Author: Expatgo Staff

A fresh indoor exhibit brings visitors face to face with rare reptiles, amphibians, and unusual cold-blooded species – all included with standard admission Penang Bird Park has unveiled its latest attraction, a purpose-built Reptile House that brings an impressive collection of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic species into one immersive indoor space. Located in Seberang Jaya on the mainland, the park has long been known for its diverse birdlife, but this new exhibit expands its educational reach, offering visitors an engaging look at creatures often overshadowed by the park’s avian residents. The Reptile House is included with the usual admission ticket,…

Bariatric and metabolic surgery are often misunderstood as cosmetic shortcuts, but as experts at Damansara Specialist Hospital explain, these procedures can reverse serious illnesses and offer patients a renewed, longer-lasting quality of life. When we think about weight loss, most of us imagine diets, exercise, or cosmetic procedures. But for many Malaysians struggling with obesity, the problem runs deeper, affecting not just appearance but overall health. That is where bariatric and metabolic surgery step in, offering not just a slimmer figure but a second chance at life, free from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver. We spoke to…

More than a decade after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished, a new “no‑find, no‑fee” deal — and improved technology — has revived hopes of locating the missing Boeing 777. The search, conducted by Ocean Infinity, starts late December in a remote stretch of the southern Indian Ocean. The 2014 tragedy of MH370 remains one of aviation’s greatest unsolved mysteries. On Wednesday, Malaysia’s Transport Ministry announced that Ocean Infinity — a Texas-based company specializing in deep-sea robotics — will relaunch its search for the missing jet, under a renewed “no‑find, no‑fee” contract awarded earlier this year. The new mission is scheduled to…

A rare cyclone in the Malacca Strait and related storms have unleashed torrents across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, triggering floods, landslides and massive displacement. As rescue efforts roll out, the scale of devastation offers a sobering look at how vulnerable the region remains to extreme weather. Heavy rainfall over the past week has erupted into one of the deadliest weather catastrophes of the decade for Southeast Asia. Storm systems — including an unusual tropical cyclone forming over the Malacca Strait — triggered flooding and landslides that ravaged parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra island, battered southern Thailand, and pushed floodwaters…

In a turbulent world, some nations manage not only to endure but to thrive in calm. The latest Global Peace Index identifies 10 societies where safety, public welfare, and environmental stewardship combine to offer a quality of life many only dream of, from Nordic islands to the tropics of Southeast Asia. Human beings spend quite a bit of their lives worrying: the safety of their streets, the stability of their government, the health of themselves and their families, and whether the air they breathe and the water they drink will safely sustain them. Yet in a handful of countries, these…

Persistent rains, at times torrential, have swept across southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, displacing tens of thousands, halting transport, and prompting emergency response efforts as communities battle historic flooding. Parts of southern Thailand are dealing with unprecedented flooding after days of relentless rain, with at least 33 people confirmed dead and thousands stranded in submerged homes. The city of Hat Yai, a key commercial hub and popular travel destination near the Malaysian border, recorded its heaviest rainfall in 300 years, with an astonishing 335mm falling in a single day. Vehicles, houses, and businesses have been submerged by rising waters, while…

A major fire tore through a public housing estate in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon (November 26), leaving at least 44 dead, hundreds unaccounted for, and investigators examining whether external scaffolding and renovation materials helped spread the flames. Rescue operations and a criminal probe are still ongoing. A fast-moving fire broke out in the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Tai Po in the mid-afternoon of November 26, quickly escalating into a five-alarm emergency that drew hundreds of firefighters and dozens of appliances. Flames swept across bamboo scaffolding and protective mesh that had encircled several towers undergoing renovation, sending…

Sabah’s upcoming state election has reignited long-simmering frustrations over autonomy, resources, and a sense that the promises made when Malaysia was formed have not been honoured. For many voters, these grievances go back to one document signed more than six decades ago. Sabah’s northern coast can feel a world away from the political arguments dominating Kuala Lumpur, but the issues shaping the state’s current debate are deeply rooted in the formation of the country itself. In fishing villages such as Sarang, where wooden houses overlook the South China Sea, many residents say the tranquillity belies frustrations that have simmered for…

Edelweiss is adding a bright seasonal twist to its Alpine-born wheat beer with the launch of Edelweiss Lemon Honey, a limited-edition flavour now available exclusively in Peninsular Malaysia. The new variant brings together the beer’s familiar smooth character with a mix of citrus and soft sweetness, offering an easygoing option for casual get-togethers. The Lemon Honey blend introduces zesty lemon notes balanced with a touch of honey, enhancing the classic Edelweiss profile without overwhelming it. Sold in 320ml cans, it is positioned as a simple, refreshing choice to enjoy with a partner or a small group of friends. “Edelweiss has…

Penang’s cultural scene takes a meaningful step forward with the introduction of the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, a privately founded space designed to foster exchange, reflection, and shared creativity. Penang welcomed a significant new addition to its cultural landscape on November 15, 2025, as the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery was officially launched at The Light Waterfront in Gelugor. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Governor of Penang, Tun Dato’ Seri DiRaja Ramli Ngah Talib, and The Right Honourable Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, marking a notable moment for Malaysia’s growing international profile in the…