Best of our wild blogs: 6 Nov 16

13 Nov (Sun): "Birth of a Marine Park" at the Singapore Eco Film Festival
Sisters' Island Marine Park

Morning Walk At Venus Drive (05 Nov 2016)
Beetles@SG BLOG

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Use less water, Singapore reminded as Johor reservoir dries up

The Star 6 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: Even as water-efficient devices helped Singaporeans cut water use by nearly 4.5% over the last decade, a renewed call to do more has been made amid worries that water levels at Johor's Linggiu Reservoir, the country's main supply, are falling.

Singapore is also pushing ahead to its 2030 target of each person using 140 litres a day, down from the 151 litre-figure of last year.

Despite recent rains, the Linggiu Reservoir, from which Singapore draws more than half its water supply, is now just over a fifth full.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking at an event to promote environmental awareness Saturday, highlighted the challenges that come with climate change.

"Droughts and water shortages are becoming more common," he said.

"Linggiu Reservoir in Johor, which supplies water to Singapore, is very dry. Right now, (it is) less than one-quarter full, only 22%. And that slightly improved because it rained last week."

While the country is already moving to increase water supply and making it more reliable, by building desalination plants for instance, there is still a role for all to play.

"Sustainability also depends on each one of us, how we live our daily lives and how we adjust our habits to be greener," Lee said.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli urged Singaporeans to save water by taking shorter showers and washing vehicles less frequently, for instance.

Calling the 22% figure worrying, he said water is a resource Singapore must keep a close eye on.

Despite efforts to increase local water supply, conditions across the Causeway have a significant impact here.

"When there is a drought up north... it affects our total water supply. We must... ensure our water supply is weather resilient, and take steps to conserve water use."

There has been some progress in the latter. In 2006, each household used a monthly average of 18,300 litres of water.

This fell to 17,600 litres last year, going by figures from national water agency PUB. This roughly works out to every person going from using 158 litres a day a decade ago, to 151 litres last year.

There are two reasons for this - the first of which is the adoption of increasingly water-efficient appliances, such as washing machines.

The second is that the save water message has filtered through to the public, said Professor Ng Wun Jern, executive director of the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University.

But there is a need to continue with ongoing efforts in education and increasing water efficiency, he added.

Last month, the authorities called for proposals to develop smart meters which can tell users in near real time, for instance through a mobile application, how much water and electricity they are using.

Since August, consumers have been able to compare their water and energy use with that of neighbours within a block as well as with the national average. This is to nudge heavier users to cut back on their usage. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network


Use less water, PM Lee reminds as Johor reservoir dries up
Johor's Linggiu Reservoir is now just over a fifth full despite recent rains. Singapore draws more than half its water supply from it.
Audrey Tan, The Straits Times AsiaOne 6 Nov 16;

Even as water-efficient devices helped Singaporeans cut water use by nearly 4.5 per cent over the last decade, a renewed call to do more has been made amid worries that water levels at Johor's Linggiu Reservoir, the country's main supply, are falling.

Singapore is also pushing ahead to its 2030 target of each person using 140 litres a day, down from the 151 litre-figure of last year.

Despite recent rains, the Linggiu Reservoir, from which Singapore draws more than half its water supply, is now just over a fifth full.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking yesterday at an event to promote environmental awareness, highlighted the challenges that come with climate change.

"Droughts and water shortages are becoming more common," he said. "Linggiu Reservoir in Johor, which supplies water to Singapore, is very dry. Right now, (it is) less than one-quarter full, only 22 per cent. And that slightly improved because it rained last week."

While the country is already moving to increase water supply and making it more reliable, by building desalination plants for instance, there is still a role for all to play.

"Sustainability also depends on each one of us, how we live our daily lives and how we adjust our habits to be greener," PM Lee said.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli urged Singaporeans to save water by taking shorter showers and washing vehicles less frequently, for instance. Calling the 22 per cent figure worrying, he said water is a resource Singapore must keep a close eye on. Despite efforts to increase local water supply, conditions across the Causeway have a significant impact here.

"When there is a drought up north... it affects our total water supply. We must... ensure our water supply is weather resilient, and take steps to conserve water use."

There has been some progress in the latter. In 2006, each household used a monthly average of 18,300 litres of water. This fell to 17,600 litres last year, going by figures from national water agency PUB. This roughly works out to every person going from using 158 litres a day a decade ago, to 151 litres last year.

There are two reasons for this - the first of which is the adoption of increasingly water-efficient appliances, such as washing machines.

The second is that the save water message has filtered through to the public, said Professor Ng Wun Jern, executive director of the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University. But there is a need to continue with ongoing efforts in education and increasing water efficiency, he added.

Last month, the authorities called for proposals to develop smart meters which can tell users in near real time, for instance through a mobile application, how much water and electricity they are using. Since August, consumers have been able to compare their water and energy use with that of neighbours within a block as well as with the national average. This is to nudge heavier users to cut back on their usage.

Meanwhile, the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources yesterday shared updates on the progress made under the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint. One achievement was how three out of five households were within a 10-minute walk of a train station by the end of last year - with a mark of 80 per cent set for 2030.

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Malaysia: What a load of rubbish!

YUEN MEIKENG The Star 6 Nov 16;

WHAT goes around, comes around. And the ugly Malaysian habit of flushing garbage down the toilet has raised a stink which has come back to taunt us.

