at every instance. Here is the latest dozen of other false celebrity claims!

Will these anti-vaccination activists apologise for lying to you? Nope! They will just move on to the next celebrity tragedy…

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Review: 24-bit Audio FTW!

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is the latest AKG-tuned TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation from Samsung!

Find out just how good it really is, and why its 24-bit audio support is something audiophiles will love!

 

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro : What’s In The Box?

First, let’s take a quick look at what’s inside the box.

Samsung kindly provided us with a better unboxing video than we could have done ourselves.

Inside, you will find the following items :

  • A pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro storage + charging case
  • Guide Start Guide
  • USB-C to USB-C charging cable
  • Two sets of extra ear tips (small and large)

 

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro : Key Features

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is the latest AKG-tuned TWS earbuds from Samsung, with a slew of improvements.

Despite its name, it is the second generation version of the ultra-premium Galaxy Buds Pro, and not an improved version of the Galaxy Buds2 we reviewed last year.

Comfort

These are amongst the lightest and smallest earbuds I ever tried. Each earbud weighs just 5.5 grams and are 15% smaller.

They feel less intrusive, and are also more discreet than the last generation Buds Pro – fitting snugly into your ear.

The earbuds come with medium ear tips fitted, but the package includes small and large ear tips, allowing you to swap them out for a snug fit.

IPX7 Water Resistant

Unlike the Galaxy Buds2, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are IPX7 water-resistant, so you can carry on using them even in the rain!

While they are officially rated to withstand submersion in up to 1 metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, Samsung do not advise you use them at the beach or in the pool.

I should also point out that the charging case itself is NOT water-resistant, so please make sure you keep it dry. In addition, you must dry the Galaxy Buds2 Pro before you put them back into the charging case.

Even so, water-resistance is one of the things I love about Samsung wearables and smartphones. As a rather clumsy person, I’ve dropped my fair share of gadgets, and more often than not – into pools of rainwater, or even swimming pools!

Active Noise Cancellation

Budget ANC earbuds use one microphone, with mid-range ANC earbuds like the Galaxy Buds2 use up to two microphones to receive ambient noise for cancellation.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses three microphones with high signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio to expand the amount of ambient noise it can cancel, and you can tell the difference. Its ANC performance is markedly improved from the last generation.

I managed to test them out on two turboprop flights which are noticeably louder than your typical airliner, and they worked great! The noise outside the planes was greatly muted, and once onboard, it’s like you are in your own oasis of peace and quiet.

If you need to listen to someone speak, there is an Ambient mode that temporarily disables ANC and lets you listen to the outside world. When you take out one earbud, the other earbud cleverly switches to Ambient mode so you don’t get disorientated, and switches back to ANC when you put the earbud back on.

You don’t even have to turn Ambient mode manually like with the Galaxy Buds2. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro comes with the Voice Detect feature, which automatically activates Ambient mode when you start talking! Just make sure you enable it in your Galaxy Wearable app first!

24-bit Audio

If you are an audiophile, you will love the 24-bit audio support in the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

24-bit audio has been around for a while, offering higher audio resolution and fidelity. However, adoption has been limited so far to expensive music players and audio devices.

After all, the entire chain – from the music file to the music player (software or hardware) and the earphones / headphones, plus the connectivity between them – must support 24-bit audio.

So it’s great to see Samsung driving the 24-bit audio effort forward by making sure that its mobile devices support 24-bit audio. Just make sure you upgrade to the One UI 4.0 or higher, to enable its proprietary Samsung Seamless Hi-Fi codec.

Built on the Scalable Codec it introduced several years ago, the Samsung Seamless codec is able to encode full 24-bit audio to transmit to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro wirelessly.

The only downside is that it’s proprietary, and will only work with Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 4.0 or higher.

360 Audio

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro also supports 360 Audio, which is basically their version of the spatial audio feature in Apple AirPods. It’s not enabled by default, because you may not want to turn it on all the time.

The 360 Audio feature only works with apps and content that support Dolby Atmos surround sound. When enabled, it delivers a 360-degree surround sound effect for a more immersive experience.

On top of that, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro supports head tracking, so the 360 audio you hear will actually change with your head movement!

While it doesn’t do much for music (very few are encoded for Dolby Atmos), you should enable it for movies and games.

