Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Myanmar opens international airport in new capital
Myanmar opens international airport in new capital
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar - Myanmar opened a new international airport in its capital Naypyitaw on Monday, with regional leaders the first to use the new facility that will handle up to 65,000 flights per year.
Naypyitaw International Airport will be Myanmar's third international facility after Mandalay and the commercial capital Yangon.
The airport was developed by Burmese construction company Asia World with technical assistance from Singapore engineering firm CPG Consultants Pte. Government sources said China provided financial assistance for the project, the cost of which has not been disclosed.
It was opened to coincide with the staging in the city from Tuesday, of the fourth summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion, made up of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and China.
Construction began in April 2007, two years after the then military government announced it was switching the capital from Yangon to Naypyitaw, a city built in secret on a mountain plateau about 390 km (240 miles) further north.
According to the Transport Ministry, the airport has a 3.6 km runway, a control tower 69 metres high and 10 passenger boarding bridges and can take 50,000 to 65,000 flights annually.
The main airport in Yangon has a capacity of 2.7 million passengers a year.
~News courtesy of Reuters~
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar - Myanmar opened a new international airport in its capital Naypyitaw on Monday, with regional leaders the first to use the new facility that will handle up to 65,000 flights per year.
Naypyitaw International Airport will be Myanmar's third international facility after Mandalay and the commercial capital Yangon.
The airport was developed by Burmese construction company Asia World with technical assistance from Singapore engineering firm CPG Consultants Pte. Government sources said China provided financial assistance for the project, the cost of which has not been disclosed.
It was opened to coincide with the staging in the city from Tuesday, of the fourth summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion, made up of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and China.
Construction began in April 2007, two years after the then military government announced it was switching the capital from Yangon to Naypyitaw, a city built in secret on a mountain plateau about 390 km (240 miles) further north.
According to the Transport Ministry, the airport has a 3.6 km runway, a control tower 69 metres high and 10 passenger boarding bridges and can take 50,000 to 65,000 flights annually.
The main airport in Yangon has a capacity of 2.7 million passengers a year.
~News courtesy of Reuters~
AirAsia to boost flights to Palembang
AirAsia to boost flights to Palembang
SEPANG - AirAsia is offering promotional rates to travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang between Feb 6 and Oct 27 next year.
The promotional rates gives travellers an all-in fare starting from RM59 (S$29) one way. There will be daily flights compared with three times weekly.
Click here to find out more!
AirAsia's regional commercial head Kathleen Tan said the increased flight time options would also offer more convenience for travellers.
Booking period for the promotional rate ends on Dec 27.
Visit www.airasia.com for more details.
~News courtesy of The Star~
SEPANG - AirAsia is offering promotional rates to travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang between Feb 6 and Oct 27 next year.
The promotional rates gives travellers an all-in fare starting from RM59 (S$29) one way. There will be daily flights compared with three times weekly.
Click here to find out more!
AirAsia's regional commercial head Kathleen Tan said the increased flight time options would also offer more convenience for travellers.
Booking period for the promotional rate ends on Dec 27.
Visit www.airasia.com for more details.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Friday, December 16, 2011
马航明年停飞8航线
马航明年停飞8航线
为减少公司亏损，马来西亚航空公司（马航）宣布将于明年1月开始，停飞8个不赚钱的航线，包括从浮罗交怡—槟城往返新加坡的航线。
马航首席执行员阿末佐哈里发表文告说，上述决定预料有助于增加马航明年度的盈利约2亿至3亿令吉（约8000万至1亿2000万新元）。
他也说，调整航线的策略将不会对游客到马旅行造成太多的不便，因为马航仍会与商业伙伴合作，继续为停飞航线地点的乘客提供服务。
浮罗交怡—槟城往返新加坡的航线将于明年1月30日开始停飞，其他停飞的航线包括吉隆坡—泗水市（Surabaya）、吉隆坡—迪拜、吉隆坡—卡拉奇（Karachi）—迪拜、吉隆坡—迪拜—达曼市（Damman）、吉隆坡—约翰内斯堡（Johannesburg）、吉隆坡—开普敦（Cape Town）—布宜诺斯艾利斯，以及吉隆坡—罗马。
截至今年9月30日，马航净亏损达约4亿7760万令吉（约1亿9000万新元），首三季净亏损进一步扩大到12亿4660万令吉（约5亿1000万新元），估计今明两年将继续蒙受亏损，明年亏损料达1亿6500万令吉（约6700万新元）。
马航已积极展开转亏为盈计划，包括上述停飞措施、削减成本、调整航线等策略，并预期在明年推介新区域航空公司，预料2013年可开始转亏为盈。
～以上新闻转载自omy～
为减少公司亏损，马来西亚航空公司（马航）宣布将于明年1月开始，停飞8个不赚钱的航线，包括从浮罗交怡—槟城往返新加坡的航线。
马航首席执行员阿末佐哈里发表文告说，上述决定预料有助于增加马航明年度的盈利约2亿至3亿令吉（约8000万至1亿2000万新元）。
他也说，调整航线的策略将不会对游客到马旅行造成太多的不便，因为马航仍会与商业伙伴合作，继续为停飞航线地点的乘客提供服务。
浮罗交怡—槟城往返新加坡的航线将于明年1月30日开始停飞，其他停飞的航线包括吉隆坡—泗水市（Surabaya）、吉隆坡—迪拜、吉隆坡—卡拉奇（Karachi）—迪拜、吉隆坡—迪拜—达曼市（Damman）、吉隆坡—约翰内斯堡（Johannesburg）、吉隆坡—开普敦（Cape Town）—布宜诺斯艾利斯，以及吉隆坡—罗马。
截至今年9月30日，马航净亏损达约4亿7760万令吉（约1亿9000万新元），首三季净亏损进一步扩大到12亿4660万令吉（约5亿1000万新元），估计今明两年将继续蒙受亏损，明年亏损料达1亿6500万令吉（约6700万新元）。
马航已积极展开转亏为盈计划，包括上述停飞措施、削减成本、调整航线等策略，并预期在明年推介新区域航空公司，预料2013年可开始转亏为盈。
～以上新闻转载自omy～
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Silkair to fly to Darwin
Silkair to fly to Darwin
Silkair the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will begin direct flights between Singapore and Darwin, Australia, from March 26 next year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Flights will operate four times a week, departing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with next-day return flights.
~News courtesy of Omy~
Silkair the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will begin direct flights between Singapore and Darwin, Australia, from March 26 next year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Flights will operate four times a week, departing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with next-day return flights.
~News courtesy of Omy~
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
吉隆坡狡匪 栽赃勒索游客
吉隆坡狡匪 栽赃勒索游客
吉隆坡出现“栽赃狡匪”，爱到马来西亚的人要小心！这些另类劫匪，专向外国游客下手，将手机或钱包塞进游客口袋嫁祸后，趁机敲诈！
马来西亚的治安一直备受狮城客的关注，之前出现刺破轮胎干案、爱之针匪卷土重来等等的报道，近日网上又传出新的干案手法。这些劫匪不直接抢钱，反而是把不太值钱的财物送进别人的口袋，然后上演做贼喊贼的一幕。
歹徒栽赃嫁祸后，摆出一副理直气壮的样子，上前质问被陷害的游客为什么偷他的财物，诬告对方是“扒手”。
“当你被搞得一头雾水时，对方便把你拉去一旁，要你付‘和解费’。如果你乖乖就范，他会‘放你一马’，否则就威胁要报警。”
消息发布者自称来自马来西亚一家律师事务所，并指这种敲诈手段经常发生在吉隆坡国际机场或地铁列车，下手对象以外国游客为主。
“歹徒会把手机或装着几块令吉的钱包放进刚下飞机的外国游客的行李袋。跟着在几分钟后，好戏登场。假如受害人不付和解费，歹徒就报警捉人。”
他指出，曾有些人因拒绝付和解费，被警方关进监牢。
《联合晚报》
吉隆坡出现“栽赃狡匪”，爱到马来西亚的人要小心！这些另类劫匪，专向外国游客下手，将手机或钱包塞进游客口袋嫁祸后，趁机敲诈！
马来西亚的治安一直备受狮城客的关注，之前出现刺破轮胎干案、爱之针匪卷土重来等等的报道，近日网上又传出新的干案手法。这些劫匪不直接抢钱，反而是把不太值钱的财物送进别人的口袋，然后上演做贼喊贼的一幕。
歹徒栽赃嫁祸后，摆出一副理直气壮的样子，上前质问被陷害的游客为什么偷他的财物，诬告对方是“扒手”。
“当你被搞得一头雾水时，对方便把你拉去一旁，要你付‘和解费’。如果你乖乖就范，他会‘放你一马’，否则就威胁要报警。”
消息发布者自称来自马来西亚一家律师事务所，并指这种敲诈手段经常发生在吉隆坡国际机场或地铁列车，下手对象以外国游客为主。
“歹徒会把手机或装着几块令吉的钱包放进刚下飞机的外国游客的行李袋。跟着在几分钟后，好戏登场。假如受害人不付和解费，歹徒就报警捉人。”
他指出，曾有些人因拒绝付和解费，被警方关进监牢。
《联合晚报》
Sunday, September 4, 2011
美机场改用新系统扫描全身
美机场改用新系统扫描全身
美国越来越多机场改用新的全身扫描安检系统，以取代倍受批评的原有系统。原有的全身检测系统产生的是近乎裸照的三维透视图像，新系统只显现一个划一的灰色人影。
新泽西州的纽瓦克自由国际机场星期五启用这个系统。
美国运输安全管理局官员说，新扫描仪的主要功能是，识别乘客身上的危险物品；这新扫描仪只会显示灰色人形，一旦发现危险物品，就会在相关部位上打一个黄色格子。
《联合早报》
美国越来越多机场改用新的全身扫描安检系统，以取代倍受批评的原有系统。原有的全身检测系统产生的是近乎裸照的三维透视图像，新系统只显现一个划一的灰色人影。
新泽西州的纽瓦克自由国际机场星期五启用这个系统。
美国运输安全管理局官员说，新扫描仪的主要功能是，识别乘客身上的危险物品；这新扫描仪只会显示灰色人形，一旦发现危险物品，就会在相关部位上打一个黄色格子。
《联合早报》
Saturday, September 3, 2011
911十周年 发全球旅警
911十周年 发全球旅警
随着911事件10周年临近，美国国务院发出全球旅游警告，呼吁海外美国人保持警惕。国务院未有指出有何“特定威胁”，但称卡伊达及其关连组织“有（向美国及美国利益）施袭的动机及能力”。
911事件即将迎来10周年纪念，华盛顿新闻博物馆及美国国家历史博物馆分别展出911袭击现场遗下的物件，包括死难者的手提电话、飞机引擎残骸（上图），以至纽约警车及消防车的车门，博物馆人员形容，死难者在恐袭当日携带的个人物品是最具力量的展品，“他们并不知道那天将会永远改变他们的人生”。多部留在灾场的手提电话及传呼机，勾起事发时亲友不断致电寻亲，但无人接听的情景令人神伤。
随着911事件10周年临近，美国国务院发出全球旅游警告，呼吁海外美国人保持警惕。国务院未有指出有何“特定威胁”，但称卡伊达及其关连组织“有（向美国及美国利益）施袭的动机及能力”。
911事件即将迎来10周年纪念，华盛顿新闻博物馆及美国国家历史博物馆分别展出911袭击现场遗下的物件，包括死难者的手提电话、飞机引擎残骸（上图），以至纽约警车及消防车的车门，博物馆人员形容，死难者在恐袭当日携带的个人物品是最具力量的展品，“他们并不知道那天将会永远改变他们的人生”。多部留在灾场的手提电话及传呼机，勾起事发时亲友不断致电寻亲，但无人接听的情景令人神伤。
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Direct Hanoi-KL flight
Direct Hanoi-KL flight
THE reintroduction of Vietnam Airlines’ direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flight is hoped to provide an uninterrupted link to attractions in Northern Vietnam, like Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.
“Each city has its own appeal. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi serves as the country’s administrative, commercial, economic and political hub,” said Vietnam Airlines Company Limited general manager Mai Quoc Tuan.
“Halong Bay is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, and Sapa for its terraced rice fields and diverse minority groups residing there.
“Though Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Southern Vietnam is a more popular tourist destination, both Hanoi and HCMC have their own charm.”
Vietnam Airlines originally launched direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flights in August 2003, but the service was suspended in 2007.
In June 2011, Vietnam Airlines commenced their direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flights with seven flights per week aboard an Airbus A321 aircraft.
“Restoring this route will help develop the Vietnam Airlines network to Malaysia (and South-East Asia), and contribute to the cultural, economic and tourism exchanges between the two countries,” said Mai.
“It also serves as an option for travellers as Vietnam Airlines offers full-flight service similar to that of Malaysia Airlines, and Hanoi can be a stopover point for those travelling to East Asia or Europe.”
Mai said that travel to Vietnam is booming, with more than 80% of airplane seats booked during the summer period from June till August, and a high demand during the year-end holiday season.
“We are looking at a 10% increase in travellers with the direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flight,” he said.
Mai assured that those from the Muslim community would be able to travel “anywhere in Vietnam” and have their needs taken care of from the moment they board their flight.
“We also hope to promote travel from Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur with shopping and golf tours,” he said.
“Malaysia’s warm weather and reasonable exchange rate are among the factors that would appeal to the Vietnamese.”
For details, visit www vietnamairlines.com
~News courtesy of The Star~
THE reintroduction of Vietnam Airlines’ direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flight is hoped to provide an uninterrupted link to attractions in Northern Vietnam, like Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.
“Each city has its own appeal. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi serves as the country’s administrative, commercial, economic and political hub,” said Vietnam Airlines Company Limited general manager Mai Quoc Tuan.
“Halong Bay is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, and Sapa for its terraced rice fields and diverse minority groups residing there.
“Though Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Southern Vietnam is a more popular tourist destination, both Hanoi and HCMC have their own charm.”
Vietnam Airlines originally launched direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flights in August 2003, but the service was suspended in 2007.
In June 2011, Vietnam Airlines commenced their direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flights with seven flights per week aboard an Airbus A321 aircraft.
“Restoring this route will help develop the Vietnam Airlines network to Malaysia (and South-East Asia), and contribute to the cultural, economic and tourism exchanges between the two countries,” said Mai.
“It also serves as an option for travellers as Vietnam Airlines offers full-flight service similar to that of Malaysia Airlines, and Hanoi can be a stopover point for those travelling to East Asia or Europe.”
Mai said that travel to Vietnam is booming, with more than 80% of airplane seats booked during the summer period from June till August, and a high demand during the year-end holiday season.
“We are looking at a 10% increase in travellers with the direct Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur flight,” he said.
Mai assured that those from the Muslim community would be able to travel “anywhere in Vietnam” and have their needs taken care of from the moment they board their flight.