Malaysians continue to toss all kinds of rubbish into the sewerage system – either by flushing them down the toilet, through bathroom and kitchen sinks or dumping bigger items into manholes.

But this reeks and wreaks havoc when the rubbish clogs up the sewerage system, causing wastewater to overflow at public manholes on roads or even backflow into our toilets at home.

And things have become murkier, with Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) revealing that cases of blockages in public sewerage pipes have been steadily increasing over the past five years, together with the cost to clear them up.

Last year alone, there were a total of 18,683 cases of blockages in public sewerage pipes – an average of about 51 incidents daily.

This is an increase from the average of 50 cases a day or 18,526 incidents in 2014.

Some 11,310 cases have been recorded between January and July this year.

With the cost of about RM1,400 needed to clear each blockage, the total sum to solve all cases last year amounted to a whopping RM26.2mil – a spike from the RM25.9mil in 2014.

Examples of garbage dumped by Malaysians into the sewerage system are food scraps, plastic items, pieces of wood, clothes and bizarrely, furniture and animal carcasses too.

IWK chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din adds that officers have also found boulders, footballs, umbrellas and bicycles too, which enter the system when irresponsible people throw such items into manholes.

“What saddens me is if the system chokes, it is you who suffers,” he tells Sunday Star in an interview recently.

Abdul Kadir explains that when blockages happen, waste water backs up, overflows at manholes and can even blackflow into nearby homes.

He says while people are now more aware about the importance of a proper sewage treatment system, they have yet to realise their bad habits will damage it and pollute the environment.

“Most people have this common misconception – they equate sewerage pipes to garbage bins where they can dispose of all kinds of trash.

“Many consumers and restaurant operators tend to dispose of food scraps including leftover cooking oil and grease, which will end up in the sewerage pipes.

“Over time, these pipes will be blocked, leading to an overflow at public manholes,” Abdul Kadir explains.

Apart from the stench, such an overflow poses a health hazard as wastewater contains harmful organisms that spread water-borne diseases.

He says the trash flushed down the sewerage pipes will also end up in filters at sewage treatment plants.

“Sewage treatment plants are designed to receive only domestic wastewater such as dirty water from toilets, bathrooms and laundries.

“They are not properly equipped to manage other wastes such as trash, food scraps, chemical and industrial waste or dirty oil remnants,” he stresses.

Common types of garbage Malaysians throw into the system are plastic utensils, tissue paper, pieces of wood, attire, food-based waste, kitchen waste, bottles, plastic wrappers and so on.

“The more odd items include pieces of furniture, carcasses, used lubricant oils, electronic gadgets and chicken slaughter waste,” Abdul Kadir adds.

On a more morbid note, he admits there are still occasional cases of people dumping human baby foetuses through the sewer but could not provide exact data.

It was reported in 2013 that IWK had found dead foetuses in its treatment plants, some with umbilical cords attached.

The amount of trash dumped into the system had also increased from 60,000 tonnes in 2013 to over 70,000 tonnes (the volume of 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools) in 2014.

Currently, sewage treatment plants nationwide treat five million cubic metres of wastewater daily, a volume that can fill 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

But while the problem of people dumping trash into the system persists, IWK finds it difficult to take action against those responsible.

“This is because it is difficult to detect and verify such sources of pollution,” says Abdul Kadir.

Under Section 61 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006, no person is allowed to dump any harmful substances or matter that is likely to damage public sewage treatment works or interfere with the free flow of its contents.

Those found guilty of such an offence can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to one year or both.

Nevertheless, Abdul Kadir points out that IWK has carried out many activities to help increase public awareness about the importance of IWK’s roles in treating wastewater, protecting public health and preserving the environment.

If it isn’t bad enough that blockages in the system incur extra maintenance costs, IWK also says its profit is insufficient to cover operational costs as the tariff charged for its services is “too low.”

“Our sewerage tariff is one of the lowest in the region,” Abdul Kadir highlights.

Fortunately, he points out that most Malaysians are willing to pay up, with the bill collection rate for last year being 87.3%, as opposed to the 12.7% of users who have yet to settle their bills.

On plans to improve IWK’s facilities, she says that as of May this year, IWK has a total of 6,475 sewage treatment plants nationwide, of which 4,956 need to be upgraded.

A consultancy study for upgrading sewerage treatment plants is currently being carried out under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

On measures to reduce the number of blockages, former Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Loo Took Gee, who recently retired, says laws like the Water Services Industry Act 2006 are already in place to deter people from throwing trash down the sewage system.

“But there is a need to strengthen its enforcement in line with the ministry’s efforts to promote a green environment,” she says.

However, Loo also states that penalising the people cannot be the sole solution as the lack of civic consciousness must be addressed with education.

“If you want a good and clean environment, it starts at home. People need to be more mindful of the facilities developed for them and not contribute to the damage to the system,” she says.

She adds that the ministry is embarking on several programmes with local governments to promote cleanliness including highlighting the importance of an efficient sewerage system.

However, as regulators, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) admits it is difficult to catch individuals who dump garbage into the system as the law requires evidence of the person committing the act.

SPAN CEO Datuk Mohd Ridhuan Ismail says if the culprits regularly commit the act, the commission will be able to catch them but this may not always be the case.

“We also have to prove that the accused have caused the damage to the system. Therefore, it is more effective to have continuous education to change such behaviour,” he says.

