10 Jan (Sat) evening: Free guided walk at the Pasir Ris mangroves
Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs and Sharing Pasir Ris Mangroves with families in our December walk
Red-legged Crake (Rallina fasciata) @ Mandai Lake Road
from Monday Morgue
Today Online 5 Jan 15;
KUALA LUMPUR — China developer Country Gardens Holdings can only develop less than 1,000 acres or a quarter of its controversial 1,600 hectares Forest City project in the Johor Straits under new limits set by the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE).
The Malaysian Insider has learnt that the DOE has verbally informed Country Garden Pacificview, a joint-venture unit of Country Gardens Holdings, of the new limits after complaints from locals and the Singapore government over reclamation works in the narrow waterway between Malaysia and the island state.
“The DOE has decided to limit the project to the first phase and wait for a few years to see the impact before looking at future phases,” a source told The Malaysian Insider.
“The DOE is expected to send an official letter about its decision soon to relevant parties,” he added.
Country Gardens Holdings is China’s seventh-largest property developer with a market capitalisation of HK$63 billion (S$10.8 billion) as of Dec 31 last year. Its financial revenue for the financial year ended June 30, 2014, was HK$38.3 billion with HK$5.5 billion net profit.
Another source said Malaysian environmental authorities made their decision after Singapore presented videos and documentary proof of continued reclamation works for the ambitious China-Malaysia joint-venture project.
It is understood that the evidence was presented at the last Malaysia-Singapore Joint Commission on Environment (MSJCE) which met last month.
Singapore had raised the issue of reclamation works near its sea border as it had effects on its coastal areas. The reclamation works had also affected Malaysia’s nearby key transhipment hub, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).
Last September, the Johor government said it wanted Country Garden Pacificview, the developer of Forest City, to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before developing the project at Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah.
Johor chief minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said it was important to ensure issues such as environment were given full attention and regulations were adhered to.
“We hope the developer complies with the requirement to submit an EIA report, which is very important for us to ensure all concerns, including from the environmental aspects, are given attention,” he said in Johor Bahru.
A public dialogue on Forest City’s Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) turned chaotic on September 2 last year, when the developer was confronted with all kind of enquiries from the residents in Kampung Pok affected by the project.
They expressed dissatisfaction for not being consulted before the implementation of the project, which involved the construction of a 1,600-hectare man-made island, which was seen as polluting the environment and jeopardising the area’s marine ecology.
The developers had reportedly voluntarily stopped sea reclamation to build the island, which was 30 per ccent completed, on June 15 last year, although there was no official DOE notice.
The Forest City project, which has gross development value (GDV) estimated at RM600 billion (S$226.7 billion) on reclaimed land, is a joint venture between KPRJ, a Johor state government owned subsidiary and Country Garden Holdings.
Country Gardens first entered Malaysia in 2011 in a joint-venture with Mayland Group to develop two parcels of land in Semenyih and Rawang.
The China developer ventured into Johor in 2012 when it acquired 22 hectares of waterfront and in Danga Bay for nearly RM1 billion. It launched Phase One of the Danga Pay project in 2013 where over 1,500 units were snapped up in three days.
It launched Phase Two of the Danga Bay project in 2014 which has sold over 6,000 units to date. Danga Bay is part of Malaysia’s ambitious Iskandar Region corridor to develop the southern state as the Shenzhen to Singapore. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER
Malaysia sets new development limits on Johor's Forest City project
Straits Times 5 Jan 15;
JOHOR BARU - China developer Country Gardens Holdings can only develop less than a quarter of its planned Forest City project in Johor Strait, under new limits set by Malaysia's Department of Environment.
The company was informed verbally about the new limits (405ha), Malaysian Insider has reported, after complaints from locals and the Singapore government over reclamation works in the narrow waterway between Malaysian and the city state.
"The DOE has decided to limit the project to the first phase and wait for a few years to see the impact before looking at future phases," the Malaysian Insider quoted a source as saying. An official letter about the decision will be sent to the relevant parties soon, the source said.
The ambitious 1,600ha project, a joint-venture by Country Gardens and a Johor development company, involved massive reclamation off Tuas in the next 30 years. The man-made island was going to measure nearly three times the size of Ang Mo Kio estate and was to offer luxury homes in the Johor Strait.
Singapore had raised the issue of reclamation works near its sea border which would effect its coastal areas. Evidence to the same, in the form of videos and documentary proof, was presented to the Malaysian environmental authorities during the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Commission on Environment (MSJCE) which met last month, another source told the Malaysian Insider.
The reclamation works had also affected Malaysia's nearby key transhipment hub, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
Last September, the Johor government said it wanted the developer to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said it was important to ensure issues such as the environment were given full attention and regulations were adhered to.
