Pulau Ubin (31122014)
by Psychedelic Nature
Night Walk At Venus Drive (02 Jan 2015)
from Beetles@SG BLOG
Life History of the Three Spot Grass Yellow
from Butterflies of Singapore
Hornbill, caterpillars and mangrove tree at Pulau Ubin
from wild shores of singapore
CHRISTINA CHIN AND AMANDA YEAP The Star 4 Jan 15;
PETALING JAYA: The East Coast flood crisis has sent vegetable prices soaring, while chicken farmers are scrambling to prevent a glut as delivery to affected states has been cut off.
The prices of fish and seafood are also rising as fishermen are unable to go out to sea due to unfavourable weather and choppy seas.
Federation of Malaysian Vegetables Wholesalers Association treasurer Chong Tek Keong said the prices of vegetables have risen by between 40% and 50%.
He said the prolonged rainy season had caused a drop in local supply by between 30% and 40%.
Denying that the profits of wholesalers’ had increased because of the higher demand, he said it was farmers who were charging more for their produce.
“Supply was already low because of the recent crackdown on illegal immigrants in Cameron Highlands and mud floods there and the East Coast floods have pushed prices even higher.
“Wholesalers only resumed their delivery to certain areas in Kelantan and Pahang on Monday,” he said.
Chong said prices of locally grown vegetable were only expected to drop after the Chinese New Year next month.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the rainy weather and floods affected the produce of vegetables throughout the country and not only in the highlands.
“The weather is too wet for any harvest progress.
“Hopefully, the weather will return to normal soon so that leafy vegetables can be harvested in time to meet the higher demand during Chinese New Year,” he said.
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather was gradually improving in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang but heavy rains were likely to continue in Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
Chicken farmers said they were being forced to sell poultry below the controlled price of RM4.60 per kilo due to a drastic drop in demand.
Federation of Livestock Farmers Association of Malaysia secretary general Jeffrey Ng said about 3,000 poultry farms nationwide were struggling to clear their “excessive stock” of birds.
“Restaurants and eateries are essential markets for our members and since the floods, many kitchens cannot operate and the demand for poultry is very low,” he said.
Selangor and Federal Territory Chicken and Duck Traders Association vice-president Yap Chau Hen said some traders were selling birds for as low as RM3.50 per kilo.
National Fisherman’s Association general manager Norizaman Ghazali said fish prices were usually higher in January because there is less fish in the sea.
“This is a seasonal trend,” he said.
Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) director-general Abdul Rahman Ellis said with fishermen landing up to 15% less in catches, prices have risen by between 5% and 10%.
Citing an example, he said ikan cencaru (torpedo scad) now cost between RM1 and RM2 more at the farmer’s market.
“Many fishermen in the East Coast are flood victims so they cannot go out to sea,” he said.
Abdul Rahman said LKIM was prepared for the drop in supply and had implemented a freeze on the export of common fishes like the cencaru, selar (yellowtail scad), kembong (short mackerel), pelaling (Indian mackerel) and selayang (round scad) since middle of November.
Camerons greens up by 20% to 40%
The Star 4 Jan 15;
IPOH: Prices of vegetables from Cameron Highlands have increased by an estimated 20% to 40%, according to vegetable sellers here.
Most sellers said the increases started with the mud floods tragedy there in early November.
Mior Jala, 54, said vegetables such as cabbage, sawi (mustard leaves), spring onions and celery were being sold to him at a higher prices.
“My regular customers are complaining to me, but what else can I do? Times are tough for all sellers and there is no extra income for us. Sometimes, we even selling at a loss,” he said.
Mior said the shelf life of greens was another problem, adding that he had been throwing away a lot of rotten vegetables.
“I have to buy less stock and adjust the prices accordingly. Otherwise, it will be difficult to support my family,” said the father of three, aged between eight and 24.
Another seller Salasiah Nawi, 58, said business had not been good with the higher prices.
“I am forced to sell limited vegetable stocks from the highland such as cabbages, tomatoes and brinjals at RM4 or RM5 per kg,” she said.
Many lament over expensive food items
The Star 4 Jan 15;
PETALING JAYA: Fresh greens are not only getting costlier but also scarce as vegetables are quickly snapped up after arriving at the markets.
Canteen operator Janaki Chiew (pic)lamented that prices of many vegetables had been rising steadily since early last month.
She said long beans, sawi (mustard leaves), kangkung (water convolvulus), cabbage and brinjal had become expensive.
“Everything has gone up by 40% to 50%. Long beans which used to cost RM6 are now RM10 per kilo.
“Traders claim their profit is only between 15% and 20% because if the prices are too high, they will lose customers,” she said.
Housewife Pat Boey said her regular vegetable seller in Kepong had been charging RM1 for a few stalks of spring onion.
