Singapore-Malaysia relationship can be ‘building block’ in strengthening ASEAN amid global challenges: PM Wong
A way of focusing and leveraging each other’s strengths is not only in the heart with Singapore, but can also be observed in “many another countries” within ASEAN, said Mr Anwar, highlighting their stance in trying to resolve the “more controversial” Myanmar turmoil.
Since February 2021, Myanmar has experienced turmoil, with the junta struggling to maintain its hold on power as its military seized power and removed a democratically elected government.
” There is that willingness to try and work together as a team, and I believe we can do that as a team,” said Mr. Anwar.” It’s the only thing we may do,” he said.
In order to support Malaysia’s ASEAN chair this year, Mr. Anwar is assembling a team of unofficial counselors. This is a proper effort, according to analysts who have spoken to CNA.
Mr. Wong stated that Singapore fully supports Malaysia’s leadership of ASEAN, adding that” ASEAN will now be more important than ever for it to be strong, included, and united, because the greater opposition we experience isn’t between ourselves within ASEAN, but rather it’s outside the place.”  ,
” The major markets are all talking about re-shoring, on-shoring, near-shoring- they want the important tasks to get nearer to their house economies. But ASEAN needs to come along, examine how to improve our worth proposition, and compete up, according to the prime minister of Singapore.  ,
Also, Mr Anwar emphasised the importance of ASEAN in strengthening itself as a local army, ready to “withstand unexpected pressure” from “other places or groups or regions”.
What we can do is our best right now, to strengthen our foundations and our force, and to work as friendly nations to collaborate with everyone, and that’s the position Malaysia has adopted.
Teenager who fell victim to impersonation scam arrested for cheating elderly woman
A teenager was detained on Sunday ( Jan 5 ) for allegedly abusing an elderly woman in a similar scam, according to the police on Tuesday.
An old lady who was the prey of scams posing as Chinese officials was reported to the police on Sunday. She lost S$ 290, 000 ( US$ 213, 200 ).
The con artists claimed that she had been lied to in China using her name.
Officials from the Anti-Scam Command, Woodlands Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre , established the identity of the 18-year-old and arrested her on the same day.
The student is a student and has a cultural visit pass, according to preliminary investigations. She had been the victim of the same imitation fraud.
According to a police press release,” She was allegedly manipulated into going to Singapore and supporting the scam activities under the false pretense that she was helping with standard studies.”
The student is being investigated for stealing.  , If found guilty, she may be jailed for up to 10 times and fined.
SPF stated that” the authorities get a major position against any individual who may be a victim of fraud, and the offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Members of the public should usually decline calls for use of their bank accounts or mobile lines in order to avoid being accused of complicity in acts.
Cambodia ex-PM Hun Sen calls for new law to punish ‘terrorists’
As Cambodia marked the anniversary of the Khmer Rouge’s assassination, influential former leader Hun Sen on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ) called for a new law naming anyone who attempts to overthrow his son’s government as “terrorists.” The ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, installed a reign of terrorContinue Reading
South Korean transport minister plans to resign over country’s worst air crash
South Korea’s transport minister announced on Tuesday ( Jan 7 ) that he intends to step down and accept responsibility for the fatal Dec. 29 crash of a Boeing jet operated by Jeju Air. Jeju Air trip 7C2216, which departed the Thai capital of Bangkok for Muan in southern SouthContinue Reading
Animals perish in pet shop blaze
PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 15: 50
Lee RAI – Fire destroyed a large pet shop and storehouse in Mae Sai region, killing some captive animals in the tower, on Monday night.  ,
Mae Sai Police and firefighters were called to the second floor business,  , named Strategy Pla Tu and Pet Mart, in Ban Pa Yang in tambon Mae Sai , about 9pm.
Local studies claim that the store was the district’s main point for selling pet goods, food, and other animal necessities.
According to police, the fire immediately spread to both the same building’s store and warehouse, which were both fueled by the numerous combustible sacks of pet food in.
Because the tower had wheel screen doors shut, firefighters had to break into the structure to enter the area where the fire was occurring. It took them about an hour to remove it and line down the area to make sure it didn’t reactivate.
The entire building was entirely destroyed. People were able to save some of the animals in, but many others were killed by the smoke and flames- parrots, gerbils, rabbits, turtles and elegant bass. How some was never known.
People in the neighborhood reported seeing fumes coming from the store just before 9o’clock. followed by lights. Because the constructing was tightly locked down, the fire immediately spread and intensified.  ,
The store owner, Sirilak Nanthatheerapong, was still in shock at the scene on Tuesday.
She claimed that her home was only ten meters from the warehouse’s up. Her home was filled with smoke from the incident. She and her neighbors hurriedly moved their vehicles away from the blaze.
Ms. Sirilak claimed that the devastating storm in September, which claimed at least one million rmb, had only recently recovered. This day, there was nothing left to fix. She estimated that more than 30 million ringgit would be lost overall.
