SPOOK

Malaysia vs. Indonesia: Same Difference?

People constantly mistake Malaysia and Indonesia for being the same country. It makes sense on paper—they share borders, history, incredible food, and languages that are basically twins.

But make no mistake: they are two entirely different worlds.

• The History: Malaysia was run by the British; Indonesia by the Dutch.

• The Scale: Indonesia is an archipelago giant (277M people); Malaysia is a compact peninsular and Borneo hub (34M people).

• The Vibe: Malaysia is defined by its distinct Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. Indonesia is a massive blend of hundreds of island cultures.

Why is everyone talking about them right now?

Because of the ultimate sibling behavior: online drama.

After Indonesia won the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a corporate grooming brand posted a cheeky "we are on a different level" meme targeting Malaysia and Thailand. Malaysian netizens immediately launched a viral #BoikotKahf movement, refusing to buy their products. Indonesian keyboard warriors fired back, and the comment sections turned into absolute chaos.

They aren't the same country, but watching them bicker online proves one thing—nobody trolls you quite like family!

TESSA YUSOFF

12 October 2026   

Black Cat 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the neighbourhood, a sleek black figure emerged from the darkness. He was a mysterious cat, with eyes that gleamed like embers in the night. Every evening, without fail, he'd appear at your doorstep, his presence announced by a faint meowing that sent shivers down the spine.

He was a stalker, hiding under the car, watching and waiting for your return. The moment you stepped out of the vehicle, he'd dart from the shadows, tail twitching, and make a beeline for you. His urgency was palpable, as if he was the one who'd been away all day, and you were the long-loved owner returning home.

As you approached the house, he'd quicken his pace, his eyes fixed on yours, unblinking. You'd try to shoo him away, but he'd stand his ground, meowing insistently, demanding food. And you'd cave, handing over a treat or two, wondering what drove this nocturnal creature to seek you out every day.

One evening, as you handed him a snack, he purred, a low rumble that sent a shiver down your spine. For a moment, you felt like he was not just a stray cat, but a spirit, bound to you by some unseen force. And when he finished eating, he'd turn and vanish into the night, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease, and a nagging feeling that you'd just fed something much more sinister than a hungry cat.

TESSA YUSOFF

9 Feb 2026   

NO 13

House No. 13, shrouded in shadows, tenants weird & bold. Whispers spread of midnight chants & glowing windows. Owners Raja & Lina dread the monthly rent visits. "They're hiding something!" Lina whispers. One night, Raja decides to sneak in.

Raja crept through overgrown bushes, phone's flashlight flickering. He peeked through a grimy window, inside, tenants huddled around a table, masked faces UP. A whisper echoed: "The thirteenth house., ours now." Raja stumbled back, tripped on a root. As he scrambled up the front door creaked. 

Raja bolted, heart racing like crazy. He burst into the night, House No. 13's door swung shut with a creepy squeak. Next day, Raja & Lina served eviction notices. Tenants didn't flinch. "You'll regret this," one whispered, mask slipping.

Midnight. Raja & Lina arrived with locksmiths. Tenants vanished. Inside, walls whispered "too late". Lina found a photo: Raja & Lina's faces masked, captioned "Welcome to 13". Door slammed shut. They ran.

Raja & Lina fled to a police station. Panting, they told the story. Officer nodded, "Same report, every 13th of the month/ "House No. 13? Doesn't exist." Map showed a blank space. 

The officers exchanged a creepy grin. "Welcome to House No. 13, Raja & Lina." The station vanished. They were back at the house. Tenants in masks cheered. Raja & Lina screamed. Fade to black.

TESSA YUSOFF
14 JAN 2026