35 Catholic High students fall ill with gastroenteritis after school camp

SINGAPORE: Thirty-five Primary 5 students and two staff members from Catholic High School ( Primary ) developed gastroenteritis symptoms after a school camp earlier this week. &nbsp,

None of them were hospitalised, said the Ministry of Health ( MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency ( SFA ) in a joint statement on Thursday ( Aug 29 ).

From Monday through Wednesday, the Ministry of Education held the Labrador Outdoor Adventure Centre.

A number of children at the P5 tent have been experiencing stomach upset since this morning, according to a text message sent to families on Tuesday afternoon. &nbsp,

The school claimed that the camp’s people had arrived right away and that the damaged people’s families had been contacted in the information seen by CNA. &nbsp,

A test was conducted with the group, and most of them were also. &nbsp,

The university claimed to have worked with the campsite to clean the premises and that it would carefully follow the situation.

MOH and SFA announced that they were looking into the event. &nbsp,

In the tired harbor, there were many people.

At the ill sea, all impacted students and employees were being watched.

” On day two, when I woke up, I heard a lot of people went to the sick bay because they got sick with fever, diarrhoea, vomiting”, said Catholic High School ( Primary ) student Brendan Law. &nbsp,

” Many people were in the sick bay at the end of the day,” said one doctor.

CNA is aware that the camp’s caterer was also involved in a food poisoning affair in February, when Northbrooks Secondary individuals became sick while attending a college station.

The cook declined to comment, citing the continued SFA research.

The organizers of outdoor education, which represents the Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Association, claimed the incident may be brought on by a number of factors, including pupils serving food to their contemporaries, a practice practiced frequently in such tents to tell them about leadership.

” We ca n’t rule out that there is a risk of a student having a pre-existing condition, like having stomach flu or having some sort of virus or bacteria, so that there is a risk of them contaminating the food”, said Mr Delane Lim, secretary-general of the association.

” It may not be the food being contaminated. It’s most likely how the meal is being served while it’s still being prepared. We ca n’t rule out that”.

Catholic High informed CNA that as a precaution, it had already scheduled a distinct cook for the incident.

Most of the damaged students and staff members are back to school as of Thursday.

Food safety is a shared responsibility, said MOH and SFA.

” Food users must play their part by adhering to fine food safety procedures while SFA implements and maintains the regulatory methods. SFA did not dare to impose sanctions against errant food traders, they added.

Continue Reading

Father gets discharge not amounting to acquittal over baby daughter’s death, police found no foul play

A representative for the Attorney-General’s Chambers confirmed to CNA on Thursday ( Aug 29 ) that a man was charged with a criminal offence after his baby was discovered dead. The charge did not amount to an acquittal.

According to reports in May of last year, Mustaqim Rosli, age 31, was accused of killing Nur Misha Syaifa Mustaqim.

However, a sheriff’s investigation into the death of the two-month-old female on Tuesday revealed that the authorities concluded in their studies that there was no bad enjoy involved.

First, Nur Misha’s mother had told the officers that she had seen Mustaqim suffocating the girl.

She later withdrew this account because she felt sorry for the home and that she had said so.

The AGC reported on Thursday that Mustaqim was first accused of allowing the dying of a child under 14 in the same home in response to CNA’s questions about the case’s outcome.

The prosecutors requested a release that did not amount to an indictment in relation to the above cost after careful thought of the details and circumstances of the matter. This was granted by the court on Nov 7, 2023″, said the director.

She further stated that the trial will not be pursuing any further action in connection with Nur Misha’s dying.

A discharge that does n’t amount to an acquittal differs from one that amounts to an acquittal in that it allows the prosecution to reopen the case under the same charge if fresh evidence emerges.

Nur Misha’s cause of death could not be ascertained via examination.

The prosecutor has not yet made his findings regarding her dying public.

Continue Reading

CNA Explains: What could have caused the Kuala Lumpur sinkhole, and can future cases be avoided?

Does this imply that Kuala Lumpur is uncomfortable? &nbsp,

The origin of the first hole is still unknown.

Although Kuala Lumpur’s geologic formation is known for its widespread limestone rock, which is liable to breakdown, professionals have told CNA that this does not apply to all of the capital’s areas.

If the location of the incident was built on limestone, it still has n’t been determined.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, mayor of Kuala Lumpur, said on Sunday that the city “remains healthy unless proven then by research.”

Any contradictory statements must be backed by strong evidence, she said, as reported by the Bernama media company.

A task force involving the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Public Works Department has been established to examine the health of development in the cash.

However, according to Mr. IES, Kuala Lumpur’s higher amounts of precipitation may increase its risk of sinkholes. &nbsp,

” The snowfall water may leave behind a void in the ground as well as the loose earth stuff,” he added. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

Worried about being retrenched? What you need to know about the Jobseeker Support scheme

What does it mean to own a home with a S$ 25, 000 or less in monthly sales? &nbsp,

The monthly price of a property is determined based on the market price of similar properties and is the estimated total monthly fee that could be collected periodically.