According to Mae Sai officers, the initial cause of the fire was a short circuits. Chiang Rai investigative authorities were still examining the , landscape on Tuesday.
Chiang Rai investigative authorities at the picture of the pet store fire , on Tuesday. ( Photo: Chiang Rai Police Facebook page )
HMPV: What to know about China’s human metapneumovirus cases
Getty ImagesImages of concealed patients in China have recently made rounds on social media, raising concerns about a new epidemic.
Beijing has since acknowledged a rise in cases of the influenza-like human metapneumovirus ( HMPV), particularly among children, and it attributed this to a seasonal spike.
Public heath experts have pointed out that the disease has existed for decades and that almost every child has been infected by the second day, but HMPV is not like Covid-19, contrary to what experts claim.
But, in some very young children and people with weakened immune systems, it can cause more severe illness. What you need to know is as follows.
What is HMPV and how does it spread?
HMPV is a disease that is essentially identical from virus and causes a moderate upper respiratory tract infections for the majority of people.
The disease was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, and it spreads through direct contact with people or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Indications for most people include coughing, fever and nasal congestion.
The very fresh, including children under two, are most susceptible to the disease, along with those with weakened immune systems, including the old and those with advanced cancers, says Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases doctor in Singapore.
If infected, a” small but significant percentage” among the impaired may grow more severe illness where the bronchi are affected, with breathing, breathlessness and signs of croup.
” Some may require medical attention, with a smaller fraction at risk of dying from the infection”, Dr Hsu said.
Why are scenarios rising in China?
HMPV is most active in the late winter and spring, according to experts, because it can live better in the warm and spread more quickly between people as they are more frequently kept indoors.
The latest HMPV rise coincides with low temperatures in northwestern China, which are expected to continue until March.
In fact some places in the northern hemisphere, including but not limited to China, are experiencing an increased prevalence of HMPV, said Jacqueline Stephens, an entomologist at Flinders University in Australia.
” While this is concerning, the increased occurrence is likely the regular seasonal improve seen in wintertime”, she said.
According to statistics from health authorities in the US and the UK, these nations have also seen a rise in HMPV circumstances since October of last year.
Is HMPV like Covid-19? What kind of concern should we have?
Doubts of a Covid-19 type crisis are overblown, the authorities said, noting that epidemics are usually caused by tale bacteria, which is not the case for HMPV.
HMPV is there everywhere and has been for a long time. According to Dr. Hsu, this means that people all over the world have” some amount of existing immunity due to past publicity.”
By the fifth day of a child, almost everyone will have at least one HMPV illness, and we can anticipate more infections to occur throughout career, says Paul Hunter, a clinical professor at the University of East Anglia in England.
” So overall, I don’t think there is currently any signs of a more serious global issue”.
Dr. Hsu advises common general precautions, such as using a mask in crowded areas, avoiding crowds where possible, practicing good hand hygiene, and getting the flu shot.
Seasonal increase in HMPV cases consistent with previous years: MOH
SINGAPORE: The rise in Human Metapneumovirus ( HMPV ) infections is part of the seasonal cycle of respiratory viruses, with more cases typically observed , during the year-end period.
The Ministry of Health ( MOH) informed CNA on Tuesday ( January 7 ) that this rise in cases is likely the result of “increased social gatherings and holiday travel.”
” In 2024, the weekly HMPV positivity rate among Acute Respiratory Infections ( ARI ) samples in the community ranged from 0.8 per cent to 9.0 per cent, with a range of 5.5 per cent to 9.0 per cent in December”, said MOH, adding that this increase is consistent with previous years.
HMPV infections have a seasonal pattern, with the ministry noting that the ministry’s ministry’s notices are more prevalent during the colder winter months in temperate regions, in contrast to other common respiratory viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV).
The people are advised to exercise good personal hygiene, including frequent dishwashing, particularly when travelling abroad.  ,
When coughing or sneezing, they may even cover their nose and mouth, and they should also throw away organs after using them.  ,
Individuals with mild respiratory infection symptoms may remain at home until they are gone, and they should exercise social duty by limiting social relations, using a mask, and avoiding packed locations, according to the MOH.
Who have these symptoms and are biologically vulnerable people- which might include young children, seniors, and those who have chronic medical conditions- are advised to see a doctor right away.
Singapore passes law that gives police powers to freeze bank accounts of scam victims
Non-constituency MP Hazel Poa suggested introducing an opt-out delivery for people, subject to protection.
For instance, the limitations order’s opt-out could only be implemented after 30 days, and people would have to do so in person following a mandated counseling session, according to the Secretary-General of Progress Singapore.  ,
A restriction buy perhaps risk pushing “emotionally invested” patients to despair, said Ms Poa.  ,
Scam victims may receive mental health support and counseling from a social worker, she added. These societal workers may advise the police on whether a restriction order would benefit the target.  ,
Ms. Poa even inquired about whether the limitations purchases may be extended to mutual records, which might cause issues for account holders who are not subject to the restrictions.
