Govt intends to stop masking NRIC numbers, apologises for ACRA’s ‘mistake’ of making details available

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After privacy concerns were raised over the new Bizfile portal showing people’s details for free, the government announced early on Saturday ( Dec 14 ) that it plans to change the practice of masking National Registration Identity Card ( NRIC ) numbers.

In response to advertising inquiries, the government said it would make this change “only after explaining the problem and setting the earth.”

But, the&nbsp, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA )’s new Bizfile&nbsp, website had a search function that produced people’s names and complete NRIC numbers. This new website was launched on December 9 before the state made its plans known.

” We acknowledge that cooperation could have been much but that ACRA’s walk would not have run ahead of the president’s intent”, said MDDI in its speech.

We regret making this error and making people anxious.

Bertha Henson, a former journalist, initially brought up the matter on Twitter. She posted about how easy it was to get NRIC numbers on Bizfile, a online service site for business membership, filing and information. &nbsp,

Some readers of Ms. Henson’s article expressed surprise and concern for the security of their personal information.

On Friday morning, CNA searched the site for a number of users with their titles and complete NRIC figures. When CNA looked up some Cabinet officials on Bizfile, this appeared to work.

Under ACRA’s past system, users may search for people who are business buyers or business users in Singapore. Their titles, as well as their veiled NRIC figures, would turn up in the search results.

People could then pay for the entire set of details about a person, which would include their whole NRIC number as well as an tackle. Some people give the collection a unique contact, such as an office address.

In the business environment, this information is available to assist business transparency and trust.

ACRA acknowledged in a separate speech early on Saturday morning that users no longer had to pay for the information because the new site had displayed a person’s total NRIC variety in the search results.

According to the statement,” This is in line with the larger government effort to stop using masked NRIC numbers.”

ACRA stated that it had “moved ahead with unmasking” in order to provide public education on the appropriate use of NRIC information.

Many people reacted negatively to the new search feature and expressed unease over their full NRIC numbers being made public, the authority said, adding that the search function has been turned off for the time being.

” We apologize for the error and for causing concern in the community. We will continue to update and review the Bizfile portal in order to fulfill our responsibilities as Singapore’s national business register.

When CNA tried to use the search feature early Saturday morning, a pop-up message stated:” This service is temporarily unavailable. We regret the inconvenience that was caused.

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Packaging matters: China’s eco-conscious young shoppers want sustainability. But are there enough options?

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In recent years, some of China’s top online shopping portals and distribution companies have taken action to reduce plastic and paper use and replace non-biodegradable materials with washable boxes and recyclable packaging. &nbsp,

While rival wholesale page JD.com has introduced similar environmental activities focusing on using sustainable packaging and recycling techniques, Taobao, probably China’s most popular shopping program run by the Alibaba Group, has been promoting the use of recyclable presentation through a” Green Parcel Initiative.”

The use of “green package” materials like paper and another biodegradables, rose this year by 20 per cent during the Singles ‘ Day sales time, read a review by&nbsp, Alibaba’s study arm, the Ali Research Institute.

The Cainiao logistics messenger services, which frequently reuses packing materials like paper boxes and uses clean energy to “reduce up to 298, 000 tons of graphite emissions,” was also highlighted in the report. &nbsp,

According to the review, warehouse workers have been “routinely sorting out” and recycling a total of 47.6 million paper boxes. &nbsp,

But such measures are “far from enough” and only &nbsp, “baby stepping”, said Wang Songlin, founder and chairman of the Qingdao Marine Conservation Society ( QMCS), adding that show and food delivery services were also strongly reliant on cheap packaging- most of it single-use.

Guo Liangping, a Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, criticized alternative activities and commitments made by Taiwanese e-commerce and delivery firms as “gimmicks.” &nbsp,

Companies use these gimmicks because it’s fashionable and helps improve their ( public ) image, according to the company. But, it means much”, he told CNA. &nbsp,

Some dealers and smaller businesses on the ground still find it challenging to live up to.

The owner of a Brazilian jiu jitsu clothing store on Taobao, who did not wish to be identified, shared her dilemmas of using biodegradable supply bags, which were” too thin and fragile” to carry purchases, especially large sports kits and gear. &nbsp,

“Eco-friendly clothes bags are very thin and tear easily. These bags frequently fall off before they reach the customer, she told CNA, given the difficult vehicles approach from manufacturer to warehouse.

