Best of our wild blogs: 21 Nov 16

harrier @ kranji marshes - 19Nov2016
sgbeachbum

Chek Jawa boardwalk with families
wild shores of singapore

Domestic Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria) @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Monday Morgue

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Crocodile rescued after getting trapped in Lim Chu Kang fish farm

Lam Min Lee AsiaOne 20 Nov 16;

Most long-time residents know the ins and outs of their neighbourhoods.

But one unlucky resident of Sungei Buloh not only ended up in unfamiliar territory, it got itself stuck in a nearby fish farm while out hunting for supper one night.

A crocodile, estimated to be between 2.5m and 3m long, had wandered into the facility through a drainage pipe, said Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, Singapore (ACRES).

It was rescued on Friday (Nov 18) by a team of four from ACRES after farm workers reported the sighting.

AsiaOne spoke with ACRES wildlife group director Kalai vanan to find out more about the rescue mission.

He said that the animal was safely restrained, passed through a gap in the fence, and subsequently released back to the wetland reserve.

The reptile was identified as an estuarine crocodile, a nocturnal animal that is native to Singapore.

It spends most of its day basking at the water's edge or stays hidden among vegetation, according to National Parks (NParks).

The crocodile can also be found in areas along the island's northern coastlines and mainly feeds on fish and small animals.

Mr Kalai vanan said that the estuarine crocodile population has dwindled over the years due to overhunting, leather trade, and destruction of its natural habitat.

As Singapore becomes increasingly urbanised, we are now sharing green spaces with wild animals.

"It is important that we learn to co-exist with them and help to raise awareness amongst the younger generation so that they will grow up to protect the wildlife that can be found in Singapore," Mr Vanan said.

If you encounter a crocodile at the Sungei Buloh wetland reserve, NParks advises visitors to do the following:

- Stay calm and back away slowly

- Do not approach, provoke or feed the animal

- Call the Reserve Information Counter at 6794 1401 if you need help

To report a sighting of a wild animal in places that are not their natural habitats, call ACRES' 24-hour wildlife crime and rescue hotline at 9783 7782. To contribute towards ACRE's wildlife rescue efforts, visit their donation web page.

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Themed trains to drive commuters towards green lifestyle

Alice Chia Channel NewsAsia 21 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: Commuters looking to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle will get some pointers on how to do so on two specially themed MRT trains.

The two trains launched on Monday (Nov 21) have been decorated to showcase the Sustainable Singapore blueprint, which maps out the Government’s vision to create a more liveable and sustainable future by 2030.

The decorative features, which include window stickers, outline ways the public can do their part for the environment such as bringing reusable shopping bags and taking public transport instead of driving.

One of the themed trains will run along the 18-station Downtown Line between Chinatown and Bukit Panjang stations, and the other train will ply the North-East Line between HarbourFront and Punggol stations. Both trains will run daily for four weeks.

The themed trains initiative is supported by the Land Transport Authority and Moove Media.

- CNA/kk

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Government to build and lease spaces for animal shelters, pet farms

Channel NewsAsia 21 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: The Government will build facilities for animal welfare groups to operate animal shelters and for pet farms, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said on Monday (Nov 21).

Most of the animal welfare groups and pet farms currently located in Loyang and Seletar will have to move out of their current premises when their leases expire by end-2017 as the sites are needed for redevelopment, the AVA said in its press release.

To facilitate the move, the Government will build and lease the facilities to the animal welfare groups and pet farms for monthly rentals. "This means they need not raise funds to pay a lump sum to buy land and construct their own facilities," the agency said.

The facilities, to be located in Sungei Tengah, will be ready by end-2017 and will be managed by AVA. They will adhere to animal welfare standards and there will be "sufficient space" for the existing number of animals affected by the move, it added.

The new facilities will have two storeys, instead of a single storey like the current premises, as it would make more intensive use of the land, AVA said.

There is also scope to plan for sharing of common facilities such as dog runs, which will further optimise land use. "AVA is seeking the views of various stakeholders on the design specifications of the facilities and will continue to engage them," it said.

- CNA/kk


Govt to build rental facilities for pet farms, animal shelters at Sungei Tengah
TOH EE MING Today Online 21 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE — New facilities will be built in Sungei Tengah by the end of next year, offering space for rent by operators of animal shelters and pet farms at Loyang and Seletar, most of whose leases expire by then, said the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) on Monday (Nov 21).

With the new facilities, which will be along Sungei Tengah Road and opposite Farmart, operators would not have to raise a lump sum to buy land and construct their own facilities, as is common now.

The design specifications of the new space is still being worked out, but to maximise the use of land, the buildings will be two storeys tall — the current premises at Loyang and Seletar are one-storey. Common facilities, such as dog runs, could also be built for tenants to further optimise land use.

The AVA, which will manage the new facilities, said there will be sufficient space for between 6,000 and 7,000 animals currently housed by the affected operators in Seletar and Loyang. There are nine animal welfare groups, 29 pet farms and several independent shelters there.

