A HIKE THAT BRINGS JOY TO MANY

Explore Bukit Jambul Hiking Trails in Penang https://www.tiktok.com/@undergopenang/video/7210602454658960667?lang=en Tik Tok · Undergo Penang 0:57 Embark on an adventurous journey through the Bukit Jambul hill in Penang. Discover popular Bukit Jambul Hiking Trails in Penang Embark on an adventurous journey through the Bukit Jambul hill in Penang. Discover popular hiking trails with stunning views from the top.  

Participants taking on the uphill challenge of climbing Iconic Hill during “Climb To Change A Life” hiking event in Paya Terubong, Penang. (July 20, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

GEORGE TOWN: Some came in wheelchairs, some used walking aids and some could only feel their way ahead.

But with determination and some help, about 60 differently-abled individuals made it to the top of Iconic Hill in Paya Terubong yesterday.

From the peak, which is high as a 73-storey tower, they watched the iconic Komtar tower, both bridges, Penang Hill, the Bayan Lepas industrial zone and even the shores of Kedah bathed in sunrise.

Among the climbers was Serena Yeoh Jing Han, 10, who lives with cerebral palsy.

Born with the condition, Yeoh did not learn to walk until she was five.

Yesterday, she pushed her limits by walking all the way up, one step at a time.

“She got up from bed immediately this morning (yesterday), excited and ready. She is not used to walking without support, but she was determined to finish the hike, and she did,” said her mother, Teh Mong Ling, 46.

Three-year-old Syed Aydan Mateen Syed Mustaqim, also got out of his stroller to complete the hike.

His father, Syed Mustaqim Syed Zainol Abidin, 39, smiled as he recalled the journey with his son, who lives with cerebral palsy.

“Usually, we only bring him to the playground. But today, we saw something different in him.

“His curiosity lit up, he was learning from everything he saw and felt,” he said.

Courage in motion: (Top) Participants taking on the uphill challenge of climbing Iconic Hill during ‘Climb to Change a Life’ hiking event in Paya Terubong, Penang. (Inset) Zy Kher and his father making their way up the hill. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

From toddlers to teens, the event drew people from all walks of life.

S. Puvarasan, 19, lost his sight to eye cancer when he was only one-year-old.

“I do not remember what the world looks like. But I could feel the sunshine, hear the laughter and breathe in the fresh air.

“This moment meant every­thing. It showed me that we’re not alone and we can lift each other up,” he said.

Themed “Climb to Change a Life”, the event was organised by Pertubuhan Hui Yin Seh, a Buddhist association, with the support of some 600 volunteers.

Hui Yin Seh chairman Khiah Hock Leong said the organisation wanted the differently-abled com­mu­nity to feel the joy of nature.

“But more than that, we want society to better understand their needs and learn to appreciate life a little more deeply,” he said.

Paralympic swimmer Zy Kher Lee, 18, also took part in the event, which was co-organised with his Zy Movement Foundation.

Zy Kher, who has prosthetic legs, walked to the very top with his father Walter Lee.

“Many children with mobility challenges rarely get a chance to enjoy hills or nature. Even climbing a small hill with friends can be life-changing.

“It’s a learning journey for them, and for everyone involved,” said Walter, 60.

Krisana Lalai, 56, from Bangkok, Thailand, also turned up to support the cause.

He founded the Friendly Design For All Foundation, a human rights organisation focused on promoting equal rights to accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities.

Paralysed from the waist down after an accident at 29, Krisana said he was moved by everyone’s spirit.

“This activity brings compassionate hearts together. It creates something meaningful, not just for those with disabilities, but for the families and friends who support them.

“It sends a strong message of unity and inclusion,” he said.

Penang youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi lauded the initiative and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusivity.

“This event reminds us that no one should be left behind,” he said on the sidelines of the event.

“Since 2016, our Accessibility Action Group has worked to make Penang more friendly to those with physical challenges.

“We’re not done, but we’re on the right path,” he said.

Besides the hike, participants also joined a series of telematch games and performances at the hilltop.