A public dialogue on the detailed impact assessment of the City in September last year had turned chaotic, after the developers were bombarded with inquiries from locals who were worried about environment pollution and jeopardy to the area's marine ecology.
Country Gardens Holdings, the parent company of the developers, is China's seventh-largest property developer with a market capitalisation of HK$63 billion (S$10.8 billion) as of Dec 31, 2014.
KL limits Forest City project after concerns over its impact
Today Online 6 Jan 15;
KUALA LUMPUR — China developer Country Gardens Holdings can develop less than 405ha, or only a quarter, of its controversial 1,600ha Forest City project in the Johor Straits, under new limits set by Malaysia’s Department of Environment (DOE), a report yesterday showed.
The Malaysian Insider has learnt that the DOE has verbally informed Country Garden Pacific View, a joint-venture unit of Country Gardens Holdings, of the new limits after complaints from locals and the Singapore Government over reclamation work in the narrow waterway between Malaysia and the island state.
“The DOE has decided to limit the project to the first phase and wait for a few years to see the impact before looking at future phases,” a source told The Malaysian Insider.
“The DOE is expected to send an official letter about its decision soon to relevant parties,” he added.
The Forest City development in the Strait of Johor, near Singapore’s Second Link, involves creating a 1,817ha island almost three times the size of Ang Mo Kio and the construction of luxury homes. The project, which includes a 49ha tourist hub and recreational facilities, is expected to be completed in 30 years’ time.
The ambitious project involves massive land reclamation work. Singapore had previously expressed concern about the possible transboundary impact of the reclamation work near its sea border.
Another source said Malaysian environmental authorities made their decision after Singapore presented videos and documentary proof of continued reclamation work for the China-Malaysia joint-venture project.
It is understood that the evidence was presented at the last Malaysia-Singapore Joint Commission on Environment, which met last month.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not issue a response to TODAY’s request for comment.
Analysts said it was difficult to gauge how much interest the project has generated among Singaporeans, but that it was likely investors would have already been cautious about the mega-project because it was on reclaimed land.
“At this point, I think the news hasn’t reached the majority of their consumers,” said Mr Sean Tan, general manager of iProperty Singapore.
“And as a Singaporean investor, obviously they would have to relook how that would affect their investment overall. I think Singaporeans being Singaporean investors, they will have a wait-and-see attitude until the formal letters and legislation have been put through.”
The reclamation work had also affected Malaysia’s nearby key transshipment hub, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).
Last September, the Johor government said it wanted Country Garden Pacificview, the developer of Forest City, to comply with an Environmental Impact Assessment study before developing the project.
Johor Chief Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said it was important to ensure issues such as the environment were given full attention and that regulations were adhered to.
A public dialogue on Forest City’s Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment turned chaotic on Sept 2 when the developer was confronted by locals affected by the project who were unhappy about not being consulted before its implementation, which was seen as polluting the environment and jeopardising the area’s marine ecology.
The developers had reportedly voluntarily stopped sea reclamation to build the island, which was 30 per cent completed, on June 15 last year, although there was no official DOE notice.
The Forest City project, which has gross development value (GDV) estimated at RM600 billion (S$225 billion) on reclaimed land, is a joint venture between KPRJ, a Johor state government owned subsidiary, and Country Garden Holdings.
The China developer ventured into Johor in 2012 when it acquired 22ha of waterfront land in Danga Bay for nearly RM1 billion. It launched Phase One of the Danga Bay project in 2013, when more than 1,500 units were snapped up in three days.
It launched Phase Two of the Danga Bay project last year, selling more than 6,000 units to date. Danga Bay is part of Malaysia’s ambitious Iskandar Region corridor, a project to develop the southern state as a special development and economic zone that would attract foreign investors.
Country Gardens Holdings is China’s seventh-largest property developer with a market capitalisation of HK$63 billion (S$10.8 billion) as of Dec 31 last year. Agencies, with additional reporting by Laura Philomin
Malaysia sets new limits on Forest City project
The Straits Times AsiaOne 6 Jan 14;
JOHOR BARU - China developer Country Gardens Holdings can develop only less than a quarter of its planned Forest City project in the Strait of Johor, under new limits set by Malaysia's Department of Environment.
The company was informed verbally about the new limits of 405ha, The Malaysian Insider has reported, after complaints from locals and the Singapore government over reclamation works in the narrow waterway between Malaysia and the city-state.
"The Department of Environment has decided to limit the project to the first phase and wait for a few years to see the impact before looking at future phases," The Malaysian Insider quoted a source as saying. An official letter about the decision will be sent to the relevant parties soon, the source said.
The ambitious 1,600ha project, a joint-venture by Country Gardens and a Johor development company, would have involved massive reclamation off Tuas in the next 30 years. The man-made island was going to measure nearly three times the size of Ang Mo Kio estate, and was to offer luxury homes in the Strait of Johor.
