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1,372,917 | Seatrium under probe over potential offences relating to Brazil corruption case | SINGAPORE: Authorities are conducting a joint investigation into offences potentially committed by Seatrium, formerly Sembcorp Marine, relating to a massive and long-running corruption case in Brazil, dubbed Operation Car Wash.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Singapore police’s Commercial Affairs Department have requested further information from the company for the purpose of the investigations, Seatrium said in a filing with the Singapore Exchange on June 15.
The offences were potentially committed by the company and/or its officers when it was Sembcorp Marine, before its renaming in 2023 after the merger with Keppel Offshore & Marine.
They fall under the Securities and Futures Act 2001, the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, and all previous versions of those laws.
Seatrium said it continues to provide its full cooperation to the Singapore authorities.
The company will continue to monitor the situation and make appropriate announcements in the event of any material developments.
In the meantime, shareholders and potential investors were advised to exercise caution when dealing in its shares.
Seatrium shares closed down 1.77% at S$1.67 on June 14.
The company announced in March that Singapore’s Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) was agreeable to entering a deferred prosecution agreement with Seatrium following the alleged corruption offences in Brazil.
Seatrium was given a US$110mil fine in connection with the alleged corruption offences in Brazil dating back some 15 years.
But of this, the AGC is agreeable to crediting up to US$53mil of the payments to the Brazilian authorities against the penalty.
As such, Seatrium would only have to pay the remaining US$57mil or S$76.5mil.
In a subsequent response to queries from the Singapore Exchange on April 1, Seatrium said the agreement is not definitive yet and is subject to AGC’s agreement and the approval of Singapore’s High Court.
Additionally, two former executives of the group were charged with corruption offences on March 28 for allegedly paying bribes of more than S$20mil to further the company’s business interests in Brazil.
The offshore and marine energy engineering company in February posted a S$1.68bil net loss for the second half of its 2023 financial year, a more than tenfold increase from the S$118.3mil loss for financial year 2022. — The Straits Times/ANN | Business | Business | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Seatrium,Sembcorp Marine,corruption,Monetary Authority of Singapore | SINGAPORE: Authorities are conducting a joint investigation into offences potentially committed by Seatrium, formerly Sembcorp Marine, relating to a massive and long-running corruption case in Brazil, dubbed Operation Car Wash. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/seatrium-under-probe-over-potential-offences-relating-to-brazil-corruption-case | |
1,372,918 | ICT exports jump over 30% on robust demand | SEOUL: South Korea’s exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products soared more than 30% for the second consecutive month in May on robust global demand, according to data.
Outbound shipments of ICT products came to US$19bil last month, up 31.8% from US$14.45bil a year earlier, logging the seventh straight month of increase, according to data compiled by the Science and ICT Ministry.The country’s ICT imports increased 2.4% on-year to US$11.48bil, resulting in a trade surplus of US$7.57bil in the sector.
By item, chip exports surged 52.4% on-year to US$11.39bil last month on higher global chip demand stemming from the growth of the artificial intelligence market and the recovery of the information technology device market.
It was the seventh straight month the chip export tally posted a double-digit increase.
In detail, exports of memory chips shot up 101% on-year to US$6.86bil as the average price of eight-gigabit dynamic random access memory continued to increase to hit US$2.1 in May, thanks to the brisk demand for high-value products like high-bandwidth memory chips.
Overseas sales of displays climbed 15.3% to US$1.85bil, posting a double-digit increase for the fourth straight month, on higher demand for televisions and personal computers.
Exports of mobile phones gained 10.8% on-year to US$1.02bil, and outbound shipments of computers and peripherals advanced 42.5% to US$1.18bil, but exports of communications equipment dropped 10.7% to US$180mil.
Combined shipments to China and Hong Kong jumped 35.3% on-year to US$8.13bil last month, logging a gain for the seventh consecutive month, mainly thanks to an increase in chip and display exports.
Exports to Vietnam rose 30.6% to US$3.07bil, growing for the 10th straight month, on higher demand for semiconductors and displays.
Exports to the United States expanded 20.7% to US$2.14bil, with stronger demand for chips for servers and data centres, as well as computers, and exports to the European Union grew 21.3% to US$1.09bil on chips and computers. — The Korea Herald/ANN | Business | Technology | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Technology,South Korea,ICT,memory chips | SEOUL: South Korea’s exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products soared more than 30% for the second consecutive month in May on robust global demand, according to data. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/ict-exports-jump-over-30-on-robust-demand | |
1,372,902 | Nigerian inflation rises to 28-year high in May | ABUJA: Nigeria’s annual inflation rose to a new 28-year high of 33.95% in May, official data show, worsening hardships that have fuelled public anger against president Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
It was the 18th straight month that inflation has risen, up from 33.69% a month earlier.
Price pressures have been spurred by Tinubu’s reforms.
The reforms chiefly slashed petrol and electricity subsidies and devalued the naira currency twice within a year.
Labour unions, which suspended a strike called to demand a new minimum wage, have argued that the reforms hurt the poor and have left millions grappling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.
Data published by the National Bureau of Statistics showed food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to be the biggest contributor to inflation in May.
Food inflation, which accounts for the bulk of Nigeria’s inflation basket, rose to 40.66% from 40.53% the previous month.
High food prices and a weaker naira are the main drivers of inflation in Nigeria, analysts said.
The central bank raised interest rates in May for the third time this year in response to the continued rise in inflation.
Governor Olayemi Cardoso has indicated that rates will stay high for as long as necessary to bring inflation down.
Cardoso is a former Citigroup executive who became central bank chief last September. — Reuters | Business | Economy | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Economy,Nigeria,inflation | ABUJA: Nigeria’s annual inflation rose to a new 28-year high of 33.95% in May, official data show, worsening hardships that have fuelled public anger against president Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/nigerian-inflation-rises-to-28-year-high-in-may | |
1,372,905 | Asia spot LNG prices hit six-month high | SINGAPORE: Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices rose to a six-month high this week on the back of cooling demand in India, higher forecast temperatures in north-east Asia and suspended production at an Australian gas facility.
The average LNG price for July delivery into north-east Asia was at US$12.60 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), its highest level since Dec 15, industry sources estimated.
The August delivery price was estimated at US$12.70 per mmBtu.
“The strength of demand in Asia has provided some support to prices and differentials,” said Lucas Schmitt, research director on short-term LNG at Wood Mackenzie.
“The level of tendering activity has remained high due to a combination of fundamental drivers across countries, including strong economic activity, hot weather, challenging upstream production and restocking demand.
“We expect Asian summer LNG demand to increase year-on-year, but at a softer rate than in the last few months.
“Inventories for key north-east Asian markets seem broadly balanced,” Schmitt added.
Spot demand from India remains strong as a heatwave persists, said a trader.
Monsoon rains, however, have brought some cooling and hesitancy amid high spot prices, said Rystad Energy analyst Lu Ming Pang, which “may result in a possibility of lower spot activity in India.”
Pang added that north-east Asian buying had mainly been for trade optimisation, despite the meteorological agencies of Japan and South Korea forecasting a 50% probability of above-normal temperatures in June and July.
“Despite the impending warm weather forecasts, there is still a lack of significant market activity, which may suggest sufficient supplies for the summer season ahead.
“At current prices, it is likely that north-east Asian players will bide their time to evaluate developments in summer requirements.”
On the supply side, Chevron has suspended production at its Wheatstone gas facility in Australia to repair the platform’s fuel gas system. It has commenced repair work, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The production suspension supported Europe gas prices this week.
S&P Global Commodity Insights assessed its daily north-west Europe LNG Marker price benchmark for cargoes delivered in July on an ex-ship basis at US$11.151 per mmBtu on June 13, a US$0.07 per mmBtu discount to the July gas price at the Dutch TTF hub.
Argus assessed the July delivery price at US$11.10 per mmBtu, while Spark Commodities assessed it at US$11.122 per mmBtu.
But low European demand for gas has kept storage levels at record highs this year, with Wood Mackenzie forecasting storage will be full by end-September and remain so until end-October, with an additional four million tonnes per annum (tpa) of floating storage also accumulated.
“Limitations on European injection demand this summer and weak downstream consumption continue to weigh on the region’s LNG receipts,” said Samuel Good, head of LNG pricing at commodity pricing agency Argus.
“An open inter-basin arbitrage for Atlantic loadings is continuing to draw LNG away from Europe and to Asia instead, where demand has remained strong even as Asian spot delivered prices have risen well into the double digits.”
Meanwhile, LNG freight rates experienced sharp increases this week, said Spark Commodities analyst Qasim Afghan, with the Atlantic spot rate rising to US$64,250 per day last Friday, and the Pacific rate gaining to US$48,000 per day. — Reuters | Business | Energy | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Energy,Asian,liquefied natural gas,LNG | SINGAPORE: Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices rose to a six-month high this week on the back of cooling demand in India, higher forecast temperatures in north-east Asia and suspended production at an Australian gas facility. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/asia-spot-lng-prices-hit-six-month-high | |
1,372,904 | Peru economy expands 5.28% in the first quarter | LIMA: Peru’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter expanded 5.28% in April from a year earlier, according to the government’s INEI statistics agency the highest rate in 32 months.
The figure reversed the contraction logged in the prior month and was well above the 1.4% growth predicted by analysts polled by Reuters, also coming above government expectations of a 4% increase.
April’s expansion was supported mainly by a year-on-year increase of nearly 24% in agriculture and livestock production, and an expansion of 11.4% in the manufacturing sector, official data showed.
On the other hand, the key mining and hydrocarbons sector decreased by 4.34%, following more than a year of uninterrupted growth, due to a contraction of 4.5% in metallic mining activity.
The growth rate increase, highest since September 2021, comes as Peru’s government boosted its public spending by 29% between January and May, the economy ministry said in a press statement explaining the GDP data.
Economic activity is expected to remain dynamic in May, mainly driven by fishing and primary manufacturing given the extraordinary anchovy capture in the north-central zone, according to the document.
Last Friday, Economy Minister Jose Arista said Peru’s economy grew 4% in April and possibly in May as well, as the Andean economy seeks to emerge from a recession begun last year. — Reuters | Business | Economy | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Economy,Peru,gross domestic product,GDP | LIMA: Peru’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter expanded 5.28% in April from a year earlier, according to the government’s INEI statistics agency the highest rate in 32 months. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/peru-economy-expands-528-in-the-first-quarter | |
1,372,901 | Bidenomics leaves behind an industrial heartland | NEW YORK: President Joe Biden’s trio of legislative packages designed to revive US manufacturing prowess is already helping regions from upstate New York to West Virginia. To the frustration of its local development agency, one that’s getting left behind is a cradle of the American industrial revolution: the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts.
Powered by the Connecticut River, the region was once peppered with mills, as in much of New England. Its largest city, Springfield, gave its name to one of the most famous of 19th century long guns and was birthplace in the early 1900s of the iconic Indian motorcycle company.
Nearby Holyoke was once the paper capital of the world, pulling in migrants from places including Puerto Rico as of the 1960s.
That era of go-go growth is long gone. Today, a quarter of the region’s residents live in poverty, more than double the national average of 11%. And median incomes are about half that of the state’s capital, Boston.
The Pioneer Valley is hardly alone in suffering economic decay over the past several decades, nor is it the worst off. But it stands out when compared with other areas that are enjoying success in pulling in major federal funding that’s in turn generating narratives of economic renewal.
“Just look at how quickly they got some of the best scientists in the world in Albany,” said Ben Forman, research director at MassINC, a nonpartisan research group that provides analysis on Massachusetts economic policy.
Massachusetts, which has no statewide Republican official, has garnered about seven projects since Biden took office – collectively worth US$1.7bil, White House data show.
Many are near Boston. The state was hoping to tap a portion of the Chips Act, signed by Biden in 2022, for a quantum computing research initiative in the Springfield area. State funding helped to kick-start the effort two years ago.
But Springfield lost out to around 30 other localities picked for the first round of the US Commerce Department’s selection process for tech hubs. Yvonne Hao, Massachusetts secretary for economic development, bemoans how other states have won lucrative investments stemming from laws including the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden’s signature climate law.
To make the area more enticing for investment, she said her state is seeking to expedite permitting processes – cutting red tape – and channelling funds for shovel-ready sites in the way states including New York have done.
Hao also touts a US$3.5bil bill proposed by Democrat Governor Maura Healey that seeks to boost industries including life sciences, artificial intelligence and climate tech. The state legislature has until the end of July to act on it, she said.
One priority is ensuring that companies based in the state opt to stay in the state, Hao said. She reminded executives of companies focused on green projects in recent months that some of the areas that are garnering investment are in states politically dominated by those who don’t believe in the science behind climate change.
“I want them to be on team Massachusetts,” she said.
The Pioneer Valley, where the nation’s first gas-powered car was made, has looked on as Republican-led states have, one after another, held groundbreaking ceremonies for factories that turn out electric vehicles and solar panels.
Hundreds of billions of dollars of private investments in manufacturing plants have made their way to mostly southern states where land, labour and power are cheaper. — Bloomberg | Business | Economy | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Economy,Bidenomics,Joe Biden,manufacturing,Massachusetts | NEW YORK: President Joe Biden’s trio of legislative packages designed to revive US manufacturing prowess is already helping regions from upstate New York to West Virginia. To the frustration of its local development agency, one that’s getting left behind is a cradle of the American industrial revolution: the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/bidenomics-leaves-behind-an-industrial-heartland | |
1,372,900 | Crypto startup funding overcomes blow-ups to hit US$100bil | NEW YORK: Crypto startups have drawn in roughly US$100bil of venture funding since the industry’s inception, after a recent pick-up in investment that coincided with a rally in bitcoin and other major tokens.
Data collected by DeFiLlama suggest the crypto sector’s fundraising haul stands at US$101bil since 2014, while The Block Research has tallied more than US$95bil of cumulative investment starting from 2017.
Fundraising in the form of venture capital (VC) deals and token sales has been a major propellant of the crypto industry’s growth, but the billions of dollars poured into startups have produced decidedly mixed results for investors.
Traditional exits in the form of landmark acquisitions and public listings have “definitely taken longer than I think you normally expect from traditional VC,” said Paul Veradittakit, managing partner at Pantera Capital, the US$4.7bil crypto investment firm.
Coinbase Global Inc’s US$86bil direct listing on the Nasdaq in 2021 during the last crypto bull market is a notable exception, he added, but exits in general have been scarce, largely limited to a smattering of trade sales.
Investors have also been scarred by outlandish blow-ups at once-vaunted crypto startups like Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX and crypto lender BlockFi.
The likes of Tiger Global Management LLC and Temasek Holdings Pte have largely retreated from the sector since. Tiger Global notched just four crypto deals since the start of 2023, after an earlier flurry that saw the firm back dozens of startups, according to The Block Research data.
Temasek said last year it had no plans to invest in crypto exchanges after writing down a US$275mil stake in FTX to zero. Temasek declined to comment further while Tiger Global didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
Fundraising by crypto startups dropped off sharply after the excesses of 2021 and 2022, in line with a broader decline in venture investment across fintech, which peaked at over US$110bil globally in 2021 alone.
Helping to offset the challenges are tokens issued by startups, which venture capitalists often purchase as part of early-stage funding pacts. Typically listed on crypto exchanges, the tokens are another proxy for the value of projects.
Institutional backers that lost money on crypto bets did so because they arrived too late or were “lured into” investing in equity, according to Ray Hindi, chief executive officer of L1 Digital. “That was the wrong investment,” he said.
Tokens are a different story. While subject to certain lock-ups, sales of these volatile digital-assets are often possible relatively swiftly and can generate short-term returns. Many large crypto venture outfits, such as Polychain Capital, have in-house funds to help manage the tokens amassed through investments.
Kinjal Shah, general partner at Blockchain Capital, is among those taking a more old-school approach.
“The way that we really position investing is still oriented around a venture style return,” she said. “So still fund lifecycles of five to 10 years and really orienting around what can be accomplished in a decade.”
For some, liquid tokens can cut the return cycle for venture investors down from five to 10 years to as little as two, according to Richard Galvin, co-founder of Digital Asset Capital Management.
The Block Research data show that Coinbase Ventures tops the charts with 443 investments or roughly 4% of all deals since 2017. Animoca Brands Corp and Outlier Ventures Ltd are in second and third spots, respectively.
Crypto venture investment rose to US$2.5bil in the first quarter of this year, up from a recent low of US$1.9bil in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to PitchBook data. With that uptick came the return of eye-catching billion-dollar valuations for startups like Farcaster, Berachain and Hidden Road Partners.
Those investments came alongside a wider crypto rally, including a record of US$73,798 for bitcoin in March. The climb has stalled but some analysts expect fresh momentum and a wave of crypto-related initial public offerings.
As many as 15 crypto firms could go public, Matthew Kennedy, senior market strategist Renaissance Capital, said in a recent interview.
In the bitcoin mining sector, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has picked up, with Core Scientific Inc and Bitfarms Ltd fielding takeover bids.
M&A and listing activity will accelerate in the digital-asset industry as the sector matures, said Hoolie Tejwani, director of corporate development and ventures at Coinbase.
“This activity has been held back by the lack of regulatory clarity, which we are fighting for in courts and in Congress,” Tejwani said.
L1 Digital’s Hindi remains circumspect, unconvinced that a trickle of deals will turn into a flood. “We’re talking about a few data points,” he said. “We’re not talking about a wave of M&A and there’s no reason to think that.” — Bloomberg | Business | Cryptocurrency | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Cryptocurrency,Crypto,bitcoin,DeFiLlama,M&A,Coinbase | NEW YORK: Crypto startups have drawn in roughly US$100bil of venture funding since the industry’s inception, after a recent pick-up in investment that coincided with a rally in bitcoin and other major tokens. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/crypto-startup-funding-overcomes-blow-ups-to-hit-us100bil | |
1,372,919 | Steps to cap excess volatility when won trades longer | SEOUL: South Korea has pledged to intervene to curb any volatility in the won as the nation extends trading hours for the currency starting next month.
Foreign-exchange authorities will take timely market-stabilising measures in case of excessive swings, the finance ministry said in a statement.
Close monitoring of market trends would also be put into place during the extended hours, it said.
South Korea’s onshore currency will trade until 2am Seoul time from July 1 as the nation bolsters efforts to improve access for foreign investors in a push to get its stocks and bonds included on global indices.
The local currency market is currently open from 9am until 3:30pm.
The government also laid out plans to boost foreign exchange (forex) trading volume during the extended hours.
It will put more weight on the forex trading performance of banks for next year’s selection of forex leading banks.
Forex leading banks are those designated to help bolster trading of the won in return for certain incentives.
It will also enable local banks operating night desks to trade dollar-won non-deliverable forwards electronically for longer hours. In addition, the government will establish a regular communication channel with foreign banks trading the local won.The country has been wary of opening up its currency market after two financial crises in 1997 and 2007 triggered capital outflows, but the stance has been loosening as its market matures and it tries to court global investors.
It will continue to mull the need and timing of additional market opening up measures, including extending won trading window to 24 hours, the ministry said. —Bloomberg | Business | Forex | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Forex,South Korea,forex,won,currency | SEOUL: South Korea has pledged to intervene to curb any volatility in the won as the nation extends trading hours for the currency starting next month. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/17/steps-to-cap-excess-volatility-when-won-trades-longer | |
1,372,292 | Waz Lian founder Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan passes away at 72 | KUALA LUMPUR: Waz Lian Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan has passed away today at the age of 72.
According to company officials, Ta, who celebrated his birthday just last month, passed away in his sleep.
Waz Lian Group commenced operations in 1987 with club management before venturing into hotel and resort management and then property development.
Ta is also the founder of Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd, which plans to launch projects valued at RM3.5bil in 2024 and 2025.
According to filings with Bursa Malaysia, Ta has a direct 12.38% stake in Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd as at April 16.
Ta also holds positions in several associations, societies and/or organisations locally and/or overseas such as the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), The Community Chest and The Socio Economic Research Centre (SERC). | Business | Business | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-15 00:00:00 | Waz Lian,Ta Kin Yan | KUALA LUMPUR: Waz Lian Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan has passed away today at the age of 72. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/15/waz-lian-founder-tan-sri-ta-kin-yan-passes-away-at-72 | |
1,372,018 | Wall St Week Ahead: High rates pressure US retail stocks | NEW YORK; Elevated US interest rates are pressuring the US retail sector, where shares of many companies have been dented by months of tight monetary policy while a select few have soared.
The S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Distribution & Retail index is up nearly 14% this year, roughly keeping pace with the S&P 500’s year-to-date gain. Much of the sector’s strength, however, has been concentrated in a small group of stocks, including heavyweight Amazon.com, which is up nearly 21% this year. | Business | Markets | Metered | Short | null | 2024-06-15 00:00:00 | Markets,RetailStocks,InterestRates,ConsumerSpending,DiscountRetail,FedPolicy,RetailSales,ValueInvesting,OnlineShopping | Elevated US interest rates are pressuring the US retail sector, where shares of many companies have been dented by months of tight monetary policy while a select few have soared. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/2024/06/15/wall-st-week-ahead-high-rates-pressure-us-retail-stocks | |
1,371,857 | Delay in rate cuts but bonds rally | OVERALL, there was one major economic event and the release of two major economic indicators in the week which had influenced global currencies and bond markets.
On Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) unveiled its latest policy interest rate decision.
As widely expected, the Fed kept its benchmark Fed Funds Rate (FFR) unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50%. The summary of economic projections now points to only one cut in the FFR of 25 basis points (bps) in 2024.
The June “dot-plot” is now down from three to four cuts to just one, as contained in the March projections, strengthening the higher-for-longer narrative.
While this only indicates the near-term US interest rate path, the more exciting bit of the document is its longer-term FFR projections. It suggests that the FFR is likely to remain elevated for an extended period, which will continue to pressure emerging economies’ currencies versus the US dollar.
Coinciding with the anticipated delay in the first rate cut, the Fed’s projections also contained its personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation projection, which was revised higher by 0.2 bps in 2024 and 0.1 bps in 2025.
An expected elevated inflation expectation explains the Fed’s preference for a rate cut delay.
However, the Fed also projects that there will be four rate cuts in 2025, signifying its expectations that inflation will dwindle in 2025. On the same day, just before the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting’s conclusion, the United States released its May consumer price index (CPI) data.
US consumer inflation fell 3.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) in May, while the core inflation rate hit a level of 3.4%, which is lower than the previous month’s 3.6% but remains higher than headline inflation.
Despite the Fed’s thinking of inflation remaining sticky on the upside, there are signals of declining price pressures.
The May CPI showed that lower petrol prices and lower prices of goods balanced out the rising costs of rental housing.
Meanwhile, the second set of pertinent and market-driving economic data was the release of the latest US producer price inflation measure.
The final demand for the US Producer Price Index (PPI) fell 0.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) in May, versus the consensus expectation of a rise of 0.1%. The final demand core PPI, less food and energy, was unchanged m-o-m versus consensus of 0.3% after the 0.5% increase in April.
On a y-o-y basis, the PPI rose 2.2% in May but lower than the 2.3% gain in April, and the core index rose 2.3% versus 2.5% in April.Robust market
Despite anticipating fewer rate cuts by the Fed in 2024, bond markets were modestly more robust. We noted traders were especially cognisant of the lessening inflationary pressures. The two-year US Tresury (UST) is down about three bps week-on-week (w-o-w), while the 10-year UST is down by about four bps w-o-w.
In the foreign exchange space, as of writing, the dollar was on its way to complete a weekly gain after it recovered from mid-week’s dip due to the softer-than-expected US CPI data.
DXY index
The DXY index remained above 150 in the run-up to the consumer inflation and the US Fed FOMC meeting, but it dropped to as low as 104.27 after the report showed the core inflation grew at the slowest pace since 2021.
Risk-on mood filled global markets, sending global stock markets higher, with the MSCI All Country World Index up 1.2% during the same session.
Currency traders looked past the hawkish-sounding FOMC meeting, where updated projections suggest officials are now comfortable with a lesser rate cut this year.
UST market
The US Treasury bond market also rallied, with yields dropping by double-digits overnight. Post-meeting, market players were pricing in two rate cuts, with the earliest cut possibly happening in September.
However, during the Asia session on Friday, the DXY has returned to the 105 area as we suspect traders deemed the recent dollar sell-off to be overdone, and higher inflation projections by the Fed mean the demand for the dollar will be buoyed by the “higher-for-longer” interest rates narrative.
US dollar to ringgit
In the domestic space, the US dollar-to-ringgit currency pair started this week on firmer footing and ended Monday at 4.723 as a reaction to the uptick in US non-farm payrolls last Friday. T
he pair continued to trade above the 4.70 level the week after hovering below it on suspected foreign flows.
The mixed local economic data may have supported the pair, coming from the slower-than-expected growth in Malaysia’s industrial productions and sluggish growth in retail sales.
However, the unemployment rate was steady at 3.3% for the sixth straight month as employment continued to grow steadily, signalling a healthy labour market in Malaysia.
Prepared by the AmBank Economics team.
For enquiries, please contact: [email protected]. | Business | Business | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-15 00:00:00 | Federal Reserve,interest rates | OVERALL, there was one major economic event and the release of two major economic indicators in the week which had influenced global currencies and bond markets. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/15/delay-in-rate-cuts-but-bonds-rally | |
1,374,612 | Stay objective over new DLP guidelines, Fadhlina urges | PETALING JAYA: Everyone must remain objective over the recently introduced Dual Language Programme (DLP) guidelines, says Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said that the implementation must adhere to the "Upholding Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English (MBMMBI)" policy, and work towards achieving the nation's goals.
"We should not compromise students' right to learn Mathematics and Science in Malay, and for those in vernacular schools, to learn in their mother tongue," she said on Wednesday (June 19).
Fadhlina mentioned that the newly introduced guidelines, which aimed to improve the programme, have received mixed reactions.
"Some claim the move is a step backwards, while others believe it is a 'corrective measure', a leap forward for more sustainable DLP implementation," she said.
She expressed concern over the lack of mastery in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) among students, including those in schools implementing the DLP, despite a slight improvement (2.5%) in BM's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) scores.
"This has significant repercussions because BM is an SPM must-pass subject," she added.
Fadhlina also noted that the MBMMBI policy clearly indicates the need to uphold BM's position as the national language, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution, and to strengthen students' command of English.
She acknowledged the concerns of Malay groups —comprising nationalists, national laureates, language activists, writers, academics, and advocates — against the programme, given that proficiency in BM among some Malaysians remains low.
"The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has commented that efforts to raise English language proficiency among Malaysians should not come at the expense of BM," she said.
The Education Ministry, she asserted, will not bow to pressure from any group or individuals "who only want things according to their preferences".
"When a policy is crafted, it must be inclusive, for the greater good. It should not be exclusive in the interest of certain groups or individuals only," she said.
Fadhlina added that the DLP is not the only programme to improve English proficiency among students.
"We also have the Professional Upskilling for English Language Teachers (Pro-ELT) and the Highly Immersive Programme (HIP), which involves teachers and students in all schools," she said.
"The ministry has also included the initiative to uphold the position of BM and strengthen English as one of the six key initiatives to reform Malaysian education strategically.
"This should be seen as a serious intent to improve the standard of English among teachers and students," she added.
Recently, some schools and parent groups had spoken out against the ministry's directive mandating that, if they want to run the DLP, at least one class at each level must teach science and mathematics in BM or the mother tongue. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | SEO terms: Dual Language Programme,DLP,Guidelines,Fadhlina Sidek,Education Policy,Mathematics,Science,Bahasa Malaysia,Vernacular Schools,MBMMBI,Policy | PETALING JAYA: Everyone must remain objective over the recently introduced Dual Language Programme (DLP) guidelines, says Fadhlina Sidek. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/stay-objective-over-new-dlp-guidelines-fadhlina-urges | |
1,374,488 | Wonders of Batu Kawan, the ideal university town | FOR most students, living in a vibrant university town with resort-style student accommodation just a short walk from campus is a dream come true.
University of Wollongong (UOW)’s Malaysian campus is a fine example of that. Located in Batu Kawan, Penang, the student residences consist of a cluster of condominium towers located within a 600m radius of the campus.
UOW Malaysia student service manager, Joey Phua says the university worked with registered property agents to locate fully furnished condominium units that were suitable for students.
"These units can hold three to five students, with all the fixtures and furnishings they need for a comfortable lifestyle," Phuah explains, adding that the towers were constructed by one of the nations most reputable developers.
Impressive facilities
Phuah also highlights that students have access to all the condominium facilities, including infinity-edge swimming pools, aqua gyms and jacuzzis – all designed with modern lifestyles in mind.
One of the outstanding facilities is the residential swimming pool that spans 150m. At three times the length of an Olympic-sized pool, it is considered South-East Asia’s largest residential swimming pool.
Additionally, the gyms at the residences sport an impressive range of equipment, including a combat room, filled with kickboxing dummies where students can let off some steam.
All the condominiums also boast meticulously manicured gardens replete with herb gardens, urban farming corners and tree-shaded trails for relaxing walks. Other amenities include yoga decks, karaoke rooms, lounges and reading rooms.
To enhance the sporting satisfaction of students, UOW Malaysia has reserved the basketball court at the nearby gated community clubhouse for sessions every Monday.
A comfortable study area provided for students within the accommodation.
Urban living
Phuah explains that such a high level of modern urban living is possible because Batu Kawan is the latest township in Penang, designed with the latest principles of urban planning.
"Up until 2010, Batu Kawan town's population was just about 5,500, and the area was mainly oil palm plantations and mangrove swamps,” he points out.
That all changed when the second Penang bridge opened in 2014, prompting developers to begin planning.
"The road system in Batu Kawan is dominated by wide boulevards and avenues designed to handle large traffic volumes smoothly.
"And you will find the residential and retailing elements integrated so that students only need to take short walks to get to almost anything they need," says Phua.
Students can also pop by Design Village Outlet Mall, which is a mere 300m walk away from the main campus.
This low-rise shopping complex is home to 150 outlets ranging from a variety of international and local fashion brands, beauty and sports retailers to home appliances, restaurants and lifestyle cafes. Ikea Batu Kawan also sits less than one km away.
Design Village Outlet Mall is located within a 300m walk from the UOW Batu Kawan campus.
For students looking to get away for the weekend, the jetty to Pulau Aman lies just 6.5km from the campus.
This islet, an idyllic fishing village, is where students can enjoy a smorgasbord of fresh seafood, or spend the night at homestays to enjoy some night fishing.
Home away from home
Batu Kawan's reputation as a self-contained, secure, and modern university town has gained recognition among international students.
UOW Malaysia's head of operations (Batu Kawan), Assoc Prof Dr Yeap Gik Hong said about a quarter of the campus' student population are foreign students, mainly from China.
"It is an ideal township for students. It is safe and full of amenities to cater to every need," he added.
To experience Batu Kawan and check out the courses available at UOW Malaysia, call the campus at 04-563 6000. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | UOW Malaysia,University of Wollongong,Batu Kawan,education,student accommodation,Penang | Living in an ideal university town while pursuing your degree is a blessing | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/19/wonders-of-batu-kawan-the-ideal-university-town | |
1,372,937 | On track to further success | PETALING JAYA: A pilot project on an alternative approach to handling children who have committed crimes by emphasising protection and rehabilitation has proven enough of a success that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry wants to expand it in phases.
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Diversion pilot project, launched in 2019, can be referred to as a success story.
“This project fits with Article 40(3)(b) or ‘diversion’ under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Malaysia has ratified. I personally think we should continue.
ALSO READ: Steering them away from a cycle of crime
“I met these children who came into conflict with the law for minor offences – you can see they are still very young.
“They still lack maturity and the right skills, but with the right direction, they can become role models. Diversion is very much needed, so these children can be given counselling and explore their interests,” she told The Star.
Article 40 involves children who may have committed crimes being treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of dignity and worth, as well as to promote the child’s reintegration and assuming a constructive role in society.