“We also hope to promote travel from Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur with shopping and golf tours,” he said.
“Malaysia’s warm weather and reasonable exchange rate are among the factors that would appeal to the Vietnamese.”
For details, visit www vietnamairlines.com
~News courtesy of The Star~
Friday, July 15, 2011
SIA says sorry for website glitches
SIA says sorry for website glitches
The chief executive of Singapore Airlines (SIA), Mr Goh Choon Phong, has issued a personal apology to the carrier's customers for technical glitches on its revamped website.
In his apology, posted on SIA's website yesterday, Mr Goh said he is "truly sorry that the new website (has) caused much aggravation for many of our customers". He also pledged to win back the customers' confidence.
SIA launched the new website on May 22 to provide a better customer experience.
However, those who used it had problems with commercial and redemption bookings, payments, online check-in and membership login, among other things, said an SIA spokesman.
Two customers my paper spoke to said they encountered problems when they tried to change the dates for flights they had booked earlier.
Undergraduate Kua Zhen Yang, 21, tried to make payment for the change six times without success. In the end, he had to call the airline's hotline.
"The (hotline staff member) didn't sound at all surprised to hear about my problem and he said I was not the only one with this problem," he said.
Another undergraduate, Mr Joshua Koh, 21, who faced the same problem with an Australia-Singapore flight he booked last month, said: "The level of service is unacceptable for a reputable company like SIA."
~News courtesy of Omy~
The chief executive of Singapore Airlines (SIA), Mr Goh Choon Phong, has issued a personal apology to the carrier's customers for technical glitches on its revamped website.
In his apology, posted on SIA's website yesterday, Mr Goh said he is "truly sorry that the new website (has) caused much aggravation for many of our customers". He also pledged to win back the customers' confidence.
SIA launched the new website on May 22 to provide a better customer experience.
However, those who used it had problems with commercial and redemption bookings, payments, online check-in and membership login, among other things, said an SIA spokesman.
Two customers my paper spoke to said they encountered problems when they tried to change the dates for flights they had booked earlier.
Undergraduate Kua Zhen Yang, 21, tried to make payment for the change six times without success. In the end, he had to call the airline's hotline.
"The (hotline staff member) didn't sound at all surprised to hear about my problem and he said I was not the only one with this problem," he said.
Another undergraduate, Mr Joshua Koh, 21, who faced the same problem with an Australia-Singapore flight he booked last month, said: "The level of service is unacceptable for a reputable company like SIA."
~News courtesy of Omy~
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
捷星亚洲9月9日 开通飞往宁波新航线
捷星亚洲9月9日 开通飞往宁波新航线
看好中国大陆航空市场，捷星亚洲将在9月9日开通新加坡—宁波新航线，每周三班，10月后增至四班。
这是捷星继海口、汕头、桂林及杭州之后，在中国大陆开设的第五个航点。总裁庄碧莲昨天在上海受访时指出，不像美国市场那么饱和，中国大陆廉价航空市场空间很大，捷星正在洽谈更多沿海城市的航线。
有研究报告指出，中国内陆航空市场中，有70%或约780条航线适合廉价航空运营。展望今后五年，中投顾问公司的报告指出，在国际廉价航空业者瞄准市场的同时，中国民营企业也在摩拳擦掌，包括奥凯、鹰联、春秋三大民营航空公司，会给未来的航空业市场带来很大变化。
国际航空运输协会（IATA）预测，中国正处于航空旅游迅速发展的时期，廉价航空在目前所占的市场份额还不足3%，而欧美等成熟市场的份额是50%左右。
《联合早报》
看好中国大陆航空市场，捷星亚洲将在9月9日开通新加坡—宁波新航线，每周三班，10月后增至四班。这是捷星继海口、汕头、桂林及杭州之后，在中国大陆开设的第五个航点。总裁庄碧莲昨天在上海受访时指出，不像美国市场那么饱和，中国大陆廉价航空市场空间很大，捷星正在洽谈更多沿海城市的航线。
有研究报告指出，中国内陆航空市场中，有70%或约780条航线适合廉价航空运营。展望今后五年，中投顾问公司的报告指出，在国际廉价航空业者瞄准市场的同时，中国民营企业也在摩拳擦掌，包括奥凯、鹰联、春秋三大民营航空公司，会给未来的航空业市场带来很大变化。
国际航空运输协会（IATA）预测，中国正处于航空旅游迅速发展的时期，廉价航空在目前所占的市场份额还不足3%，而欧美等成熟市场的份额是50%左右。
《联合早报》
Friday, July 1, 2011
中国京沪高铁30日正式运营
中国京沪高铁30日正式运营 沿线城市欲借机提速经济
中新网报道，备受关注的京沪高铁将于6月30日15时正式开通运营。作为中国成立以来一次建设里程最长、投资最大、标准最高的高速铁路，京沪高铁贯通“三市四省”，串起京沪“经济走廊”。京沪高铁的开通，不仅乘客可以享受到便捷与实惠，沿线城市也需面对高铁带来的机遇和挑战。
根据报道，目前，一些楼盘争打“高铁牌”， 部分沿线城市的房价已经开始上涨。据《齐鲁晚报》报道，济南西站周边区域的房价更是以“高铁速度”飞涨。济南西站附近的一个楼盘，2006年一期房源销价在人民币3000元/平方米左右。二期房源预计在9月底10月初开盘，预计开盘价8000元左右。
京沪高铁于2008年4月开工，总长度1318公里，总投资约2209亿元，全线纵贯北京、天津、上海三大直辖市和河北、山东、安徽、江苏四省。它的建成将使北京和上海之间的往来时间缩短到5小时以内。
京沪高铁共设24个车站，除了京津沪共设4个站点外，河北设2个站点，安徽设4个站点，山东设6个站点，江苏设8个站点。京沪高铁开通后，两个速度等级的列车共有三种运行模式：京沪一站直达、省城之间直达和沿线车站交错停车，这也意味着京沪高铁并非“站站停”，将根据运行模式停靠不同车站。
沪高铁票价已经出炉，最低人民币410元，最高1750元。除了价格优势外，京沪高铁首先实现网上购票，乘客可登陆中国铁路客户服务中心网站(www.12306.cn)购买车票。
～以上新闻转载自OMY～
中新网报道，备受关注的京沪高铁将于6月30日15时正式开通运营。作为中国成立以来一次建设里程最长、投资最大、标准最高的高速铁路，京沪高铁贯通“三市四省”，串起京沪“经济走廊”。京沪高铁的开通，不仅乘客可以享受到便捷与实惠，沿线城市也需面对高铁带来的机遇和挑战。
根据报道，目前，一些楼盘争打“高铁牌”， 部分沿线城市的房价已经开始上涨。据《齐鲁晚报》报道，济南西站周边区域的房价更是以“高铁速度”飞涨。济南西站附近的一个楼盘，2006年一期房源销价在人民币3000元/平方米左右。二期房源预计在9月底10月初开盘，预计开盘价8000元左右。
京沪高铁于2008年4月开工，总长度1318公里，总投资约2209亿元，全线纵贯北京、天津、上海三大直辖市和河北、山东、安徽、江苏四省。它的建成将使北京和上海之间的往来时间缩短到5小时以内。
京沪高铁共设24个车站，除了京津沪共设4个站点外，河北设2个站点，安徽设4个站点，山东设6个站点，江苏设8个站点。京沪高铁开通后，两个速度等级的列车共有三种运行模式：京沪一站直达、省城之间直达和沿线车站交错停车，这也意味着京沪高铁并非“站站停”，将根据运行模式停靠不同车站。
沪高铁票价已经出炉，最低人民币410元，最高1750元。除了价格优势外，京沪高铁首先实现网上购票，乘客可登陆中国铁路客户服务中心网站(www.12306.cn)购买车票。
～以上新闻转载自OMY～
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Hong Kong declares scarlet fever outbreak
Hong Kong declares scarlet fever outbreak
Hong Kong has declared an outbreak of scarlet fever, an illness potentially fatal among children, after hundreds were infected in the teeming city, the government said on Tuesday.
A seven-year-old girl in the southern Chinese city died late last month while there have been more than 400 cases so far this year, a Centre for Health Protection spokesman told AFP on Tuesday.
Hong Kong's 419 scarlet fever infections in 2011 are already the highest annual total in the city, and more than three times the figure for the whole of last year. There were 142 cases in the first half of June.
"We have seen an unusually high number of infection cases this year," the spokesman said, describing the situation as an "outbreak".
Local scientists said the outbreak may be linked to a deadly new strain of the disease which could make it more contagious than in the past.
A unique gene fragment was present in the bacteria's genome "which might contribute to increased transmissibility of this strain," said the health protection centre statement, released late Monday.
The new strain, discovered by researchers at the University of Hong Kong, appears to be resistant to antibiotics traditionally used to fight the illness, the spokesman added.
Children under 10 made up 93 per cent of the reported cases and most of the infections were mild, the statement said.
Hong Kong is particularly nervous about infectious diseases following the 2003 SARS outbreak, which killed 300 people in the city and a further 500 worldwide.
The densely city populated city of seven million has also seen fatalities from multiple swine flu outbreaks.
Thomas Tsang, the health protection centre's controller, described the outbreak as an "epidemic", according to the South China Morning Post.
Mainland China and the former Portuguese enclave Macau, about an hour by ferry from Hong Kong, have also seen surges in scarlet fever cases "suggesting a regional phenomenon (is) at play," the government statement said.
Tse Hung-hing, former president and current board member of the Hong Kong Medical Association, said he expects more scarlet fever cases in the coming months.
"We are seeing a rising trend. We don't know how many more will come. We haven't seen the top yet," he told AFP.
"The bacteria is becoming more resistant to antibiotics traditionally used," Tse added.
Scarlet fever mainly affects children between the ages of two and eight.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes and a "strawberry coloured" tongue,
and usually subside within 48 hours with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Hong Kong has declared an outbreak of scarlet fever, an illness potentially fatal among children, after hundreds were infected in the teeming city, the government said on Tuesday.
A seven-year-old girl in the southern Chinese city died late last month while there have been more than 400 cases so far this year, a Centre for Health Protection spokesman told AFP on Tuesday.
Hong Kong's 419 scarlet fever infections in 2011 are already the highest annual total in the city, and more than three times the figure for the whole of last year. There were 142 cases in the first half of June.
"We have seen an unusually high number of infection cases this year," the spokesman said, describing the situation as an "outbreak".
Local scientists said the outbreak may be linked to a deadly new strain of the disease which could make it more contagious than in the past.
A unique gene fragment was present in the bacteria's genome "which might contribute to increased transmissibility of this strain," said the health protection centre statement, released late Monday.
The new strain, discovered by researchers at the University of Hong Kong, appears to be resistant to antibiotics traditionally used to fight the illness, the spokesman added.
Children under 10 made up 93 per cent of the reported cases and most of the infections were mild, the statement said.
Hong Kong is particularly nervous about infectious diseases following the 2003 SARS outbreak, which killed 300 people in the city and a further 500 worldwide.
The densely city populated city of seven million has also seen fatalities from multiple swine flu outbreaks.
Thomas Tsang, the health protection centre's controller, described the outbreak as an "epidemic", according to the South China Morning Post.
Mainland China and the former Portuguese enclave Macau, about an hour by ferry from Hong Kong, have also seen surges in scarlet fever cases "suggesting a regional phenomenon (is) at play," the government statement said.
Tse Hung-hing, former president and current board member of the Hong Kong Medical Association, said he expects more scarlet fever cases in the coming months.
"We are seeing a rising trend. We don't know how many more will come. We haven't seen the top yet," he told AFP.
"The bacteria is becoming more resistant to antibiotics traditionally used," Tse added.
Scarlet fever mainly affects children between the ages of two and eight.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes and a "strawberry coloured" tongue,
and usually subside within 48 hours with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Qantas cancels all Sydney, Melbourne flights
Qantas cancels all Sydney, Melbourne flights on Wednesday
Australian flag carrier Qantas has cancelled all flights into and out of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on Wednesday as the Chilean ash cloud wreaks havoc.
The decision followed the airline, along with Virgin, Jetstar and Tiger, halting services to Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide on Tuesday, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.
"We estimate that we will be cancelling in excess of 200 flights on Wednesday," Qantas spokeswoman Olivia Wirth told reporters.
"The experts say we simply won't be able to operate in this situation."
Virgin followed suit, with services to Melbourne suspended until at least 1.00pm (0200 GMT) on Wednesday and flights into and out of Sydney and Canberra until 4.00pm (0500 GMT).
The cloud, created by the eruption of the Puyehue volcano high in the Andes more than two weeks ago, has looped the globe and made its way back Down Under.
It first entered Australian and New Zealand airspace just over a week ago, causing some airlines to ground all flights to affected areas while others chose to divert their planes under and around the plume.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Australian flag carrier Qantas has cancelled all flights into and out of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on Wednesday as the Chilean ash cloud wreaks havoc.
The decision followed the airline, along with Virgin, Jetstar and Tiger, halting services to Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide on Tuesday, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.
"We estimate that we will be cancelling in excess of 200 flights on Wednesday," Qantas spokeswoman Olivia Wirth told reporters.
"The experts say we simply won't be able to operate in this situation."
Virgin followed suit, with services to Melbourne suspended until at least 1.00pm (0200 GMT) on Wednesday and flights into and out of Sydney and Canberra until 4.00pm (0500 GMT).
The cloud, created by the eruption of the Puyehue volcano high in the Andes more than two weeks ago, has looped the globe and made its way back Down Under.
It first entered Australian and New Zealand airspace just over a week ago, causing some airlines to ground all flights to affected areas while others chose to divert their planes under and around the plume.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Flight chaos in Australia as ash cloud returns
Flight chaos in Australia as ash cloud returns
Thousands of passengers were grounded Tuesday as the Chilean ash cloud returned to Australia with a vengeance, forcing the cancellation of flights to Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
The cloud, created by the eruption of the Puyehue volcano high in the Andes more than two weeks ago, has looped the globe and made its way back Down Under to wreak havoc again.
"The ash cloud is denser and larger than that which caused widespread disruption to flights last week," said Airservices Australia, adding that it was hovering between 20,000 and 40,000 feet (6-13 kilometres).
"It is also predicted to linger longer over southeast Australia. It is spread in a large band below the Australian continent and is predicted to continue to move to the northeast and east in coming days."
Qantas suspended services to and from the South Australian capital Adelaide as well as Canberra, and will halt flights to Sydney -- Australia's busiest airport -- from 3:00pm (0500 GMT).
Its discount airline Jetstar has also called off Adelaide and Sydney flights while Tiger Airways grounded its entire fleet, with services around the country on hold until at least 2:00pm.