” I do what I can, using more eco-friendly materials, minimising packaging and skipping unnecessary freebies ( but ) I can’t completely avoid plastic right now”, she added.

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Doctor Anywhere slashes workforce by 8% in restructuring push

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SINGAPORE: Healthcare provider Doctor Anywhere ( DA ) has laid off about 45 employees, or 8.1 per cent of its workforce.

” This restructuring is part of a broader effort to adapt to current economic challenges and secure the company’s long-term sustainability”, said Doctor Anywhere on Friday ( Dec 13 ) in response to CNA’s queries.

This difficult choice was made to ensure that DA stays focused on the areas where we can make the most of our clients and partners and in accordance with our goal to create a more affordable and accessible” Hospital Wherever” model in Asia.

The affected tasks had become “duplicative” as the company streamlined its procedures and restructured its tech staff into “leaner, more lean” models, added Doctor Wherever.

When asked how it would help affected workers, it said it would give “enhanced compensation benefits that exceed legal requirements, including compensation pay based on tenure, notice period pay, leave encashment, and extended healthcare coverage where appropriate”.

Doctor Anywhere&nbsp, added that it will also help affected employees with immigration help, where needed. &nbsp,

The company had announced intentions in 2022 to increase its therefore staff of over 450 individuals as well include 200 new jobs to its&nbsp, regional headquarters in Singapore.

Founded in 2017&nbsp, as a Singapore healthcare start-up, it&nbsp, has since grown to become a regional medical service with a reputation in six East Asian countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

Doctor Everywhere, according to its website, offers more than 2.8 million users in the area telemedicine services, as well as seven clinics in Singapore and an included health facility in Orchard Road.

For FY23, it saw an operating loss of S$ 31.1 million ( US$ 23.6 million ), &nbsp, which was an improvement of 17 per cent year on year, &nbsp, several Singapore media outlets, including The Business Times, reported.

CNA has contacted the Ministry of Manpower ( MOM) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for more details regarding the layoffs.

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Death of renowned novelist sparks discussions on elderly support and suicide in Taiwan

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EUTHANASIA DEBATE

Chiung Yao was reportedly in good health when she made the decision to take her own life.

On Nov 28, she dedicated a heartfelt Facebook post to her late husband, renowned publisher Ping Hsin-tao, who died in 2019. The pair shared a deep passion for literature and were married for four decades.

In Ping’s ailing final years, Chiung Yao had a dispute with her stepchildren over whether to continue his intubation.

Since then, she has publicly expressed her support for voluntary euthanasia.

In her parting note, Chiung Yao emphasised her decision came at an old age, after living a fulfilling life teeming with beautiful experiences.

She urged readers never to give up on life lightly, writing: “Momentary setbacks or negative events hone you for a beautiful life.

“I hope you can endure them, like me, and live until 86, 87 years old, until your physical strength fades, before deciding how to face death.

“By then, hopefully, humankind will have found more humane ways to help the elderly leave joyfully.”

Her message has renewed debate about euthanasia, which is illegal in Taiwan.

“Taiwan should have euthanasia because sometimes we just want to leave the world happily,” retiree Rebecca Chen, 70, who grew up reading Chiung Yao’s novels, told CNA. 

Among the messages of sorrow and disbelief under Chiung Yao’s Facebook post were a handful who supported her decision and some who did not.

“Your life is your own decision. I highly support her choice!” said one commenter. 

“I can understand (her) decision. Last year, I also almost made a trip to the other side. I know the feeling of being intubated and confined to the bed,” said another commenter.

“I’m in disbelief… There are so many people who love you. Can’t you see? You are not thinking straight,” a user commented.

“Why did you choose to leave this world? I feel disappointed. Are you not afraid of punishment in the afterlife?” said another commenter.

AGEING IN TAIWAN

Authorities said palliative care and societal support are important to ensure that the elderly are taken care of.

Official data shows those over the age of 65 have the highest suicide rate in Taiwan.

Liu Su Fang, chairwoman of the Taipei branch of the Teacher Chang Foundation, which offers counselling services, said deteriorating mental and physical health are contributing factors.

“The elderly could feel as if they are useless… that they have no value. Some also feel isolated because they live alone. Their children could be working in other cities,” she said.

Currently, more than 20 per cent of those over the age of 65 live alone, and the number is set to increase.

Taiwan has in recent years stepped up efforts in establishing agencies to help the elderly cope with their problems.

Authorities have set up more than 1,600 stations across Taiwan to provide physical and mental support to senior citizens.