Although the Diversio Nancy: ‘Diversion is very much needed, so these children can be given counselling and explore their interests.’n project began in 2019, it was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It resumed on Sept 1, 2020 up to May 31, 2022, Nancy said.
Describing the project as effective, she said children in the 18 cases the Diversion project handled have successfully changed their lives, with some successfully continuing their studies, finding employment and becoming independent.
“The cases were sent by welfare offices in various districts involving some children who were caught by the police, or were referred cases.
“We worked together with the courts, which had recommended these children for the programme,” she added.
Nancy said there was a need to ensure the entire “Diversion” ecosystem is improved, as everything was the “first”, including those involved in the project.
This was because despite being a good programme, it was still a pilot project, she added.
When asked about children in juvenile detention, she said many of those came from broken homes, but the experience inside the system provided a learning experience.
“Once inside the programme, it is when they start to think for themselves and not repeat their mistakes.
ALSO READ: Collective effort needed in promoting child safety
“This is where counselling plays an important role, especially the one-to-one sessions that help them realise the crimes they have committed.
“We have to explain that if they were not underage, they would have gone to jail. The reminder is not to cast fear, but more about making them understand the law and being given the opportunity to improve their lives and make better choices for their future,” she said.
As the relevant minister, Nancy said she wanted to see the programme upgraded so that the children involved have more options to learn and have more skilled people to care for them.
The Diversion project was an effort by the ministry, through the Welfare Department, with technical support from Unicef Malaysia, and the cooperation of the Attorney General’s Chambers and police.
ALSO READ: Programme to protect kids to be implemented in 300 schools
Former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who first announced the project in 2019, said the concept of Diversion is an alternative approach to handling children under the age of 18 who have committed crimes by emphasising protection and rehabilitation.
The Diversion pilot project was implemented in three locations, namely the Sepang, Seremban and Port Dickson districts, for a period of two years beginning Dec 16, 2019 (at the time of launch). | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | null | PETALING JAYA: A pilot project on an alternative approach to handling children who have committed crimes by emphasising protection and rehabilitation has proven enough of a success that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry wants to expand it in phases. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/on-track-to-further-success | |
1,372,336 | When being positive is toxic | “ARE you alright?” she says as she looks at me, her eyes filled with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply, the ends of my lips struggling to stay up until I finally manage to crack a smile.
Conversations like this have occurred to me numerous time, and I believe many in society have experienced this as well, which is why I want to draw attention to the culture known as “toxic positivity”.
Toxic positivity is the belief that one should always remain positive no matter the situation. It is the pressure to display only positive emotions and is considered a reasonable social norm.
Some of you might think, isn’t possessing positivity all the time good?
Indeed, society has shaped us to develop a mentality where being amiable and “good” means being constantly positive. This mindset often pushes people to minimise their feelings, disregarding emotions like sadness, anger and guilt.
However, the question is: When is being positive toxic?
People tend to fail to comprehend or accept the fact that we are inherently filled with a spectrum of emotions.
We laugh as joy engulfs us in its embrace, and we cry when it feels as if our hearts were being pierced. These emotions are what set us apart, making us unique.
I cannot seem to recall when I started faking my positivity. Was it when I started preschool?
For me, toxic positivity disguises itself in the most kind-hearted words. Whenever I feel down or am in pain, people constantly tell me to “focus on the positive” and that “everything happens for a reason”.
Phrases like these seem harmless but the more they are uttered, the more helpless I feel. It seems that I do not have any reason or right to dwell in my raw emotions. Moreover, it feels like it is entirely my choice and my fault for letting myself feel down.
Sometimes, when I face my traumas, all I need is a listening ear or an embrace to feel supported.
But during times like this, it is not uncommon to hear feedback like “It could be worse” and “I’ve had worse before”.
Such responses make me feel guilty for expressing negative emotions. I keep thinking to myself: Why am I feeling like this when someone else has had it worse than me?
They make me perceive myself as privileged, minimising all the pain I have gone through and making it seem entirely insignificant.
Hence, I struggle with learning to embrace and acknowledge my negative emotions.
But I am taking steps to try to become comfortable with every emotion and thought that arises, even if many of them lean towards the negative spectrum.
Experiencing negative emotions does not mean immersing ourselves in pain; it means reflecting on ourselves, obtaining a deeper understanding of our minds, and gaining valuable lessons.
It signifies growth and development. In truth, we need negative experiences to learn and grow.
Toxic positivity creates an unrealistic outlook. By imposing a positive outlook on pain, we force individuals to suppress their struggles and conceal their true emotions, thereby increasing their stress levels.
In the midst of facing hardships, I find solace in sitting by my bedroom window and gazing at the sky outside.
I allow myself to feel hurt and let all the tears fall freely down my cheeks. It is in these moments that I reflect on the decisions that led to the issue spiraling into what it has become.
It is the negative emotions that prompt us to acknowledge our flaws, allowing us to not only focus on our positive attributes, but also work on correcting our mistakes.
Positivity by itself isn’t toxic. In fact, there is no actual positivity in toxic positivity. Instead, it is a facade that masks normal, negative emotions. Toxic positivity consists of behaviours falsely labelled as positivity.
Positivity is like the sunshine that greets us in the morning, the scent of flowers in a garden and the rainbow that brightens a dark sky. It is pure and welcoming, offering comfort in its warm embrace.
Listen to what truly resides in you. There is no point in promoting false positivity or asserting moral superiority over others.
Covering genuine emotions with a veneer of positivity will only cause inner turmoil.
Together, let’s liberate ourselves from toxic positivity and normalise feeling and making sense of our emotions.
Vanessa, 18, a student in Negri Sembilan, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 Write a letter expressing an emotion that you struggle with. Exchange letters with a friend who will respond to your letter. Then, read each other’s responses.
How do you find your friend’s response? Is it helpful in coping with the emotion?
2 Look in today’s newspaper for activities that could help students manage their emotions. Have a show-and-tell with your friends.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
For Star-NiE enquiries, email [email protected]. | News | Education | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | BRATs,Star-NiE | “ARE you alright?” she says as she looks at me, her eyes filled with concern. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/when-being-positive-istoxic | |
1,372,327 | ‘Get to know the newspaper’ | THE first step to making full use of a product is getting to know it inside out.
That was the task undertaken by officers from the Johor State Education Department (JPN) district offices at The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) workshop recently.
Conducted by Star-NiE freelance trainer Shyamala Sankaran, the workshop, held on May 21 in a hotel in Johor Baru, saw the officers getting hands-on with newspaper materials.
Hailing from Batu Pahat, Johor Baru, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Muar, Pasir Gudang, Pontian, Segamat and Tangkak, the 19 officers, divided into four groups, completed tasks using newspapers and experienced engaging English language learning activities.
“Today, you are not officers or former teachers but students, and I want you all to work together and make learning a fun process,” Shyamala, who is also an academic writer, told them.
The 62-year-old has 34 years of experience as a secondary school teacher under her belt. Before her retirement, she held various roles, including Guru Cemerlang, speech and debate coach, and school improvement coach.
Shyamala emphasised that English language learning in classrooms should be creative and enjoyable.
“Teachers can use newspapers to bring fun to the students.
“At the same time, teachers should also be creative and encourage their students to participate in activities during English language classes,’’ she said.
She added that each teacher has his or her own ways of creativity, and it is up to them to make learning the English language fun for their students.
“At the end of the day, what’s important is for the students to participate in the activities assigned to them during the teaching of the English language,’’ she said.
Star Media Group Bhd circulation (Trade Sales) manager Mohana Devan Murugan said the main objective of the workshop was to encourage the use of newspapers as a tool to teach the English language in schools.
Teaching and learning any languages in schools should not be restricted only to textbooks, as newspapers can also be a teaching medium, he said.
“Using newspapers as a teaching tool in the English language can encourage the reading habit among students.
“Apart from improving their language proficiency, students stay updated with what’s happening in Malaysia and around the world,” he added.
The participants collectively welcomed the collaboration between Star-NiE and schools in the respective districts to encourage teachers to use newspapers in their classrooms.
Since its inception in 1997, Star-NiE has supported English language teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
In 2021, Star-NiE revamped its offerings, transitioning from the previous pullout format to a weekly activity page integrated into the StarEdu pullout on Sundays.
Additionally, Star-NiE activities can be found in the StarLifestyle pullout on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These activities, designed by English language experts, cater to students of all proficiency levels – elementary, intermediate and advanced.
They are suitable for individual study or group work, with parents and teachers encouraged to work on the activities with their children or students.
The programme aims to develop the four skills of the English language: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
For Star-NiE enquiries, email [email protected]. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | Star-NiE,workshop,English learning | THE first step to making full use of a product is getting to know it inside out. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/get-to-know-the-newspaper | |
1,372,329 | Scientific fraud on the rise | The respected scientific journal Nature reported that more than 10,000 research papers had been retracted in 2023 – a new record in what can be considered a key indicator of scientific fraud.
Malaysia was in a Top 10 ranking, coming in at number six on the list of countries with the highest number of retractions at 17.2 retractions per 10,000 research papers.
The Nature article shines an uncomfortable but much-needed spotlight on the dark side of academic research, which includes plagiarism, fabrication, data manipulation, suspect peer reviews, predatory publishing, paper mills and a host of other unethical practices.
In this case, the perpetrators are not students but academic staff selfishly seeking to enhance their own status and profile. The 10,000 retractions likely represent only the tip of the iceberg, and one can only imagine that the actual number of undetected cases is far greater.
To complicate things further, there is also significant debate over what constitutes scientific fraud. In the recent case of former Harvard president Claudia Gray, her misdemeanours were labelled as plagiarism by some but as the lesser charge of “inadequate citation” by others. It is somewhat ironic that while universities often take the high moral ground on academic integrity concerning work submitted by students, not all academic staff members practise what they preach.
No doubt, with increasing advancements in generative artificial intelligence and tools such as ChatGPT, the lines between original and fraudulent research will become even more blurred.
Perhaps it is naive to think that scientific fraud is not happening at any significant scale. An academic’s reputation is built on research outputs. At prestigious universities, academics are largely judged on the number of articles published, how widely their work is cited, and their influence via measures such as “impact factor” and “h-index”. Heads of department use such metrics as part of performance reviews, so it is not surprising that targets often end up becoming the goal rather than a means to a goal.
Understandably, the pressure on academics to publish can be intense. Higher education’s infatuation with global rankings, which remain heavily weighted in favour of research outputs, continues unabated, with universities effectively becoming factories for academic publication.
The Malaysian higher education system, former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik commented in a recent news portal report, has lost its soul due to excessive focus on rankings and publications.
Of course, much is at stake for individual academics. A strong publication track record can bolster one’s career in significant and sometimes life-changing ways, including academic promotion, obtaining tenure, landing a new position at another institution, or securing research funding.
So, when push comes to shove, one can understand the temptation to commit scientific fraud. Furthermore, unlike some professions such as lawyers and doctors, there is no licence to practise in academia that can be suspended or revoked in cases of professional misconduct.
There is no easy solution to address the issue of scientific fraud. The current system of blind peer review, where academics anonymously check the work of others, is well-established but has limitations.
In addition, reviewers can only review what is presented to them, and cannot be expected to vouch for the integrity of the research. The move towards open research, and the open sharing of research data, is encouraging but limited as a tool for addressing scientific fraud.
The diversity of research methods and research data, both quantitative and qualitative, also means data can’t necessarily be packaged, inspected and reused in other studies.
Perhaps what is really needed is a rethink of how research is measured and evaluated. Providing tangible evidence of the impact of one’s research may be a way forward. Simply doing away with bean-counting of publications is another, perhaps replacing publications with products, prototypes or other forms of intellectual property.
We can only expect scientific fraud to rise, which begs the question of whether academic research can still be trusted. It will be sad to see scientific endeavour move from the pursuit and passion for problem-solving to a game of metrics.
Prof Wing Lam is the provost and chief executive officer at University of Reading Malaysia, an international branch campus of University of Reading, United Kingdom. He has held a variety of academic positions in Malaysia, Singapore and the UK. Prof Wing completed his PhD in computer science at King’s College London in 1994.
He has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and journals. His current areas of research interest include technology and innovation. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | Reading University Malaysia,education,research,scientific fraud,predatory journals | The respected scientific journal Nature reported that more than 10,000 research papers had been retracted in 2023 – a new record in what can be considered a key indicator of scientific fraud. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/scientific-fraud-on-the-rise | |
1,372,334 | Grooming good kids | VishalacheDESPITE Moral Education (ME) recording the highest increase in performance among the six Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 core subjects, there is growing concern about the disconnect between students’ academic performance in the subject and the application of the values learnt in their daily lives.
In the results announced last month, the ME subject average grade rose 0.2 points to 4.66, as compared with SPM 2022.
This, say experts, raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the current education system in fostering genuine moral development among the younger generation, and the broader implications for our nation.
Universiti Malaya (UM) Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (Sulam) coordinator and Service Learning International initiator Assoc Prof Dr Vishalache Balakrishnan said rote learning in ME makes students good in exams but unable to apply the values learnt in their daily lives.
Vishalache, who is working with the Education Ministry’s curriculum division to transform ME assessments to holistically evaluate students’ moral development in school, said students are currently made to learn moral values the same way they are taught to learn languages, mathematics and science.
“The philosophy of teaching and learning ME in Malaysia, which focuses on teaching and assessing moral reasoning, emotions and action, is neither implemented nor assessed. It is unfortunate that students do not get a well-rounded ME in school,” she told StarEdu.
Times are changing and hopefully with more teachers being trained to teach ME, rote learning of moral values will be a thing of the past, the former UM Centre for Research in International and Comparative Education director said.
Simply teaching ME as a subject alone is not enough to influence moral behaviour, said educationist Tan Sri Dr T. Marimuthu.
The former UM professor of education, however, said, if moral values are taught through experiences that allow students to internalise them within the school culture, it can lead to the development of holistic individuals.
“ME focuses on how individuals develop their values and aspirations, which are shaped and passed on early in childhood.
Marimuthu
“If students are just memorising values to repeat them in an exam, the purpose of ME is defeated, as they will only aim to get an A,” he said, stressing that a student who gets an A in ME is not necessarily more morally righteous or ethical than one who gets a C.
A child learns values and discipline from their family, which is then reflected in their behaviour, he said, adding that this helps maintain social order in the community at large.
“Families are the fundamental building blocks of society, shaping individuals who then shape society.
“In my previous research, I found that despite Malaysia comprising many different ethnic groups, common values like ethics, good behaviour and charity are shared,” he said, adding that these culturally required behaviour are taught by families and cultivated in school.
Homegrown values
Sharing how a student had once told her, “If my parents do drugs, I will do drugs too”, Vishalache said although this was told to her when she was conducting her doctoral research in 2008, she remembered the encounter because it made her reflect on whether negative traits displayed by her sons had stemmed from her own actions as a parent.
Good behaviour, getting along with others, being charitable, and conflict resolution are all values learnt within the family, Marimuthu said, adding that without these values, students might behave like delinquents and have disciplinary problems.
He, however, said it would be wrong to generalise all young people with behavioural problems as lacking in moral values.
There are many factors, including family background, that could have influenced behaviour.
“Unfortunately, families in the lower-income group often have larger, overcrowded households, which may affect how the children are raised,” he said.
Sawittri
In contrast, middle-class families, for instance, tend to have more loving interactions, with children being rewarded rather than punished to teach them life lessons. And in other families, the parenting style might be authoritarian so when the children grow up, they develop different sets of values, he added.
He said school rules and administration, coupled with the behaviour of educators during the process of teaching and learning and the handling of disciplinary problems, can also impact a student’s morality.
School support
The school serves as a moral training ground where students learn values that help them become responsible members of society, steering clear of criminal paths and contributing positively to their communities, said Marimuthu.
Teach For Malaysia (TFM) Fellowship interim head Sawittri Charun said teachers, next to parents and family, are the closest adults to students and naturally have a significant influence on them.
“Adults should always demonstrate good moral behaviour, especially now that they often interact with students on social media.
“What teachers do and how teachers carry themselves in public virtual spaces are also observed by their students,” she said adding that teachers should be intentional about helping students practise good values.It starts by inviting students to discuss the values they feel are important. Only then can you get their “buy-in”, she said.
Teachers, she said, should also create platforms for students to discuss the values that drive their behaviour.
“For example, students can share how they are upholding values in class,” she suggested.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said in school, morality is taught theoretically and tested, but real practice happens within family culture.
A mere 180 minutes of weekly ME study is not enough to instill these values, he said.
“Modern parenting, often lenient from the early years, contributes to a decline in morals. When children grow into teenagers and lack these values, it is hard for parents to intervene effectively.
Fouzi
“Teachers, nonetheless, can step in by modelling and nurturing moral behaviour, complementing family efforts,” he said, adding that this includes respecting and empathising with students, colleagues and parents through active listening and thoughtful actions like helping or offering words of kindness to struggling students and taking them under their wing.
Agreeing, Vishalache said teachers are key role models in schools where their words, actions and treatment of others are closely observed by their students.
“The saying ‘values are caught and not taught’ should be remembered by every teacher regardless of what subject they are teaching.
“Even if they were going through challenging times, students would emulate teachers who portray compassion, fairness, justice and positivity,” she said.
Crediting her own teachers as being excellent role models, Vishalache said she still keeps in touch with them to show her appreciation.
“They have moulded me to be who I am today.
“Their good moral behaviour helped me practise the same values in my life.
“A life without good character and morals is like a person without a strong personality, easily swayed by the opinions of others,” she said, adding that it takes a village to educate a child. She said in teaching moral values, one must always start with the basics like cleanliness, compassion, self-respect, respect for others, responsibility, honesty and truthfulness in young children right from preschool level.
As young children grow into young adults, however, teaching methods become more complex, and must involve value analysis, values clarification, and active learning of the ME subject.
“It is only through the exploration of good morals that students would excel in the exams and truly embody the ME philosophy,” she opined.
Experiential learning
Citing her doctoral research findings, Vishalache said secondary school students were very attracted to learning the subject if real-life moral dilemmas faced by them and their peers were incorporated in the lessons.
“My research was about teaching ME by dealing with relationships and the ways to resolve conflicts that arise.
“The students took the research seriously as it helped them to deal with moral dilemmas about themselves, their peers, their families and those around them,” she said, adding that teachers who draw on the experience of students when teaching ME can enhance the teaching and learning of the subject.
“It’s clear that simply using textbooks or discussing values isn’t enough to produce students with high morals,” she said, noting that while the Education Ministry has instructed all ME teachers to teach 64 hours inside and 32 hours outside the classroom, which aligns with the ME philosophy, the content and values in the syllabus are still being delivered without considering the possibility of discussing contradictory issues and conflicts.
“I once had students discuss moral issues like river cleanliness. One group got emotionally upset because in their culture, the river is sacred and should not be a place for littering. The other students just did not care about the issue.
“Solutions on how to deal with such contradictory views and opinions have not been spelt out in the ME syllabus, and the feelings and opinions of students are hardly considered,” she lamented.
Depending on how it is taught, Marimuthu said ME can be an exciting subject, as it explores the different value systems in different ethnic groups as well as the common ones.
“If students embark on projects like interviewing underprivileged people, they might understand their suffering and develop compassion.“This is an example of how values can be caught through experiences,” he said.
Vishalache said the first ME syllabus covered 16 core values and 64 sub-values, which were then reduced to 36 in the year 2000 when the syllabus was revised.In 2018, she said, the Standard Secondary School Curriculum (KSSM) ME syllabus was further revamped and it now consists of 18 universal values (see infographic).“Hopefully, the values can be reduced further by the year 2027 when the curriculum goes through another revamp,” she said, adding that ME is a dynamic subject that, unlike religion which teaches right and wrong, instils values in children, helping them learn to reason and make moral decisions as they grow.
While religion teaches students to see life in black and white, ME guides them through the grey issues in life, she added.
“The ME syllabus should not overly focus on exams and grades. The latest methods, such as design thinking, systemic reasoning, and making moral judgements, provide students the opportunity to practise good morals.
“Even with the best curriculum and assessments, we will fail to truly impart the ME philosophy to students without proper training for our teacher trainers and their charges,” she said.
Bad behaviour in the news 2019A video showing a group of teens in a village in Sijangkang, Selangor, bullying and harassing a senior citizen on a motorcycle, went viral. One tried to knock over the motorcycle and threw objects at the man while laughing.
2021A bullying case involving students of the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, was captured on video. The footage showed a student being punched by 10 of his peers who were later expelled.
2022Four teenagers, including a Form 4 student, were charged at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court with gang-raping a 17-year-old girl. The four were charged with jointly raping the victim, at Sungai Rambai Aerodrome, Jasin.
2023 Underage students in uniform were selling sexy photos of themselves for as low as RM4.90 on TikTok. An account on the social media platform had 276 photos and videos which had been uploaded within a five-month period, with some of the content even garnering 2.7 million views.
2024A 14-year-old boy suspected of choking his nine-year-old younger brother to death at their home in Bukit Piatu, Melaka, was said to have had a change in behaviour after being bullied by his seniors at a boarding school in Alor Gajah.
Source: Media reports
Living with value
“Schools play an important role in building the morality of society since a good portion of our lives is spent there. That said, I don’t think moral values should be reduced to just conforming to a particular code of conduct or behaving in a certain way just because our parents and teachers say it’s good.
Moral classes should serve as a platform to educate students on how to stand on their own two feet and to use their own judgement to differentiate between right and wrong. In secondary school, we were taught during camps to wash our own plates and utensils after using them.
Although it seemed like a small task at first, the culture and the quality of independence that we built throughout those five years have remained with us to this day.”
Jeremy Nathan, 21
“It’s crucial to apply the moral values we learn into our daily lives as these are the fundamentals of being human. When I was eight, I learnt about gratefulness in class.
My textbook had a picture of a child saying, ‘Mum and dad, let’s eat!’ in Mandarin.
It just stuck with me and when dinnertime came, I made sure to thank my parents for the meal before tucking in. My parents were greatly moved. I’ll never forget this experience because it taught me the importance of gratitude and cherishing what I have. Sometimes, all our parents want is to feel appreciated.”
Tiffany Cheong, 16
“I remember being taught about responsibility in primary school. I loved ‘classroom jobs’ so it resonated with me. Even now, I try my best to embody that value, though I sometimes struggle. I recently went to a hospital with my family to help them, although I was in the midst of my IGCSE revision.
I put my past-year papers down and reminded myself that as the eldest child in the family, I have responsibilities to shoulder. So I helped with the paperwork, carried my disabled brother onto the medical bed, and later pushed his stroller. It eased my family’s burden and I felt a sense of accomplishment. Indeed, the values we learn in moral classes are essential.
They shape us and help us live better daily lives.”
Wong Eu Kenn, 17 | News | Education | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | education,moral education,SPM,students,malaysia,schools,KSSM,Sulam,UM,NUTP,teachers,discipline | DESPITE Moral Education (ME) recording the highest increase in performance among the six Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 core subjects, there is growing concern about the disconnect between students’ academic performance in the subject and the application of the values learnt in their daily lives. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/grooming-good-kids | |
1,372,333 | Learning through conflict resolution | Teaching young children conflict resolution skills is crucial for positive parenting and instilling strong moral values, says a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) don.
Exposure to conflict management empowers children to develop empathy, love, effective communication and problem-solving skills that will impact the formation of their personalities, Faculty of Education Studies senior lecturer Dr Siti Noormi Alias from the varsity’s Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education said.
Conflict resolution skills, she said, are particularly crucial today because children grow up around technology and face both in-person and online conflicts.“Children need to be exposed to them as early as possible.
“By using appropriate positive reinforcement, parents can empower their children to identify signs of conflict and the best methods to handle it.
“In such situations, the ability to control the situation by applying simple conflict management methods can help children develop social skills and maintain emotional well-being,” she said.
Through this process, she said, they will also learn about the existence of differences and diversity, the tendency for biases in choices, and the need to reach a consensus.“In their limited spectrum due to their very young age, the introduction of such skills can prevent them from issues like bullying or being ostracised by their peers.
“Consequently, children will feel more confident in expressing their needs while also considering the needs of others. Simply put, they will become more considerate,” she said, adding that conflict management skills can be taught to children as young as three years old as they are prone to being exposed to conflicts with parents, siblings and playmates.
Recommending a simple process to help children learn problem-solving skills, Siti Noormi called on parents to adopt four steps in their daily interactions with children, namely:
> Your turn
If a conflict occurs between two parties, give the other party the opportunity to express their views, feelings and expectations. This trains individuals to be active listeners.
> My turn
Describe the constraints you face, your views and feelings. Clear words and polite language will facilitate better understanding between both parties.
> Planning together
Once both parties understand each other’s constraints and problems, have a discussion to find a solution. Suggest specific criteria to indicate problem resolution and set a time frame for reviewing the implementation.
> Follow-up action
This is important for both parties to assess whether the conflict has been resolved based on the criteria set.
Parents themselves, Siti Noormi stressed, must demonstrate good conflict management so that they become positive role models for their children, and they need to create an environment that encourages open communication so that children can express their feelings and views.
“Children learn through observation. They need to be introduced to non-violent, open communication.
“They need to understand that the choice of words, facial expressions and gestures can impact others,” she said, adding that using an appropriate tone of voice according to the situation, controlling emotions, and normalising discussions among family members to resolve issues are crucial in conflict management. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | education,moral education,UPM | Teaching young children conflict resolution skills is crucial for positive parenting and instilling strong moral values, says a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) don. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/learning-through-conflict-resolution | |
1,372,328 | Squash queen to power learning | Nicol David Organisation (NDO), spearheaded by the renowned squash champion Datuk Nicol Ann David, has embarked on a transformative journey alongside the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), converging their expertise to drive philanthropic endeavours.
Partnering with APU, NDO aims to harness the university’s pool of qualified professionals, particularly through the Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics (APCA), to introduce a series of creative computing workshops.
These workshops are designed to empower underprivileged students with essential computational skills, addressing the stark digital disparity prevalent among economically disadvantaged communities.
Commencing May 10, this initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked between APU and NDO on Feb 6. Twenty-five students from marginalised backgrounds are undergoing a comprehensive 40-hour learning programme at APU, slated for completion by October.
Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science, which can help nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity, said Nicol in a press release.
“However, due to their social and economic status, most primary and secondary school students from B40 and M40 backgrounds do not have access to it, creating a digital divide where some students are knowledge-rich and others are knowledge-poor,” she said when inaugurating the learning programme.
APCA head and the varsity’s senior lecturer Hema Latha Krishna Nair said the programme’s objective is to offer hands-on learning experiences to B40 and M40 students.
“We at APU have formed a training team composed of experienced lecturers from the School of Technology led by senior lecturer Dr Veerakumar Soundrapandian.
“The team will lead the children to participate in meaningful and personally relevant computing activities, to study and rethink the creative practices of computing,” she added.
The training curriculum encompasses diverse modules, ranging from basic computer operations to fundamental game mechanics, meticulously crafted to instil both technical acumen and critical thinking prowess among participants.
In tandem with the workshops, APU students, under Hema’s guidance, developed the NDO Students Performance Analytics dashboard. This four-month project underscores the symbiotic relationship between academia and philanthropy, driving impactful innovation in education.
While APU extends its infrastructure and pedagogical support, NDO enriches the learning experience by furnishing robotic kits and imparting supplementary skills in English proficiency and squash.
The MoU outlines a strategic roadmap for collaborative ventures between APU and NDO, spanning domains like sports analytics, technology applications and educational interventions for the betterment of society. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | education,APU,Nicol David,NDO,squash,B40 | Nicol David Organisation (NDO), spearheaded by the renowned squash champion Datuk Nicol Ann David, has embarked on a transformative journey alongside the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), converging their expertise to drive philanthropic endeavours. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/squash-queen-to-power-learning | |
1,372,330 | ‘You need knowledge to be content creators’ | THE global digital marketing industry is said to be worth RM2.84tril.
Just last year, digital marketing accounted for 72% of total advertising revenue in Malaysia.
While a career as a digital influencer can be lucrative in bringing in advertising dollars, there is a need to ensure students do not skip higher education to become content creators.
“To be a content creator, you must have some basic knowledge and qualifications; otherwise, why would people listen to you?” said Khairy Jamaluddin.
Citing Malaysia’s top content creator Khairul Aming, the former health minister said the influencer may be known for selling sambal, but he is an engineering graduate from Vanderbilt University in the United States.
“His work now is very different from what he studied, but he has knowledge, and that’s why he’s successful,” he added.
Khairy, along with Shahril Hamdan, hosts the Keluar Sekejap podcast. The politicians were at UCSI University recently to record the 102nd podcast episode.
Titled “Belajar Tinggi-tinggi Nak Ke Mana?” (“Where do you want to go with higher education?”), the episode, recorded on May 8, also featured an interview with UCSI Group chief executive officer and UCSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir.
Khairy, who is also the varsity’s adjunct professor, said higher education, whether through the degree, diploma or technical and vocational education and training (TVET) certificate route, is still important.
“We cannot reject the role given to structured learning. It provides a rigour and a quality of knowledge understanding that we cannot get from unstructured learning,” he said.
Weighing in, Shahril said the process of thinking, arriving at a conclusion, and presenting an argument or finding in tertiary education, such as engineering, mass communication and economics, is transferable and helpful in adult life, whether working as an influencer or in other fields.
He added that tertiary education brings the advantages of social interaction.
“If you enter the world of work straightaway, there is social interaction but it occurs in the context of work. In institutions of higher education, social interaction is more open and takes place in a climate where each person wants to improve themselves and increase knowledge.
“That experience greatly leads to better self-reliance for adults at a later age,” he said.
He also said higher education provides optionality.
“Being a gig worker and an influencer may initially bring big returns but not everyone can maintain that level for a long period.
“The majority will drop out after a certain point. And at that point, what are your options? Having a certificate or degree is very helpful in the world of work if our main job is not successful,” he said.
Drawing attention to the title of the podcast episode, Khairy expressed concern over a deficit of confidence among the youth in higher education.
He noted that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had told the Dewan Rakyat that in 2021, 49% of SPM leavers chose not to pursue tertiary education, with the main reason being their desire to enter the labour force immediately.
Everything, Shahril said, comes back to the returns and options available.
“Most of the jobs that exist in Malaysia are semi-skilled or do not require a degree. The structure of the economy itself creates jobs that are not enough to accept graduates from various fields. “There are some areas with an undersupply over demand but overall, when you have an economy where 60% of jobs are semi-skilled, you will always have this problem. The big solution lies in how we will change our economic structure so that there are far more jobs that require skilled workers.
“This needs to be dealt with more fundamentally and structurally. That is the long-term solution,” he said.
The short-term solution, he added, may require drastic action by the government to intervene aggressively in the matter of wages.
Prof Siti Hamisah emphasised the need for universities to transform in response to the industrial revolution and artificial intelligence.
Drawing on UCSI’s approach to addressing current needs, she said the university provides both conventional education as well as courses where working adults can take microcredentials and collect badges along the way.
“Universities need to provide space for diversity in learners. It’s about the learners,” she stressed.
She also noted the significant gap in certain industries due to the limited number of Malaysian students pursuing science.She said some eight years ago, the feedback was that our graduates were not ready for the workforce.
“Now, what I hear from the industry is we don’t have enough graduates,” she said.
She asserted that universities should create opportunities for students to study sciences, highlighting initiatives such as the foundation programme designed to transition students from social sciences to science.
“Our job is to provide possibilities for them. It’s about being transdisciplinary, being able to acquire knowledge regardless of your background,” she said.
She added that to achieve 100% graduate employability, universities need to ensure students are equipped with knowledge, skills – both psychomotor and soft skills – as well as values.
“One of the purposes of higher education is for students to be responsible to society and become citizens who are devoted to the country,” she said. | News | Education | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | UCSI University,Khairy Jamaluddin,Keluar Sekejap | THE global digital marketing industry is said to be worth RM2.84tril. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/you-need-knowledge-to-be-content-creators | |
1,372,335 | Special talents shine at school sports awards | Perseverance and resilience are key qualities that can transform dreams into reality, said 13-year-old aquatic swimmer Ethren Ethanael Lim Churn.