Mohd Ridhuan also points out that there have been cases of parties dumping truckloads of illegal materials down manholes.

“The public can report to us and IWK about such incidents of illegal dumping,” he says.

'Report litterbugs'
The Star 16 Nov 16;

CASES of littering and rubbish dumping, especially into drains and rivers, should be reported to the authorities by using today’s technology such as handphones.

WWF-Malaysia Executive Director and CEO Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma proposes that the reporting system on such cases be improved, with the usage of applications and other forms of technology, which enables online, rapid and real-time complaints to be filed.

“Budgets should be allocated to the relevant enforcement authorities to develop and implement the use of efficient technology and systems to improve enforcement efforts,” he says.

He also calls on the Government to review current fines and penalties provided by relevant laws and regulations to effectively deter littering and rubbish dumping.

While local governments have their own regulations on littering, indiscriminately throwing garbage in public is outlined as an offence under Section 47 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.

Under the Act, any person who deposits or throws rubbish in a public place can be fined a maximum of RM500.

If the person is convicted a second time or for subsequent offences, the maximum fine is doubled to RM1,000.

Dr Dionysius points out that the main contributing factor in the irresponsible dumping of rubbish is the poor civic-mindedness, attitude and culture among Malaysians.

He says the inadequate enforcement to curb such behaviour also contributes to the problem.

“Rubbish flushed down toilets find their way into septic tanks in residential areas which then become stuck and will not be able to function well.

“The maintenance and repair of septic tanks involve high costs. Often times, city municipalities will have to deal with taking up the costs for the repair work,” he adds.

Dr Dionysius also urges the Government to work and encourage businesses to become more efficient within their operations in using water resources and managing waste and effluents to prevent pollution.

“Several options could be explored to promote this such as by giving incentives for tax exemptions, rebates or schemes that award certification and labelling for industries that practise good waste management in their operations,” he suggests.

Malaysian Nature Society president Henry Goh concurs that the attitude of Malaysians is wanting when it comes to cleanliness and protecting their environment.

“Malaysians have some way to go with keeping open spaces as clean as they would their own home compound.

“Examples of this are the numerous beaches, trails, waterfalls and public parks where regular ‘gotong-royong’ clean-ups are carried out by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), resident associations and concerned individuals to remove unsightly rubbish left by park users and picnickers,” he says.

Goh laments that the public has yet to reach a level of civic-consciousness to dispose rubbish the proper way.

“Educating the public is key. Such cleanliness campaigns could start in schools where students are inculcated with good habits, which they will hopefully carry with them to adulthood,” he says.He adds that the Government could use multimedia platforms to impart the importance of proper rubbish disposal.

“NGOs could also play an important role in disseminating information and conducting public awareness campaigns.

“The public and private sectors should work closely together to bring about this important change in the public’s mindset. Imposing bigger fines is not a permanent solution,” Goh says.

Meanwhile, some agree that the ordinary man on the street in Malaysia still has far to go when it comes to being civic-minded.

A postgraduate student known only as May says Malaysians are generally “slightly below average” when it comes to their awareness about keeping public places clean.

Using public toilets as an example, the 28-year-old says used sanitary pads are sometimes left on top of the disposal bin instead of being thrown inside.

“When someone else sees such rubbish or used pads dumped in the open, they will just do the same without much thought.

“Perhaps such people think this way: ‘If others do it, I shall do it. If others don’t care, why should I care?’ ” May says.

She also shares that some workers at her previous place of employment were found by the facilities management to have dumped odd items into the office toilet.

“Weird stuff were thrown inside the toilet bowl including rings and condoms,” she says.

Josephine Li, a 31-year-old bank officer, concurs that most Malaysians are not civic-minded or educated enough to know what happens after they flush the toilet.

“They think it’s some magic gateway where you can throw anything in,” she says, adding that the oddest item she has seen thrown inside a public toilet is a pair of boxer shorts.

Li also laments that some Malaysians have the impression that it is someone’s else’s job to keep the surroundings and environment clean.

“I know some people who have no qualms about throwing trash like tissue pieces or paper in the drain and on the road when they get out of their car.

“But ironically, they complain when they see dirty streets and surroundings,” she says, adding that perhaps it is time for Malaysia to impose strict fines for littering like Singapore to get such Malaysians to kick the habit.


Millions wasted to unclog sewerage pipes blocked from consumers’ rubbish, says IWK
YUEN MEIKENG The Star 6 Nov 16;

PETALING JAYA: Millions of ringgit are going down the drain to unclog public sewerage pipes. This is because Malaysians continue to dump rubbish into the system.

As blockages become more frequent, the cost to clear up the trash has also steadily increased over the past five years, from RM23.639mil in 2011 to RM26.156mil last year.

The total number of blockages jumped by 10.6% from 16,885 cases in 2011 to 18,683 last year, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd revealed to Sunday Star.

Such blockages happen when users throw items into the system that are not domestic waste, said IWK chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din.

“We have had large and odd items like boulders, concrete, footballs, umbrellas and bicycles.

“These bigger items are dumped into the system through public manholes but the system isn’t designed to accept such things,” he said in an interview recently.

Abdul Kadir said the oil and grease that enter the system would solidify when they come into contact with the pipes which are colder underground, causing pipes to become blocked and restrict the flow of wastewater.

“When the system chokes, the wastewater will overflow at manholes. It can also cause backflow to nearby houses.

