13/01/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | JAN 13, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Muslimah-friendly mermaid classes S INCE the release of Duyung Legenda Aurora , the world of mermaids, once seen as pure fantasy, has become a hot Mermaid classes at Riana Mermaid Academy combine fitness, creativity and aquatic skills, encouraging children to stay active while learning safely in water. o Beneficial for children with special needs in reality, the mermaid world is not just something you see on screen. In Malaysia, there are special classes to become a mermaid – yes, actually learning to swim complete with a mermaid tail. These classes are open to everyone, including children with special needs. More than just a visual experience or a social media attraction, the world of mermaids also creates an inclusive space for everyone.

Instructors blends play and discipline as children learn essential swimming techniques through imaginative and engaging mermaid themed classes.

topic of conversation. Many are excited, with some even eager to try the mermaid experience for themselves. This phenomenon is clearly reflected on social media, where mermaid art has captured attention and organically turned into a spontaneous trend among entertainment fans. When it comes to mermaids, many immediately imagine fantasy stories, a magical underwater world and shimmering tail characters. But

The classes offered provide opportunities for autistic children and individuals to move freely in the water, build self confidence – and experience a safe and supportive environment. Mermaid classes are now becoming more Muslimah-friendly with the presence of communities such as Moddess Mermaid, where many hijab wearing participants no longer feel hesitant to join. From

Locations include D Swim Academy, Water Mates Swimming Academy, Swim Up Academy, Merveille League Enterprise, Freediving Adventure Malaysia, Onshore Mermaid and Riana Mermaid Academy.

compromising their style or comfort. Several locations around the Klang Valley now offer these mermaid classes, giving enthusiasts a wider range of options to explore and experience the world of mermaids.

makeup and outfit selection to the way the hijab is styled, everything is carefully managed to ensure comfort and suitability, allowing every participant to fully enjoy the mermaid experience without

Nostalgic digital pet Tamagotchi turns 30, gains new fans JAPA N ’ S Tamagotchi toys were a 1990s playground craze – and the virtual pets that demand food and attention are still a hit among retro-loving Gen Z and nostalgic parents. More than 100 million of the anniversary exhibition that opened in Tokyo last Wednesday. Swinging from keychains, the Tamagotchi – whose name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words for “egg” and “watch” – has tourist visiting Tokyo’s Harajuku shopping district with her mother, said she did not own a Tamagotchi but liked the idea. “It’s really nostalgic and cute. Like some 2000s cute aesthetic,” she said, admitting some people her age “just don’t like it or think it’s childish”. various photo-friendly displays and a history room where they can play with some of the dozens of different models released over the years. Nearly half of all

Tamagotchi unit sales were in Japan, with 33% in the Americas but just 2% in other Asia-Pacific countries, Bandai Namco said. Harajuku shopper Yumeho Akita, 25, said she had good memories of raising her Tamagotchi for several months during her childhood.

pocket-sized plastic eggs have been sold worldwide since their debut, manufacturer Bandai Namco said. The company is showing off the Tamagotchi’s evolution from bouncing

But old-school toys can be a healthy alternative to social media, Freire said. “It’s good. You just get off the phone and appreciate the small things in life.” Top toy Last year British retailer Hamleys ranked the Tamagotchi in its list of the top 100 toys of all time, alongside the likes of Lego and the Rubik’s Cube. The digital pets, which need attending to when they are hungry, sick or have defecated on the virtual floor, grow up as users care for them – but can die if they are neglected. Entering the exhibition through a giant white egg, visitors can view

become a popu l a r f a s h i on accessory a m o n g y o u n g

The Original Tamagotchi with a stylish Angel Night Garden shell design with three dimensional wings.

people

in

recent years, according to Bandai. Sales of Tamagotchi merchandise, not including video

black-and-white pixelated characters to colour screens and WiFi connectivity at a special 30th The Original Tamagotchi with a Tama Candy shell design. – PICS FROM BANDAI

recently bought Tamagotchis for Christmas for his two daughters, aged four and six. “They basically have a computer science degree in Tamagotchi at this point. I thought I would need to show them how to do it, but now they’re showing me,” the 41-year-old said. – AFP

“I really wanted one and I finally got one, so I cherished it and raised the character very carefully,” she recalled. And some parents say they want their children to experience the same. US screenwriter Justin Piasecki, on holiday in Japan, said he had

games, rose around sevenfold in five years from 2019, it said. Rafaela Miranda Freire, a 15-year-old Brazilian