Fewer Indonesians expected to travel home for Eid amid rising travel costs

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Madam Karya, for instance, used to travel to Central Java by minivan in the past – a journey that took almost a full day and night from the capital. 

“The minivan will depart at 8am, but it makes many pickup stops first. (We) arrive at our house in Central Java at 4am the next day,” she told CNA. 

This year, she and her husband managed to score train tickets and are looking forward to a much shorter trip of about five to six hours. 

Train frequencies have been increased to cope with the annual exodus, with more than 4.5 million train tickets provided nationwide. But like buses, cheap seats – which start at US$6 – sell out fast. 

CONGESTION TO CONTINUE ON ROADS

Still, 147 million people on the move represent some 52 per cent of Indonesia’s 281 million population and heavy traffic is expected across the nation. 

Authorities have taken steps to mitigate congestion by issuing advisories, making available more transportation and deploying security personnel. 

To offset the high prices, some state-owned businesses have also offered discounts, promotions and free trips home.  

Analysts said that Indonesia’s budget efficiency measures are hurting the economy, and urged authorities to boost spending. 

“(Indonesia’s) strategy was wrong from the start. The budget efficiency measures were too excessive,” said Eko Listiyanto, a director at the Jakarta-based Institute for Development of Economics and Finance.  

He added that the measures “went too far” and impacted household essentials, not just in urban areas but also in the countryside. 

“Everyone is affected. Not going home doesn’t mean not wanting to go home, but not able to go home because money is tight,” he said.

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UOB rejects ‘baseless and defamatory’ allegations by ex-Yang Kee Logistics CEO

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Singapore’s United Overseas Bank ( UOB ) has refuted allegations made by former Yang Kee Logistics CEO Ken Koh, calling them “baseless and defamatory.”

The Monetary Authority of Singapore ( MAS ) clarified in a statement on Friday ( Mar 28 ) that the agency had responded to Mr. Koh’s inquiry. &nbsp,

The Online Citizen website posted an article and videos on Thursday, alleging that UOB acted in jeopardy of Yang Kee Logistics ‘ interests. &nbsp,

In a Instagram post, UOB stated,” We are aware of some complaints that have come forward against us.”

” We have refuted these complaints because they are false and defamatory. The lender will take appropriate legal action against the individuals who made these claims,” the post stated.

It added that UOB is committed to providing its clients with dignity and fairness and that it takes input and fears seriously.

Mr. Koh made a number of complaints in the movie that The Online Citizen posted, including one involving the handling of sensitive information against UOB and the conduct of its executives regarding the purchase of Yang Kee’s components to transportation real estate firm Logos.

Mr. Koh has written a legal statement regarding the events that occurred. Additionally, one of Mr. Koh’s meetings with two people, allegedly a UOB top professional, was recorded on audio by The Online Citizen.

A speech that is sworn to be correct before a director for oaths is known as a legal charter. Without the presence of the inspector for vows, no changes can be made after the declaration has been confirmed.

Mr. Koh even asserted that he had provided evidence to the government, including MAS, and that he had reported UOB’s activities, but that no one has responded after five weeks.

MAS refuted this in its speech, saying that it informed Mr. Koh that his allegations of inappropriate do were being looked into on Feb. 28 and Mar. 17.

” Any proposal that MAS has never responded or is not following up is misleading. Any claims of legitimate or regulatory violations will be investigated, the regulator said.

In response to CNA’s inquiries, MAS did not respond to requests for comment.

Mr. Koh Yang Kee, who is Mr. Ken Koh’s parents, founded Yang Kee Logistics in 1990. Before introducing logistics companies three years later, he started the company with two vehicles.

Before opening stores and headquarters in Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and China, the business expanded to Malaysia in 2003. Additionally, it acquired Axima Logistics in Australia.

But, in May 2022, the business became illiquid and placed in bankruptcy, causing appointment of an outsider to take control of Yang Kee’s property.

In July 2022, the devices started the selling process.