The student athlete from SJKC Chung Hua Krokop, Sarawak, said his journey in competitive swimming made him acknowledge the importance of discipline, time management, and most importantly, the ability to rise above negativity and criticism.
“When you stay focused on what you want to achieve, distractions and negativity from others become less important.
“Make sure you love what you do and don’t listen to what the haters say,” he advised aspiring student athletes at the 2023 Education Ministry-Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM)-Milo Awards, on May 23.
The “Anugerah Tunas Harapan Putera” recipient said his ability to ignore the negativity around him and to concentrate on his goals instead has been key to his success.
Ethren Ethanael was among students, teachers, coaches and ministry officers who were presented with awards in 12 categories during the awards ceremony in Putrajaya.
Introduced in 1968, the KPM-MSSM-MILO Awards is an initiative to reward students who excel in sports and those who contribute to sports development in schools.
Ethren Ethanael said his journey in swimming began when he was very young, with his father introducing him to the water at age two and by age seven, he began competitive training.
“My parents have been my biggest supporters, inspiring me to pursue my passion in this sport.
“Swimming practice takes up half my afternoons daily, which is why it is important for me to have self discipline and to manage my time properly.
“To balance academics well with your sports schedule, student athletes should always pay close attention in class and ask for clarification when needed,” he said, adding that he also does light revision of his lessons at night to keep his memory sharp.
Like Ethren Ethanael, 15-year-old Tan Pei Ler who received the “Anugerah Khas Puteri” for wushu said her passion for the sport did not deter her from balancing training and academics.
The aspiring World Champion from the Bukit Jalil sports school in Kuala Lumpur said she discovered her passion for the sport when she first saw a wushu performance that left her in awe.
“I was wowed and wanted to learn it (wushu). I am very happy that I have reached this milestone today.
“Balancing academics and sports is important to me. If I don’t have training, I’ll use the free time to do my homework so I don’t waste time,” she said, adding that it is important for youths to know what they want to accomplish as that would give them direction and purpose.
Meanwhile, father of Ainul Mardhiah Mohd Afif, a 14-year-old autistic chess prodigy shared how perseverance and finding the “right platform” can enable anyone to succeed, regardless of their challenges.
It was her father, Mohd Afif Md Nasir, who sparked Ainul Mardhiah’s interest in chess when he introduced her to online chess during the movement control order.
“We stumbled on chess when the Covid-19 pandemic hit,” Mohd Afif recalled, adding that his daughter’s natural talent quickly became evident when she won chess competitions at the district and state level tournaments.
He said Ainul Mardhiah, who bagged the “Anugerah Pendidikan Khas Puteri” trains daily for three hours to prepare for monthly major tournaments.
He said despite her autism, which affects her verbal communication, she excels in chess, a sport that allows her to showcase her skills without much speaking.
“One of her biggest strengths is her photographic memory, which gives her an advantage in chess.
“I am extremely proud of her because for a person with disabilities (OKU), she may be disadvantaged when it comes to academics, but in chess, she can excel,” said Mohd Afif who is also a father to four other autistic children.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, who presented the awards to the recipients, said schools are crucial for discovering and nurturing talent, preparing students to represent the state and country internationally.
“We hope that with dedicated effort from all quarters, we can continue to produce more young talents to represent and bring honour to our country,” he said in his speech. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | education,milo awards,athletes,students,bukit jalil,sport school,award,ceremony,chess,swimming,wushu,autism,autistic,MSSM,OKU | Perseverance and resilience are key qualities that can transform dreams into reality, said 13-year-old aquatic swimmer Ethren Ethanael Lim Churn. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/special-talents-shine-at-school-sports-awards | |
1,372,332 | Orang Asli school teacher rises to the occasion | “In my classroom, inclusion is key.
“My teaching methods have boosted student motivation and participation, leading to improved attendance and confidence. And, this has nurtured resilience and grit, encouraging students to embrace learning,” shared Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass.
For his innovative pedagogical approaches and success in enriching student learning and engagement at the all-Orang Asli school plagued by illiteracy and high dropout rates, the SK RPS Banun teacher was named this year’s RISE Educator Award winner by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers.
Through the integration of simulations and real-world experiences, the dedicated educator who teaches in a remote village in Gerik, Perak, has created an enjoyable and impactful learning environment.
One of his notable projects includes the development of a flight simulator and a beach-themed marine conservation class, both of which have been instrumental in helping students grasp complex concepts through experiential learning.
“While illiteracy isn’t completely solved, there’s been progress since June 2022.
“By providing learning opportunities and empowering students, academic performance and extracurricular involvement have soared.
“As my students continue to excel, it showcases their potential and underscores the importance of providing opportunities and believing in their abilities.
“Winning this award underscores the immense potential of our students. I am deeply committed to providing them with the best learning experiences and opportunities to realise their full potential,” Shawn Stanly, who was awarded RM5,000 for his achievement and RM20,000 for his school, said.
SK RPS Banun headmaster Mohd Zamarol Ahmad said he was proud of Shawn Stanly’s outstanding achievement in winning RM20,000 for the school.“The grant will be instrumental in establishing a dedicated learning hub for our students.
“We are committed to supporting Shawn in his future endeavours and will always champion his efforts to provide exceptional education for our students.”
This year, 10 exceptional teachers were shortlisted for their inspiring stories and these teachers were featured on Taylor’s College social media platforms for public voting.
Five inspiring teachers with the most votes were Shawn, along with Anne Margarette Kho from SK Belipat, Sarawak; Muhammad Anas Murugan Abdullah from SK Seri Intan, Perak; Siti Ainulmursyida Shamsudin from SMK Orkid Desa, Kuala Lumpur; and Siti Intan Farahana Mhd Fauzy from SK Bandar Laguna Merbok, Kedah.
Each finalist of the RISE Educator Award 2024 received RM1,000, with an additional RM10,000 allocated to their schools to enhance facilities or infrastructure, supporting a conducive environment for quality education.
During the award ceremony on June 8, its campus director Josephine Tan said Taylor’s College was committed to equitable education for all.
“We believe in ensuring every child has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
“We aim to foster lifelong learning, inspire innovation, and nurture every student’s potential.
“Being able to collaborate with past RISE Educator Award winners and finalists has shown me the profound impact of these funds, inspiring us to increase the grant this year.
“Beyond the RM20,000 awarded to the winning school, we remain committed to supporting their educational aspirations,” she said in a press release.Also present at the event in Subang Jaya were Education Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh, and Teach For Malaysia (TFM) Fellowship interim head Sawittri Charun.
“It is a privilege to partner with Taylor’s College in honouring educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower. We were deeply moved by their stories, as they reflect the transformative efforts of educators across Malaysia. Shawn’s inspiring commitment in enriching Orang Asli students’ learning, reminds us of our mission at TFM in combating education inequity,” remarked Sawittri.
This year’s winner and finalists were selected based on public votes (25% weightage) and by a panel (75% weightage) comprising Tan, TFM chief executive officer Chan Soon Seng and RISE Educator of the Year 2023 Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy. | News | Education | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-16 00:00:00 | education,Taylor's College,teachers,Orang Asli | “In my classroom, inclusion is key. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/06/16/orang-asli-school-teacher-rises-to-the-occasion | |
1,372,221 | Shortage of special needs professionals to be raised with Education Ministry, says Nancy | KUCHING: The shortage of certified professionals to handle programmes for individuals with special needs, particularly autism, will be raised with the Education Ministry (MOE).
Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the ministry will discuss and provide recommendations to the MOE to bring this issue before the Cabinet for action.
"We at KPWKM consistently advocate for these issues, not only in Sarawak but nationwide. It is essential for government agencies, private sectors and non-governmental organisations to collaborate in organising autism awareness programmes.
"We aim to assess the nation's requirements and strategically plan assistance tailored to specific needs. KPWKM can offer support through grants and we welcome professionals and private sectors interested in conducting intervention programmes," she said at the launch of Autism Empowerment Weekend 2024 hosted by Let’z Play Therapy Centre here Saturday (June 15).
Earlier, at the event, Nancy highlighted that autism is a developmental disorder affecting early childhood, stemming from neurological impairments that impact communication, social interactions and individual behavior.
"Studies have shown that early intervention can significantly enhance learning, social skills and emotional development among individuals with autism.
"With proper guidance, support, access to quality education and skills training, they can lead independent lives and pursue productive employment opportunities," she said.
The two-day Autism Empowerment Weekend at the Borneo Cultural Museum provides parents, caregivers and the community with insights into autism, emphasising accurate diagnosis, effective management strategies, enrolling autistic children in suitable programmes and building supportive networks to empower Sarawak's autism community. - Bernama | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-15 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,professional,autism,intervention programmes,Nancy Shukri,Education Ministry,empowerment,Women,Family,and Community Development | KUCHING: The shortage of certified professionals to handle programmes for individuals with special needs, particularly autism, will be raised with the Education Ministry. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/15/shortage-of-special-needs-professionals-to-be-raised-with-education-ministry-says-nancy | |
1,372,220 | Insap signs five-year academic collaboration with Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, says Dr Wee | KUALA LUMPUR: The agreement to work together academically between Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) and Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) will improve the mutual interest between Malaysia and China and strengthen bilateral ties, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the five-year agreement, was signed by Communist Party of China (CPC) committee secretary Prof Quan Heng and Insap chairman Datuk Dr Pamela Yong.
"This agreement is to promote international understanding, scholarly and collaboration, cultural interaction and friendship by supporting educational, professional and cultural activities among researchers of both the institutions," he shared on Facebook on Saturday (June 15).
Dr Wee said he was in Shanghai to pay a courtesy visit to SASS.
"I arrived from Beijing and was welcomed by Professor Quan Heng and other leaders from SASS.
"I then witnessed the signing of the memorandum for academic cooperation between SASS and Insap," he said.
Dr Wee then shared that SASS was founded in 1958 and is China's oldest think tank for humanities and social sciences.
"It is the country's second largest institution of its kind, after the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) in Beijing.
Insap, established in 1986, is an independent think-tank and research outfit that conducts research and analysis on politics, economics, education, women's rights and development, social and other issues in Malaysia. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | N. Trisha | 2024-06-15 00:00:00 | Agreement,Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences,Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research,Insap,Malaysia,China,Wee Ka Siong,MCA president | KUALA LUMPUR: The agreement to work together academically between Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) and Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) will improve the mutual interest between Malaysia and China and strengthen bilateral ties, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/15/insap-signs-five-year-academic-collaboration-with-shanghai-academy-of-social-sciences-says-dr-wee | |
1,372,106 | UMS water protest: Group ends 17-hour camp-out opposite Menara Kinabalu, fails to meet Hajiji | KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students have ended their protest over the water shortage issue at their campus on Saturday (June 15) morning.
The group had been camping for 17 hours opposite Menara Kinabalu with hopes of personally handing over their six-point memorandum to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The secretariat of the protest, known as #KamiMahuAir ((#WeWantWater), had earlier refused to hand over the memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya on Friday (June 14).
Shahelmey is the minister responsible for water issues and was present at the location, ready to meet with the group's representatives.
#KamiMahuAir secretariat coordinator Mohammad Norhamdin Nordin (middle) addressing the media before dispersing their camp-out in front of the Menara Kinabalu building on Saturday (June 15).
Programme coordinator Mohammad Norhamdin Nordin had described the peaceful protest as “very big and meaningful”, not just for UMS, but Sabahans at large.
“We endured 17 hours waiting for the Chief Minister to come and collect the memorandum from us, but he was unwilling, it is alright.
“We have decided not to hand over our memorandum but he will be able to find the memorandum as it is widely publicised on social media,” he added.
Mohammad Norhamdin said that the nine individuals detained by police at the demonstration yesterday included a teacher and eight students.
"The alternative school at Teluk Layang was set up to provide education to stateless children, who are part of the fourth and fifth generations born in Sabah.
“Malaysia, as a member of Unicef’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, has failed to provide the children’s right to education.
“We stand in solidarity with the detained teacher and students and are closely monitoring the case," he added.
Mohammad Norhamdin also denied that the protest was politically motivated, adding that no political party was involved.
“The presence of political figures at the protest was in their personal capacity,” he said.
Yesterday, a group of about 80 individuals, including UMS students, community representatives, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), gathered in front of Menara Kinabalu with the intention of delivering a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
Demand for water at UMS remains high, ranging between three to five million litres per-day (MLD), which is necessary to support its population of around 20,000 individuals, including some 16,000 students.
Currently, UMS receives an average of three million litres of water per-day (MLD) from the Sabah Water Department. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-15 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,UMS water protest,ends,17-hour camp-out,Menara Kinabalu,Hajiji,Sabah,chief minister | KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students have ended their protest over the water shortage issue at their campus on Saturday (June 15) morning. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/15/ums-water-protest-group-ends-17-hour-camp-out-opposite-menara-kinabalu-fails-to-meet-hajiji | |
1,371,586 | UMS students hold protest over Sabah’s water woes in front of Hajiji’s office | KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students went ahead with their protest over the state’s water woes despite the absence of a police permit to do so on Friday.
The group numbering less than 50 people marched about 5km from the UMS campus to Hajiji’s office at the state administrative building here, known as Menara Kinabalu, amid a visibly high presence of police at about 2.30pm.
The students who were joined by one or two NGOs highlighted the serious problems faced by people in various parts of Sabah and not just the UMS campus.
Armed with placards, banners, a loudspeaker and a tom-tom drum, the group sang and shouted “bangkit” (rise) and “air-air” (water, water), among others, as they walked from the campus right to the front of Menara Kinabalu.
UMS students hold up placards and banners as they marched towards Menara Kinabalu.
On the banners, the group expressed their frustration over the problem with words like “We need water, not just political showers” and “We want our basic rights”.
They demanded only to meet Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to personally hand him a six-point memorandum demanding immediate solutions to the water supply problem statewide.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya had come out to receive the memorandum on behalf of the CM but the group refused.
The group’s coordinator Mohammad Norhamdin Nordin said they will only hand the memorandum to Hajiji and will sit in front of Menara Kinabalu for as long as it takes until the CM comes.
Speaking to reporters, Shahelmey did not rule out that the protest was politically motivated.
“From the words being uttered, the water demands is only an excuse to hold a demonstration, it is more politically motivated,” he said.
Kota Kinabalu police chief Asst Comm Kasim Muda told the group that the CM had agreed to meet them next week but the students still refused to budge and continued to belt out their demands loudly. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-14 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Protest,Kami Mahu Air,Demonstration,UMS,Students,Water Woes | KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students went ahead with their protest over the state’s water woes despite the absence of a police permit to do so on Friday. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/14/ums-students-hold-protest-over-sabahs-water-woes-in-front-of-hajijis-office | |
1,371,296 | Govt not hiring S'poreans to teach English here, says PM | PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied claims that Malaysia is considering recruiting teachers from Singapore to teach English.
The Prime Minister said the proposal, meant to be a volunteer programme, was also aimed at boosting English proficiency and improving bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore.
"Listen first. Sometimes, the 'three-minute experts' will simply make (claims) on social media and all their facts are wrong.
ALSO READ: Call for S'pore to send teachers
"The assumption is that we are appointing English teachers from Singapore. That is wrong," he said in his speech at the Madani Aspiration Gathering at Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC) here on Friday (June 14).
"Recently, I met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and discussed several matters.
"(These included the possibility of) establishing an aid scheme from Singapore or getting volunteers, fully paid by the Singaporean government, to go to rural areas, villages and the interior of Sabah and Sarawak to teach English," he clarified.
ALSO READ: Get our retired teachers to teach English instead of paying Singaporeans, says Rafidah
On Wednesday (June 12), Anwar and Wong met to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
Anwar said that he was subsequently criticised by certain quarters for disrespecting local teachers by trying to bring in teachers from across the Causeway.
"This is purely to strengthen ties between our countries," he stressed. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-14 00:00:00 | Prime Minister,Anwar Ibrahim,English Teachers,Singapore,Volunteers,Criticism,Social Media,Bilateral Relations | PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied claims that Malaysia is considering recruiting teachers from Singapore to teach English. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/14/govt-not-hiring-s039poreans-to-teach-english-here-says-pm | |
1,371,047 | Non-Chinese multilingual mavericks from Chinese schools are highly sought-after | PETALING JAYA: When she speaks Mandarin, it’s easy to mistake Nur Inas Muhammad Adam for a Chinese.
The Chong Hwa Kuantan graduate does not only speak Mandarin with a Chinese accent, but also scored an A- in Chinese for her SPM examination last year, in which she bagged 7As.
With her overall performance – she also excelled in extracurricular activities – it is no wonder that Nur Inas was selected as the High School Model Student of 2023.
As the only child in her family who was left to learn Chinese, the 19-year-old deliberated long and hard before applying for a place at an independent school.
“I had thought of transferring to a national school many times. I couldn’t even speak Mandarin before Year Three in primary school, but luckily, I improved after Year Four,” she candidly shared, adding that her two younger brothers had opted to transfer out to a religious school and a national school respectively, because they couldn’t keep up with their studies in Mandarin.
“The educational path I chose required a lot of sacrifice and support from my family,” said Nur Inas, who also attributed her persistence to the support of her friends and dedicated primary school teachers, who helped lay a solid foundation for her Chinese proficiency.
Due to the demanding school environment and rigorous learning culture in Chinese primary schools, non-Chinese students studying in independent Chinese secondary schools may face challenges.
According to statistics provided by the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) to Sin Chew Daily, the total number of non-Chinese students in independent schools nationwide is 1,636. Sabah has the highest number of non-Chinese students at Chinese high schools.
The teaching philosophy of Chinese independent schools that stresses three languages – Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and English – can help students gain an advantage, said Dong Zong chairman Tan Tai Kim.
“Other than holistic development in all aspects, non-Chinese students who graduate from Chinese independent schools are more marketable because they have mastered an additional language. They also have various options for further studies, including in China, Taiwan and Singapore.”
The benefits of being multilingual are vast, concurred Prof Dr Juliana Othman, a professor of language education in the education faculty of Universiti Malaya.
Studies show it enhances cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving and critical thinking, as well as decision-making and multitasking abilities, she said.
“Socially, it allows for greater empathy and intercultural understanding. In today’s globalised world, multilingualism is valuable, opening doors to educational and professional opportunities.”
Knowing Mandarin has definitely given Loqa Kumaran from Negri Sembilan a competitive edge at work.
“My parents sent me to a Chinese kindergarten because it was nearby. And I went to a Chinese primary school because I wanted to be different from my older siblings, who went to a national school and a Tamil primary school. I never thought that 90% of my work later would be in Mandarin,” said Loqa, who had graduated from Chung Hua High School in Seremban.
Similarly, ASP Hamizan Ismail, 35, who completed his secondary school education at SMJK Nan Hwa in Sitiawan, Perak, said knowing Chinese has helped him in his career as a police officer, as the force needs officers who can speak several languages.
“I think the main reason I passed my interview to be a police inspector was that I knew Mandarin and various Chinese dialects, such as Fuzhou, Cantonese and Hokkien.”
See Sunday Star for more on the academic and job prospects of non-Chinese students at Chinese schools. This is part 5 of Media in Arms’ special report series ‘SJKC: Reality for Non-Chinese pupils’, which explores the experience of non-Chinese pupils in Chinese schools.
Media in Arms is a media collaboration comprising five mainstream media outlets: Chinese newspaper Sin Chew Daily, Malay daily Sinar Harian, local news broadcaster Astro Awani, Tamil newspaper Malaysia Nanban and The Star – which formed this initiative in February 2022 to share resources and collaborate on diversified news content. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-14 00:00:00 | SJKC,non-Chinese pupils,SJKC: Reality for Non-Chinese pupils,language learning difficulties,Media in Arms | PETALING JAYA: When she speaks Mandarin, it’s easy to mistake Nur Inas Muhammad Adam for a Chinese. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/14/non-chinese-multilingual-mavericks-from-chinese-schools-are-highly-sought-after | |
1,375,130 | Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Wednesday (June 19) | Malaysia
* Durian diplomacy: Premier Li salutes Malaysia-China’s shared resilience, marks 50 years of fruitful relations
* King grants audience to China’s premier Li Qiang
* China-Malaysia ties at forefront among relations between regional countries, says Chinese Premier Li Qiang
* China-Malaysia ties akin to 'continuous railway track with promising future', says Chinese Premier
* Anwar hails Malaysia-China partnership for boosting local industries via ECRL project
* Anwar and Li attend Gombak ECRL station groundbreaking ceremony
* 'Game-changing' ECRL reaches two-thirds completion
* Malaysia and China ink 14 MOUs
* What are the M'sia-China MOUs?
* Malaysia, China to jointly nominate Lion Dance for Unesco Cultural Heritage list
* Li Qiang accorded official welcome at Dataran Perdana
* PM hosts luncheon in honour of visiting China premier Li Qiang
* Revenue board identifies individuals, companies involved in crypto trading
* Cops arrest 13 over RM24mil in suspicious bank transactions
* 100,000 received RM200 cash aid to offset diesel price increase, says Finance Minister II
* Kelantan Speaker declares rogue Bersatu rep's Nenggiri state seat vacant
* Bersatu's rogue reps: S'gor Speaker says yet to receive notice to declare Selat Klang seat vacant
* Nenggiri vacancy proof that Bersatu's constitutional amendments in line with law, says Muhyiddin
* See you in court, Nenggiri rep tells Kelantan Speaker after seat declared vacant
* Anti-graft group urges govt to be careful with using its resources in Sg Bakap
* Ulu Tiram attack: Slain suspect's family members face nine charges including supporting terrorism
* Senior citizen duped of nearly RM600,000 by bogus NSRC officer
* Pregnant woman pleads guilty to soliciting clients for prostitution
* Najib, Irwan's RM6.6bil CBT trial postponed again to July 22
* Make citizenship amendments retroactive to include kids born to M'sian mums overseas previously, says NGO
* Domestic Trade Ministry plans to instal CCTV at border petrol stations
* Apex court dismisses Malaysian Bar’s leave to appeal bid to refer constitutional questions
* Sarawak Tourism Board to partner MAG for Visit Malaysia Year 2026
* Boost for Sabah timber's competitiveness, sustainability with EU link-up
* Najib controlled all aspects of SRC, says former director
Singapore
* Malaysian diver, 22, dies after getting entangled with boat propeller at Marina South Pier
* More than 10 years’ jail for S'porean ‘spiritual leader’ who cheated followers of over S$7m, forced some to eat faeces
* Young doctor suspended for attempting to record another doctor showering at hospital
* Singapore’s domestic recycling rate stalls at 12%, the lowest in over a decade
* 14 motorists to be charged with drink-driving offences: S'pore police
* Think you saw a police car? Nah, it’s a ‘polite’ car
* S’pore reclaims top spot in world competitiveness ranking after three years
Thailand
* Thai police identify diesel-smuggling mastermind after boats recaptured
* Low-price tour groups from China ‘a threat to Thailand’s tourism’
* Pheu Thai faces tough battle ahead amid political, economic turmoil
* US to return 900-year-old ancient artefact to Thailand
* Thai PM proposes $102 billion budget to parliament to revive economy
* Final draft of Thai casino entertainment complex bill to be ready in 4 weeks
Indonesia
* Mt Merapi on Java island emits lava, pyroclastic flow, reaching 1.5km
* Pope to stop by Istiqlal Mosque during first-ever Indonesia visit
* Calls for domestic worker protection bill grow in Indonesia as House nears end of tenure
* Indonesia to start construction of 245-km Java gas pipeline in July
* Indonesia builds 3.6km tidal embankment in Central Java top combat flooding
Philippines
* Battle lines drawn as Philippine V-P quits, severs Marcos-Duterte union ahead of 2025 mid-term polls
* Philippines says sword-wielding Chinese coast guard boarded navy vessels in South China Sea
* In South China Sea dispute, Philippines’ bolder hand tests Beijing
* Philippine's VP Sara Duterte resigns as Department of Education secretary, says Palace
* Marcos accepts Sara Duterte’s Cabinet resignation as Education secretary
Vietnam
* Vietnam to host Putin in nod to old ties, risking ire of West
* Vietnam govt says party chief of capital Hanoi resigns
* Hanoi unveils ambitious plan to improve residents' lives by 2030
* Large international retailers seek partnerships in Vietnam
* Credit growth remains far from Vietnam government's target
Cambodia
* Manet, Wong pledge closer Cambodian-Singaporean ties
* New agreement allows Cambodia to implement Singapore’s digital govt products
* Cambodia attracts US$48.4bil FDI in last 6 years: Central Bank
* Cambodia to upgrade 75% of rural roads to climate-resilient by 2030
Myanmar
* Myanmar authorities arrest 22 for marking Suu Kyi's birthday: media
* 19 Myanmar workers who illegally entered Thailand in a pickup truck arrested
* Various types of illegal timber, consumer goods, vehicles seized in three-day enforcement action
Laos
* Laos National Assembly members request revision of draft anti-corruption law
* Govt outlines plans to curb surging road accidents in Laos
Brunei
* Insufficient infrastructure, lack of promotion holding back Brunei's tourism, says economist
* Brunei court dismisses sexual offender’s appeal for reduced sentence
Aseanplus
* Putin says treaty with N. Korea provides 'mutual assistance' in case of aggression
* Kim promises Putin 'full support' for Russia's war in Ukraine
* Slain Hong Kong model Abby Choi’s ex-husband jailed for 3½ years for HK$6.3 million gold theft
* Woman passenger booked for biting crew member in Lucknow, India
* Knife attack injures three at Shanghai metro station
* Pilots fear collisions as staffing crisis leaves Australian control towers empty
* Bird flu detected in poultry farm near Sydney
* Alert bank officials prevent Rs 120 cr fraud, 7 arrested in Uttar Pradesh
* 348 Hongkongers, including 50 students, fell victim to fake online job ads in May
* China influencer who claims to be champion of working classes in videos exposed as ‘heartless boss’ in real life
* Pope offers prayers for 'noble, courageous' Chinese people
* Putin arrives in Pyongyang for summit with Kim
* Putin takes North Korea's Kim for a drive around Pyongyang in Russian-made limousine
* JR Tokai preparing Shinkansen service for heavy rains in Japan
* Patients left stranded as South Korea clinics shut down amid doctors’ strike
* Unrelenting heatwave kills five in Indian capital
* Wombat walker, cave conductor: Tasmania opens applications for ‘odd job’ experiences
* Romania to purchase South Korea's K-9 howitzers worth $920 million
* S. Korea to raise benefits for working parents to boost births
* Xi urges all-out response to floods, drought in China
* Ex-TVB star Lee Lung-kei’s fiancée jailed for 25 months; he will ‘wait and marry her after’
* China-US cooperation: Case involving illegal forex transactions under probe
* Japan govt to urge social media operators to strengthen screening of Ads following rapid rise in online scams
* Actor Huang Xiaoming puts on 15kg for new movie, where he plays intellectually disabled man
* Blackpink’s Lisa confirms new solo single ‘Rockstar’ will be released June 27
* Striking dress worn by Fan Bingbing in Melaka is a Bernard Chandran design
* Most Asian markets advance after latest Wall St record | AseanPlus | AseanPlus News | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Asean,news,headlines,June19 | News highlights from the Asean Plus section on Wednesday (June 19) | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/asean-news-headlines-as-at-10pm-on-wednesday-june-19 | |
1,375,125 | Indonesia builds 3.6km tidal embankment in Central Java top combat flooding | JAKARTA: Indonesia is underway with the construction of a 3.6-kilometre-long tidal embankment in Semarang, Central Java, with a budget of 386 billion rupiah or about RM111 million.
Located in Tambak Lorok fishing village, the project aims to mitigate tidal floods over the next three decades, according to President Joko Widodo (pic).
"The embankment is set to be completed by August. Its success could potentially lead to similar projects in other vulnerable coastal areas,” he said during a site inspection on Tuesday (June 18).
According to the Presidential Secretariat statement, the project is currently 85 per cent complete and is expected to conclude by August 2024, including the restructuring of fishing villages.
The project includes the construction of a 20-hectare seawall and two retention ponds to reduce flood risks, along with two pump houses capable of pumping 3×500 litres per second each.
Implemented in two phases, the initiative initially secured the dockyard during its first phase (2016-2017).
The ongoing second phase (2022-2024) aims to safeguard residential areas, social facilities and public amenities surrounding Tambak Lorok. - Bernama | AseanPlus | Indonesia | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Indonesia,tidal,embankment,Semarang,Central Java,flooding | JAKARTA: Indonesia is underway with the construction of a 3.6-kilometre-long tidal embankment in Semarang, Central Java, with a budget of 386 billion rupiah or about RM111 million. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/indonesia-builds-36km-tidal-embankment-in-central-java-top-combat-flooding | |
1,375,117 | Myanmar authorities arrest 22 for marking Suu Kyi's birthday: media | YANGON: Myanmar authorities arrested 22 people for marking the birthday of imprisoned democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi (pic), local media reported on Wednesday (June 19).
Police in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, arrested 22 people who had posted pictures of themselves wearing flowers in their hair -- long a signature Suu Kyi look -- Eleven Media reported, citing an anonymous official.
Other local media said around a dozen had been arrested in the central Myanmar city for wearing flowers or praying with them in public.
A prominent pro-junta Telegram account posted several photos claiming to show those arrested, including one showing five people with their legs placed in stocks.
Suu Kyi, who turned 79 on Wednesday, has been detained by the military since it toppled her government and seized power in 2021.
The coup and subsequent crackdown on dissent have sparked a widespread armed uprising that the military is struggling to crush.
The junta has rebuffed numerous requests by foreign leaders and diplomats to meet Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, who has reportedly suffered health problems during more than three years in detention.
Suu Kyi's only known encounter with a foreign envoy since the coup came in July last year, when then-Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said he had met her for more than an hour.
Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence imposed by a junta court after a trial condemned by rights groups as a sham to shut her out of politics.
Her son told AFP in February she was in "strong spirits" after receiving a letter from her -- their first communication since she was detained in the coup. - AFP | AseanPlus | Myanmar | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Myanmar,Suu Kyi,birthday,arrest | YANGON: Myanmar authorities arrested 22 people for marking the birthday of imprisoned democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi, local media reported on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/myanmar-authorities-arrest-22-for-marking-suu-kyi039s-birthday-media | |
1,375,114 | Low-price tour groups from China ‘a threat to Thailand’s tourism’ | BANGKOK: The use of Thai nominees by Chinese tour operators to monopolise visitors from China is alarming and more harmful to the industry than the previous “zero-dollar tours”, according to industry experts.
This new model would destroy Thailand's tourism industry, which had just started to recover and flourish post-Covid, they warned.
Sistiwat Chivarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), explained that “these market-destroying tours involve Chinese tour companies using Thai nominees to bring Chinese tourist groups to Thailand at extremely low prices”.
He said the new problem had surfaced following Thailand's full reopening and the bilateral visa exemption agreement between the Thai and Chinese governments effective from March 1, 2024.
They are engaging in aggressive price undercutting to drive Thai tour companies out of business, intending to monopolise the market eventually. Once the tourists arrive in Thailand, they are coerced into shopping and spending between 70,000 and 100,000 baht each, he said.
“These tours are severely damaging Thailand's tourism image, even more than the zero-dollar tours. It is already causing significant distress to Thai tour operators, and if the government does not address this issue, it is expected that within a year, Thai tour companies will weaken and eventually collapse,” he warned.
"These tours orchestrated by the Chinese are employing aggressive price undercutting tactics, which is more severe than anything I've encountered in my career," Sistiwat said.
These Chinese tour companies are implementing tactics that go beyond mere “kickback tours” (The tour groups handled by tour companies in Thailand, which include both Thai companies and networks of Chinese tour operators, purchase a certain number of tourist slots from Chinese tour companies. Subsequently, the Chinese tour companies will gradually send these tourists to Thailand.)
“They are new players in the Thai market, handling the entire process themselves and offering tour packages to Chinese tourists at unprecedented low prices without regard for costs or losses. If they incur losses, they simply withdraw, allowing new players to enter, treating it as a gamble,” he said.