“People then complain that IWK didn’t maintain the system when the root cause was the trash dumping by consumers,” he said.

Abdul Kadir added that IWK spends a huge amount of money to clear the blockages and in certain cases, pipes have to be broken, incurring higher costs.

It was reported that there were a total of 11,310 cases recorded so far between January to July this year.

On cases of people dumping dead baby foetuses into the system, Abdul Kadir said such incidents still occur but IWK does not have exact data on it.

“Sadly, it still happens. Sometimes, they are flushed down the toilet or in some cases, people open up manholes.

“They believe it is easy to do this because they want to clear any evidence,” he said, adding that IWK employees will report to the police if such incidents happen.

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Indonesia: Jambi to host Peatland Society Jamboree

The Jakarta Post 5 Nov 16;

Representatives of seven provinces will attend the Peatland Society Jamboree to be held in Jambi on Nov. 5 to 7 to exchange experiences on peatland management.

The event would focus on sharing knowledge and experiences among the seven provinces on how to restore peatland and gain economic value for communities, an official at the Jambi Peatland Restoration Agency, Myrna A. Safitri, said on Friday. The seven provinces are host Jambi, Papua, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, South Sumatra and Riau.

“The participants will demonstrate innovative ways to restore peatland and increase the welfare of local people,” she said.

The participants include peat farmers, village administrators, local people and civil society groups in the jamboree held by the agency in cooperation with the Environment and Forestry Ministry and the Jambi administration.

The event offers various activities such as dialogue forums, a people’s innovation stage, discussions and exhibitions.

Agency head Ridham Priskap welcomed the event saying that it would be beneficial for people to learn how to manage peatland without destroying it.

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Best of our wild blogs: 5 Nov 16

Parents who say Indonesia’s haze killed their children testify in citizen suit
Mongabay Haze Beat

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Reconsider 'eco-tourism' plans for Mandai

Straits Times 31 Oct 16;

Mandai Park Holdings' new measures to minimise the potential environmental damage by its developments in Mandai notwithstanding ("Mandai makeover to tread with care"; Oct 11), the planned relocation of Jurong Bird Park there and the new Rainforest Park are not in ecological harmony with the neighbouring Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

These so-called "eco-tourism" plans should be reconsidered.

Our major concern is the connectivity and integrity of the reserve's land along the north-western sector across Mandai Lake Road.

Although outside the reserve's boundary, the two development sites, with their secondary forests and other natural habitats, are critical to the natural connectivity and ecological viability of the reserve's land in the area.

We strongly propose extending the nature reserve's boundary to cover the project sites.

As to Mandai Park Holdings' mitigation measures, we are not convinced that the impact on biodiversity would be small, given the big reduction in natural habitats as featured in its concept plan and the drastic alteration of what remains by artificial structures, such as tight boundary fences, aviary cages and netted enclosures, as well as introduced non-native wildlife.

Even if implemented in stages, each requiring a prolonged period of time, the clearing and construction involved will cause significantly high stress for the resident wildlife, especially the less mobile species, even with temporary refugia catered for them.

The area boasts rich resident wildlife with 199 faunal species recorded, including the globally threatened Sunda pangolin, Raffles' banded langur, straw-headed bulbul and Malesian frog, to name just a few.

Instead of Mandai, we recommend that the Bird Park be incorporated into the new Jurong Lake District masterplan, which will help to enrich the area's redevelopment.

As for the Rainforest Park, we disagree with the idea of destroying natural habitats to create sanitised eco-themed parks.

Apart from rectifying the reserve's boundary gap, the proposed extension will support the existing biodiversity and any restoration programme for critically endangered species.

The remaining areas can be used as adventure centres with programmes allowing for significantly less invasive ecological education and appreciation tours of our regenerating natural forests.

Ho Hua Chew (Dr)
Vice-chairman
Conservation Committee
Nature Society (Singapore)

Committed to developing Mandai project with care
Straits Times 4 Nov 16;

We thank Dr Ho Hua Chew for his feedback ("Reconsider 'eco-tourism' plans for Mandai"; Monday).

One of Mandai Park Holdings' core objectives is to ensure Mandai is established as a strong habitat for our plants and animals, available to the public and managed sensitively to showcase the richness of Singapore's biodiversity.

The new Bird Park and Rainforest Park will be located on impacted land that was formerly occupied by a village, farmland and most recently, the Mandai Orchid Garden.

The plot was subsequently set aside by the Government for use.

The new wildlife parks will be a very good neighbour to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

We are committed to protecting Singapore's biodiversity in the project site for the long term, and we will continue our partnership with nature groups as we go forward.

Right at the conceptualisation phase, we commissioned an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to guide our master planning.

After consulting with nature groups and experts, we incorporated additional measures into the plans to reduce environmental impact, especially during the development phase.

We will continue to work towards this goal as the project evolves.

The EIA was guided by international best practices. The assessment of impact and mitigation measures was based on expert advice. Government agencies and nature groups were extensively involved throughout the process, and will continue to be.

Over the past two years, we met nature groups, including Nature Society (Singapore) members, and have discussed concerns such as loss of natural habitats, nature reserve fragmentation and wildlife displacement.

We shared some of the important measures already undertaken to safeguard important habitats, such as the design of an eco-link bridge to give animals a safe passage over Mandai Lake Road.

