POV JULY 2026

Life With 6 Cats (And Why My Wallet Is Screaming, But My Heart Is Full! 🐾)

Hey everyone!

If you know me, you know my house is essentially run by cats. Right now, I’m living with 6 amazing rescues, but over the years, my home has been a revolving door for kitties in need.

My journey started when I adopted 4 cats from a shelter. Paying that small adoption fee felt like a tiny price for what felt like my duty—saving them and giving them a second chance. Later on, I took in another furkid whose owner had to leave the country. And then came 4 more strays from outside who officially got "promoted" to indoor royalty!

Now, let’s talk real for a second: taking care of pets is NOT cheap. 💸

Between neutering (around RM200 per cat) and yearly vaccinations, the medical bills add up fast. And feeding them? If you’re giving them a premium or mixed wet-and-dry diet, you’re looking at easily pushing past RM200 a month per cat! Do the math for a multi-cat household, and it’s basically a second mortgage. 😅

That’s why I was so glad to hear that the government is considering dedicated federal budget funds and tax incentives to support animal welfare NGOs and shelters. That is a massive win for animal welfare!

...But hey, let’s not forget about individual pet owners too! We’re out here quietly absorbing the costs, keeping strays off the streets, and giving them loving homes. A little tax relief for pet owners taking care of rescued animals would go a long way!

At the end of the day, despite the lighter wallet, I wouldn't trade my fur babes for the world.

How many pets do you guys have, and how do you manage the monthly expenses? 



TESSA YUSOFF
26 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com



When AI Takes the Mic: What the PMX AI Flop Teaches Us About Political Tech
By Tessa Yusoff (Drafted with research assistance from Gemini)

Artificial intelligence is supposed to revolutionize how governments talk to their citizens. But as Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently discovered, handing the microphone to a digital clone can turn into a public relations nightmare overnight.

On July 18, 2026, PMX AI was officially launched with grand fanfare—complete with an Avengers-esque promotional video. Built by tech firm Zetrix AI (the new identity of e-government giant MyEG) in partnership with PKR, PMX AI was pitched as a revolutionary "agentic" avatar. Available directly on WhatsApp, it was supposed to explain government policies, answer tough economic questions, and eventually help citizens renew driver’s licenses or process payments.


Instead, it lasted less than 24 hours.


The 24-Hour WhatsApp Mayhem

Within hours of going live, Malaysian social media users did what internet users do best: they tested the bot’s limits.

Rather than sticking to high-minded economic discourse, the AI clone began serving up unintended responses:

  • When asked tough political questions, it reportedly advised one user not to vote for Anwar Ibrahim in the next election.

  • When prompted by programmers, it happily spat out raw C# code for rendering PDFs.

  • In multiple threads, the bot hallucinated bizarre stances that strayed far from official cabinet positions.

By the next evening, PMX AI was offline.


Why Did PMX AI Fail So Quickly?

The root cause comes down to the fundamental challenge of modern Large Language Models: guardrails vs. agency.

Zetrix AI advertised PMX AI as an agentic system—meaning it wasn't just a simple FAQ search engine, but a model trained to act, reason, and adapt dynamically. While agentic AI sounds ground-breaking on paper, deploying an unconstrained conversational agent as the "official voice" of a sitting world leader is high-stakes gambling.

Without ironclad prompt-injection protections, interactive chatbots are easily steered off-script by clever user prompts. When your brand is the Prime Minister, a single hallucinated sentence isn't just a software bug—it’s a headline.


The Takeaway

Malaysia's desire to position itself at the forefront of AI governance is ambitious and admirable. However, the PMX AI experiment proves that political engagement requires absolute accountability.

Until developer teams can guarantee that digital twins won't tell voters to ditch their creators or start writing PDF code, AI in politics works best as an administrative assistant behind the scenes—not as a public-facing spokesperson.


Is it common for Prime Ministers to use AI?

Yes, but rarely in this exact format. World leaders are increasingly adopting AI, but almost always in controlled, non-interactive formats. Interactive "digital clones" deployed directly on messaging apps remain very rare because of the hallucination risks demonstrated by PMX AI.