The ultimate loser is Thailand, as these practices disrupt and damage the entire market, driving other tour companies out of business to monopolise the market later, he explained.
"The ATTA had previously informed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin about the price-cutting issues and the irrational market mechanisms that harm the country's image. As representatives of the tourism industry and ATTA, we urge the government to take sincere and urgent actions to address this issue, including imposing penalties for selling below the set prices.
"If not, the overall Thai tourism industry will suffer due to the network of 4-5 companies involved in these practices. Even if 1-2 companies are prosecuted, the others remain unaffected," Sistiwat added.
A report from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said that in the first five and a half months of 2024 – from Jan 1 to June 16 – a total of 16,200,706 international tourists arrived in Thailand, an increase of 37% compared to the same period last year.
The top five source countries for tourists were: 1. China with 3,179,539 visitors, 2. Malaysia (2,253,397), 3. India (952,470 visitors), 4. Russia (888,203), and 5. South Korea (874,903).
Minister of Tourism Sermsaks Pongpanich said: "The issue of foreign tour groups, akin to zero-dollar tours, where tourists are taken only to their affiliated shopping and dining places, including nominee companies handling major markets like China and Russia, is indeed inappropriate. While we cannot outright ban these activities, we must ensure they operate legally.
"We need to be stringent with these issues as they compete for Thai people's income. I will take action to investigate and address any irregularities." - The Nation/ANN | AseanPlus | Thailand | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Thailand,tourism,China,low-price | BANGKOK: The use of Thai nominees by Chinese tour operators to monopolise visitors from China is alarming and more harmful to the industry than the previous “zero-dollar tours”, according to industry experts. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/low-price-tour-groups-from-china-a-threat-to-thailands-tourism | |
1,375,108 | Vietnam govt says party chief of capital Hanoi resigns | HANOI: The party chief of Vietnam's capital city Hanoi, Dinh Tien Dung (pic), has resigned, the government said on Wednesday (June 19), marking the latest top official to exit as the ruling Communist Party carries out a major reshuffle.
Dung, 63, a former finance minister, was found by the party to be responsible for violations committed at the finance ministry during the 2016-2021 period, the government said in a statement.
Dung is a member of the Politburo, the most powerful decision-making body in the country.
It was not clear whether Dung would be removed from the Politburo, which has seen six of its members leaving since late 2022 amid an intensified anti-graft crackdown and a major leadership reshuffle.
The government statement said the ministry of finance, in its 2016-2021 term, failed to properly manage the issuance and trade of some corporate bonds, while some ministry officials broke party rules.
"The violations and shortcomings of the ministry for the 2016-2021 term have caused serious and irreparable consequences, leading to significant losses to the state budget and hurting bond investors," the statement said.
The government said the Politburo had agreed to let Dung step down. - Reuters | AseanPlus | Vietnam | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Vietnam,Hanoi,party,leader,resignation | HANOI: The party chief of Vietnam's capital city Hanoi, Dinh Tien Dung, has resigned, the government said on Wednesday (June 19), marking the latest top official to exit as the ruling Communist Party carries out a major reshuffle. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/vietnam-govt-says-party-chief-of-capital-hanoi-resigns | |
1,375,106 | Durian diplomacy: Premier Li salutes Malaysia-China’s shared resilience, marks 50 years of fruitful relations | KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian durian and mangosteens have become viral sensations among Chinese consumers, highlighting the ever-deepening and strong economic and trade relations between China and Malaysia, says Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
He said that both nations have consistently embraced principles of cooperation and mutual benefit.
“China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. Fruits from Malaysia like durian and mangosteens are now trending among Chinese consumers. Through win-win cooperation, both our countries have achieved growth and foster closer economic ties, which have created strong impetus for our respective modernisation drive.
"The mutual development and benefits between our two countries have significantly deepened and accelerated our respective modernisation processes, injecting robust momentum into bilateral economic and trade exchanges," he said during his speech at the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China at the Shangri-La Hotel on Wednesday (June 18).
Li also emphasised the shared resilience of China and Malaysia, recalling the saying “Sharing blessings in times of happiness and facing difficulties together".
Citing past crises (the Asian financial crisis, the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Wenchuan earthquake) to the recent global Covid-19 pandemic, he said that Malaysia and China have continuously supported each other, thus fostering mutual understanding and trust.
Highlighting the historical ties that date back 600 years to Admiral Cheng Ho's voyages, Li praised the cultural integration between Confucianism and Islamic traditions.
"Our close interactions are evident, with China being one of Malaysia's largest tourist sources. The sincere goodwill between our people is growing, fostering closeness with every interaction.
"Fifty years ago, Malaysia courageously established diplomatic ties with China, setting a precedent for China-Asean relations. Over the past half-century, the relationship between China and Malaysia has steadily advanced, undeterred by challenges," said Li who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia.
Looking ahead, the Chinese Premier proposed four initiatives to enhance Malaysia-China relations, including reinforcing the foundation of bilateral ties, aligning development strategies such as developing greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Madani Economy, deepening cultural exchanges and mutual learning through the Global Civilisation Initiative, and uniting to address global challenges.
Li noted that this year's theme of 'China-Malaysia Friendship Year' is particularly meaningful in today's world.
"In a world where some countries are embroiled in conflict and turmoil, what we need is peace and stability, not hegemony or violence. We need empathy, not self-centredness. We need open collaboration, not confrontation," he added.
The celebration was also attended by officials and representatives from various sectors, including Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Malaysia,durian,mangosteens,viral sensations,Chinese consumers,China and Malaysia,Chinese Premier,Li Qiang,dinner | KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian durian and mangosteens have become viral sensations among Chinese consumers, highlighting the ever-deepening and strong economic and trade relations between China and Malaysia, says Chinese Premier Li Qiang. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/durian-diplomacy-premier-li-salutes-malaysia-chinas-shared-resilience-marks-50-years-of-fruitful-relations | |
1,375,104 | Manet, Wong pledge closer Cambodian-Singaporean ties | PHNOM PENH: The leaders of Cambodia and Singapore have vowed to promote stronger and more prosperous cooperation between the two countries, by continuing regular political consultations between the two countries’ ministries of foreign affairs.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Hun Manet on Tuesday (June 18) during Manet’s two-day official visit to Singapore from June 18-19.
The visit is aimed at further strengthening and expanding relations and cooperation, as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, Manet highlighted the strong growth of diplomatic relations between the two countries as well as the strengthening and expansion of cooperation in various other fields, adding that he expected his visit to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
“The two prime ministers agreed to continue regular political consultations between their respective foreign ministries.
“They also announced that they will establish a joint working group to discuss action plans to improve trade and investment cooperation,” explained a June 18 social media statement from Manet.
The two leaders also agreed to continue cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, including building human capital, vocational training, and the promotion of tourism through the expansion of more direct flights between Cambodia and Singapore, as well as increased efforts to attract tourists from other countries to visit both countries.
They discussed exchanges of visits by senior defence and security officials and bilateral training sessions, as well as heightened cooperation on combating transnational crime, human trafficking and drug trafficking, cyber-crimes and online fraud, said the statement.
Wong and Manet held talks on a number of regional and international issues, in order to build peace, stability, unity and prosperity in the region and the world, as well as providing mutual benefits.
Manet invited Wong to pay an official visit to Cambodia at an appropriate time.
Wong took to social media on June 19 to explain that he and Manet discussed ways to expand the two countries' cooperation, noting Manet has set out a comprehensive strategy to make Cambodia a high-income nation by 2050, and pledging that Singapore will do its part to support Cambodia’s development priorities under this strategy.
“Our economic cooperation has expanded to new areas like renewable energy and carbon credits, and even cooperation in digital government. I look forward to working closely with Manet to strengthen our partnership and bring it to new heights,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN | AseanPlus | Cambodia | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Cambodia,Singapore,Lawrence Wong,Hun Manet,cooperation | PHNOM PENH: The leaders of Cambodia and Singapore have vowed to promote stronger and more prosperous cooperation between the two countries, by continuing regular political consultations between the two countries’ ministries of foreign affairs. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/manet-wong-pledge-closer-cambodian-singaporean-ties | |
1,375,098 | Battle lines drawn as Philippine V-P quits, severs Marcos-Duterte union ahead of 2025 mid-term polls | MANILA: The much-vaunted alliance of the Philippines’ two most powerful political dysnasties is no more.
Vice-President Sara Duterte’s resignation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Cabinet on Wednesday (June 19) is the final nail in the coffin that will break up the Marcos-Duterte union less than a year before the May 2025 mid-term polls.
It is also the first shot signalling Sara Duterte’s bigger political ambitions going forward, political observers say. The possibilities include Sara becoming an opposition leader fielding her own slate against Marcos in the mid-term election next year and further afield, gunning for the presidency in 2028.
With her resignation, Sara is now free to position herself as an opposition figure against her erstwhile ally, said ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Dr Aries Arugay.
“Their power-sharing agreement was not feasible because of many factors, like significant policy differences. But this also has something to do with the Marcoses not being able to really give the concessions that the Dutertes thought they earned or they deserved because they helped catapult the Marcoses into power,” he told The Straits Times.
Marcos and Sara may end up endorsing different sets of candidates in next year’s mid-term polls, when Filipinos vote for half of the members of the Senate and other local posts down to the village level, added Dr Arugay.
Sara could possibly upset Marcos’ agenda in his last four years of office if more candidates allied with her win during the mid-term polls next year, political science professor Dr Jean Encinas-Franco from the University of the Philippines told ST.
Duterte resigned from her posts as education secretary and vice-chair of an anti-insurgency task force, without providing a reason. Her resignation is effective July 19 and she will remain as vice-president until her term officially ends in 2028.
“My resignation was not borne out of weakness but brought about by genuine concern for our teachers and Filipino youth,” she said in a 12-minute media briefing later in the day, where she declined to take questions.
“I may no longer be your education secretary, but I will remain as a mother – a mother watching over and fighting over the rights of every teacher and student in the Philippines. This is for a stronger Philippines,” she added.
Instead, much of the briefing was spent recounting her achievements as education chief for the past two years, including introducing new learning material to kindergarten up to junior high school levels, and providing internet access to over 2,000 schools in far-flung areas in the country.
The Marcos and Duterte families joined forces in 2022 for the presidential election, with Sara standing as Marcos’ vice-presidential running mate, allowing Marcos to tap the Duterte family’s huge support base and seal a comeback for the disgraced Marcos dynasty.
In the Philippines, the president and vice-president are elected separately. Hence, candidates for the two highest posts in the land may run as a team or on opposing sides.
The Philippine vice-president holds a mostly ceremonial role in the constitution but is the first in line of succession if the president dies or becomes permanently disabled. The incumbent president traditionally appoints the vice-president to the Cabinet and assigns the latter various official government functions.
Thus, it is not unusual in the Philippines for vice-presidents to eventually leave the Cabinet, either to distance themselves from the incumbent president’s faulty policies or in a bid to rebrand themselves in anticipation of a greater political goal.
Sara was once the top contender in the 2022 presidential race, but gave way to Marcos and instead formed their so-called “UniTeam” alliance. The scions of two well-entrenched political clans in the nation swept the polls, with Marcos getting 31 million votes and Sara garnering 32 million votes.
But that alliance was quick to crumble in the aftermath of their electoral victory.
Marcos began dropping key policies of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, Sara’s father, including the bloody drug war that is now being investigated by the International Criminal Court. Marcos also reversed Rodrigo Duterte’s appeasement of Beijing on its sweeping claims over the South China Sea.
Marcos’ allies in Congress later rejected Sara's request for millions of confidential funds for the vice president’s office and the education ministry this year.
The Dutertes then pushed back against Marcos, leading protests in their hometown Davao City in southern Philippines against attempts by the president to amend the constitution in early 2024. Marcos and Rodrigo even accused each other of using illegal drugs.
Therefore, political pundits believe Sara's resignation as vice-president clearly signals her interest and intent for the presidential race in 2028.
However, University of the Philippines’Franco said that Sara's resignation will place her in a more politically vulnerable position, even if she enjoys high approval ratings among Filipinos for now.
“Because she [Sara] no longer has a Cabinet portfolio, she will no longer have as much of a budget as she used to before. That will prevent her from moving around the country. Her activities will be limited,” she added.
Meanwhile, the political effect from Sara's resignation remains to be seen. In the near term, Dr Arugay at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute thinks Marcos has the upper hand, as the incumbent president.
“Expect more attacks and criticisms against the Dutertes now. As far as Marcos and his allies are concerned, she’s fair game now,” he said. - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | AseanPlus News | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | MANILA: The much-vaunted alliance of the Philippines’ two most powerful political dysnasties is no more. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/battle-lines-drawn-as-philippine-v-p-quits-severs-marcos-duterte-union-ahead-of-2025-mid-term-polls | |
1,375,096 | China-Malaysia ties akin to 'continuous railway track with promising future', says Chinese Premier | KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday reiterated China's steadfast regard for Malaysia as a close neighbour and vital partner, emphasising its commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing mutual development.
Li said the meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year achieved significant consensus on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, outlining a new blueprint for bilateral relations.
"Standing at a new historical starting point, China-Malaysia friendship is like this continuous railway track, spanning mountains and seas, with a promising future.
"Let us seize historical opportunities, implement existing projects well, continuously expand new areas of cooperation, further strengthen policy communication, facilities connectivity, trade flow, financial integration and people-to-people ties between our two countries, and better benefit the peoples of both countries,” he said.
Li said this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal station here on Wednesday (June 19), also attended by Anwar.
Speaking on the 665km-long ECRL, costing RM50.2bil, Li expressed China's readiness to collaborate closely with Malaysia to ensure the project becomes a path to prosperity and happiness that truly benefits Malaysians.
Highlighting that transportation is the lifeline of the economy, Li said that the ECRL project serves not only as a transportation artery but also plays a pivotal role in driving development, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
"China is willing to assist Malaysia in focusing on subsequent operations, developing and planning along the railway line, and driving vibrant development in sectors such as commerce, logistics and tourism, achieving greater economic and social benefits.
"Simultaneously, the ECRL project will also have long-term and extensive spillover effects.
"Malaysia, located at the centre of Southeast Asia with unique regional advantages, has the potential to connect the ECRL with the Laos-China Railway and the Thailand-China Railway, thereby turning the Pan-Asia Railway Network from concept into reality and better advancing the construction of new international land and sea trade routes, enhancing regional connectivity, and deepening Asean community building,” he said.
Aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic development, the ECRL, traversing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, is set to be an economic game changer especially in boosting Malaysia’s transportation network.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The massive infrastructure project, which connects the east and west coasts of the country with 20 stations, is also a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.
Li commenced his official visit to Malaysia on Tuesday (June 18), which concludes on Thursday (June 20).
This marks his inaugural visit to the country since assuming office in March 2023.
His visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations following the signing of the Joint Communiqué between second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and then Chinese Premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Li Qiang,Malaysia,ECRL,Partner,Economy,Bilateral | KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday reiterated China's steadfast regard for Malaysia as a close neighbour and vital partner, emphasising its commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing mutual development. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/china-malaysia-ties-akin-to-039continuous-railway-track-with-promising-future039-says-chinese-premier | |
1,375,084 | Young doctor suspended for attempting to record another doctor showering at hospital | SINGAPORE: A young doctor who attempted to record his colleague showering has been suspended for three months.
A Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Disciplinary Tribunal also ordered Dr Chen Hsing Yu to be censured and for him to submit a written undertaking that he will not engage in any similar conduct.
Dr Chen’s registration in the Register of Medical Practitioners will be suspended from June 18 to Sept 17.
The grounds of decision was published by the SMC on Wednesday (June 19), calling him a young doctor but without indicating his age.
Dr Chen had pleaded guilty to engaging in an improper act or conduct by attempting to record a female doctor showering at the hospital using his mobile phone.
Between 5.20pm and 6.30pm on April 17, 2020, the victim went to take a shower at a unisex shower in the hospital after her rounds at the isolation ward.
Dr Chen, who was a resident trainee at the hospital at the time, intended to record her through the gap under the shower door but stopped short of doing so.
The victim headed home after her shower without noticing anything amiss.
The same day, one of the victim’s colleagues informed her that a nurse had witnessed Dr Chen attempting to record her while she was taking a shower.
The victim then lodged a police report upon the management’s advice.
Dr Chen’s residency training at the hospital was terminated on April 29, 2020, and his employment with MOH Holdings was terminated for misconduct on May 11, 2020.
He was investigated for voyeurism and given a 24-month conditional warning from June 1, 2021.
The tribunal noted that the incident was not the first time Dr Chen had acted as a voyeur.
On April 23, 2014, while he was an undergraduate medical student in Australia, he used a mobile phone to record a three-second video of a fellow female medical student while she was using a unisex bathroom at a hospital there.
He later deleted the video, went for counselling and wrote an apology to the victim who did not press charges.
A panel inquiry a year later found that Dr Chen suffered from a personality structure which made him prone to voyeuristic behaviour with females, and which had the potential to impact on the safety of the public and to affect his capacity to practise medicine.
Dr Chen had revealed the incident to the SMC when he applied for provisional registration in Singapore on Oct 14, 2015.
He was still able to graduate from Australia and obtained conditional registration in Singapore.
The SMC said Dr Chen’s conduct as a medical student in Australia was a prior instance of professional misconduct that was a significant aggravating factor, and had sought for a suspension of eight months.
In mitigation, Dr Chen submitted that his attempt to film his colleague was because he was feeling depressed and under immense pressure, having to deal with the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic as a young doctor at the time.
He had sought for a fine of S$5,000.
The tribunal found that his being a young doctor who deserves a second chance was not mitigating, as this was the second time he committed the same type of sexual misconduct over a span of just a few years.
It also said that while it was happy to note he had voluntarily sought professional treatment to address his underlying medical issues, having undertaken charity work and taken other steps to improve his general well-being, these were not sufficient to warrant an adjustment in his sentence.
But the tribunal also disagreed with the SMC’s proposal of a higher sentence on the basis that he had committed a similar act as a student.
It said the uplift would not be appropriate, as a student would not be subject to the same regime and expectations of a fully qualified doctor.
It also noted that a psychiatrist found that the likelihood of Dr Chen committing a similar future transgression is extremely remote.
For engaging in an improper act or conduct, Dr Chen could have been suspended for up to three years, or removed from the register, and fined up to $100,000. - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Singapore | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Singapore,doctor,showering,suspend,recording | SINGAPORE: A young doctor who attempted to record his colleague showering has been suspended for three months. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/young-doctor-suspended-for-attempting-to-record-another-doctor-showering-at-hospital | |
1,375,083 | Wombat walker, cave conductor: Tasmania opens applications for ‘odd job’ experiences | HOBART: How would you like to ditch your job for a day to walk an adorable wombat or perform a sound check inside a cave?
These are just some of the “odd jobs” currently being offered by the Australian state of Tasmania as part of a tourism campaign to attract domestic visitors during the off-season months.
Billed as the “antithesis of the daily grind”, these experiences invite those who are looking for a break from their busy lives.
One such opportunity comes from East Coast Natureworld: It is offering a one-day volunteer experience to help “maintain the physical and mental well-being” of its wombats by leading them on their morning excursion.
Highlights of the job include taking the wombats on their daily walk and keeping them motivated with encouragement and snacks.
“These walks are essential to keeping (the wombats) happy and healthy during the winter months,” the job listing said.
Those who are not too keen on walking wombats can choose from a variety of other jobs available.
Night owls can opt to apply as a “star seeker” in the locality of Hollow Tree, where they will learn to navigate the stars and assist experts in celestial observations.
The musically inclined may want to apply as “cave conductor”, where they will conduct a sound check to test the acoustics at Gunns Plains Caves and help a local musician warm up for a performance.
For those feeling more adventurous, there is also a listing for a paranormal investigator at Australia’s oldest continually run asylum, Willow Court.
The job includes learning the history of the asylum and capturing and documenting “disturbances, spectral figures or unexplained phenomena”.
While these jobs are unpaid, successful applicants will get free flights to Tasmania, car hire, two nights’ accommodation and A$500 (S$450) worth of local produce and memorabilia for their labour.
Applications are open until July 8, and only for Australian citizens or permanent residents who are aged at least 18 years old and currently residing in the country.
Applicants are also required to state in up to 50 words why they would like to swop their day job for an odd job in Tasmania for the winter.
In a press release, Tourism Tasmania chief marketing officer Lindene Cleary called the odd jobs campaign a “unique proposition”.
“More and more, we’re all looking for remedies through experiences that make life feel simpler and less stressful,” she said, citing activities such as watching “cottagecore” videos of people gardening and building cabins in the woods.
Dr Amantha Imber, an organisational psychologist and workplace expert, said: “Burnout and exhaustion are at very high levels in Australia.
“One of the best ways to combat this is to take a break – of even just a few days – from the daily grind,” she said. - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | AseanPlus News | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Tasmania,odd jobs,applications,experiences | HOBART: How would you like to ditch your job for a day to walk an adorable wombat or perform a sound check inside a cave? | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/wombat-walker-cave-conductor-tasmania-opens-applications-for-odd-job-experiences | |
1,375,072 | Finance manager who stole more than S$630k from firm sentenced to 66 months’ jail | SINGAPORE: A finance and human resources manager who misappropriated about s$631,000 from a firm selling electronic components was sentenced to 66 months’ jail on Wednesday (June 19).
Ivy Tan Yee Ling, 35, was convicted of four charges of criminal breach of trust by a servant following a trial.
She has appealed against the conviction and sentence.
Tan, who joined Exim & Mfr Enterprise in February 2016, was found guilty of misappropriating two cheques amounting to about $204,000 and $67,600, between April and May 2016.
She did the same with two other cheques worth about $261,000 and $99,000 between February and March 2017.
At the closing of the trial, Deputy Public Prosecutor Yohanes Ng said that it was undisputed that Tan had deposited the four cheques into her personal account and those belonging to two of her friends and her company, Wedding Day.
He added that it was not in question that she received all the money.
DPP Ng said Tan’s version of events, which included a claim of receiving “secret instructions” from Exim’s owner, Ng Sin Kwee, was not credible and should not be believed.
The prosecutor said that her defence was that Ng told her to bank in the four cheques to various beneficiaries, and then to pass the proceeds to him in cash as he wanted to hide the true dividend amount from his wife because he had an alleged relationship with another employee.
DPP Ng said her account requires the court to believe that Ng trusted her enough, when she had just joined the company, to ask her to be an “accomplice to the crime of effectively stealing dividends from his wife” and to “entrust her with several hundreds of thousands of dollars with no written documentation”.
“And as if that was not difficult enough to believe, her account further requires the court to believe that she did all of this for no reward, even after her relationship (with Ng) soured, and right up till her last day of work at the company.
“This account simply beggars belief,” the prosecutor added.
DPP Ng also said Ng’s actions after he was told about Tan’s misappropriation by her successor showed he did not give her any secret instructions.
These included a civil suit that was filed against Tan.
DPP Ng said that while Tan claimed she had returned the full amount to Ng in cash, there is no evidence that she had returned a single cent to Ng or Exim.
The prosecutor asked the court to sentence Tan to between 66 and 70 months’ jail.
Noting that she had previously been convicted of one count of criminal breach of trust in 2012 for which she was fined $3,000, he said there is need for strong deterrence.
Tan was represented by Mohamed Fazal Abd Hamid of IRB Law, who had asked the court for a jail sentence of 58 months.
For each charge of criminal breach of trust by a servant, Tan could have been jailed for up to 15 years and fined. - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Singapore | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Singapore,court,Ivy Tan Yee Ling,Exim & Mfr,jail | SINGAPORE: A finance and human resources manager who misappropriated about s$631,000 from a firm selling electronic components was sentenced to 66 months’ jail on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/finance-manager-who-stole-more-than-s630k-from-firm-sentenced-to-66-months-jail | |
1,375,070 | Anwar, Premier Li Qiang exchange coffee table books to commemorate 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China ties | KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday exchanged coffee table books in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, which was established on May 31, 1974.
Li presented Anwar with the book titled ‘50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Ties Hand in Hand for Win-Win Cooperation’ while Anwar presented ‘Ties that Bind’ to the visiting Chinese Premier.
Both leaders also exchanged commemorative stamps. Anwar also presented commemorative coins to Li.
‘Ties that Bind’, a 174-page English-Chinese dual language coffee table book was published by Bernama, the Malaysian National News Agency, and produced in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry.
It also includes messages from Anwar, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
The book conveys, through text and pictures, the major leader-to-leader and people-to-people exchanges and the growth of political, economic, cultural, social, sports and tourism ties between the two countries over the last 50 years.
Meanwhile, the publication of the ‘50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Ties Hand in Hand for Win-Win Cooperation’ book was organised by Xinhua News Agency (Xinhua) and Malaysia-China Friendship Association.
The 106-page book also includes messages from Anwar, Ouyang, Director of Xinhua Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau Wang Jinfu and Malaysia-China Friendship Association President Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, as well as two chapters on Footprint of History and China-Malaysia Ties in New Era.
The exchange was held on the sidelines of the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China dinner, here tonight.
When met after the event, Fahmi said that the 'Ties that Bind' published by Bernama came at the right time, being the juxtaposition of the journey Malaysia and China have gone through together over the years.
"Yes, it comes at a very timely and momentous occasion because we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China and now we can see that the relationship has borne fruit.
"We hope that this book can give us a sense of perspective in terms of the relationship between both countries and help strengthen it further,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wong said ‘Ties that Bind’ signifies the continuation of further bilateral relations and exchange between Malaysia and China.
"We can say that this is the sole book which marks the commemoration of the 50th anniversary between the two countries and in this book, I think a lot of great work has been put in by the Bernama team.
"I highly hope that this book, while marking the anniversary, signifies the beginning of another 50 years between Malaysia and China,” he said.
Sharing the sentiment, the news agency’s chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said in addition to chronicling the history of diplomatic relations between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, it also explores the economic, cultural and social ties between the two countries.
"It also looks ahead, considering how the relationship between the two countries might evolve in the future.
"This forward-looking perspective is crucial as we navigate new challenges in all areas of Malaysia’s bilateral relationship with China,” she added. - Bernama
| News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary,Coffee Table Books,Bernama,‘Ties That Bind’,‘50th Anniversary of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Ties Hand in Hand for Win-Win Cooperation’ | KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday exchanged coffee table books in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, which was established on May 31, 1974. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/anwar-premier-li-qiang-exchange-coffee-table-books-to-commemorate-50th-anniversary-of-malaysia-china-ties | |
1,375,068 | Pheu Thai faces tough battle ahead amid political, economic turmoil | BANGKOK: The Pheu Thai Party’s time in power is proving to be far more challenging this time than previously, as it is being buffeted by challenges in both political and economic spheres.
As a coalition leader, it is doing its best to implement policies that could offer a turning point to the country and restore public faith. It needs to win back its supporters after many were upset by the party’s strategic shift to form a government with the powerful “3Ps” – General Prayut Chan-O- Cha, General Prawit Wongsuwon and General Anupong “Pok” Paochinda.
Yet, despite its alliance with the former coup makers, many of its government’s projects are experiencing halts and adjustments.
In Parliament, meanwhile, the ruling party is being hit hard by the opposition, which is questioning the skyrocketing prices of consumer goods and a significant drop in income opportunities.
Economic growth, on the other hand, is stagnating and the Thai stock market has been plummeting with no clear signs of victory.
This downward trend has been blamed on political uncertainty.
With so many negative factors at play, it is crucial at this time for the coalition government, especially Pheu Thai and PM Srettha Thavisin, to maintain their popularity – especially if they hope to see significant changes.
Previously, the Pheu Thai brand was synonymous with confidence and economic buoyancy, but now it faces unexpected challenges due to several factors.
Though many people are blaming the current challenges on former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s presence, he has not actually proved to be a hindrance to rallying major political factions.
The Srettha government is still facing challenges despite applying the winning economic formula of Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai government (2001-2006).
Thaksin, who is seen as Pheu Thai’s patriarch, is currently entangled in a lese majeste case related to comments he made to South Korean media in 2015.
Srettha is also using the successful marketing tactics employed during Thaksin’s era, by connecting with the public via social media, frequent visits to different regions and issuing numerous populist directives.
Now, however, the outcomes of these strategies may differ.
In today’s political context, working with a coalition government means that actions are less absolute and decisive than during Thaksin’s tenure. Plus, aligning all political factions is not as straightforward as before, because groups that once allied with Thaksin are well aware of his management style. Now they are carefully considering the alliance and even holding back to boost their bargaining power.
Moreover, some coalition parties are Pheu Thai’s competitors, especially in the Central and Northeast regions.
Meanwhile, the strategy of removing the once-powerful Palang Pracharath Party from the coalition, at a time when 40 of its MPs remain in the government, may be a very bold move. This action would certainly provoke the all-powerful party leader General Prawit, whose star seems to be waning but remains formidable.
Factions within Palang Pracharath that have aligned with Prawit but are being lured by a certain influential figure are in a dilemma. They are cautious about making any moves or appearing ready to shift allegiance, as a misstep could lead to making them significantly vulnerable.
The only person bold enough seems to be the one accusing him of being at the root of Thailand’s political turmoil.
Srettha and Thaksin, meanwhile, are paving the way for Pheu Thai to make a comeback in the next election.
However, whether this collaboration will be successful or not is not immediately clear as it was when Thaksin rode to the top alone. - The Nation/ANN | AseanPlus | Thailand | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Thailand,Pheu Thai,politics,Thaksin | BANGKOK: The Pheu Thai Party’s time in power is proving to be far more challenging this time than previously, as it is being buffeted by challenges in both political and economic spheres. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/pheu-thai-faces-tough-battle-ahead-amid-political-economic-turmoil | |
1,375,064 | Pope offers prayers for 'noble, courageous' Chinese people | VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis (pic) on Wednesday (June 17) called for prayers for the Chinese people, in unscripted remarks coming amid the Vatican's desire to upgrade its relations with Beijing.
Relations with communist China have historically been fraught, but Francis has made it a priority to normalise them, building on a landmark 2018 pact on appointing bishops.
"This also makes me think about the beloved Chinese people: let us always pray for this noble and very courageous people who have such a beautiful culture," the pope said.
Francis spoke during his weekly audience in St Peter's Square, adding to pre-written remarks as he greeted an association that honours a late Vatican envoy to Beijing.
The Vatican's overtures to China are controversial, as critics see them as a form of appeasement towards a country accused of trampling on religious freedom and human rights.
Beijing has been following a policy of "Sinicisation" of religion, trying to root out foreign influences and enforce obedience to the Communist Party.
There are an estimated 10 to 12 million Catholics in China. - Reuters | AseanPlus | China | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | China,pope,prayers | VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Wednesday (June 17) called for prayers for the Chinese people, in unscripted remarks coming amid the Vatican's desire to upgrade its relations with Beijing. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/pope-offers-prayers-for-039noble-courageous039-chinese-people | |
1,375,058 | Mt Merapi on Java island emits lava, pyroclastic flow, reaching 1.5km | JAKARTA: Mount Merapi, an active volcano in Central Java and Yogyakarta, has recently emitted lava and pyroclastic flows that reached distances of up to 1.5km from its summit.
These flows are moving towards upstream rivers nearby, prompting urgent warnings from authorities for residents to avoid the danger zones.
The Yogyakarta Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Centre (BPPTKG) reported that on Tuesday (June 18) at 8.55pm, the flows were observed heading towards the Bebeng River.
"The volcano emitted weakly pressurised white smoke, reaching heights of 25 to 50m above the crater," said the BPPTKG.
In its latest report on Wednesday, it stated that there was one pyroclastic flow and 11 lava flows, all directed southwest with a maximum runout distance of 1.5km.
Current potential hazards include lava and pyroclastic flows in the southwest and southeast sectors, reaching distances between three and seven kilometres towards several nearby rivers.