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Shanmugam, Tan See Leng accuse TOC’s Terry Xu of waging public sympathy campaign in defamation case

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The Online Citizen ( TOC), the website’s chief editor, Terry Xu, is waging a public campaign to win Singaporeans ‘ support, according to the lawsuit filed by Xu against him by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. &nbsp,

According to documents obtained by CNA on Friday ( Mar 28 ), the ministers filed lawsuits against Mr. Xu on January 6 this year and have since been granted permission to serve court papers on him in Taiwan. &nbsp,

The slander claims relate to a TOC content titled” Bloomberg: Almost half of 2024 GCB deals lack public record, raising concerns about accountability.” The article makes a comment on a Bloomberg content that the officials have also filed libel lawsuits against. &nbsp,

The article from Bloomberg,” Singapore Mansion Deals Are Increasingly Shrouded in Secrecy,” was published on December 12, 2024, and discusses Good Class Bungalow ( GCB) transactions in Singapore. Both officials have filed a lawsuit against Bloomberg and Low De Wei, the reporter, for slander. &nbsp,

The article from TOC, which referenced and commented on Bloomberg’s content, was also published on December 12, 2024, and is still available as of Friday night.

Dr. Tan and Mr. Shanmugam are both represented by the same Davinder Singh Chambers legitimate group: Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, Mr. David Fong, Ms. Sambhavi Rajangam, and Mr. Adam Lau. &nbsp,

This is not Mr. Xu’s second instance of a secretary bringing legal action. &nbsp,

He was recently sued by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong over another TOC post about Dr. Lee Wei Ling and Mr. Lee Hsien Yang’s disagreement with their family residence at 38 Oxley Road.

In September 2021, Mr. Xu was ordered to pay Mr. Lee S$ 210, 000 in damages after losing that libel lawsuit while still residing in Singapore. &nbsp,

In addition, a district judge in April 2022 sentenced Mr. Xu to three months in prison for defaming Cabinet people. Upon appeal, the sentence was changed to an S$ 8, 000 ( US$ 6, 000 ) fine in May 2023. &nbsp,

However, by that point, Mr. Xu had already completed his three-week prison name and had relocated to Taiwan, where he is still writing articles for TOC.

XU CAN REACH US IN TAIWAN

The two ministers went into great detail about reaching Xu in Taiwan in addition to filing their promises. In addition to these, they submit testimonies to back up their request for permission to record papers on Mr. Xu outside of Singapore. &nbsp,

The officials requested that their initial says, statements of state, and court orders be delivered via” the proper route to Taiwan for service” on Xu on February 26. The handle that was specified was in the Zhongshan District of Taipei. &nbsp,

Additionally, they submitted a transcription certification claiming that a team of translators had translated the three files, along with a third, from English to Mandarin, as required by the Rules of Court. &nbsp,

The officials ‘ attorneys claimed that Xu had not yet been served publications in its most recent report, a notice to the Supreme Court from March 11. &nbsp,

On February 26, it informed the Supreme Court that its request had been granted and given a scenario number. No additional updates were received as of Mar 11; but,

Mr. Xu responded “no,” without going into further detail, to CNA’s question about whether the ministers&nbsp had fully served him with documents in Taiwan.

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Pakistan seeks to boost exports to Gulf states amid efforts to stabilise economy

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” We could accomplish it quite simply by offering very, very affordable loans in the first place. Additionally, asks Aziz if they could lower the coverage level from 2013 to 2018, where it was from 2013 to 2018.

The manufacturers of Pakistan face a second issue in terms of the price of rice. &nbsp,

Industry experts claim that Pakistan produces high-quality, scented corn, but that the Gulf region’s lack of competitive pricing is causing the nation billions of dollars. &nbsp,

They warn that entering Gulf industry will be more difficult under these circumstances, especially with India’s fierce competitors.

EXPORTING MORE THAN RICE

In addition to rice, Pakistan wants to boost exports and strengthen trade ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) in all fields, including agriculture, information technology, textiles, and energy.

Concerns are raised over its producers ‘ exposure to GCC nations, where neighboring India already has a proven track record and is growing in the area.

