FT minister’s aide denies claim he extorted money from nightclub owners

PETALING JAYA: An officer to the Federal Territories minister has denied an allegation that he extorted money from nightclub owners in Kuala Lumpur for the past year.

A Facebook post alleged that the special functions officer to minister Khalid Samad, Zulhazmi Shariff, and two others had extorted a total of RM2 million a month from owners of nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur. The Facebook post has since been deleted.

Speaking to FMT, Khalid Samad’s press secretary Zulkifli Sulong said Zulhazmi had made a police report on the matter at the Sungai Besi police station.

In the police report sighted by FMT, he said he was first made aware of the accusation through a video sent via instant messaging app WhatsApp, from his friend.

He said the video showed an NGO member, by the name of “Zahlan Hj Ridzuan”, accusing him of extorting money (“wang keselamatan”) from business owners and interrupting Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) operations.

The same video was uploaded on Facebook by a user named “Alan Ridzuan Radin”, it said.

He also said that he will be taking court action on the matter.

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Asian destinations that come alive after hours

With its towering skyscrapers and quaint historical buildings, Asia is a playground of scenic and glamorous sightseeing spots that light up after dusk falls and offer some of the best experiences in terms of night views and nightlife.

The horticulture destination is famous for its Supertree Grove (pictured). These “supertrees” are actually vertical gardens that house over 162,900 plant varieties, like bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical flowering climbers. At night, these trees are lit up in a wide array of lights, offering the guests an arresting display of vibrant colors.

A product of Japanese influences, Jiufen packs in history and culture in its maze of lanes and alleys. At night, take a trip down Jiufen’s colorful streets, which are home to eateries for affordable dining, markets for souvenir-shopping and museums for a peek into the history of the place.

This city has earned its reputation as one of Asia’s vivacious nightspots with its numerous adorned temples, illuminated towers, rooftop bars, hotels, clubs and dining spots.

The city line of this coastal metropolis boasts a number of skyscrapers, but the one that really stands out is Shanghai Tower — world’s second tallest and China’s tallest. As dusk falls, the city and its downtown area come alive in various hues and colors and dazzle onlookers.

A stroll down this historical street will reveal ancient structures and cultural establishments like teahouses, jewelry stores and restaurants, all of which are adorned with pretty lanterns and dazzling lights.

In this cosmopolitan city, the nights are all about the modern and the traditional colliding and mingling as there are both historic temples to experience and hidden markets and swanky dining options to explore.

As a city that never sleeps, Tokyo scores high on the list of must-visit nightlife destinations in Asia. While the city dazzles with its diverse and exhilarating display of lights in the dark, there are also fun options like nighttime cruise.

Known as the “Vegas of China” and the “Las Vegas of the East,” Macau is popular as a casino city. But beyond the bling of casinos, the region also has shopping centers, plenty of dining options and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those looking to experience Macau in all its nighttime glory may plan their visit around the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest (pictured) in which the night sky lights up with showers of spectacular lights.

Historical Japanese merchant quarters and Chinese temples thrive alongside modern hotels and bars in this city that sits on the banks of the Thu Bon River. For a unique experience, hop on to one of the boats dotting the riverbank to view the city soaking in night lights.

Mumbai is abuzz with activity at night just as much as it is during the day. From enjoying live music at numerous venues to taking a stroll along the city’s sea fronts, like Marine Drive and Worli Sea Link, travelers will find no dearth of options here.

(Pictured) Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railway station and UNESCO World Heritage site.

This megapolis of high-rises and unceasing traffic turns into a nocturnal hub once the night falls. While dancing all night at a hip and swanky pub or lounge is an option, guests may also choose a quiet corner — far from the madding crowd — and observe the bustling city.

The past and the present easily meld and modern buildings rub shoulders with traditional temples in this modern city. Once a seat of power of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is now a haven for everything ranging from shopping to dining.

(Pictured) Candle-lit, paper lanterns dot the sky during the annual Yee Peng Festival.

Though the city is globally known as the capital of South Korea, it is also a burgeoning travel destination with its mix of palaces, temples, mountain trails and parks. With its illuminated buildings and historical structures. Seoul ups its trendy quotient once the sun goes down.

An after-dark tour of this city will reveal layers of history, all soaked in the bright light of traditional lamps and patterned illumination, like Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao Temple (pictured).

The Southeast Asian city-state’s prime destination, Marina Bay has gone from being a silent city around a body of water to the epicenter of all that’s fun and luxurious. While the nightlife here is already thriving thanks to the hotels, eateries and shopping options, it’s the sight of Marina Bay across the sea at night that truly captures the essence of the city.

As the commercial and artistic hub of the country, Yangon is a traveler’s playground with restaurants, bars and shops as well as open-air markets and colonial architecture.

(Pictured) Shwedagon Pagoda, a gilded stupa, framed by numerous paper lanterns at night.

Roam the beautiful cobblestone streets and gaze at 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture to take in the old-world charm of Vigan once night falls.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mountain village settlement here is an area waiting to be explored. During snowfall, the villages transform into a winter wonderland and the sight of the houses — all brilliantly lit up in hues of yellow, orange and red — transport visitors a few centuries back.

Hong Kong boasts one of the most iconic skylines in the world. The sweeping panorama of the cityscapes as well as the view from across the water in Kowloon, over Victoria Harbour, make the island a preferred destination for Instagram-worthy shots.

Clarke Quay, one of the three quays in Singapore, comes alive as night falls. Crammed with eateries that provide visitors an opportunity to dine by the edge of the riverside, the quay also houses colonial shop-houses, pubs and clubs.

Dubai boasts some of world’s dazzling see-and-be-seen spots in Asia. An unforgettable night out in the emirate may include anything from dining to dancing. At night, peak out from the many high buildings, including world’s tallest Burj Khalifa, for a bird’s-eye view of Dubai.

Gardens and boulevards, eateries and shops, historical landmarks and hotel complexes all come together to make Colombo a must-visit destination. Night-lovers will want to visit Colombo during Vesak (pictured), a Buddhist festival in which the city is decorated with light displays called “thoranas.”

As Taiwan’s largest port and second-largest city, Kaohsiung enjoys the pride of place in terms of an urban landscape, waterside monuments and cultural venues. While the ambient lights itself are a major attraction once the sun goes down, the thriving city is also famous for its night markets.

(Pictured) Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

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