Dugongs at Cyrene Reef
wild shores of singapore
Butterfly Photography at Our Local Parks - Springleaf Nature Park
Butterflies of Singapore
Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat (Cynopterus brachyotis) @ Singapore Botanic Gardens
Monday Morgue
It will cover all animal production sectors amid global threat of antibiotic resistance
Cheow Sue-Ann Straits Times 4 Dec 17;
In the face of a global spread of antibiotic resistance, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) will be ramping up the monitoring of resistant bacteria in livestock reared at local farms.
This is because antibiotics fed to animals can end up affecting human health upon consumption.
The authority said it is expanding its surveillance programme in phases to all animal production sectors, including farms rearing fish, cattle and goats. Besides the animals themselves, their products, such as milk, will also be monitored.
Currently, the agency's surveillance focuses on food-borne pathogens, such as salmonella, in local layer hen farms.
For a start, AVA has expanded its surveillance since last month to other poultry and ruminant farms such as those rearing goats.
The move follows the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by Senior Minister of State for Health Lam Pin Min last month.
The plan covers a broad range of areas, from medical prescription of antibiotics and public education to better monitoring at local farms.
EXISTING REGULATIONS
In Singapore, AVA has banned the use of certain antibiotics in food-producing animals and antibiotics are not allowed to be used for promoting growth of animals. Farmers who use antibiotics in their animals are required to observe a certain time period before the animals or animal products can be slaughtered or sold.
AN AVA SPOKESMAN
It was drawn up by an inter-ministerial committee - the first time the Singapore authorities joined hands to provide a whole-of-government effort to tackle antibiotic resistance.
The World Health Organisation in October also put forth recommendations for farmers worldwide to halt the use of antibiotics in healthy animals. It said the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, not just in humans but also in animals, are worsening the threat of antibiotic resistance.
In response to queries, the AVA said it will also extend surveillance of AMR bacteria in both imported food and local farms to include bacteria such as E. coli. However, it said there are existing regulations in place at local farms to prevent the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
"In Singapore, AVA has banned the use of certain antibiotics in food-producing animals, and antibiotics are not allowed to be used for promoting growth of animals," said a spokesman.
"Farmers who use antibiotics in their animals are required to observe a certain time period before the animals or animal products can be slaughtered or sold," he added.
Only in some cases, such as when there are bacterial infections in animals, can farmers apply antibiotics.
But imported meat and eggs may not be antibiotic-free, though the level of these chemicals are tested and monitored by the AVA.
Nanyang Technological University Food Technology Centre director Jorgen Schlundt said antibiotic resistance can be caused by overuse of such medication in farming and agriculture.
As microbes become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, even minor illnesses can be a threat to human life. Today, the problem kills about 700,000 people globally each year, noted Professor Schlundt.
"Resistant bacteria are additionally dangerous because when you get sick from them and the medical doctor gives you an antimicrobial to cure you, that antimicrobial might not work," he explained.
Local farmers say not using antibiotics has come at some cost.
Said Mr William Ho, 51, owner of Lian Wah Hang Quail Farm at Lim Chu Kang : "Even though not using such medication does raise our operation cost by about 15 per cent, the knowledge that the eggs we sell are good for the public is worth it."
He added that imported eggs may not be antibiotic-free, while local produce will more likely be.
Maintaining a clean environment has also aided farmers in doing away with antibiotics.
Mr Eric Ng, 44, group chief executive officer of Apollo Aquaculture Group, said he uses "several technologies to ensure that the water our fish live in is cleaner and therefore less likely to lead to disease".
Local egg-farming giant Seng Choon Farm said basic hygiene practices such as hand washing, disinfection procedures and pest control are as important on the farm as in a hospital. It also employs vaccinations, prebiotics, probiotics, phytogenics or other natural ingredients to boost the birds' immunity.
Channel NewsAsia 3 Dec 17;
SINGAPORE: More than half of the food waste generated by Singapore households could have been avoided by not ordering, buying or cooking too much, a recent study found.
The amount of food waste measured in the study conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) between November 2016 to March 2017 was equal to throwing away a 2.5kg bag of rice every week, the agency said in a news release on Sunday (Dec 3).
