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Haze from Indonesian fires causes pollution spike in Malaysia

PHOTO: Kuala Lumpur has been blanketed in haze from agricultural fires in Indonesia. (Instagram: fizoomar)

Pollution readings soared past the 200-point level in the Malaysian government's hourly air-quality index on Sunday morning (local time).Acrid smoke billowing from agricultural fires in Indonesia has caused a spike in air pollution in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry of Education ordered schools shut on Monday in the capital and three states due to health concerns, the second time this month it has had to issue such an order.

On Saturday, as the haze built up, an airport just outside Kuala Lumpur closed temporarily as visibility dropped to less than 400 metres.

The closure forced at least 20 flights to be cancelled, according to Malaysian media reports, and followed Singapore's shuttering of schools on Friday as air there worsened to "hazardous" levels.

Parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have been shrouded for weeks in a choking smoke haze from tinder-dry parts of Indonesia's Sumatra island.

The haze crisis — the worst since mid-2013 — grips the region nearly every year during the dry season, when agricultural land is illegally cleared by burning.

Indonesia has faced pressure from its neighbours to address the problem since it first emerged about 20 years ago.

But the issue has persisted, especially as plantations have expanded, driven in large part by rising global demand for palm oil, a key ingredient in a vast range of everyday consumer products.

Malaysian skies have been a smoky grey for most of the past month, and authorities on September 15 ordered schools closed in Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring states.

On Friday, Singapore's foreign minister K Shanmugam lashed out at what he called "shocking statements" by senior Indonesian officials perceived as making light of the problem.

Haze levels in Singapore had improved by Sunday, dropping below the "unhealthy" mark.

Indonesian authorities have indicated the problem may not clear up anytime soon.

National Disaster Management Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said the "fires continue to rage" despite a push to extinguish the blazes on farm expanses and peatlands that has included the deployment of military personnel.

He said new fires were cropping up, while those that were previously extinguished had re-emerged in peatlands or had been deliberately reignited.

He added that pollution readings in several Indonesian cities were at hazardous levels, and that nearly 168,000 people in affected areas has sought medical treatment for respiratory problems.

Indonesia had earlier declared a state of emergency in Sumatra's hard-hit Riau province.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-27/smoke-from-indonesia-causes-air-pollution-spike-in-malaysia/6808080

Bounty for exposing Dr M: Good idea, but flawed method

June 6, 2015

CAGM is exposing itself to a devastating defamation suit by the former PM.

COMMENT

by Khalid Ahmad

Congratulation to Citizens for Accountable Governance (CAGM) for coming up with the noble idea of rewarding informants who can prove Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s alleged corruption. I love it. Malaysians can all go information hunting now for the bounty.

The members of this group must be a bunch of honest and sincere people themselves – and generous to boot, considering the RM1 million they are offering. I assume they have plenty more stashed somewhere.

However, while the idea is good, the implementation has been flawed right from the start.

You see, you should not name your target before you have any evidence on him. If CAGM fails to get any evidence on Mahathir, it will be an easy target for a RM1 billion defamation suit by the former prime minister.

Is RM1 billion too much? Certainly not, since Mahathir is a global personality and he was the PM for 22 years. Furthermore, in the age of the Internet, a defamatory statement spreads across the world instantly.

So, how can CAGM achieve its objective? I suggest that it widen its target. It should check on all prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, chief ministers, secretaries-general, directors-general, municipality presidents and many more officials – past and present.

So, CAGM, get the billions ready. This is much better than BRIM because we have to earn it.

I am for you.

Khalid Ahmad is an FMT reader.

With a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.

 http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2015/06/06/bounty-for-exposing-dr-m-good-idea-but-flawed-method/

Scandal-hit 1MDB should halt further business deals

Lin KayKay

 | May 11, 2015

Singapore Business Times says 1MDB should not undertake major business decisions while it is under investigation.

KUALA LUMPUR: A major Singapore business newspaper has ventured in an op-ed, for 1MDB, it cannot be business as usual, that the Ministry of Finance-owned strategic investment arm should not be engaging in further deals when it is reportedly under investigation.

Besides, 1MDB has seen a redrawing of the battle lines in Malaysian politics with calls for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to step down and others, including his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, criticising him.

The Business Times was referring to a land deal where 1MDB left the Lembaga Tabung Haji with 1.56 acres of land in Kuala Lumpur for a whopping RM188.5 million. “It should not be making major business decisions like these. It should not have been allowed to do so.”

“The controversy arises because 1MDB has not addressed various allegations and struggled to repay a RM2 billion loan.”

It’s a question of ethics, the paper stressed, and pointed out that both the Auditor General’s Office (A-G) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have yet to reveal their findings, if any, so far.

“The reality is that when it comes to 1MDB and for as long as trust remains broken and the outcome of the probe was not yet known, commercial merits on their own are insufficient grounds to embark on any deals, in whatever shape and form, involving the firm and public funds,” said the paper.