It does not take into account equipment, fixtures and repair costs, and is not dependent on the actual rental income received. &nbsp,

The finance department in November 2023&nbsp, raised the yearly value level for social support programs.

Back then, the government said the yearly price level of S$ 21, 000 would include all Housing Board cottages, while a S$ 25, 000 level would cover about 75 per cent of personal qualities, including some lower-value exclusive properties.

According to the latest figures from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore ( IRAS ), the median annual value of a four-room flat in 2022 was S$ 12, 480 and S$ 13, 500 for a five-room flat.

Home owners can check the IRAS website’s myTax website to see the annual value of their home. &nbsp,

What had you do in order to be paid under the system? &nbsp,

The payouts are contingent; those who receive them must indulge in job searching and related activities that will aid in work. &nbsp,

This includes hobbies such as submitting employment applications, attending job training and job preparation workshops, or participating in qualified training courses.

However, more information about this will only be released closer to April 2025, when the plan begins. &nbsp,

How will the rewards job?

Up to S$ 6, 000 in full over six months may be given in a structured payment system, starting at a maximum of S$ 1, 500 in the first fortnight and declining immediately. &nbsp,

Those who qualify may receive up to S$ 1, 500 in the first quarter, S$ 1, 250 in the next quarter, S$ 1, 000 in the next month and S$ 750 in each of the remaining three times. &nbsp,

However, some eligible individuals will not get a total of S$ 6, 000 over the course of the six-month period because monthly bonuses are only paid at jobseekers ‘ earlier monthly salaries. &nbsp,

For example, if they recently earned S$ 1, 200 a quarter, they may get S$ 1, 200 in the first quarter and the same in the second quarter, before receiving S$ 1, 000 in the next month, and S$ 750 in the remaining three times. &nbsp,

After a participant’s new job, payouts end. For instance, if they get a job in the third month, they will not receive payouts for the fourth, fifth and sixth months.

According to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, the amount of the monthly payments is higher at the beginning, giving more peace of mind right away after unemployment.

It is gradually decreased starting in the second month so that job seekers have a motivation to work earlier if they can find a good-fitting job.

Continue Reading

Singapore’s wushu exponents shine on home soil with five golds at World Taijiquan Championships

SINGAPORE: Having competed at six Southeast Asian ( SEA ) Games, three Asian Games and other international meets, &nbsp, wushu exponent Vera Tan is no stranger to top-level competition.

However, the 26-year-old had been anticipating the 4th World Taijiquan Championships, and it will be one she may stick around for a while. &nbsp,

Tan clinched two of Singapore’s five medals – children’s additional taijijian and fresh yang type taijiquan – at the meet. She even won copper in the recommended taijiquan earlier in the opposition, which took place from August 24 to August 27 at the OCBC Arena.

” I… did not expect a medal haul like this. It’s something to be happy about”, she told CNA on Tuesday ( Aug 27 ).

It was about ten years ago that Tan even won a silver medal at the&nbsp, additional taijiquan event.

The final model was supposed to be in 2020, but COVID had already been released, so this was postponed all the way to 2024. I’ve been really looking forward to it, and I’m happy I managed to pull it off”, Tan said.

Rising sun Zeanne Law, 18, won medals in the women’s additional taijiquan function as well as the additional taijishan. In the extra taijijian, she even won gold.

Singapore’s other gold was won by Charlotte Ng in the taijiquan ( 39 movements ) event. &nbsp, Besides the gold medal pull, there were also four golds and five statues for Singapore.

In the three jin fields, taijiquan uses bare arms, taijijian opponents use a sword, and taijishan rivals use a Foreign fan.

A “VERY BRIGHT” FUTURE

Speaking to CNA, &nbsp, Singapore Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance&nbsp, Federation CEO Leow Meng Hong said the destination had been four medals and the players exceeded expectations.

” We wanted to have great results, we planned for it, and the players worked very hard for it”, he said. ” We knew they we could reach that, and they have produced the effects”.

Singapore’s jujitsu field has grown in the last four to five years, he added.

This is due to a larger talent pool, with more young people taking up the sport and competing at the National School Games and the National Wushu Championship.

We scouting for talent to join our national team and work with the national squad, he continued. ” We see younger children joining wushu”.

Rules serves as an illustration of this. She won the taijiquan competition at the World Wushu Championships in November of last year.

Continue Reading

Kuala Lumpur sinkhole: Residents worried about safety but experts caution against speculation, suggest preventive measures

WAS IT THE LIMESTONE? &nbsp,

The Indonesian capital has been rife with information sharing past studies findings that show its geology makes it susceptible to sinkholes, landslides, and rockfalls. &nbsp,

According to a 2017 study by researchers from the Universiti Teknologi MARA’s University of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Kuala Lumpur has two distinct geological structures: The Kenny Hill Formation which consists of geological stones, and Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation with “highly uneven karstic components”. &nbsp,

According to the study, rapid development over the past 158 decades has resulted in” specific shifts in terrain and geologic such as the presence of sinkholes.”