“I used get a bunch for 50 sen, but now I am paying double.”
In George Town, chef Alex Heng Song Ling of the You Yen Vegetarian Centre said he had no choice but to pay more.
“What can I do? I run a vegetarian restaurant and greens are my main ingredients.
“I now pay between 30% and 50% more for chillies. I have to absorb the costs because I can’t simply change my prices with vegetable costs rising so often.”
Leaf Healthy House manager Candy Lee said she paid between 20% and 40% more for greens last week and found that some vegetables were not available.
She said she paid between 20% and 40% more for cauliflower and broccoli last week.
Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj urged the Government to implement strong agricultural policies to ensure food security and sustainability.
He said food prices skyrocketed each time there was a crisis.
“We need a long-term approach so that we are not dependent on just a few farms,” he said.
Floods: Vegetable, fish prices expected to stabilise in three months
The Star 3 Jan 15;
BERA: The rise in prices of vegetable and fish in several areas especially in flood-hit states is expected to be resolved in less than three months.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ministry had imported supplies of vegetables and fish from neighbouring countries to overcome shortage and to stabilise food prices.
"Things are still under control as many people do not need to buy vegetables as they are at relief centres, but I am concerned when they return home.
"That is why we have directed the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to import food and vegetables," he told reporters after visiting flood victims at SMK Kerayong relief centre, here Saturday.
The items include round cabbage, tomato, red pepper, potato, ginger, onion and big onion from India and Holland, coconut and garlic imported from Indonesia, China, Vietnam, India and Holland.
He did not refute the price of vegetables in flood hit states had increased by 70%.
However, there was no problem with supply of fish as frozen fish had been stocked since November.
Fama and the National Fishermen Association (Nekmat) would be sellling goods at low prices after the floods, in an effort to stabilise prices.
Ismail said flood victims must register with the district agriculture department to receive compensation under the Disaster Relief Fund established last year. – Bernama
New Straits Times 3 Jun 15;
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) anticipates monsoon surge to begin on Jan 7 or 8, with possible continuous heavy rainfall up to three days over certain states, especially Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
Its director-general, Datuk Che Gayah Ismail, however, said that the exact date could only be determined two or three days before it began.
“Normally, monsoon surge occur four or five times during the monsoon season. This year, it began in November 2014 and is expected to end by March 2015,” she told Bernama today.
Che Gayah also said the department had stationed a meteorologist at the National Security Council to provide the officials with latest information on current weather phenomenon, including the monsoon surges.
“We will also update from time to time the information on our official website www.met.gov.my or on our page on Facebook and Twitter,” she said.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry has cautioned the public living in flood-prone areas to keep themselves updated on weather reports, in view of a monsoon rain predicted to hit the country on Wednesday and Thursday.
Its minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin in a statement today said his ministry, through the Meteorological Department, would continue to monitor weather conditions nationwide, including in Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
"Any updates and information regarding the latest weather will be informed to the authorities and this will then be disseminated to the masses," he said.
Ebin also advised the public not to proceed with recreational activities or water sports, after the department had issued a category two strong winds and rough seas warning that would continue until tomorrow.
The affected areas include Pahang, east Johor, Sarawak, Sabah (inlands, west coast and Kudat) and Labuan.
Floods: Johor evacuees drop to 86, all roads fully accessible
BEN TAN New Straits Times 3 Jan 15;
JOHOR BARU: The latest number of flood victims in Johor has dropped to 86 from an earlier figure of 116 today.
As of 4pm, Segamat district registered the most number of evacuees with 58 victims reported from 13 families in four temporary flood relief centres.
The Johor National Security Council (NSC) reported that the centres in Segamat are located mainly in the Buloh Kasap and Gemereh areas.
Those still operating are: SK Kg Spang Loi, Balairaya Kg Batu Badak, Balairaya Kg Tandung and Balairaya Kg Sanglang.
Batu Pahat registered a total of 28 flood victims from five families in only one centre at SK Kota Dalam in Ayer Hitam. The district has maintained the number of flood victims since this afternoon.
Besides the two affected districts, a Johor NSC spokesperson said there were no other temporary flood relief centres open in other areas in the state as the weather had continues to improve.
"At present, there are no road closures or detours as all roads in the state are fully accessible to motorists," said the spokesperson.
Many stunned by floodwaters
BEH YUEN HUI, FARIK ZOLKEPLI, P. ARUNA, AUSTIN CAMOENS, ONG HAN SEAN, D. KANYA KUMARI, NICHOLAS CHENG, NATA SHA JOIBI, CHRISTINE CHEAH, AND ADRIAN CHAN
The Star 4 Jan 15;
TEMERLOH: Those who were born and bred here say that they have never seen anything like last month’s flood that hit their area.