Connectivity

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro connects wirelessly to your devices using Bluetooth 5.3, with support for AAC, SBC and Samsung’s new Seamless codec, but not aptX, LDAC or LHDC. Again, please note that the Samsung Seamless codec is proprietary, and will only work with their devices running on One UI 4.0 and above.

These earbuds do not offer Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which means they can only be connected to one device at any one time.

They support automatic switching between Samsung Galaxy devices using the same Samsung account, but if you want to switch from your Samsung Galaxy smartphone to your laptops you need to manually switch using the Bluetooth menu.

Battery Life

The biggest problem I have with the Buds2 Pro though is its short battery life of about 5 hours with ANC enabled. I can get about 8 hours with ANC disabled, but that’s still on the low side for premium earbuds.

This is really a trade off – a larger battery (and consequently, longer battery life) would mean a heavier and more obtrusive earbuds. There is only so much Samsung can squeeze out of the tiny 61 mAh battery in each earbud.

The charging case with an internal 515 mAh battery provides another 13 hours of extra battery life (ANC enabled), or 21 hours (ANC disabled) – roughly 2.5 full charges.

They support quick charging though – a 5 minute charge will get you about an hour of battery life.

Pro Tip : Get into the habit of popping these earbuds into their case whenever you are not using, and you will never run out of battery life.

 

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro : Our Verdict

If you want the very best TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation technology from Samsung, there can be no doubt – the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is it.

It is amazing that such a small package comes with so many great features – 24-bit audio with 360 Audio, active noise cancellation with three SNR microphones, and IPX7 water resistance.

While the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is not cheap, those features do really make a real difference in the enjoyment of your music, videos and games.

For those reasons, I think it deserves no less than our Reviewer’s Choice Award!

Just be aware of its relatively short battery life, lack of Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and reliance on a proprietary codec which limits 24-bit audio to Samsung devices.

If you are in the Samsung ecosystem and would like to enjoy 24-bit audio and/or surround sound, you can’t go wrong with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

But if you are not using a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, or do not need 24-bit audio support, then these are not the earbuds you are looking for. You are better off buying the cheaper Galaxy Buds2!

 

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro : Where To Buy?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is priced at RM899 / S$328 / US$229 / £189 / A$349.

Here are some online purchase options (prices accurate as of 11 November 2022) :

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Katy Perry Explains Eye Glitch + Mocks Vaccine, Robot Claims!

Katy Perry just explained her viral eye glitch, and mocked those who claimed it was a vaccine side effect, or that she’s a robot!

 

Katy Perry : Eye Glitch Is Her Party Trick!

Days after a video of her eye glitch went viral on TikTok, Katy Perry addressed her eye glitch, calling it her “broken doll eye party trick“, which her fans have already noted that she does quite often in her shows.

She also pointed out another party trick in her shows – pouring beer out of her tits, and pointed out that she doesn’t “actually lactate hops”!

heck I pour beer out of my tits (that’s a party trick too… I don’t actually lactate hops silly goose!)🍺 Hope to sing along with you in 2023! And we’ll drink, this one’s on me, cause we’re all #chainedtothealgorithm 🤡⛓ #therealproblemlolhaha😅

Katy Perry also took the opportunity to mock conspiracy theorists and anti-vaccination activists who blamed her eye glitch on the COVID-19 vaccine, calling them “flatearthers” “spaceisfakers”, “birdsarentrealers” and “skyisntbluers”.

Tongue-in-cheek, she invited them to catch her “party trick” in her Las Vegas concerts next year!

Oooh, the sass! I so love her!

Read more : Why Did Katy Perry Suffer Eye Glitch On Stage?!

Katy Perry also responded to those who joked that her eye glitch was “evidence” that she’s really a robot. After all – who could be so perfect?

Three days earlier, she posted a photo of herself looking stonily ahead like a robot, while wearing a brown dress by ABOUT YOU.

This is social media marketing at its best!

 

Katy Perry Uses Eye Glitch To Announce 2023 Shows!

Now that she has gone viral with her eye glitch, Katy Perry announced an extension of her Las Vegas residency, and a slew of 14 concerts in 2023!

  • February 15, 17, 18, 22, 24 and 25
  • April 5, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15

The show’s set list is a fun 🎢 through memory lane going all the way back to 2008, a time when we weren’t all frozen by the paranoia of our own echo chambers! 🤸🏻‍♀️ This show is a nonstop party about finding unconditional love and strangely (for me) not political at all

Tickets go on sale at 10 AM, Friday, November 4, 2022 at axs.com/katyinvegas.