Most of their leases expire at the end of next year because the land they are sitting on has been earmarked for redevelopment, but specific plans have not been announced yet.

In response to queries, a spokesperson from AVA said: “The priority is to house the existing animals in Loyang and Seletar. We can consider leasing to other animal welfare groups and pet farms in other areas in future if there is sufficient space left over.” Asked about rental prices, the spokesperson said it will be pegged to recovering the cost of land, construction, maintenance, facilities management and other costs.

For animal welfare groups and independent shelters, a “rough ballpark we have now is about S$13 per sqm per month”. The cost will depend on the final design and contractor’s tender prices, added the AVA spokesperson.

Pet farm operators will have to tender for the units and their rentals will be based on their bids. While they were happy to hear of the relocation option, some of the affected animal welfare groups and pet farms raised concerns about space for the animals.

Mr Mohan Div, co-founder of Animal Lovers League shelter, which houses about 500 dogs and cats at Pasir Ris Farmway 3, said it would take time for the animals to adjust, as they are used to roaming freely in the open space at their current premises.

“It’s the light at the end of the tunnel with (this) and a real blessing financially ... (but) we do prefer an open-farm concept ... where animals get to walk around and mingle (with visitors),” he said.

Previously, he considered tendering for a piece of land with some other groups but acknowledged that cost would be a concern.

Another operator of a pet farm, which houses about 1,000 animals, wanted to know about the tenancy terms and the space available before he makes a decision. The operator, who declined to be named, said that with animals housed in closed quarters, it could be a problem if there was an outbreak of a disease.

Ms Elaine Tan, a boarder at Ericsson Pet Farm, wondered if there would be flexibility in customising space for animals.

Voices for Animals president Derrick Tan said he was happy that the authorities were stepping in to provide an option for operators who would otherwise have to find new premises themselves.

“We were worried about (finding where) to house these animals ... (especially) with land being very expensive in Singapore,” he added.


Government to build and lease facilities for animal shelters, farms
Janice Heng MyPaper 22 Nov 16;

Animal welfare groups and pet farms in Loyang and Seletar, which will need to move out of their premises when their leases expire by the end of next year, will get new facilities in Sungei Tengah built and provided by the Government.

The sites in Loyang and Seletar are needed for redevelopment, said the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) in a release yesterday.

To help with the move, the Government will build facilities and lease them to the animal welfare groups and pet farms for monthly rentals.

"This means they need not raise funds to pay a lump sum to buy land and construct their own facilities," said the AVA.

It will manage the facilities which will be ready by end-2017. It said there will be sufficient space for the current number of animals from the affected animal welfare groups and pet farms.

Having government-built facilities ensures that the new spaces adhere to animal welfare standards, said the AVA.

The new facilities will have two storeys, instead of one storey like the current premises.

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Malaysia: Visitors throng park to see Rafflesia flower

The Star 21 Nov 16;

LUNDU: The Gunung Gading National Park here has been swarmed by visitors since Friday as word got out that its main attraction, the Rafflesia flower from the Rafflesia tuan-mudae species, is blooming.

The world’s largest flower started to bloom on Thursday (the first day of blooming which normally takes up to six days) and is expected to continue until tomorrow.

Visitors had to walk about 300m from the park office to see the flower.

Edmund Gering, 27, the officer in charge of the national park, which is about 120km from Kuching, said the Rafflesia takes almost nine months to flower.

“This time the 70cm-diameter flower has six petals. The Rafflesia normally produces five petals only.

“Every year, approximately 20 Rafflesia flowers bloom in the park,” he said when met here yesterday.

Visitors who want to see the Rafflesia must register with the national park management and be accompanied by a guide.

Edmund said there are about 23 locations with the Rafflesia flowers open for visitors as they are easily accessible and have been marked by the national park.

Asked about the name of the species, he said the species was dedicated to Charles Brooke II, who was referred to as Tuan Mudae Sarawak in Malay.

Gunung Gading National Park covers an area of 4,196 hectares and was gazetted in 1983 to create a conservation zone for the endangered plants.

Apart from the Rafflesia tuan-mudae which is endemic to this national park only, the Gunung Gading park is also famous for its waterfalls and pitcher plants. — Bernama

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Malaysia: Alert over heavy rain and overflowing rivers goes out in Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor and Perlis

The Star 21 Nov 16;

PETALING JAYA: Warnings of heavy rain and overflowing rivers have been issued in four states by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

This covers selected areas in Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor and Perlis.

The DID flood information website http://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my/ yesterday sent out an initial warning that villagers in Kampung Sungai Buluh and Batu Bertangkup in Perlis should be careful after 51mm of rainfall was recorded before the danger subsided.

Another warning was issued for residents in the vicinity of Empangan Bukit Kwong in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, after 44mm of rain was recorded as of 5pm yesterday.

Two subsequent warnings were sent out an hour later for Sg Kelantan, Tanah Merah (Kelantan) and Sg Cherul in Kemaman (Terengganu) after 39mm and 46mm of rainfall were recorded respectively.