We agreed to the setting aside of buffers along the nature reserve to reduce edge effects, as well as a wildlife shepherding programme to protect animals.

The mitigation measures for the project have been captured in an environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP).

An environmental advisory panel comprising experts from the scientific community, academia, nature groups and private sector has been set up to monitor the implementation of the EMMP during construction and operation. This is chaired by Professor Peter Ng, head of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

As a responsible steward of nature, we remain committed to managing this process carefully as the project evolves.

Mike Barclay
Group Chief Executive
Mandai Park Holdings

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Tudor-style home in Pulau Ubin

The Chek Jawa Visitor Centre is modelled after the traditional Tudor-style homes of 16th-century England
Alyssa Woo Straits Times 5 Nov 16;

In the thick forests on the eastern part of Pulau Ubin is a charming vestige of old colonial history: a handsome Tudor-style building that served as a holiday home for a British official about 80 years ago.

Located next to the Chek Jawa Wetlands and now used as its visitor centre, House No. 1 was originally a resort home for British Chief Surveyor Langdon Williams.

It was built in the 1930s and modelled after the traditional Tudor-style homes of England during the first half of the 16th century.

This influence can be seen from the black timber frames with masonry infill walls, steep pitched roofs with clay tiles and a working fireplace in the sitting room on the ground floor.

The architect's attention to detail was such that even the techniques used to construct the home follow the traditional Tudor-style, says architect Alisdair Ferrie, senior partner at architecture firm James Ferrie And Partners.

He was the architect behind the restoration of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Telok Ayer.

His father, pioneering Singapore architect James Ferrie, was close friends with House No. 1's last owner, businessman Lee Thor Seng.

The younger Mr Ferrie often visited the home when he was growing up.

Pointing to the timber joints, the corner granite quoins (an exterior corner of two connecting walls) of the house and terracotta floor tiles, he says: "This house was probably built by Indian labourers who had experience and skill in building such homes."

The modest two-storey building is set on sprawling 43,324 sq ft grounds, complete with its own water tower and jetty.

The house, which occupies a gross floor area of 4,036 sq ft, has outdoor terraces for hosting and nooks and crannies where one can escape to for some quiet, surrounded by lush subtropical conifer trees.

The house changed owners through the years, eventually ending up in the hands of Mr Lee before it was acquired by the Government in the 1990s.

It was then left vacant for about a decade and the building deteriorated, with termite infestation in parts of the timber frames.

Over two years from 2005, restoration took place - timber frames and broken floor tiles were repaired and replaced and the inner walls were given a fresh coat of paint.

The house was gazetted for conservation at the end of 2003 and became the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre in 2007.


HIGHLIGHTS

1. BLACK TIMBER FRAMES AND JOINTS

The striking frames support the stone-filled walls. Some frames had to be replaced because of termites, but the Urban Redevelopment Authority saved whatever it could during restoration works.


2. BLACK METAL-FRAME WINDOWS

Such windows are seen in Tudor-style houses, but those here had double-frame layers with netting to keep insects out.


3. GRANITE QUOINS AND MASONRY

The quoins - usually the exterior feature corner of two connecting walls - used granite from Pulau Ubin. This technique of interlocking stones gives the building strength, says architecture firm James Ferrie And Partners' senior partner Alisdair Ferrie.


4. TERRACOTTA TILES

Terracotta tiles are common in Tudor-style homes, but the honeycomb- shape ones here are rare, says Mr Ferrie. Most tiles are well preserved.

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1 in 2 bird shops does not comply with AVA licence conditions: Survey

Vanessa Lim Channel NewsAsia 4 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: An undercover investigation of 36 shops selling birds found that more than half of them did not comply with the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority's (AVA) licensing conditions, the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) said on Friday (Nov 4).

The survey, conducted by ACRES from August to September this year, found that 19 of the shops breached at least one of the conditions governing the welfare of the animals. These include failing to provide housing in good condition and clean drinking water for the birds.

Thirteen of them displayed birds that suffered from feather loss or visible lesions on their bodies or tails, while 17 sold bird traps for about S$70 each - even though it is illegal to poach wild animals in Singapore.

ACRES deputy chief executive Anbarasi Boopal pointed out that one in three of the shops surveyed actually possessed an "A" grade under AVA's pet shop grading scheme.

She called for a review of the current licence conditions as well as stricter enforcement of existing regulations.

As part of the survey, ACRES also said it found 655 advertisements offering birds for sale on Facebook and three online platforms from June to August. There are no regulations governing the welfare and ownership of these animals, it added.

AVA TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST 15 BIRD SHOPS

In a media release on Friday evening, AVA said it conducted a separate inspection of 27 bird shops that were also investigated by ACRES. AVA found that 15 of them did not comply with some of its licensing conditions and it will take action against those shops.

AVA's inspections were conducted in September and October. Its officers found nine shops which housed birds in dirty cages, four displayed sick birds, four did not provide clean drinking water to the birds and seven did not display their pet shop grade decals.

As for ACRES' finding of 655 online listings selling birds, AVA said 273 of them are related to birds protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). "AVA is working with ACRES to look into these listings," it said.

AVA said it conducts regular, unannounced inspections on all pet shops. It urged members of the public to report any cases of animal cruelty via its 24-hour hotline, 1800-476-1600.