Singapore had raised the issue of reclamation works near its sea border, which would affect its coastal areas. Evidence to the same, in the form of videos and documentary proof, was presented to the Malaysian environmental authorities during the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Commission on Environment, which met last month, another source told The Malaysian Insider.
The reclamation works had also affected Malaysia's nearby key transhipment hub, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
Last September, the Johor government said that it wanted the developer to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said that it was important to ensure issues such as the environment were given full attention and regulations were adhered to.
A public dialogue on the detailed impact assessment of the City in September last year had turned chaotic, after the developers were bombarded with inquiries from locals who were worried about environmental pollution and jeopardy to the area's marine ecology.
Country Gardens Holdings, the parent company of the developers, is China's seventh-largest property developer with a market capitalisation of HK$63 billion (S$10.8 billion) as of Dec 31.
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 5 Jan 15;
The fate of a group of stray cats in Sembawang remains up in the air, with the authorities refuting online reports that the animals will be removed and likely culled.
On Thursday, a group of cat feeders taking care of the strays in Jalan Lengkok Sembawang wrote to the MP for the area, Ms Lee Bee Wah, and others to ask that the cats be spared from culling.
The feeders said the authorities had conducted a survey asking residents whether they wanted the cats to be removed.
"Our concern is that... community cats that are caught will have to be sent to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, where they are likely to be culled," the cat feeders said in their letter.
But when asked, Ms Lee said that "while a survey has been done, we intend to ask the Cat Welfare Society and a group of animal lovers to consider what possible solutions there are".
"A decision will be taken only after they look at the situation and make suggestions," said Ms Lee.
She did not respond to queries about the nature of the complaints in Jalan Lengkok Sembawang, or about the survey.
The Straits Times understands, however, that the same poll was done in Yishun last month.
The Straits Times obtained a copy of that survey, which started with a paragraph noting residents' feedback about hygiene and cleanliness issues related to discarded cat food.
"We also received requests for the stray cats to be removed," the survey said, before asking the resident a single yes/no question: "Do you agree to the stray cats to be removed (sic)?"
Cat Welfare Society chief executive Joanne Ng said it was not consulted about or involved in either survey, although the group works with Nee Soon Town Council to resolve cat-related complaints.
Ms Ng said she met Ms Lee and town council representatives on Tuesday after learning of the Yishun survey.
"We agreed to work closer together and to communicate more effectively," she said.
Regarding its involvement in future surveys, Ms Ng said the society does not agree with surveys that ask whether cats should be removed or culled, as these do not solve the underlying conflict between those who want the cats left alone and those who want them removed.
The Star 5 Jan 15;
TANAH MERAH: The spectre of a disease outbreak is now hanging over residents who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the floods.
Although water and power supplies are gradually resuming since last Friday and food supply like vegetables and chicken are also being sold after the reopening of roads, residents are worried about diseases caused by contaminated water, rubbish and carcasses.
The stink from rotten food and garbage is pervasive everywhere, from the town centre to the villages.
Tan Kim Kui, 46, who runs a bookshop, had to discard countless books, magazines and other items that were damaged in the disaster.
“I contacted the recycling companies but they said their stores are full.
“I’m not selling but giving them away and yet, no one wants them,” she said.
One housewife, who only wanted to be known as Rima, said she had no choice but to dispose her damaged belongings.
“My whole house was submerged under water. I had to throw away almost everything,” she said.
MCA central committee member Koh Chin Han called on local councils to look into the rubbish problems to prevent an outbreak of infectious diseases.
He also reminded the people to be careful in their food intake.
Koh, who is Malacca MCA secretary, came here to help clean up SJK (C) Yuk Cheng, which was damaged in the floods.
“I am merely doing my part to help.
“Most importantly, we must ensure that the school is able to start as scheduled next Monday,” he said, adding that many desks, chairs and teaching materials were destroyed.
Joining him in the operation were several division leaders from Malacca MCA, grassroots leaders and members as well as volunteers from the party’s Crisis Relief Squad from Perlis, Kedah and Perak.
Floods: Perak hit by second wave
SYLVIA LOOI New Straits Times 5 Jan 15;
IPOH: As the number of flood evacuees continues to drop nationwide, Perak has been hit by a second wave of flood with 32 people in Batu Gajah being evacuated after water rise to one metre.
State National Security Council spokesman said as at 8am today, there were still 5,728 evacuees at 38 flood relief centres.
"Perak Tengah district tops the worst hit area with 4,562 victims seeking shelter at relief centres," she said.
Meanwhile, a state Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said 32 victims at Kampung Piandang Baru in Pusing were evacuated from their homes at 11.30pm yesterday.
"They are being placed at Dewan Orang Ramai Kampung Piandang in Batu Gajah," he said.
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
Drongo Cuckoo
from Bird Ecology Study Group
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.
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