Separate warnings were issued for villagers near Sungai Muar and Sungai Penarik in Johor when the water in the two rivers reached danger levels.

However, DID did not issue any flood or flood forecast warnings on their website yesterday.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) indicated that more than 500mm of rain had been forecast for Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and east Johor until the end of year.

The rainfall, according to MetMalaysia, is typical for this time of year due to the northeast monsoon.

MetMalaysia’s weather outlook has also forecast that Perlis, Kedah, Penang and north Perak would receive lower than normal rainfall (less than 150mm) between January and February next year.

Other areas in the peninsula are forecast to receive normal rainfall of between 100mm and 300mm.

Between March and April next year, all states are expected to receive normal rainfall of between 100mm and 350mm.

A metMalaysia spokesman had said floods could be expected if there was continuous rainfall for three to five days. The east coast monsoon, which began last week, typically lasts until March.


Gerik hit by worst floods in 20 years, say residents
The Star 21 Nov 16;

GEORGE TOWN: Residents in Gerik woke up to the worst floods they have ever seen in 20 years.

Muhammad Hafizul Mohd Jonid, 22, shared pictures of the flood along Jalan Takong Datok, which occurred around 4.30am on Facebook.

“We were not prepared for this, but luckily our restaurant was not badly affected as the place is on higher ground.

“Now, we need to clean up before we open for business tomorrow,” he said yesterday.

Heavy rain on Saturday night caused flash floods in several areas in Gerik, Lenggong and Batu Gajah in Perak.

The affected areas were Kampung Air Suda, Kampung Ramasamy, Kampung Padang, Jalan Takong Datok and the market in Gerik, Kampung Beng in Lenggong and Batu 3 of Jalan Tanjung Tualang in Batu Gajah.

A spokesman for the Perak Fire and Rescue Department said one person was trapped in the market after flood waters rose to about 1.2m.

“He was rescued by a boat and moved to a safe place,” he told Bernama.

The water, however, receded quickly and after discussions with leaders of the affected villages, it was decided that the victims need not be moved to flood relief centres.


Dredging work to start at Penang rivers
The Star 21 Nov 16;

GEORGE TOWN: Even as the water level continues to rise and flood homes in Penang, dredging work will begin along several rivers today.

Dredging work will take place along Sungai Pinang, Sungai Air Itam, Sungai Dondang, Sungai Jelutong and at the Sungai Dondang retention pond.

The dredging, said the state Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID), was part of flood mitigation measures to prepare for the impact of the north-east monsoon.

“We will also clear the drains to ensure smooth water flow,” it said in a statement yesterday.

However, the long-term solution to the floods, which have hit the state for the fifth time in three weeks, will be the Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project, it said.

The Federal Government had set aside RM150mil for the third phase of the project, which is expected to begin next year until 2020.

Yesterday, Penangites again had to struggle with floods when water swamped more than 100 houses on the island and the mainland after a six-hour downpour.

At one time, some areas in Jalan P. Ramlee, Kampung Masjid, Jalan Singgora, Kampung Makam, Kampung Rawana, Lorong Kulit, Kampung Dodol, Jalan Gemas and Jalan Terengganu had water levels as high as 0.6m.

Cumulative rainfall at the Bukit Bendera and Sungai Pinang stations were recorded at between 50mm and 55mm. This was made worse by tide that rose from 1.4m to 2.2m within three hours starting from 11.30pm on Saturday.

Over at the mainland, several areas in Butterworth — Sungai Lokan, Bagan Lalang, Sungai Mak Mandin and Sungai Nyior — also came under 0.6m-high water levels after heavy rain.

With the rain stations in Bakar Kapor, Penaga, in the north Seberang Prai and Ampang Jajar, Butterworth, recording 65mm and 70.5mm in rainfall, Sungai Prai burst its banks, affecting some 50 homes in Kampung Perlis in Jalam Assumption.

Fishermen near Tasek Gelugor are complaining that the wetter than usual rainy season is affecting their livelihood.

Sungai Korok and Air Hitam Fishmermen Cooperative chairman Ramli Hashim said that about 200 fishermen could not go out to work.

“The rainy season has affected their catch as the strong river current is dangerous to small boats.

“So far, we have taken steps to improve the infrastructure at the jetties,” he said, adding that this year’s wet spell was the worst compared to previous years.


Heavy rain triggers flash floods in Perak
The Star 20 Nov 16;

IPOH: Heavy rain Saturday night caused flash floods in several areas in Gerik, Lenggong and Batu Gajah in Perak.

The affected areas were Kampung Air Suda, Kampung Ramasamy, Kampung Padang, Jalan Takong Datok and the market in Gerik, Kampung Beng in Lenggong and Batu 3 of Jalan Tanjung Tualang in Batu Gajah, according to a spokesman of the Perak Fire and Rescue Department.

He said the floodwaters rose to 1.2m in the five areas in Gerik.

"One person, who was trapped in the floods at the market, was rescued by boat and moved to a safe place," he told Bernama Sunday.