- CNA/mz/dl


15 out of 27 pet bird shops flouted licensing conditions: AVA
Today Online 4 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE — More than half of 27 pet bird shops investigated had flouted the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA)’s licensing conditions, said the authority on Friday (Nov 4).

The AVA had investigated the pet bird shops following alleged offences in an Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) report.

Enforcement will be taken against the 15 shops that had not complied with licensing conditions, for instance by not keeping cages clean and displaying sick birds.

The ACRES report had found that 13 pet bird shops failed to house birds in a good condition. The AVA said during unannounced inspections held in September and October, it found nine shops with cages with dried faecal matter, “which is indicative that the cages have not been cleaned for a long time”. The nine shops will be issued a composition fine. The cages at the four other shops were found to be clean.

While ACRES reported that 13 pet bird shops displayed sick birds and 11 shops did not provide clean drinking water for the birds displayed for sale, the AVA said sick birds were displayed at four pet bird shops and four shops were found with unclean water and containers. The shops will be issued a composition fine. The shops with the sick birds were also instructed to isolate them and send them for treatment.

Seven pet bird shops did not display their pet shop grade decals, while eight did not prominently displayed them or were obstructed, said the AVA. The former group will each be issued a letter of warning, while the latter group has been instructed to shift their decals to a more prominent location.

In response to ACRES’ identification of 655 online listings selling birds — 273 of which were related to birds protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) — the AVA said it is working with ACRES to look into these listings.

The AVA said it has met with ACRES to share its findings.

“We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any licensees for any non-compliance detected by AVA. We will continue with our regular inspections on pet shops, including bird retailers, to ensure that they comply with our licensing conditions,” it added.

The public can report animal cruelty cases to the AVA via its 24-hour hotline, 1800-476-1600.

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Clean and Green Singapore kicks off with carnival based on green habits

Liyana Othman Channel NewsAsia 5 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: A walk around the Eco Fair at this year’s Clean and Green Singapore Carnival will take visitors through a day in their lives, and how they can incorporate green habits into each aspect.

Set up as an “Eco-Town”, visitors can learn tips like how to cycle safely in a car-lite Singapore, sort recyclable items in the right bins when they are outside, and how to save electricity and water when they are at home.

The three-day carnival, which takes place opposite Khatib MRT Station, was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday (Nov 5).

It marks the start of a month-long series of community activities to celebrate the annual Clean and Green Singapore.

For the first time, more partners are coming on board, like the Land Transport Authority and the Economic Development Board, as well as NGOs and community groups.

This is in line with this year’s theme, “Caring for Our Environment Together”, which hopes to enable these stakeholders to engage the community to contribute towards a sustainable and clean future.

This is especially important for Singapore, a small city-state that is constrained by limited land and natural resources.

Speaking at the launch of the carnival, Prime Minister Lee highlighted that with climate change, Singapore's environmental challenges will continue to grow.

"The next stage in our clean and green journey is sustainability. And with climate change, our environmental challenges are growing. Temperatures are rising. Droughts and water shortages are becoming more common. Linggiu Reservoir in Johor which supplies water to Singapore is very dry. Right now, less than one quarter full, only 22 per cent. And that's slightly improved because it rained last week," said Mr Lee.

That is why everyone has to play their part, with the Government leading the way through efforts like the Climate Action Plan and building more NEWater and desalination plants to increase water supply, Mr Lee added.

"We have done much over the past 50 years to create a clean and livable environment. But we need to further our mission to build a collective culture that is attentive to environmental issues, and where every individual takes active steps to show care for our environment”, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli. “Sustainable living needs to be part of the Singapore DNA”, he added.

There are exhibitions at the Eco Fair that showcase eco-products and sustainability-related programmes from green players like Repair Kopitiam. The NGO will demonstrate how to repair or reuse spoiled or old products instead of throwing them away.

Carnival-goers can also sign up to volunteer for upcoming activities organised by these 12 partners.

Mr Lee also did his part – by planting the Keruing Belimbing tree, a native but vulnerable species in Singapore. This is in keeping with the long tradition of planting trees to fulfil Singapore’s City in a Garden vision, which was started by the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

The carnival this year is hosted by the North West District – a champion for green living. It launched a 10-year Eco Plan in 2009, which has reached out to more than 745,000 residents through some 80 programmes.

These include organising eco-trails, and getting residents to recycle while getting to know each other at recycling points. Since 2012, 108,000kg of recyclables have been collected.

Throughout the month, the public can also sign up for NParks guided tours to green spaces like community gardens in Bukit Panjang, where they can learn how to grow their own edibles. They can also go on a tour of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which recently reopened after a two year restoration.

- CNA/mn

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Singapore to standardise emissions reporting system by 2017: DPM Teo

Liyana Othman Channel NewsAsia 4 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: By next year, there will be a standardised system for reporting greenhouse gas emissions across all industries, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Friday (Nov 4).

This comes after the National Environment Agency called a tender in April to develop measurement and reporting systems. Channel NewsAsia understands that the authorities are currently in consultation with companies.

Speaking at the award ceremony for the 2016 National Climate Change Competition, Mr Teo said the move will give big energy users information about their greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping them better monitor their energy efficiency performance. This will allow them to reduce the use of electricity and fuels and save costs, he noted.

"With more accurate data, companies can also incorporate energy and fuel efficiency considerations early in their decision-making processes and take action," Mr Teo added.