Read more : Did Justin Bieber Get Ramsay Hunt Syndrome From Vaccine?!

Note to all antivaxxers and conspiracy theorists, if you buy one of the VIP packages, you will get to meet Katy Perry herself, and you know – ask her to perform her eye glitch for you!

Here’s a better idea – buy ME a VIP package to her concert, and I will get Katy Perry to document her eye glitch party trick for you in high-definition video, up close! You can’t beat that kind of evidence!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger + AA Batteries Review!

In my review of the EBL lithium-ion AA batteries and 8-bay charger, I will share with you why this is the future of AA batteries!

 

EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger + AA Batteries Review!

The future of AA batteries is here, and it comes in the form of EBL lithium-ion AA batteries, and the 8-bay Li-Ion battery charger!

Most of us have long relied on rechargeable AA batteries using NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) and NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) technologies which were developed in the 1980s.

They are set to be replaced by AA batteries built on lithium-ion technology – the same kind of battery used in your smartphone and laptops.

So I was most excited when EBL said that they would send me their latest lithium-ion AA batteries and 8-bay Li-Ion battery charger to try out.

 

EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger + AA Batteries : What’s In The Box?

EBL sent me their most popular AA battery bundle, which consists of an 8-bay Li-Ion battery charger, and eight of their lithium-ion AA batteries. They also offer them for sale as separate items.

The package arrived in a simple black plastic bag – there is no special bundle packaging. EBL would do well to add bubble wrapping to prevent damage to the box, and pilfering from the package.

There are the items that you will receive if you purchase the EBL 8-bay Li-Ion battery charger and 8-battery bundle :

  • 1 x EBL 8-bay Lithium-Ion Battery Charger
  • 1 set of EBL Lithium-Ion Battery Charger + Lithium Ion Battery manuals
  • 1 x USB Type A to micro-USB Type B power cable
  • 8 x EBL Lithium-Ion AA batteries
  • 2 x AA battery storage cases

 

EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger Review!

The EBL 8-Bay lithium-ion charger has a pretty simple design. It has 8 battery bays, supporting up to eight AA or AAA lithium-ion batteries, or a mix of them.

However, please note that this charger only supports lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Please do not use it to recharge your NiCd / NiMH rechargeable batteries!

Every bay has a separate circuit, allowing for optimal charging according to each battery’s condition. It is also smart enough to prevent over-charging, over-voltage, over-current and overheating while charging.

That said, EBL recommends that you take out the batteries once they are fully-charged, and do not leave them in the charger. Trickle-charging lithium-ion batteries is not good for their lifespan.

I would also recommend that you disconnect the charger after use, because it will use up to 0.3 watts of power even when it’s not charging any battery. That “vampire power loss” may seem little, but it is still a waste of power.

Power input comes through the very common Type A to micro-USB cable. In 2022, I would have very much preferred a bidirectional USB Type C connector. But this is a minor inconvenience – you won’t generally remove the cable unless you are travelling.

The 8-bay charger has a 10 watt power input, delivering up to 1.25 watts per bay when fully-loaded with eight batteries, and up to 1.5 watt per bay with fewer batteries.

However, EBL does not provide a 10 watt USB power adaptor to actually power this 8-bay lithium-ion battery charger. So you will need to purchase a separate USB power adaptor, or use the one that came with your smartphone.

Just make sure the USB power adaptor can deliver 10 watts or more. Otherwise, charging will be much slower.

Specifications EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger
Model EBL M7012
Type USB Charger
Battery Size AA / AAA
Battery Type Only 1.5V Lithium-Ion
Input Voltage DC 5V @ 2A
Input Power 10 W
No-Load Input Power 0.3 W max.
Output Voltage DC 1.5 V @ 1 A
Output Current AA : 1000 mA max.
AAA : 500 mA max.
Dimensions 126.4 mm wide
75.4 mm high
25.2 mm thick
Weight 94.9 grams

 

EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion AA Batteries Review!

The EBL lithium-ion AA batteries work like any other rechargeable AA batteries. Just plug them into any device that requires AA batteries, and they just work.

These lithium-ion batteries have a capacity of 3,000 mWh, which is equivalent to 2,000 mAh. So they are equivalent in capacity to many NiMH batteries, but about 18% lower than top-shelf Eneloop Pro batteries.