He also said that a house in Kampung Beng, Lenggong, was flooded at a depth of 0.5m, but the floodwaters had since receded.

The floodwaters in Batu Gajah had also subsided, he added. No evacuations were necessary. - Bernama



Flash floods hit Penang
CHRISTOPHER TAN The Star 20 Nov 16;

GEORGE TOWN: Several flood prone areas were inundated in the wee hours of Sunday morning after a continuous downpour for about six hours.

Among the areas flooded were Jalan P. Ramlee, Kampung Makam and Kampung Dodol on the island.

Several areas on the mainland were also hit by flash floods, namely in Mak Mandin, Seberang Jaya and Jalan Raja Uda.

In another matter, a 42-year-old man drowned in the Perai River after he fell off a barge at about 10.30pm Saturday.

The Perai Fire and Rescue Department conducted a search and rescue operation and the body was found at 12.29am, about two hours later.

The victim, C.B. Ravichandran, was seen by public, trying to save himself after falling off before being dragged away by the river current.


Heavy downpours trigger flash floods across Perak, Kedah
INTAN BAHANABILAH HAMUDDINSAFURI KAMARUDIN New Straits Times 20 Nov 16;

IPOH: A two-hour heavy downpour, which began at 4am this morning, has caused flash flooding in several areas in Gerik, Lenggong and Batu Gajah.

A Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia (JPBM) spokesperson said in Gerik, water rose as high as 1.2 metres in five areas, namely Kampung Air Sudah, Kampung Ramasamy, Pasar Awam Gerik, Jalan Takong Datok and Kampung Padang.

ccording to the spokesperson, JPMB had to use a boat to evacuate a victim trapped at a market.

In Lenggong, a house in Kampung Beng was flooded by 0.5 metres of flood water. JPBM kept watch on the area until water subsided at 7 am.

"Meanwhile, in Batu Gajah, traffic congestion was reported after water overflowed onto the main road at Tanjung Tualang, but the situation is still under control, based on JPBM monitoring.

"There is no need to open evacuation centres at the affected locations for the time being," said the spokesperson.

In Kedah, more than a dozen villages in low-lying areas in Kupang, Kuala Ketil and Baling were hit by flash floods following three hours of rainfall early today.

The rain, which began at 2am, caused Sungai Ketil to overflow, leaving 50 homes in Kampung Banggol Chicar, Kupang, Tanah Periok, Raja, Bendang Sera, Kuala Samak, Tembak A, Gua Reban and Tanjung Merbau inundated by one metre-deep water.

Also affected are Kampung Sadek, Bukit Tinggi, Jerai and Tanjung. Baling Welfare Services Department officer Shamsul Izrin Ishak said the department and the Baling Member of Parliament's service centre had provided immediate relief to victims.

He said they are monitoring the situation and urge affected families to get ready for evacuation should the situation worsen.

Entire village cut off after landslide buries main road
AVILA GERALDINE New Straits Times 21 Nov 16;

KOTA BELUD: About 800 villagers of Kampung Tambatuon here were left isolated when the main road leading to the village was cut off due to a landslide.

It is learnt that the landslide was triggered by continuous heavy rain, which started at 3pm yesterday.

Four other landslides occurred in the same location, affecting Jalan Bypass Kota Belud-Ranau.

District Public Works Department assistant engineer Sadian Mindou said no houses were damaged thus far.

"However, power supply to the village has been disrupted, as an electricity utility pole collapsed due to the landslide," he said.

Sadian added that clearing works are currently being carried out, and villagers and road users will be able to pass through the affected area by this evening.

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Best of our wild blogs: 19-20 Nov 16

Babies galore at Changi
wild shores of singapore

Favourite Nectaring Plants #8
Butterflies of Singapore

Night Walk At Mount Faber Park (18 Nov 2016)
Beetles@SG BLOG

#throughthegrapevine: The Lime Butterfly
m.kl

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Bursting at the seams: Singapore's cast-off clothing

More than 156,000 tonnes of textile and leather waste was thrown away by Singaporeans last year, but only 8 per cent of such waste is recycled. Lianne Chia investigates whether the rate can be increased.
Lianne Chia Channel NewsAsia 18 Nov 16;

SINGAPORE: Racks of brightly coloured clothes line the aisles at the Salvation Army’s Family Thrift Store in Tanglin. A mannequin sporting a black, curly wig wears a black-and-white printed dress, while another models a red dress with a black skinny belt.

The racks are jammed tightly with clothes of varying patterns, sizes and brands, with some evidently brand new with tags still attached.

Singaporeans looking to clear their bursting wardrobes often turn to the charity as their first port of call. It accepts donations of clothing, furniture and other items like household goods.

But what is displayed in this store - and in fact across their five thrift stores islandwide - is only a small fraction of what it gets on a daily basis.

On average, the Salvation Army receives about 10 tonnes of donated items per day, about 60 per cent of which is clothing. The amount can go up to about 30 tonnes a day during peak periods like the month leading up to Christmas.