Currently, energy-intensive companies in the industrial sector are required to monitor and report their energy use and carbon dioxide emissions but do not know how much these contribute to national emissions.

The announcement is part of Singapore's commitment under the Paris climate change agreement to reduce emissions intensity by 36 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and stabilise emissions with the aim of peaking around the same time. The historic accord, signed by 195 nations, also took effect on Friday.

- CNA/mz

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Malaysia: Stop the killing and save our paddy frogs, says nature group

BALVIN KAUR New Straits Times 4 Nov 26;

GEORGE TOWN: Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has called on the federal government to completely ban the capturing, selling and killing of frogs, in view of the amphibian’s important role in our ecological system.

Its president S.M. Mohamed Idris said frogs are needed to control the insect population as they prey on mosquitoes, grasshoppers and flies, among others.

“Largely insectivorous, a frog can eat more than its weight (about 200 grams) each day and this can be translated into a significant amount of insects.

“Tadpoles feed on algae and plants, thereby keeping waterways clean, while some species feed on all mosquito larvae,” he said, adding that this includes Aedes mosquitoes which can carry the dengue and Zika virus.

“To control these diseases, we have to protect the frogs.”

Idris was speaking at a press conference at Jalan Kennedy here yesterday.

He pointed out in Malaysia there were two types of paddy frogs, Rana cancrivora and Rana limnocharis, which feed on insects in the paddy field ecosystem.

“The paddy crop serves as the insects’ food source and (the) frogs help to eradicate insect pests in rice fields. Frogs in the field reduce the population of stemborers and planthoppers, thus preventing rice sheath blight disease indirectly,” he said.

Idris said the frog population in Malaysia was already at risk with rampant jungle clearing and also environmental pollution.

“Being amphibians, toxic chemicals from the environment – both on land and in water – are easily absorbed through their thin permeable skin,” he said.

He added that polluted waterways have either killed them or cause grotesque mutation brought upon by endocrine disrupting chemicals.

“It is ironic that farmers appear to prefer spraying their fields with expensive toxic chemicals rather than use frogs for efficient pest control,” he said.

He is appalled that these paddy frogs are not valued for its role in pest control but caught and sold instead at the markets in Air Itam and Batu Lanchang.

“The Rana cancrivora is in great demand at the local restaurants. At the markets there is an irregular supply of frogs and they are readily snapped up whenever available.

“However, it is not known whether the voracious appetite for frogs has depleted the frog population in Malaysia as there has been no survey into their numbers,” he stated.

Idris also claimed that SAM is worried if the frogs sold in the market have been exposed to chemical pollutants, particularly endocrine disruptors, which could trigger cancerous tumours, birth defects, and other developmental disorders if consumed by the people.

He said the amphibian’s population has also been a serious concern lately as scientists and biologists worldwide have noted the mysterious disappearance of frogs and toads.

“In view of the benefit of keeping frogs and the dangers of eating them, the federal government should immediately impose a ban,” he stressed.


Ban sale of frogs, says SAM
The Star 7 Nov 16;

GEORGE TOWN: Frogs are being sold openly at markets here to the dismay of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) which wants the Govern-ment to impose a ban on their capture, sale and killing.

SAM president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the amphibians should be protected as they played a role in reducing the mosquito population.

He said tadpoles fed on algae and plants, thereby keeping waterways clean.

He said the tadpoles of some frog species also ate the larvae and eggs of the Aedes mosquitoes.

“Mosquitoes carry diseases and kill 725,000 people worldwide per year. In Malaysia, there were almost 20,000 dengue fever cases last year alone,” Mohd Idris said in press release.

He also said that in Malaysia, there were two types of padi frogs — Rana cancrivora and Rana limnocharis — which were deemed ‘farmers’ best friend’ as they fed on padi pests such as stem borers and plant hoppers.

In demand: A trader seen selling frogs near the Air Itam market in Penang. (Inset) Farmed frogs being sold at the Batu Lancang market.
In demand: A trader seen selling frogs near the Air Itam market in Penang.
He said the number of frogs were decreasing due to the rampant clearing of jungles for cultivation and also due to pollu-tion from toxic chemicals which are easily absorbed by the am-phibians through their thin permeable skin.

“It is ironic that farmers prefer spraying their fields with expensive toxic chemicals rather than making use of frogs as efficient pest control.

“Herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilisers remain frogs’ biggest threat,” Mohd Idris said.

He said the Rana cancrivora was in demand by local restaurants.

“At the markets, there is an irregular supply of frogs and they are readily snapped up by housewives whenever available.

“However, it is not known whether the voracious appetite for frogs has depleted the frog population in Malaysia as there has been no survey into their numbers,” he said.

A check by The Star yesterday found frogs being sold openly at Air Itam and Batu Lancang.

A 45-year-old trader at the Batu Lancang market said he was selling about 20 frogs a day at RM12 each.

“I get my supply from a frog farm in Kedah,” said the man who has been in the business for four years.

A couple who sold frogs at between RM5 and RM20 each by the roadside near the Air Itam market said their customers included students who bought the frogs to be dissected in school for their studies.

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Malaysia: Highly unlikely 50m-high tsunami will hit Sabah -- Expert

MUGUNTAN VANAR The Star 4 Nov 16;

KOTA KINABALU: It is highly unlikely that a 50m-high tsunami, generated by a massive undersea landslide, will hit Sabah's northern coast, says a geological expert.