"Volcanic material projection in the event of an explosive eruption could reach a radius of three kilometres from the summit," the BPPTKG noted, adding that ongoing magma supply could trigger lava and pyroclastic flows within the hazard zone.
Authorities advise vigilance, citing the Alert Level III status since November 2020, and urge preparedness for disruptions from volcanic ash. - Bernama | AseanPlus | Indonesia | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Indonesia,Mount Merapi,volcano,Java,erupt | JAKARTA: Mount Merapi, an active volcano in Central Java and Yogyakarta, has recently emitted lava and pyroclastic flows that reached distances of up to 1.5km from its summit. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/mt-merapi-on-java-island-emits-lava-pyroclastic-flow-reaching-15km | |
1,375,055 | Najib controlled all aspects of SRC, says former director | KUALA LUMPUR: Former SRC International Sdn Bhd director told the High Court here on Wednesday that all aspects of running the strategic investment company were controlled by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, either directly by himself or through his proxy and representative, former SRC chief executive officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil.
Datuk Suboh Md Yassin, 73, said all major investment and strategic decisions of SRC were to be first referred to Najib for approval as he held the Advisor Emeritus title which caused the powers, roles and functions of the other directors of SRC, including himself were reduced to nothing as they are bound and compelled to follow the directions of Najib.
"Datuk Seri Najib expressed this through the various shareholder minutes issued by him in his capacity as Finance Ministry Incorporated or through Nik Faisal's directions which the latter said to be expressed on behalf of Najib.
"SRC is unlike any other private limited company where in other such companies, as a matter of common practice and law, the directors are conferred the power to make decisions independently. SRC has a peculiar setup," said Suboh while reading his witness statement during examination-in-chief by counsel Abraham Au representing SRC.
Suboh is testifying as a third-party respondent in SRC International’s US$1.18bil civil suit against Najib and Nik Faisal, who is currently at large.
Further questioned by Au on what he meant when he said 'SRC has a peculiar setup', Suboh explained even though SRC is a private limited company, the way it was run, its corporate governance, setup, objects and operation were, in reality, an extension of governmental activities of the Finance Ministry.
"Datuk Seri Najib had full and absolute control over all aspects of the running of SRC, to the exclusion of the Board, I felt that my role in SRC was not any different from being a civil servant where we were accustomed and expected to strictly follow all directions from the top, in this case, it is from the Prime Minister.
"If the top required us to do something, we were not in any position to object or to override any decision that we were instructed to implement and to take all necessary steps to give effect to the underlying transactions of these instructions," said Suboh.
He further explained one strikingly peculiar feature in which decisions are implemented is the practice of "shareholder instructions” conveyed by way of shareholder minutes.
"Important matters concerning financing, opening of bank account, appointment of CEO, legal counsel, company secretary, establishment of subsidiary and formation of joint venture companies were contained in shareholder minutes issued by Datuk Seri Najib.
"In certain instances, the shareholder minutes would take place even before any director's circular resolution was signed by the Board and sometimes, the director's circular resolution and the shareholder minutes are dated the same," he said, adding that the actual execution of the decisions made was within the purview of Nik Faisal.
Suboh stated that given Najib's overwhelming presence and authority, the company directors felt obligated to follow his instructions as part of their fiduciary and statutory duty to act honestly and in the best interest of SRC and the nation.
Meanwhile, he said Nik Faisal would only approach him on occasion when he needed Suboh's signature on documents and initially, the witness would query the purpose of the documents he required to sign.
"My queries would regularly be brushed aside with a statement suggesting that underlying transaction must be done at the behest of Datuk Seri Najib, for example ‘boss nak lah’ (boss was referring to Najib) or ‘diminta pihak atas’ (pihak atas also referring to Najib).
"There were times when he would not even see me and eventually he would instruct a runner to bring the documents for me to sign there and then and these documents would then be brought back by the runner. Most of the time, the document to be signed by me had already been signed by Nik Faisal," said Suboh.
During cross-examination by Najib's counsel Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee, Suboh explained that Nik Faisal was the only contact point between the board and Najib, suggesting it was Nik Faisal who spread the fear of Najib's power to "hire and fire" the board members.
"In running the company, the contact point for us is Nik Faisal. None of us know anything, we were denied any information," he testified.
The trial before Judge Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin continues on Thursday (June 20).
SRC, under its new management, filed the suit in May 2021, claiming that Najib had committed a breach of trust and power abuse, personally benefited from the company’s funds, and misappropriated the said funds.
It also seeks a court declaration that Najib is responsible for the company's losses due to his breach of duties and trust and for Najib to pay back the RM42mil in losses that they have suffered. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Court,Najib Razak,SRC International,SRC Civil Suit | KUALA LUMPUR: Former SRC International Sdn Bhd director told the High Court here on Wednesday that all aspects of running the strategic investment company were controlled by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, either directly by himself or through his proxy and representative, former SRC chief executive officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/najib-controlled-all-aspects-of-src-says-former-director | |
1,375,050 | S. Korea to raise benefits for working parents to boost births | SEOUL: South Korea plans to sharply raise the ceiling on compensation for parental leave in the latest effort to encourage more births as the nation struggles with the world’s lowest fertility rate.
The maximum monthly compensation will be raised to 2.5 million won (US$1,809) from 1.5 million won if a parent temporarily leaves a workplace to take care of a child, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday (June 19) in a statement. The plan is among measures including easier housing loans, more babysitters and cheaper early education that are being put in place to stem a decline in the fertility rate, which hit a record low of 0.72 last year.
President Yoon Suk-yeol convened a meeting Wednesday to discuss the issue, which threatens to speed up the nation’s ageing process, undermining productivity and fiscal health. He said South Korea faces a "national emergency” due to its shrinking population, according to his office.
A variety of factors are blamed for the reluctance among young people to have babies, including high costs of housing and the competitive landscape for education. Increasing gender tensions are another factor regularly highlighted. Korea has spent tens of billions of dollars on efforts to boost the birthrate with little success so far.
The government now seeks to narrow its spending on measures that have proved more effective than others and pointed Wednesday to more housing as a priority in its policy steps.
The government will also crack down on business practices that make weddings less affordable and reform its visa systems to encourage more immigration to South Korea, it said. - Bloomberg | AseanPlus | South Korea | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | South Korea,birth,benefits,parents | SEOUL: South Korea plans to sharply raise the ceiling on compensation for parental leave in the latest effort to encourage more births as the nation struggles with the world’s lowest fertility rate. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/s-korea-to-raise-benefits-for-working-parents-to-boost-births | |
1,375,048 | Malaysia, China to jointly nominate Lion Dance for Unesco Cultural Heritage list | PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China have signed an agreement to jointly nominate the lion dance for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as well as Malaysia’s membership in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) said this was achieved by both countries through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of tourism and the Executive Programme of Cultural Exchange Agreement 2024 to 2029, in conjunction with the official visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia.
"A special Hang Li Po musical theatrical performance by Orkestra Traditional Malaysia, Istana Budaya with musicians from China was also held,” Motac said in a statement issued on Wednesday (June 19) after the MoU exchange ceremony.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing exchanged the MoU document with China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujin and witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Li on Wednesday.
Motac said the signing of the MoU would strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and China in tourism promotion and marketing; increasing air connectivity linking major tourist destinations in Malaysia and China; business tourism; and the promotion and development of community-based tourism and ecotourism.
The statement said that Malaysia and China will continue to increase collaboration in tourism and culture towards the development of products and services in the arts, culture and national heritage industry through knowledge sharing and exchange of expertise.
It added that the inking of the MoU was in line with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China this year to enhance the synergy in the fields of culture and tourism between both nations.
On Dec 4, 2023, Tiong was reported to have said that tourist arrivals from China and India to Malaysia are expected to surge in 2024 following the government's 30-day visa waiver effective Dec 1.
Immigration data from Jan 1 to Nov 15 2023, recorded 26 million foreign arrivals in Malaysia, with 1.47 million of them from China and 780,532 from India. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Motac,MoU,Lion Dance,Tourism,Culture | PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China have signed an agreement to jointly nominate the lion dance for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as well as Malaysia’s membership in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/malaysia-china-to-jointly-nominate-lion-dance-for-unesco-cultural-heritage-list | |
1,375,046 | Anwar hails Malaysia-China partnership for boosting local industries via ECRL project | KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the collaboration between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) for the development of local industry players in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
“This will also help us to prepare our economy to be in a better position and develop the underdeveloped areas in the east coast,” he said after the groundbreaking ceremony of the ECRL Gombak Integrated Terminal station here, which was also attended by China’s Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday (June 19).
Anwar also repeatedly expressed his thanks to both companies and Li’s attendance as a showcase of the two nation’s close bilateral relationship.
“This event marks an important milestone in the working relations between China and Malaysia which showcases how we are able to collaborate together.
“I want to thank them for their efforts in training, transferring technology, giving local players exposure to the new technology and upskilling local experts.
“One of the major flaws of these large mega projects is ensuring that the maintenance of these monumental projects is carried out efficiently, without disrupting progress.
“But the cooperation between MRL and CCCC has shown that we are able to achieve that and more which has led to the project being completed ahead of schedule,” he said while hoping for more similar future cross-national cooperation.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step in the completion of the 665km-long ECRL project which has reached 67.09% as of May 2024, according to a statement from the Transport Ministry on Wednesday (June 19).
Situated less than a five-minute walk from the existing Gombak LRT station, the planned site of the ECRL Gombak station is part of the 20-station ECRL project that looks to improve connectivity between the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor.
With planned covered walkways, commuters will also be able to seamlessly traverse between the Gombak ECRL station, soon-to-be completed Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal (ITT), and existing Gombak LRT station.
Owned by MRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Finance Ministry, the ECRL is expected to cut travel time between Kota Baru in Kelantan and Gombak in Selangor to four hours compared to the current seven hours via road transportation.
With China-based contractor China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) in charge of the project’s engineering and construction, the ECRL’s rail alignment from Kota Baru to the Gombak Integrated Terminal station is scheduled to be completed by December 2026 with operations set to start in January 2027.
The ECRL, linking key ports between Port Klang and Kuantan Port, comprises 10 passenger-only stations and another 10 stations combining passengers and freight.
The remaining ECRL line stations in Selangor from Gombak to Port Klang are expected to be complete by December 2027, with operations to begin in January 2028.
The ECRL network in Selangor, which is nearly 120km, will have five stations, namely the Gombak, Kapar, Jalan Kastam Integrated Terminals for passengers only as well as the Bandar Serendah and Puncak Alam stations for both passengers and cargo.
Also present at the ceremony were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, MRL chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Malaysia's Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Anwar Ibrahim,Li Qiang,collaboration,Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd,China Communications Construction Company Ltd,CCCC,East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project,groundbreaking ceremony,Gombak | KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the collaboration between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) for the development of local industry players in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/anwar-hails-malaysia-china-partnership-for-boosting-local-industries-via-ecrl-project | |
1,375,038 | Malaysian diver, 22, dies after getting entangled with boat propeller at Marina South Pier | SINGAPORE: A 22-year-old Malaysian diver died on Tuesday (June 18) after he got entangled with a boat propeller while cleaning a ship’s hull at an anchorage along Marina South Pier.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it received a call for assistance at 31 Marina Coastal Drive at around 2.15pm on June 18.
The diver was caught in one of the propellers of the supporting dive boat, said a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesman in response to queries from The Straits Times.
The man, who was employed by Dive-Marine Services, was taken to Singapore General Hospital where he died from his injuries, the spokesman added.
MOM is investigating the incident and has instructed the company to stop all diving activities.
The police said the diver was unconscious when taken to hospital and based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected.
In its statement, the ministry said established commercial diving procedures using surface-supplied diving equipment (SSDE), or commercial self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (CSCUBA), must be adhered to.
“Such equipment and apparatus facilitate coordination and communication between divers and supervisors during operations.
“Recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) must not be used for commercial diving operations,” added MOM.
It is unclear if the man was hired as a commercial diver.
Abdul Malik Mohamed Abdul Kadir, former chairman of the Commercial Diving Association (Singapore) (CDAS), told ST that it is crucial for commercial divers to be wearing the right equipment as it protects them from potential dangers underwater.
“Both the SSDE and CSCUBA come with a voice communication system for the diver to maintain contact with those on the surface, and a rope, or lifeline, to prevent the diver from being swept away by strong currents.
“While the SSDE supplies the diver air from the surface, the CSCUBA comes with compressed air tanks (a main tank and a back-up) that the diver carries underwater,” he said.
Malik added that recreational diving equipment comes with only one air tank and has no communication system or lifeline.
“Even with a buddy looking out for you, recreational equipment cannot be used for commercial diving as there are insufficient safety measures if something bad happens,” he added.
The CDAS states on its website that commercial divers must be at least 18 years old, have a current commercial diving “fit to dive” medical certificate from a hyperbaric and diving medical specialist registered in Singapore, and a certificate of training in commercial diving which is recognised by MOM.
This is the second workplace diving death in five months.
On Feb 17, a 59-year-old Singaporean commercial diver died after he failed to surface while cleaning a ship’s hull at an anchorage off East Coast. He was a freelance diver hired by maritime services company Alphard Offshore.
MOM is also investigating this incident.
In a separate incident, freelance diver Jake Seet, 33, drowned on May 5, 2018 while he was cleaning the stern of a cargo vessel in the south-western waters near Sentosa.
Investigations found that Seet’s communication cord had become entangled with the seabed, preventing him from ascending.
A diving superintendent was sentenced to two years’ jail in May 2021 for failing to notice Seet’s frantic pleas for help via intercom, among other offences.
ST has contacted Dive-Marine Services for more information. - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Singapore | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Singapore,diver,Malaysian,death | SINGAPORE: A 22-year-old Malaysian diver died on Tuesday (June 18) after he got entangled with a boat propeller while cleaning a ship’s hull at an anchorage along Marina South Pier. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/malaysian-diver-22-dies-after-getting-entangled-with-boat-propeller-at-marina-south-pier | |
1,375,020 | Putin says treaty with N. Korea provides 'mutual assistance' in case of aggression | MOSCOW: A new treaty signed between North Korea and Russia provides for "mutual assistance" in case either country faces aggression, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Wednesday (June 19), in an apparent warning to the West.
Putin visited the repressive state more than two years into Moscow's offensive that has ruptured ties with Western countries, which accuse North Korea of supplying Moscow with weapons for use in Ukraine.
"The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty," Putin said.
He called it a "breakthrough document" that will bring "our relations to a new level."
Putin also did not rule out "military-technical cooperation" with North Korea and thanked the reclusive country for its support of Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
Kim was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that the treaty was "defensive".
He praised Putin as North Korea's "dearest friend."
Putin's trip came as Russia now joins North Korea as one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world.
The longtime Russian leader said Moscow and Pyongyang will stand together to resist the "strangling" of Western sanctions.
"Russia and Korea have an independent foreign policy and do not tolerate the language of blackmail and diktat," he said.
"We will continue to counter the practice of sanctions strangling as an instrument that the West has grown used to using with the aim of keeping its hegemony in politics, economics and other spheres," he added.
He furthermore said that UN sanctions on the North Korean regime -- one of the most repressive in the world -- should be re-examined.
"I am noting that the indefinite restrictive regime inspired by the US and its allies at the UN Security Council towards the DPRK should be reviewed," Putin said.
His comment came after Russia earlier this year used its veto power at the UN to effectively end official UN monitoring of sanctions on North Korea, a major win for Pyongyang.
Putin invited Kim -- who toured the Russian Far East on a rare trip abroad in September last year -- to Moscow.
The Russian leader last visited North Korea 24 years ago. - AFP | AseanPlus | North Korea | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | North Korea,Russia,Putin,agreement | MOSCOW: A new treaty signed between North Korea and Russia provides for "mutual assistance" in case either country faces aggression, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Wednesday (June 19), in an apparent warning to the West. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/putin-says-treaty-with-n-korea-provides-039mutual-assistance039-in-case-of-aggression | |
1,375,005 | What are the M'sia-China MOUs? | PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China have inked and exchanged a total of 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on Wednesday (June 19), which will see both countries share expertise and best practices, and collaborate in various fields.
Witnessed by both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the agreements touch on, among others, the export of fresh durians from Malaysia to China starting this year, and a review on visa-free travel.
Here's a list of the agreements.
What are the MOUs signed between Malaysia and China? by candy | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China have inked and exchanged a total of 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on Wednesday (June 19), which will see both countries share expertise and best practices, and collaborate in various fields. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/what-are-the-m039sia-china-mous | |
1,375,010 | China-Malaysia ties at forefront among relations between regional countries, says Chinese Premier Li Qiang | KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that China-Malaysia ties are at the forefront among relations between regional countries, and have set a benchmark and an example.
He made the remarks in a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Chinese premier is paying his first official visit to the Southeast Asian country.
Noting this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, as well as a "China-Malaysia Friendship Year," Li said that in the past half-century, no matter how the international situation has changed, China and Malaysia have always been committed to sincere friendship, win-win cooperation and mutual learning and that their relationship has been steadily moving forward.
Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Anwar reached an important consensus on jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, creating a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations in the new era, Li noted.
The Chinese premier said China is ready to work with Malaysia to continue to prioritise bilateral relations in their respective foreign policies and take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to accelerate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation in various sectors and continuously enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Li said China is ready to work with Malaysia to synergise their development strategies more closely and give full play to their complementary advantages.
China is willing to work with Malaysia to steadily advance the construction of major projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," while expanding the scale of trade and investment, promoting cooperation in such areas as logistics, new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and railway equipment, and strengthening cooperation in poverty reduction to better achieve win-win cooperation, he said.
Li called on the two sides to increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges in such areas as culture, tourism, and education, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level to further facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries.
China, Li said, is ready to work closely with Malaysia in multilateral areas, promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, and jointly safeguard the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in regional cooperation.
He also urged the two sides to promote a high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and conclude the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-Asean Free Trade Area as soon as possible to jointly contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large.
For his part, Anwar said Malaysia cherishes its friendship with China and is firmly committed to consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Malaysia adheres to the one-China policy, firmly supports the reunification of China, and does not support any words or deeds advocating "Taiwan independence," he said.
Noting that Malaysia-China relations are at a new starting point, Anwar said that Malaysia is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, in the spirit of mutual respect, to further strengthen exchanges at various levels as well as cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, agriculture, digital economy, education and poverty reduction, actively advance the construction of major projects, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance mutual learning among civilisations and advance dialogue and cooperation between China and Asean.
Malaysia supports major initiatives proposed by President Xi, such as the Global Development Initiative, welcomes China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, and stands ready to work with China to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, he added.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.
The two leaders have agreed to unswervingly strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation and take the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a higher level.
They have also pledged to continue to promote the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, push for the early conclusion of the negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-Asean Free Trade Area, and build a closer China-Asean community with a shared future.
They have agreed that China and relevant Asean countries should independently and properly handle the South China Sea issue, manage disputes and differences, promote dialogue and cooperation, and stick to the general direction of bilateral settlement.
Following their talks, the two leaders also witnessed the exchange of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, culture, tourism, postal services, agricultural products exports to China, digital economy, green development, urban construction and higher education.
Before the talks, Anwar held a grand welcoming ceremony for Li at the square in front of the Prime Minister's office. Chinese and Malaysian national flags fluttered in the wind. The two leaders stepped onto the reviewing stand. The national anthems of China and Malaysia were played. Then, Li inspected the honour guards. - Xinhua | News | Nation | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | China-Malaysia,Li Qiang,Anwar Ibrahim,Relations,Regional,Asean,Malaysia | KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that China-Malaysia ties are at the forefront among relations between regional countries, and have set a benchmark and an example. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/china-malaysia-ties-at-forefront-among-relations-between-regional-countries-says-chinese-premier-li-qiang | |
1,375,000 | Indonesia to start construction of 245-km Java gas pipeline in July | JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to start in July construction of a 245-km (152.24 miles) gas pipeline in Java to connect excess supply in eastern part of the island to buyers in the west, an energy ministry official said on Wednesday (June 19).
The construction is expected to be completed within 17 months, Laode Sulaeman, a director at Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry told an industry forum.
This would extend the first phase of the project, a 60-km gas pipeline.
The pipeline is crucial to transport gas supply from producers in the eastern part of Java, Indonesia's most populated island, to industrial hubs in the western part of the island.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator SKK Migas estimated that gas producers in eastern Java will have excess output until at least 2035 as demand in the area have been saturated, deputy Kurnia Chairi said in a statement on Wednesday.
This year alone, the gas surplus in eastern Java is expected at averagely 90 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), while the gas deficit in western Java is estimated at 144 MMSCFD, he added. - Reuters | AseanPlus | Indonesia | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Indonesia,Java,gas pipeline | JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to start in July construction of a 245-km (152.24 miles) gas pipeline in Java to connect excess supply in eastern part of the island to buyers in the west, an energy ministry official said on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/indonesia-to-start-construction-of-245-km-java-gas-pipeline-in-july | |
1,374,977 | Bursa Malaysia ends lower on profit-taking | KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed lower today in a tight trading range as investors took profits while adopting a wait-and-see approach amid a consolidation phase, said an analyst.
At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) shed 0.39 per cent or 6.34 points to its intraday low of 1,599.79 from Tuesday’s close of 1,606.13, ending below the key 1,600 level in the process.
The FBM KLCI, which opened 2.34 points higher at 1,608.47, hit an intraday high of 1,609.22 in the early morning session.
On the broader market, losers thumped gainers 907 to 341, while 451 counters were unchanged, 702 untraded and nine others suspended.
Turnover narrowed to 5.57 billion units valued at RM4.06 billion from Tuesday's 5.92 billion units worth RM4.14 billion.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng told Bernama that it believed today’s selling offers a good opportunity for investors to bargain hunt for stocks at lower levels, especially blue chips, and expects a prompt rebound in the FBM KLCI.
"We project the benchmark index to trend within the 1,600-1,620 range for the rest of the week,” said Thong.
Regionally, the key indices ended mixed, with the positive sentiment sparked by a rally in US tech stocks, while soft United States (US) retail sales data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate cut later this year.
On the local bourse, heavyweights Petronas Dagangan slid 40 sen to RM17.38, Press Metal dipped 10 sen to RM5.78, IOI Corp and Genting Bhd trimmed 6.0 sen each to RM3.75 and RM4.70 respectively, and TM shed 8.0 sen to RM6.73.
For top losers, Dutch Lady Milk Industries fell 74 sen to RM36.86, SHL eased 24 sen to RM2.54, Chin Hin dropped 21 sen to RM3.13, and Malaysia Pacific Industries sank 20 sen to RM39.70.
Among the most active counters, Top Glove lost 3.0 sen to RM1.14, Jaks Resources gained 1.0 sen to 19 sen, JCY shed half-a-sen to 82.5 sen, MYEG slid 1.0 sen to RM1.06, and Dagang Nexchange eased half-a-sen to 49.5 sen.
On the index board, the FBM Emas Index declined 73.10 points to 12,292.04, the FBMT 100 Index gave up 65.62 points to 11,867.50, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index tumbled 104.50 points to 12,634.87.
The FBM 70 Index decreased 174.13 points to 17,931.08, and the FBM ACE Index dived 53.07 points to 5,796.20.
Sector-wise, the Financial Services Index dropped 42.64 points to 17,477.05, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased 2.18 points to 197.49, the Energy Index trimmed 4.96 points to 983.38, and the Plantation Index was 27.30 points lower at 7,003.17.
The Main Market volume narrowed to 3.31 billion units worth RM3.52 billion from 3.41 billion units worth RM3.58 billion on Tuesday.
Warrants turnover advanced to 1.19 billion units valued at RM162.56 million compared with 1.27 billion units worth RM186.09 million yesterday.
The ACE Market volume dwindled to 1.05 billion shares worth RM377.50 million against 1.24 billion shares valued at RM379.17 million previously.
Consumer products and services counters accounted for 447.94 million shares traded on the Main Market, industrial products and services (782.21 million), construction (376.41 million), technology (536.57 million), SPAC (nil), financial services (107.32 million), property (263.85 million), plantation (27.80 million), REITs (21.06 million), closed/fund (16,000), energy (210.60 million), healthcare (246.15 million), telecommunications and media (45.04 million), transportation and logistics (95.59 million), utilities (163.49 million), and business trusts (448,700). - Bernama | Business | Markets | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Markets,Bursa Malaysia,FBM KLCI,Closing,profit-taking,US retail sales,Rakuten Trade,regional | KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed lower today in a tight trading range as investors took profits while adopting a wait-and-see approach amid a consolidation phase, said an analyst. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/19/bursa-malaysia-ends-lower-on-profit-taking | |
1,374,968 | Final draft of Thai casino entertainment complex bill to be ready in 4 weeks | BANGKOK: Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat (pic) said on Wednesday (June 19) that the final draft of the bill to allow the opening in Thailand of large entertainment complexes with casinos would be ready for deliberations by the Cabinet in three or four weeks.
Julapun said 16 government agencies had submitted their views to him regarding the plan to allow large entertainment complexes with casinos.
Julapun said the initial bill was drafted by a special House committee in charge of studying the entertainment complex project.
He said he would compile the opinions of 16 government agencies as supplement documents attached to the draft that would be revised in three or four weeks before it would be sent to the Cabinet for approval.
If approved, the bill would be sent to the Office of the Council of State for vetting before being tabled before the House of Representatives, Julapun said.
He said the 16 agencies provided inputs on both economic and social impacts from the project.
On the economic impact, Julapun said, all the 16 agencies agreed that such entertainment complexes could boost Thailand’s economy.
But on social impact, several agencies proposed mechanisms for protecting members of the society from the effects of gambling.
Julapun said the 16 agencies also noted that several related laws would have to be amended if such casino entertainment complexes were to be allowed to operate in Thailand.
He added that the study of the policy was led by the Finance Ministry but the bill would propose the establishment of a national committee to take charge of the project. The committee will have representatives from several agencies, Jullapun added.
He said the entertainment complex project would bring about 30 billion to 50 billion baht in investments into the country. He added that the casinos would take up no more than 5% of space in each comprehensive entertainment complex that would also include hotels and other entertainment facilities. - The Nation/ANN | AseanPlus | Thailand | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Thailand,casino,entertainment,bill | BANGKOK: Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Wednesday (June 19) that the final draft of the bill to allow the opening in Thailand of large entertainment complexes with casinos would be ready for deliberations by the Cabinet in three or four weeks. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/final-draft-of-thai-casino-entertainment-complex-bill-to-be-ready-in-4-weeks | |
1,374,955 | Philippines says sword-wielding Chinese coast guard boarded navy vessels in South China Sea | MANILA: The Philippine military said Wednesday (June 19) the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in the South China Sea this week in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb.
Monday's incident was the latest in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the disputed area.
Filipino military chief General Romeo Brawner alleged the Chinese boarders were armed with swords, spears, and knives in the incident off Second Thomas Shoal.
He denounced the Chinese action as "piracy" and demanded the return of seized weapons and other equipment, as well as reparations for damaged items.
China defended its actions, saying on Wednesday that "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel.
"Law enforcement measures taken by the China Coast Guard at the site were professional and restrained," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news briefing in Beijing.
Second Thomas Shoal hosts a tiny Philippine garrison stationed on a deliberately beached old warship and has been the focus of a series of recent confrontations.
Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from several South-East Asian nations including the Philippines and an international ruling that its stance has no legal basis.
Second Thomas Shoal lies about 200km (120 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
Brawner described the incident after visiting the injured sailor in Palawan, saying Filipino personnel had "fought back with our bare hands" after Chinese coast guard personnel from eight vessels boarded their rigid-hulled inflatable boats.
"They took guns and other equipment, destroyed our equipment on board including the motors. They punctured our rigid-hulled inflatable boats," he said.
"We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we are also demanding from them to pay for the damages that they have caused," Brawner said.
"For me this is piracy."
Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres, commander for the Philippines' South China Sea forces, told reporters "seven firearms were looted and forcibly taken" by the Chinese coast guard.
He said communication and navigation equipment and an outboard motor were destroyed and the mobile phones of the Filipino crew were taken.
Brawner said the Chinese coast guard carried "bolos" -- a type of single-edged sword -- as well as spears, and knives.
"Our troops had none of those," he said.
The Philippine military said the seized guns were intended for Filipino troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre warship on the shoal. The crew of the boarded boats were under orders not to display their weapons, it said.
China deploys coast guard and other boats to patrol the waters around Second Thomas Shoal and has turned several reefs into artificial militarised islands.
It has stepped up moves against Philippine vessels in the area around the shoal in recent months.
Torres said Monday's confrontation began when one of the Filipino boats was "illegally rammed" at "high speed" by a Chinese coast guard boat.
The injured Filipino Naval Special Operations Group member lost a thumb when the Chinese vessel landed on top of the bow, Torres said. - AFP | AseanPlus | Philippines | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Philippines,China,ship,ram,Brawner | MANILA: The Philippine military said Wednesday (June 19) the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in the South China Sea this week in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/philippines-says-sword-wielding-chinese-coast-guard-boarded-navy-vessels-in-south-china-sea | |
1,374,956 | Oil steady amid US stock build but war jitters abound | LONDON: Oil prices were largely steady on Wednesday, near their highest levels in seven weeks as the market weighed concerns over escalating conflicts against demand worries following an unexpected build in U.S. crude inventories.
Brent crude futures eased 34 cents to $84.99 a barrel by 0832 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 43 cents to $81.14 per barrel.
U.S. crude stocks rose by 2.264 million barrels in the week ended June 14, according to market sources, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 2.2 million barrel draw in crude stocks.
Gasoline inventories, however, fell by 1.077 million barrels, while distillates rose by 538,000 barrels, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Official U.S. stocks data from the Energy Information Administration is due at 1500 GMT.
Both benchmarks gained more than $1 in the previous session after a Ukrainian drone strike led to an oil terminal fire at a major Russian port, according to Russian officials and a Ukrainian intelligence source.
In the Middle East, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned of a possible "all out war" with Lebanon's Hezbollah, even as the U.S. attempted to avoid a broader conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed group.
An escalating war risks supply disruption in the key oil-producing region.
Oil prices had recovered strongly in the last two weeks as the market weighed those concerns "in the event of a wider conflict, as geopolitical tensions are brought to a new front between Israel and Hezbollah," said Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG in Singapore.
"Any cooling off between both parties seems difficult in the near term, which may keep oil prices well-supported as market participants shrug off pockets of weakness on the economic front, from weaker-than-expected U.S. retail sales to mixed sets of data out of China this week."
China data this week showed May industrial output lagged expectations, but retail sales, a gauge of consumption, marked their quickest growth since February. - Reuters | Business | Commodities | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Commodities,Oil and gas,crude,Brent,WTI,Opec | LONDON: Oil prices were largely steady on Wednesday, near their highest levels in seven weeks as the market weighed concerns over escalating conflicts against demand worries following an unexpected build in U.S. crude inventories. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/19/oil-steady-amid-us-stock-build-but-war-jitters-abound | |
1,374,953 | Anwar and Li attend Gombak ECRL station groundbreaking ceremony | KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s visiting Premier Li Qiang appeared together in a significant display of bilateral cooperation to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal station.
Wednesday’s (June 19) ceremony paves the way for the scheduled completion of the ECRL alignment from Kota Baru, Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor in December 2026.
Located on an 8.73ha site positioned at the edge of the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge, the longest quartz formation in the world, the ECRL station is also expected to link with the existing Gombak LRT station to facilitate connectivity via the LRT Kelana Jaya Line, according to a statement by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).
"The ECRL alignment between Gombak and Port Klang is expected to be completed by December 2027,” the statement added.
ALSO READ: 'Game-changing' ECRL reaches two-thirds completion
The station, built for passenger use, will feature an elevated platform and a range of facilities such as a car park, pick-up and drop-off area, covered walkways, staff quarters, and landscaped areas.
The groundbreaking ceremony was part of the itinerary for Li’s three-day official visit to Malaysia in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, MRL chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) chairman Wang Tongzhou and a host of ministers and senior government officials from Malaysia and China.