The government has also encouraged the construction of more residential buildings and communities that are elderly-friendly, such as ramps and handrails, and activities to keep them occupied.

Initiatives like these are becoming all the more important, as Taiwan is expected to become a super-aged society next year with 20 per cent of its population over 65.

Advocates have urged those with elderly parents or grandparents to pay more attention to their behaviour and mood.

“If elderly people show signs of depression, we should try to let them interact with more people and let them take part in social activities,” said Liu.

“If the condition worsens, they should see a doctor. If people could show more concern by taking them out for meals or interacting more with them, they may feel supported.”

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30 years after making darts history, 70-year-old ‘Singapore Slinger’ Paul Lim continues to achieve new feats

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” It was a blast. I can’t explain it. Until this very day, I also find chills thinking about it”, said Lim, who represented the United States at that event.

He still brilliantly recalls his success to this day.

The money he earned, which considerably exceeded the prize money given to the game winner, also proved useful to Lim, who used it to launch his own arrows company.

While working as a specialist for an electric darts business, he has continued to contend in major competitions.

But he has a unique place in his heart at Lakeside Country Club.

He said,” I was thrilled to get back that after so many years,” this time while waving the Singapore flag.

Going into this season ‘s&nbsp, WDF World Darts Championship, Lim’s goal was to take it one activity at a time– and he saw off challenge after challenge.

” What’s going to happen, you never know. But I go with the intent that I want to perform well”, he said.

Lim won the second two games, beating Hong Kong’s Leung Kai Fan and the Netherlands ‘ Moreno Blom 2-0.

The suit against Leung, a close friend of Lim’s, was particularly strong, he said. Leung had invited Lim to sit at his house while the tournament was being drawn prior to the draw.

He was the person I spent time with, and he was the one who looked after me. It’s usually difficult”, added Lim.

Lim’s tale work continued, as he beat Scotland’s Gary Stone 3-2, Dutchman Jarno Bottenberg 4-3 and American Jason Brandon 5-0.

” I always take my thoughts one step at a time. If I win one step at a time, I’ll be in the final”, said Lim. &nbsp,

However, he failed in his quest to become the oldest arrows world hero on December 8 in&nbsp. McGuirk took home the winner’s cheque of&nbsp, £50, 000 ( US$ 63, 500 ), while Lim collected £16, 000. &nbsp,

” I did prove a point that age is not really a critical thing”, he said.

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Can you get an MC and medication from a vending machine?

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The Dr. Kart team already employs three physicians and two pharmacists, and doctors are now “mostly manning the kiosks” according to Mr. Ho. &nbsp,

” A physician will at the very least be there to take the responsibility because sometimes doctors can’t work the shift.” It is our goal to have a full staff of physicians, he said, adding that they intend to employ more to replace all the swings with some obtainable round the clock. &nbsp,

Ms. Charmaine Chung, who arrived to check out the booth while her husband was filling it up while driving, said she was unlikely to use it despite the fact that she was a resident of the area. &nbsp,

” You can do teleconsult right? We did that when, we had certainly opt for that”, she said, gesturing at her brother who was with her. &nbsp,

She told CNA,” You also have to get out of sleep and come all the way here,” adding that she prefers to travel to a 24-hour doctor if she had to. &nbsp,

” I thought it was anything fresh, interesting”, said Ms Chung, impressed that the shop dispenses drugs on the spot. &nbsp,

The 47-year-old added that she might make use of the on-demand healthcare clinic if it was just below her stop after reading that physicians were not available all the time and that this writer was unable to get an MC. &nbsp,

Those residents who live next to the Housing and Development Board may be able to use the booth at the Shell depot in Tampines, she said. &nbsp,

But it might taking time for people to know how to use the shop, especially older people, said Ms Chung. &nbsp,

” My concern would be to go to the office. But if my child is really very sick and doesn’t get out of bed, and we don’t have any medication, therefore I would choose for teleconsult”, she added, acknowledging that she would have to wait for the treatments to be delivered. &nbsp,

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Johor eyeing rollout of QR code immigration clearance for foreigners by mid-2025, says state official

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Jeffrey Teoh, the mind of retail banking at OCBC, stated to reporters that the group of advisors includes bankers who have assisted businesses that have established bases in Johor. &nbsp,

” It’s about helping our clients who want to expand abroad succeed wherever they go,” said Mr. Teoh. &nbsp,

The bank announced the formation of two teams of 25 financiers, one of whom may offer consulting services to SMEs starting and growing their businesses as well as connecting them with suitable partners in the SEZ. &nbsp,

Does TRUMP’S TARIFFS HAMPER THE Hz? &nbsp,

There are also issues among some companies about how the continuing trade war between the United States and China may hinder the region’s prospects despite the increased interest in the upcoming SEZ. &nbsp,

US president-elect Donald Trump has pledged to establish tougher tariffs on China materials, and these could be extended to East Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, Malaysia. &nbsp,

These four Southeast Asian claims are just a few of the benefits of the companies ‘ use of the China Plus One technique to expand their supply chains to prevent US tariffs on goods from China.