By LO TERN CHERN, the Star

BE LABEL-SAVVY TO STAY HEALTHY for organic food among health-conscious consumers

PETALING JAYA: The multi-billion-­ringgit global organic food and beverage market is expected to grow more by 2030, according to market research firm Grand View Research.

For Malaysia, there is a growing appetite for organic food among health-conscious consumers.

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But how do people know whether the “organic” foodstuff they buy are truly organic?

An important source is the myOrganic sticker that is usually found on the packaging of organic foodstuff sold at shops.

The myOrganic certification scheme is used to promote, implement and facilitate the adoption of organic agriculture, explains Agriculture Department (DOA) director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi.

“This certification scheme covers various organic activities, including fresh produce farming, beekeeping, the breeding of organic plant varieties and wild harvesting.

ALSO READ: Verifying food markers not quite an organic process

“The Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme is now known as myOrganic,” she said in in a statement to The Star.

To safeguard the authenticity of certified organic products, the regulation of organic items is primarily governed under the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985, overseen by the Health Ministry, she added.

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has also registered the myOrganic certification logo with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) as a legitimate trademark.

“If the DOA receives complaints about the misuse of this logo, the matter will be referred to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for further investigation.

“In cases where fraud is confirmed, the offending company may be prosecuted under the Trademarks Act 2019,” she said.

Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of up to RM10,000 per item bearing the misused trademark, imprisonment of up to three years or both.

ALSO READ: How bugs help you spot organic durians

Nor Sam said the department has issued guidelines to certificate holders outlining the terms and conditions for the use of the myOrganic logo.

“However, we also rely on the cooperation of consumers to address the risks of fraud and logo misuse by lodging complaints where appropriate.

“Matters related to processing, repackaging or importation of organic products fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry,” she said.

To create awareness, the department is actively carrying out promotional activities targeting consumers through physical events and social media platforms, as well as by engaging with local organic associations.

“These initiatives focus on promoting Good Agricultural Prac­tices (GAP), highlighting the importance of recognising the myOrganic logo, encouraging the purchase of certified farm produce.

“Additionally, consumers can verify the validity of organic certification by visiting the DOA website at www.doa.gov.my under the list of certified recipients,” she said.

Dr Juju Nakasha Jaafar, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Agri­culture at Universiti Putra Malay­sia, said there has been confusion on the authenticity of organic products.

“For example, a seller might claim he is selling pesticide-free or chemical-free vegetables, which gives consumers the impression that the products are organic.

“In reality, these vegetables may be free from chemical pesticides but are still grown using chemical fertilisers and thus do not qualify as organic,” she said.

“For vegetables to be certified as organic, all input must be completely natural.

“This includes compost fertilisers, organic pesticides and non-genetically modified organism seeds.”

These are outlined in the myOrganic certification guidelines.

“Consumers can look for the myOrganic logo on vegetable products to ensure they are truly organic.

“The DOA strictly regulates this certification,” she said, adding that more details can be found on the DOA website.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said traders must verify the certification documents provided by suppliers before selling or labelling any product as organic.

“They should only use the term ‘organic’ when backed by certification,” he said.

Saravanan said consumers should look for official certification logos on packaging and not rely solely on general claims like ‘natural’.

“If you suspect a product is being falsely marketed as organic, you should report it to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry or lodge a complaint with Fomca,” he added.--

By KHOO GEK SAN, DIVYA THERESA RAVI and RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/12/be-label-savvy-to-stay-healthy

Sleep tips for people requiring care

 
If the dependent person you are caring for is not sleeping well, try out these ideas to help them.

MANY people dependent on permanent care have trouble sleeping, be it due to pain, sleep apnoea (frequent interruption of breathing during sleep), a repeated urge to urinate or something else.

As a result, they’re often dead tired the next day.

Among other things, this can increase their risk of falling, warns the Berlin-based Centre for Quality in Care (ZQP), a German non-profit foundation dedicated to improving longterm care of older care recipients.

If a care recipient suffers from chronic sleep deprivation, a doctor should be consulted.

Eliminating or alleviating the cause can help them to fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night.

There are also things that caregiving relatives can do.

Here are three:

1. Establish bedtime routines

A bedtime routine signals to the body that the day is over and it’s time to wind down and rest.