Virgin, meanwhile, suspended flights to Adelaide and Canberra, with routes to major hubs Sydney and Melbourne not flying from 4:00pm (0600 GMT), with the disruption expected to spill into Wednesday.
"Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile continues to cause flight disruptions to the Qantas network," Qantas said.
"At Qantas safety is our first priority and a number of flights have been cancelled or re-routed to avoid the volcanic ash cloud."
It added that its morning services from Sydney to Bangkok, London, Singapore and Frankfurt were not affected, but international flights after 3pm were likely to be hit.
So far Qantas has grounded 73 domestic flights and six to New Zealand.
Meteorologists said that while the ash had thinned during its travels around the world it was still clearly visible on satellite images and was moving at an altitude where aircraft generally cruise.
"It is the same cloud that has gone right around the world. It is still dense and it is still hazardous to aviation," a spokesman at the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.
The cloud first entered Australian and New Zealand airspace just over a week ago, causing some airlines to ground all flights to affected areas while others chose to divert their planes under and around the plume.
Flights were also affected across Argentina and Uruguay.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre's director Andrew Tupper said the plume was a rare occurrence and a third loop back to Australia was not likely.
"A third time round would be unprecedented," he said, adding that it was a testing time for airlines.
"It is a very complex problem for the airlines to manage. Obviously they have to take a conservative approach."
Ash poses a significant threat to aircraft because once sucked into engines it can be converted into molten glass as a result of the high temperatures and potentially cause an engine to fail.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Thousands of passengers were grounded Tuesday as the Chilean ash cloud returned to Australia with a vengeance, forcing the cancellation of flights to Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
The cloud, created by the eruption of the Puyehue volcano high in the Andes more than two weeks ago, has looped the globe and made its way back Down Under to wreak havoc again.
"The ash cloud is denser and larger than that which caused widespread disruption to flights last week," said Airservices Australia, adding that it was hovering between 20,000 and 40,000 feet (6-13 kilometres).
"It is also predicted to linger longer over southeast Australia. It is spread in a large band below the Australian continent and is predicted to continue to move to the northeast and east in coming days."
Qantas suspended services to and from the South Australian capital Adelaide as well as Canberra, and will halt flights to Sydney -- Australia's busiest airport -- from 3:00pm (0500 GMT).
Its discount airline Jetstar has also called off Adelaide and Sydney flights while Tiger Airways grounded its entire fleet, with services around the country on hold until at least 2:00pm.
Virgin, meanwhile, suspended flights to Adelaide and Canberra, with routes to major hubs Sydney and Melbourne not flying from 4:00pm (0600 GMT), with the disruption expected to spill into Wednesday.
"Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile continues to cause flight disruptions to the Qantas network," Qantas said.
"At Qantas safety is our first priority and a number of flights have been cancelled or re-routed to avoid the volcanic ash cloud."
It added that its morning services from Sydney to Bangkok, London, Singapore and Frankfurt were not affected, but international flights after 3pm were likely to be hit.
So far Qantas has grounded 73 domestic flights and six to New Zealand.
Meteorologists said that while the ash had thinned during its travels around the world it was still clearly visible on satellite images and was moving at an altitude where aircraft generally cruise.
"It is the same cloud that has gone right around the world. It is still dense and it is still hazardous to aviation," a spokesman at the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.
The cloud first entered Australian and New Zealand airspace just over a week ago, causing some airlines to ground all flights to affected areas while others chose to divert their planes under and around the plume.
Flights were also affected across Argentina and Uruguay.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre's director Andrew Tupper said the plume was a rare occurrence and a third loop back to Australia was not likely.
"A third time round would be unprecedented," he said, adding that it was a testing time for airlines.
"It is a very complex problem for the airlines to manage. Obviously they have to take a conservative approach."
Ash poses a significant threat to aircraft because once sucked into engines it can be converted into molten glass as a result of the high temperatures and potentially cause an engine to fail.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Travellers thinking twice about Johor trips
Travellers thinking twice about Johor trips
The traffic snarl plaguing the Causeway and the Second Link on weekends is causing some frequent travellers to hold back on trips up north.
Motorists have been locked in jams the last two weekends, with some reportedly taking up to seven hours to clear immigration.
This comes after Malaysia rolled out its biometric fingerprint system at the start of the month, which requires travellers to scan both index fingers in addition to getting their passports stamped.
46-year-old engineer, Rene Gorada, organises bi-monthly golf tournaments for people living in Singapore.
The group, which typically consists of 50 to 70 golfers, would travel to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for their Sunday tournaments.
Mr Gorada said half their games are held in Johor Bahru.
He said: "You need to get to the golf course on time. Some of them are suggesting going somewhere else, maybe Batam. But (there are) some other concerns.....going to Batam, it's a whole-day affair because you have to take a ferry. So most of the golfers still prefer Malaysia, because it's nearer. The only thing is that you really have to plan and beat the traffic jam."
Mr Gorada said the group has to leave at 6am to make the 8am tee-off. This is an hour earlier than previously.
Another golfer living in Singapore, 51-year-old Ren Carino, said he drives to Johor three times a month to play golf.
But with the current congestion, he may move his game to another country. He said: "We would rather go to Batam now, or Bintan, Indonesia. It's a lot better now in terms of traffic jams.. there are no traffic jams (there)."
With Singaporeans avoiding the hassle of crossing the Causeway, businesses in Johor Bahru are reporting a drop in sales.
P. Sivakumar, president of the Malaysian Indian Business Association (MIBA), said the city heavily depends on business from Singaporeans.
"Most of them (Singaporeans) patronise all the eateries that have cropped up everywhere in Johor Bahru. And it's of great concern at the moment, because what we're receiving is that initially the jam was 7 hours, now it's around 5 hours, and it's not good for business," he said.
Mr Sivakumar said no formal survey has been conducted yet on how badly business has been affected, and his assessment is based on feedback received from merchants.
Malaysia's Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam has said it's "unfair to blame the biometric system for causing the congestion".
He said the congestion only happened at the Causeway and the Second Link, but not at any of the other 67 checkpoints across Malaysia.
He pinned the blame on the high volume of human traffic and daily movement between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
But MIBA's Mr Sivakumar disagrees.
He said there has always been high traffic flow at the Causeway, and the jams only started after the biometric system was implemented.
Mr Sivakumar said he plans to make another appeal to the Malaysian government to remove the system and revert back to just stamping of passports.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The traffic snarl plaguing the Causeway and the Second Link on weekends is causing some frequent travellers to hold back on trips up north.
Motorists have been locked in jams the last two weekends, with some reportedly taking up to seven hours to clear immigration.
This comes after Malaysia rolled out its biometric fingerprint system at the start of the month, which requires travellers to scan both index fingers in addition to getting their passports stamped.
46-year-old engineer, Rene Gorada, organises bi-monthly golf tournaments for people living in Singapore.
The group, which typically consists of 50 to 70 golfers, would travel to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for their Sunday tournaments.
Mr Gorada said half their games are held in Johor Bahru.
He said: "You need to get to the golf course on time. Some of them are suggesting going somewhere else, maybe Batam. But (there are) some other concerns.....going to Batam, it's a whole-day affair because you have to take a ferry. So most of the golfers still prefer Malaysia, because it's nearer. The only thing is that you really have to plan and beat the traffic jam."
Mr Gorada said the group has to leave at 6am to make the 8am tee-off. This is an hour earlier than previously.
Another golfer living in Singapore, 51-year-old Ren Carino, said he drives to Johor three times a month to play golf.
But with the current congestion, he may move his game to another country. He said: "We would rather go to Batam now, or Bintan, Indonesia. It's a lot better now in terms of traffic jams.. there are no traffic jams (there)."
With Singaporeans avoiding the hassle of crossing the Causeway, businesses in Johor Bahru are reporting a drop in sales.
P. Sivakumar, president of the Malaysian Indian Business Association (MIBA), said the city heavily depends on business from Singaporeans.
"Most of them (Singaporeans) patronise all the eateries that have cropped up everywhere in Johor Bahru. And it's of great concern at the moment, because what we're receiving is that initially the jam was 7 hours, now it's around 5 hours, and it's not good for business," he said.
Mr Sivakumar said no formal survey has been conducted yet on how badly business has been affected, and his assessment is based on feedback received from merchants.
Malaysia's Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam has said it's "unfair to blame the biometric system for causing the congestion".
He said the congestion only happened at the Causeway and the Second Link, but not at any of the other 67 checkpoints across Malaysia.
He pinned the blame on the high volume of human traffic and daily movement between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
But MIBA's Mr Sivakumar disagrees.
He said there has always been high traffic flow at the Causeway, and the jams only started after the biometric system was implemented.
Mr Sivakumar said he plans to make another appeal to the Malaysian government to remove the system and revert back to just stamping of passports.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Qantas flights affected by ash
Singapore-Melbourne Qantas flights affected by ash
Qantas flights between Singapore and Melbourne have been affected as a result of volcanic ash from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile.
QF9 from Melbourne will now only arrive in Singapore three hours later, at 12.05am on Tuesday, instead of its original scheduled arrival time of 9.20pm. This will in turn affect the connecting flight to Heathrow London, which has also been re-timed to 1.25am on Tuesday from 11.05pm earlier.
Qantas said one service, QF10 from Singapore to Melbourne was also diverted to Sydney on Monday morning. Qantas is trying to accommodate those passengers on services onward to Melbourne on Monday.
The airline also said passengers from Singapore flying from Australia to New Zealand will not be able to travel on Monday.
Qantas said it will either accommodate these passengers in hotels until the situation improves, or allow them to change their bookings. It said New Zealand and Tasmania services remain cancelled for the full day.
A decision on Tuesday's services will be made on Monday evening (Sydney/Melbourne time).
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Qantas flights between Singapore and Melbourne have been affected as a result of volcanic ash from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile.
QF9 from Melbourne will now only arrive in Singapore three hours later, at 12.05am on Tuesday, instead of its original scheduled arrival time of 9.20pm. This will in turn affect the connecting flight to Heathrow London, which has also been re-timed to 1.25am on Tuesday from 11.05pm earlier.
Qantas said one service, QF10 from Singapore to Melbourne was also diverted to Sydney on Monday morning. Qantas is trying to accommodate those passengers on services onward to Melbourne on Monday.
The airline also said passengers from Singapore flying from Australia to New Zealand will not be able to travel on Monday.
Qantas said it will either accommodate these passengers in hotels until the situation improves, or allow them to change their bookings. It said New Zealand and Tasmania services remain cancelled for the full day.
A decision on Tuesday's services will be made on Monday evening (Sydney/Melbourne time).
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
智利火山灰影响 捷星取消纽航班
智利火山灰影响 捷星取消纽航班
智利普耶韦火山喷发的火山灰，昨天飘过太平洋，澳洲和纽西兰的航空交通受影响，本地捷星航空取消了今晚往返新加坡和纽西兰奥克兰的航班。
沉寂50年后，智利南部普耶韦（Puyehue）火山于本月4日再度爆发，滚滚浓烟笼罩天空，至今仍未消散。
火山爆发一个多星期后，强劲的风势推动火山灰飘流约9400公里，昨天越过了太平洋，飘到纽西兰和澳洲上空，导致两地之间以及两国国内众多航班被取消。
澳洲《每日电讯报》报道，截至昨晚，昆达士、捷星航空、维珍大西洋航空（Virgin Atlantic）和虎航，一共取消了200趟航班，估计3万名乘客受影响。
维珍今早已恢复了澳洲墨尔本、塔斯马尼亚和纽西兰的航班，但所有昆达士航班仍然停飞，而且今早更宣布取消了三趟分别飞往阿根廷首都布宜诺斯艾利斯（Buenos Aires）和洛杉矶的国际航班。
新航密切关注即时更新消息；狮城飞墨尔本，两航班准时飞。
《新明日报》
智利普耶韦火山喷发的火山灰，昨天飘过太平洋，澳洲和纽西兰的航空交通受影响，本地捷星航空取消了今晚往返新加坡和纽西兰奥克兰的航班。
沉寂50年后，智利南部普耶韦（Puyehue）火山于本月4日再度爆发，滚滚浓烟笼罩天空，至今仍未消散。
火山爆发一个多星期后，强劲的风势推动火山灰飘流约9400公里，昨天越过了太平洋，飘到纽西兰和澳洲上空，导致两地之间以及两国国内众多航班被取消。
澳洲《每日电讯报》报道，截至昨晚，昆达士、捷星航空、维珍大西洋航空（Virgin Atlantic）和虎航，一共取消了200趟航班，估计3万名乘客受影响。
维珍今早已恢复了澳洲墨尔本、塔斯马尼亚和纽西兰的航班，但所有昆达士航班仍然停飞，而且今早更宣布取消了三趟分别飞往阿根廷首都布宜诺斯艾利斯（Buenos Aires）和洛杉矶的国际航班。
新航密切关注即时更新消息；狮城飞墨尔本，两航班准时飞。
《新明日报》
Friday, June 3, 2011
Baby rats found on Qantas jet
Baby rats found on Qantas jet
Australian airline Qantas was forced to ground a plane after flight attendants found five rats in the cabin just minutes before passengers were due to board, it said yesterday.
The baby rodents were discovered on a Boeing 767 that was due to leave Sydney for Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesman said, adding that an investigation was under way.
"We don't know how they got there. The aircraft was at the gate for some time before departure, and we are investigating," she told AFP.
"It is a rare occurrence. We have no record of it ever happening before."
The rats were found in the emergency medical-equipment storage area during a routine safety check, and the plane was immediately grounded.
Passengers were transferred to another aircraft, while staff "disposed of the animals".
Engineers inspected the plane on Wednesday but found no damage to the wiring systems, and the air- craft was due back in service yesterday, added the spokesman.
Qantas has been dogged by a series of recent set-backs, including one earlier this week when a Boeing 747 made an unscheduled stop in New Caledonia after running low on fuel on its new Australia-Dallas/Fort Worth service.
～News courtesy of Omy～
Australian airline Qantas was forced to ground a plane after flight attendants found five rats in the cabin just minutes before passengers were due to board, it said yesterday.
The baby rodents were discovered on a Boeing 767 that was due to leave Sydney for Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesman said, adding that an investigation was under way.
"We don't know how they got there. The aircraft was at the gate for some time before departure, and we are investigating," she told AFP.
"It is a rare occurrence. We have no record of it ever happening before."
The rats were found in the emergency medical-equipment storage area during a routine safety check, and the plane was immediately grounded.
Passengers were transferred to another aircraft, while staff "disposed of the animals".
Engineers inspected the plane on Wednesday but found no damage to the wiring systems, and the air- craft was due back in service yesterday, added the spokesman.
Qantas has been dogged by a series of recent set-backs, including one earlier this week when a Boeing 747 made an unscheduled stop in New Caledonia after running low on fuel on its new Australia-Dallas/Fort Worth service.