G. Naganesan, 35, described Taman Bahagia and Taman Bahagia Baru, along with the rest of Temerloh, as “turning into an island” due to the swollen Sungai Pahang.
He was among those who braved neck-deep waters to deliver food to victims stranded in their homes.
He has also been coordinating with 4x4 groups and other volunteers since the floods inundated much of Temerloh after Christmas.
“The entire residential area became like a river, with water carrying with it furniture and even motorcycles,” he said.
“I was born here and I grew up here. We have never seen anything like this before,” said Naganesan, who works in a Mentakab bank.
With the help of his friends from other towns, he managed to gather enough supplies to distribute to the residents.
“Temerloh town has been without electricity since Dec 26,” he said.
“Some residents did not receive any supply during the first few days. Some had to travel all the way to Lanchang – about 30km away – just to buy milk for their babies,” said Naganesan.
Looking back, he said he learnt a lot from the tragedy.
“When we first received aid, we just gave it away.
“However, some residents got something, while others did not,” he said.
“Quarrels broke out among the affected residents as they jostled to grab for the essential items.”
It was then that Naganesan and his friends decided that these items needed to be repacked before being handed out.
“It ensured that no family was left out,” he added.
The ugly side of the people surfaced when aid workers delivered relief supplies.
“We sent rice, eggs, instant noodles and sardines but they asked for soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and even cigarettes!
“We did go back with soap and candles but we did not buy shampoo and cigarettes,” he said, adding that other than greed, some only shared excess supplies with people of their own race.
Others were picky, taking only clothing which were “nice” and rejecting others, said Naganesan.
He said those living in bungalows fled to higher grounds.
“Some left their maids and pets behind,” he added.
Areas around Mentakab are already accessible, except for Batu Kapur, which is near Sungai Semantan.
“Water level in Sungai Pahang is still high, affecting areas from Temerloh to Teriang,” said Naganesan.
“Usually, it is only areas like Lanchang and Karak that get flooded, but this time, these areas were not affected.”
2 Jan 2015: Oil spill off Pedra Branca
from wild shores of singapore
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Ah Hua Kelong: 25-Year-Old Young Upstarts Revolutionize Fish Farming from Vulcan Post
Channel NewsAsia 2 Jan 15;
SINGAPORE: A Singapore-registered bulk carrier Sinar Kapuas and Libyan-registered oil tanker Alyarmouk collided about 11 nautical miles northeast of Pedra Branca, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on Friday (Jan 2).
MPA said it received the report of the collision on Friday at 6am, with the Alyarmouk reporting that one of her cargo tanks sustained damage, resulting in some spillage of crude oil.
Two oil response companies have been activated to combat the spill. The companies deployed four craft equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers to the site, according to MPA.
Alyarmouk was en route from Tanjung Pelapas, Malaysia to China, while Sinar Kapuas was on its way to Singapore from Hong Kong when the incident occurred. The two vessels are currently safely anchored and in stable condition, and there is no report of injury, the press release stated. Alyarmouk's ship managers estimate that 4,500 tonnes of crude oil was spilled from the tanker, said MPA.
MPA had deployed a helicopter to assess the situation once it was notified, and activated oil spill response resources. As part of the procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, MPA notified the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities, it said.
MPA added that it is working closely with the Indonesian authorities in line with the standard operating procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and has offered its assistance in containing the spill.
MPA has issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site, though traffic in the port and the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected.
MPA is investigating the cause of the collision, it added.
This incident follows an incident also at Pedra Branca on Wednesday, when a Singapore-registered barge ran aground at the island due to "adverse sea conditions".
- CNA/kk/dl
Two vessels collide near Pedra Branca, resulting in some oil spillage
AsiaOne 2 Jan 15;
SINGAPORE: A Libyan-registered oil tanker Alyarmouk collided with Singapore-registered bulk carrier Sinar Kapuas on Friday morning near Pedra Branca, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a statement.
The incident occurred at 6am about 11 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca.
One of the cargo tanks of Alyarmouk sustained damage, resulting in some spillage of crude oil.
MPA said they have deployed a helicopter to assess the situation. Two oil spill response companies were subsequently activated to deploy four craft to combat the spill.
The ship managers of Alyarmouk estimated about 4,500 tonnes of Madura crude oil was spilled from the tanker.
Patches of oil may affect the northern parts of the island of Bintan because of weather conditions and tidal currents, said MPA in its second statement.
Malaysian and Indonesian authorities have also been notified. This is part of standard operating procedures for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
Said MPA: "The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is also working closely with the Indonesian authorities in line with the standard operating procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and has offered its assistance in the containment operations."
