KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians’ search trends revealled a focus on critical issues, with government financial aid standing out as the most searched topic, according to Google.
The internet giant said that in a year marked by significant changes, including a new government, impending royal transitions, and the ongoing pandemic, Malaysians also turned to online searches to make sense of the world around them.
In terms of news, Malaysians demonstrated a pronounced interest in financial aid, with ‘Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR),’ (Rahmah Cash Aid) the government’s cash assistance for low and middle-income groups, leading the trending news searches, Google said in a statement today.
It said ‘eBelia Rahmah,’ an e-cash credit of RM200 for youth and full-time students, secured the sixth spot.
While global events such as the ‘War in Israel and Gaza’ and the ‘Turkey Earthquake’ captured attention, local concerns took precedence, including state election results and the closure of ‘MYAirline’ in October.
Entertainment, celebrities, and sports
Entertainment, a significant aspect of Malaysian culture, featured prominently in search trends.
‘Oppenheimer,’ a movie detailing the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, claimed the top spot in the ‘Movies’ category, followed by ‘Barbie’ and the Bollywood action thriller ‘Jawan.’ For ‘TV Series,’ the Chinese drama ‘Till the End of the Moon’ emerged as the top choice.
Local drama ‘Perempuan Itu’ and Hong Kong police action drama ‘The Invisibles’ secured second and third places, respectively.
Malaysians continued to exhibit their passion for sports, with badminton taking center stage as men’s double pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik clinched their first-ever World Tour title in the ‘Denmark Open 2023.’ In football, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) made history by winning the ‘Liga Super Malaysia 2023’ for the tenth consecutive time.
Curiosity about celebrities remained high, with searches revolving around the marital conflict involving actress Puteri Sarah film director Syamsul Yusof and his second wife Ira Kazar.
Singaporean stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia, Malaysia’s first Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and veteran actress Angeline Tan and actor Sabri Yunus also garnered attention.
Remembering those we lost
While celebrating the present, Malaysians also paid homage to those who passed away. Coco Lee emerged as the top trending search for ‘Losses,’ with heartfelt condolences pouring in for the Hong Kong-American singer.
Other losses mourned included former Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, actor Ridzuan Hashim, singer Rohana Jalil and news anchor Raymond Goh. – December 11, 2023