According to Ali Salman, creator and executive chairman of Muslim economic think container Prime Institute,” we need to research what are the costs and… the features of the products coming from India and into the GCC countries.”

Consumers are searching for better, less expensive, and more effective materials, he told CNA. &nbsp,

” If we can guarantee that from a private sector standpoint, we can definitely increase the business volume,” Salman said.

ADVANTAGE IS AVAILABLE AT GWADAR PORT

Along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan’s deep sea port, Gwadar interface, provides a way for Gulf industry to Central Asia and gives the nation a tactical advantages over India.

In the wake of the conflicts surrounding the Gaza war&nbsp in the area, worries about potential shipping disruptions are raised by the port’s proximity to the small Strait of Hormuz at the lips of the Persian Gulf.

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Career dilemmas? How 2 Singaporeans dispelled their doubts with these WSG initiatives

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Through a monitoring device, the second session was aimed at figuring out what energized him. The outcomes were unanticipated. It’s really strange, and it classified me as no very imaginative, Wong said. However, I have a lot of imagination in my mind.

In reply, Liew responded that his logical sensibility may hinder his ability to think creatively.

Wong changed his job after learning that people growth, in the context of mentoring and coaching people, was a trait he found energizing.

In the last treatment, he was given the knowledge to move from being a teacher. Although he was qualified to instruct certification courses, he did not have the master’s degree required for teaching at the university level.

Wong remarked,” Having conversations with people who are close to me to see if it’s possible,” and that” the cost of getting a master’s degree in Singapore isn’t cheap.”

In the end, he wanted to make a career change, job that was both financially viable, fulfilling, and may allow him to create a life that was happy with, even if that meant changing some long-term objectives.

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Shanmugam not making police report against sisters who disrupted MPS

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K Shanmugam, the minister for law and home affairs, announced on Thursday ( Mar 27 ) that he would not be filing a police report regarding the actions of two sisters who snuck into his Meet-the-People ( MPS) session.

He likewise urged people to move on from the incident during a door-to-door discussion while making a short visit to the Northview Secondary School’s temporary meditation area.

Two weeks prior, the two ladies had confronted Mr. Shanmugam at an MPS outside the Chong Pang tree business. The secretary then shared a seven-minute videos of their conversation on his Facebook page on March 13. &nbsp,

The daughters had gotten in touch with Mr. Shanmugam to inquire about the POFMA, or Protection from Online Falsehoods. They yelled” fool” at the minister after he attempted to end the conversation with them, but the exchange turned into a confrontation.

When asked about the videos on Thursday, Mr. Shanmugam stated that the incident might be a legal crime, but he would not pursue legal action against the sisters.

” I’m not filing a police document, and I haven’t filed a police record.” According to what I understand, the two daughters are also being looked into for additional crimes, he said.

They have recently been the subject of studies, and those investigations are ongoing. However, I have no intention of filing any officers reports regarding what transpired at my MPS in Chong Pang.

When asked for more information about the crimes against which the daughters were being investigated, Mr. Shanmugam stated that he was conscious of the charges against them for some crimes that occurred prior to the incident at his MPS.

The rules has got to take its course, he said,” but it has nothing to do with what happened at MPS… what they have done abroad.”

CNA has emailed inquiries to the authorities regarding the alleged crimes committed by the two women in the picture. &nbsp,

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Bangladesh marks independence anniversary as long-strained ties with Pakistan improve

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This time, China and Bangladesh will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. &nbsp,

After taking over control of his nation’s federal in August, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is making his second bilateral visit to China.

His Special Envoy for International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi, confirmed to CNA on Wednesday that Yunus would speak at the Boao Forum for Asia 2025, which will begin on Tuesday and continue until Friday in the southeastern area province of Hainan, as well as solve a series of sessions.

A mountain is planned with Chinese President Xi Jinping, business leaders from Bangladesh, numerous actual and potential investors, according to Siddiqi, who spoke on the sidelines of a Hong Kong-based World Economic Forum conference.