The two vessels involved in the collision are currently safely anchored and in stable condition.
MPA has issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site.
No report of injury has been reported, and traffic in the port and the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected.
MPA said it is investigating the cause of the collision.
Libyan Tanker Spills Crude After Collision Near Singapore
Naomi Christie Bloomberg News 2 Jan 15;
A Libyan crude tanker spilled some of its cargo off Singapore after colliding with another ship, adding to the North African country’s challenges as it contends with escalating violence and a collapsing domestic oil industry.
The Alyarmouk, owned and registered in Libya, collided with the Sinar Kapuas, a dry-bulk ship, in waters northeast of Pedra Branca island, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said on its website today. One of the Alyarmouk’s tanks was damaged in the incident, resulting in the leak, it said.
Worsening violence already halted two of Libya’s three largest ports last month and meant the country with Africa’s biggest reserves pumped 450,000 barrels a day, less than one third of its peak, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Output may deteriorate further this month after Islamist militias set fire six storage tanks at the port of Es Sider, the biggest export terminal. Those blazes have now been extinguished, Libya’s National Oil Corp. said today.
Alyarmouk is owned by Libya’s General National Maritime Transport Co., the state-owned company’s website shows. A person who answered the phone at the company’s offices in Tripoli today said nobody was available to comment. He declined to give his name. One e-mail and a text message weren’t immediately returned. Today is a non-working day in Libya.
About 4,500 metric tons of crude were spilled, according to the port authority. Two oil-response companies are using four craft equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers at the site of the spill that may affect northern parts the Indonesian island of Bintan, it said.
No injuries have been reported and maritime traffic hasn’t been affected, the port authority said. Both vessels are anchored and in a stable condition.
Alyarmouk was en route from Tanjung Pelapas, Malaysia to China, while Sinar Kapuas was destined for Singapore from Hong Kong, according to the port authority.
The tanker was at the Sudanese port of Bashayer on Dec. 1 before sailing to Singapore, according to ship-tracking data from IHS Maritime, a Coulsdon, England-based research company. It can haul more than 100,000 metric tons of crude.
Collision between Oil Tanker Alyarmouk and Bulk Carrier Sinar Kapuas north-east of Pedra Branca
MPA News Release 2 Jan 15;
On 2 January 2015, at about 0600hrs (Singapore Time), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a report that a Libyan-registered oil tanker, "Alyarmouk" had collided with a Singapore-registered bulk carrier, "Sinar Kapuas" in Singapore waters about 11 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca.
Alyarmouk reported that one of her cargo tanks sustained damage, resulting in spillage of crude oil. Upon notification, MPA deployed a helicopter to assess the situation. Oil spill response resources have also been activated. As part of standard operating procedures for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, MPA has notified the Malaysian and Indonesian Authorities.
The two vessels involved in the collision are currently safely anchored and in stable condition. MPA has issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site. There is no report of injury, and traffic in the port and the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected.
MPA is investigating the cause of the collision.
Collision between Oil Tanker Alyarmouk and Bulk Carrier Sinar Kapuas north-east of Pedra Branca - Update 1
MPA News Release 2 Jan 15;
Following the collision between Libyan-registered oil tanker, "Alyarmouk" and Singapore-registered bulk carrier, "Sinar Kapuas" reported at about 0600hrs (Singapore Time) on 2 January 2015, two oil spill response companies have been activated to combat the resultant oil spill. The companies have since deployed four craft equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers to the site.
Alyarmouk was en route from Tanjung Pelapas, Malaysia to China, and Sinar Kapuas from Hong Kong to Singapore, when the incident occurred. The ship managers of Alyarmouk V. Ships UK Ltd estimate that 4,500 tonnes of Madura crude oil was spilled from the tanker. Taking into account the weather and tidal currents, patches of oil may affect the northern parts of the island of Bintan.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is also working closely with the Indonesian authorities in line with the standard operating procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and has offered its assistance in the containment operations.
Singapore-registered barge grounded at Pedra Branca
Channel NewsAsia 31 Dec 14;
SINGAPORE: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (Dec 30) said it is currently salvaging a Singapore-registered barge POE Giant 12, which had ran aground at Pedra Branca due to "adverse sea conditions".
The incident was flagged on Dec 30 at about 6.45am, and the MPA said there have been no reports of oil pollution or injury.
The POE Giant 12 was carrying two bulk loader cranes and left Singapore for Kuantan, Malaysia, on Dec 25. Preliminary investigations indicate that it had turned back towards Singapore after encountering inclement weather, and ran aground at Pedra Branca subsequently, according to the press release.
Salvage operations by the MPA are currently underway in prevailing high sea conditions. The agency is also conducting further investigations into the incident, according to the press release.