～News courtesy of Omy～
Thursday, June 2, 2011
马来西亚禁台进口Sunkist5饮料
马来西亚禁台进口Sunkist5饮料
马来西亚卫生部长廖中莱证实，目前共有5项产品分别由台湾Uni President品牌的芦笋汁与由台湾家乡事业股份有限公司生产，并在马来西亚售卖的4种饮料含有塑化剂，目前已被指示立即从市场下架。
他说，台湾家乡事业股份有限公司生产的4项饮料包括Sunkist粒粒檸檬果汁飲（Sunkist Lemon Juice with pulps）、Sunkist柠檬果汁、Sunkist鲜橙汁、Sunkist橙汁。
至于被验出含有塑化剂Uni President品牌的芦笋汁,是该批食用期将于2012年5月18日截止的芦笋汁。
他说，政府也会立即启动食品安全资讯系统第6级戒备，全面禁止上述受塑化剂污染的台湾产品进入马来西亚。
卫生部将会密切监督入境处及市场上，其他由台湾入口的果汁、果冻、果酱、乳酸菌及运动饮料。
至于已购买上述产品的消费者，受促勿饮用有关饮料。
F&N Dairies公司声明，该公司的Sunkist产品与马来西亚卫生部禁售的台湾入口山奇士产品毫无关连，该公司属下Sunkist产品并没有遭到塑化剂的污染，可安全食用。
《联合晚报》
马来西亚卫生部长廖中莱证实，目前共有5项产品分别由台湾Uni President品牌的芦笋汁与由台湾家乡事业股份有限公司生产，并在马来西亚售卖的4种饮料含有塑化剂，目前已被指示立即从市场下架。
他说，台湾家乡事业股份有限公司生产的4项饮料包括Sunkist粒粒檸檬果汁飲（Sunkist Lemon Juice with pulps）、Sunkist柠檬果汁、Sunkist鲜橙汁、Sunkist橙汁。
至于被验出含有塑化剂Uni President品牌的芦笋汁,是该批食用期将于2012年5月18日截止的芦笋汁。
他说，政府也会立即启动食品安全资讯系统第6级戒备，全面禁止上述受塑化剂污染的台湾产品进入马来西亚。
卫生部将会密切监督入境处及市场上，其他由台湾入口的果汁、果冻、果酱、乳酸菌及运动饮料。
至于已购买上述产品的消费者，受促勿饮用有关饮料。
F&N Dairies公司声明，该公司的Sunkist产品与马来西亚卫生部禁售的台湾入口山奇士产品毫无关连，该公司属下Sunkist产品并没有遭到塑化剂的污染，可安全食用。
《联合晚报》
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SIA to set up new no-frills airline
SIA to set up new no-frills airline
Singapore Airlines has announced its intention to establish a new no-frills, low-fare airline which will operate wide-body aircraft on medium and long-haul routes.
It said the new airline is being established following extensive review and analysis.
SIA joins a growing number of low-cost carriers, such as Singapore-based Jetstar Asia and Malaysia's AirAsia, in introducing low-fare flights to medium and long-haul routes.
Such routes are typically to destinations further than five hours' flight from Singapore.
SIA said it will enable the group to serve a largely untapped new market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel. Operations are expected to begin within one year.
The airline will be wholly-owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately.
SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said there is a new market segment being created and this will provide another growth opportunity for the group.
He said: "As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for longer flights."
No further details were given as to whether the group plans to purchase new aircraft or use the existing ones in its fleet.
A new management team is expected to be set up for the new airline.
More details will be announced by the management team in due course, including its branding, products and services, and route network.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Singapore Airlines has announced its intention to establish a new no-frills, low-fare airline which will operate wide-body aircraft on medium and long-haul routes.
It said the new airline is being established following extensive review and analysis.
SIA joins a growing number of low-cost carriers, such as Singapore-based Jetstar Asia and Malaysia's AirAsia, in introducing low-fare flights to medium and long-haul routes.
Such routes are typically to destinations further than five hours' flight from Singapore.
SIA said it will enable the group to serve a largely untapped new market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel. Operations are expected to begin within one year.
The airline will be wholly-owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately.
SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said there is a new market segment being created and this will provide another growth opportunity for the group.
He said: "As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for longer flights."
No further details were given as to whether the group plans to purchase new aircraft or use the existing ones in its fleet.
A new management team is expected to be set up for the new airline.
More details will be announced by the management team in due course, including its branding, products and services, and route network.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
新航再成立子公司 提供中长程低廉航空服务
新航再成立子公司 提供中长程低廉航空服务
新加坡航空公司（SIA) 宣布将成立新的子公司，提供中长程旅客较低廉的基本航空服务。
为服务日渐扩大的低廉航空市场旅客的需求，以及未开发的新市场，新航计划在一年内开始提供新的航空服务。
新航总裁表示，提供低廉航空服务将为公司开拓新的增长空间。“根据观察，短程、廉价的亚洲航线服务刺激了旅游需求，低廉的中长程航空服务也能达到同样的效果。”
这家新的子公司将独立运作。新公司管理层将陆续公布更多详情。
【以上新闻转载自OMY】
新加坡航空公司（SIA) 宣布将成立新的子公司，提供中长程旅客较低廉的基本航空服务。
为服务日渐扩大的低廉航空市场旅客的需求，以及未开发的新市场，新航计划在一年内开始提供新的航空服务。
新航总裁表示，提供低廉航空服务将为公司开拓新的增长空间。“根据观察，短程、廉价的亚洲航线服务刺激了旅游需求，低廉的中长程航空服务也能达到同样的效果。”
这家新的子公司将独立运作。新公司管理层将陆续公布更多详情。
【以上新闻转载自OMY】
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Air travel at risk as ash spreads
Air travel at risk as ash spreads
A PLUME of ash from an erupting volcano in Iceland is being blown south towards Britain and could reach the airspace over Europe later in the week, meteorological experts said yesterday.
Europe was on high alert as the billowing ash cloud drifted towards Scotland and threatened to shut down airports across the northern edge of the continent.
Two days into the Grimsvotn volcano's most powerful eruption in over a century, monitors said that ash particles from the volcano had been scattered across much of the North Atlantic island, whose airspace has been closed since Sunday.
Northern Europe looked set to be affected first, even though experts saw little chance of a repeat of last year's six-day travel chaos caused by the eruption of another Icelandic volcano which left thousands of people stranded across the region.
"It's too early to tell if Europe will be affected. What's certain is that when it is affected, there will be flight cancellations," French Transport Minister Thierry Marianai told Europe 1 radio.
Ash from the volcano was to touch north-western Scotland last evening, an Icelandic Met Office official said.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
A PLUME of ash from an erupting volcano in Iceland is being blown south towards Britain and could reach the airspace over Europe later in the week, meteorological experts said yesterday.
Europe was on high alert as the billowing ash cloud drifted towards Scotland and threatened to shut down airports across the northern edge of the continent.
Two days into the Grimsvotn volcano's most powerful eruption in over a century, monitors said that ash particles from the volcano had been scattered across much of the North Atlantic island, whose airspace has been closed since Sunday.
Northern Europe looked set to be affected first, even though experts saw little chance of a repeat of last year's six-day travel chaos caused by the eruption of another Icelandic volcano which left thousands of people stranded across the region.
"It's too early to tell if Europe will be affected. What's certain is that when it is affected, there will be flight cancellations," French Transport Minister Thierry Marianai told Europe 1 radio.
Ash from the volcano was to touch north-western Scotland last evening, an Icelandic Met Office official said.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Bookings for Japan tours on the rise
Bookings for Japan tours on the rise
Madam Janet Chua was looking forward to a holiday in Japan with her husband, when the March 11 earthquake and tsunami struck the country and made her put her travel plans for next month on hold.
The 48-year-old hawker gave it a second thought two weeks ago, only when she chanced upon a tour-package offer to the Japanese island of Hokkaido. It was too good to be true priced about $900 cheaper than usual.
"It was such a good offer, I didn't want to miss the opportunity," she said.
Madam Chua eventually booked a seven-day trip for about $1,800 a person, inclusive of taxes, with travel agency CTC Travel. A similar tax- inclusive package previously cost $2,800.
She said she was assured by her Japanese friends that the situation in Hokkaido is stable, following the nuclear crisis faced by Japan.
Madam Chua is among a growing number of Singaporeans taking up sizzling-hot deals and promotions that have been rolled out extensively by tour agencies here in the past two months, in order to revive tourists' interest in Japan.
Travellers open to Japan again
Tour agencies my paper spoke to said that while demand for Japan travel hit rock bottom in March, bookings have started showing signs of an upswing.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Madam Janet Chua was looking forward to a holiday in Japan with her husband, when the March 11 earthquake and tsunami struck the country and made her put her travel plans for next month on hold.
The 48-year-old hawker gave it a second thought two weeks ago, only when she chanced upon a tour-package offer to the Japanese island of Hokkaido. It was too good to be true priced about $900 cheaper than usual.
"It was such a good offer, I didn't want to miss the opportunity," she said.
Madam Chua eventually booked a seven-day trip for about $1,800 a person, inclusive of taxes, with travel agency CTC Travel. A similar tax- inclusive package previously cost $2,800.
She said she was assured by her Japanese friends that the situation in Hokkaido is stable, following the nuclear crisis faced by Japan.
Madam Chua is among a growing number of Singaporeans taking up sizzling-hot deals and promotions that have been rolled out extensively by tour agencies here in the past two months, in order to revive tourists' interest in Japan.
Travellers open to Japan again
Tour agencies my paper spoke to said that while demand for Japan travel hit rock bottom in March, bookings have started showing signs of an upswing.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Relocation of Tg Pagar Train Station from July 1
Relocation of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station from July 1
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be relocated to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint with effect from July 1.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will cease all operations on that date.
And all arrival and departure trains will terminate and start at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be relocated to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint with effect from July 1.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will cease all operations on that date.
And all arrival and departure trains will terminate and start at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
马90%农场卖死猪 制成腊肠肉丸牟利
马90%农场卖死猪 制成腊肠肉丸牟利
马来西亚猪肉商总会会长吴春水揭露，全国有90%的农场把死猪转卖给死猪收购商，从中牟利。这些死猪主要是由养猪场或非法屠宰场处理，之后加工制成腊肠及肉丸等。
吴春水更指出，国内黑心猪肉问题存在已有10多年，已经是集团化操作。全国各地几乎都可找到黑心猪肉，霹雳怡保与雪兰莪州丹绒士拔甚至出现处理死猪的大本营。
电视台ntv7上周四播放“黑心猪肉”特辑，揭发无良商人的恶行。吴春水前天则出面进一步揭露这个行业不为人所知的黑暗面。
《联合早报》
马来西亚猪肉商总会会长吴春水揭露，全国有90%的农场把死猪转卖给死猪收购商，从中牟利。这些死猪主要是由养猪场或非法屠宰场处理，之后加工制成腊肠及肉丸等。
吴春水更指出，国内黑心猪肉问题存在已有10多年，已经是集团化操作。全国各地几乎都可找到黑心猪肉，霹雳怡保与雪兰莪州丹绒士拔甚至出现处理死猪的大本营。
电视台ntv7上周四播放“黑心猪肉”特辑，揭发无良商人的恶行。吴春水前天则出面进一步揭露这个行业不为人所知的黑暗面。
《联合早报》
Saturday, May 14, 2011
京沪高铁试运行 料刺激沿线经济
京沪高铁试运行 料刺激沿线经济
昨天，备受关注的京沪高铁开始试运行，分析指京沪高铁将刺激沿线经济。
昨天8时45分，京沪高铁首趟运行试验列车从上海虹桥火车站开出。
铁道部新闻发言人王勇平表示，试运行阶段为期一个月，将以实际列车运行图为基础，进行列车运行试验，预计6月底正式开通运营。
据悉，昨天共有9趟试跑列车开往北京，车上均不载客，最快一趟列车途中只停一站，4小时48分即可抵达终点站北京南站。1957年，从上海去北京需两天时间，50年后，上海至北京的动车组列车开行，全程只需10个小时，实现“夕发朝至”。京沪高铁开通后，实现一日往返。
据了解，京沪高铁沿线有京、津、沪三大直辖市，还有11个人口超过百万的城市。京沪高速铁路北接环渤海地区、南衔长江三角洲，通道吸引区域人口占全国人口的比例超过四分之一，旅客运输发展潜力巨大。
京沪高铁等线路的开通运营，将给中国的高铁装备制造商带来丰厚的订单。
《联合早报》
昨天，备受关注的京沪高铁开始试运行，分析指京沪高铁将刺激沿线经济。
昨天8时45分，京沪高铁首趟运行试验列车从上海虹桥火车站开出。
铁道部新闻发言人王勇平表示，试运行阶段为期一个月，将以实际列车运行图为基础，进行列车运行试验，预计6月底正式开通运营。
据悉，昨天共有9趟试跑列车开往北京，车上均不载客，最快一趟列车途中只停一站，4小时48分即可抵达终点站北京南站。1957年，从上海去北京需两天时间，50年后，上海至北京的动车组列车开行，全程只需10个小时，实现“夕发朝至”。京沪高铁开通后，实现一日往返。
据了解，京沪高铁沿线有京、津、沪三大直辖市，还有11个人口超过百万的城市。京沪高速铁路北接环渤海地区、南衔长江三角洲，通道吸引区域人口占全国人口的比例超过四分之一，旅客运输发展潜力巨大。
京沪高铁等线路的开通运营，将给中国的高铁装备制造商带来丰厚的订单。
《联合早报》
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Hot spell likely to ease next week
Hot spell likely to ease next week
THE rising temperature now is caused by reduced air humidity and rainfall in the region caused by tropical storm Aere in northern Philippines that blew hot air to the country, said Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met) weather forecasting director Saw Bun Liong.
Saw told Bernama that the current hot spell in the peninsula was only temporary and likely to ease next week.
He said the hot spell was, however, normal in May and the temperatures recorded were lower than during the same period in 1998.
The country has beem experiencing warm weather since May 6. The highest temperature recorded throughout the country since May 6 is 36.2°C.
Cooling off: Children playing at the pool at Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers due to the hot weather recently. — By AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star.
The department will continue to monitor the situation continuously round the clock and will alert the National Security Council if any action needs to be taken.
Saw advised the public to avoid open burning, reduce outdoor activities and drink a lot of water.
According to information posted on the department’s website, Malaysia is now experiencing inter-monsoon season which will last until the end of the month..
During this period the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah will occasionally experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoon and fair weather over the eastern states of the peninsula.
Subsequently, the South-West Monsoon is expected from June to September. The South-West Mon-soon is comparatively drier throughout the country and this is attributed to relatively stable atmospheric condition due to less intense convective development.
It was also stated that the current La Nina condition is expected to continue weakening in the coming months and the weather will be back to normal by June.
The hot spell has resulted in more people staying indoors and drinking more water and switching on the air-conditioners.
