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🇲🇾 Diversity of Malaysia: The Mandailing PeopleThe Mandailing people in Malaysia trace their origins to North Sumatra, a...
10/04/2026

🇲🇾 Diversity of Malaysia: The Mandailing People

The Mandailing people in Malaysia trace their origins to North Sumatra, arriving in significant numbers in Malay peninsula amid the upheaval of the Padri War (1816-1833), they fled the conflict and sought a new life. Many settled in Selangor, Perak, and Pahang, where they gradually integrated into the wider Malay community, embracing Islam while contributing actively to early economic activities such as tin mining and regional trade.

Despite this assimilation, Mandailing identity remains distinct. One of its most defining features is the preservation of marga (clan names), which continue to reflect lineage and ancestral ties across generations.

• Culture: Known for the Gordang Sambilan, a powerful nine drum ensemble used in ceremonial events, alongside traditional dances that are still performed at cultural showcases and festivals across Malaysia.

• Notable Figures: Many prominent figures in Malaysia have Mandailing ancestry, including politicians and artists.

• Historical Landmarks: The Istana Raja Bilah, built in 1896, stands as a symbol of Mandailing leadership and presence in the Malay Peninsula.

Today, organizations like the Lembaga Adat Mandailing Malaysia (LAMA) continue to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Mandailing customs, ensuring that this rich heritage remains a living part of Malaysia’s multicultural identity.

Photo by: Karya Kucalana

Architecture of 4 Palaces in Southeast Asia. Mandalay Palace, MyanmarThe Imperial City of Huế, Vietnam Grand Palace, Tha...
09/04/2026

Architecture of 4 Palaces in Southeast Asia.

Mandalay Palace, Myanmar
The Imperial City of Huế, Vietnam
Grand Palace, Thailand
Istana Syarqiyyah, Malaysia

fans

What is ‘Toilet’ in your language? 🚽 Follow us ASIAN Story & Heritage
09/04/2026

What is ‘Toilet’ in your language? 🚽

Follow us ASIAN Story & Heritage

🇲🇾🇮🇷Iran allowing Malaysian vessels to pass in Strait, PM says after talks with regional leaders
28/03/2026

🇲🇾🇮🇷Iran allowing Malaysian vessels to pass in Strait, PM says after talks with regional leaders

28/03/2026

🚨 Car Under Siege as Group of Youngsters Launch Violent Daylight Assault in Kota Kinabalu

A disturbing case of road rage in Kota Kinabalu has captured public attention after a car was brutally targeted by a group of men on motorcycles in broad daylight.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victim was pursued by multiple individuals, before being surrounded and attacked. Videos circulating online show the group striking the vehicle with helmets, leaving the car badly damaged, with windows shattered, lights destroyed, and the driver injured.

The incident is believed to have started from a minor parking dispute near a commercial area close to the Sabah port. What began as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated when tensions rose, with the group allegedly provoking and attempting to force the driver out of the vehicle.

Fearing for his safety, the victim fled the scene. However, the group continued the pursuit, chasing the car through traffic.

The situation turned even more dangerous when the victim stopped at a red light near the Jeselton Quay intersection. Seizing the moment, the group attacked again, smashing the car repeatedly until glass shattered and debris flew into the vehicle, injuring the driver.

Despite the ordeal, the victim managed to escape and drove directly to a nearby police station. It was later revealed that the victim suffers from panic disorder, making the situation even more traumatic. Several other vehicles were reportedly affected during the chaos.

Authorities have confirmed that a police report has been filed at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters, and suspects involved have since been remanded.

This incident has ignited serious concerns over escalating road violence and public safety in Kota Kinabalu and in Malaysia generally.

New Iconic Tower of Indonesia, Similar To Thailand’s Iconic Mahanakhon Tower in Bangkok 🏙️Indonesian architect commented...
23/03/2026

New Iconic Tower of Indonesia, Similar To Thailand’s Iconic Mahanakhon Tower in Bangkok 🏙️

Indonesian architect commented that the design was inspired by Jenga Architecture, it is believed to rival Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur. The tower will be 331 meters high and become one of the Indonesia’s tallest skyscrapers.

Thank you Japan, Mitsubishi Estate (Japan) announced its participation in the 52.1 billion yen ($470 million), 33,000-square-meter Oasis Central Sudirman complex project.

Officials from Taspen ANS, Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd, the Japanese and Indonesian governments gathered in 2023 to formally break ground on the Oasis Central Sudirman.

