Compiled by DIVYA THERESA RAVI, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
A MALAYSIAN student in Syria is reluctant to come home, Harian Metro reported.
“I feel like I would be wasting my time if I return home right now, for I might be squandering this opportunity to seek knowledge,” said Ahmad Syafiq Nor Raihan, 24, who has been in the Middle Eastern country since Oct 1, 2021, to pursue a degree in Islamic studies at Biladu As-Syam Fathul Islami University.
“Alhamdulillah, we (Malaysians in Damascus) are in good health. The situation in Syria is as usual, peaceful and calm.
“But the prices of goods have started to double in the last two days,” Ahmad Syafiq told the daily on Tuesday, adding that many Malaysian students are staying until further instructions are issued by the Malaysian consulate in Syria.
“My purpose in coming here is to seek religious knowledge and deepen my understanding of the Arabic language.
“There are many scholars, both old and young, who are still teaching,” he added.
> Nabila Razali remains active in her singing career despite being eight months’ pregnant.
Harian Metro also reported that the 32-year-old songstress said she had tried to clear her schedule last month but admitted she was too much of a workaholic.
“All I can say is that it’s a blessing for my child, and I can’t turn it down.
“I’m still energised to work. I will be taking a short break soon.
“Thankfully, I still managed to release the duet Cacaca with Bella Astillah and was involved in promotions on radio, TV and other platforms.”
The singer admitted to being nervous about the upcoming birth of her first child, adding that her husband did not forbid her from working actively, but often reminded her to take care of herself.
“I’m blessed to have a husband who is understanding.
“To prepare for giving birth, I also asked Bella for tips,” said the celebrity, referring to her fellow singer, who is a mother of two.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