Electrical product retailers like Courts and Harvey Norman confirmed that they had recorded an increase in sale of air-conditioners in recent weeks.
Consumers are spoilt for choice as the retailers are running promotions by air-conditioner brands like Panasonic, York, Mitsubishi and LG.
A spokesman from the Seri Andalas Fire and Rescue Department in Klang said they had received instructions to monitor the Kampung Johan Setia area, which is prone to peat fires during a drought and farmers conducting open burning of jungle waste.
“We have yet to receive any complaints about fires in the area.
“But the department has recorded fewer forest fires this year compared with previous years because we have taken early preventive measures and carry out regular monitoring,” he said.
At press time, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd could not be contacted for comments on the water level at the dams in Sungai Langat, Klang Gates and Tasik Subang.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THE rising temperature now is caused by reduced air humidity and rainfall in the region caused by tropical storm Aere in northern Philippines that blew hot air to the country, said Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met) weather forecasting director Saw Bun Liong.
Saw told Bernama that the current hot spell in the peninsula was only temporary and likely to ease next week.
He said the hot spell was, however, normal in May and the temperatures recorded were lower than during the same period in 1998.
The country has beem experiencing warm weather since May 6. The highest temperature recorded throughout the country since May 6 is 36.2°C.
Cooling off: Children playing at the pool at Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers due to the hot weather recently. — By AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star.
The department will continue to monitor the situation continuously round the clock and will alert the National Security Council if any action needs to be taken.
Saw advised the public to avoid open burning, reduce outdoor activities and drink a lot of water.
According to information posted on the department’s website, Malaysia is now experiencing inter-monsoon season which will last until the end of the month..
During this period the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah will occasionally experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoon and fair weather over the eastern states of the peninsula.
Subsequently, the South-West Monsoon is expected from June to September. The South-West Mon-soon is comparatively drier throughout the country and this is attributed to relatively stable atmospheric condition due to less intense convective development.
It was also stated that the current La Nina condition is expected to continue weakening in the coming months and the weather will be back to normal by June.
The hot spell has resulted in more people staying indoors and drinking more water and switching on the air-conditioners.
Electrical product retailers like Courts and Harvey Norman confirmed that they had recorded an increase in sale of air-conditioners in recent weeks.
Consumers are spoilt for choice as the retailers are running promotions by air-conditioner brands like Panasonic, York, Mitsubishi and LG.
A spokesman from the Seri Andalas Fire and Rescue Department in Klang said they had received instructions to monitor the Kampung Johan Setia area, which is prone to peat fires during a drought and farmers conducting open burning of jungle waste.
“We have yet to receive any complaints about fires in the area.
“But the department has recorded fewer forest fires this year compared with previous years because we have taken early preventive measures and carry out regular monitoring,” he said.
At press time, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd could not be contacted for comments on the water level at the dams in Sungai Langat, Klang Gates and Tasik Subang.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Air quality in five towns nears unhealthy level
Air quality in five towns nears unhealthy level
PETALING JAYA: The air quality in five towns in three states dropped close to unhealthy levels Wednesday.
The Department of Environment reported higher-than-normal Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for Port Klang (97), Nilai (92), Banting (82), Bukit Rambai in Malacca (87) and Muar (84).
An area's air quality reaches an unhealthy level when its API hits 101, a very unhealthy level at 201 and hazardous when it exceeds 301.
The air quality of an area is considered good if its API reading is between 0 to 50.
Director of air quality unit Kalsom Abdul Ghani attributed the decrease in visibility in various parts of the country to southwesterly winds blowing haze from open burnings in Sumatra hotspots.
"It occurred under transboundary conditions due to the wind, which normally takes this direction at this time of the year,” Kalsom said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PETALING JAYA: The air quality in five towns in three states dropped close to unhealthy levels Wednesday.
The Department of Environment reported higher-than-normal Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for Port Klang (97), Nilai (92), Banting (82), Bukit Rambai in Malacca (87) and Muar (84).
An area's air quality reaches an unhealthy level when its API hits 101, a very unhealthy level at 201 and hazardous when it exceeds 301.
The air quality of an area is considered good if its API reading is between 0 to 50.
Director of air quality unit Kalsom Abdul Ghani attributed the decrease in visibility in various parts of the country to southwesterly winds blowing haze from open burnings in Sumatra hotspots.
"It occurred under transboundary conditions due to the wind, which normally takes this direction at this time of the year,” Kalsom said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Taiwan issues warning against storm Aere
Taiwan issues warning against storm Aere
Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau on Monday issued a sea warning against storm Aere, saying it may unleash heavy rains on parts of the island, after it lashed the Philippines and killed nine people there.
Aere -- the first storm to threaten the island this year -- may set off torrential rains in the island's east and south if it moves along the forecast route within the next few days, the bureau said.
The tropical storm pounded the eastern Philippines on Sunday, bringing heavy rains and landslides that forced thousands to flee their homes.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau on Monday issued a sea warning against storm Aere, saying it may unleash heavy rains on parts of the island, after it lashed the Philippines and killed nine people there.
Aere -- the first storm to threaten the island this year -- may set off torrential rains in the island's east and south if it moves along the forecast route within the next few days, the bureau said.
The tropical storm pounded the eastern Philippines on Sunday, bringing heavy rains and landslides that forced thousands to flee their homes.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
China to build Hello Kitty theme park
China to build Hello Kitty theme park
The creators of Hello Kitty, Japan's world-famous cartoon icon of cuteness, have agreed to a US$230-million outdoor theme park in China, the first on foreign soil, a company spokesman said on Monday.
The Hello Kitty-themed amusement park will be completed in the city of Anji, in east China's Zhejiang province, in 2014 under an agreement between Sanrio Co and its Chinese partner, Sanrio spokesman Kazuo Tohmatsu said.
The project, jointly designed by Sanrio and US-based amusement park designer Hettema, will cost 1.5 billion yuan (US$230 million) with construction scheduled to start in the second half of this year, the spokesman added.
"We have long received many requests from Asian countries to invest in building a theme park using our characters," Tohmatsu said, adding Sanrio will not make capital investment in the theme park.
Under the licensing agreement, the Chinese partner, a subsidiary of Shanghai Insight Holdings, will build and operate the park while Sanrio will provide its characters and planning, he said.
The theme park will include hotel and catering services.
There is also another plan to build a much smaller indoor amusement park featuring Sanrio characters in Malaysia in 2012.
There are currently two Hello Kitty theme parks in Japan, but none overseas.
Born in 1974, Kitty has spawned a massive global industry with sales of 50,000 Kitty products - including dolls, clothes, accessories and homeware - in 109 nations and territories.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The creators of Hello Kitty, Japan's world-famous cartoon icon of cuteness, have agreed to a US$230-million outdoor theme park in China, the first on foreign soil, a company spokesman said on Monday.
The Hello Kitty-themed amusement park will be completed in the city of Anji, in east China's Zhejiang province, in 2014 under an agreement between Sanrio Co and its Chinese partner, Sanrio spokesman Kazuo Tohmatsu said.
The project, jointly designed by Sanrio and US-based amusement park designer Hettema, will cost 1.5 billion yuan (US$230 million) with construction scheduled to start in the second half of this year, the spokesman added.
"We have long received many requests from Asian countries to invest in building a theme park using our characters," Tohmatsu said, adding Sanrio will not make capital investment in the theme park.
Under the licensing agreement, the Chinese partner, a subsidiary of Shanghai Insight Holdings, will build and operate the park while Sanrio will provide its characters and planning, he said.
The theme park will include hotel and catering services.
There is also another plan to build a much smaller indoor amusement park featuring Sanrio characters in Malaysia in 2012.
There are currently two Hello Kitty theme parks in Japan, but none overseas.
Born in 1974, Kitty has spawned a massive global industry with sales of 50,000 Kitty products - including dolls, clothes, accessories and homeware - in 109 nations and territories.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Singapore hotel rates continue to rise
Rates for hotel rooms continue to rise
Rates for hotel rooms in Singapore continue to rise even with the increase in supply, according to a report by hospitality consultant CBRE Hotels.
Hotel room rates in 2010 increased 11.3 per cent with mid-tier hotels registering the highest increase at 22.4 per cent to S$168.50 per night, according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
CBRE Hotels expects room rates to increase between 10 to 15 per cent this year.
Hotel occupancy rates have also benefited from the increase in visitor arrivals to Singapore which hit an all-time high of 11.6 million last year.
CBRE Hotels said hotel occupancy rates hit 85.6 per cent for 2010, and levels will be at least 83 per cent and as much as 86 per cent this year.
It expects that the additional 1,500 hotel rooms which will be added to the market this year will be matched by the good level of increased demand.
Revenue per available room (RevPar) grew by 24.7 per cent in 2010 to S$181.64 and is likely to grow between 7.5 to 10 per cent this year.
Rates for economy hotels grew the most at 41.8 per cent and upscale hotel rates climbed 28.3 per cent.
The report also mentioned that the supply of boutique hotels is likely to grow with investors showing keen interest in converting conservation buildings for this niche market.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Rates for hotel rooms in Singapore continue to rise even with the increase in supply, according to a report by hospitality consultant CBRE Hotels.
Hotel room rates in 2010 increased 11.3 per cent with mid-tier hotels registering the highest increase at 22.4 per cent to S$168.50 per night, according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
CBRE Hotels expects room rates to increase between 10 to 15 per cent this year.
Hotel occupancy rates have also benefited from the increase in visitor arrivals to Singapore which hit an all-time high of 11.6 million last year.
CBRE Hotels said hotel occupancy rates hit 85.6 per cent for 2010, and levels will be at least 83 per cent and as much as 86 per cent this year.
It expects that the additional 1,500 hotel rooms which will be added to the market this year will be matched by the good level of increased demand.
Revenue per available room (RevPar) grew by 24.7 per cent in 2010 to S$181.64 and is likely to grow between 7.5 to 10 per cent this year.
Rates for economy hotels grew the most at 41.8 per cent and upscale hotel rates climbed 28.3 per cent.
The report also mentioned that the supply of boutique hotels is likely to grow with investors showing keen interest in converting conservation buildings for this niche market.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Security heightens following Osama's death
Singapore heightens security measures following Osama's death
Singapore has heightened all security measures at its borders and checkpoints in light of Osama bin Laden's death.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said this was to guard against the entry of terrorist operatives as well as regional elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
It added that security presence and alert level have also been increased within Singapore at key establishments, and that the situation would be kept under review.
The ministry said Osama's killing by the US could be expected to draw retaliatory attacks from jihadist terrorists from or close to the Al-Qaeda Core and other jihadist terrorists who are keen to avenge his death.
To this end, the possibility that regional groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda, like Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), might carry out retaliatory attacks against US assets in this region, including those in Singapore could not be discounted.
Such groups might also act against allies of the US, and countries seen to be close to the US.
In view of the recent evidence that JI-related terrorist elements in Indonesia and this region pose an active and persistent threat - including the finding of large bombs in Indonesia on Good Friday and grenades in Kuala Lumpur a couple of weeks ago - the ministry said it would be prudent for Singapore to be extra vigilant to guard against this threat.
It added that other governments have also announced tighter security measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said: "Our checkpoints are a key area where we must have stepped up vigilance and extra security. On the lookout, and particularly taking a bit of time, Singaporeans and other travellers may be slightly inconvenienced as a result of that."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Singapore has heightened all security measures at its borders and checkpoints in light of Osama bin Laden's death.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said this was to guard against the entry of terrorist operatives as well as regional elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
It added that security presence and alert level have also been increased within Singapore at key establishments, and that the situation would be kept under review.
The ministry said Osama's killing by the US could be expected to draw retaliatory attacks from jihadist terrorists from or close to the Al-Qaeda Core and other jihadist terrorists who are keen to avenge his death.
To this end, the possibility that regional groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda, like Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), might carry out retaliatory attacks against US assets in this region, including those in Singapore could not be discounted.
Such groups might also act against allies of the US, and countries seen to be close to the US.
In view of the recent evidence that JI-related terrorist elements in Indonesia and this region pose an active and persistent threat - including the finding of large bombs in Indonesia on Good Friday and grenades in Kuala Lumpur a couple of weeks ago - the ministry said it would be prudent for Singapore to be extra vigilant to guard against this threat.
It added that other governments have also announced tighter security measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said: "Our checkpoints are a key area where we must have stepped up vigilance and extra security. On the lookout, and particularly taking a bit of time, Singaporeans and other travellers may be slightly inconvenienced as a result of that."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
PUB issues flash flood warning
PUB issues flash flood warning
The Singapore MET Services extended its heavy rain warning on Wednesday.
It said thundery showers with gusty winds over many areas of Singapore are expected to last between 4 and 5.15pm.
PUB, the national water agency, reported earlier on flash floods at Bishan Street 13, in front of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian School have subsided.
Floods are also reported in several areas in Ang Mo Kio.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Singapore MET Services extended its heavy rain warning on Wednesday.
It said thundery showers with gusty winds over many areas of Singapore are expected to last between 4 and 5.15pm.
PUB, the national water agency, reported earlier on flash floods at Bishan Street 13, in front of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian School have subsided.
Floods are also reported in several areas in Ang Mo Kio.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday, May 2, 2011
China launches ban on smoking in public
China launches ban on smoking in public venues
China launched a ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and other indoor public spaces on Sunday but few expect it to have much of an impact in the tobacco-hooked country with more than 300 million smokers.
The nationwide prohibition is designed to bring China more in line with health regulations in developed countries but it faces a tough test in a nation where tobacco is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Offering a cigarette is a common greeting among Chinese men while lighting up in elevators, buses or even in hospital waiting rooms is routine -- highlighting the lack of public awareness about the health risks of smoking.
At a pub popular with Chinese and foreigners, a customer leaned against the bar smoking a cigarette as several waitresses stood nearby.
"I didn't know," a surprised-looking employee surnamed Li told AFP when asked about the smoking ban.
Many health experts have warned that China, the world's largest producer and consumer of tobacco, faces a ticking health timebomb unless it curbs smoking, and the ban marks a significant move for the Chinese government.
The ministry of health guidelines say smoking will be banned in "indoor public spaces" and that cigarette vending machines cannot be located in public places.
However, state press reports have said offices and factories will not be covered by the ban, and it remains unclear whether it will be adequately enforced in bars, restaurants, and public transport.
"We can inform them about the regulation but if they insist on smoking we can't do anything," Tian Rongrong, a waitress at a small restaurant, told AFP.
But she believed Chinese people would gradually get used to the new rule.
"I think Chinese people will slowly change their way of thinking. More and more customers ask for no-smoking areas," she said.
Tobacco kills more than a million people each year in China, where some brands can be purchased for as little as three yuan (46 US cents). Chinese and foreign experts say the number of smoking deaths could triple by 2030.
