马来西亚的路程碑
Malaysian Road Sign
Malaysian Road Sign
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》
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)