AD
KUALA KANGSAR, Malaysia - While Muslims across Malaysia joyfully celebrated Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan's fasting month, the rice fields of a northern village reverberated with an extraordinary tradition - the thunderous roar of ceremonial cannons announcing the festivities.
In Kampung Talang, located 250 km north of Kuala Lumpur, villagers have maintained this unique practice since 1937. Locally called 'meriam talang', these cannons have become inseparable from their Eid celebrations.
"The booming cannon fire is what makes Eid feel real for us," shared Amar Ehzan, a 37-year-old resident. "Without that powerful sound echoing through our village, something essential would be missing from our celebration."
The tradition originated as both a celebratory marker and practical protection. Amar explained how their ancestors initially used the cannons to ward off wild animals from nearby forests during festival times, ensuring villagers could celebrate safely.
What began as simple bamboo-and-earth constructions has evolved into sophisticated steel artillery. The community now uses an impressive two metric tons of cobalt annually to fire over eighty cannons during Eid celebrations.
"Every young person in our village takes pride in continuing this tradition," Amar said enthusiastically. "It's something special that brings us together and connects generations." He added with excitement: "The anticipation builds all year for this moment when we can finally fire the cannons again."
Geylang Resident's Sleepless Nights Due to Late-Night Noise Disturbances
While most of Singapore sleeps soundly after midnight, one Geylang resident finds himself trapped in a nightly battle against relentless noise disturbances.
Singapore's Food Farms in Transition: Dip in Local Production Signals Shift to High-Tech Agriculture
Singapore's agriculture sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with recent dips in local vegetable and seafood production reflecting what experts describe as a necessary transitional phase toward more technologically advanced farming methods.
Man Returns Stolen Jinro Toad Statue After CCTV Exposes Theft at Tanjong Pagar Restaurant
A man was caught on camera stealing a prized Jinro toad statue from outside a Korean restaurant in Tanjong Pagar—only to return it days later after the footage went viral.
Thoughtful Couple's Wedding Apology Note Sparks Heartwarming Neighborly Responses
When Bernard Kuah, 32, and his bride Chermaine Wong prepared for their traditional Chinese wedding gatecrash ceremony at the ungodly hour of 4am, they did something unexpectedly considerate - they apologized in advance to their neighbors at Block 77 Marine Drive. What happened next will restore your faith in community spirit.
NUH Withdraws Bankruptcy Case Against Subsidized Nursing Home Patient After Last-Minute Discovery
SINGAPORE — In a dramatic turn of events, the National University Hospital (NUH) abruptly withdrew bankruptcy proceedings against former patient Philip Soh Keng Cheang just one hour before his scheduled court hearing in February. The 61-year-old, who owed over $290,000 in legal costs and unpaid hospital bills following an unsuccessful negligence lawsuit against NUH, was unexpectedly spared from bankruptcy after hospital administrators discovered he qualified as a fully subsidized nursing home resident.
Heartbreaking: Beloved Bishan Bak Kut Teh Owner Dies From Overwork, Leaves Final Wish For Wife To Continue Legacy
In a tragic turn of events, the 65-year-old owner of Xin Ming Road Bak Kut Teh in Bishan passed away last January due to extreme exhaustion - his final moments spent urging his wife to keep their decades-old family business alive.
Police Officer Involved in Collision with Cyclist on Keppel Road, Flees Scene Unaware
A 41-year-old cyclist was rushed to the hospital following a collision with a police vehicle on Keppel Road last Friday (June 6), in an incident that took an unexpected turn when the officer involved initially left the scene unaware of the accident.
Changi Airport Shoplifting Spree: Two Women Nabbed Within an Hour After Stealing $635 Worth of Goods
In a swift operation, Singapore police arrested two foreign nationals within just 60 minutes for allegedly shoplifting from luxury stores in Changi Airport's transit area.
Car Enthusiasts Bid Emotional Farewell to Legendary Lim Chu Kang Road Before Its Closure
Under the glow of flickering lamp posts, the usually tranquil Lim Chu Kang Road came alive on Saturday night (June 7) as hundreds of car lovers gathered for one final meet-up before the iconic stretch closed permanently at midnight.
Four Arrested in Singapore for Alleged Spiritual Scam Targeting Elderly Victims
Singapore authorities have apprehended four individuals, including three women and one man aged between 47 and 61, for their suspected involvement in a series of fraudulent "spiritual blessing" schemes targeting vulnerable victims.
Historic Sri Sivan Temple Consecration Draws Over 20,000 Devotees in Singapore
SINGAPORE — A sea of over 20,000 devotees gathered on June 8 to witness the sacred consecration of the iconic Sri Sivan Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples with roots tracing back to the 1800s. The grand event marked a historic moment for the Hindu community, drawing worshippers from across the island.
Singapore Singles Swap Dating Apps for Unique Matchmaking Adventures in Japan and Beyond
SINGAPORE - Forget swiping left or right - a group of adventurous Singaporean singles are taking matchmaking to new heights with an exclusive four-day trip to Japan, inspired by the hit Korean reality show Single's Inferno.