Loke said the ECRL will optimise connectivity for passengers and freight between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia when operational.
"We anticipate the ECRL to drive the shift of cargo movements from road to rail which is a safe alternative mode of transportation for long distances as well as being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
"The ministry is also exploring the possibility of extending the ECRL alignment to tap into Thailand’s rail network, paving the way for the ECRL to be part of the Pan-Asian rail network that can link Malaysia with China, realising the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),” the minister was quoted as saying in the MRL statement.
The 665km ECRL will feature 20 stations comprising 10 passenger-only stations and another 10 stations combining passengers and freight. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | ECRL,Prime Minister,Anwar Ibrahim,China,Premier,Li Qiang,Groundbreaking Ceremony,Gombak,Integrated Terminal | KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s visiting Premier Li Qiang appeared together in a significant display of bilateral cooperation to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal station. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/anwar-and-li-attend-gombak-ecrl-station-groundbreaking-ceremony | |
1,374,947 | Sunway University tops Times Higher Rankings in Malaysia | Sunway University announces its latest achievement as the No. 1 non-government linked private university in Malaysia.
This remarkable advancement is highlighted by the university’s incredible leap and performance in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
THE Impact Rankings evaluates universities across 125 countries globally based on their performance in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This comprehensive assessment integrates scores across multiple SDGs, showcasing the university’s dedication to sustainable development, societal impact, and academic excellence.
Sunway University excelled notably in four SDGs, scoring the top rank in Malysia for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) in Malaysia.
The varsity was also ranked third in Malaysia for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and sixth for SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
This recognition underscores the university’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its core operations and curriculum, while fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility among its students and staff.
The improved ranking reflects the university’s enhanced efforts in areas such as quality education, gender equality, clean energy, and partnerships for the goals.
Sunway University president Prof Sibrandes Poppema said, “This significant rise in THE Impact Rankings is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, planetary health and the SDGs.
“We are proud of our staff and students for their dedication and hard work.
“Sunway University remains committed to driving positive change and contributing to a sustainable future by walking the talk.” | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | Sunway University announces its latest achievement as the No. 1 non-government linked private university in Malaysia. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/sunway-university-tops-times-higher-rankings-in-malaysia | |
1,374,932 | Vietnam to host Putin in nod to old ties, risking ire of West | HANOI: Vietnam prepared on Wednesday (June 19) to roll out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin (pic) in a visit seen as a publicity coup for the Russian president, who is accused of war crimes in Ukraine, while bringing benefits and risks for Hanoi's Communist leaders.
Putin is expected to arrive late Wednesday night in Hanoi, fresh from a visit to Pyongyang, where he embraced North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Although both North Korea and Russia face international isolation, Vietnam has built careful alliances with the United States and the European Union. The United States has already condemned Hanoi's hosting of the Russian leader.
That makes the Hanoi stop of Putin's tour especially important for the Russian leader, said Alexander Vuving of the Hawaii-based Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.
"Russia wants to send the message that it has friends everywhere in the world and that the West's effort to isolate Russia is futile," Vuving said, adding that Hanoi has its own interests beyond the two countries' shared Communist roots.
"Russia plays a unique and critical role in Vietnam’s foreign policy," he said, noting that Moscow has been a major arms supplier to Hanoi.
Russia was hit with US-led Western sanctions after it invaded neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022 in what Moscow calls a "special military operation".
In March 2023, the Hague-based International Criminal Court's (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, charges he denies.
Neither Vietnam nor Russia are members of the ICC.
Vietnam will be the third country Putin has visited, after China and North Korea, since he was sworn in for a fifth term in May. He has travelled abroad little since the ICC warrant was issued.
Vietnam was gearing up for full state welcome for Putin, his first visit since 2017 and his fifth in total. Police were seen deployed on dozens of Hanoi streets from the airport to downtown area hours ahead of Putin's expected arrival.
The countries have historical close ties and shared Communist roots. Tens of thousands of cadres studied in the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, including the current head of Vietnam's Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong.
"President Vladimir Putin is a person who has made many contributions to Vietnam-Russia relations. He always has good feelings and concern for Vietnam and values relationships with Vietnam's senior leaders," Ministry of Defence newspaper Quan Doi Nhan Dan said in an article.
Key partner the United States, which upgraded diplomatic relations with Hanoi last year and is Vietnam's top trading partner, opposed Putin's visit.
"No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities," a spokesperson for the US embassy in Hanoi said this week.
Still, Vietnam has its reasons to risk the ire of other diplomatic partners with the visit, said Ian Storey, senior fellow at the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
"Hanoi wants Putin to come for several reasons," Storey said.
"First, to demonstrate that Vietnam pursues a balanced foreign policy that does not favour any of the major powers."
Vietnam pursues what it calls "bamboo diplomacy", maintaining good relations with world powers, despite those powers' animosity toward one another.
Noting that US President Joe Biden visited Vietnam followed by Chinese President Xi Jinping a few months later, "Putin's visit will complete leadership visits by the 'Big Three'," Storey said.
Russia has historically been Vietnam's major military supplier, so announcements of any arms deals will be closely watched.
Putin is also expected to announce agreements in sectors including trade, investment, technology and education, two officials told Reuters this week, although that was subject to change.
Early on Wednesday, Vietnam announced it wants Russian state oil firm Zarubezhneft to invest in green energy in the country. - Reuters | AseanPlus | Vietnam | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Vietnam,Russia,Putin | HANOI: Vietnam prepared on Wednesday (June 19) to roll out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin in a visit seen as a publicity coup for the Russian president, who is accused of war crimes in Ukraine, while bringing benefits and risks for Hanoi's Communist leaders. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/vietnam-to-host-putin-in-nod-to-old-ties-risking-ire-of-west | |
1,374,913 | Cambodia attracts US$48.4bil FDI in last 6 years: Central Bank | PHNOM PENH: Cambodia had attracted a total of US$48.4 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2018 to 2023, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said in a news release on Wednesday (June 19).
"The main sources of FDI were from China (45.6 per cent to the total FDI), followed by South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, and the United Kingdom," the news release said.
"The inflow of investment was invested into major sectors of the economy, including financial activities, manufacturing, real estate, accommodation, agriculture, energy, and construction, among others," it added.
Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and other bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), as well as Cambodia's new law on investment are the key factors to attract FDI inflows to the country.
"RCEP and other bilateral FTAs are magnets to attract foreign investors to Cambodia," he told Xinhua. "FDI, especially from China, is crucial to help boost Cambodia's economic and trade growth."
The country currently has bilateral FTAs with China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. - Xinhua | AseanPlus | Cambodia | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Cambodia,FDI | PHNOM PENH: Cambodia had attracted a total of US$48.4 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2018 to 2023, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said in a news release on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/cambodia-attracts-us484bil-fdi-in-last-6-years-central-bank | |
1,374,911 | Various types of illegal timber, consumer goods, vehicles seized in three-day enforcement action | YANGON: Various types of illegal timber, as well as consumer goods, business equipment and vehicles were seized in Kachin state, according to the statement of the Anti-Illegal Trade Steering Committee.
According to its news release, on Friday (June 14), an unlicensed vehicle was seized at the intersection of Rampoo-Jiung Phang Road in Myitkyina City by a joint task force under the management of the Kachin State Anti-Illegal Trade Special Team.
On June 14, a joint task force under the management of the Yangon Region Anti-Illegal Trade Special Team conducted an inspection at the Dry Port of Gusthagyi.
They found 1,500kg of disposable bed sheets that did not have accompanying official documents, were found on a vehicle travelling from Mandalay to Yangon and another vehicle travelling from Myla to Yangon.
Six types of products, including a commercial Tubular type Air Preheater as well as two trucks carrying these materials were seized. Action is being taken in accordance to necessary customs procedures.
On June 16, 1.617 tons of illegal teakwood were found in Bago District and Taung Ngu District, while 1.809 tons of hardwood were found in an unlicensed vehicle near Butlein Village, Intakor City.
On June 17, 3.393 tons of illegal teak and 3.225 tons of hardwood and 479 tons of wood were found in Taung Ngu District.
The cases are being investigated under the Export and Import Law, according to the statement by the Anti-Illegal Trade Steering Committee. - Eleven Media Group/ANN | AseanPlus | Myanmar | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Myanmar,illegal timber,consumer goods,vehicles,seized,enforcement action | YANGON: Various types of illegal timber, as well as consumer goods, business equipment and vehicles were seized in Kachin state, according to the statement of the Anti-Illegal Trade Steering Committee. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/various-types-of-illegal-timber-consumer-goods-vehicles-seized-in-three-day-enforcement-action | |
1,374,909 | Bird flu detected in poultry farm near Sydney | SYDNEY: Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected at a commercial poultry egg farm near Sydney, Australian authorities said on Wednesday (June 19), triggering emergency quarantine measures.
The H7N8 flu strain found is different from the H7N3 and H7N9 strains detected in neighbouring Victoria state, and the H5N1 strain, which has infected billions of wild and farmed animals globally and raised fears of human transmission.
"It is understood at this point to be a separate spill-over event, potentially from wild birds," New South Wales state Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said in a statement.
The farm in the Hawkesbury region in Sydney's west has been shut down and biosecurity control measures will be extended to up to 2km (1.24 miles) around the farm site, Moriarty said.
The detection of the bird flu does not pose a risk to consumer health, and poultry products are safe to consume if they are cooked as per standard food handling practices, she said.
Australia has experienced nine outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza since 1976, which were all contained and eradicated, the government said.
Three of those outbreaks were in New South Wales, the most recent being in 2013. - Reuters | AseanPlus | AseanPlus News | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Australia,Sydney,farm,bird flu | SYDNEY: Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected at a commercial poultry egg farm near Sydney, Australian authorities said on Wednesday (June 19), triggering emergency quarantine measures. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/bird-flu-detected-in-poultry-farm-near-sydney | |
1,374,899 | Large international retailers seek partnerships in Vietnam | HANOI: Large international retailers have been visiting Vietnam to seek partnerships in industrial, agricultural and handicrafts products, Vietnam News Agency cited industry insiders and officials on Tuesday (June 18).
Retailers like Aeon, Uniqlo, Walmart, Amazon, Safeway, Carrefour, Decathlon, Central Group and Ikea have shown their interests in the Vietnamese market.
Ta Hoang Linh, director of the European-American Market Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, said Vietnam had an advantage since the signing of numerous free trade agreements, bringing down tariffs on the country's goods to many major international markets. As a result, retailers have been seeking sources for various goods in Vietnam.
This is an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to enter additional markets around the world, he said.
It does not take Vietnamese manufacturers long to adapt as many have been supplying markets that demand high-quality products, making them ideal partners for multinational wholesale and retail corporations, said the report.
Vietnam's exports reached US$156.77 billion in the first five months of this year, an increase of 15.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the country's General Statistics Office. - Xinhua | AseanPlus | Vietnam | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Vietnam,retailers,international | HANOI: Large international retailers have been visiting Vietnam to seek partnerships in industrial, agricultural and handicrafts products, Vietnam News Agency cited industry insiders and officials on Tuesday (June 18). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/large-international-retailers-seek-partnerships-in-vietnam | |
1,374,885 | 19 Myanmar workers who illegally entered Thailand in a pickup truck arrested | YANGON: According to reports in Thai news, 19 Myanmar workers who illegally entered Thailand in a pickup truck were arrested by special forces in Ratchamanu Township on the Monday (June 17) night.
The Rejamnu Special Forces No. 422 Infantry Battalion, while carrying out a surveillance mission as a reconnaissance mission, arrested 19 Burmese workers who entered Ratchamanu town in a pick-up truck at midnight on June 17.
During the inspection in three districts such as Ban Muen Ruechai, Phop Phra District and TAK District, the Regional Security Special Forces intercepted a pickup truck that was suspiciously entering the city and arrested the illegal intruders, but the driver escaped by jumping into the Thane River.
It has been reported that Thai military officials have searched and arrested foreigners who entered Thailand illegally.
A pickup truck was seized and 19 Myanmar nationals along with the vehicle were sent to the relevant police station and legal action are set to be taken. - Eleven Media Group/ANN | AseanPlus | Myanmar | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Myanmar,workers,illegal entry,Thailand,truck,arrested,Ratchamanu Township | YANGON: According to reports in Thai news, 19 Myanmar workers who illegally entered Thailand in a pickup truck were arrested by special forces in Ratchamanu Township on the Monday (June 17) night. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/19-myanmar-workers-who-illegally-entered-thailand-in-a-pickup-truck-arrested | |
1,374,882 | Thai police identify diesel-smuggling mastermind after boats recaptured | BANGKOK: Police say they have identified the mastermind of a fuel-smuggling operation after three modified fishing boats that escaped with 4-5 million baht in diesel were recaptured on Monday (June 17).
The captain of one boat hid a GPS navigation device under his bunk and used it to lead the two other boats out of police detention in Sattahip, Chonburi, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) deputy chief Jaroonkiart Pankaew said on Tuesday.
The boats unloaded the contraband fuel in Cambodia, Jaroonkiart said.
The captain then received an order via mobile phone from the Pattani-based boat owner to return to Pattani.
Jaroonkiart identified the suspected owner only as “Boss Jor”, adding that investigators were gathering evidence to seek a warrant for his arrest.
The three fishing boats were among five seized by the coast guard in the Gulf of Thailand with 28 crew members on board on March 17. Most of the crew are Thai nationals.
Three of the boats were found to be loaded with 330,000 litres of diesel smuggled from a neighbouring country to sell cheaply in Thailand. The other two boats were empty.
The five boats were towed to the Sattahip marine police pier in Chonburi. The crew members were freed on bail and allowed to stay on the boats pending legal action.
Police explained that one of the boats carrying diesel appeared to be sinking so they needed the crew to fix it to prevent a fuel spill.
But on June 11, officers guarding the boats allowed them to be moved away, apparently to prevent them from smashing the pier in strong winds. The three boats with diesel fled that night.
They were recaptured in Malaysian waters on Sunday with tanks almost empty and just enough fuel to make it back to port, police said.
The captain confessed that the diesel was unloaded in Cambodia along with seven Cambodian crew members, Jaroonkiart said. Police have detained the recaptured crewmen and are seeking the seven missing Cambodians.
The skipper said the boats were recaptured when one suffered engine failure and the other boats stopped to wait for its repair.
Crew members of the three recaptured boats have been flown to Bangkok and handed over to the Crime Suppression Division.
Jaroonkiart said the CIB will investigate whether Sattahip marine police helped the three boats escape. - The Nation/ANN | AseanPlus | Thailand | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Thailand,police,diesel,smuggling,boats,arrest | BANGKOK: Police say they have identified the mastermind of a fuel-smuggling operation after three modified fishing boats that escaped with 4-5 million baht in diesel were recaptured on Monday (June 17). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/thai-police-identify-diesel-smuggling-mastermind-after-boats-recaptured | |
1,374,881 | Free shuttle vans to Parliament from June 24 to July 18 | KUALA LUMPUR: Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) is providing free shuttle van services between Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station (KL Sentral) and Parliament in conjunction with the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament from June 24 to July 18.
It said the T851 service is offered for the convenience of those heading to the Parliament building.
The free van service would operate from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 8pm, with a frequency of every 30 minutes during peak hours (7 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 8 pm) and every 60 minutes outside peak hours according to the scheduled timetable, it said in a statement on Wednesday (June 19).
The service would pick up passengers from the Express Rail Link Departure Hall at KL Sentral, and the Taman Botani Perdana multilevel parking for a 15-minute five-kilometre ride to the Parliament building. – BERNAMA | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Rapid Bus,Shuttle Van,Parliament,KL Sentral,Free | KUALA LUMPUR: Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) is providing free shuttle van services between Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station (KL Sentral) and Parliament in conjunction with the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament from June 24 to July 18. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/free-shuttle-vans-to-parliament-from-june-24-to-july-18 | |
1,374,876 | 14 motorists to be charged with drink-driving offences: S'pore police | SINGAPORE: Fourteen motorists aged between 27 and 62, including one man who is a repeat offender, are facing drink-driving charges, the police said in a statement on Wednesday (June 19).
The motorists, who will appear in court on June 20, were arrested between January and May when they failed the breathalyser tests during routine police checks.
The man with an earlier conviction was stopped for checks at a police roadblock on Jan 17.
He was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
If convicted, the 62-year-old man will be given a mandatory jail sentence. He was previously convicted of drink driving in 2013.
First-time offenders convicted of drink driving can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to S$10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to S$20,000.
Additionally, offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.
The police advised motorists not to drive if they intend to consume alcohol, as driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous.
“Instead, they should opt for alternative forms of transport, such as taking a taxi or private hire vehicle, public transport, engaging the service of a valet, or designating a sober friend or family member to send them home.” - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Singapore | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Singapore,14 motorists,charged,drink-driving, | SINGAPORE: Fourteen motorists aged between 27 and 62, including one man who is a repeat offender, are facing drink-driving charges, the police said in a statement on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/14-motorists-to-be-charged-with-drink-driving-offences-s039pore-police | |
1,374,868 | Oil spill incident: Four kingfishers rescued so far, two have died | SINGAPORE: Four oil-coated collared kingfishers have been rescued in the aftermath of the oil spill on June 14, although two have died.
The National Parks Board (NParks) and wildlife rescue group Acres each retrieved two kingfishers, The Straits Times has learnt. But two of the birds - one rescued by NParks and the other by Acres - died after being rescued.
“As of 18 June 2024, two collared kingfishers have been retrieved by NParks and sent to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation for veterinary treatment and care,” said NParks’ group director Anna Wong.
“Despite providing prompt veterinary care, one of the birds has since passed away.”
“The survival rate for these birds is low even with prompt veterinary intervention due to stress and accidental ingestion of oil which is toxic to them,” she added.
At Acres, the first rescued kingfisher died on June 16, about 36 hours after it was rescued. The team was unable to pinpoint the exact reasons for its death, but the bird had exhibited signs of dehydration, Acres co-chief executive Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan told The Straits Times.
The other is on the road to recovery, but Kalai said he thinks the bird only has about a 30 per cent chance of survival.
Acres - or the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society - is also expecting to receive more reports about wildlife casualties of the oil slick that happened on June 14, said Kalai.
Already, the wildlife rescue group has received reports about other animals, such as otters and monitor lizards, being covered in oil, but were unable to locate the animal when the rescue team arrived.
Other oil-coated animals have also been spotted by members of the public, with Bernard Seah, a wildlife and photographer and conservationist, spotting a lesser sand plover and a blacktip reef shark at St John’s Island on June 16.
The oil spill was caused when the Netherlands-flagged dredging boat Vox Maxima hit the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour, which was stationary, at about 2.20pm on June 14.
The damaged cargo tank on Marine Honour – which was next to a container vessel berthed at Pasir Panjang Terminal – leaked oil into the sea, resulting in oil slicks seen at Sentosa, the southern islands, and Changi.
The collared kingfishers rescued by Acres were found on Lazarus Island, an offshore island located about 40 min boat ride from Marina South, and at the Keppel area on the mainland.
The first kingfisher was found on June 14, the day of the oil spill, while the second one was found June 17, said Kalai.
The collared kingfisher is the most common species of kingfisher in Singapore. They can be found throughout the island, including in urban areas far from water.
They are distinguished by a white band around its neck and white underparts, with turquoise blue back and wings. They feed on fish, which they catch by diving into the water which may have resulted in their bodies being coated in oil.
The impact of oil slicks on birds is larger than for other animals as it impacts their ability to move, said Kalai. He said: “The moment their feathers get impacted by oil. They are totally stranded, and when they can’t fly they’re really in big trouble.”
The process of cleaning the oil off an animal can also be stress-inducing for the creature, he said.
To reduce the stress for the other kingfisher, the team at Acres is cleaning it off in phases, and using sedatives to help it calm down. Since it was first rescued, the team has only managed to clean the bird three times, he said.
“Even then, there has only been an improvement of about 20 per cent,” said Kalai.
Currently, the bird is well enough to be eating the worms fed to it, but Kalai said it still has a long road to recovery before it can take flight again.
He said that in 2023, Acres rescued another kingfisher from a glue trap. The glue also compromised the bird’s ability to take flight, and it took a year after the glue was removed before the kingfisher could finally be released back into the wild.
NParks’ Dr Wong said that after the birds were brought back to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation, a clinical examination was performed to check for injuries.
“Following which, fluids and pain relief were provided. The mouth, eyes, and nasal areas were also cleaned to reduce any further inhalation or ingestion of the oil. Once stabilised, they were hand fed and also slowly washed with detergent and warm water to minimise further stress to the animals,” she said.
N. Sivasothi, a senior lecturer at the National University of Singapore, said animals that are caught in oil spills can suffocate or get poisoned.
For birds, the oil on feathers prevents them from flying and staying warm.
Animals like otters and turtles, or even fish that swim close to the surface of the water, can also be impacted by the oil slick. Animals that live in the intertidal zone - referring to the area that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide - are also likely to get coated in oil.
“When the tide recedes, the layer of oil will coat the intertidal shore,” he explained.
Sivasothi said he is hopeful that otters can recover from the oil spill as they can also rub the oil off themselves and move to areas with less oil patches.
Kalai added that people who spot oil-coated animals should not attempt to clean them on their own.
“You also need a good environment, a good team of vets, and a plan for the process of cleaning. Removing the oil is just 50 per cent of the work, the other 50 per cent is a lot of time and recovery for the animals,” Kalai said.
Dr Wong said NParks will continue to monitor the immediate impact of the oil spill on Singapore’s marine habitats, including the nation’s corals and wildlife. Biodiversity surveys conducted by the scientists as well as volunteers from Friends of Marine Park at St John’s Island and Lazarus Island on June 16 had indicated no significant impact on the marine biodiversity there, she said.
“NParks will continue to monitor the recovery of these marine habitats post impact, as well as assess if habitat restoration efforts are required,” Dr Wong said. “NParks will also explore activating volunteers for post-cleanup intertidal surveys.”
Members of the public who encounter any oil-slicked animal can contact the Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600 (24-hours). - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Singapore | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Singapore,oil,spill,kingfishers | SINGAPORE: Four oil-coated collared kingfishers have been rescued in the aftermath of the oil spill on June 14, although two have died. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/oil-spill-incident-four-kingfishers-rescued-so-far-two-have-died | |
1,374,861 | More than 10 years’ jail for S'porean ‘spiritual leader’ who cheated followers of over S$7m, forced some to eat faeces | SINGAPORE: A purported spiritual leader, who duped her followers into handing her more than S$7 million and forced some of them to eat human faeces as punishment, was sentenced to 10 years and six months’ jail on Wednesday (June 19).
Woo May Hoe, who had claimed to be a deity and had around 30 followers, pleaded guilty in May to three counts of assault and two cheating charges.
Forty-five other charges were considered during sentencing.
The 54-year-old Singaporean headed a group that believed in spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma, according to court documents, which did not provide details about Amma.
She told her followers the monies would go to Amma’s society in India. Instead, Woo pocketed the monies from 2012 to 2020.
In earlier proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Grace Chua told the court that many of Woo’s followers or their relatives were suffering from serious medical conditions.
According to Woo, it was crucial for her followers to clear their “bad karma”, and increase their “good karma” to improve their health and that of their loved ones.
She told them that they could do so by making payments to Amma’s society in India.
She also ordered them to perform acts of “worship” by buying houses, condominium units and cars, all of which she used for her own benefit.
Woo also directed about a third of her followers to move in with her. They had to serve her full-time, and take care of all her needs, including doing housework.
DPP Chua said that Woo punished followers who displeased her by hitting them with various objects such as paint brushes and canes, as well as “stabbing them with scissors, using pliers to pull out their teeth, forcing them to consume human faeces and making them jump off from a height”.
Among those Woo punished was a 43-year-old woman, who was identified in court documents as V2.
In 2019, Woo became upset with her over an undisclosed matter and took a bundle of five canes, repeatedly striking V2’s head and face with it.
Woo then told V2 to wash an injured eye with some “holy water” and stare directly at the sun.
The victim did as she was told and did not seek immediate medical attention as Woo forbade her from doing so.
V2 now requires lifelong follow-ups for possible glaucoma, or damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
In October 2019, Woo became angry with V2 after finding out that the latter had borrowed $100 from an acquaintance without reporting the matter to her.
She ordered V2 to jump down from the second floor of a building to the first floor. The victim did as she was told and suffered fractures to both her ankles.
Between March and April 2020, Woo found out that V2 had visited her own mother without informing Woo.
Woo then told another follower, identified as V3, to use a pair of pliers to pull out three of V2’s teeth. Out of fear of suffering the same fate, V3 did as instructed.
Separately, Woo ordered several other followers to eat human faeces.
She was arrested in 2020 after some followers lodged police reports against her.
The DPP said Woo was found to be suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the offences.
But an Institute of Mental Health doctor found no contributory link between Woo’s mental state and her cheating offences. - The Straits Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Singapore | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Singapore,10 years,jail,spiritual leader,cheat,S$7m,faeces | SINGAPORE: A purported spiritual leader, who duped her followers into handing her more than S$7 million and forced some of them to eat human faeces as punishment, was sentenced to 10 years and six months’ jail on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/more-than-10-years-jail-for-s039porean-spiritual-leader-who-cheated-followers-of-over-s7m-forced-some-to-eat-faeces | |
1,374,860 | Make citizenship amendments retroactive to include kids born to M'sian mums overseas previously, says NGO | KUALA LUMPUR: The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2024 must be amended further to be retroactive or it will be meaningless for the current batch of children born overseas to Malaysian mothers who are still non-citizens, says Family Frontiers Malaysia.
At a press conference here Wednesday (June 19), the NGO, representing mothers fighting for equal citizenship for their children, said the government had also not explained why citizenship applications for such children were denied.
According to Family Frontiers’ Chee Yoke Leng, the current Bill of Amendments on the citizenship law would only be effective on the generation born after the laws were passed.
“Malaysia signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw), a UN convention, 30 years ago.
"However, it was only in 2021 that a High Court ruled that the word 'father' in the Second Schedule of the Constitution must mean and include mothers, after an application by Family Frontiers.
“By operation of law, if you are born outside of Malaysia, you are automatically a Malaysian but interpretation of the word 'father' has led to gender discrimination,” said Chee.
Suriani Kempe, whose child had been denied citizenship for being born overseas despite being born to a Malaysian mother, said that the pending Citizenship Amendment Bill, which has gone through the First Reading in the last session of parliament, if passed will not be retroactive.
“Those born before the laws are enacted will therefore still remain non-citizens.
“The Home Minister has approved many cases of children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, but there are those who have been denied.
"What are the reasons for these rejections? Of the 40 rejected applications recorded by Family Frontiers, we found that 34 were for overseas residents,” Chee said.
Affected mother Sharmila Unnikrishnan, 49, currently attached to the United Nations in Nairobi, Kenya, said that her two children’s applications were rejected and was merely told that it was following the Federal Constitution.
“The officers at the Home Ministry told me, if you are not happy, apply again. We have no idea why they were rejected and where we have gone wrong.
"Now, I am currently on the third application for my daughter and a second application for my son. This has made it difficult when we travel together as a family and there seems to be no recourse should anything happen,” said Sharmila, who is here on a short break.
Christine Al-Jammal, a Malaysian who used to work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia and is married to a Jordanian, said that she had returned to the country for good with her family, but one child is a foreigner and another is a Malaysian.
“It makes me feel guilty for not returning to give birth to my eldest in Malaysia. The Malaysian embassy in Jordan had told us before birth that there would not be any problems. It was my first pregnancy and it was high risk and we did not want to take any chances.
"But now, I think if I knew I was going to go through all this for the citizenship of my eldest child who just turned seven, I would have flown back despite my high-risk pregnancy,” said a teary Christine.
Amelia Tai said that she had had to stay put in the United Kingdom as her children’s applications were rejected once again.
“I am a Malaysian who wants my children to be Malaysian as well. Just because I am a woman, my children cannot get their Malaysian citizenship. Is this fair to the children?” asked Tai.
In March, the amendments to the Federal Constitution relating to several provisions on citizenship were tabled for the first reading at the Dewan Rakyat sitting by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Bill will accord equal rights to a child born overseas to Malaysian mothers. Prior to the amendment, a child born overseas would only acquire citizenship automatically if the father is a citizen of Malaysia. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Family Frontiers,Women,Overseas,Amendment,Laws | KUALA LUMPUR: The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2024 must be amended further to be retroactive or it will be meaningless for the current batch of children born overseas to Malaysian mothers who are still non-citizens, says Family Frontiers Malaysia. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/make-citizenship-amendments-retroactive-to-include-kids-born-to-m039sian-mums-overseas-previously-says-ngo | |
1,374,847 | US to return 900-year-old ancient artefact to Thailand | BANGKOK: The Art Institute of Chicago in the United States has expressed its intention to return a 900-year-old artefact believed to have been illegally taken from ruins of Prasat Phanom Rung in the northeastern province of Buri Ram in 1965, the Fine Arts Department announced on Tuesday (June 18).
The artefact, officially called ‘fragment of a pilaster with Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana’, is part of the decorative pieces on the left side of the door frame of Prasat Phanom Rung’s eastern mandapa (square hall), Phnombootra Chadrajoti, the department’s director-general, said.
He added that the piece is believed to have been smuggled out of Thailand in 1965, before the department started its restoration project on Prasat Phanom Rung, a Hindu Khmer Empire temple complex built of sandstone and laterite between the 10th and 13th centuries, which is the main structure of the Phanom Rung Historical Park.
Phnombootra said that Dr Nicolas Revire, the institute’s specialist in Southeast Asian art and archaeology, had earlier visited the ruins in the historical park. He had reportedly found evidence that confirmed the pilaster’s fragment, which was donated to the institute in 1966, came from the ruins in Buri Ram.
The Art Institute of Chicago was concerned that the artefact from Thailand could have been obtained illegally, so it wished to return it to the Thai government, said Phnombootra.
The institute’s board of trustees has delisted the artefact from its registry on June 11, and has coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to arrange for the return, he added.
Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol has said that although the artefact is not on the list of Thai ancient artefacts overseas, the proposal to return it to Thailand by the Chicago institute is a positive development.
“It is commendable that Thailand will regain this significant artifact, which will help complete missing parts of the archaeological site and enhance its integrity,” she said.
“On behalf of the Culture Ministry of Thailand, we express our admiration and gratitude to the Art Institute of Chicago for their ethics and efforts in fostering a positive relationship between the United States and Thailand, with a focus on combating illegal trafficking of ancient artefacts," said Sudawan.
According to the Fine Arts Department, the fragment of a pilaster with Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana was made of sandstone, is 95 cm. tall, 30.4 cm. wide, and 19.3 cm. thick. It is estimated to be around 900 years old. - The Nation/ANN | AseanPlus | Thailand | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Thailand,US,return,900-year-old,ancient artefact,Phanom Rung Historical Park,Prasat Phanom Rung,Buri Ram | BANGKOK: The Art Institute of Chicago in the United States has expressed its intention to return a 900-year-old artefact believed to have been illegally taken from ruins of Prasat Phanom Rung in the northeastern province of Buri Ram in 1965, the Fine Arts Department announced on Tuesday (June 18). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/us-to-return-900-year-old-ancient-artefact-to-thailand | |
1,374,846 | Bersatu's rogue reps: S'gor Speaker says yet to receive notice to declare Selat Klang seat vacant | KLANG: Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San says he has not received any letter or notification to declare the Selat Klang state assembly seat vacant.
The incumbent for the seat is Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari, who is one of the seven elected Bersatu representatives who have thrown their support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Abdul Rashid and the other six rogues, all MPs, were terminated from Bersatu on June 13.
The other six are Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Tanjung Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi, Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang) and Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang).
According to Lau, in the event he receives a letter from Bersatu seeking to declare the Selat Klang seat vacant, he would consider the relevant circumstances before making a decision.
"I will adhere to the related legislation to make my decision.
"But as of now, I won't say much as I have yet to receive anything in regard to the matter," he added.