"The project features a 75-story building housing offices, serviced apartments and other commercial facilities and a 65-story condominium building" - the Tokyo-based company said.

The construction was began in 2023, and the project is scheduled to be completed by 2028.

“Jakarta is world’s fastest sinking city, even Indonesia is moving their capital to Borneo.. why did our local conpany agree with this cooperation?” - Japanese netizen commented on a skycraper forum.

Source - Skyscrapercity forum
Cr. CTBUH

🇸🇬 Nanyang Coconut Rice is rice cooked with coconut milk and often aromatic pandan leaves, giving it a rich, fragrant, s...
23/03/2026

🇸🇬 Nanyang Coconut Rice is rice cooked with coconut milk and often aromatic pandan leaves, giving it a rich, fragrant, slightly sweet flavor. The term “Nanyang” (南洋) literally means Southern Seas in Chinese and historically refers to Southeast Asia, so this style of coconut rice reflects Southeast Asian culinary traditions.

Singapore’s culinary scene is a true reflection of its cultural diversity, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences into a vibrant food landscape. From hawker centers serving Hainanese chicken rice, katong laksa, roti prata, and satay to fine dining restaurants offering fusion cuisine, every community has left its mark on the national palate.

Local specialties often combine ingredients and techniques across cultures—for example, chili crab merges Chinese seafood traditions with Malay-inspired spicy sauces. Food festivals, wet markets, and street stalls all celebrate this multicultural heritage, making Singapore not just a food destination, but a living showcase of its diverse communities.

🇮🇩 The Citarum River in Indonesia is widely considered the dirtiest river in Southeast Asia, and is often referred to as...
26/02/2026

🇮🇩 The Citarum River in Indonesia is widely considered the dirtiest river in Southeast Asia, and is often referred to as the "world's most polluted river".

It plays a vital role in providing water for agriculture, industry, and household use, especially for the capital city of Jakarta through the Jatiluhur Reservoir.

However, the Citarum gained international attention for being one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Decades of unchecked industrial waste, household garbage, and agricultural runoff severely degraded the water quality, impacting millions who rely on it. Around 2,000 factories line its banks, many discharging untreated waste into the river. It is heavily polluted with industrial waste, household garbage, and agricultural runoff.

Although various efforts have been made to clean up the river, they are often short-lived, as waste continues to accumulate due to the densely populated ‘kampung’ (settlements) surrounding the river.

Source: The Guardian, The ASEAN Post, Asian Development Bank, ADB Seads, South China Morning Post, Monash Lens.

Ramadan Food Market in Malaysia & Indonesia ✨The difference between Bazar Ramadan in Malaysia and Pasar Takjil in Indone...
20/02/2026

Ramadan Food Market in Malaysia & Indonesia ✨

The difference between Bazar Ramadan in Malaysia and Pasar Takjil in Indonesia mainly lies in their scale, culture, and selling concept — even though the main purpose is the same: buying food to break the fast.

🟢 Concept & Function :

🇲🇾 Ramadan Bazaar : Larger and seen as a special seasonal Ramadan event. It is not just about buying food, but also acts like a Ramadan “food festival.”
🇮🇩 Pasar Takjil : More focused on light snacks (takjil) for a quick breaking of fast, such as kuih, kolak, and sweet drinks.

🥙 Types of Food :

🇲🇾 Malaysia: Nasi kerabu, ayam percik, roti john, murtabak, kuih-muih, air balang — a mix of both heavy meals and light snacks.
🇮🇩 Indonesia: Kolak, fried snacks (gorengan), fruit ice (es buah), dates, traditional market snacks — more centered on light foods and sweets for breaking fast.

🎪 Scale & Layout :

🇲🇾 Malaysian Ramadan Bazaar: Usually very large, well-organized, and sometimes has hundreds of stalls in one location (famous examples are in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam).
🇮🇩 Indonesian Pasar Takjil: Smaller in scale, sometimes set up by the roadside, near mosques, or in residential lanes.

🏙️ Culture & Atmosphere:

🇲🇾 Malaysia: People come to stroll around, hunt for viral foods, and treat it as a social evening activity before breaking fast.
🇮🇩 Indonesia: More practical — people usually stop by quickly to buy takjil after work or before the Maghrib call to prayer.

⏱️ Operating Time:

🇲🇾 Ramadan Bazaar: Usually opens around 3–6PM until close to Maghrib (prayer time).
🇮🇩 Pasar Takjil: Often opens earlier and focuses on the period just before breaking fast.

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