And the burgeoning mounds of clothes taken in by the charity highlights a larger problem - the sheer amount of cast-off clothing generated by Singaporeans.

BUYING MORE THAN NEEDED

According to statistics from the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore generated 156,700 tonnes of textile and leather waste last year. This category, according to an NEA spokesperson, includes used clothing, linen and bags.

But of this amount, only 12,500 tonnes were recycled, which brings Singapore’s recycling rate in this category to just 8 per cent. NEA said textile and leather waste that is “not segregated at source for recycling or reuse” is incinerated.

Singapore's rate appears to be part of a global problem. In the US, only about 16 per cent of textile waste was recycled in 2014, according to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency. In the UK, it is 14 per cent, according to a report published last year by the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, citing 2011 figures.

Reducing the amount of clothing waste in Singapore is a challenge, according to Ms Nuramirah Suyin Zaihan, an environmental engineer at the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). Greater spending power naturally fuels the consumption rate of goods, leading to consumers buying more than they need, she explained.

“Consumers are unable to see the connection between clothing consumption and the resultant waste that they produce,” she said.

The proliferation of fast-fashion chains in neighbourhood malls may also be contributing to the issue.

“The emphasis of mass production of such clothing to consumers can result in clothes that are of poor quality and are not meant to last long,” explained Ms Nuramirah. “These clothes will not only have a low resale value, but have a high chance of ending up as waste."

“The competitive prices and convenience brought about by online shops and marketplaces also accelerate the clothing waste issue,” she added.

Research suggests this could be a key factor behind some people's buying habits.

As part of an upcoming documentary The Trash Trail, Channel NewsAsia surveyed 1,000 Singaporeans to find out how much clothing they discard, and why.

According to the results, Singaporeans buy about 34 pieces of brand new apparel per year, with almost half of them citing discounts as the main driver for doing so. And on average, they discard 27 items of clothing per year, citing reasons like “making space for new clothes”, “no longer fits” and “there are defects”.

LACK OF AWARENESS

People in Singapore are generally not aware of how and where they can recycle their old clothes, said Ms Nuramirah.

She added that due to a lack of education on proper recycling, cross-contamination of recycling bins is also a problem. “People should practise proper recycling habits by bagging recyclables like clothing waste and sealing it thoroughly to avoid any cross-contamination,” she said.

Unlike paper or food waste, which is thrown away instantly, clothing waste also tends to accumulate over long periods of time and gets discarded in large quantities when people spring-clean their wardrobes.

She added that as a result, it is common to find people donating their old clothes to charities like the Salvation Army.

TOO MANY CLOTHES

The Salvation Army estimates that only about 8 to 10 per cent of donated clothes will be put on sale to members of the public because of the sheer number of items they receive.

“We receive so much clothing per day that it’s impossible for us to put it all on display in our shops,” said Mr David Lim, senior manager of wholesale and export for Red Shield Industries, the charity’s social enterprise arm.

He explained that the clothes on sale at the charity’s thrift stores have passed two rounds of quality checks - first at the charity’s central processing centre, and again at the shop. Whatever does not make the cut will be returned to the processing centre for export to Malaysia and Indonesia.

“The funds we receive will help the Salvation Army in transforming lives,” he added.

But while donating to charities is one way to reduce the amount of clothes being thrown away in Singapore, Ms Nuramirah noted that “a mindset and lifestyle change is needed”.

How can this mindset and lifestyle change be effected? For one woman, the answer comes in the form of a sewing needle.

THE ART OF UPCYCLING

While Singaporeans throng shopping malls looking for the latest cheap clothing, Ms Agatha Lee estimates that she buys new clothes for herself and her family only once or twice a year.

Instead, she combines her skill with the sewing needle with her passion for the environment and finds ways to turn her old clothes into new items for herself and her home. She describes the process as “upcycling”, or turning discarded items into functional products of even higher quality and value.

She recounted: “A few years back, I realised I had a lot of clothes in my wardrobe. Initially, I was going to throw them away or donate them, but then I realised it would be such a waste because while I was clearing out my wardrobe, I would also be buying even more clothes.

“I browsed on the Internet and realised there was a whole community of people who were upcycling their clothes, so that was how I got started.”

A look around her Woodlands flat reveals evidence of her creative flair: A desk chair has been reupholstered with covers made out of an old pair of jeans. Her cat is curled up on a picnic blanket made out of scrap material from discarded clothes. And a mannequin displays a halter top made out of what used to be a pair of trousers.

It was not long before Ms Lee, who works part-time, began sharing her upcycling tutorials online. And her friends soon encouraged her to start running workshops to show Singaporeans how their unwanted clothes can be turned into something new.

“I was engaged by a lot of corporates and schools, and last year, I decided to have my own series of workshops,” she said. Participants in her full-day workshop learn the basics of sewing using a sewing machine, and try their hand at turning two or three of their own items of clothing into something new.

