27/03/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

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Beautifully lost in local lingo

PENANG’S DIRECT FLIGHT TO QINGDAO LAUNCHES MARCH 31 Penang is set to launch its first direct flight connecting Qingdao, China and the state on March 31. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that the new route, to be operated by Qingdao Airlines, represents a crucial development in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in tourism, trade and cultural exchanges. “With the introduction of this route, Qingdao will become the northernmost city in China currently connected to Penang via direct flights,” he said in a statement. – Bernama recently welcomed the inaugural direct flight by Juneyao Airlines connecting Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Operating with a modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, the new HO1563 links Wuxi with Kuala Lumpur via three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight departs Wuxi at 10.55pm and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 2:50am. This new scheduled route marks Juneyao Airlines’s continued expansion into Malaysia beyond its established Shanghai network. The service also improves accessibility for travellers connecting through Kuala Lumpur to other Malaysian destinations such as Tawau and Penang. As of February, China is linked to Malaysia through 30 cities, with major airports operating a total of 871 flights weekly. NEW CHONGQING KOTA KINABALU DIRECT ROUTE Tourism Malaysia recently welcomed the inaugural direct service by Chongqing Airlines connecting Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The new flight OQ2193 links Chongqing with Kota Kinabalu using the modern Airbus A320neo, carrying 195 passengers per trip. The service operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing China at 7pm with an estimated time of arrival in Malaysia at 11.15pm. This further enhances accessibility from China as one of Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets, while supporting sustained growth in visitor arrivals. The launch of this new airline service reflects the growing interest among Chinese carriers in exploring additional cities in China across Sabah, driven by rising demand for the state’s diverse offerings. The route further strengthens connectivity for travellers from western China, providing greater access to Sabah’s renowned landscapes, vibrant culture and signature Malaysian hospitality. In total, 10 cities in China are connected to Sabah through major entry points such as Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Tawau Airport that operates 112 flights weekly. FLYING FROM WUXI TO KUALA LUMPUR Tourism Malaysia

o Agak-agak , boleh , wayang : Malaysian slang enters Oxford dictionary

BR I E F S

I N Malaysia and Singapore, language is not just spoken. It is lived. Step into a bustling hawker centre or a neighbourhood cafe and conversations unfold in a lively mix of English, Malay and Chinese dialects. Now, some of these everyday expressions have found their way into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), marking a cultural moment for the region. Currently in its third edition, the OED is an ongoing digital revision updated quarterly rather than in print. Its March update introduces new Malaysian and Singaporean English words, such as jialat , wayang and boleh , adding to a growing database of more than 600,000 entries that reflect the evolution of the English language. Agak-agak : Art of instinctive cooking One of the most distinctly local additions is agak-agak . Used as a noun and a verb, it refers to estimating or guessing. In Malaysia, it is most often heard in the kitchen, where recipes are guided less by measurement and more by instinct. It is a style that shapes beloved dishes such as assam laksa , a tangy, spice-laden noodle soup from Penang, and ice kacang , a colourful dessert layered with syrups and toppings. For visitors, agak-agak captures a broader cultural approach. Things do not always need to be exact to be just right. Boleh : Small word, big meaning Few words are as versatile as boleh . It can mean “can”, “yes” or simply signal agreement. Whether you are ordering food, asking for help or confirming plans, boleh fits effortlessly into conversation. Its popularity was amplified by the phrase “Malaysia boleh”, which grew into a widely recognised expression of national spirit. Today, it remains a word travellers will hear almost everywhere.

A typical hawker scene, where travellers can pick up words such as boleh and agak-agak alongside their meals.

BTO: More than just housing In Singapore, BTO, short for Build to Order, refers to a public housing scheme managed by the Housing and Development Board. Over time, the term has taken on a deeper cultural meaning. Among couples, applying for a BTO flat is often seen as a major relationship milestone, signalling commitment and long-term plans. It is, in many ways, the opposite of doing things play play. Language shaped by culture The update also includes terms such as mat salleh , commonly used to refer to Western foreigners, alongside revised entries such as lah , sarong and tunku . Each word reflects the region’s layered identity, shaped by history, migration and everyday life. For travellers, picking up these expressions is not about mastering slang. It is about connecting with people in a more genuine way. Because in Malaysia and Singapore, language is more than communication – it is flavour, humour and a shared understanding of how life is lived and sometimes, all it takes is one word. Boleh . Full list: From street slang to dictionary status THE latest update also formalises a broader list of words that reflect how language is shaped by everyday life across Malaysia and Singapore. New words 1. assam laksa, n. 2. agak-agak, n. and v. 3.boleh, v. and int.

Wayang , play play: Reading between lines Some expressions reveal more about behaviour than language. Wayang , once used to describe traditional performances, now refers to actions that feel exaggerated or insincere. It is often used to call out something that seems a little too showy. Then there is play play , a phrase used to describe doing something without seriousness. It can refer to joking around or not fully committing to a task. For travellers, these phrases offer insight into tone and context, adding another layer to everyday interactions. Jialat , kaypoh : When things get messy Borrowed from Hokkien, jialat is used when situations turn difficult or troublesome. It can describe anything from minor inconvenience to a more serious problem, often delivered with a hint of humour. Kaypoh , on the other hand, refers to someone who is overly curious or prone to meddling in other people’s affairs. It is commonly used in a teasing, light-hearted way. Together, these words reflect the playful honesty often found in local conversations.

4. BTO, n. and v. 5. degazette, v. 6. ice kacang, n. 7. jialat, adj.

8. kaypoh, n., v. and adj. 9. mat salleh, n. and adj. 10. play play, v. 11. wayang, n. and adj. Revised entries 1. Bahasa, n. 2. ikat, n.

3. kavadi, n. 4. kongsi, n. 5. koyan, n. 6. lah, int.

7. langsuir, n. 8. sarong, n. 9. saronged, adj.

10. sedekah, n. 11. tetampan, n. 12. towkay, n. 13. tunku, n. 14. Yang di-Pertuan, n. 15. Yang di-Pertuan Agong, n.

Mat salleh is commonly used to refer to Western foreigners. – ALL PIC S FR OM 123RF