EBL claims that they have a low self-discharge like Eneloop batteries, and will retain up to 80% of its capacity 3 years after it’s fully-charged. But they do not come pre-charged, because so you will need to charge them for 6-8 hours before using them.

The biggest advantage of the EBL lithium-ion AA battery though is its ability to deliver 1.5 volts of constant current. This beats NiCad and NiMH batteries which are limited to just 1.2-1.4 volts.

Even though these batteries have similar capacities to NiCad/NiMH batteries, their higher voltage means they deliver 7% to 25% more power.

That extra power is useful when it comes to certain devices, like Nerf guns or electric toothbrushes for example. You will get higher performance with these 1.5 volt lithium-ion batteries than you would with NiCad / NiMH batteries.

Specifications EBL Lithium-Ion AA Battery
Size AA
Type Lithium-Ion
Capacity 3000 mWh
2000 mAh
Discharge Voltage 1.5 V ± 2%
Low Voltage
Warning
1.1 V ± 2%
Standard Charging Time ≤ 2.5 hours
Standard Discharge Time ≥ 5 hours
Charging Voltage 5.0 V ~ 5.5 V
Recommended
Discharge Current
0.2 C (400 mA)
Maximum
Discharge Current
1 C
Overcurrent
Protection Limit
800 mA
Overcurrent Discharge
/ Short Circuit Limit
2.1 A ~ 2.8 A
Low Temperature
Charging Protection
0 ℃ : ≤ 150 mA
-10 ℃ : ≤ 100 mA
Static Power Consumption ≤ 100 μA
Dimensions 50.1 mm tall
14.1 mm wide
Weight 20 grams

 

EBL 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger + AA Batteries : Price + Availability

The EBL 8-Bay lithium-ion charger can be purchased separately, or together with AA batteries, at these official price points :

  • 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger + 8 AA batteries : US$45.99
  • 8-Bay Lithium-Ion Charger only : US$13.59
  • 8 x Lithium-Ion AA Batteries : US$28.99

Here are some online purchase options :

  • EBL Direct : $45.99 (use Welcome for 10% off)
  • Amazon : $45.99

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Netflix Fires 300 More Employees In Round 2 Of Layoffs!

Netflix just announced a second round of layoffs, firing 300 more employees!

 

Netflix Fires 300 More Employees In Round 2 Of Layoffs!

Back in February, Netflix announced that it lost 200,000 subscribers globally at the start of 2022. Even worse, it projected a decline of 2 million users in the upcoming quarter.

They blamed the drop on everything from increased competition from rival streaming services, to the economy and the war in Ukraine, as well as people sharing their Netflix accounts.

Their response was to curb losses by laying off their employees. They started by firing 150 employees last month, and followed up with 300 more employees this month.

Read more : The Brief Kiss That Got Lightyear Banned In 14+ Countries!

 

Netflix Layoffs Are Minimal At Just 4%

So far, the 450 fired employees make up about 4% of the streaming giant’s workforce of about 11,000 globally.

Most of those who were fired were based in the US and allegedly of minorities, or those working on projects catering to marginalised communities.

Netflix also fired another 70 employees working for its social media and publishing teams last month, including those that catered to marginalised communities.

But while Netflix claimed that it will help reduce costs, the 4% trimming of their workforce is unlikely to make much of a dent… unless Netflix intends to fire even more employees.

Sadly, it seems likely we will see more people getting let go at Netflix.

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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The Brief Kiss That Got Lightyear Banned In 14+ Countries!

Take a look at the scene that got the Disney-Pixar movie, Lightyear, banned in 14 countries, and likely China too!

 

Lightyear Movie Banned In 14 Countries + Maybe China Too!

Lightyear – the long-awaited Toy Story prequel from Disney-Pixar – has been banned in  14 Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and quite likely China too!

The ban started in the UAE, whose Media Regulatory Office of the Ministry of Youth and Culture announced on 13 June 2022 that Lightyear was banned from screening in all cinemas for “its violation of the country’s media content standards“.

A Variety report claimed that the UAE initially approved Lightyear for release, but revoked the licence after social media posts accused the movie of insulting Muslims and Islam.

That ban was then followed by other countries. The current list includes, but is not limited to :

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Egypt
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain

Although not confirmed yet, it is very likely that Lightyear will also not be allowed to screen in China.