- CNA/kk
MPA salvaging grounded barge at Pedra Branca
MPA News Release 31 Dec 14;
On 30 December 2014 at about 0645hrs, a barge POE Giant 12, flagged with the Singapore Registry, ran aground at Pedra Branca. There have been no reports of oil pollution or injury.
The barge, which was carrying two bulk loader cranes, had left Singapore for Kuantan, Malaysia, on 25 December 2014. Preliminary investigations indicate that it had turned back towards Singapore after encountering inclement weather, and subsequently ran aground at Pedra Branca due to the adverse sea conditions.
Salvage operations by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are currently underway in prevailing heavy sea conditions. MPA is also conducting further investigations into the incident.
Ship Collision Spills Tonnes of Oil in Singapore Strait
News Editor Environment News Wire 3 Jan 15;
SINGAPORE, January 3, 2015 (ENS) – A collision Friday between an oil tanker and a bulk carrier at the eastern end of the Strait of Singapore, where it meets the South China Sea, has spilled thousands of tons of crude oil, threatening white sand beaches and endangered sea turtles in Indonesia.
Early on the morning of January 2, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore received a report that a Libyan-registered oil tanker Alyarmouk had collided with a Singapore-registered bulk carrier Sinar Kapuas in Singapore waters.
The collision occurred about 11 nautical miles northeast of Pedra Branca, an outlying island that is the easternmost point of Singapore.
The Alyarmouk reported that one of her cargo tanks sustained damage. As a result 4,500 metric tonnes (approx. 32,400 barrels) of crude oil were spilled into the Strait of Singapore, according to an estimate by the Alyarmouk’s ship managers, V. Ships UK Ltd.
The Maritime and Port Authority deployed a helicopter to assess the situation.
Two oil spill response companies have been activated to control the spill. The companies have deployed four craft equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers to the site.
The Alyarmouk was en route from Tanjung Pelapas, Malaysia to China, and the Sinar Kapuas was transiting from Hong Kong to Singapore, when the incident occurred, says the MPA.
As part of standard operating procedures for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority has notified the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities.
The MPA is also working closely with the Indonesian authorities in line with the standard operating procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and has offered its assistance in the containment operations.
The two vessels involved in the collision are currently safely anchored and in stable condition, says the MPA, which has issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site.
There is no report of injury, and traffic in the port and in the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected. The Maritime and Port Authority is investigating the cause of the collision.
The site of the spill is just 18.6 nautical miles north of Bintan, Indonesia, famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and resorts and artisan fishing and boat-building communities.
Oil spill cleanup workers are battling time and tides to keep the oil from threatening the beaches of Bintan and the sea turtles that swim in Bintan waters.
Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles frequent Indonesian waters; all species are classed as endangered. On the Bintan Resort beaches hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, and green turtles, Chelonia mydas, have been recorded.
A turtle conservation initiative was started at Bintan Resorts in 2004. Villagers as well as visitors participate in the release of hatchlings during the March – September season.
The Research and Development Department and Environmental & Health Division of Bintan Resort conduct patrols to safeguard sea turtle nests, and they are confident that turtle nests will be protected on Bintan and conserved by local villages.
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 3 Jan 15;
Singapore could be in for more volatile weather, with experts saying a weak El Nino event could be fully established before the end of next month.
The National Environment Agency has said there is a 70 per cent chance of a weak El Nino. The weather phenomenon typically lasts about nine to 18 months. It is linked to Singapore becoming drier and warmer than usual, especially between June and September, and possibly in October.
However, its impact on rainfall and temperature is unpredictable.
"There were years when relatively weaker events induced more significant changes in rainfall... than the stronger events," said the National Environment Agency.
The El Nino event, if it occurs, would come on the heels of increasingly volatile weather in Singapore. Last year, the country experienced record-setting, long dry spells, even as rain has become more intense over the years.
Few more rainy episodes before likely sunny CNY
Danson Cheong The Straits Times AsiaOne 2 Jan 15;
SINGAPORE - The cool, rainy weather is expected to continue until the end of the month, with the cloudy skies clearing up in February - just in time for Chinese New Year.
There will be "a few rainy episodes" this month, but these are conditions typical of the northeast monsoon, said the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).
Total rainfall for the month is expected to be about 242mm, the long-term average for January. February is usually one of the driest months of the year, with a long-term average monthly rainfall of 161mm.
The cooler temperatures and windy conditions of the past week were due to the effects of a north-east monsoon surge, said an MSS spokesman.
Between last Dec 26 and 29, the daily minimum temperature ranged from 23.6 to 24 deg C. The long-term mean daily temperature for December is 23.5 deg C.
