@-kytz-:
May I recommend the Panasonic Lumix LX3?
It's very good for panaromic photos as it's got a wide angle of 24mm.
It's also got HD Video Recording (at 720p if not mistaken). I have seen the quality of it which is quite good but can never be compared with a HD Camcorder.

@-kytz-:
Sorry mate, I don't know about the pricing.

@PeeNut:
Cons of S90:
S90 doesn't have a hot-shoe mount for flash.
S90's lens (28mm) isn't as wide as LX3 lens (24mm).
However, S90's lens is more tele (105mm) but LX3 lens isn't so much tele (60mm).
LX3 is also said to have better build quality than S90 (Sorry Canon-ers...)

Cons of LX3:
LX3 isn't as compact as S90 because of it's protruding lens and lens cap...

Btw, I'm on no side (neutral). I am however, a Canon DSLR user...

@Hexism:
The price that you're quoted for the Canon EF-S 55-250 IS at RM950 is way overpriced!
I got quoted for RM800 and it was a walk-in-price at Key Color, The Garden (no bargaining).
Yes, I'd recommend the 55-250 (that's what I'm currently using). It's got "IS" which is very important in telephoto lenses.
Scrap the idea about 1:2 Macro. A real macro lens is when it's 1:1

@wzseow:
Read the above posts, I did a comparison...

@PeeNut:
No problem mate, glad to help.

@pychan:
Get the Nikon D90.
It's got better specs and is in a different range when compared to the 500D (which I'm currently using).
The D90 is a semi-pro body. However, the 500D is an entry-level body. Don't buy the 500D just because of HD Video Recording.
When you're recording at Full HD 1080p, the frame rate of 20 FPS is poor. You'd require at least 30 FPS...
Just my 2 cents, I'm not sure about Sony though.

@yanhui95:
You must first ask yourself. Do you want Full HD Video Recording (1080p)?
If you do, don't forget that it's a measly 20 FPS (30 FPS would be a much better rate).
Both of them have about the same specs so it's up to you (end-user) to actually go to the shop and feel the camera. Some people may prefer the design of the Canon (compact and lightweight) while others may prefer more weight to their DSLR (hence the D5000).

That's what I meant. Who would wanna record at Full HD 1080p when it's only a measly 20 FPS!? I too admit that I am forced to record at HD 720p for a "smoother" view.

@yanhui95:
No problem mate, glad to help.
Just to tell you that I didn't buy a DSLR for video recording.
If I want video recording, I've got my trusty HD Camcorder (Sony).
Not to mention that I rarely use the Live View cause it drain battery...
Also, I don't worry about battery juice cause I've got BG-E5 (Battery-grip) with 2X Lithium-Ion batteries providing juice for the camera.

@samwjy:
I would recommend the Canon EOS 1000D.
It's an excellent body and paired with a good lens, it can take excellent pictures.

@Str33tBoY:
Don't forget the LCD Screen Protector (3") and the memory card.
Please don't fall into traps in which they lure you to purchase unnecessary accessories like wind-angle/tele converters (for a rip off).

@fahrenheitcore:
May I recommend the Nikon D3000.
It's got "Guide Mode" which is very useful for newbies.
However, you might wanna try both DSLRs first. I prefer the Canon EOS 1000D cause when I tried my friend's D3000, the options (ISO) is quite hard to be accessed (or maybe I'm noob at Nikon GUI and did it the long way) .

@narien:
Definitely got for the 450D if you don't need 500D's screwed up HD Video Recording at a slow 20 FPS!
At least, 30 FPS would be better at Full HD 1080p. However, 30 FPS is available at 720p. (But recording at 1080p is still much better ).
The money you save should be used for a flash (Nissin Di622?) first cause it's more versatile.

@tomatoesleg:
Sorry to disappoint you but it's impossible to get a D90 for RM2k.
May I recommend the Nikon D3000?

@takumitan89:
RM3150 (when it was just released) at Photo Shangri-La, Mid Valley/
Including:
1. 500D Kit Lens (18-55 IS).
2. 3" LCD Screen Protector.
3. 8 GB SDHC Card (Transcend).
4. OEM DSLR Bag (No brand).

@TheWandererX:
I can't really agree with you that I'll go for the Canon 500D Kit Lens 2 (18-200 IS). It's around RM4k if not mistaken.
I'd recommend the Canon 500D Kit Lens 1 (18-55 IS) at RM3k + Canon EF-S 55-250 IS at RM800 = RM3.8k. Hence, you save RM200 rather than buying the Kit Lens 2 (18-200 IS). However, you'll be carrying 2x lenses (18-55 IS + 55-250 IS) but you get more range (by 50mm). The RM200 you saved can get you Hoya UV Filters, just my 2 cents.