There are many different possibilities.

For some people it helps to read a few pages of a book.

Others prefer listening to relaxing music.

Since having cold feet is hardly conducive to sleeping well, taking a warm footbath before going to bed could be beneficial.

Or you could put on a pair of thick, warm socks before going to bed.

Part of the routine could be drinking a cup of calming tea, such as lemon balm, lavender, passionflower or hop, suggests the ZQP.

Better it be a smallish cup though, as drinking a large mug can result in an inconvenient need to urinate in the middle of the night.

2. Create a pleasant sleep environment

A noisy nearby street or bright TV standby light can interfere with sleep.

So care recipients and their caregivers should consider ways to improve the sleep environment.

Even minor adjustments can make a big difference, e.g. wearing earplugs to block out noise or a sleep mask to block out light.

It’s also important to ventilate the room in the evening to remove stale air.

A pleasant sleep environment also includes things that caregiving relatives might not think of right away.

If the care recipient suffers from urinary incontinence, for instance, a super-absorbent bed protector pad can provide more comfort.

3. Promote a normal day-night rhythm

The circadian rhythm, or “internal clock”, of dementia patients can become disrupted, causing them to feel sleepy during the day and restless at night.

This increases the risk of sleep problems, of course.

What’s more, it’s not uncommon that they want to eat at night.

The ZQP advises that caregivers meet these special needs as much as possible, but emphasises the importance of promoting a normal sleep-wake cycle by increasing morning light exposure and decreasing evening light exposure.

Light morning exercises in bed can help patients become alert, and their pyjamas shouldn’t be laid out until evening.

Complete darkness can unsettle dementia patients, however, the ZQP points out, so the room they sleep in shouldn’t be fully darkened.

A nightlight can help, as well as provide orientation in the dark. – dpa

Go easy on durian, say experts ; Time ripe to grow durian dynasty

 

(From left) Mohammad Taufik Saidon, Muhamad Hafiz Azizan and Mohd Iszuan Ismail from Alor Setar enjoying the King of Fruits at Anjung Indah in Balik Pulau, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

IT IS durian season again, but over-indulging in the King of Fruits can pose a serious risk to our health.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems or high blood pressure should not binge eat.

“To enjoy the nutritional benefits of durian safely, limit intake to no more than two medium-sized pieces per day, or about 80g,” she said.

Eating too much durian could have a negative impact on blood sugar levels, she noted.

“Bingeing on durian may cause discomfort and disrupt normal metabolic functions.

“For those with chronic conditions, durian should only be consumed in small amounts, occasionally or not at all,” she added.

Dr Mastura said certain foods should be avoided when eating durian, which contains carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

“These include spicy dishes, caffeine, carbonated drinks, sweet fruits, desserts, soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages.

“Consuming these alongside durian can cause digestive discomfort and increase health risks,” she said.

“Durian also has a ‘heaty’ effect, though reactions may vary among individuals,” said Dr Mastura.

Penang Health Department nutritionist Zuhaida Harun said that like any other fruit, durian should be eaten according to the recommended serving size.

“One serving of durian is two to three pieces.

“It is high in calories and natural sugar.

“For people with diabetes, it can cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar,” she said.

Zuhaida said high consumption of durian could significantly increase a person’s overall calorie intake.

“Sometimes, bingeing can also lead to other health issues such as bloating, indigestion or feeling overheated,” she said, adding that moderation applied to all foods.

Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi reminded the public to practise moderation when enjoying durian, especially during the current peak season, to avoid potential health risks.

“Overindulgence, particularly in hot weather, can lead to discomfort such as a sore throat, dehydration or digestive problems,” he said.

“Drink plenty of water and exercise self-control to fully appreciate the fruit without experiencing adverse effects,” Gooi advised.

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Time ripe to grow durian dynasty

Smells like success: Durians on display at a stall in SS2, Petaling Jaya. — ART CHEN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: In the world of durians, Malaysia’s Musang King may reign supreme but a new wave of contenders is emerging.

From the creamy Black Thorn and Red Prawn to the sweet Hajah Hasmah, the government is championing lesser-known premium varieties to capture growing international demand.