"This is a surge of cold air from northern China that results in a steady strengthening of northeasterly winds over the South China Sea," the MSS spokesman explained.
The north-east monsoon typically lasts from late November to January, causing between two and four monsoon surges. These are periods of occasionally windy conditions, cooler temperatures and prolonged and widespread moderate to heavy rain lasting between two and five days.
In November, the north-east monsoon brought heavy thundery showers that resulted in flash floods in several parts of Singapore, including Kovan and Tampines Road.
Intense rain caused water from a canal to overflow into residential areas, trapping parked cars, causing power shutdowns and flooding homes.
Meanwhile, it has been very windy in many parts of Singapore in the past week, with the daily maximum wind speed across the island ranging from 19.6 kmh to 23.6 kmh.
"This was stronger than the average daily maximum wind speed of 18.3kmh for this month," the MSS said.
The strong wind and cooler temperatures have had some Singaporeans feeling the chill, especially at night.
"Sometimes the wind is so cold I open the windows only a small gap, and still use a blanket," said civil servant Choy Tze Wei, 25, who lives in a 14th-floor, four-room flat in Potong Pasir.
The MSS said windy conditions are expected to ease over the next few days with the weakening of the monsoon surge.
Said Ms Choy: "That's a pity, I was just beginning to get used to it."
Royston Sim The Straits Times AsiaOne 3 Jan 15;
Singapore could welcome its first World Heritage Site this year, when Unesco decides on the Botanic Gardens' nomination.
The 155-year-old park was nominated in 2012 for Unesco status, and official documents for the bid were submitted last year.
Unesco World Heritage Sites are cultural or natural places deemed to have outstanding universal value.
Spanning 74ha, the Botanic Gardens is a green lung in the heart of Singapore that showcases more than 10,000 types of plants and draws more than four million visitors annually.
The nomination dossier describes the Gardens as "an exceptional example of a British tropical colonial botanic garden" that assembles both historic landscape features and buildings, as well as conserved lowland primary rainforest.
If accepted, the Gardens will join the likes of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Petra in Jordan and the Royal Botanic Gardens in London as Unesco World Heritage sites. A decision on its nomination could be made by June.
The Star 3 Jan 15;
JOHOR BARU: Vegetable prices are increasing due to damage to crops by the floods. With many roads also cut off by the floods, produce has become scarce.
The Government is trying to address the shortage by importing more vegetables.
Checks by The Star here showed prices of vegetables increasing by between 20% and 50% with many vegetable traders saying they were struggling to obtain supplies.
Vegetable trader Idah Mokhtar said, “Even if supplies are available, transportation to bring them over is another major problem”.
“The prices of various vegetables, especially those imported from Cameron Highlands, have increased by at least 20%,” she said at the Larkin market here yesterday.
Idah said tomatoes had risen from RM3 to RM4.50 per kg while cucumber and French beans had shot up from RM0.80 to RM3 per kg and RM6 to RM9 per kg respectively.
At the Tebrau market here, trader Liew Wen said prices for vegetables sourced from Batu Pahat and Cameron Highlands had increased by some 50%.
Johor Fama director Faridulatrash Md Mokri said vegetable supply started getting low about a week ago with prices rising by 40% to 50%.
He said prior to the floods, Cameron Highlands round cabbage sold at RM1.50 per kg but it was now RM3.
Fresh red chillies, meanwhile, had rocketed from between RM8 and RM10 per kg to between RM14 and RM15.
Faridulatrash said Fama would offer discounts of between 40% and 50% on nine commonly consumed vegetables to customers at farmers’ markets in the state until the end of the month.
In PETALING JAYA, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the import of vegetables and other produce would help maintain supply.
“We are aware there is a shortage of supply, resulting in a spike in prices of vegetables. We expect prices to stabilise once additional imports reach here. However, authorities in charge must also check for traders who are profiteering,” he told The Star.
He said the ministry had also taken steps to ensure there was no shortage in fish supply, halting exports in October and directing the National Fisherman’s Association to buy over all the stock, have it frozen and sold locally during the wet season.
Ismail said farmers in Kelantan were the worst affected as floods had destroyed padi due to be harvested, vegetable farms, fruit orchards, livestock and thousands of fish bred in cages.
“As for livestock, the large tracts of land where poultry farming is carried out is largely outside Kelantan and in areas not affected by the floods, so no (nationwide) shortages are expected,” he said.
The floods, he said, also affected small enterprises in the agro-based industry, adding that losses in this sector would be significant as stock, raw material and machinery that were damaged by rising waters had to be taken into account.
“It will be a while before everything returns to normal and my ministry will do all it can to help the farmers and the small entrepreneurs,” he pledged.