The study involved collecting waste from 279 households over three days and sorting it to determine the amount of "avoidable" and "unavoidable" food waste including parts of food not intended for consumption such as bones and egg shells.
A total of 443 families were also interviewed to understand their food waste management habits.
About one in four households said they had leftovers after a meal at least half the time. A quarter said they often threw away spoilt or expired food, mostly because they had bought too much food and had food hidden at the back of the fridge.
Half of them acknowledged that they could have taken steps to avoid food waste generated from leftovers after a meal, food expiring or becoming spoilt, and throwing away blemished fruits and vegetables.
More than 50 per cent of the families interviewed also suggested that supermarkets pack food items into smaller portions and for eateries to offer different dish portion sizes.
FOOD WASTE HEAVIER THAN 3,500 MRT TRAINS
Food waste accounts for about half of the waste disposed by each Singapore household every day. Rice, noodles and bread are the most commonly wasted food items, according to the study.
Food waste in Singapore has increased by about 40 per cent over the last 10 years, with the amount last year being equivalent to the weight of more than 3,500 MRT trains, NEA said.
"At the current rate of waste disposal, we will require a new waste-to-energy plant to be built every seven to 10 years and a new landfill to be built every 35 years. This is not sustainable given Singapore’s land scarcity constraints," it added.
The agency advised members of the public to buy, cook or order only what they need. Tips include making a shopping list to avoid impulse buys, asking for less rice or noodles based on one’s appetite, as well as using leftovers to cook the next meal.
They are also advised to store raw foods that are not consumed within three to four days in the refrigerator to minimise nutrition loss as well as bacteria spoilage due to Singapore's warm temperature.
"Food waste is an important issue to tackle as part of our efforts to move Singapore towards our vision of a Zero Waste Nation," said Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Health and Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources at a grassroots event on Sunday.
"If everyone does their part to reduce food waste, we also save on the resources needed to produce the food, as well as to dispose of it. This in turn reduces our carbon footprint," she added.
Source: CNA/kc
More than half of food thrown away by households can be avoided: NEA study
KELLY NG Today Online 4 Dec 17;
Amount of food waste generated in Singapore has increased by about 40 per cent over last 10 years
SINGAPORE — More than half of food waste generated by Singapore households would not have been trashed if they were better managed, such as by buying and cooking the right proportions, a waste audit has found.
This amount of "avoidable" food waste generated by each household amounts to chucking a 2.5kg bag of rice each week, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Sharing these findings at a community health event for ladies at Hong Kah North Community Club on Sunday (Dec 3), Senior Minister of State for Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor urged Singaporeans to avoid wasting food during the upcoming festive season by not succumbing to "impulse buys". She suggested saving leftovers for other dishes and ordering only what one can consume while eating out.
"It is a period when we tend to over indulge... This festive season, I hope everyone will adopt healthier eating habits and eat in moderation by ordering or cooking only what you need," she said.
"This will not only allow us to keep healthy but also avoid food waste and reduce expenses. At the same time, we will be doing our bit for the environment."
The NEA study on household waste showed that 54 per cent of food waste generated by households would not have been binned if people adopted a more prudent approach towards managing their food.
Twenty seven per cent of households interviewed in the study - which polled 443 families from November 2016 to March this year - said they had leftovers at least half the time.
In addition, about one in four (24 per cent) said they often threw away spoilt and expired food as a result of buying too much, or due to having food items hidden at the back of the fridge.
"Personally, I must confess that it happens to me, when I go to a supermarket... So I think it is important to raise awareness among consumers, give them tips, on how to manage food waste," said Dr Khor.
The amount of food waste generated in Singapore has increased by about 40 per cent over the last 10 years. Last year, the city state generated 791,000 tonnes of food waste - equivalent to the weight of over 3,500 MRT trains, noted the NEA.
As part of the audit, waste was collected from 279 household over three days and sorted to determine the amount of "avoidable" and "unavoidable" food waste, including parts of food not intended for consumption, like bones and egg shells, that each households throws away.
Food waste accounts for about half the waste disposed by each Singapore household daily. Staples like rice, noodles and bread are the most commonly discarded food items.
