14/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 14, 2026

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Silat gayong training earns national skills accreditation KOTA BHARU: Institut Silat Seni Gayong (ISG) Malaysia has become the first institution in the country to be recognised by the Department of Skill Development (DSD) for its silat gayong based youth martial arts training programme. DSD director-general Dr Kamaruzaman Md Ali said the accreditation has been given to ISG’s learning centre and its industry partner, Amru Ventures to conduct the skill certification programme through the academy-in-industry (ADI) approach. “Under ADI about 20% to 30% of the training is conducted in the institution, while 70% to 80% is done in real industry enviroment. ISG will handle training in institution, while Amru Ventures will conduct the industry training component with the focus on martial arts, specifically silat gayong ,” he told reporters after the ADI accreditation handover ceremony at Kok Lanas here on Sunday. He said the accreditation would make silat gayong the first martial arts structured according to the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) under the DSD’s certification system. “There hasn’t been a training institute requesting for official certification for martial arts under the NOSS structure previously, even though the basic curriciulum exists in various disciplines such as silat, karate and taekwondo. “To ensure certification approval, four major aspects are assessed – training premises, teaching staff, structured curriculum, including assessments and training equipment.” The programme is expected to provide new career opportunities to trainees as coaches, teachers or professionals in the fitness and security industries. – Bernama RMN ships boosts Labuan’s tourism LABUAN: Labuan Corporation (LC) has welcomed the arrival of three Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) vessels at Labuan Port, describing the visit as a boost to the island’s tourism sector. Its CEO Rithuan Ismail said the presence of KD Kelantan, KD Rencong and KD Serang would enhance Labuan’s appeal while fostering closer engagement between the public and the nation’s maritime defence forces. “The arrival of these vessels adds vibrancy to Labuan, offering a unique attraction for residents and visitors, while strengthening its position as a maritime tourism destination,”he said. The visit, held in conjunction with the RMN’s 92nd anniversary, is expected to draw strong public interest. The public will be allowed onboard on April 18 and 19 from 8am to 6pm. Visitors will be transported via coach buses, with pick-up points at Dataran Labuan to ensure smooth movement to and from the port. Rithuan said such initiatives not only promote tourism but also generate economic benefits for local businesses, including transport operators, food vendors and small traders, in line with efforts to position Labuan as a vibrant duty-free island and maritime hub. The vessels are scheduled to dock at the Labuan Liberty Wharf from tomorrow until April 20. – Bernama

Trending six-second sleep therapy sparks alarm Shahir said there is no evidence that the six-second sleep therapy can address any of the conditions it claims to treat such as stress, hypertension or insomnia. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Therapy practitioner Noordin Mohd Azmi, who has five years of experience treating nerve related conditions, argued that “six-second sleep” is simply a popular label for a long established technique in traditional alternative medicine. He said different practitioners use different names for broadly similar methods aimed at stimulating the nervous system and improving blood flow. According to Noordin, clients frequently report feeling lighter, more energised and relieved of symptoms such as head heaviness, blurred vision and neck tension following treatment. He acknowledged, however, that results are subjective and vary between individuals. Critically, he also conceded that the procedure carries genuine risks when carried out by inexperienced hands and urged prospective clients to exercise caution. “If you are unsure or doubtful, don’t proceed.” Shahir was unequivocal in his advice: anyone considering the therapy should consult a qualified doctor first. He confirmed the practice is not recognised under Malaysia’s Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 nor does it form part of any accepted modern or traditional medical framework. Rather than pursuing unverified treatments, he recommended clinically supported approaches to improving sleep and managing stress, centred on good sleep hygiene – establishing consistent routines and environments that promote genuine, restorative rest. “If these measures fail, seek treatment from a medical specialist.”

He noted that the word “carotid” itself traces back to the ancient Greek term karoun , meaning to fall into deep sleep or to stupefy, a link observed by physicians as far back as antiquity. What practitioners are describing as therapeutic rest, he said, is medically nothing more than a fainting episode caused by interrupted circulation to the brain. “This is not healthy sleep. It is fainting. And that distinction is what makes this therapy extremely dangerous.” From a clinical standpoint, Shahir explained to Bernama that there is no evidence the therapy can address any of the conditions it claims to treat, including stress, hypertension or insomnia. On the contrary, he outlined a range of serious complications that can result from the procedure – sudden loss of consciousness, carotid artery injury, cardiac arrhythmia, cerebral hypoxia, seizures, stroke and death. Of particular concern are the baroreceptors in the carotid sinus, which regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular balance. Artificially disrupting blood pressure signals can trigger the heart to overcompensate, posing acute risks for individuals with undetected heart conditions. “This can lead to heart failure, irregular heartbeat and even death,“ he warned, adding that brain tissue can suffer irreversible damage after as little as four minutes without adequate oxygen supply. The neck also contains intricate nerve structures beyond the blood vessels, meaning the risks extend well beyond circulatory disruption alone. Not everyone is convinced by the warnings.

KUALA LUMPUR: A wellness trend making waves on social media has drawn serious warnings from the Health Ministry, with medical experts cautioning that what is being marketed as “six-second sleep therapy” poses life-threatening risks including stroke, permanent brain damage and death. The technique has gained traction among Malaysians seeking relief from everyday stress, fatigue and sleep difficulties, often promoted through viral content and celebrity endorsements. However, the enthusiasm surrounding the trend has alarmed health authorities and medical professionals who say the practice has no clinical basis whatsoever. Neurologist Dr Ahmad Shahir Mawardi from Kuala Lumpur Hospital explained that the procedure works by applying pressure to the carotid arteries – the major blood vessels on either side of the neck responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Compressing these vessels cuts off blood supply, inducing a state of cerebral hypoperfusion (inadequate circulation of blood to body tissues) that causes the individual to appear unconscious or experience seizure-like movements. When the pressure is released, blood flow resumes and consciousness returns. o Health Ministry warns of stroke, brain damage and death as experts debunk unsafe, unproven practice