"A 50m-high tsunami will only be produced if the whole mass of a submarine shelf falls at one go. This is quite a rare occurrence. I personally think the chance of this happening is very, very low,'' said Prof Dr Felix Tongkul from the University Malaysia Sabah's Natural Disaster Research Centre.

He said this after a Malaysian Meteorological Department official spoke of the possibility of a giant wave hitting the northern Kudat coast if a massive undersea landslip happened.

Dr Tongkul said the 50m-high tsunami prediction was based solely on a simulation of a giant undersea landslide of a submarine shelf in deep waters in the South China Sea near Brunei.

He explained that there was evidence of such landslides, these usually moved slowly and in stages, and a 50m-high wave would only occur in the "very, very worse scenario".

Dr Tongkul said that simulations of tsunami generated by earthquakes from the Manila Trench could produce waves of about one to two metres in height around the Kudat area, which was more likely the case.

He added that a group of Brunei researchers had conducted research on the marine trough offshore Brunei and had found evidence of landslides over an area measuring about 100km long and 70km wide.

"It is known as the Brunei landslide to researchers,'' he said.

Dr Tongkul explained this could be evidence of multiple smaller landslides occurring over time.

"It is a big one (shelf) and if it falls at one go, then it could trigger a massive tsunami.

"But landslips at the shelf have been occurring for thousands, if not millions of years and may be continuing today.

"That is why we believe that it would be very rare for such a massive landslip to occur,'' he said.

He emphasised that Malaysian researchers only did a simulation of what would happen if the entire shelf collapsed.

The tsunami issue has been abuzz in Sabahan social media circles after a meteorologist said it was possible during a television programme on RTM.


Tsunami threat looms over coastal Sabah, residents urged to be prepared
AVILA GERALDINE New Straits Times 5 Nov 16;

KOTA KINABALU: Coastal Sabah faces the possibility of being struck by a tsunami in the event of a massive underwater earthquake or catastrophic seabed erosion, says the Sabah Meteorological Department.

Its director, Azemi Daud, said the state has the potential of being struck by seismic sea waves, based on scientific studies carried out by researchers across the globe.

“The size (of the tsunami) will depend on the depth of the undersea quake. However, there is no way we can forecast when exactly that will take place.

“If we look back at history, the coastal district of Lahad Datu was hit by an earthquake 40 years ago.

We can expect (another earthquake in the future), but it’s (not definite),” he told reporters during a tsunami exercise at Dewan Sri Putatan here.

Commenting on claims that Kudat district, about 190km from here, is likely to be hit by a tsunami, Azemi pointed out that an underwater earthquake in the Philippines (Manila Trench) or the massive collapse of a seabed cliff off Brunei may create such a situation.

He also said Putatan, near here, is also among high-risk areas, as the small district is located by the sea.

This morning, about 1,000 Putatan residents from four villages, namely Kampung Contoh, Pasir Putih, Teluk Vila and Sri Pandan took part in a tsunami drill aimed at increasing awareness on the dos and don’ts of dealing with disaster.

Local authorities and enforcement agencies such as the fire and rescue department, the Civil Defence Department, the People’s Volunteer Corps, the armed forces, and the police were also mobilised to assist in evacuation during the mock emergency.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin was also present to monitor the level of preparedness among villagers and governmental departments in responding to tsunami warnings and alerts.

“I am satisfied with the commitment shown by the people, and I hope that they will gain valuable knowledge and put them into practice in an actual situation,” said Yahya.


UMS geologist says tsunami threat in Kudat "quite low"
AVILA GERALDINE New Straits Times 5 Nov 16;

KOTA KINABALU: Kudat folks have been advised to remain calm.

The possibility of the coastal district being slammed by a devastating tsunami is “quite low” said Universiti Malaysia Sabah geologist Prof Dr Felix Tongkul.

He explained that only massive underwater earthquakes measuring over 7 on the Richter scale could generate a threatening tsunami.

“The occurrence of big earthquakes is quite rare. Even if they do occur along the Manila Trench and generate tsunami, Kudat is located quite far away from the tsunami source.

“By the time tsunami waves reached Kudat, it would have decreased in energy and would be quite small, around one to two metres high only,” he said when contacted, adding the people should not be worried.

“For a worst case scenario, say, an earthquake of magnitude 9.3 occurs in the Manila Trench and generates a tsunami.

This will produce around three to four metres high tsunami waves along the west coast of Sabah. “Again, earthquake of this magnitude is extremely rare,” Tongkul stressed.

It was reported residents living in Kudat’s coastal areas have gone into panic mode following claims that a possible 50m high tsunami would hit the district.

The statement was made by Malaysian Meteorological Department deputy director general (operation) Dr Mohd Rosadi Che Abas in a recent television interview.

“This (50m high tsunami) is just an output of a computer simulation based on assumption that a huge underwater landslide can occur offshore Sabah.

“This gigantic underwater landslide can displace a huge amount of water that produces the 50m tsunami. However, like I explained earlier, this is unlikely to happen,” Tongkul emphasised.

Earlier during a tsunami drill in Putatan near here, Sabah meteorological department director Azemi Daud did not rule out possibility of a tsunami striking the state’s coastal areas in the event of a massive underwater earthquake or catastrophic seabed erosion.

He noted that an underwater earthquake in the Philippines or a massive collapse of the seabed cliff off Brunei can be factors creating a recipe for disaster.

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