Dr Khor said that as society becomes more affluent, food choices have also increased. "People start consuming more, and that can become a habit," she said.
"Sometimes, culture (plays a part too). For instance, during festive seasons like Chinese New Year, they always say... We must always have some (food) left over."
Half of the households interviewed acknowledged, on hindsight, that they could have done more to avoid food waste in the form of leftovers, expired or spoilt food, and blemished fruits and vegetables.
Fifty four per cent of the households surveyed also said that retailers and manufacturers can help to reduce food wastage, such as by packing food in smaller portions.
The authorities will look at working with business like supermarkets and food retail outlets to reduce food waste, said Dr Khor.
On Sunday, she also announced the second National Falls Prevention Awareness Campaign, which will focus on preventing falls at home for the elderly.
Six in 10 falls among seniors occur at home, according to figures from the National Trauma Registry.
As such, this year's campaign centres on encouraging households to keep their floors clutter-free, use non-slip mats and install grab-bars to provide extra support.
"Falls are a common cause of injury and can have serious implications on health and quality of life... Together, we can make our homes safe for ourselves and our loved ones," said Dr Khor.
2.5kg of food a week wasted by each household, equal to half of all household waste: NEA study
Lim Min Zhang Straits Times 3 Dec 17;
SINGAPORE - About 2.5kg of food waste is thrown away by an average Singapore home each week, and this makes uphalf of all waste the home disposes, a National Environment Agency (NEA) study released on Sunday (Dec 3) showed.
More than half the food wasted could be avoided through people not buying, ordering or cooking excessively, with rice, noodles and bread forming the most commonly wasted food items, said the five-month study involving 443 homes.
The findings underscore the fact that the amount of food waste generated in Singapore has increased by about 40 per cent over the last 10 years, with the amount last year (2016) - 791,000 tonnes - equivalent to the weight of more than 3,500 MRT trains.
At a grassroots event at Hong Kah Community Club on Sunday, Senior Minister of State for Health, and the Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor said a more affluent society and a wider range of food choices were possible reasons for this increase.
People in 443 homes took part in the household waste study from November 2016 to March 2017.
Waste samples were collected from 279 of these homes over three days a week to determine the proportion that was avoidable, versus waste not intended for human consumption, such as egg shells and bones. The other homes had interviews done.
The survey showed that 27 per cent of the homes had leftovers after a meal at least half the time, while 24 per cent often threw away spoilt or expired food, mainly because the respondentsbought too much, and they were not aware of food items hidden at the back of the fridge.
Dr Khor agreed with the agency's appeal for businesses to take on a greater role to reduce food waste.
Even if it's a little effort, do something to lead a healthier lifestyle: Amy Khor
About 54 per cent of the study's respondents also agreed, suggesting that food be packed in smaller portions at supermarkets, and having food outlets offer different food portions.
To avoid having to throw away food turned bad, Ms Gladys Wong, chief dietitian and senior manager of nutrition and dietetics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, advised people to refrigerate most raw foods not consumed within three or four days, given Singapore's warm temperature.
"If possible, store foods whole. Cut or peel only before eating or cooking as the cut surfaces of the foods when exposed to air can result in some nutrient loss," she said.
At Singapore's current rate of waste disposal, a new waste-to-energy plant needs to be built every seven to 10 years, while a new landfill would be needed every 35 years.
This is not sustainable given Singapore's land scarcity, said the NEA statement on the study results.
Raffaella Nathan Charles Straits Times 2 Dec 17;
SINGAPORE - When three friends got together to drink their first bottle of wine at 18, they came up with a novel idea to preserve the moment: flatten the bottle, and "upcycle" it into pretty glassware.
A year and a half later, a successful business, Glassland, was formed to turn used glass bottles into pretty plates.
On Saturday (Dec 2), the company took up one of 30 product booths - up from 16 last year - at the third annual UP Market.
The event, held at HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, was Singapore's first upcycling-themed market to encourage a zero-waste lifestyle.
Upcycling refers to the creative reuse of materials that are usually discarded.
Around 4,000 residents visited the day-long market, making their rounds through product booths from eco-friendly vendors such as Glassland.