It has a very interesting effect, according to economists who study politics.

ECONOMIC RESULTS

Pakistan’s need to re-establish relations with Bangladesh comes as its own economy struggles, according to experts who believe that both nations can serve as lucrative areas for each other.

Some in India speculated that there might be a bright side to New Delhi as well in the longer run.

India could really benefit from improved relationships, according to Sanjay Kathuria, a visiting senior fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, a public policy think reservoir in New Delhi.” There could be transport trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh or even shipping,” Kathuria said.

It produces success. It promotes more industry. You may build stronger price chains between the three nations, he continued.

Observers predicted that as Bangladesh and Pakistan attempt to bolster their new agreement, with business, diplomacy, and security cooperation all poised to influence the region’s future.

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Cold Storage, Giant acquisition: Macrovalue owner Andrew Lim aims for ‘critical size’ growth in competitive market

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Indonesian financial group Macrovalue is in development style, which firmly established itself as a key player in the local supermarket industry this week with the purchase of Cold Storage and Giant stores in Singapore.

Owner and founder of Macrovalue, Andrew Lim Tatt Keong, said the deal, worth S$ 125 million ( US$ 93 million ), will make his business Malaysia’s third-largest supermarket operator, behind AEON and Lotus ( previously Tesco ), in the wake of its$ 93 million ( US$ 93 million ) acquisition.

It also aligns with his group’s plan to achieve range in a fiercely aggressive environment.

The goal of any food and food organization is to grow until it is” important” in order to profit from better bulk discounts and back-end offer suppliers. We hope to be that group in Malaysia, Lim said, only like NTUC FairPrice and the Central Group in Thailand, which have 50 % of the market share.  

In addition, Lim even stated to CNA that he had no intention of denying the possibility of launching new Cool Storage and Giant operations in Singapore as the new owner.    

One more thing, it will be business as usual. No cuts, no cuts, and no. three, Lim Boon Cheong, has agreed to take the group on, he said, referring to the managing director of Food Singapore for DFI Retail Group.

He added that both the Cold Storage internal Meadows materials and the Yuu loyalty program will remain.

Lim emphasized that his Macrovalue wholesale group’s long-term investment in Singapore was not just a” cut and ball” transaction. ”

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Cathay cinema at JEM shopping mall closes, operator owes landlord S.3 million in rent

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The technician mm2 Asia owed the landlord about S$ 4.3 million ( US$ 3.2 million ) in fee at the JEM shopping plaza after the movie theater closed on March 27.

The company announced in a registration to the Singapore Exchange on Thursday that it would be closing the channel “in light of the challenges facing the theatre industry since COVID-19”.

It continued,” This is the result of ongoing conversations with the employer for more than a year.”

As a director of Lendlease Global Commercial REIT, the landlord at JEM, Cathay Cineplexes received a cancellation notice from DBS Trustee Limited.

The movie controller claimed to have been “actively engaging” the tenant to come to an agreement on the lease terms and the outstanding book.

However, the employer, among other things, wants to get the rent back and decides to cancel the lease. The company stated that it would function with the landlord to resolve the outstanding debt.

This is the fifth film in less than three decades that mm2 Asia has closed down in less than three times: the Cathay Building, Orchard Cineleisure, Parkway Parade, AMK Hub, West Mall, and presently JEM. &nbsp,

In anticipation of the business and market shift post-COVID, Cathay Cineplexes continues to realign and rightsize its cinema business.

The agonizing process is unavoidable, but it will help the film to look into new opportunities in response to the current market demands and ensure long-term sustainability.

Additionally, it thanked Lendlease for its assistance throughout the COVID-19 and post-pandemic, when the film industry experienced” major challenges and extraordinary difficulties.”

mm2 Asia’s leader Melvin Ang said in an exclusive interview with CNA final month that he is still enthusiastic about the company’s future and that he is not giving up on the metal screen.

The company reported last month that it had received letters of demand from Century Square and Causeway Point cinema owners demanding S$ 2.7 million ( US$$ 2 million ) in rent and other expenses.

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