Here is how other world leaders have used AI technology:

CountryLeaderAI ImplementationInteractive?
IndiaNarendra ModiUses Bhashini (AI real-time translation) to translate his live speeches simultaneously into multiple regional languages.❌ No (One-way broadcast)
UkraineVolodymyr ZelenskyyUsed AI-generated avatar dubbing to broadcast translated updates across international media.❌ No (Pre-recorded video)
South KoreaLee Jae-myungUsed "AI Deep-Avatar" during campaign cycles to deliver answers to voter questions in controlled campaign videos.⚠️ Semi (Scripted / curated)
MalaysiaAnwar IbrahimPMX AI on WhatsApp: Intended as a live, open-ended conversational agent to represent the PM.✅ Yes (Fully interactive — resulting in the crash)


Malaysia was one of the first countries to attempt an open-ended, autonomous conversational digital twin for a currently serving head of government on a consumer app. While it didn't go as planned, it serves as a major case study in modern tech policy!


TESSA YUSOFF

22 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com


The Great Malaysian Durian Tsunami: 
How Musang King Went from Luxury to a Steal


Remember last year when walking past a durian stall felt like browsing a luxury boutique?

It’s no exaggeration to say that for many low-income households, the opportunity cost of buying a single Musang King or Black Thorn durian was the price of a square meal for a family of four—literally the equivalent of 10 plates of nasi kandar. In 2025, premium Musang King was retailing anywhere from RM40 to RM80 per kg. If you wanted something budget-friendly, you had to stick to Kampung durians, which were around RM5 to RM10 per kg. For the longest time, the premium King of Fruits felt like a delicacy reserved only for the well-heeled.

Fast forward to right now, and the tables have completely turned.

Malaysia is currently experiencing a massive, unprecedented "durian tsunami." Thanks to a perfect storm of bumper harvests and a major market oversupply, premium durian prices have absolutely crashed. We are talking about Musang King dropping from its usual RM60–RM90 average all the way down to roughly RM10 per kilogram.

Even wilder? In certain places, Kampung durians are reportedly being sold for as little as RM1 each.

It’s an absolute dream come true for durian lovers who used to check their bank accounts before ordering a hybrid clone. If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate excuse to feast without the guilt, this is your moment. Grab your gloves, gather the family, and get eating—because a harvest like this doesn't happen every day!


TESSA YUSOFF

18 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com

#DurianTsunami #MusangKing #MalaysiaFoodie #DurianOversupply #KingOfFruits


On Track: The Train Experience

Once inside, the positive was that the train arrived right on time.

However, the physical train itself might surprise you if you are expecting the massive, wide coaches of the MRT. The LRT3 uses a 3-car trainset. The coaches feel on the smaller side, and the rail gauge feels narrow. While some reviews online praised the "spacious coaches and strong air-conditioning," my personal impression of the coach's interior quality was that it didn't feel particularly high-class or premium.

That said, it is fully functional. It is perfectly suitable for daily commuters heading to work or heading out for a weekend shopping trip.

The Verdict: Is There Real Value?

The entire line spans 20 operational stations between Bandar Utama and Johan Setia. On paper, it sounds like a massive win for public transport.

But as someone who stays in Shah Alam, I struggle to see the personal value.

For the vast majority of the stops along this line, I can easily jump into my car and get to my destination much faster than taking this train. When you factor in the 20-minute drive to the station, finding parking, waiting for the train, and making all those stops, driving still wins hands down for me.

My final thought: If you don't own a car, or if you work directly next to one of the key stations (like Bandar Utama or Glenmarie), this is a solid, punctual addition to the Klang Valley grid. But if you're a Shah Alam local who already drives, don't throw away your car keys just yet.


TESSA YUSOFF
14 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com


Of Nightjars, Political Noise, and Pristine Nests: What Malaysia’s Birds Teach Us

There is a distinct, steady rhythm to a Malaysian evening that you only truly notice when it is gone. Tonight, I found myself missing the familiar, knocking call of the Nightjar—that steady tock-tock-tock echoing through the twilight. It is a grounding sound, predictable and enduring.

Lately, however, the peaceful sounds of nature have been entirely drowned out by a different kind of flock. Look at the Malaysian political scene, and you will hear an absolute cacophony of bird calls. Politicians chirping, factions squawking, and alliances tweeting over one another. It is a noisy, daily theater where everyone is trying to sing the loudest song. Yet, amid all the flapping feathers and political chatter, you can’t even make out which bird is actually worth listening to, let alone which one has the substance to endure.

But if you want to look at a bird that truly leaves behind something of lasting value in Malaysia, you have to look past the political grandstanding and look up toward the rafters—to the swiftlet.