“At the last workshop, one lady converted her dress into her bag that was really well done, and there was another lady who had never sewn in her life, and she converted two of her husband’s T-shirts into cushion covers, complete with zips,” she recalled.

“You don’t need a lot of sewing skills and you don’t need to chop up the whole item to make it into another garment,” she added. “It can actually be a very fun activity and doesn’t have to take too much time.”

But upcycling aside, Ms Lee said the simplest means of reducing the vast amount of clothing waste Singapore generates is for people to change their mindset and buy fewer clothes. “Even before you enter the store, decide whether you even need that item of clothing,” she said.

“Because once you buy it and find you don’t want to wear it anymore, you’re probably going to end up throwing it into the bin.”

SECOND-HAND FIRST

And that is where one business comes in - to save good clothing from the bin and in the process, save people some money.

With warm lighting and pop music blasting through the store, the flagship Refash outlet at City Plaza resembles any other store in the mall selling clothes targeting young fashionable women looking for a good bargain.

But there is one difference - everything for sale on the racks is second-hand, and going for a fraction of its original price. A beige knit sweater from Uniqlo costs S$10, while a black flare dress from New Look sells for S$12.

Refash founder Aloysius Sng hopes to provide a simple solution for what he described as “a real problem in the market”: That people do not wear a lot of items in their closet. He noted that a lot of these items also tend to be in almost mint condition and still on-trend.

“With shortening trends and fast-fashion brands producing new designs faster than ever, that also means that consumers are consuming fast-fashion faster than ever,” he said. “We make it extremely simple for ladies to clean out their wardrobe, by just stuffing all their unwanted clothes in a bag, passing it to us, and we’ll do the rest.”

Clothes that reach Refash are sorted, tagged and either put on the racks at one of the company’s physical stores or listed on their website for sale, explained Mr Sng. The company takes a small service fee for each sale. “We accept mostly fast-fashion brands like H&M, Uniqlo, Topshop and Zara, and local brands like Love Bonito and MDS.”

“The clothes just have to be on-trend and in like-new condition,” he added.

Refash accepts about 80 per cent of the clothes it receives, he added. Clothes that are rejected upon sorting or are not sold after some time are either returned to the seller, donated to charity or exported overseas for sale.

Over the last nine months, Refash has processed more than 80,000 pieces of clothing and made about half a million dollars in sales revenue. And Mr Sng said there is a waiting list of more than 1,000 people looking to sign up with them.

He said these are encouraging signs that Singaporeans are becoming more open to the idea of buying and wearing second-hand clothes. “Just three weeks ago, we had a warehouse sale … and a stream of people queuing up to shop for second-hand clothes. It just goes to show that when second-hand is presented in a manner that hasn’t been done before, people are receptive to it.”

“We can’t say for sure that we’ve reduced textile waste by 10 or 20 per cent, but it’s a small step towards a longer term vision … to inspire a new generation of consumers to always think second-hand first,” he added.

The Trash Trail will be aired on Channel NewsAsia on Jan 31 at 8pm.

- CNA/lc

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Botanic Gardens to take over Cluny cluster

Melody Zaccheus, The Straits Times AsiaOne 19 Nov 16;

The historic cluster of five houses on the fringe of the Botanic Gardens could soon be home to a research and education hub for the Unesco World Heritage site when the leases for academic, dining and entertainment facilities there expire next year.

The National University of Singapore Society's (NUSS) Bukit Timah Guild House, whose lease expires in March, is among those affected.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Singapore Botanic Gardens' director Nigel Taylor said the Gardens will take over the Cluny Road buildings in phases, and use them for "research and educational outreach purposes".

Heritage experts said this could mean a new avenue for the public to learn more about the 156-year-old Gardens, which is home to more than 10,000 plant species.

The Gardens was inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage site last year, joining a league of more than 1,000 global treasures.

The National Parks Board (NParks) will not be renewing the leases of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), restaurant Blue Bali, and the Bukit Timah Guild House. NParks took over management of the houses, which fall under the Gardens' 49ha Unesco boundary, in 2005.

The Gardens' Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology presently occupies Houses 1 and 3. Restaurant Blue Bali is in House 4, and the Guild House in House 2.

IPS has been renting House 5 and an annexe building in 1C Cluny Road since 2008, following its merger with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy nearby in 469C Bukit Timah Road.

An IPS spokesman said the institution has not made any plans to move.

Managing director Robin Greatbatch of Blue Bali, which has been at the cluster for five years, said:

"We expected that NParks would re-tender the house to us, and haven't heard anything officially.

"We spent $2 million putting the place together and building an extensive outdoor restaurant with greenery. We're seeking dialogue as we feel we can contribute educationally while providing a unique outdoor dining space."

NParks said Blue Bali's tenancy will expire towards the end of next year. "We will therefore be contacting them early next year on their lease matters," added Dr Taylor.

Some older members of NUSS had lamented the loss of the Bukit Timah location where they had studied at the then University of Singapore.

Responding to queries, the Guild House said it set up a task force in July to explore other options.