Therefore, academics have questioned whether Chinese companies may continue to invest in Malaysia, even Johor. &nbsp,

In a press conference on Wednesday, OCBC senior Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) economist Lavanya Venkateswaran stated to reporters that if the tariffs are extended to Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia’s growth could be hampered by between 0.7 and 1.4 percentage points from a macro perspective. &nbsp,

” And since Johor follows the national average, there will be a watered down impact”, added Venkateswaran. &nbsp,

Hui, who oversees the manufacturing company Tianma Precision Machinery, told CNA that while taxes are a bad for businesses, they are not the only factor that influences decisions about whether Taiwanese companies will develop into Malaysia. &nbsp,

” Taxes are negative- for our clients and the business. It leaves us on the edge, and with a new ( US) leader coming in, we’re not sure. &nbsp,

However, he continued,” We think Malaysia is a good place for our organization because of its hard equipment, such as property and power, and soft infrastructure, such as how similar Chinese cuisine and speech are to one another,” he continued. &nbsp,

Lee, the Johor position state representative, told investigators that while the US-China trade conflict and the possibility of taxes are additional factors beyond Malaysia’s power, he stressed that Johor could be a net-beneficiary in the short term.

We have a set, total legal, financial, and logistical infrastructure, especially with the SEZ, they say. As far as Johor is concerned, we have seen attention from Chia businesses in the semiconductor industry as well as substances and&nbsp, E&amp, E (electrical and technology products ), “he said. &nbsp,

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Pet groomer charged over death of dog found hanging from leash

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A closed-circuit television (CCTV ) clip from a social media post showed an unattended corgi pacing around on a grooming table at Pawkins SG in July.

The dog’s collar was fastened to a grooming shoulder to secure it, which was attached to the dog’s neck. The dog after fell off the table and was hanged by the throat until it passed away.

The film, which was timestamped, showed a team member entering the room more than 30 minutes after, before discovering the animal’s system.

The National Parks Board ( NPB) had stated that it was looking into a dog’s death while it was being cared for by a dog groomer. &nbsp,

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ) also weighed in on the death of the dog, calling for” stronger legislation” in animal welfare.

Fendi’s user, Ms Sonia, had told CNA that she had formerly used Pawkins ‘ service but was” totally conscious” of the process used to secure canines before grooming.

She claimed she had reported the incident to NParks and that one of Pawkins ‘ masters had informed her about the dog’s death at 3.14pm, roughly 1.5 days after the corgi’s owner had no longer seen writhing in the CCTV film.

The most terrible affair involving Fendi the corgi had sparked the anger at Pawkins SG, who had earlier said.

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South Korea marks 45 years since 1979 coup and military dictatorship

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BRINGING BACK Thoughts

For some people, Yoon’s activities brought back memories of this revolution. The nation has a troubled social history, having been under authoritarian rule for almost three decades before a politics.

One Seoul citizen told CNA:” At second, I felt a bit nervous. I thought,’ Is this another piece of something like the Chun Doo-hwan era’?

” I wondered,’ Could they really get repeating what happened up then’?”

Another native called Yoon’s proceed” humilitating” and an affront to the South Asian people. &nbsp,

More people have turned to Netflix to understand the upheaval, with the video 12.12: The Day, which features the events of the 1979 coup, currently ranked among the North Korean movie streaming services.

SAFEGUARDS IN Law

As the country moved towards politics, South Korea’s 1987 Constitution introduced some vital protection.

To stop a protracted concentration of power seen during autocratic regimes, the leader should be able to serve for a second five-year term.

A second guard is the ability to have parliamentary control over executive activities, such as the power to remove the president from office with a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and to reject a military law order with a simple majority vote.