If 1MDB had aspired for a business-as-usual backdrop to conduct its strategic review, the paper added, then it should have stepped up its response to the controversy and put the allegations to rest without having to wait for the outcome of the investigations. “But it hasn’t done this.”

“There’s lack of progress on the probes ordered in March.”

Interestingly, besides a change of CEO, the 1MDB board members remain the same. “This is the same board that oversaw the RM42 billion debts chalked up by the company (in five years) and none have been charged, let alone implicated.”

“This is despite the inability of the firm to dismiss the various allegations.”

In the wake of the land deal, the paper said, the conflict of interest situation involving both LTH and 1MDB have become more apparent. “Ismee Ismail is the pilgrim fund’s CEO and 1MDB board director, although it was clarified on Saturday that he abstained from voting on the deal.”

Aside from Ismee, Irwan Siregar, the secretary-general of the Finance Ministry which owns 1MDB, advises it, and is a director of LTH.

 http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/05/11/scandal-hit-1mdb-should-halt-further-business-deals/

Online authority names 14 wanted over spreading ‘false news’ on floods

Online authority names 14 wanted over spreading ‘false news’ on floods

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is looking for 14 individuals to assist in its investigation into the spreading of alleged false news on the east coast floods through social media and messaging apps.

This move follows eight individuals who came forward to give their cooperation to the communications regulator.

The probe by the MCMC was in the wake of the spread of alleged false news, including claims that aid was not reaching those in need and that only those connected to Barisan Nasional are receiving help.

There are also claims that a Manek Urai school used as a relief centre had collapsed, claiming many lives. Police have since denied the incident.

"To date, eight people have given their cooperation. All of them have come to our office to help in our investigation," said MCMC monitoring and enforcement division chief Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin.

The latest batch of individuals – nine men and six women – have been asked to give their statements to the authorities immediately.

They are:

1. Raja Mohd Haidi Raja Daod, 27. Last known address: Kg Manek Urai, 18000 Kuala Krai, Kelantan

2. Zawawi Mat, 39. Last known address: No 26, Kg Tengah, Kuala Krai.

3. Mohd Bustam Omar, 40. Last known address: 6224 Jalan Kota Raja, Taman Bijaya, Klang, Selangor.

4. Mohamad Azrani Daud, 32. Last known address: No 70, Kampung Keda, Sadik, Kupang, Kedah.

5. Mohd Fauzi Mohd Azmi, 40.  Last known address: 2537, Lorong Bangau 2, Taman Si Buyong, Jalan Mentok Cukai, Terengganu.

6. Mohamad Zamzami Yaakob, 48. Last known address: Kampung Wakaf Lichong, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.

7. El Jiffy Abd Aziz, 29. Last known address: 15 Jalan Melur 29, Taman Melur, Ampang, Selangor.

8. Yuliza Indriani Zulfin, 29. Last known address: 981-A, Paya Bemban, Jalan Abd Kadir Adabi, Kota Baru, Kelantan.

9. Farah Wahida Abdullah Suhaimi, 31. Last known address: No. 3-4-5, Blok 3 Sri Permata Condo, Jalan SASAAS 9/6, Seksyen 9, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor.

10. Natrah Mohamed, 30. Last known address: No 13, Jalan 4/10 B, Seksyen 4 Tambahan, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor

11. Norazimah Zakaria, 30. Last known address: Blok E1, 12 Mahallat Al Zahrawi, UIAM Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang.

12. Siti Asiah Shaary, 22. Last known address: No 5, Jalan SD 2/2 Taman Seri Duyong 2, Melaka.

13. Ayub Musa, 37. Last known address: No 24, Lorong Chengal Lempong Baru 12, Taman Balok Jaya, Fasa 3, Perkampungan Chengal, Lempong Bari, Kuantan.

14. Nor Azwani Saimi, 26. Last known address: No 48, Kg Air Lanas, Lata Rek, Kuala Krai.

Those with information should contact MCMC investigation officer Mohamad Syukri Jamaluddin (019-2869515) or Rafina Mimi Muhammad (019-2869471) immediately.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police are to collaborate with MCMC to trace those who spread false information online.

"They have caused anxiety among the people affected by the floods. I hope the people will not listen to these rumours but get authentic information from the relevant authorities," he said. – January 2, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/online-authority-names-15-wanted-over-spreading-false-news-on-floods#sthash.JteLiLZk.dpuf

6 Reasons Why Malaysia Was Named 3rd Best Place To Retire In 2014

By Melody Oei. Updated 12 months ago

The Global Retirement Index Named Malaysia The 3rd Best Place To Retire In 2014

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  In the 2014 edition of its annual Global Retirement Index, American magazine InternationalLiving.com places Panama at the top of the list of the best places to spend retirement.
  