Other established types like Sultan and Tekka are also seeing interest, offering the fruit at a more accessible price and broadening Malaysia’s footprint in the global durian market.

Agriculture Department director-­general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi said Musang King and Bukit Merah are the main varieties recommended for export due to their rich, creamy texture and strong flavour but efforts are under way to highlight other premium types such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn and Hajah Hasmah.

“These varieties are being evaluated for future certification and export readiness, based on their potential in terms of taste, texture, shelf life and suitability for long-distance shipping,” she told The Star.

Nor Sam said that Chinese nationals, in particular, are willing to pay premium prices for these varieties.

As such, she said the department is working towards registe­ring durian varieties grown in Malaysia, conduct agronomic assessments and ensure compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of importing countri

“This includes pest disinfestation methods such as vapour heat treatment, traceability systems and farm export certification schemes,” she said.

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These efforts, she said, were in line with the department’s goal of diversifying Malaysia’s durian varieties in the global market, strengthening the competitiveness of the national durian industry and maximising its export value.

The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has found that there is a growing appetite for a wider range of flavours among durian enthusiasts.

“Consumers are becoming more adventurous. They are seeking out unique taste profiles. We are also seeing renewed interest in older, established clones such as D24 and Tekka, which are more affordable and offer classic durian characteristics,” it said in a statement.

Mardi said regional favourites and specific kampung durians with distinctive traits are gaining popularity, too.

On the export front, Mardi said it is focusing on developing new hybrids for domestic and global markets.

Its MDUR series (a hybrid durian clone developed by Mardi), in particular, has shown promise.

“One of the main highlights is MDUR 88 (D190), a hybrid of D10 and D24.

“It is golden yellow, slightly sticky and creamy with a flavour that many compare favourably to Musang King.”

In view of its quality, Mardi said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is promoting MDUR 88 for export.

“MDUR 88 has recently been rebranded as ‘MARDI Super 88’ (MS88),” it said.

Mardi is also working on other hybrids, such as MDUR 78 (D188) and MDUR 79 (D189), which offer improved yields and greater resistance to diseases like root borers and stem canker.

The institute also highlighted its broader breeding initiatives, noting that its second hybridisation programme, launched in the late 1980s, involved crosses between 10 different varieties.

Several promising hybrids from this programme are now in the final stages of assessment and are expected to be introduced under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Mardi’s third set of hybrids is undergoing evaluation and assessment.

The institute is optimistic about the potential of these new hybrids.

“While Musang King and Black Thorn continue to set the benchmark in terms of market presence and price, we believe that our own developed hybrids, particularly MDUR 88, have the characteristics and quality to compete in the international market,” it said.

Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri said that in addition to Musang King, premium varieties including D24, Black Thorn, IOI and D9 have been sent for assessments to ensure they meet phytosanitary and quality compliance for targeted export markets like China.

“Fama is also working to expand market access beyond China and Hong Kong to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the Netherlands,” he said.

Abdul Rashid said that strategic initiatives include participation in trade fairs, digital marketplace partnerships, in-store promotions and collaborative awareness programmes with the Malaysian embassies.

“To strengthen Malaysia’s competitive edge and credibility in premium markets, the ministry is also enhancing the national branding of agricultural produce through Malaysia’s Best, a certification that assures quality and safety for both domestic and international standards,” he said.

In 2023, Malaysia exported 54,374 tonnes of durians, valued at RM1.51bil, with China accounting for more than 45.7% of the total export.

Abdul Rashid said the volume is expected to increase following China’s approval for fresh durian imports.

“Fama will continue to work with industry stakeholders to monitor market trends, optimise logistics, and scale up capacity to meet growing international demand,” he said.

Malaysia’s durian cultivation area has been steadily expanding in recent years, with data from the Agriculture Department showing an increase from 70,286ha in 2019 to a projected 92,129ha in 2024.

Durian production followed suit, rising from 390,635 tonnes in 2020 to a projected 568,852 tonnes this year, despite some fluctuations due to weather and cost challenges.

The increase has been driven largely by global demand especially for premium varieties.

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