"We have made more than 200 products, most of them customised," said Mr Lee Cheng Hei, 20, director of business development at Glassland, which now has four partners.
A lot of research went into engineering the glass-flattening process, including heating up the glass and the chemicals that went into it, said the second-year Ngee Ann Polytechnic student.
The plates, costing around $30 each, "challenge environmental sustainability concerns and encourage upcycling", said Mr Lee, who is studying business.
Another vendor, TerraSG, is a social enterprise that advocates eco-friendliness as well.
The business was set up to make "old things that people think should be thrown away into new things of even higher value than at first", said co-founder Kelvin Wong, 34.
Together with co-founder Eric Oh, 42, Mr Wong reached out to employ single mothers, the elderly and the intellectually disabled to make crafts such as fairy lights inside 1.5-litre milk bottles, coin pouches made of milk cartons, and coconut husk fibres converted into plant pots.
Mr Wong said: "We started out trying to be a ground-up initiative, calling for Singaporeans to be more green. We also knew we wanted to focus more on lifestyle products that approach environmental concerns in an appealing and sustainable way."
This message was also brought out by Mayor Denise Phua and Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
Mrs Teo, who is also Second Minister for Manpower and Home Affairs, hoped that the market could "enable more citizens to keep Singapore clean and green".
Mrs Phua reminded residents that Pulau Semakau's landfill was half full, stating that there was an "urgency to work towards a zero-waste Singapore".
The market also had workshops, game booths and six Instagram-worthy installations as well - a new concept for event organiser Central Singapore Community Development Council.
The six new installations aimed to inspire marketgoers to craft their own upcycled wares, and show cool household hacks such as using kettles as lamps, or use big plastic milk bottles as an organiser for assorted things at home, from cutlery to toys.
There were also bean bags made of T-shirts and a plant wall using plastic fizzy drink bottles.
Other than taking cute photos at the photogenic installations, families, and even senior citizens, had fun playing at the games booths. One had a giant chess board with round tuna cans as chess pieces.
Ms Thennarasi Gopalnaidu, a 24-year-old who works in the wine industry, said of the market: "It's an amazing initiative to encourage Singaporeans to be good to the earth. I do my own crafts as well, so it's pretty inspiring to see that we can craft while also staying eco-friendly."
New Straits Times 3 Dec 17;
KUANTAN: Raub has become the first district in Pahang to be hit by floods in the current monsoon season after Sungai Lipis burst its banks following incessant heavy rain since Friday.
State Civil Defence Force director Zainal Yusoff said 47 people from two villages were evacuated to a surau in Cheroh and a community hall in Kampung Ulu Sungai in Raub overnight.
He said the first relief centre in Cheroh was opened at about 9.25pm on Saturday after two houses in Kampung Melayu Cheroh were inundated by ankle-deep water.
"As the overflowing river water continued to rise, 10 victims from two families were immediately told to vacate their homes. Later, at about 11.30pm, Kampung Ulu Sungai was hit by the river water, forcing 37 victims to be evacuated.
"Police and firemen helped us to relocate the victims, while Welfare Department staff provided assistance at the relief centres," he said.
Zainal added that although the rain has stopped in Raub, the river’s level continues to rise and remains at the danger mark.
The number of flood victims evacuated to relief centres in Raub has increased to 68 as of noon, compared to 47 earlier today.
State Civil Defence Force director Zainal Yusoff said a third relief centre was opened at the Kuala Semantan Community hall at 8am to accommodate 21 evacuees from five families.
He said yesterday, 47 people from 14 families were evacuated to a surau in Cheroh and a community hall in Kampung Ulu Sungai here after Sungai Lipis burst its banks following incessant heavy rain since Friday.
"The victims are those staying in low-lying areas along Sungai Lipis, and they were immediately evacuated to relief centres before the situation could get worse.
"Since the weather has improved and the river is now flowing downstream, we have reminded those living along the river (downstream) to be prepared to leave their homes in the event that their homes are inundated," Zainal added.
Terengganu's coastal residents told to brace for monsoonal tidal waves
ADRIAN DAVID New Straits Times 3 Dec 17;
KUALA NERUS: Coastal residents of Terengganu have been advised to be on alert for monsoonal tidal waves that are expected to lash their villages in the coming days.
Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Che Adam Abdul Rahman said that the adverse weather currently experienced by the state is expected to continue, and he advised the public to stay away from beaches.
He called on parents to closely monitor their children’s movements during the school holidays, as many would be tempted to play at beaches.
“The tidal waves are very treacherous and can pose a danger at any time. Some of the waves from this north-easterly monsoon can reach up to 1.79 metres.
“The winds will also be very strong and can blow off roof tops,” he said.
Adam added that the tidal waves could spill over to coastal roads and cautioned motorists to be on their guard.
“On our part, we have dispatched our mobile units to patrol coastal areas, in tandem with other enforcement agencies, and will send out alerts when necessary.
“The last thing we want is to see untoward incidents involving the loss of lives,” he said after visiting Tangjung Gelam in Mengabang Telipot, which is facing coastal erosion.
The state government has directed the Drainage and Irrigation Department to take immediate action at Tanjung Gelam to prevent a catastrophe.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a Category Two warning of strong north-easterly winds of 50-60 km per hour and rough seas with waves reaching 4.5 metres off Condore, Reef North and Layang-Layang island in the South China Sea.
The department’s website stated that the situation, expected to last until Tuesday, is dangerous for all vessels, including recreational boats, fishing boats and ferries.
A Category One warning of winds of up to 40-50km per hour and waves of 3.5 metres high has been issued for Tioman, Bunguran, Reef South, Labuan (Sabah) and Palawan (the southern Philippines) during the same period.
Thunderstorms are also expected off Koh Samui in south Thailand, Condore and Reef North on Sunday night.
The affected regions cover Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah.
Antara 3 Dec 17;
Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - Floods submerged 1,000 hectares of rice fields in five sub-districts in Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta special autonomous province.
"There are 1,000 hectares of rice fields that have been flooded. The floods have begun to subside since Saturday. Panjatan sub-district is the worst hit by flooding," Sasongko, head of the agriculture office of Yogyakarta, said here, Sunday.
Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has instructed the district administration to compensate farmers who have lost their paddies if they are not covered by insurance.
The Sultan has extended the period of natural disaster emergency response status for two weeks, beginning Dec 6. Earlier, the emergency status was declared on Nov 29 until Dec 5, 2017.
Yogyakarta has declared an emergency alert status following natural disasters, such as floods, landslides, and whirlwinds, that hit the region. The
The National Meteorological, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency had reported that extreme weather will continue for three days, but Yogyakarta has declared an emergency status for a week, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the governor of Yogyakarta, stated here, Wednesday.
The decision to declare the emergency status was taken during a coordination meeting on disaster mitigation attended by officials of the Yogyakarta disaster mitigation office.
By declaring the emergency status, district and provincial authorities could use the reserve funds for disaster mitigation efforts.
The severe weather has been triggered by the Cempaka dan Dahlia tropical cyclones.
The Yogyakarta finance office has allocated Rp14 billion for disaster mitigation efforts.
According to data from Yogyakarta city`s disaster mitigation office, landslides hit nine locations and whirlwinds also affected nine locations, claiming the lives of three residents.
In Kulon Progo, 20 locations were hit by whirlwinds, 27 by landslides, and six by floods, affecting 58 people, injuring three, and leading to two others going missing.
reported by Sutarmi
(U.SYS/A/F001/F001)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Floods hit 21 villages in Tebing Tinggi, N Sumatra
Antara 3 Dec 17;
Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Floods have hit 21 villages in five sub-districts, Tebing Tinggi, North Sumatra Province, since Saturday.
The flooding was triggered by incessant heavy rains in upstream areas in Simalungun District and Pematang Siantar, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said in a statement, here, Sunday.
Padang and Bahilang Rivers have spilled over their banks because of the heavy rains.
A total of 21,080 people or 5,985 families have been affected by the flooding.
The Tebing Tinggi disaster mitigation office has set up emergency tents to accommodate evacuees. Relief aid comprising rice, breads, instant noodles, and 10 thousand boxes of meals, have been distributed to flood victims.