The Cluny Road cluster was built in the 1920s to house academics of Raffles College, Singapore's first tertiary college. It then housed the Economics Department of the University of Malaya, later renamed the University of Singapore, and then NUS.

Dr Kevin Tan, president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, said the Gardens' move towards developing a research-focused cluster is strategic, and "makes sense" since it is sited within an education and research hub.

Dr Taylor said plans for the cluster are in line with the Gardens' responsibility as a Unesco World Heritage site "to be a leader in botanical research, and to inform and educate the general public in respect of its rich historical, cultural and scientific significance and outstanding universal values". He added that more details will be shared when ready.

The Gardens currently houses a heritage museum at Holttum Hall in the Tanglin Core of the Gardens, and by 2018 will also have a new forest conservation interpretive centre and natural art history gallery at two restored bungalows in Gallop Road.

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Malaysia: Indonesian worker trampled to death by wild elephant

BERNAMA New Straits Times 20 Nov 16;

TAWAU: An Indonesian man was trampled to death by an elephant in Dumpas timber plantation area near here, earlier today.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Fadil Marsus who confirmed the incident said the victim, a 48-year employee at the plantation died of head injuries after being trampled by a wild elephant.

“A distress call was received around 3.22pm to inform us that there was a victim who had died after an elephant attacked him at the Dumpas timber plantations near the border of Bombalai towards Kalabakan,” he told Bernama.

According to him, the victim was taken to the Tawau Hospital.

This is the second incident of an elephant attacking civilians this month.

On Nov 9, around 6.15am an Indonesian couple were attacked by a wild elephant that suddenly went raging into the timber plantation in Brumas area near Tawau.

Both victims, both plantation workers known as Santoko Satria, 44 who suffered minor injuries and his wife Susi Sudirman, 36, who sustained serious bodily and face injuries after being attacked by the elephant.

Since the incident, workers at the timber plantation were worried and cautious about their safety due to threats posed by wild elephants even when they are not provoked. --BERNAMA


Possible culling for bull elephant that killed man in Tawau
RUBEN SARIO The Star 20 Nov 16;

KOTA KINABALU: The elephant that killed an Indonesian plantation worker in the east coast Tawau district may be culled, says Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga.

He said its rangers were now tracking down the animal, and would observe it before deciding on the next course of action.

The bull elephant, said Augustine, was part of a herd of 30 animals roaming within in the Kalabakan area.

"We will observe the elephant and assess if it is a habitual offender and could harm humans again.

"This is a protected animal. So, we have to be careful what we do," he said, adding that the department's options were limited.

Augustine added that the animal was likely to have been in musth during the attack.

Musth is a state or condition of violent, destructive frenzy occurring with the rutting season in male elephants.

The 48-year-old worker was reportedly trampled to death by the bull elephant at the Dumpas timber plantation at Kalabakan on Saturday afternoon.

On Nov 9, a couple was attacked by a wild elephant in Brumas.

Indonesian Susi Sudiman, 36, who was stomped on during the attack, suffered a serious spinal injury as well as rib fractures while her husband, 40-year-old Santoko Santra, was slightly hurt in the chest after being hit by the elephant's trunk.

The couple were having breakfast with five other workers at their work site during the attack.

Augustine said the elephant in the latest case was different from the one that attacked the couple.


Jumbo that killed Indonesian worker may be culled
The Star 21 Nov 16;

KOTA KINABALU: The elephant that killed an Indonesian plantation worker in the east coast Tawau district may be culled, said Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga.

He said rangers were now tracking down the animal and would be observing it before deciding on their next course of action.

“This is a protected animal. So, we have to be careful in whatever we do with it,” he said, adding that the department’s options were limited.

The bull elephant, said Augustine, was part of a herd of 30 animals roaming within the area in Kalabakan.

“We will observe the elephant and assess if it is a habitual offender and could harm humans again,” he said, adding that the animal was likely to have been in musth during the attack.

Musth is a state or condition of violent, destructive frenzy occurring with the rutting season in male elephants.

The 48-year-old worker was trampled to death by the elephant at the Dumpas timber plantation at Kalabakan on Saturday afternoon.

On Nov 9, a couple were attacked by a wild elephant in Brumas. Indonesian Susi Sudiman, 36, who was stomped on during the attack, suffered serious spinal injury as well as rib fractures while her husband, 40-year-old Santoko Santra, was slightly hurt in the chest after being hit by the elephant’s trunk.

The couple were having breakfast with five other workers at their work site when the attack occurred.

Augustine said the elephant in the latest case was different from the one that attacked the couple.


Bull elephant that killed man in Sabah culled
RUBEN SARIO The Star 21 Nov 16;

KOTA KINABALU: A bull elephant that killed a man at a timber plantation in the east coast Tawau district has been culled by Sabah Wildlife Department rangers.

Department director Augustine Tuuga said the male elephant was shot and killed late Sunday, a day after it trampled the Indonesian national to death on Nov 19.