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Indonesia plans oil storage facility near Singapore to improve energy self-sufficiency: Minister

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JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to build an oil backup service on an area near Singapore- connecting with President Prabowo’s goals for energy self-sufficiency- amid political uncertainty, according to a government minister. &nbsp,

The new storage facility will be designed to house various types of oil, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia on Wednesday ( Dec. 11 ), but he did not specify the location and details of its construction. &nbsp,

At a Golkar party event in Jakarta, he was quoted as saying,” The storage facility will be able to store oil for up to 30 to 40 days, and Pertamina will purchase oil ( from the facility ) at global economic prices so that we can achieve energy sovereignty.” &nbsp,

In light of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, which have hampered global oil and gas supply chains, the new facility will allow the state-owned energy company Pertamina to buy oil in bulk, reducing its dependence on the dangerous world market. &nbsp,

Putra Adhiguna, managing director of the think tank Energy Shift Institute, applauded this action, stating that the new facility might have” strategic buffer ( oil ) reserves” and adding that the reserves Indonesia currently have are for operational use.

” This is an important move, considering Indonesia is a major oil supplier so having proper cushion reserves is essential for security, especially with the government’s plan on power security”, Putra told CNA. &nbsp,

According to an Antara record in April, Pertamina’s primary energy trade sources are Singapore, comprising 56.58 per cent of overall energy imports, followed by Malaysia at 26.75 per cent and India at 6.28 per cent. &nbsp,

However, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are the primary solutions of Pertamina’s imported liquefied gas fuel. &nbsp,

The new center therefore also seeks to reduce Indonesia’s heavy emphasis on Singapore, as reported by The Jakarta Globe. &nbsp,

Indonesia imports 60 % of its fuel from Singapore, despite the fact that it does not have any fuel. This is extremely mind-blowing to me”, Bahlil, who is the Golkar party president, said on Oct 11, while quoted by Antara. &nbsp,

The program is also expected to reduce expenses related to third-party store, transport and entity taxes, thus facilitating more cost-efficient fuel purchases. &nbsp,

Despite having none of its own oil and gas resources, Singapore is one of the world’s top three export refining centres, according to the country’s Economic Development Board. &nbsp,

The city-state imports crude oil from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

In addition, Bahlil also highlighted Indonesia’s low oil supplies which he considered a concern, emphasising the importance of increasing storage capacity to enhance energy resilience. &nbsp,

” This is a geopolitical issue. His statement was quoted by the Jakarta Globe as saying,” Our oil reserves and storage can only last for 21 days if our country goes to war.” &nbsp,

With plans to reduce regulations, reactivate idle wells, and increase output, the new Prabowo administration reportedly intends to revive oil and gas production in an effort to reverse a ten-year decline in output. &nbsp,

” We must have energy self-sufficiency and we are capable ( of being ) self-sufficient”, Prabowo said in his inauguration speech on Oct 20, citing geopolitical tension. &nbsp,

He also intended to leverage efforts made by the previous administration, led by former president Joko” Jokowi” Widodo, to boost massive gas discoveries in South Andaman and reduce biofuel use. &nbsp,

In October, Bahlil said that the Indonesian government planned to maximise the use of existing oil fields to reduce crude oil imports, which have reached a value of approximately 500 trillion rupiah ( US$ 31.4 billion ) annually. &nbsp,

The government intends to revive oil fields that have been idle by roking licenses in order to accomplish this goal, he added.

According to him,” I asked why these wells are not being operated, and the answers were unclear. It seems that I will start revocation of business licenses as we are looking at the potential to reorganize wells that are not being worked on by contractors, including state-owned enterprises,” he said on October 9 as quoted by the Jakarta Globe. &nbsp,

Based on data from Bahlil’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia has nearly 45, 000 oil fields, with 16, 600 considered inactive. &nbsp,

Among these idle fields, around 5, 000 are seen to have the potential to be revitalised to boost national oil production. &nbsp,

” For wells that are not being optimised, we will revoke their license and offer them to those capable of increasing our national production, we should not hold on to them, our country needs this”, Bahlil added. &nbsp,

Indonesia’s oil production, which was formerly an Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ), decreased to less than 600,000 barrels per day in 2024 from a peak of roughly 1.6 million barrels per day in the 1990s, which is attributed to declining investment and aging blocks. &nbsp,

In addition, the country’s oil consumption has more than doubled to 1.5 million barrels per day, leading to imports of fuel and oil, which have cost the US$ 28 billion annually over the past ten years. &nbsp,

According to the Jakarta Globe, this oil issue has contributed to the rupiah’s fluctuating value.

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