English 1119/2 SPM — Johor 2025

Malaysia is renowned for its diverse and flavourful cuisine, and one of the most famous local dishes in my area is nasi lemak. This iconic dish, consisting of fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices and a hard-boiled egg, is enjoyed by Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds.

People love nasi lemak because of its rich and aromatic flavours that perfectly balance spicy, savoury and creamy tastes. Moreover, it is affordable and widely available, from roadside stalls to upscale restaurants. The dish also holds a special place in Malaysian culture as it brings families and communities together during breakfast and festive occasions.

Young people should continue to eat and promote local food because it helps preserve our cultural heritage and supports local businesses. By sharing our culinary traditions on social media and with international friends, we can boost food tourism and ensure that future generations appreciate the uniqueness of Malaysian cuisine.

A Celebration of Culture: Review of the Pesta Kaamatan 2025

Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Pesta Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This annual celebration, held every May, is the most significant cultural event for the Kadazandusun community, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.

What I enjoyed most was the traditional Sumazau dance performance, where dancers moved gracefully in colourful costumes to the rhythmic beats of gongs. The atmosphere was electric as hundreds of spectators clapped and cheered along. Additionally, the food stalls offered an amazing variety of traditional Sabahan delicacies, including hinava (raw fish salad) and bambangan (wild mango pickle), which were absolutely delicious.

I would highly recommend this festival to my friends because it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of East Malaysia. Not only does it showcase beautiful traditional arts and customs, but it also promotes unity and appreciation among Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups. The festival proves that our cultural diversity is something to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

That phone call made Aliana keep thinking about the debt. Her father had just informed her that he had lost his job at the factory, and the family still owed three months of rent. Sitting on her bed, she felt a heavy weight pressing on her chest as tears silently rolled down her cheeks.

The following weeks were incredibly challenging. Her mother took on extra shifts as a cleaner, while Aliana herself began tutoring her younger neighbours after school to earn a small income. She also started selling homemade kuih at the morning market every weekend, waking up at four o'clock to prepare the delicacies with her grandmother's recipes.

Despite the exhaustion, Aliana refused to give up. She maintained her excellent grades at school and even won a scholarship from a local foundation that covered her school fees. Slowly but surely, the family managed to pay off their debts.

Looking back, Aliana realised that the ordeal had taught her the most valuable lesson of all: resilience. She understood that difficulties are not permanent, and with determination, hard work and the support of loved ones, any obstacle can be overcome. That phone call, which once filled her with despair, had ultimately transformed her into a stronger and more compassionate person.