Experts point to the state monopoly on the tobacco industry, which accounts for nearly a tenth of national tax revenue, as one of the biggest obstacles to anti-smoking efforts.
Beijing dragged its feet in adopting the ban -- its takes effect four months after the expiration of a deadline set by the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which China signed five years ago.
So far, there has been no major nationwide public awareness campaign to promote the ban and enforcement issues and penalties also are not clearly spelled out in the regulations.
China's official news agency Xinhua said Friday the ban is "likely to be ignored by smokers, public venue operators, and the general public due to its vague content," singling out a lack of clarity on penalties and enforcement.
Similar temporary bans introduced during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and last year's World Expo in Shanghai were rarely respected or enforced.
But Zang Jing, the owner of a cigarette and alcohol shop, said she would "definitely sell fewer cigarettes" following the introduction of the ban.
"It's not worth worrying about. It's part of a general trend," she told AFP.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
China launched a ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and other indoor public spaces on Sunday but few expect it to have much of an impact in the tobacco-hooked country with more than 300 million smokers.
The nationwide prohibition is designed to bring China more in line with health regulations in developed countries but it faces a tough test in a nation where tobacco is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Offering a cigarette is a common greeting among Chinese men while lighting up in elevators, buses or even in hospital waiting rooms is routine -- highlighting the lack of public awareness about the health risks of smoking.
At a pub popular with Chinese and foreigners, a customer leaned against the bar smoking a cigarette as several waitresses stood nearby.
"I didn't know," a surprised-looking employee surnamed Li told AFP when asked about the smoking ban.
Many health experts have warned that China, the world's largest producer and consumer of tobacco, faces a ticking health timebomb unless it curbs smoking, and the ban marks a significant move for the Chinese government.
The ministry of health guidelines say smoking will be banned in "indoor public spaces" and that cigarette vending machines cannot be located in public places.
However, state press reports have said offices and factories will not be covered by the ban, and it remains unclear whether it will be adequately enforced in bars, restaurants, and public transport.
"We can inform them about the regulation but if they insist on smoking we can't do anything," Tian Rongrong, a waitress at a small restaurant, told AFP.
But she believed Chinese people would gradually get used to the new rule.
"I think Chinese people will slowly change their way of thinking. More and more customers ask for no-smoking areas," she said.
Tobacco kills more than a million people each year in China, where some brands can be purchased for as little as three yuan (46 US cents). Chinese and foreign experts say the number of smoking deaths could triple by 2030.
Experts point to the state monopoly on the tobacco industry, which accounts for nearly a tenth of national tax revenue, as one of the biggest obstacles to anti-smoking efforts.
Beijing dragged its feet in adopting the ban -- its takes effect four months after the expiration of a deadline set by the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which China signed five years ago.
So far, there has been no major nationwide public awareness campaign to promote the ban and enforcement issues and penalties also are not clearly spelled out in the regulations.
China's official news agency Xinhua said Friday the ban is "likely to be ignored by smokers, public venue operators, and the general public due to its vague content," singling out a lack of clarity on penalties and enforcement.
Similar temporary bans introduced during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and last year's World Expo in Shanghai were rarely respected or enforced.
But Zang Jing, the owner of a cigarette and alcohol shop, said she would "definitely sell fewer cigarettes" following the introduction of the ban.
"It's not worth worrying about. It's part of a general trend," she told AFP.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
新山实行指纹扫描 入境车龙塞至大士关卡
新山首次实行指纹扫描 入境车龙塞至大士关卡
新加坡游客乘着劳动节长假到马来西亚度假，但移民局在巴士乘客入境处实施指纹扫描的措施，却造成拥挤问题，通关过程缓慢导致运载游客的旅游巴士从丹绒古邦的入境处开始阻塞，车龙延伸至新加坡大士关卡，长约两公里。
据《星洲日报》报道，移民局分阶段实施扫描游客指纹，取代过去扫描游客护照上的资料，以核实入境者身份。但上述措施却导致巴士乘客入境处出现拥挤情况，入境者需花比平时多两三倍的时间，才能顺利通关。
据在马新第二通道入境处接团的导游说，由于通关过程缓慢，导致运载游客的旅游巴士大塞车。
该导游表示，有一团从新加坡入境的游客，本来在早上6时30分就能完成通关手续，可是受新措施影响，导致他们早上10时才顺利通关，延误了约4个小时。
不过，也许是拥挤现象过于严重，移民局官员在早上10时30分左右，暂停扫描指纹的作法，恢复以往的通关方式。
据该报了解，乘坐巴士的外国游客以往从第二通道出入境时，只需扫描护照或由官员以人工方式输入资料及盖章，整个过程不到一分钟。但如果要核验食指指纹，乘坐巴士的外国游客则必须先自行核验指纹，并取得特別贴纸贴在护照上，再交由官员检查护照；平均通关时间约2至3分钟，若遇到扫描器故障或出状况，所需时间更长。
《联合早报》
新加坡游客乘着劳动节长假到马来西亚度假，但移民局在巴士乘客入境处实施指纹扫描的措施，却造成拥挤问题，通关过程缓慢导致运载游客的旅游巴士从丹绒古邦的入境处开始阻塞，车龙延伸至新加坡大士关卡，长约两公里。
据《星洲日报》报道，移民局分阶段实施扫描游客指纹，取代过去扫描游客护照上的资料，以核实入境者身份。但上述措施却导致巴士乘客入境处出现拥挤情况，入境者需花比平时多两三倍的时间，才能顺利通关。
据在马新第二通道入境处接团的导游说，由于通关过程缓慢，导致运载游客的旅游巴士大塞车。
该导游表示，有一团从新加坡入境的游客，本来在早上6时30分就能完成通关手续，可是受新措施影响，导致他们早上10时才顺利通关，延误了约4个小时。
不过，也许是拥挤现象过于严重，移民局官员在早上10时30分左右，暂停扫描指纹的作法，恢复以往的通关方式。
据该报了解，乘坐巴士的外国游客以往从第二通道出入境时，只需扫描护照或由官员以人工方式输入资料及盖章，整个过程不到一分钟。但如果要核验食指指纹，乘坐巴士的外国游客则必须先自行核验指纹，并取得特別贴纸贴在护照上，再交由官员检查护照；平均通关时间约2至3分钟，若遇到扫描器故障或出状况，所需时间更长。
《联合早报》
中国实施禁烟令 效果令人关注
中国实施禁烟令 效果令人关注
一纸禁烟条例能不能改变中国数亿烟民“饭后一根烟”的坚强意志？
被称为“中国式禁烟令”的《公共场所卫生管理条例实施细则》昨天正式生效，第一次明确将室内公共场所禁烟列入公共场所卫生管理条例。然而昨天从杭州火车站到上海高档商场，仍然可见烟雾缭绕。
上海虹桥高铁站德士等候处，忍不住烟瘾的客人在等候人龙中吞云吐雾，前方墙上就是一面禁烟牌，维持秩序的警察并没有制止。
南京西路高档品牌汇集的恒隆广场里，餐厅的吸烟区并没有取消。有业者表示不知道昨天开始的禁烟令，也有业者说听过新闻报道，但是没有人来通知。
韩国料理业者说，如果真的要取消吸烟区，估计会影响三成的生意额。
“饭后一根烟”是中国餐饮场所普遍可见的现象，客人是不是“快乐似神仙”不得而知，不过业者显然都在谨慎观望最新条例的可行性。
今年一月初，数十名专家共同完成的《控烟与中国未来――中外专家中国烟草使用与烟草控制联合评估报告》指出，中国在执行世界卫生组织烟草控制政策方面，以百分制计算，平均仅得37.3分。
《联合早报》
一纸禁烟条例能不能改变中国数亿烟民“饭后一根烟”的坚强意志？
被称为“中国式禁烟令”的《公共场所卫生管理条例实施细则》昨天正式生效，第一次明确将室内公共场所禁烟列入公共场所卫生管理条例。然而昨天从杭州火车站到上海高档商场，仍然可见烟雾缭绕。
上海虹桥高铁站德士等候处，忍不住烟瘾的客人在等候人龙中吞云吐雾，前方墙上就是一面禁烟牌，维持秩序的警察并没有制止。
南京西路高档品牌汇集的恒隆广场里，餐厅的吸烟区并没有取消。有业者表示不知道昨天开始的禁烟令，也有业者说听过新闻报道，但是没有人来通知。
韩国料理业者说，如果真的要取消吸烟区，估计会影响三成的生意额。
“饭后一根烟”是中国餐饮场所普遍可见的现象，客人是不是“快乐似神仙”不得而知，不过业者显然都在谨慎观望最新条例的可行性。
今年一月初，数十名专家共同完成的《控烟与中国未来――中外专家中国烟草使用与烟草控制联合评估报告》指出，中国在执行世界卫生组织烟草控制政策方面，以百分制计算，平均仅得37.3分。
《联合早报》
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
日本7月开始将更换纸币数码颜色
日本7月开始将更换纸币数码颜色
日本新闻网26日消息，日本财务省和日本银行今天表示，日元的一万纸币和一千元纸币的记号和数码的颜色将会从黑色变为褐色。
这项计划将从7月19日开始实施。由于目前的字母和数字的130亿种组合已经全部用完，所以准备改变颜色用同样的数字和字母重新印刷。以前新纸币数字和字母组合用完时，也用同样的方法更换新纸币。
～以上新闻转载自OMY～
日本新闻网26日消息，日本财务省和日本银行今天表示，日元的一万纸币和一千元纸币的记号和数码的颜色将会从黑色变为褐色。
这项计划将从7月19日开始实施。由于目前的字母和数字的130亿种组合已经全部用完，所以准备改变颜色用同样的数字和字母重新印刷。以前新纸币数字和字母组合用完时，也用同样的方法更换新纸币。
～以上新闻转载自OMY～
Monday, April 25, 2011
Defer non-essential travel to Syria
MFA advises S'poreans to defer non-essential travel to Syria
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that Singaporeans defer all non-essential travel to Syria for the time being in view of the recent developments in that country.
In a media release, it said Singaporeans in Syria who have no pressing need to be in the country are strongly urged to consider leaving as soon as they can.
It said that should Singaporeans require any assistance, they can contact the Singapore Embassy in Cairo.
They can also contact the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at:
Tel: 6379 8800 / 8855
Fax: 6476 7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Singaporeans who remain in Syria are strongly advised to avoid areas where demonstrations have been occurring and take all necessary precautions for their personal safety.
The MFA said they should be on high alert, monitor the news closely and eRegister immediately if they have not already done so at http://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that officials can contact them and render the necessary consular assistance.
It said it is closely monitoring the situation and keeping in close touch with students and other Singaporeans remaining in Syria.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that Singaporeans defer all non-essential travel to Syria for the time being in view of the recent developments in that country.
In a media release, it said Singaporeans in Syria who have no pressing need to be in the country are strongly urged to consider leaving as soon as they can.
It said that should Singaporeans require any assistance, they can contact the Singapore Embassy in Cairo.
They can also contact the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at:
Tel: 6379 8800 / 8855
Fax: 6476 7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Singaporeans who remain in Syria are strongly advised to avoid areas where demonstrations have been occurring and take all necessary precautions for their personal safety.
The MFA said they should be on high alert, monitor the news closely and eRegister immediately if they have not already done so at http://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ so that officials can contact them and render the necessary consular assistance.
It said it is closely monitoring the situation and keeping in close touch with students and other Singaporeans remaining in Syria.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
龙卷风袭美国中部 圣路易斯机场无限期关闭
龙卷风袭美国中部 圣路易斯机场无限期关闭
（华盛顿综合电）数股龙卷风前天深夜横扫密苏里州(Missouri)圣路易斯市(St Louis)，当地的兰伯特－圣路易斯国际机场玻璃被砸碎，散落在机场内的搭客身上，至少有4人受伤。当局已下令无限期关闭机场，以评估龙卷风所带来的破坏。
据美国有线电视新闻网旗下的KSDK电视台报道，强风导致机场部分建筑的屋顶被掀开，机场官员被迫紧急疏散一架客机的搭客，整个机场陷入一片混乱。
其中一名搭客纽维茨说：“飞机当时摇晃得很厉害。”他披露，机场官员原本不愿意让被疏散的搭客回到机场大厦内，因为当局担心大厦屋顶会坍塌。纽维茨回到大厦后，看到了一名工作人员受了伤，伤口血流如注。
《联合早报》
（华盛顿综合电）数股龙卷风前天深夜横扫密苏里州(Missouri)圣路易斯市(St Louis)，当地的兰伯特－圣路易斯国际机场玻璃被砸碎，散落在机场内的搭客身上，至少有4人受伤。当局已下令无限期关闭机场，以评估龙卷风所带来的破坏。
据美国有线电视新闻网旗下的KSDK电视台报道，强风导致机场部分建筑的屋顶被掀开，机场官员被迫紧急疏散一架客机的搭客，整个机场陷入一片混乱。
其中一名搭客纽维茨说：“飞机当时摇晃得很厉害。”他披露，机场官员原本不愿意让被疏散的搭客回到机场大厦内，因为当局担心大厦屋顶会坍塌。纽维茨回到大厦后，看到了一名工作人员受了伤，伤口血流如注。
《联合早报》
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Six dead in Thai-Cambodia border clash
Six dead in Thai-Cambodia border clash
Thai and Cambodian troops traded gunfire and artillery shells on Friday, leaving six dead in a new clash that shattered a two-month lull in tensions along their disputed border.
It was the first serious outbreak of hostilities since fighting in February near the 900-year-old Hindu temple Preah Vihear left at least 10 dead and prompted a UN appeal for a lasting ceasefire.
Three Cambodian and three Thai soldiers were killed in Friday's fighting near a different group of temples over 100 kilometres away. More than a dozen others were wounded, including three Thai troops who were said to be in critical condition.
Indonesia, current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), called for an immediate end to the violence.
The two sides blamed each other for the clash which broke out in the early morning and lasted for several hours, while thousands of villagers were evacuated on the Thai side.
"Cambodian soldiers fired with assault rifles at Thailand first and now they started to shell us with artillery and we took appropriate retaliation," Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon told AFP.
"I think Cambodia wanted to take over temples on the border," he said.
Cambodia accused Thai troops of entering 0.4 kilometres (0.25 miles) into its territory.
"The Thai troops marched directly towards Cambodian troop positions stationed at Cambodia's Ta Krabei temple and launched unprovoked attacks," said government spokesman Phay Siphan.
"This is yet another invasion by Thailand on Cambodia. We cannot accept this."
The Thai-Cambodia border has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.
Ties between the neighbours have been strained since Preah Vihear -- the most celebrated example of ancient Khmer architecture outside of Cambodia's Angkor Wat -- was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6 square kilometre (1.8 square mile) adjacent area.
Observers say the temple dispute has been used as a rallying point to stir nationalist sentiment in Thailand and Cambodia.