The affected villages are among other things Pabatu, Padang Merbau, Tualang, Lubuk Raya, Lubuk Baru, and Persiakan, which are located in Padang Hulu sub-district.
In Bandar Utama sub-district, flooding hits Badak Bejuang, while in Tebing Tinggi, flood inundates Tebing Tinggi Lama.
Sri Padang, Karya Jaya, Tanjung Marulak, and Tanjung Marulak Hilir villages in Rambutan sub-district are also flooded.
In Bajenis sub-district, floods inundate Teluk Karang, Bulian, Brohol, Pinang Mancung, and Bandar Sakti. The villages of Satria and Tambangan Hulu in Padang Hilir sub-district, are also flooded.
(T.SYS/B/F001/F001)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Flood submerges 444 homes in Simalungun, N Sumatra
Antara 3 Dec 17;
Simalungun, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - A flood submerged 104 homes and affected 444 people in Serbelawan village, Simalungun District, North Sumatra Province, following incessant heavy rains.
"The flood waters came very fast, it was like a flash. We did not have time to save our belongings," Poniman, a local resident, said here, Saturday.
Reaching a height of up to three meters, the flood waters damaged several homes, places of worship, school buildings and other public facilities.
Deputy District Head of Simalungun Amran Sinaga and Head of the Simalungun Police Office Adjunct Senior Commissioner ML Pandjaitan visited the flooded areas.
Amran expressed concern over the natural disaster that hit Dolok Batu Nanggar sub-district.
The local authorities have set up emergency tents and a public kitchen and distributed relief aid that included rice.
Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on the public to stay vigilant as several regions in Indonesia are experiencing severe weather lately.
"I call on the public to stay vigilant because the weather is very extreme," Jokowi told the media on Saturday.
Severe weather has triggered strong wind, heavy rains, and high sea waves.
The Head of State has instructed his relevant officials, particularly the personnel of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and regional administrations, to anticipate the disaster and be ready to provide assistance to the public when needed.
"I have ordered the BNPB, TNI, Polri, Basarnas, concerned ministries, and regional administrations to be vigilant and help the public in case of any disaster. We have to anticipate the impacts of extreme weather, particularly on food production," he stated.
So far, there have been no reports on the weather`s impact on crop production; however, anticipation should be intensified.
"This is just December, there will be January," he said, referring to the peak of rainy season which falls in January and February.
reported by Waristo
(T.SYS/A/F001/F001)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Floods hit Lhokseumawe and North Aceh District
Antara 3 Dec 17;
Lhokseumawe, Aceh (ANTARA News) - Floods had hit Lhokseumawe and North Aceh District in Aceh Darussalam Province, following incessant heavy rains over the past several days.
Flooding affected four villages in Blank Mangat sub-district, Lhoksemawe. The four villages were Mane Kareung, Rayeuk Kareung, Asan Kareung and Blang Punteut, Ahmad, a local villager, said here, Saturday.
In Matang Kuli, North Aceh District, floods affected more than 10 villages, such as Hagu, Alue Thoe, Lawang, Tumpok Barat, Mee, Alue Euntok, Ceubrek Pirak, Tanjong Haji Muda, Meuria, Siren, Meunye Pirak and Pante Pirak.
The flood waters reached a height of between 60 cm and 80 cm. The worst flood-affected villages were Lawang and West Tumpok located along the bank of Keureto River.
In the current rainy season, floods and landslides have affected several provinces, such as North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta, Riau, West Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan.
Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on the public to stay vigilant as several regions in Indonesia are experiencing severe weather lately.
"I call on the public to stay vigilant because the weather is very extreme," Jokowi told the media on Saturday.
Severe weather has triggered strong wind, heavy rains, and high sea waves.
The Head of State has instructed his relevant officials, particularly the personnel of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and regional administrations, to anticipate the disaster and be ready to provide assistance to the public when needed.
"I have ordered the BNPB, TNI, Polri, Basarnas, concerned ministries, and regional administrations to be vigilant and help the public in case of any disaster. We have to anticipate the impacts of extreme weather, particularly on food production," he stated.
reported by Mukhlis
(T.SYS/A/F001/F001)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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