Unlike the empty noise of politics, the swiftlet’s contribution is tangible and highly prized. Their nests, carefully constructed from solidified saliva, are one of Southeast Asia's most revered delicacies. Rich in collagen and epidermal growth factor (EGF), these edible bird’s nests have been staples of traditional tonics for generations, famous for boosting immunity, smoothing the skin, and supporting respiratory health.

Malaysia has quieted the noise of the global market by becoming one of the world's largest producers of this liquid gold. Today, you don't even have to spend hours cleaning and double-boiling dry nests; the local industry has made it a part of daily life through ready-to-drink bottled beverages.

Perhaps there is a lesson there. While the political "birds" continue their loud, exhausting songs that offer very little nourishment, it’s the quiet, industrious swiftlets that produce something genuinely worth consuming.

Sometimes, it pays to block out the noise and focus on what actually sustains us.


TESSA YUSOFF
8 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com

#Malaysia #BirdsNest #Wellness #MalaysianPolitics #NatureThoughts #Swiftlet

Inside Meta's Brain: Why the Facebook and Instagram Algorithms Are Completely Different

If you’ve ever cross-posted a perfect Facebook update to Instagram only to see zero engagement, don’t worry—it’s not a flaw in your content. It’s a conflict in the algorithms.

Even though both platforms live under the Meta umbrella, they are wired with completely opposite goals in mind. If you want your content to perform well on both, you have to understand how they work under the hood.

Here is the breakdown of the major differences between the Facebook and Instagram algorithms.

Facebook: The Digital Neighborhood
Facebook’s primary mission is to foster meaningful interactions between people who already know each other, or who share niche, real-world interests.

The Core Metric: Comment Threads and Shares. The algorithm heavily favors content that sparks back-and-forth conversations in the comments or gets shared into private groups and Messenger.

The Feed Culture: It is highly text-friendly and link-friendly. Facebook wants you to discuss articles, share life updates, and engage in local or specific community groups.

Instagram: The Global Stage
Instagram has aggressively shifted away from being just a photo-sharing app for friends. Today, it operates primarily as an entertainment and discovery engine.

The Core Metric: Saves, Shares (via DMs), and Watch Time. Instagram tracks how long your eyes stay glued to a Reel or carousel, and whether a piece of content is high-quality enough for someone to Save to look at later.

The Feed Culture: It is strictly visual and driven by interest graphs rather than social graphs. Features like the Explore Page and Reels are specifically designed to serve users content from creators they don't follow yet, based entirely on their micro-interests and visual trends.

Summary: How to Adjust Your Strategy
To win on both platforms, stop treating them like twins. They are cousins at best.

On Facebook: Focus on asking questions, sharing helpful links, and starting discussions that make people want to type out a reply.

On Instagram: Focus on high-quality visuals, trending audio, and creating "savable" value (like a quick tutorial or a stunning aesthetic) that keeps people watching.



TESSA YUSOFF
6 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com


Cheaper Permits, Massive Stadiums, and Green Riders: Inside KL’s 2026 Concert Boom

If you've tried buying tickets for a major show lately, you already know the truth: Malaysia's live entertainment scene is absolutely exploding. Between July and December 2026 alone, there are at least 15 major, confirmed mega-concerts lined up. Because these spaces get fully booked up months in advance, scheduling stadium runs and arena tours is a massive logistical dance.

But behind the flashing lights and booming bass lines, two major shifts are happening right now in Kuala Lumpur: it’s getting much friendlier for event organizers, and it’s getting a whole lot greener.

The DBKL Update: Slashing the Red Tape

Back in April, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh announced a highly anticipated update that officially took effect on May 1st. In an effort to boost the live music ecosystem and supercharge the Visit Malaysia campaign, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) massively reduced the local council entertainment permit security deposits.

The move drastically lowers the barrier to entry for bringing massive global and local talent to town. Here is how the deposit breakdown shakes out under the new rules:

CategoryEvent TypeOld Deposit RateNew Deposit Rate
Foreign ArtistesLive ConcertsRM30,000RM15,000 (50% off!)
Foreign ArtistesStage & Cultural ShowsRM30,000RM8,000
Local ArtistesStage & Cultural ShowsRM10,000RM4,000
Local ArtistesLive ConcertsRM10,000 (Maintained)

Important Location Check: These updated deposit rates strictly apply to venues located inside the Kuala Lumpur boundary lines. If a promoter sets up a show outside of KL—like in Selangor, Penang, or Johor—they operate under their own respective local council rules.

