MORE than a dozen Indonesian McDonald's outlets were temporarily shuttered Wednesday over virus fears as the chain's new BTS meal deal sparked frenzied buying from fans in the K-pop mad country.
Jakarta and several other cities slapped closure stickers on at least 13 outlets that were deluged with online food-delivery drivers picking up a meal set named after the hugely popular Korean boy band.
"We temporarily closed four of six McDonald's stores here in Semarang for a couple of days," said Fajar Purwoto, the city's public order agency head.
"I don't want Semarang to be in the Covid-19 red zone again".
Indonesia is one of the hardest-hit nations in Asia.
Jakarta authorities did not respond to requests for comment. But local media said five stores in the capital were shut over BTS-meal orders.
The meal set of chicken nuggets, fries and a drink, first made available in Indonesia Wednesday, has been on offer in dozens of countries since May.
BTS have become global superstars with millions of fans around the world since their debut in 2013.
ETX Studio
Thu Jun 10 2021

Food delivery riders queue up at a McDonald's outlet in Bogor on June 9, 2021, to buy the new BTS-meal deal for hungry fans in the K-Pop mad country. ETXStudiopic

'FOMO': Beware of marketing traps, time, and money loss
What exactly drives some individuals to go to such lengths just to own these products?

90 pct of Syria's population living in poverty after years of civil war: UN official
UNDP says, "13,000 people (have been) forcibly disappeared, and we don't know their fate yet.

China's hopes to be Ukraine peacemaker collide with its goals on Trump, trade
For the last three years, China has repeatedly signalled a willingness to act as a peacemaker in the war in Ukraine.

Fatty liver disease - A major driver of liver cancer risk in Malaysia
By the time symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss appear, the cancer may be in its advanced stage.

Trump tightens grip on independent agencies to test limits of presidential power
The order lets the White House shift budget and policies, usually kept at arms length from the president's daily oversight.

INSIGHT - In Russia, dozens of dissenters are held as psychiatric patients
Dozens of Russians face compulsory psychiatric treatment for their political views, say lawyers and human rights groups.

How does space travel affect astronaut health?
Here is an explanation of some of the effects on human health caused by space travel.

Can you distinguish between reality and deepfake?
Currently, Malaysia has no specific laws regulating deepfake technology.

Animated films seek to find a place in best picture Oscar race
Animated filmmakers now aim to be included to the best picture race after being shut out for several years.

Emotional trauma piles up for Ukraine's children three years after invasion
Teachers, psychologists and children are used to living in a state of chronic exhaustion without a clear end in sight, experts say.

Wedding content creation the big thing now for newlyleds
A wedding content creator's success does not rely solely in tech but in capturing emotions and bringing a couples love story to life.

Will Western companies return to Russia?
Easing restrictions could let some companies return to what was once a high-growth market under Trump's administration.

Chatbots pose challenge to guarding child mental health
Developers say AI companions can combat loneliness and improve users' social experiences in a safe space.

With blitz of policies, Trump goes beyond Project 2025's goals
Trump denies ties to Project 2025 but continues reshaping policies through executive power.

Almost half of chronic kidney patients in Malaysia lost their jobs - study
The study raises concerns about the future of chronic kidney patients, especially those who rely on long-term dialysis treatment.

Beware of scam tactics using AI
The drastic development of AI technology is being taken advantage of by scammers to reap huge profits by using various latest tactics.

Fired and rehired - the dizzying confusion of Trump's government overhaul
They have adopted a blunt force approach toward the wholesale firing of workers, often focusing on workers who are easier to fire.

Arab states scramble to counter Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plan
Arab states trying to devise an alternative plan have yet to tackle critical issues like who will foot the bill for Gaza's reconstruction.

Chinese universities launch DeepSeek courses to capitalise on AI boom
Universities across China have launched artificial intelligence courses this month based on Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.

Astronomers reveal 3D structure of an alien planet's atmosphere
Astronomers find three layers on a scorching gas planet orbiting a star larger and hotter than the sun.