The two countries agreed in late February to allow Indonesian observers in the area near Preah Vihear, but the Thai military has since said they are not welcome and they have yet to be deployed.
In February, UN Security Council members called for "maximum restraint" by the two countries and a permanent ceasefire -- a demand echoed by the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc on Friday.
"Indonesia, as current chair of ASEAN, strongly calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand," Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a statement.
He said he was in contact with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, urging the two countries to "resolve their differences through peaceful means".
Cambodia has called for outside mediation to help end the standoff, but Thailand insists the dispute should be resolved through bilateral talks.
Thailand recently admitted using controversial Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions during the February fighting but insisted it did not classify them as cluster munitions.
The arms are defined as cluster munitions by the global campaign group Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), which condemned Thailand's use of the weapons.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Thai and Cambodian troops traded gunfire and artillery shells on Friday, leaving six dead in a new clash that shattered a two-month lull in tensions along their disputed border.
It was the first serious outbreak of hostilities since fighting in February near the 900-year-old Hindu temple Preah Vihear left at least 10 dead and prompted a UN appeal for a lasting ceasefire.
Three Cambodian and three Thai soldiers were killed in Friday's fighting near a different group of temples over 100 kilometres away. More than a dozen others were wounded, including three Thai troops who were said to be in critical condition.
Indonesia, current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), called for an immediate end to the violence.
The two sides blamed each other for the clash which broke out in the early morning and lasted for several hours, while thousands of villagers were evacuated on the Thai side.
"Cambodian soldiers fired with assault rifles at Thailand first and now they started to shell us with artillery and we took appropriate retaliation," Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon told AFP.
"I think Cambodia wanted to take over temples on the border," he said.
Cambodia accused Thai troops of entering 0.4 kilometres (0.25 miles) into its territory.
"The Thai troops marched directly towards Cambodian troop positions stationed at Cambodia's Ta Krabei temple and launched unprovoked attacks," said government spokesman Phay Siphan.
"This is yet another invasion by Thailand on Cambodia. We cannot accept this."
The Thai-Cambodia border has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.
Ties between the neighbours have been strained since Preah Vihear -- the most celebrated example of ancient Khmer architecture outside of Cambodia's Angkor Wat -- was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.
The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6 square kilometre (1.8 square mile) adjacent area.
Observers say the temple dispute has been used as a rallying point to stir nationalist sentiment in Thailand and Cambodia.
The two countries agreed in late February to allow Indonesian observers in the area near Preah Vihear, but the Thai military has since said they are not welcome and they have yet to be deployed.
In February, UN Security Council members called for "maximum restraint" by the two countries and a permanent ceasefire -- a demand echoed by the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc on Friday.
"Indonesia, as current chair of ASEAN, strongly calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand," Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a statement.
He said he was in contact with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, urging the two countries to "resolve their differences through peaceful means".
Cambodia has called for outside mediation to help end the standoff, but Thailand insists the dispute should be resolved through bilateral talks.
Thailand recently admitted using controversial Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions during the February fighting but insisted it did not classify them as cluster munitions.
The arms are defined as cluster munitions by the global campaign group Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), which condemned Thailand's use of the weapons.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Friday, April 22, 2011
北京“无星级”酒店受欢迎
北京“无星级”酒店受欢迎
北京市旅游发展委员会最新数据显示，北京共有59家五星级酒店。但当地媒体调查发现，市内还有不少“未挂星”的高档精品酒店。
尽管属于“无星级”，精品酒店设施丝毫不逊于五星级酒店，房价可达6位数人民币。
据报道，北京独有的胡同文化，造就了一些极具“京味儿”的四合院精品酒店。如南锣鼓巷里的杜革酒店前身，是18世纪落成的清朝三代大臣府邸——索家花园一部分；故宫旁的皇家驿站则主打“帝王”概念。
深具中国味的精品酒店深受游客喜爱，越来越多国内高端商务游客也选择在精品酒店举行小型会议。
精品酒店门市报价基本在RMB1000（S$191）以上，位于鸟巢西侧的盘古七星酒店的总统套间更要价RMB120,888（S$23,126）。该酒店曾接待西班牙王子、美国明星团、全球富豪团等名流。
酒店发言人表示，旅游部门评定的最高饭店星级仅为五星，而酒店在软硬件方面都努力“做到五星以上”，因此决定不挂星，让客人在心中给酒店评星。
～以上新闻转载自OMY～
北京市旅游发展委员会最新数据显示，北京共有59家五星级酒店。但当地媒体调查发现，市内还有不少“未挂星”的高档精品酒店。
尽管属于“无星级”，精品酒店设施丝毫不逊于五星级酒店，房价可达6位数人民币。
据报道，北京独有的胡同文化，造就了一些极具“京味儿”的四合院精品酒店。如南锣鼓巷里的杜革酒店前身，是18世纪落成的清朝三代大臣府邸——索家花园一部分；故宫旁的皇家驿站则主打“帝王”概念。
深具中国味的精品酒店深受游客喜爱，越来越多国内高端商务游客也选择在精品酒店举行小型会议。
精品酒店门市报价基本在RMB1000（S$191）以上，位于鸟巢西侧的盘古七星酒店的总统套间更要价RMB120,888（S$23,126）。该酒店曾接待西班牙王子、美国明星团、全球富豪团等名流。
酒店发言人表示，旅游部门评定的最高饭店星级仅为五星，而酒店在软硬件方面都努力“做到五星以上”，因此决定不挂星，让客人在心中给酒店评星。
～以上新闻转载自OMY～
Japan hopes for tourists' return
Japan hopes for tourists' return
FOREIGN tourists remain a rare sight more than a month after Japan suffered the most powerful earthquake in its history.
April should be peak tourist season for Tokyo, famous for the brief but spectacular blossoming of its cherry trees, which signals the start of spring.
But in Asakusa, one of the capital's oldest districts and a major tourist draw, there are no foreign faces to be seen.
"Before the earthquake, Asakusa was quite touristy and very well-known to foreigners," rickshaw driver Yoshiaki Suzuki told AFP.
Japan suffered its largest decline in foreign visitors last month in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami, which left around 28,000 people dead or missing and tens of thousands homeless.
Around 560,000 hotel reservations have been cancelled nationwide, according to government figures, which do not include the worst-hit Iwate and Chiba prefectures.
But as travel warnings issued in the chaotic days that followed the March 11 disaster are eased, many people in Japan say that they hope the tourists will return soon as a show of support for the disaster-stricken country.
"Foreigners think it is dangerous here, with the earthquake and the nuclear accident. Japan is safe. Tokyo is safe," said Mr Uko Komatsuzaki, head of public relations for Tokyo's renowned Imperial Hotel.
~News courtesy of The Star~
FOREIGN tourists remain a rare sight more than a month after Japan suffered the most powerful earthquake in its history.
April should be peak tourist season for Tokyo, famous for the brief but spectacular blossoming of its cherry trees, which signals the start of spring.
But in Asakusa, one of the capital's oldest districts and a major tourist draw, there are no foreign faces to be seen.
"Before the earthquake, Asakusa was quite touristy and very well-known to foreigners," rickshaw driver Yoshiaki Suzuki told AFP.
Japan suffered its largest decline in foreign visitors last month in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami, which left around 28,000 people dead or missing and tens of thousands homeless.
Around 560,000 hotel reservations have been cancelled nationwide, according to government figures, which do not include the worst-hit Iwate and Chiba prefectures.
But as travel warnings issued in the chaotic days that followed the March 11 disaster are eased, many people in Japan say that they hope the tourists will return soon as a show of support for the disaster-stricken country.
"Foreigners think it is dangerous here, with the earthquake and the nuclear accident. Japan is safe. Tokyo is safe," said Mr Uko Komatsuzaki, head of public relations for Tokyo's renowned Imperial Hotel.
~News courtesy of The Star~
禁区：福岛核站20公里以内
禁区：福岛核站20公里以内
日本昨天宣布把福岛第一核电站20公里以内的地区设定为禁区，以确保灾民的安全；灾民如违反禁令，可能判罚款或监禁。
禁令从周五凌晨零时（新加坡时间周四晚上11点）起实施。当局是在警方发现有60多户居民仍住在核电站周边地区后，决定实施禁令。
日本政府在3月11日的地震和海啸引发核危机之后，下令核电站方圆20公里范围的居民撤离；当局也要求20至30公里居民留室内，但随后鼓励这一地区的居民疏散。
官员说，把核电站20公里范围划为禁区，是为了确保灾民没有接触过多幅射，以及防止这片近乎无人地带发生盗窃案。
根据当局颁布的核危机特别紧急法令，任何人违反禁令进入该地区，可罚款多达10万日元（约1500新元）和监禁长达30天。
1万4000人仍下落不明，总死亡人数约2万7000人。
《联合早报》
日本昨天宣布把福岛第一核电站20公里以内的地区设定为禁区，以确保灾民的安全；灾民如违反禁令，可能判罚款或监禁。
禁令从周五凌晨零时（新加坡时间周四晚上11点）起实施。当局是在警方发现有60多户居民仍住在核电站周边地区后，决定实施禁令。
日本政府在3月11日的地震和海啸引发核危机之后，下令核电站方圆20公里范围的居民撤离；当局也要求20至30公里居民留室内，但随后鼓励这一地区的居民疏散。
官员说，把核电站20公里范围划为禁区，是为了确保灾民没有接触过多幅射，以及防止这片近乎无人地带发生盗窃案。
根据当局颁布的核危机特别紧急法令，任何人违反禁令进入该地区，可罚款多达10万日元（约1500新元）和监禁长达30天。
1万4000人仍下落不明，总死亡人数约2万7000人。
《联合早报》
May 7 Polling Day, is a public holiday
MOM: May 7 Polling Day, is a public holiday
In accordance with Section 35 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Polling day on 7 May (Saturday) is a public holiday.
The Ministry of Manpower would like to inform companies that Polling Day, as a public holiday, should be treated in the same manner as any other public holiday.
All employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to paid public holidays, including the public holiday on Polling Day.
If an employee is required to work on Polling Day, he is entitled to an extra day’s salary for the day’s work, or be given another day off. Employees not required to work on that day are also entitled to one day off in lieu, or be given one day’s pay, as per other public holidays falling on a Saturday.
~News courtesy of Omy~
In accordance with Section 35 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Polling day on 7 May (Saturday) is a public holiday.
The Ministry of Manpower would like to inform companies that Polling Day, as a public holiday, should be treated in the same manner as any other public holiday.
All employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to paid public holidays, including the public holiday on Polling Day.
If an employee is required to work on Polling Day, he is entitled to an extra day’s salary for the day’s work, or be given another day off. Employees not required to work on that day are also entitled to one day off in lieu, or be given one day’s pay, as per other public holidays falling on a Saturday.
~News courtesy of Omy~
Sunday, April 17, 2011
North South Highway Road closure
Road closure (Malaysian North South Highway)
Kulaijaya Lay-by (southbound) at Km33.2 on the North-South Expressway will be temporarily closed until mid-August for upgrading work. Motorists are advised to use the Simpang Renggam Lay-by (southbound) at Km54.3, Senai Utara Toll Plaza at Km19.2 or Skudai Toll Plaza at Km15.1.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
Kulaijaya Lay-by (southbound) at Km33.2 on the North-South Expressway will be temporarily closed until mid-August for upgrading work. Motorists are advised to use the Simpang Renggam Lay-by (southbound) at Km54.3, Senai Utara Toll Plaza at Km19.2 or Skudai Toll Plaza at Km15.1.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
45 dead as tornadoes rip across US
45 dead as tornadoes rip across US
At least 45 people were dead after a powerful storm whipped up tornadoes in seven southern US states, media reported on Sunday.
The tornadoes left a trail of destruction in North Carolina on Saturday, levelling homes and businesses and knocking out power, the NBC television network reported.
The fast-moving storm toppled trees and power lines, tore roofs off houses and scattered tractor-trailers across highways.
Some two dozen tornadoes were reported in the southern states of Mississippi and Alabama on Friday, a day after 15 twisters struck in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, the National Weather Service said.
Violent weather also hit Arkansas and Georgia on Friday, US news reports said.
Particularly hard-hit was the North Carolina capital city of Raleigh, where dozens of homes destroyed. Officials also reported multiple fatalities and widespread power outages throughout much of the state.
The violent weather system began late Thursday in Oklahoma, and left a trail of death and destruction as it travelled on Friday and Saturday through several states.
Among seven people killed in Alabama were mother and her two children, who were taking shelter inside their double-wide trailer when it was ripped from its foundation and thrown about 500 feet, landing on its roof, disaster officials
said.
The potent storm had made its way into the Atlantic Ocean by early Sunday, meteorologists with the National Storm Prediction Center said.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
At least 45 people were dead after a powerful storm whipped up tornadoes in seven southern US states, media reported on Sunday.
The tornadoes left a trail of destruction in North Carolina on Saturday, levelling homes and businesses and knocking out power, the NBC television network reported.
The fast-moving storm toppled trees and power lines, tore roofs off houses and scattered tractor-trailers across highways.
Some two dozen tornadoes were reported in the southern states of Mississippi and Alabama on Friday, a day after 15 twisters struck in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, the National Weather Service said.
Violent weather also hit Arkansas and Georgia on Friday, US news reports said.
Particularly hard-hit was the North Carolina capital city of Raleigh, where dozens of homes destroyed. Officials also reported multiple fatalities and widespread power outages throughout much of the state.
The violent weather system began late Thursday in Oklahoma, and left a trail of death and destruction as it travelled on Friday and Saturday through several states.
Among seven people killed in Alabama were mother and her two children, who were taking shelter inside their double-wide trailer when it was ripped from its foundation and thrown about 500 feet, landing on its roof, disaster officials
said.
The potent storm had made its way into the Atlantic Ocean by early Sunday, meteorologists with the National Storm Prediction Center said.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Japan nuke evacuation zone widened
Japan nuke evacuation zone widened
JAPAN yesterday widened the evacuation zone around a stricken nuclear plant exactly a month after a huge natural disaster, as another 7.1-magnitude quake and a tsunami alert strained nerves anew.
The tremor shook buildings in Tokyo and a wide swathe of eastern Japan, knocking out power to 220,000 households and halting water being pumped to cool three damaged reactors at Fukushima.
The epicentre of the latest quake was 88 km east of the plant and it stopped the power supply behind the pumping of water to cool reactors No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. The aftershock also forced engineers to postpone plans to remove highly contaminated water from reactor No. 2.
It struck at 5.16pm (4.16pm, Singapore time), not long after the nation observed a minute's silence to remember the 13,000 people killed in the March 11 disaster and the 15,000 who are officially still missing.
The government announced earlier that because of accumulated radiation contamination, it would encourage people to leave certain areas beyond its 20km exclusion zone around the plant.