Food supply to be restored within two weeks
The Star 3 Jan 5;
PUTRAJAYA: The supply of food in states badly affected by the floods is expected to be fully restored within two weeks, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek.
He said the period could be shorter if the weather improved.
“The main obstacle is accessibility to the states as many roads had been inundated and closed to traffic.
“There are more than enough supply of food and other essential items for everyone but they could not be sent to the affected areas.
“Let’s pray for good weather so the supplies could reach the affected areas soon,” he said yesterday.
Hasan said efforts were under way to send fuel supply to Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
“We have made arrangements with oil companies to give priority to the three states,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bernama reports that the Meteorological Department has forecast strong winds and rough seas in the waters off Pahang, eastern Johor, Sarawak, Sabah (Interior, West Coast, and Kudat districts) and Labuan until tomorrow.
It said in a statement that the Category Two winds of 50 to 60km per hour and waves as high as 4.5m were dangerous for all shipping, including ferry services, fishing and coastal activities.
“Similar conditions are expected to prevail in the waters off Samui, Tioman, Bunguran, Reef South and Labuan,” it added.
The department said Category One winds of 40 to 50kph and waves as high as 3.5m would occur up to tomorrow in the waters off Kelantan and Terengganu.
It also said that Category Three north-easterly winds exceeding 60kph and waves higher than 4.5m were expected to occur in the waters off Condore, Reef North, Layang-layang and Palawan.
“These conditions are dangerous for all coastal activities and shipping and also for workers on oil platforms,” it added.
AFP Yahoo News 1 Jan 15;
At least 21 people have been killed and eight others are missing after the worst flooding in decades across Malaysia's northeast, police said Wednesday, with almost a quarter of a million people displaced.
They said 14 of the deaths were recorded in the worst-hit state of Kelantan, where some 158,476 people were displaced.
Four people died in Terengganu and three in Pahang state. There are also reports of outbreaks of flu and diarrhoea.
The number forced from their homes in the other affected states -- Pahang, Perak, Terengganu and Johor -- totalled 83,570.
Forecasters Wednesday predicted clear skies for the next three days.
"But we are still in the northeast monsoon period until March. We could expect heavy showers later in the week," a meteorological department official said.
Floodwaters have began to subside in many areas but authorities are bracing for possible disease outbreaks.
Noor Hisham Abdullah, health ministry director-general, said there was no major rise in flood-related diseases at the moment.
"We anticipate that flood victims will come in masses seeking care once the floodwaters start to recede," he said in a Facebook posting.
Rajbans Singh, president of the Malaysian Wellness Society, told AFP that floods can increase the transmission of typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, malaria and dengue.
The government has been criticised for its slow response after many victims were caught stranded in outlying areas without food and clean water.
Prime Minister Najib Razak, who came under fire after being filmed playing golf with US President Barack Obama in Hawaii when the disaster happened, said he was saddened by the flooding.
"I see so much destruction. It is depressing and sad," he said.
Najib is criss-crossing flood-hit areas and coordinating aid activities.
Ee Su Chuong, 42, the owner of an auto repair shop in Kota Bharu in Kelantan, said many people were taking advantage of the sunny day to clean their mud-filled homes after floodwaters receded.
"But they will return to the relief centres to spend the night because they are unable to cook on their own as most provision shops are still closed," he told AFP.
The National Security Council admitted there were delays in its relief efforts, saying this was partly because some of its staff were flood victims.
"Due to the magnitude of the floods, most districts were completely inundated. Our entire district machinery collapsed as they (staff) had become victims themselves," council secretary Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.
Damage to property and infrastructure close to RM1bil
RAZAK AHMAD, MAZWIN NIK ANIS, ZUHRIN AZAM AHMAD, JOSEPH KAOS JR, BEH YUEN HUI, ZAZALI MUSA, KATHLEEN ANN KILI, ONG HAN SEAN, WANI MUTHIAH, TASHNY SUKUMARAN, HANIS ZAINAL, CHRISTINE CHEAH, AND R.S.N. MURALI
The Star 3 Jan 15;
PETALING JAYA: Realisation is starting to sink in on just how devastating the floods have been on the country, infrastructure and people.
At the forefront are the thousands of villagers who lost their homes and those who lost their lives in the disaster.
But as the nation moves to recover, it is finding that there are more who have also lost.
Among them are some 69,000 rubber smallholders and up to 50,000 oil palm planters whose plantations are submerged.
They are suffering a loss in income while a lengthy submersion in water can damage the oil palm trees, adding to the cost.
In the worst-hit east coast state of Kelantan alone, there are about 150,000 farmers and livestock breeders with destroyed padi fields and vegetable plots, drowned livestock and swamped fish ponds.
The total damage to property and infrastructure in all the affected states is still being tallied but already the cost is close to RM1bil.