Earlier Wednesday, Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah had declared the Nenggiri state seat vacant. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Politics,Selangor,State Assembly,Selat Kelang,Vacant,Speaker | KLANG: Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San says he has not received any letter or notification to declare the Selat Klang state assembly seat vacant. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/bersatu039s-rogue-reps-s039gor-speaker-says-yet-to-receive-notice-to-declare-selat-klang-seat-vacant | |
1,374,828 | Marcos accepts Sara Duterte’s Cabinet resignation as Education secretary | MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation as Education secretary and member of the Cabinet, said the Palace on Wednesday (June 19).
“Yes, accepted,” Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil told reporters when asked if Marcos accepted Duterte’s resignation.
Duterte resigned on Wednesday afternoon at exactly 2.21pm.
The Palace said Duterte tendered her resignation as member of the Cabinet, Department of Education secretary and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict vice chairperson.
This action will be effective on July 19.
Her resignation comes after weeks of being unresponsive to media queries in several issues, including China’s increased aggression in the West Philippine Sea and controversies surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN | AseanPlus | Philippines | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Philippines,Marcos Jr,accepts,Sara Duterte,resignation,Department of Education secretary | MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation as Education secretary and member of the Cabinet, said the Palace on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/marcos-accepts-sara-dutertes-cabinet-resignation-as-education-secretary | |
1,374,820 | Philippine's VP Sara Duterte resigns as Department of Education secretary, says Palace | MANILA: Vice President Sara Duterte has resigned as the Department of Education secretary, said the Palace on Wednesday (June 19).
Duterte also resigned from her position as the vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).
“At 2:21 pm of 19 June 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte went to Malacanang and tendered her resignation as Member of the Cabinet, Secretary of the Department of Education and Vice Chairperson of the NTF-Elcac, effective 19 July 2024,” said the Palace.
“She declined to give a reason why. She will continue to serve as Vice President,” noted Malacanang.
Duterte has been noticeably absent from Marcos’ events in the past weeks, failing to attend his departure ceremonies to Singapore and Brunei.
She also did not attend various law-signing ceremonies in Malacanang, including a law that granted additional allowances to teachers. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN | AseanPlus | Philippines | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Philippines,VP Sara Duterte,resigns,Department of Education secretary,Palace | MANILA: Vice President Sara Duterte has resigned as the Department of Education secretary, said the Palace on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/philippine039s-vp-sara-duterte-resigns-as-department-of-education-secretary-says-palace | |
1,374,816 | Kim promises Putin 'full support' for Russia's war in Ukraine | PYONGYANG: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday (June 19) under the wary eyes of the international community, concerned over their illicit military cooperation that blatantly defies international sanctions and the rules-based international order.
At the highly-watched meeting, the two flaunted a united front on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and vowed to expand their strategic partnership against the US and its allies.
Putin announced a "new fundamental document" that will form the basis of relations between Russia and North Korea during his meeting with Kim at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in the capital of the isolated country.
"Last year, as a result of your visit to Russia, we made significant progress in building interstate relations. A new fundamental document has been prepared today, which will form the basis of our relations for the long term," Putin said, referring to their meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East in September of last year, as quoted by state-run Sputnik News.
Putin also expressed Russia's appreciation for North Korea's consistent and unwavering support of Russian policies, including its stance on the war in Ukraine.
"I am referring to our struggle against the hegemonic policy imposed for decades, the imperialist policy of the United States and satellites towards the Russian Federation," Putin told Kim.
In return, Kim noted Russia's role in "maintaining strategic stability and balance in the world."
Kim also expressed "full support and solidarity to the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect sovereignty, security interests, and also territorial integrity."
"Now the situation in the world is becoming more complicated and changing rapidly. In this situation, we intend to further strengthen strategic communication with Russia, with the Russian leadership," Kim said.
Putin commenced his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years with a lavish official welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square. The square was adorned with large-scale portraits of Kim and Putin and thronged with children and residents cheering, dancing and waving flowers and the flags of the two countries, as shown in video footage provided by the Kremlin.
Putin and Kim inspected the military guards, strolled along a red carpet and rode together in a car through streets adorned with enthusiastic crowds waving the flags of their respective nations, before proceeding to engage in high-level discussions with their delegations, according to video footage by the Kremlin and Russian state-run media outlets.
The Russian delegation includes high-ranking officials from a broader range of sectors compared to Putin's trip to Pyongyang in 2000.
Among the delegation are Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, the point man for the energy sector; Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov; Head of the Roscosmos State Space Corporation Yuri Borisov; and Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov.
Additionally, the delegation features First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Deputy Defense Minister Aleksey Krivoruchko, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit, Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, and Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of the Russian Far Eastern region of Primorsky Krai.
North Korean state media on Wednesday highlighted that Putin’s visit came “at a crucial time" when the friendly relations between North Korea and Russia "have emerged as a strong strategic fortress for preserving international justice, peace and security and an engine for accelerating the building of a new multi-polar world."
State media also said the meeting between Kim and Putin amply demonstrated the "invincibility and durability of the DPRK-Russia friendship and unity," referring to North Korea by an acronym of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Putin arrived at Pyongyang International Airport early Wednesday morning, several hours later than originally planned, for his two-day trip to Pyongyang.
However, Kim waited for Putin alone without a North Korean welcoming delegation, on a red carpet at the airport. The scene was adorned with a banner in Korean and Russian reading "the DPRK-Russia friendship will last forever," along with the national flags of North Korea and Russia.
After exchanging handshakes and embracing, the two leaders shared a few more words before proceeding to Putin’s presidential Aurus limousine – a luxurious vehicle that Putin gave Kim in February.
North Korean state media reported that the two leaders "exchanged their pent-up inmost thoughts and opened their minds to more surely develop the DPRK-Russia relations in conformity with the common desire and will of the peoples of the two countries with the meeting as a momentum" en route to the Kumsusan State Guest House, Putin's residence.
The Putin-Kim summit has sparked concerns over furthering their illicit military cooperation, which involves North Korea supplying weapons to support Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday local time reaffirmed that "North Korea is providing significant munitions to Russia, and other – and other weapons for use in Ukraine" during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg when asked about Putin's trip to Pyongyang.
"So we are very much concerned about this because this is what’s keeping the war going," Blinken said.
Stoltenberg also pointed out, "We are, of course, also concerned about the potential support that Russia provides to North Korea when it comes to supporting their missile and nuclear programs."
At the UN Security Council meeting, South Korean Ambassador to UN Hwang Joon-kook on Tuesday underscored that "Not only what Russia receives from this deal, but also what North Korea gets in return, may pose a significant threat to international peace and security."
The "illegal and perilous military cooperation between these two countries has emerged as a grave international security concern in Europe, Asia and beyond," Hwang said. - The Korea Heald/ANN | AseanPlus | North Korea | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | North Korea,Kim Jong-un,Vladimir Putin,full support,Russia,war,Ukraine | PYONGYANG: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday (June 19) under the wary eyes of the international community, concerned over their illicit military cooperation that blatantly defies international sanctions and the rules-based international order. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/kim-promises-putin-039full-support039-for-russia039s-war-in-ukraine | |
1,374,813 | Domestic Trade Ministry plans to instal CCTV at border petrol stations | KOTA BARU: The Kelantan branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry plans to install its own closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at petrol stations along the state's Malaysia-Thailand border area for monitoring purposes.
Kelantan Domestic Trade director Azman Ismail said that for a start, CCTV will be installed at selected stations that are believed to be frequent choices for fuel smugglers.
He said that this measure is aimed at preventing repeated fuel purchases that are suspected to be for smuggling purposes.
"Currently, the ministry's approach is to station enforcement officers statically at several selected stations such as in Tumpat and Pasir Mas,” he told Bernama.
Azman said that with the installation of these CCTV, the ministry can conduct continuous monitoring from the office and take action easily if smuggling occurs.
Elaborating further, Azman said the matter is still under discussion with oil companies and has not been finalised yet.
"At present, petrol stations already have their own CCTV, and if monitoring is to be done, KPDN needs to go to the station to specifically view its CCTV.
"What we want is for monitoring to be done from the office,” he said.
According to him, in the border districts, there are 46 petrol stations within a 20km radius that are the focus of fuel smugglers. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,Kelantan,fuel,CCTV,petrol stations,border | KOTA BARU: The Kelantan branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry plans to install its own closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at petrol stations along the state's Malaysia-Thailand border area for monitoring purposes. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/domestic-trade-ministry-plans-to-instal-cctv-at-border-petrol-stations | |
1,374,810 | Apex court dismisses Malaysian Bar’s leave to appeal bid to refer constitutional questions | PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has dismissed the Malaysian Bar’s application to obtain leave to appeal against the dismissal of its application to refer to the Federal Court constitutional questions concerning the validity of an emergency proclamation made in 2020.
Today's decision was delivered online by a three-member bench comprising Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Federal Court judges Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang and Datuk Nordin Hassan.
Justice Abang Iskandar, who delivered the decision, held the Bar did not fulfil the threshold requirement under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act and hence leave could not be granted to them.
On May 18, 2022, High Court judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid dismissed the Bar’s application to refer constitutional questions under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, to the Federal Court.
The High Court also dismissed the application by Bersih 2.0 to refer constitutional questions concerning the validity of an emergency proclamation made in 2020 that ran until August last year, to the Federal Court.
The High Court judge said he would instead hear and decide on all legal questions posed in both applications himself.
The Court of Appeal, in November last year, dismissed the Bar’s appeal, while the appeal by Bersih 2.0 was dismissed in October 2022. Bersih 2.0 did not bring the matter to the Federal Court.
The Bar had posed 27 questions of law on the validity of Malaysia’s emergency proclamation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the country’s Emergency Ordinance during former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.
The emergency proclamation was effective from Jan 12, 2021, until Aug 1, 2021, to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, which began globally in early 2020.
In their originating summons, the Bar named Muhyiddin and the Malaysian government as respondents, and sought a declaration that the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 is unlawful and unconstitutional, and therefore null and void.
Lawyer Abdul Rashid Ismail representing the Bar, when contacted by Bernama, said following today’s decision, the High Court will proceed to hear the Bar and Bersih’s originating summons filed in 2021.
He also said the High Court has fixed June 24 for case management. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Malaysian Bar,Muhyiddin,Emergency proclamation,Refer,Federal Court | PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has dismissed the Malaysian Bar’s application to obtain leave to appeal against the dismissal of its application to refer to the Federal Court constitutional questions concerning the validity of an emergency proclamation made in 2020. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/apex-court-dismisses-malaysian-bars-leave-to-appeal-bid-to-refer-constitutional-questions | |
1,374,807 | JR Tokai preparing Shinkansen service for heavy rains in Japan | TOKYO: Last summer, heavy rainfall caused multiple disruptions to the Tokaido Shinkansen timetable, leaving passengers stranded on board trains and causing confusion.
Reflecting on the incidents, Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) has reviewed the method for releasing information on its operation during heavy rains and is also taking measures in regard to railroad structures, such as railway embankment.
Officials are urging users to check the latest operation information when heavy rain is forecasted.
Two trains on one platform
At around 12.20am on May 22, a Tokaido Shinkansen train slowly came to a stop at platform No. 24 in JR Shinagawa Station after the departure of the last train.
About 50 meters ahead on the same platform was another Shinkansen that had entered earlier.
A drill was conducted on that day with the idea that train operations had been suspended due to heavy rain over an extended period.
The train stopped ahead of Shinagawa Station and was moved into the station for passengers to disembark.
Two trains were accommodated at a platform where only one would normally stop, and officials checked the timing for opening the exit gates.
“We would like to apply what we learned from the training to our manuals and education, such as the procedure to have passengers disembark through the exit gates even when the positioning of the gates and the train doors are not aligned,” said Masafumi Kondo, head of the transportation sales department of JR Tokai’s Shinkansen Operations Division.
In June 2023, the Tokaido Shinkansen was temporarily suspended due to heavy rains caused by the seasonal rain front.
Tokyo Station was packed with stranded passengers, and dozens of junior high school students there on a school trip said that they felt unwell.
In August, the day after a planned service suspension as a precaution ahead of an approaching typhoon, rain gauges in Shizuoka Prefecture showed figures beyond the regulatory limit. '
This caused some sections of the line to be suspended.
Subsequently, Shinkansen service suspensions were extended to the section between Tokyo and Hakata, forcing some trains to stop between stations for an extended period.
On Aug 16 and 17, more than 200 trains were canceled and more than 400 trains were delayed on the Tokaido Shinkansen line alone, affecting about 500,000 passengers.
Timetable app improvementsOne of the lessons JR Tokai learned from these experiences last summer was the need to provide faster and more accurate information.
In the past, when there was a possibility of service delays or cancellations due to heavy rain or other factors, the company notified passengers after an alternative service plan was prepared.
But it changed operational procedures to announce the possibility of service suspensions or other problems at an earlier stage, before the service plan is decided.
On May 28 of this year, when the appearance of heavy rain clouds was a suspected, the company quickly announced the possibility of delays or cancellations.
The company additionally began increasing the frequency of announcements on social media and other media after suspending operations, even if the situation was unchanged.
It also upgraded the Shinkansen timetable app at the end of last year.
Previously, it had mainly used a website on Shinkansen operation information as its main tool to disseminate information.
The Shinkansen timetable made it possible for users to check operational status in real time.
Installing sensors at 18 locations
The company also began taking measures to protect railway embankments from rainfall.
According to JR Tokai, 44% of all Tokaido Shinkansen lines run on an embankment.
This percentage is the highest among all Shinkansen lines in the country.
If rainwater seeps into the embankment, the soil will loosen and increase the risk of collapse.
It may cause rail distortions and result in the derailment of trains in the worst case.
In order to prevent rainwater from seeping into embankments, the railway company has been taking preventive measures, such as covering the surface of the embankment with concrete and installing pipes to drain water.
In June, the company began constant monitoring of water in the soil during rainfall to gain a detailed understanding of its distribution.
Sensors that monitor the distribution of water have been installed in embankments at 18 locations in Shizuoka Prefecture, including Shizuoka City.
It also created holes in the ground to observe the rise of groundwater levels at two locations nearby.
The company plans to compile the results after monitoring the data for about two years.
After evaluating the performance of embankments at individual locations, it will carry out construction and take appropriate countermeasures.
“We want to improve the safety of our service by creating suitable operational regulations in the event of heavy rains,” said JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa said. - The Japan News/ANN | AseanPlus | Japan | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Japan,JR Tokai,Shinkansen service,heavy rains | TOKYO: Last summer, heavy rainfall caused multiple disruptions to the Tokaido Shinkansen timetable, leaving passengers stranded on board trains and causing confusion. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/jr-tokai-preparing-shinkansen-service-for-heavy-rains-in-japan | |
1,374,791 | Nenggiri vacancy proof that Bersatu's constitutional amendments in line with law, says Muhyiddin | PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin thanks Kelantan state assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah for announcing an unexpected vacancy for the Nenggiri state seat on Wednesday (June 19).
The Perikatan Nasional chairman added that the vacancy was in line with the Kelantan state anti-party hopping enactments and Federal anti-party hopping laws.
Earlier Wednesday, Speaker Amar had announced an unexpected vacancy after the state assembly was notified of rogue Bersatu assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim's termination from the party.
"Thank you to Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Ammar Nik Abdullah for announcing the Nenggiri seat vacant following the notice by the party that Mohd Azizi is no longer a Bersatu member in line with Clause 10.4 of the party constitution.
"The announcement by the Kelantan Speaker shows that the amendment to the party constitution and notices sent to the Bersatu rogue reps are in line with the law.
"We are ready for a by-election in Nenggiri and are ready to win the state seat again," said Muhyiddin.
Mohd Azizi, who is also Gua Musang MP, was among the six Bersatu MPs and one assemblyman who had declared their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Politics,Muhyiddin Yassin,Perikatan Nasional,Bersatu,Rogue,Vacan,Kelantan,State Assembly, | PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin thanks Kelantan state assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah for announcing an unexpected vacancy for the Nenggiri state seat on Wednesday (June 19). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/nenggiri-vacancy-proof-that-bersatu039s-constitutional-amendments-in-line-with-law-says-muhyiddin | |
1,374,792 | Pope to stop by Istiqlal Mosque during first-ever Indonesia visit | JAKARTA: Pope Francis is scheduled to stop by Indonesia’s largest Islamic house of worship during his first-ever visit to the country in September.
"The pope is slated to visit Indonesia from Sept. 3 to 6, during which he will visit Istiqlal Mosque on Sept. 5," Nasaruddin Umar, grand imam of the mosque in Central Jakarta, said on Monday as quoted by Kompas.com.
Indonesia is to be the first stop in the pope’s two-week Asia-Oceania tour that includes Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Timor-Leste, the Vatican announced in April.
Thomas Ulun Ismoyo from the Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia (KWI) said last week that the itinerary for Francis’ Indonesia visit was centered in Jakarta, though changes were possible.
The papal visit is organised by the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta and the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, in coordination with a special KWI committee.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had previously invited the 87-year-old pope to the world’s largest Muslim-majority country in an effort to promote religious tolerance.
Muslims comprise around 87 percent of the population of Indonesia, with 8.5 million Catholics representing around 3 percent, according to a 2022 report by the Religious Affairs Ministry.
Nasaruddin said Istiqlal had always promoted religious tolerance.
"We believe that tolerance will foster understanding among Indonesia's diverse citizens," he added.
Pope Francis was originally scheduled to visit Indonesia in 2020, but this trip was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He is the first pope to visit the country in 35 years.
Pope Paul VI visited the country in 1979 and Pope John Paul II in 1989, both of whom were welcomed by then-president Soeharto. - The Jakarta Post/ANN | AseanPlus | Indonesia | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Indonesia,Pope Francis,Istiqlal Mosque,first-ever,visit | JAKARTA: Pope Francis is scheduled to stop by Indonesia’s largest Islamic house of worship during his first-ever visit to the country in September. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/pope-to-stop-by-istiqlal-mosque-during-first-ever-indonesia-visit | |
1,374,771 | Sarawak Tourism Board to partner MAG for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 | KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will work with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to bring in international visitors leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
This comes after both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a three-year partnership here on Wednesday (June 19).
"We are aiming to contribute heavily to Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The MOU will look into mega events under STB, such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Rainforest Youth Summit, trade fairs and consumer shows," STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor told reporters after the signing ceremony.
She said STB would collaborate with MAG to bring in key opinion leaders and familiarisation trips as part of initiatives to promote tourism to Sarawak.
"This is a win-win situation for the airlines as well as the destinations and the country as a whole," she added.
MAG is the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings.
Sarawak Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting, who witnessed the MOU signing, said the three-year strategic partnership aimed to jointly explore and implement activities using MAG's services for mutual benefit.
He said it would focus on attracting international visitors through a series of joint activities to enhance the nation's tourism industry.
"With this MOU, we are embarking on a journey to explore and implement various activities designed to promote tourism to Sarawak.
"Using the services and reach of Malaysia Airlines, we will develop and execute these initiatives on an annual basis, ensuring they are continually reviewed and refined," he said.
Ting added that the collaboration would complement and strengthen both parties' tourism promotion activities, contributing to the target of attracting 35.6 million tourists to Malaysia by 2026.
"This partnership represents a strategic and forward-thinking approach to achieving our tourism objectives, enhancing our global appeal and firmly positioning Sarawak as a top destination for travellers worldwide," he said. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board,Malaysia Aviation Group,MOU,Sharzede Salleh Askor,Visit Malaysia Year,Sebastian Ting | KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will work with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to bring in international visitors leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/sarawak-tourism-board-to-partner-mag-for-visit-malaysia-year-2026 | |
1,374,722 | Laos National Assembly members request revision of draft anti-corruption law | VIENTIANE: National Assembly (NA) members have asked the government to improve some of the articles contained in a draft of the amended Law on Anti-Corruption, so that it is more relevant to the current situation in Laos.
Members requested that some of the articles contained in the draft amendment be revised while others suggested the addition of more articles and the inclusion of specific penalties in corruption cases, when the law was discussed on Tuesday (June 18) at a session chaired by NA Vice President Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher.
Revision of the law will enable stronger measures to be taken against corrupt individuals, with Assembly members saying that fines should be larger and other penalties should be more stringent and spelled out in detail.
Corruption takes many forms, members noted, and said the law should specify what penalties should be imposed for each type of activity, to be determined by the relevant government bodies.
The Law on Anti-Corruption was enacted in 2005 and revised in 2012.
A second revision is now being considered so that the law is a practical and dependable reference and can be used by law enforcement officials during the prosecution process.
Effective enforcement of the law will strengthen public service delivery, good governance and the rule of law, as well as maintaining integrity and justice, which is fundamental to development, progress, and the alleviation of poverty.
The government has lost millions of dollars to corruption, with government development and investment projects such as road and bridge construction the leading source of widespread graft, according to the State Inspection Authority.
The government has vowed to address corrupt practices that are pervasive in politics and every sector of the economy and society, and which deter potential foreign investors from pumping money into much-needed infrastructure and other forms of development.
Despite the existence of the anti-corruption law that criminalises the abuse of power, public sector fraud, embezzlement and bribery, Laos’ judiciary is weak and inefficient, and government officials are rarely prosecuted.
“The law is strict but enforcement is weak, and that’s not going to solve the problem,” NA members said.
In recent years, some officials have been fired or moved to other positions but no other more stringent measures have been taken and offenders are never named or shamed.
Many state employees are corrupt, including police officers and tax collectors, as well as employees at some mining companies, who conspire with high-ranking officials to defraud the government. - Vientiane Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Laos | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Laos,National Assembly,request,revision,draft,anti-corruption,law | VIENTIANE: National Assembly (NA) members have asked the government to improve some of the articles contained in a draft of the amended Law on Anti-Corruption, so that it is more relevant to the current situation in Laos. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/laos-national-assembly-members-request-revision-of-draft-anti-corruption-law | |
1,374,718 | Govt outlines plans to curb surging road accidents in Laos | VIENTIANE: The government plans to tackle the high road accident rate, with a particular focus on curbing drunk driving, which police say is the main cause of accidents.
The number of accidents increases every year, claiming many lives and wrecking numerous vehicles, as reckless driving and disregard for safety continues across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security General Vilay Lakhamfong (pic) last week informed National Assembly members about the steps being taken to address the problem.
These will be carried out under a countrywide road safety plan.
The aim is to improve highway safety through the establishment of central and provincial safety committees, improve the condition of roads to make driving safer, carry out more checks to ensure all vehicles are roadworthy, enact more legislation, educate people about safe driving, enforce the traffic regulations, and strengthen emergency roadside assistance for accident victims.
The Ministry of Public Security and specialised departments have been working with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to conduct a road safety campaign involving offices, various organisations, schools, village groups and companies.
Safe driving tips have been publicised on television and radio, social media platforms and on roadside billboards, while training has been given to traffic police.
Police have carried out checks of drivers, patrolled roads on foot, and set up checkpoints on national highways and main roads in Vientiane, provinces and districts, including during peak travel times when festivals take place.
Despite these efforts, motorists continue to flout the rules and drive without due care and attention, as evidenced by accident statistics.
In 2022, a total of 6,440 accidents were recorded, rising to 6,806 in 2023.
In 2022, 11,358 vehicles were reported damaged, with the number rising to 12,029 a year later.
The number of people injured in road accidents in 2002 was recorded at 10,132, while 10,705 people suffered injuries in 2023.
In 2022, a total of 947 fatalities were recorded, with the figure dropping to 922 in 2023.
Drunk driving was cited as the reason for 1,553 accidents, 1,340 accidents were attributed to speeding, and not giving right of way was cited as the cause of 1,006 accidents.
General Vilay Lakhamfong outlined immediate and long-term solutions to the problem.
These include compliance with the national strategic plan for highway safety for 2021-2030 and the operational plan for 2021-2025.
Public awareness campaigns will be stepped up with more high-profile visual images used to alert drivers to the rules of the road and the dangers of driving recklessly.
Law enforcement will enhanced and harsh measures imposed on drivers who regularly break the rules. - Vientiane Times/ANN | AseanPlus | Laos | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Laos,Govt,plan,curb,road accidents | VIENTIANE: The government plans to tackle the high road accident rate, with a particular focus on curbing drunk driving, which police say is the main cause of accidents. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/govt-outlines-plans-to-curb-surging-road-accidents-in-laos | |
1,374,712 | Boost for Sabah timber's competitiveness, sustainability with EU link-up | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s timber industry is set to update its sustainability measures following adherence to European Union (EU) market requirements.
This comes after the Sabah Forestry Department and the European Union officially launched a partnership to update the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS) for competitiveness and to enhance environmental governance.
In a joint statement on Wednesday (June 19), they said the partnership demonstrated a forward-looking approach to sustainability.
It was a significant milestone in Sabah's efforts to ensure sustainable and legal timber production, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fighting deforestation and climate change, the statement read.
The updated Sabah TLAS will see timber harvested in line with EU market requirements as well, it added.
Established in 2009, the Sabah TLAS is a due diligence system developed in response to EU requirements under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) programme.
This initiative is part of a broader Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) strategy adopted since 1997, aimed at ensuring all timber trade between Malaysia and the EU is regulated through rigorous due diligence measures.
Over the past decade, Sabah TLAS has played a pivotal role in enhancing compliance, transparency and forest governance with its Compliance Certificate gaining international acceptance in key timber trade markets including Europe, Australia, the United States, Japan and South Korea.
The updating exercise will involve alignment of the Sabah TLAS with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the statement said.
In addition to EUDR, the Sabah TLAS will also align with the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) which aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour, contributing to the EU and Malaysia’s broader goals of promoting human rights and environmental sustainability.
By integrating these frameworks into the Sabah TLAS, the Sabah Forestry Department is proactively advancing environmental and social governance, the statement added.
It noted that the alignment would enhance the credibility and marketability of Sabah's timber products, position the state as a leader in sustainable forestry management, enhance the competitiveness of its timber industry, and improve prospects for participating in global value chains.
The EU, an attractive single market of 27 countries, is the largest trade bloc in the world and accounts for around 15% of the world’s trade in goods.
It is the fourth largest destination for Malaysian exports. The EU is also the second largest source of foreign direct investment for Malaysia, with €25.2bil (RM127.4bil) in 2022.
The updating exercise will involve a series of consultations and workshops with government agencies of the Implementing Agencies Coordination Committee (IACC), the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA), the Timber Association of Sabah (TAS), as well as upstream and downstream timber industries.
Training and support for Sabah stakeholders will ensure they are equipped to meet the new requirements.
The launch of the partnership to update the Sabah TLAS was attended by Dr Audrey-Anne Rochelemagne, first secretary (Team Leader for Cooperation: Malaysia and Thailand), Delegation of the European Union; and Sabah chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan.
“We are committed to enhancing our environmental governance and ensuring our timber products meet the highest international standards,” Sabah chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said at the launch.
“While we are committed to enhancing our environmental governance and ensuring our timber products meet the highest international standards, the system most importantly must factor in the current state development agenda and plans,” he added. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah,Timber Industry,Alignment,Forestry Department,Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System,European Union,Market Requirements,Sustainability,Global Supply Chain,Competitive | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s timber industry is set to update its sustainability measures following adherence to European Union (EU) market requirements. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/boost-for-sabah-timber039s-competitiveness-sustainability-with-eu-link-up | |
1,374,709 | Cambodia to upgrade 75% of rural roads to climate-resilient by 2030 | PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Rural Development plans to upgrade existing dirt roads, which currently link almost all villages across the country, to climate-resilient roads in 75 per cent of over 10,000 villages by 2030.
Rural development minister Chhay Rithisen explained that climate change-resistant roads are asphalt and concrete roads that can be used in both the rainy and dry seasons.
He said that currently, about 80 per cent of rural roads are dirt roads that are only usable in one season.
“Asphalt and concrete roads, resistant to climate change, currently span approximately 10,000km. By 2030, we plan to ensure that 75 per cent of the 14,577 villages have [such] roads,” he said.
“Some roads are not climate-resilient and can only be used in the dry season. They are often flooded or destroyed during the rainy season.
"[This effort] will guarantee equal road connectivity. It is an ongoing effort from our previous work,” he added.
Currently, the total number of developed rural roads that connect villages to villages, villages to communes and communes to districts is approximately 16,600 and span 50,000km.
The minister explained that rural road systems are divided into four types.
The first connects districts to districts, covering about 10,000km. This is the main backbone for serving the people, he said.
He noted the second type connects districts to communes and also spans about 10,000km.
The third type connects communes to communes with more than 12,000km, and the fourth connects villages to villages, with the largest network covering 20,000km, as per the minister.
“Ninety per cent or more of our rural villages are interconnected,” he said.
Rithisen added that the ministry is also focusing on improving the quality of roads, including finding new materials or techniques that can reduce construction costs.
“This will allow us to build more roads of higher quality with the same amount of money,” he said.
Rithisen noted the ministry will implement the projects using the national budget.
He said during construction, a technical team will monitor the process at all times, adding that if the road is not completed on schedule, the contracted construction company will be fined or blacklisted and ordered to pay for any losses.
He emphasised that proper bidding and inspection procedures are in place for the projects.
“Where roads are heavily used, we build with concrete to ensure durability.
"For roads that are not used as much, we build two layers of asphalt.
"This approach minimises negative impacts and meets the need for strong, long-lasting roads,” he said.
Ministry spokesperson Pit Karuna stated that the project is not limited to any specific province; it depends on actual needs and requirements.
“In principle, we will build 30 per cent new roads and improve the quality of 70 per cent of existing roads,” he said.
“What we are focusing on is upgrading to climate change-resistant roads,” he added.
The Kampot Provincial Administration also plans to convert asphalt roads into concrete ones for long-lasting, weather-resistant use.
This is necessary because Kampot is a coastal province where heavy rainfall often damages asphalt roads during the rainy season, according to the provincial information department.
“To ensure that all roads in the city last longer and do not waste the national budget, the provincial administration will upgrade asphalt roads to concrete,” Kampot provincial governor Mao Thonin said during a recent meeting. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN | AseanPlus | Cambodia | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Cambodia,upgrade,75%,rural roads,climate-resilient,2030 | PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Rural Development plans to upgrade existing dirt roads, which currently link almost all villages across the country, to climate-resilient roads in 75 per cent of over 10,000 villages by 2030. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/cambodia-to-upgrade-75-of-rural-roads-to-climate-resilient-by-2030 | |
1,374,703 | Credit growth remains far from Vietnam government's target | HANOI: Credit within the banking system to the end of May 2024 increased by only 2.41 per cent against the end of 2023, far from the credit growth targets, the Government reported.
The Government has set a credit growth target of 5 per cent for the first six months of 2024 and 15 per cent for the whole year.
Credit growth of banks in HCM City and Hanoi by the end of May 2024 was double that of the average rate elsewhere in Vietnam.
According to newly released data from the Hanoi Statistics Department, total outstanding loans in the capital city by the end of May 2024 reached VNĐ3.8 quadrillion, an increase of 1.14 per cent compared to the previous month and 5.09 per cent compared to the end of 2023.
Of the total, short-term outstanding loans were VNĐ1.6 quadrillion, an increase of 6.61 per cent compared to the end of last year and medium and long term outstanding loans reached more than VNĐ2.19 quadrillion, an increase of 4.01 per cent.
According to the Hanoi Statistics Department, credit institutions in the capital have promoted credit growth through offering many preferential credit programmes and packages and applying flexible interest rate policies.
The average lending interest rate is 7.5-9.7 per cent per year, while the maximum short-term loan interest rate for priority sectors, including agriculture, rural areas, exports and SMEs, is about 3.6 per cent per year.
Meanwhile, the HCM City Statistics Department reported the total outstanding loan of credit institutions in the city as of May 31 was estimated at VNĐ3.61 quadrillion, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to the end of 2023.
Of which, short-term outstanding loans were at nearly VNĐ1.72 quadrillion, up 6.1 per cent compared to the end of last year, and medium and long term outstanding loans were more than VNĐ1.89 quadrillion, up 3.1 per cent compared to the beginning of the year.