There are two types of joint accounts, according to Ms. Sun’s response: a joint-all account where all account holders must provide instructions for banking transactions and a joint-alternate account where transactions can be completed without the other account holder’s consent.
Although banks informed MHA that this was “operationally challenging,” it “would prefer to take a risk-calibrated approach” by imposing restriction orders on only joint-alternate accounts.  ,
For a start, we have therefore decided to impose restriction orders on both types of joint accounts, according to Ms. Sun.
She noted that the authorities have decided to proceed with this action to “provide victims with the necessary protection,” even though it is” not ideal.”
MHA will work with the banks to explore putting technical solutions in place” to facilitate such exemptions” in the future, she added.  ,
Ms. Sun also reiterates that the restriction order is a “last resort” measure in response to the suggestion to provide an option to opt out.  ,
She noted that the restriction order will only be temporarily for a maximum of 30 days and will be extended up to five times if necessary.  ,
MPs, such as Mr Gerald Giam ( WP-Aljunied ), Ms Ng Ling Ling ( PAP-Ang Mo Kio ) and Mr Sharael Taha ( PAP-Pasir Ris-Punggol ), asked if the legislation is enough to address scam tactics that are evolving and being conducted at high speeds.
Ms. Ng also made note of the danger of scams occurring on non-banking platforms and asked if the restrictions orders could be expanded to include organizations like remittance and cryptocurrency exchanges.
Ms. Sun responded that MHA recognized the danger that other platforms act as “intermediaries in the scam chain.” It will continue to monitor the scam situation in conjunction with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and” consider, if necessary, expanding the scope of the restriction order.”
Ms. Sun added that the police anticipate issuing five to ten restriction orders each month, although the actual number will depend on the types of cases that are brought to the police’s attention and the severity of each case’s evaluation.
Mr Giam noted that this will come up to about 60 to 120 restriction orders being issued a year, which is “negligible” compared to the 50, 000 scam cases reported annually. He inquired if this implies that the Bill will only have a limited impact on preventing scams.
Ms. Sun reaffirmed that the Bill alone” will not significantly decrease the total number of scams,” and that it is only one of the many strategies being used to combat scams.
Despite this, it is focused on scams that involve social engineering and can result in “quite a lot of losses” over time.
” So, while the number of scams that could be deterred through this Bill … is ( expected ) to be between five to 10 cases a month, I think we should not neglect the fact that the absolute amounts ( in terms of ) losses could be substantial”, said Ms Sun.
Banks, mobile operators to be made liable for phone-scam losses
Minister proposes a court-ordered order.
PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 15: 07
This month, the minister of digital economy and society will promulgate an executive order mandating that banks and cellular phone providers pay compensation to victims of scams carried out using their services.
An executive order had been announced and take impact before the end of the month, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on Tuesday. The government needed to be protected.
Financial corporations and cellular phone operators that did not employ , measures to protect the public from schemes may get accountability, he said.
Lenders should be aware of the customers ‘ backgrounds to stop any of them from opening horse accounts for con artist gangs. ” Homeless people may become asked why they want to start so many banks accounts,” said Mr. Prasert.
Instead of simply making money by forwarding all communications, the minister recommended that cellular phone operators check out SMS messages with links that might be false.
Assam: India rescuers race to save men stuck in flooded rat-hole mine
In the north-eastern status of Assam, firefighters in India are working against the clock to rescue workers who are stranded inside a flooded fuel mine.
After the state government claimed rescue team had spotted some systems they have been unable to accomplish, three of the nine insiders were reportedly dead, according to Reuters.
The rat-hole me, a personally dug, was flooded by water on Monday morning, leaving the men trapped.
Smaller, illegal mining are still operating in Assam and other north-eastern claims despite the ban on such mine in India since 2014.
The state and national crisis response makes are also assisting efforts, and divers, helicopters, and technicians have been deployed to help with the men who are trapped.
Assam Director General of Police GP Singh had stated on Monday night that officials were able to determine how many people were trapped in particular.
More than a dozen workers were reportedly able to escape, and initial studies suggested that the “numbers would be in solitary figures.”
The Dima Hasao district’s steep place is where the mine is located.
Senior officers established in the city, Mayank Kumar Jha, told Reuters that the place was extremely “remote” and “difficult to reach”.
Mine-related disasters are not unusual in India’s east.
After waters from a local river flooded an illegal mine in the state of Meghalaya in December 2018, at least 15 people were trapped in it.
Five workers made it out, but some ‘ recovery efforts continued until the following March’s first month. Just two bodies were recovered.
Six employees were killed in a fire that broke out in a rat-hole coal plant in Nagaland position in January 2024.
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