Moments and events that shaped Malaysia’s lifestyle trends in 2022

Before we bid farewell to 2022 and ring in the new year, what better way to sum up the year than with a recap of some moments that have impacted our lives, and shaped this year’s lifestyle trends. Let’s take a look!

FACE MASKS BECOME OPTIONAL

Following the transition from pandemic to endemic, the use of face masks was no longer compulsory in outdoor areas. However in September, the Healthy Ministry announced that the wearing of face masks in enclosed spaces became optional.

Despite this, we are still required to keep face masks on in public transportation such as buses, airplanes, in health care facilities or if one is experiencing symptoms.

NEW UPSCALE SHOPPING MALLS LAUNCHED

Throughout the year, several new upscale shopping malls opened their doors across Klang Valley. Lalaport Bukit Bintang, dubbed "Japan’s favourite shopping mall” which is operated by Mitsui Fudosan comprises of many Japanese stores and features a futuristic design. But that’s not the only interesting thing about the mall. Locals would know that Lalaport was actually built on a large site of the Old Pudu Prison.

Other shopping malls that have launched are Pavilion Bukit Jalil which is home to the recently launched Van Gogh Alive exhibition and various other attractions.

In addition, the IOI City Mall has opened its doors to its Phase 2 expansion where it offers many notable attractions.

SKYWORLD GENTING OPENS TO PUBLIC

After several delays and a number of setbacks, the long-awaited theme park opened its doors to the public early this year.

The fun-filled attraction features a range of thrilling rides and attractions for thrill seekers such as Full Throttle Racing, Mad Ramp Peak, Terraform Tower Challenge and more.

BRIDAL UNBOXING TREND

People do the craziest things on TikTok for likes. One of the most talked about trends that sparked a fiery debate among Internet users was brides getting "unboxed” by their husband on their first night of marriage.

The trend saw newlywed Muslim couples in Malaysia standing in front of the mirror in their wedding attire while the bride captured her husband removing accessories from her hijab one by one.

While the couples seem to think that this was a "romantic gesture”, many argued that the moment shared between the couple should remain private, behind closed doors.

LIVE CONCERTS RESUME POST-PANDEMIC

Many concerts and live events have come back in full swing much to the pleasure of concert goers as many performances were put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the biggest names that have come to Malaysia were Billie Eilish, Dewa19, Lany, Jackson Wang and more.

JUSTIN BIEBER CANCELS CONCERT IN MALAYSIA

Beliebers were all geared up for Justin Bieber’s concert in Malaysia which was supposed to be held in October, however the Canadian pop star broke the news that he decided to postpone the remainder of his Justice World Tour live.

Bieber announced the break from his tour to prioritise his health. Months before, he shared that he has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a rare condition that attacks facial nerves.

KLFW MODEL PAYOUT ISSUE

While the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week made its full return to the runway this year, it came with a side of controversy when the issue of backdated payments for modeling services, sparking a thread of conversations by the local modeling community.

Following that incident, model Alicia Amin even staged a solo protest at the KLFW venue itself, holding a sign that said: "All models this year to be paid within a day. Those still waiting for Andrew’s payments from previous years, come speak to me.”

Andrew, whose full name is Andrew Tan is the founder of KLFW and he has given his response to the issue through interviews with Sinar Daily.

MAT KILAU BECOMES THE HIGHEST GROSSING LOCAL FILM

Syamsul Yusof’s Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan has become Malaysia’s top-grossing film of all time.

Starring a range of familiar names such as Datuk Adi Putra, Fattah Amin and Johan As’ari, the film was also shown on Netflix.

ACTRESS ADIBAH NOOR DIES AT 52

Malaysian singer-actress Adibah Noor Mohamad Omar, better known as Adibah Noor passed away on June 18 after battling with ovarian cancer.

The news of her death came as a shock to the local entertainment industry as she kept her health private.

KUALA LUMPUR NAMED ONE OF THE BEST FOOD CITIES

In Lonely Planet’s annual "Best in Travel” list, its latest edition named Kuala Lumpur as one of the top food destinations in the world.

Malaysia’s capital city stands alongside other cities that have also earned the distinction are Fukuoko in Japan, Umbria in Italy, Lima in Peru and others.