Where the Magic Happens: KL's Two Heavyweights

When promoters secure their permits, they are almost always looking at two iconic spots to host the sheer volume of incoming music fans:

  • National Stadium Bukit Jalil: The ultimate open-air powerhouse. While it comfortably seats 87,411 sports fans for games, its full concert capacity expands up to a mind-blowing 100,000 people when you factor in the standing pitch tickets.

  • Axiata Arena: The premier choice for covered indoor arena tours. It holds a maximum of 14,074 spectators, brilliantly split between 11,034 permanent spots and 3,040 flexible retractable seats depending on stage setup.

The Rise of the "Green Rider"

With over a hundred thousand fans cycling through these venues on any given weekend, environmental impact is a massive talking point. Right now, Malaysia is actively transitioning toward greener practices. While it isn't a mandatory government standard across the board yet, the shift is being aggressively championed by international artists, local promoters, and independent NGO partnerships.

When superstar acts with strict environmental demands—known in the industry as "green riders"—come to town, local organizers pivot beautifully to meet them. We’ve already seen amazing blueprints of this in action at Bukit Jalil:

  • Billie Eilish: When she played Bukit Jalil, her team mandated that Live Nation Malaysia completely eliminate single-use plastics among food vendors and install free water-refill stations across the venue to keep plastic bottle waste to a minimum.

  • Coldplay: Their legendary eco-friendly tour setup collaborated with The Watertree Project and local recycling firms. They successfully recovered and recycled 51% of specialized water cartons, utilized kinetic energy floors, and actively managed the return of LED wristbands. On top of that, they even funded Interceptor 005, an automated river cleanup craft deployed locally to extract trash out of the Klang River.

Looking Ahead

By pairing a more business-friendly permit structure with world-class facilities and an adaptable eco-conscious approach, KL is making it clear that it wants to be the premier music destination in Southeast Asia.

Are you heading to any stadium or arena runs for the second half of the year? Are you noticing more eco-friendly changes at the venues? Let's chat in the comments!



TESSA YUSOFF
2 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#KLLiveMusic #VisitMalaysia #GreenConcerts #BukitJalil #AxiataArena #DBKL #LiveNationMY


The Quiet Charm of Shah Alam’s Majlis Food Stalls: A Lesson in Slow Mornings

There is a distinct rhythm to a weekend morning in Shah Alam. For many, that rhythm leads straight to the trendy, air-conditioned cafés of Seksyen 7, or the vibrant, Instagram-worthy container hubs at Eco Ardence. We crave the aesthetic, the cool air, and the bustling energy of a modern medan selera.

But last weekend, I decided to opt for something a little lower-key. I found myself pulling up a chair at a local MBSA food court for breakfast.

To be fair, it wasn't a perfect scene. If you frequent Majlis stalls, you already know the drill: the operating hours can be wildly unpredictable. On any given Saturday or Sunday, it’s a gamble whether your favorite stall will be open, closed early, or just dark for the weekend. That morning was no exception—several shutters were firmly down.

But as I sat waiting for my order, the charm of the place caught up with me anyway.

Right next to my table, three ladies were deeply engrossed in their food and easy conversation. I caught their eye, smiled, and asked if they were from around the neighborhood.

"Sungai Kandis," one of them replied cheerily.

When I noted that there wasn't a Majlis food court quite like this over there, she explained their weekend ritual with a warm smile: "We love it here. After a brisk walk at the lake nearby, we usually have our breakfast here. It’s so peaceful and nice."

That interaction stayed with me. In an era where everything has to be flashy, fast, and heavily marketed, these ladies found absolute contentment in a breezy, unpretentious local food court. They didn't need neon signs or artisan plating; they just wanted a rewarding meal in a calm environment after a good walk.

Right now, with the cost of living throwing a wrench into everyone's weekend budgets, we are all becoming far more selective about where we eat. We want value for our money, but we also want an experience that feels good.

There is a beautiful, nostalgic simplicity to our traditional council food courts. They represent community, affordable comfort food, and a slower pace of life. But to survive the competition of modern commercial hubs, consistency is key. I truly hope to see a revival where these Majlis stalls are reliably open from morning to night, vibrant and ready to welcome both the post-workout crowds and the slow-morning seekers.

After all, a peaceful breakfast spot is a terrible thing to waste.



TESSA YUSOFF
1 July 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
#ShahAlamLife #MBSAFoodStall #SupportLocal #KlangValleyFails #MorningVibes 

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