He said the rangers had tracked down the bull elephant and determined that there was a likelihood of the animal attacking humans again.

"We did not want to take any chances with this bull as it had already killed a human," said Augustine.

"There was a real possibility that this bull elephant would attack again if it came across anyone in its path," he added.

He said the bull elephant had been in musth – a periodic state of heightened sexual activity and aggression in adult male pachyderms.

Musth is caused by a marked increase of testosterone in the animal, resulting in the bull elephant's very violent behaviour, Augustine explained.

"I have directed my officers in the east coast region to be on high alert to monitor the movements of the elephant herds within their ranges and evaluate the behaviour of other elephants in the herd as well," he added.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the decision to cull the bull elephant was a difficult one.

"We did it with great reluctance but human lives are paramount," he added.

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Malaysia: Expect rain and storm this week

The Star 20 No 16;

PETALING JAYA: This week is expec­ted to be wet and stormy as the monsoon season intensifies.

Data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department shows that rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit many states in the next five days, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

Scattered and isolated thunderstorms are expected in Johor, Kedah, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Sarawak and Selangor this week.

Kelantan and Terengganu will experience plenty of isolated rain particularly in the coastal areas.

Increase in rainfall is also expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor from this month until December following the north-east monsoon season.

As for Sabah, the state will see rain and thunderstorms in the next five days.

A flood warning has been issued in the state.

The monsoon season, which is expected to begin this week and end in March next year, could result in continuous rain for three to five days and cause floods.

The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has also issued a caution on its Public Info Banjir website about excessive rainfall in parts of the Kinta Valley in Perak.

For warnings and updates on water levels and flood situations, go to http://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my/.

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Indonesia not quitting coal, but eyes more renewable energy

Adisti Sukma Sawitri The Jakarta Post 19 Nov 16;

For a low-powered country like Indonesia where electricity is still a luxury, the coal way is often the only way.

It is the cheapest source of energy as the country’s mines produce the fourth largest stocks of coal
worldwide.

But even that is not enough. The government’s target to generate 35,000 megawatts (MW) of power will only bring energy consumption per capita to 1,200 kilowatts per hour (kWh), much lower than the 1,600 kWh achieved by Vietnam today.

Today Indonesia still consumes 900 kWh, more than half of which comes from coal and with very little support from renewable energy.

This has brought skepticism of the government’s targets to reduce coal contribution to 30 percent and reach 23 percent in the use of renewables by 2030 as proposed to the UN climate change forum in Marrakesh this year.

National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said the goal to reach a smaller share of coal in the energy mix was not about quitting coal, but about increasing efforts to establish renewables.

“There are plans to further use coal-fired power plants, but such contributions may get smaller if we succeed in developing other sources of energy like gas and renewables,” he told The Jakarta Post during the sidelines of the climate forum.

As a signatory of the Paris Agreement, a global pact that binds countries to commit to the reduction of emissions, Indonesia has pledged to cut emissions by 29 percent by 2030 or 41 percent with international support. The agreement has been ratified into law, making the targets obligatory.

Reducing coal and embracing the renewables were among the strategies to reach the agreement’s goals, along with efforts to stop forest fires.

Bambang said after looking at all options of renewables, including wind and solar energy, the most feasible path to reach the goal by 2030 involved hydropower and energy generated from domestic and industrial waste, with plantation waste from bamboo and oil palm plantations being highly sought after.

The government was also looking to reach remote areas and small islands with the renewables.

“The cost to install renewables in the regions makes sense, as long as we don’t offer it in places that are close to coal-fired plants. It won’t be able to compete,” he said.

Faby Tumiwa, an electricity expert from the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), said it was better for the government to look for other options such as wind power and solar power as the power capacity generated from waste was relatively lower.

While a solar plant and wind plant could generate 900 GW and 100 GW respectively, a biomass plant only generates 3 to 6 MW.

“There has been a significant drop in prices of solar technology worldwide. At the same costs or lower than biomass, we can get bigger power capacity from solar [energy],” said Faby.

He said the cost to install a solar panel now ranges from US$4 to 16 cents per kWh while it costs $12 to 17 cents per kWh for biomass.

However, the options still often result in more expensive electricity compared to coal, making state operator PLN reluctant to look beyond coal.

Bambang said the government was still trying to provide more incentives for PLN and investors to embrace the renewables.

The government will push forward to propose a Rp 1.5 trillion ($112.5 million) subsidy to subsidize electricity produced from the renewable sources.

“We will propose again the subsidy in the [2017] budget revision. This is not about subsidizing businesspeople, but about developing the renewables,” said Bambang.

The Marrakech climate talks ended Friday in more subdued tones than its Paris edition last year. As delegates questioned the United States’ commitment under the incoming administration led by Donald Trump, donor and recipient countries had yet to agree on the guidelines in which international climate funding will be channeled.

Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said she will focus on bilateral talks to get support for the country.

“Delegates from donor countries were excited about Indonesia and expressed the intention to cooperate. This is something that we can achieve while waiting for results from the climate forum,” she said.

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