Some officials announced estimates yesterday totalling RM878mil.
This comprises RM350mil to repair damaged schools in five states, RM200mil in property damage, RM100mil to repair roads in Kelantan, RM132mil to repair roads in Terengganu and RM96mil to repair 93 collapsed hillslopes along the damaged roads in four states.
The tally does not include the losses incurred by the rubber, oil palm and agriculture sectors, which are among the main economic activities for residents of the east coast states.
The National Association of Small Holders (Nash) said that about 119,000 smallholders were affected and that a survey to determine the losses they suffered were ongoing.
“This has been a terrible flood and worst hit are oil palm smallholders in Pahang and Terengganu as well as rubber smallholders in Kelantan,” said Datuk Aliasak Ambia, president of Nash.
He said the rubber smallholders needed help in the form of equipment, such as cups and tapping knives, while the oil palm smallholders were hoping for fertiliser aid.
Nash has about 375,000 members who each plant rubber, oil palm and cocoa on plots of land less than 40ha.
Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad said the land development authority was conducting a survey to determine the extent of damage and losses.
“So far, what I can say is that most of the damage has been to our plantations in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and in parts of Pahang,” he said.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said a more accurate estimate of damage was not yet possible because most of the farmers were still in relief centres.
Also, with the farmers affected, the prices of vegetables are rising nationwide because the commodity has become scarce and inaccessible roads make it difficult to get the produce to market.
Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s Kelantan office general-manager Md Yuslan Md Yusof also could not put a figure to the damage but added that the flood damaged equipment such as switchgear, transformers, cables, conductors and electricity poles, mostly in Tanah Merah, Gua Musang and Kuala Krai.
Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said he could only give an accurate estimate on damage once the water subsided.
The Defence Ministry has pledged to help the Works Ministry with manpower to repair damaged public infrastructure, especially roads.
Unless roads are made accessible quickly and the weather improves, the supply of foodstuff in the badly affected states would only be fully restored within two weeks, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek.
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The Star 1 Jan 15;
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has refuted a statement by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that human negligence through uncontrolled logging may be a cause of the floods in Kuala Krai.
Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the Prime Minister should have spoken to the state government before making such a statement.
“The logging system in Kelantan has complied with the quota of 5,960ha a year set by the National Land Council.
“And the forest management by the government adheres to (the terms of) the certification of MC&I SFM, an independent international body, while the land opened by any party must have an Environmental Impact Assessment report.
“The natural disaster that ravaged Kuala Krai may have been caused by unusual rainfall as reported by the Meteorological Department and by illegal land opening by loggers, and the government has stepped up the monitoring of such activities,” Ahmad said in a statement here.
Najib on Tuesday, during a visit to Kuala Krai, told reporters that human negligence, including illegal logging activities, might be a cause for the devastating floods in the district.
The Prime Minister said the rampant opening of land especially for logging had an effect on the environment because there was then no natural retention to stop water from flowing directly to the river swiftly.
He added that the numerous logs floating in the river also had an effect when they became stuck under the bridges blocking the water from flowing and thus spilling over to the surrounding areas resulting in major floods.
Floods cost Kelantan RM200mil in losses
The Star 2 Jan 14;
KOTA BARU: The unprecedented floods in Kelantan have caused an estimated RM200mil in losses, said state flood disaster management director Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
The floods damaged basic infrastructure in the towns of Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah, Tumpat, Pasir Mas and here.
“This is only a ballpark figure and we have yet to tabulate the losses of the victims. We are now compiling the full data on losses from them.
“At the same time, the victims need temporary shelter, especially for areas in Gua Musang and Kuala Krai, before school starts this year.
“A total of 516 houses were destroyed in Gua Musang and 38 houses were swept away in Kuala Krai.
“All the flood victims in the state have been placed in 92 schools and they will have to be moved to other places when school reopens on Jan 10.”
He also said they would have to rush to set up temporary tents for victims who had lost their houses.
“The tents will be equipped with water, electricity and toilets,” he said here yesterday.
Mustapa said the number of flood evacuees in Kelantan had dropped to 40,000. The figure was 158,476 victims on Wednesday.
He also hoped the three police personnel injured in a helicopter crash in Tanah Merah would recover from their injuries soon.
In the incident at 6.45pm on Wednesday, four police personnel, who were transporting food rations, were aboard the police helicopter when it crashed in Kampung Rambai Gobek, Tanah Merah.
Pilot ASP Adli Ahmad, 34, co-pilot ASP Hasli Hassan, 36, and Sjn/Major Mohd Hood Abdul Majis, 43, were hospitalised at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian and Tanah Merah Hospital.
A fourth personnel, L/Kpl Arhafidah Zakaria, 27, received outpatient treatment.
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