As for capital mobilisation, similar to the general trend of the whole country, capital mobilisation of credit institutions in the two cities decreased compared to the beginning of the year.
Banks in Hanoi raised nearly VNĐ5.32 quadrillion by the end of May 2024, an increase of 0.15 per cent compared to the previous month and a decrease of 0.38 per cent compared to the end of 2023.
Of the total, deposits reached VNĐ4.67 quadrillion and issuance of valuable papers reached VNĐ641 trillion.
Deposit interest rates offered by Hanoi-based banks at the end of May increased slightly compared to February and March, reaching 0.1-0.5 per cent per year for non-term deposits, 1.8-3.3 per cent per year for 1-6 month deposits, 3-5.2 per cent per year for 6-12 month deposits and 4.1-5.7 per cent per year for deposits above 12 months.
In HCM City, by the end of May, the total mobilised capital of credit institutions was estimated at more than VNĐ3.52 quadrillion, up 0.2 per cent compared to the previous month and down 1.2 per cent compared to the beginning of the year. — Vietnam News/ANN | AseanPlus | Vietnam | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Vietnam,credit growth,target | HANOI: Credit within the banking system to the end of May 2024 increased by only 2.41 per cent against the end of 2023, far from the credit growth targets, the Government reported. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/credit-growth-remains-far-from-vietnam-government039s-target | |
1,374,701 | Revenue board identifies individuals, companies involved in crypto trading | PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board has identified several individuals and companies engaged in cryptocurrency trading to curb tax revenue leakage and enhance national tax administration.
Its chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin, said the high frequency of cryptocurrency trading transactions had prompted the revenue board to review data for potential tax implications.
"We understand that if there are a lot of transactions, profits from cryptocurrency trading are taxable.
"Individuals engaged in high-volume transactions are not reporting these activities to us," he told reporters after presenting certificates to participants of the Tax Corporate Governance (TCG) Programme on Wednesday (June 19).
Recently, LHDN launched Ops Token in collaboration with the police and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) to combat tax revenue leakage in cryptocurrency trading. The initiative covers 10 locations across the Klang Valley.
Abu Tariq emphasised that individuals engaged in cryptocurrency trading in Malaysia are liable for income tax, and those needing clarification on tax matters can reach out to the revenue board or access the guidelines here: https://phl.hasil.gov.my/pdf/pdfam/GP_LAYANAN_CUKAI_KE_ATAS_TRANSAKSI_MATA_WANG_DIGITAL.pdf.
Earlier in his speech, Abu Tariq said, "Through TCG, organisations can deepen their comprehension of tax regulations related to business activities and fortify their internal systems for sustained tax compliance.”
The revenue board introduced TCG on March 1, 2022, to bolster voluntary compliance efforts and emphasise cooperation between taxpayers and the board as the national tax authority.
The program was launched in two phases: a pilot project running from June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, followed by full implementation starting July 1 this year. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | LHDN,Cryptocurrency,Trading,Tax,TCG | PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board has identified several individuals and companies engaged in cryptocurrency trading to curb tax revenue leakage and enhance national tax administration. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/revenue-board-identifies-individuals-companies-involved-in-crypto-trading | |
1,374,700 | Asia stocks boosted by tech rally, Fed rate cut wagers | SINGAPORE: Asian shares rose to a one-month high on Wednesday, buoyed by a rally in tech stocks, while the dollar was steady as soft U.S. retail sales data reinforced expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting rates later this year.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 1% higher and on track for a more than 4% gain in June.
The tech stocks in the region rose over 2% to a record high as the rally raged on with AI darling Nvidia dethroning Microsoft to become the world's most valuable company on Tuesday.
Futures indicated that European bourses were set for a more subdued opening, with Eurostoxx 50 futures little changed and FTSE futures down 0.18%.
Investor focus will be on UK inflation data due later in the day that will set the stage for Bank of England (BoE) policy decision on Thursday, with the central bank widely expected to stand pat on rates.
The inflation report is expected to show Britain's inflation rate fell back to the BoE's 2% target in May, from 2.3% in April, while services CPI is expected to come in at an annual 5.5% in May, from April's 5.9%.
Kyle Chapman, FX markets analyst at Ballinger Group, said Wednesday's May inflation report will be the deciding factor and a cut could still be on the table if services inflation gets back on track.
"Unless it collapses, I think we will need a few pieces of evidence to convince the Bank of England that it is sustainably on the way down," he said.
Sterling, which is down nearly 0.3% so far this month, last fetched $1.2708, while the euro steadied at $1.0736 and is down 1% so far in June.
The single currency has been under pressure in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron calling for a snap election following a trouncing of his ruling centrist party in the European Parliament elections.
U.S. markets are closed on Wednesday, which will likely result in muted trading throughout the day.
RATE CUT HOPES
U.S. retail sales barely rose in May and figures for the prior month were revised considerably lower, data showed on Tuesday, suggesting economic activity remained lacklustre in the second quarter.
The data led to a small boost in rate cut expectations for September with traders pricing in a 67% chance of easing compared with a 61% chance a day earlier, CME FedWatch tool showed. Markets are pricing in 48 basis points of cuts this year.
"(The) Fed will need more data to support its case for a rate cut and investors should not overact to one or two data points," said Vasu Menon, managing director of investment strategy at OCBC.
Last week, mild U.S. inflation readings contrasted with an overall hawkish stance by Fed officials, who trimmed their previous median projection for three quarter-point rate cuts this year to one.
"Rate cuts are a stronger story for 2025 but that's fine because there is hope that it will happen in a bigger way over the next two years even if 2024 remains uncertain, and that will keep markets supported," Menon said.
Fed officials are looking for further confirmation that inflation is cooling and for any warning signs from a still-strong labour market as they steer cautiously toward what most expect to be a rate cut or two by the end of this year.
In Asia, the Japanese yen was little changed at 157.835 per dollar, hovering close to the six-week low of 158.255 it touched last week. The currency remains under pressure from the wide difference between interest rates in Japan and the United States.
Minutes of Bank of Japan's April policy meeting showed policymakers debated the impact a weak yen could have on prices, with some flagging the chance of raising interest rates sooner than expected if inflation overshoots.
In commodities, oil prices steadied, with Brent crude futures up 0.06% at $85.38 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was little changed at $81.56 per barrel. - Reuters | Business | Markets | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Markets,Asia,equities,stocks,trading,commodities | SINGAPORE: Asian shares rose to a one-month high on Wednesday, buoyed by a rally in tech stocks, while the dollar was steady as soft U.S. retail sales data reinforced expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting rates later this year. | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/06/19/asia-stocks-boosted-by-tech-rally-fed-rate-cut-wagers | |
1,374,699 | Senior citizen duped of nearly RM600,000 by bogus NSRC officer | JOHOR BARU: A senior citizen here says she lost almost RM600,000 after falling for a phone scam by someone claiming to be a National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) officer.
Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar said the 70-year-old victim lodged a report on Monday (June 17) claiming that she lost RM584,000 of her savings.
“The victim stated that in early May, she received a call from an individual claiming to be an officer from NSRC accusing her of having a record involving a cheating case.
ALSO READ: Beware of scammers pretending to be the good guys
“She then was contacted by another individual claiming to be a police officer from a northern state saying the victim has a bank account registered under her name in that state but she denied it,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 19).
Comm Kumar added that the suspect was able to convince the victim to hand over her bank account details for "investigation purposes".
He said the victim followed the suspect’s instructions and even left her ATM card and account PIN at a location he provided.
“The victim was then instructed to transfer money from (her other) bank accounts to the account handed over to the suspect for his investigation.
“However, in the middle of this month, the victim checked with the bank and found that RM584,000 had been taken out through ATM withdrawals and transfers to an unknown person," he added.
Comm Kumar said the victim then realised she had been cheated and lodged a report.
“I would like to remind the public that the NSRC is a call centre where it only receives calls from the public and is a one-way communications channel.
ALSO READ: NSRC officers will not call the public, says Bukit Aman
“NSRC will not make calls to any individuals. Therefore, any caller claiming to be from the centre is a fraud,” he said.
Comm Kumar added that to optimise efforts to prevent and curb online fraud cases, victims should immediately contact NSRC at 997 to block financial transactions from their bank accounts.
He also urged the public to visit the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to find out the latest modus operandi used by scammers. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Johor,Senior Citizen,Scam,NSRC,Comm M. Kumar,#JanganKenaScam | JOHOR BARU: A senior citizen here says she lost almost RM600,000 after falling for a phone scam by someone claiming to be a National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) officer. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/senior-citizen-duped-of-nearly-rm600000-by-bogus-nsrc-officer | |
1,374,698 | Najib, Irwan's RM6.6bil CBT trial postponed again to July 22 | KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, who are facing six charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) totalling RM6.6bil, has been postponed yet again to July 22.
High Court Judge Muhammad Jamil Hussin allowed the application for postponement by Mohd Irwan’s lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran as the defence has yet to receive 48 other documents from the prosecution.
"Please make sure that all relevant documents are handed over to the defence before the trial begins. On June 4, the trial was postponed to today, but it still cannot proceed today. I don’t want to hear any more excuses for postponement due to failure to hand over the documents,” the judge said.
Earlier, Kumaraendran told the court that the prosecution has yet to hand over the 48 documents to the defence, which would prejudice his client.
"Most of the documents are the transcription of my client's recorded conversation that will be used as a defence in this case. In the letter submitted to the prosecution yesterday (June 18), we requested that the relevant documents be handed over to us," he said.
Lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, representing Najib, on the other hand, said that the defence of the former prime minister would depend on Mohd Irwan’s statement or testimony.
"Tan Sri Mohd Irwan can be deemed the CEO of the Finance Ministry and he has vast knowledge about the ministry. The documents that need to be handed over are very much relevant to my client,” said the veteran lawyer.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi confirmed that there were 48 other documents classified as ‘secret and confidential’ which had yet to be declassified and handed over to the defence.
"These documents include those from the Land Public Transport Agency, Economic Planning Unity and Cabinet papers. Before they can be submitted as exhibits, these documents need to be declassified as they fall under the Official Secret Act.
"We (the prosecution) need a month for the documents to be declassified by the officials at the relevant agencies before we can hand them over to the defence,” he said.
With the postponement, Judge Muhammad Jamil also vacated the trial dates on June 20, 24 to 27, and on July 2 to 4, 9 to 11 and 15 to 18.
On Oct 24, 2018, Najib, 70, and Mohd Irwan, 66, pleaded not guilty to six charges of CBT of RM6.6 billion in government funds involving payments to the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC).
Najib and Mohd Irwan were jointly accused of committing all the offences at the Finance Ministry Complex, Putrajaya between Dec 21, 2016, and Dec 18, 2017.
They were charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same code which provides for a maximum of 20 years in jail and whipping as well as a fine, upon conviction. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,High Court Najib Razak,Mohd Irwan Serigar,IPIC,1MDB,CBT,postponed,trial | KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, who are facing six charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) totalling RM6.6bil, has been postponed yet again to July 22. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/najib-irwan039s-rm66bil-cbt-trial-postponed-again-to-july-22 | |
1,374,697 | Hanoi unveils ambitious plan to improve residents' lives by 2030 | HANOI: The authorities of Hanoi have approved a plan to improve the lives of its residents across various levels by 2030.
Specific targets include ensuring veterans and their families on monthly allowances have comfortable conditions of living, above the average in their communities.
Additionally, the city aims to slash unemployment rates to below 3.0 per cent overall and below 3.5 per cent in urban areas while it aims to train at least 80 per cent of the workforce.
Social security is also a significant piece of the puzzle.
The plan aims for a substantial portion of the working-age population to participate in social and unemployment insurance schemes.
Beyond working years, it also strives to provide a secure future for retirees, with a target of 65 per cent receiving regular pensions and social support.
Health and well-being are equally important.
Hanoi is setting its sights on a longer, healthier life for its residents.
The average life expectancy is expected to reach 77 years, with a minimum of 68 years spent in good health.
Expanding health insurance coverage to 98 per cent and encouraging residents to use primary care services are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of the plan (Plan No.181/KH-UBND) lies in housing.
Hanoi residents can expect a significant improvement in living space, with the average square footage per person being 32 sq m.
Furthermore, the city plans to develop a staggering 2.5 million sq m of new social housing.
This includes the construction of one to two independent social housing complexes, along with the most noteworthy commitment, ensuring every industrial and export processing zone in the city has access to social housing.
The success of the programme hinges on it being implemented so authorities have urged all relevant agencies to put the plan into action. — Vietnam News/ANN | AseanPlus | Vietnam | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Vietnam,Hanoi,plan,improve,residents,living,2030 | HANOI: The authorities of Hanoi have approved a plan to improve the lives of its residents across various levels by 2030. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/hanoi-unveils-ambitious-plan-to-improve-residents039-lives-by-2030 | |
1,374,691 | Calls for domestic worker protection bill grow in Indonesia as House nears end of tenure | JAKARTA: Labour rights organisations have urged the House of Representatives to kick start the deliberation of the domestic worker protection bill before the end of its tenure in October, fearing that the long awaited piece of legislation will face a significant setback if lawmakers fail to do so.
Dozens of activists and domestic workers grouped under the National Advocacy Network for Domestic Workers (Jala PRT) staged a rally in front of the House complex in Jakarta on Sunday (June 16) to mark International Domestic Workers Day and urged lawmakers to expedite the deliberation process.
"We hope that lawmakers can finally start the deliberation process of the bill that we have been awaiting for 20 years and which is desperately needed by 5 million domestic workers in the country," Lita Anggraini of Jala PRT said.
Mutiara Ika Pratiwi of women's rights group Perempuan Mahardhika who participated in the rally said that with only a few months left of their tenure, lawmakers could not afford to delay the deliberation of the domestic workers bill any longer.
"Now is a very crucial time for its deliberation because we will soon have a new government and lawmakers in office.
"So it's very important that current House members pass the bill as soon as possible," she said.
A similar demand was also voiced by government-sanctioned independent agency the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), which said the bill was desperately needed to improve the poor working conditions of millions of domestic workers across the archipelago.
"A lot of domestic workers continue to work under poor conditions, facing threats of violence, harassment and even slavery.
"It's the state’s responsibility to ensure that their constitutional rights as workers are protected," Komnas Perempuan commissioner Tiasri Wiandani said in a discussion on Friday.
Tiasri said that the current House members should at least discuss one article in the domestic worker protection bill before their terms ended to ensure that the bill deliberation could be carried over to incoming lawmakers.
"If the current lawmakers fail to do that, new lawmakers have to restart the legislative process for the bill from scratch again," she said.
Poor conditions
Domestic workers, which include all household employees such as cooks, cleaners, babysitters, caregivers, gardeners and security guards, currently do not enjoy any legal protection because Indonesia’s labor laws do not regard them as formal workers.
They typically work long hours for a pittance and often do not receive full weekends or holiday bonuses.
Many endure physical and emotional abuse, and there is little recourse for them under prevailing labor laws.
Jala PRT recorded at least 3,308 cases of violence against domestic workers between 2021 and 2024.
Earlier this month, a 16-year-old domestic worker in Tangerang, Banten, died after jumping from a third-story house where she worked, allegedly because she wanted to run away from her abusive employer.
In February, five domestic workers in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, two of whom were minors, were injured after they climbed a 2 meter barbed-wire fence while trying to escape their employer's house.
They allegedly were forced to work without any payment, held captive, starved and tortured by their employer.
The domestic worker protection bill seeks to ensure that household workers are legally protected in their jobs, including from such abuse.
The bill says that domestic workers and employers must enter into a contract in writing to set out terms and conditions, including salary and benefits, working hours, rest days and holidays, health care and insurance, and education and training.
The bill also sets the minimum age of workers at 18.
Dragging feet
The bill was first proposed by Jala PRT in 2004 and has since been on and off the table at the House despite repeated calls and hunger strikes by domestic workers seeking to have the bill passed.
Observers say the House’s lack of political will to pass the bill into law is because lawmakers are aware that many, if not most, domestic employers are not interested in raising the wages of their workers and providing them with more benefits.
The bill finally made a breakthrough early last year at the House, when lawmakers agreed to start formal discussion with the government after President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo publicly appealed to lawmakers to hasten its deliberation.
But there has not been any progress on the bill since then, even as the government continues to push for the passing of the bill.
Luluk Hamida of the National Awakening Party (PKB), a member of the House Legislation Body (Baleg), which prepared the early draft of the bill in 2020, said that its sluggish deliberation stemmed from the fact that the House leadership had never really included the bill in its legislative agenda despite the bill having secured endorsement from the Baleg.
At the time at the Baleg, seven parties supported the bill while the two biggest parties, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Golkar Party, opposed it.
"It's a shame that [the House leadership] doesn't have the political will to finish the deliberation of the bill.
"Maybe they think that it is not very urgent to pass the bill into law or they deem the bill a threat to the status quo," Luluk said on Friday.
A House deputy speaker was not immediately available for comment. - The Jakarta Post/ANN | AseanPlus | Indonesia | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Indonesia,domestic worker protection bill,House,end of tenure | JAKARTA: Labour rights organisations have urged the House of Representatives to kick start the deliberation of the domestic worker protection bill before the end of its tenure in October, fearing that the long awaited piece of legislation will face a significant setback if lawmakers fail to do so. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/calls-for-domestic-worker-protection-bill-grow-in-indonesia-as-house-nears-end-of-tenure | |
1,374,688 | Wan Saiful's corruption, money laundering trial postponed to June 24 | KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who is facing money laundering and corruption charges related to the Jana Wibawa project, has been postponed to June 24.
Judge Rozina Ayob vacated the trial dates on Wednesday (June 19) and Thursday (June 20) after Wan Saiful’s lawyer Joshua Tay applied for the postponement due to lead counsel Amer Hamzah Arshad taking his mother to the hospital.
"I also request that tomorrow's (Thursday) trial date be vacated on the grounds that my client's wife was admitted to the hospital yesterday. My client needs to accompany his wife throughout this week for treatment," said the lawyer.
Tay said that the defence had also provided a copy of the letter from the hospital to the prosecution and the court.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Azmi told the court the prosecution did not object to the application for postponement by the defence.
Wan Saiful, 47, allegedly solicited bribes from one Lian Tan Chuan as an inducement to help Nepturis Sdn Bhd secure the RM232mil "Central Spine Road: Sertik to East Coast Highway Interchange" project from the government in the pre-qualification stage.
He is also accused of accepting RM6,962,694.54 in cash for himself through his company WSA Advisory Group Sdn Bhd's CIMB Bank account from the Maybank Islamic account belonging to Nepturis, as a reward for helping the company obtain a Letter of Acceptance for the project.
The two offences were allegedly committed at the Royal Lake Club, Taman Tasik Perdana here, in April 2022 and at CIMB Bank Bukit Tunku Branch, Taman Tunku, Bukit Tunku here between July 8 and Sept 30, 2022.
Wan Saiful was also charged with 18 counts of money laundering involving RM5.59mil by transferring and using the illegal proceeds to pay for the purchase of a Ford Ranger vehicle, making payments to the Malaysian National Sports Council as well as transferring money to several company accounts, including one belonging to Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd.
The offences were allegedly committed at CIMB Bank Bukit Tunku Branch here between Aug 12 and Nov 13, 2022, and the charges were framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,court,Wan Saiful Wan Jan,money laundering,corruption,Jana Wibawa,postponed | KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who is facing money laundering and corruption charges related to the Jana Wibawa project, has been postponed to June 24. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/wan-saiful039s-corruption-money-laundering-trial-postponed-to-june-24 | |
1,374,684 | See you in court, Nenggiri rep tells Kelantan Speaker after seat declared vacant | PETALING JAYA: I will take it to court as the Kelantan State Assembly Speaker was hasty in vacating my seat, says Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim.
The Bersatu rogue, who won the seat in the last state election on a PAS ticket, said the Speaker had announced the vacancy without replying to a question whether Bersatu representatives in Kelantan come under the purview of PAS.
Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah had declared the Nenggiri state seat vacant effective Wednesday (June 19).
ALSO READ : Kelantan Speaker declares rogue Bersatu rep's Nenggiri state seat vacant
"This overzealous decision by the Speaker to vacate the Nenggiri seat victimises my constituents as it robs them of the change to get the allocations promised by the Federal Government," Mohd Azizi said when contacted.
He also said he would speak to his lawyers on Thursday (June 20) to determine the best way to challenge the decision.
"Despite winning the seat under the PAS logo, I was never treated the same as PAS assemblyman. Rice rations for my constituency would be given to PAS representatives to distribute.
"This is why I had to shift my allegiance to the Federal Government to request for an allocation to serve my constituents. Now, by vacating my seat, they have denied my constituents their right to the Federal allocation," said Mohd Azizi.
Mohd Amar had earlier said the decision was made after the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly received a written notice of Azizi's termination from Bersatu on June 13.
“With this, I announce the unexpected vacancy of the Nenggiri seat represented by Azizi. The seat needs to be filled within 60 days of the Election Commission’s acknowledgement of the vacancy notice,” he said. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Politics,Mohd Azizi Abu Naim,Fight,Speaker,Kelantan,State Assembly,Nenggiri | PETALING JAYA: I will take it to court as the Kelantan State Assembly Speaker was hasty in vacating my seat, says Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azizi Abu Naim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/nenggiri-rep-says-kelantan-speaker-hasty-in-vacating-state-seat-will-take-it-to-court | |
1,374,681 | Royal guests expected to grace S'wak Rainforest World Music Festival | KUCHING: The Sultans of Selangor and Perak are expected to be among the VVIP guests attending the Rainforest World Music Festival next weekend, says a Sarawak leader.
Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting said Their Royal Highnesses were likely to be joined by various ambassadors to Malaysia at the festival.
"I understand that the Sultan of Selangor will be here and the Sultan of Perak is likely to be joining us as well," he told reporters after an appreciation ceremony for festival sponsors here on Wednesday (June 19).
The festival will take place at the Sarawak Cultural Village here from June 28-30.
Among the biggest attractions this year is renowned Japanese musician Kitaro, who will perform on the opening night.
Ting also said ticket sales were better than in previous years, with more than 20,000 people expected to attend over the three days.
"The sale of tickets for Friday night has surpassed other years because Kitaro will be performing," he said.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said a large number of tickets had been snapped up by international festival goers.
"We have visitors coming from all 10 South-East Asian countries. We also have visitors from Africa, Britain and elsewhere. The reach is greater this year," she said, adding that ticket sales were expected to pick up with one week to go.
Sharzede also said security would be a priority given the royal guests and other VIPs.
She added that upgrading works at Sarawak Cultural Village had also been completed in time for the festival.
"There will be a VIP grandstand where we can accommodate our VVIPs comfortably," she said. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sarawak,Rainforest World Music Festival,Sultan of Perak,Sultan of Selangor,Sebastian Ting,Kitaro,Sharzede Salleh Askor,Sarawak Tourism Board | KUCHING: The Sultans of Selangor and Perak are expected to be among the VVIP guests attending the Rainforest World Music Festival next weekend, says a Sarawak leader. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/royal-guests-expected-to-grace-s039wak-rainforest-world-music-festival | |
1,374,677 | Knife attack injures three at Shanghai metro station | SHANGHAI: A knife-wielding man has been apprehended by Shanghai police, after he attacked people at the Hechuan Road Station on the city's No 9 metro line on Wednesday (June 19) morning, leaving three injured.
Police said the attack happened at 8.28am at the subway station in Minhang district in the southwest part of Shanghai.
The injured have been sent to hospital for medical treatment.
The station was temporarily closed following the incident, and it has been reopened.
The suspect has been identified as a 54-year-old man surnamed Shen.
The case is under police investigation. - Xinhua/ANN | AseanPlus | China | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | China,Shanghai,Knife attack,injure,three,at metro station | SHANGHAI: A knife-wielding man has been apprehended by Shanghai police, after he attacked people at the Hechuan Road Station on the city's No 9 metro line on Wednesday (June 19) morning, leaving three injured. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/knife-attack-injures-three-at-shanghai-metro-station | |
1,374,674 | Cops arrest 13 over RM24mil in suspicious bank transactions | PETALING JAYA: Bukit Aman has arrested 13 suspects in connection with the theft of RM24.2mil linked to suspicious bank transactions.
The suspects were arrested between Thursday and Tuesday (June 13 and 18) and range in age from 22 to 52, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said in a message to the media on Wednesday (June 19).
"Twelve of them were caught in Sabah and one was arrested in Perlis.
ALSO READ: Bank employee held over RM24mil case
"Four suspects were employees of the bank concerned," he said, adding that one suspect had since been allowed bail.
Police had earlier received four reports concerning suspicious bank transactions.
Investigations showed that the transactions were made in Kota Kinabalu.
A 38-year-old bank employee was arrested on Thursday, with Comm Ramli saying police believed that the illegal transactions were made by members of a syndicate.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Police,Arrest,CCID,Suspects,Suspicious Bank Transactions,Comm Ramli Mohamed Yusoof | PETALING JAYA: Bukit Aman has arrested 13 suspects in connection with the theft of RM24.2mil linked to suspicious bank transactions. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/cops-arrest-13-over-rm24mil-in-suspicious-bank-transactions | |
1,374,671 | In South China Sea dispute, Philippines’ bolder hand tests Beijing | MANILA/HONG KONG: Huddled in the presidential situation room in February last year, senior Philippines officials faced a stark choice.
Military and intelligence leaders watched as coast guard officers showed photos of what the agency said was a military-grade laser that China had pointed at a Philippines ship in disputed waters days earlier.
Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano, who is the chair of the South China Sea taskforce, had to decide whether to release the pictures and risk Beijing's ire or refrain from aggravating his giant neighbour.
“The public deserves to know,” the retired general told the officials. “Publish the photographs.”
The previously undisclosed meeting marked a pivotal moment, as Manila began a publicity blitz to highlight the intensifying territorial dispute in the South China Sea, where the ramming of ships, use of water cannons and ensuing diplomatic protests have sharply raised tensions.
“It was a turning point and the birth of the transparency policy,” said National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, who attended the meeting.
“The goal was to eventually impose severe costs to Beijing’s reputation, image and standing.”
Malaya said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had directed officials to “civilianise and internationalise” the dispute, which they had achieved by using the coast guard and routinely embedding foreign journalists on missions.
“This became an important component of building international support for the Philippines, because our audience is also foreign governments,” he added.
This account of the Philippines’ policy switch and its implications is based on interviews with 20 Philippine and Chinese officials, regional diplomats and analysts.
They said publicising China’s actions, combined with Manila’s deepened military alliance with the United States, had constrained Beijing’s ability to escalate matters at sea but raised the risks of Chinese economic retaliation and US involvement.
The February 2023 meeting occurred days after Marcos granted the US access to four more military bases in the Philippines, rekindling defence ties that had suffered under his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.
“China has few escalatory options left without triggering the US-Philippines mutual defence treaty and risking a military confrontation between Chinese and US forces,” said Dr Ian Storey, a security scholar at Singapore’s Yusof Ishak-ISEAS Institute.
Marcos has also pursued a diplomatic offensive, gaining statements of support for the Philippines' position from countries such as Canada, Germany, India and Japan.
The South China Sea is rich in oil and gas. About US$3 trillion (S$4.05 trillion) in trade passes through it annually. US access to Philippine bases could prove important in a war over Taiwan.
China, whose claims to most of the sea were invalidated by an international tribunal in 2016, says Philippine vessels illegally intrude into waters surrounding disputed shoals.
It has warned Marcos, who took office in June 2022, against misjudging the situation.
“This is brinkmanship, poker,” said Philippine legal scholar Jay Batongbacal.
“Brinkmanship is taking things to the edge, trying to see who loses his nerve. Poker is a game of bluffing and deception – one could be doing both at the same time.”
In response to Reuters questions, China’s foreign ministry said the Philippines had been stoking tensions with “provocative actions at sea in an attempt to infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights”.
China, it said, would defend its interests while handling the dispute peacefully through dialogue.
A US State Department spokesperson said Manila’s transparency initiative had succeeded in calling greater attention to China’s “disregard for international law” and actions that endangered Philippine service members.
The spokesperson would not comment on the risk of US military involvement but said the US would support the Philippines if it faced economic coercion from China.
‘Awake at night’
The conflict is over Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippine navy maintains the rusting warship BRP Sierra Madre, which it beached in 1999 to reinforce Manila’s sovereignty claims. A small crew is stationed on it.
Chinese ships have sought to block resupply missions, by encircling Philippine vessels and firing water cannons that in March shattered a boat’s wind shield, injuring its crew.
Manila released footage of the incident; China said it acted lawfully and professionally.
In February, Philippine ships recorded Chinese counterparts placing a barrier across the entrance to Scarborough Shoal.
This week, both sides traded accusations over a collision involving their vessels near Second Thomas Shoal.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela sometimes taunts Chinese officials and state media on X, for instance, by posting drone footage of maritime clashes.
“If I were doing anything incorrect, I would have been shut down,” he said.
Tarriela said the transparency drive had worked, by galvanising support for Manila while the threshold of China’s aggression had not changed, despite an increase in incidents.
“They are still depending on their water cannon... They are still stuck with that kind of tactic,” he said.
The number of Chinese vessels around Second Thomas Shoal during Philippine resupply missions has grown from a single ship on average in 2021 to around 14 in 2023, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in January.
Last month, China’s coast guard came within metres of the Sierra Madre and seized supplies air-dropped to troops stationed there, according to Philippine officials.
China, whose navy patrolled nearby, said Filipino soldiers pointed guns at its coast guard; Manila said they just held their weapons.
Philippine officials say they fear a fatal accident could escalate into open hostilities.
“That keeps a lot of us awake at night,” said the Philippines Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Manila also wants to avoid the kind of economic pressure it faced around a decade ago, when protracted Chinese customs checks caused Philippine bananas to rot on Chinese docks.
China was the Philippines’ second-biggest export market in 2023, taking nearly $11 billion worth or 14.8 per cent of all its shipments.
China is the Philippines’ top source of imports, mainly refined petroleum products and electronics.
Romualdez said Manila hoped China would “see the value of continuing our economic activity while trying to peacefully resolve the issue”.
Assistant Professor Edcel John Ibarra, a political scientist at the University of the Philippines, said Marcos risks provoking China into “a harder approach”, such as non-tariff barriers and tourism restrictions.
He pointed to changes China announced in May that allow its coast guard to detain foreigners without trial for 60 days.
‘Paradigm shift’
The intensity of Manila's campaign has surprised its neighbours.
Vietnam and Malaysia, which also have maritime disputes with Beijing, have been more cautious about what they release from their skirmishes with China.
“We are all watching this and talking amongst ourselves,” said one Asian diplomat, who was not authorised to be named.
“The Philippines has carved out a new strategy in standing up to Beijing over a point of friction.”
Marcos said in December that diplomacy with China had achieved little, calling on South-East Asia “to come up with a paradigm shift”.
China’s state media have expressed irritation with the transparency push.
The Philippines has been “playing the victim to deceive international public opinions”, the state-backed Global Times said in an op-ed in May.
A key aspect of Manila’s approach has been solidifying the US alliance.
Both countries made clear in May last year that their defence treaty also covers the coast guard.
In April, Marcos participated in an unprecedented summit with his US and Japanese counterparts.
A US official involved in US-China talks that month said Chinese officials have complained about these diplomatic breakthroughs behind closed doors, adding that Beijing was “feeling the squeeze”.
Some Chinese scholars like Professor Zha Daojiong, at Peking University’s School of International Studies, said the situation is at an impasse and that China will continue to be “essentially reactive” at flashpoints like Second Thomas Shoal.
“By responding to the Philippines’ action, I guess they want to keep the message that this shoal is in dispute,” he said. - Reuters | AseanPlus | Philippines | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Philippines,South China Sea,dispute,China, | MANILA/HONG KONG: Huddled in the presidential situation room in February last year, senior Philippines officials faced a stark choice. | https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/19/in-south-china-sea-dispute-philippines-bolder-hand-tests-beijing |