  
  
  
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  A total of 24 countries are listed in the magazine's ranking, which is based on the analysis from its correspondents around the globe. Each destination is evaluated across eight areas with an effect on everyday life, including real estate, climate, cost of living, entertainment and healthcare.
  
  
  themalaysianinsider.com

Below Are 6 Reasons Why They Named Malaysia "Asia's Best Retirement Haven"

REASON 1: "There Are Cool Hill Stations, Mountain Retreats From The Time Of The British Raj, Islands To Hop Or Explore By Yacht, And Health Care Is Second-To-None"

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  "The average temperature is 82 F all year round, and you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world here."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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  "Malaysia is the best place to retire in Asia right now, and there’s no sign of that changing."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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REASON 2: "Infrastructure Is First World And You'll Have No Problem Finding High Speed Internet Or Cable TV"

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  "Infrastructure here is First World and you’ll have no problem finding high speed Internet or cable TV (Packages cost from $30 a month). If you chose to drive you’ll find the roads are excellent. And when you move to Malaysia you can import a car—and your household goods—duty free."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

REASON 3: "If You Choose To Buy Property Malaysia Makes It Easier For You As A Foreigner Than Anywhere Else In The Region"

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  "You can buy freehold and there’s no limit on the number of properties you can own either, just a minimum purchase price set by the local government (it’s $163,500 in Penang)."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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REASON 4: "Penang Island, The Country's Capital In The South (You Mean North?), Are Medical Centres Of Excellence"

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  "Penang Island, in the north east and Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital in the south, are medical centers of excellence."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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  "The hospitals are top-notch and the physicians speak English, having been either been trained or completed their postgraduate studies in the U.S. or UK—which makes the cost of health care all the more incredible. You can see a specialist without any need for an appointment for as little as $11. Just turn up. It’s the same with dentists."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

REASON 5: "The Country's Diverse Ethnic Mix Makes Being A Stranger Here Easy"

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  "Whether you live in bohemian Penang or Kuala Lumpur, the country’s hip capital, you’ll meet friendly locals who are happy to stop and chat and welcome you into their home. People are accepting, just ask the international mix of expats all on the same journey as you and happy to share."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

REASON 6: "Malaysians Have A Lot Of Respect For Older People; In Fact It's An Intrinsic Part Of Their Culture"

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  "A full-time, live-in maid costs just $400 a month, and single older expats hire maids with nursing abilities, who care for them in the comfort of their own home."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

In Its Annual Global Retirement Index, InternationalLiving.com Profiles The Best Destinations For Good-Value Living Around The World

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  International Living is a publishing group founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1979 as part of Agora, Inc. headed by Bill Bonner. International Living monthly newsletter covers topics including retiring overseas, living abroad, international real estate, investment and travel, while an "IL Postcard" is emailed daily to readers.

http://says.com/my/lifestyle/malaysia-third-best-place-to-retire-in-2014

13 new arrests in Shah Alam over Islamic State links

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police were constantly on the lookout for militant activities. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, October 15, 2014.Police arrested 13 men at a restaurant in Shah Alam yesterday for alleged links with Islamic State (Isis) militants, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
The Star reported that Khalid gave a brief press conference today to reveal the latest arrests, which brings to 36 the total number of people arrested so far this year for alleged militant involvement.
Between January and June this year, police arrested 23 people in various parts of Malaysia for alleged links to the Islamic State.

"Militancy and terrorism have no place in Malaysia. Police are constantly monitoring these kind of activities," Khalid was reported as saying during the conference at Bukit Aman this morning. The atrocities committed by Islamic State militants in the Middle East has drawn widespread global condemnation and provoked a military response from the United States.
Putrajaya has also come out to condemn the Islamic State, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak saying Malaysia deplored the actions of Isis in Syria and Iraq.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has urged the public to report any social site accounts that spread militancy or terrorism in this country.
MCMC strategic communications senior director, Sheikh Raffie Abd Rahman said parents needed to be alert and monitor any changes in their children's behaviour and activities online.  
"MCMC always cooperates with the police in cases such as this to help investigations," he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that militant groups in Syria were not only recruiting Malaysian girls but also tried to recruit teenaged students in the name of jihad.
Principal assistant director of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Special Branch at Bukit Aman, SAC Datuk Ayub Khan Mydin Pitchay had said they conducted their recruitment drive through Facebook and targeted students and teenage girls.
Sheikh Raffie said Facebook was only one of the platforms that was probably used by the groups to recruit members apart from other social media platform.
"However I am made to understand that there are sites or accounts that have been closed by Facebook as they are suspected of trying to bring militant ideology and spread militant activities," he said.
At present 22 Malaysians, including three women, had been identified as having joined the militant groups in Syria. – October 15, 2014.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/13-new-arrests-in-shah-alam-over-islamic-state-links