Officials in Iitate had insisted as recently as last week that the village of 6,200 was safe, even as they advised pregnant women and children under three years of age to move farther from the plant.
The decision to widen the evacuation band around the Fukushima plant was "based on data analysis of accumulated radiation-exposure information", Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said at a news conference.
"These new evacuation plans are meant to ensure safety against the risks of living there for half a year or one year," he said, adding that there was no need to evacuate immediately.
-News courtesy of Omy-
JAPAN yesterday widened the evacuation zone around a stricken nuclear plant exactly a month after a huge natural disaster, as another 7.1-magnitude quake and a tsunami alert strained nerves anew.
The tremor shook buildings in Tokyo and a wide swathe of eastern Japan, knocking out power to 220,000 households and halting water being pumped to cool three damaged reactors at Fukushima.
The epicentre of the latest quake was 88 km east of the plant and it stopped the power supply behind the pumping of water to cool reactors No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. The aftershock also forced engineers to postpone plans to remove highly contaminated water from reactor No. 2.
It struck at 5.16pm (4.16pm, Singapore time), not long after the nation observed a minute's silence to remember the 13,000 people killed in the March 11 disaster and the 15,000 who are officially still missing.
The government announced earlier that because of accumulated radiation contamination, it would encourage people to leave certain areas beyond its 20km exclusion zone around the plant.
Officials in Iitate had insisted as recently as last week that the village of 6,200 was safe, even as they advised pregnant women and children under three years of age to move farther from the plant.
The decision to widen the evacuation band around the Fukushima plant was "based on data analysis of accumulated radiation-exposure information", Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said at a news conference.
"These new evacuation plans are meant to ensure safety against the risks of living there for half a year or one year," he said, adding that there was no need to evacuate immediately.
-News courtesy of Omy-
福岛核电站 周围疏散区扩大
福岛核电站 周围疏散区扩大
日本宣布扩大福岛县核电站周围的疏散区，在现有20公里疏散区外五个村镇的居民必须在一个月内疏散。不过，日本政府强调，这并非紧急事故。
内阁秘书长枝野幸男说：“政府已将辐射照射水平预计将达到每年20毫西弗的地区，划为疏散区。”
他宣布，有鉴于核辐射可能对健康造成长期影响，疏散区外五个村镇的居民，必须在一个月内离开。此外，孩童、孕妇和留医病人也应该避开在福岛核电站20至30公里内的某些地区。
他指出，福岛核电站的情况没有恶化，扩大疏散区只是反映当局担忧，长期暴露在核辐射中可能对健康造成影响。他说：“如果你继续长期住在那些地区，例如半年或一年，累积辐射水平可能会更高。”
《联合早报》
日本宣布扩大福岛县核电站周围的疏散区，在现有20公里疏散区外五个村镇的居民必须在一个月内疏散。不过，日本政府强调，这并非紧急事故。
内阁秘书长枝野幸男说：“政府已将辐射照射水平预计将达到每年20毫西弗的地区，划为疏散区。”
他宣布，有鉴于核辐射可能对健康造成长期影响，疏散区外五个村镇的居民，必须在一个月内离开。此外，孩童、孕妇和留医病人也应该避开在福岛核电站20至30公里内的某些地区。
他指出，福岛核电站的情况没有恶化，扩大疏散区只是反映当局担忧，长期暴露在核辐射中可能对健康造成影响。他说：“如果你继续长期住在那些地区，例如半年或一年，累积辐射水平可能会更高。”
《联合早报》
Monday, April 11, 2011
台湾拟扩大禁烟范围
台湾拟扩大禁烟范围
台湾将出新招打击吸烟，未来公共场所可能实施全面禁烟。
据台湾媒体报道，台湾立法院近日完成“烟害防制法修正草案”。除了室内空间，这项草案也将公园、海水浴场等露天公共场所列入禁烟范围；未来商店也不能展示任何香烟产品。
草案也对烟盒的设计做出更严格规定。烟盒上强调“吸烟有害健康”的警示语和图案，将从目前占烟盒面积的35%增加到90%。
此外，草案拟将当前的香烟税从每包NT11.8（S$0.51），提高到NT31.8（S$1.38）。草案也规定，未来香烟中不能添加气味、颜色、维生素、草药等物品，以免吸引民众目光，甚至误导民众认为添加物对人体有益。
更严格的禁烟法令让许多吸烟者感到不满。台湾吸烟者组织“台湾相思草人权促进协会”认为，当局应该尊重吸烟者参与相关法令拟定的权利，并表示将发起反法令的连署，并到台湾卫生署门口抽烟抗议。
据报道，这项修正草案是由国民党的丁守中、罗淑蕾和民进党的田秋堇等19名立法委员参与连署提出。
在台湾积极反烟的董氏基金会认为，立委将面临选举压力，但基金会希望立委能稳住阵脚，通过这项修正案。
～以上新闻转载自omy～
台湾将出新招打击吸烟，未来公共场所可能实施全面禁烟。
据台湾媒体报道，台湾立法院近日完成“烟害防制法修正草案”。除了室内空间，这项草案也将公园、海水浴场等露天公共场所列入禁烟范围；未来商店也不能展示任何香烟产品。
草案也对烟盒的设计做出更严格规定。烟盒上强调“吸烟有害健康”的警示语和图案，将从目前占烟盒面积的35%增加到90%。
此外，草案拟将当前的香烟税从每包NT11.8（S$0.51），提高到NT31.8（S$1.38）。草案也规定，未来香烟中不能添加气味、颜色、维生素、草药等物品，以免吸引民众目光，甚至误导民众认为添加物对人体有益。
更严格的禁烟法令让许多吸烟者感到不满。台湾吸烟者组织“台湾相思草人权促进协会”认为，当局应该尊重吸烟者参与相关法令拟定的权利，并表示将发起反法令的连署，并到台湾卫生署门口抽烟抗议。
据报道，这项修正草案是由国民党的丁守中、罗淑蕾和民进党的田秋堇等19名立法委员参与连署提出。
在台湾积极反烟的董氏基金会认为，立委将面临选举压力，但基金会希望立委能稳住阵脚，通过这项修正案。
～以上新闻转载自omy～
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Seized eggs are genuine
Seized eggs are genuine
A test conducted by the state Veterinary Department on 270 eggs seized from the Pulau Tikus market has found them to be genuine.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said, however, he was still waiting for a second opinion from the Health Ministry.
“The ministry, which seized another 108 eggs from the market, is expected to reveal its findings.
“Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is expected to hold a press conference on Monday,” he said here yesterday.
The eggs, which were carted away by the authorities on Thursday, were sent for analysis at the state Veterinary Department and the ministry’s Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya.
The eggs were seized following complaints by a housewife and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that fake eggs were being sold at the market.
Thanking CAP for highlighting the issue, Phee said the Penang Consumer Watch Group in all the 40 state constituencies were also on the lookout for fake eggs.
“They will alert us if they come across anything suspicious. The public can also lodge an official complaint with us so that we can take action,” he said.
In Ipoh, Deputy Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said those who suspected that they had bought fake eggs should immediately notify the ministry for it to investigate.
“There are millions of eggs in the market and it is impossible for us to seize them all,” she told reporters after a dialogue with the Perak Sundry Shops Guild.
She said ministry enforcement officers had been directed to monitor all those selling eggs.
In Kota Kinabalu, state Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the state was keeping a close watch on the possibility of fake eggs surfacing in the local market.
~News courtesy of The Star~
A test conducted by the state Veterinary Department on 270 eggs seized from the Pulau Tikus market has found them to be genuine.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said, however, he was still waiting for a second opinion from the Health Ministry.
“The ministry, which seized another 108 eggs from the market, is expected to reveal its findings.
“Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is expected to hold a press conference on Monday,” he said here yesterday.
The eggs, which were carted away by the authorities on Thursday, were sent for analysis at the state Veterinary Department and the ministry’s Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya.
The eggs were seized following complaints by a housewife and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that fake eggs were being sold at the market.
Thanking CAP for highlighting the issue, Phee said the Penang Consumer Watch Group in all the 40 state constituencies were also on the lookout for fake eggs.
“They will alert us if they come across anything suspicious. The public can also lodge an official complaint with us so that we can take action,” he said.
In Ipoh, Deputy Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said those who suspected that they had bought fake eggs should immediately notify the ministry for it to investigate.
“There are millions of eggs in the market and it is impossible for us to seize them all,” she told reporters after a dialogue with the Perak Sundry Shops Guild.
She said ministry enforcement officers had been directed to monitor all those selling eggs.
In Kota Kinabalu, state Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the state was keeping a close watch on the possibility of fake eggs surfacing in the local market.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Philippine volcano alert level raised
Philippine volcano alert level raised
Magma rising to the surface of a volcano on a popular island close to the Philippine capital prompted the government Saturday to push up its alert level and urge visitors to stay away.
The second stage of a five-step alert system has been imposed around Taal Volcano, a visitor spot located 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila, after increased signs of activity were detected.
While this does not mean an eruption is imminent, government volcano monitoring officer Julio Sabit said tourists and residents were warned to steer clear of Taal's crater and from thermal vents on its northern side.
"It is still a grey area. We still cannot say if it will culminate in an eruption," Sabit told AFP.
The volcano could suffer intensified activity but could also slowly subside as it did last year, after showing increasing activity in June, Sabit said.
Taal is one of the most unstable of the country's 22 known active volcanoes with 33 recorded eruptions, the last one in 1977.
A lake surrounding the crater prevented deaths in 1977 and during other eruptions, as the body of water protected outlying areas from the lava.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Magma rising to the surface of a volcano on a popular island close to the Philippine capital prompted the government Saturday to push up its alert level and urge visitors to stay away.
The second stage of a five-step alert system has been imposed around Taal Volcano, a visitor spot located 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila, after increased signs of activity were detected.
While this does not mean an eruption is imminent, government volcano monitoring officer Julio Sabit said tourists and residents were warned to steer clear of Taal's crater and from thermal vents on its northern side.
"It is still a grey area. We still cannot say if it will culminate in an eruption," Sabit told AFP.
The volcano could suffer intensified activity but could also slowly subside as it did last year, after showing increasing activity in June, Sabit said.
Taal is one of the most unstable of the country's 22 known active volcanoes with 33 recorded eruptions, the last one in 1977.
A lake surrounding the crater prevented deaths in 1977 and during other eruptions, as the body of water protected outlying areas from the lava.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Egg-streme deception
Egg-streme deception
FAKE eggs, which are allegedly full of chemicals, have been found in Penang.
A housewife who bought a tray of 30 eggs for RM11 in a market has complained to the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that they were fake.
CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the housewife brought the eggs to the association’s office on Jalan Mesjid Negeri yesterday morning after finding something fishy about them when she tried to cook them.
“She said the eggs did not smell like real eggs and were tasteless.
“They had unusual shapes and were larger than real eggs. The fake egg also had a rougher surface than the genuine one.
“When broken, there were no signs of the chalazae which is the opaque ropes of egg white that hold the egg yolk in the centre of the egg. The fake egg white and egg yolk quickly mixed together unlike those of genuine eggs,” Idris told a press conference yesterday.
The fake egg yolk is of a darker yellowish hue.
He said they found that the yolk of the fake egg was more yellowish than the real one when they cooked one of the fake eggs to find out the difference.
Idris said an e-mail circulated in the Internet had stated that fake eggs were common in China and were full of chemicals.
“According to the e-mail, the shell is made of calcium carbonate while the yolk and egg white are made of sodium alginate, alum, gelatin, benzoic acid and calcium chloride besides water and food colouring.
“Calcium chloride may cause liver diseases while benzoic acid can be harmful to the brain and nerve cells,” he said.
Asked how consumers can differentiate fake eggs from genuine ones, Idris said it would be very hard to do so as they looked almost the same.
“Try to look out for the weird shapes,” he said, adding that CAP staff went to buy eggs from the shop where the woman had bought the fake ones and the staff found the eggs were indeed fake.
He said CAP would write complaint letters to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority to urge them to carry out investigations.
The ministry’s Penang enforcement division head M. Guna Selan said his office had not received any complaints of fake eggs so far.
“I will check with CAP first on the details of the complaint before deciding on the next course of action,” he said.
The content of the circulated e-mail was found through a Google search.
It stated that various ingredients, including an unknown powder and alum, are mixed together to make the egg white.
For egg yolk, some lemon- yellow colouring powder is mixed to a liquid and stirred.
The liquid is then poured into a round-shaped plastic mould and mixed with so-called ‘magic water’, which contains calcium chloride.
Hardy shells are formed by pouring paraffin wax and a liquid onto the concoction which are then left to dry.
-News courtesy of The Star-
FAKE eggs, which are allegedly full of chemicals, have been found in Penang.
A housewife who bought a tray of 30 eggs for RM11 in a market has complained to the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that they were fake.
CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the housewife brought the eggs to the association’s office on Jalan Mesjid Negeri yesterday morning after finding something fishy about them when she tried to cook them.
“She said the eggs did not smell like real eggs and were tasteless.
“They had unusual shapes and were larger than real eggs. The fake egg also had a rougher surface than the genuine one.
“When broken, there were no signs of the chalazae which is the opaque ropes of egg white that hold the egg yolk in the centre of the egg. The fake egg white and egg yolk quickly mixed together unlike those of genuine eggs,” Idris told a press conference yesterday.
The fake egg yolk is of a darker yellowish hue.
He said they found that the yolk of the fake egg was more yellowish than the real one when they cooked one of the fake eggs to find out the difference.
Idris said an e-mail circulated in the Internet had stated that fake eggs were common in China and were full of chemicals.
“According to the e-mail, the shell is made of calcium carbonate while the yolk and egg white are made of sodium alginate, alum, gelatin, benzoic acid and calcium chloride besides water and food colouring.
“Calcium chloride may cause liver diseases while benzoic acid can be harmful to the brain and nerve cells,” he said.
Asked how consumers can differentiate fake eggs from genuine ones, Idris said it would be very hard to do so as they looked almost the same.
“Try to look out for the weird shapes,” he said, adding that CAP staff went to buy eggs from the shop where the woman had bought the fake ones and the staff found the eggs were indeed fake.
He said CAP would write complaint letters to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority to urge them to carry out investigations.
The ministry’s Penang enforcement division head M. Guna Selan said his office had not received any complaints of fake eggs so far.
“I will check with CAP first on the details of the complaint before deciding on the next course of action,” he said.
The content of the circulated e-mail was found through a Google search.
It stated that various ingredients, including an unknown powder and alum, are mixed together to make the egg white.
For egg yolk, some lemon- yellow colouring powder is mixed to a liquid and stirred.
The liquid is then poured into a round-shaped plastic mould and mixed with so-called ‘magic water’, which contains calcium chloride.
Hardy shells are formed by pouring paraffin wax and a liquid onto the concoction which are then left to dry.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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