Lightyear producer, Galyn Susman, said that Chinese authorities “asked for cuts”, which Disney declined to make. So she assumed that the movie would not be allowed to screen there either.

I’m assuming it will not make it to China. I know we’ve gotten requests for things to cut, Disney isn’t going to modify the material.

We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he’s making, so that’s not getting cut

 

The Brief Kiss That Got Lightyear Banned In 14+ Countries!

The reasons why Lightyear has been banned in at least 14 countries, and possibly China too, is over a brief kissing scene.

In the first 30 minutes of Lightyear, Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) – a female space ranger and a close friend of Buzz Lightyear – shares a brief kiss with her same-sex partner.

That kiss was part of a scene showing milestones in the couple’s relationship. It also shows the couple’s son, although it is not known if he was adopted or conceived through assisted reproduction.

But it was the brief kiss between two fictional characters that broke the camel’s back for censors in those countries. They demanded that the scene be cut from the film.

Normally, Disney would quietly cut such a controversial scene from the movie to comply with “local sensibilities”, since it doesn’t affect the plot.

However, Pixar employees had earlier penned a letter complaining that Disney corporate executives were censoring “nearly every moment of overtly gay affection” in their projects.

We at Pixar have personally witnessed beautiful stories, full of diverse characters, come back from Disney corporate reviews shaved down to crumbs of what they once were.

Nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney’s behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar.

Disney caved to the pressure, and decided not to censor the kiss from Lightyear. And so, all those countries refused to grant a licence to screen the movie in theatres.

Read more : Lightyear Movie Banned In 14 Countries + Maybe China Too!

 

Lightyear Stars On Why Lightyear Was Banned…

Chris Evans, who voiced Buzz Lightyear in this prequel, labelled such objections as “frustrating”.

It’s great that we are a part of something that’s making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity.

But it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be.

He also told Variety magazine that he was frustrated that news coverage of the movie would be focused on such an issue :

It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of ‘news.’

The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is.

Taika Waititi, who voices the character of Mo Morrison in the film, added :

We’re hoping for a time when we don’t even have to have this conversation. We can watch a movie and we don’t even have to bat an eyelid.

We don’t have to think ‘Oh wow, weird’. It’s not weird, it’s normal and it should be normalised.

Whenever you have these small steps that studios are making – sometimes they may feel small but also, they are steps – and it’s steps towards normalising humanity and love. I really feel sorry for countries who don’t want this film because of a tiny, weird little thing like that

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store Video Tour!

Samsung Malaysia and Senheng just officially opened their first ever Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store!

Join us for a video tour, and find out what Samsung and Senheng are offering with this grand opening!

 

Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store Video Tour!

On 16 June 2022, Samsung Malaysia and Senheng just officially opened their first ever Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store at the Shoppes at Four Seasons Place!

This new premium experience store is where you will find all of Samsung’s latest mobile devices, consumer electronics and home appliances, including the new Neo QLED Smart TVs, BESPOKE appliances and more!

With a grand space of 5400 square feet, this premium Samsung experience store does not only display all available Samsung products, it lets you experience what it is to live in a connected, smart living environment.

 

Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store Shows

The new Premium Experience Store will be hosting live shows at these times, that will also be streamed on Samsung’s and Senheng’s official Facebook pages :

Date & Time Hosts Product Highlights
17 June
8 PM
Shafiq Chulan
|& Shu Faye
QLED 4K TV,
Smart Monitors
18 June
4 PM
Dini Schatzmann
& Caely See
WindFree Air Conditioners,
BESPOKE Refrigerators
19 June
4 PM
Brandon Ho
& Sachie Amira
Galaxy S Series &
Z Series Smartphones
20 June
8 PM
Caely See
& Jack Lim
Smart Home Appliances
21 June
8 PM
Shalma Ainaa
& Wan Imar Izzat
Washer & Dryer
BESPOKE AirDresser
BESPOKE Jet

 

Senheng x Samsung Premium Experience Store Deals!

In conjunction with this grand launch of the Premium Experience Store, there will be some exciting deals from 17 June until 21 June 2022.

You will be able to get deals like RM1,000 rebate on the Galaxy Z Flip3 smartphone, to RM2,599 worth of free gifts with every purchase of a QLED 4K TV. You can also get up to RM3,699 worth of free gifts when you purchase a BESPOKE refrigerator!

 

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