Sinkholes can be carefully managed, the authors claim, such as by properly mapping hazard zones before any development takes place, even though they may be fully prevented.

Some cities around the world are, in reality, built on stone, said Dr Lim Choun Sian of the Geological Society of Malaysia.

” It is not really a red flag to build on limestone”, he told CNA. You may make sure that the design and structure are based on accurate studies and there are accurate prevention measures in place.

The cause of final Friday’s event is still not known, researchers noted. &nbsp,

While the state’s common limestone rock is well-known, this does not apply to all places of Kuala Lumpur, noted Dr Nor Shahidah Mohd Nazer, an analyst in geographical architecture and ground mechanics.

Dr. Lim agreed that it has not been established that the Masjid India place was constructed using stone. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

” It is possible that it is, but we ca n’t say until there are checks. Because nearly half of Kuala Lumpur is made of limestone, he said, persons are guessing it’s true. &nbsp,

“We have to establish the kind of geology and conduct thorough investigations.” Continue Reading

‘Our laws are bigger’: Malaysian minister warns tech firms for resisting licensing regime in ‘strange’ open letter

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on Tuesday ( Aug 27 ) warned tech firms to comply with the government’s licensing regime if they wanted to continue operating in the country.

A partnership of tech companies sent its most recent available letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in which he urges the government to reconsider its controversial licensing program, a day later. &nbsp,

Social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million users will need to obtain an annual operating license in accordance with the new framework, which could lead to fines of up to RM500, 000 ( US$ 115, 000 ) for non-compliance.

The Asia Internet Coalition ( AIC ), a trade organization established to address public policy issues and promote the growth of the internet economy in the Asia-Pacific region, claimed the regime would “unnecessarily burden businesses” and cause “undue burdens” for innovation.

” It will prevent continuous purchases and deter future people due to the complexity and expense of compliance”, said AIC, whose members include Meta, Google, Amazon and Apple. &nbsp,

The proposed government has also been criticized by civil society organizations, including Malaysia’s Centre for Independent Journalism, as one that might stifle free speech and criticism of the government.

On the day of an Orang Asli creation event in Sepang on Tuesday, Mr. Fahmi addressed these remarks, stating that the implementation of the program, which is scheduled to begin on January 1st, 2025, will not be postponed.

” They are Big Tech, but our laws are bigger. But if they want to work in Malaysia, they must regard and cooperate with our regulations”, he said.

The secretary cited recent examples from the UK and France as proof that the Indonesian government’s decision to enact more stringent regulation of tech companies.

In the UK, widespread turmoil and protests broke out in the summer and August, while Telegram leader Pavel Durov was detained in France on Saturday as part of a spacecraft into child porn and drug trafficking on the well-known encrypted communications app.

According to Mr. Fami, there are “many stuff that we are concerned on,” particularly crimes that have migrated to social media.

” POSITIVE” Conversations WITH BIG TECH

When CNA questioned whether the government had considered a situation wherein tech firms would refuse to comply and step out of Malaysia, Mr. Fahmi claimed that his government had “examined all elements”.

He added that his conference with technology companies in Singapore in soon July on the licensing program was “positive,” in that they were prepared to talk about the subject.

” We will continue discussions … The government of Malaysia is very receptive to holding conversations, taking into consideration their sights”, he said.

The AIC claimed in the most recent version of its notice that an ecosystem that depends on creativity, flexibility, and openness could be destabilized by the introduction of the licensing program “without a clear roadmap or enough industry engagement.”

The lack of these important discussions has caused the economy to be very uncertain about the range of the responsibilities and what exactly these platforms would be signing up for, it said.

The AIC raised concerns about the regime’s legal responsibility for employees of licensed service providers and the “insufficient” five-month grace time for compliance before the plan begins.

Additionally, it raised questions about strict guidelines for content restraint, such as the condition that spiritual content been approved by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.

Inquiries OVER AIC LETTER

Mr. Fahmi pointed out that CNA had reviewed the AIC’s three versions of its notice, which were all released after the AIC had reviewed them.

The second type, dated Friday, contained the symbols of all its 17 members and said the licensing program would be “unworkable” for the business.

Regional super-app Grab, one of its people, immediately issued a declaration distancing itself from the email, saying that the proposed legislation would not affect its functions.

Because Grab focuses on ride-hailing and food supply, it would not fall under the definition of a system that requires a license.

The AIC finally released the next version of its letter from Monday, which included the logos of only six businesses as “applicable picture.” The second type, even dated Monday, did not contain any organization logos.

The section that said the registration system may be “unworkable” was also omitted from the second and third types.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that it had” consistently engaged with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including service providers, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, ( and ) law enforcement agencies”.

The last framework must be good, effective, and in line with the needs of both the business and the general, according to the statement.

Mr. Fahmi claimed that MCMC and AIC had discussed the government in May and that AIC had repeatedly requested more time to respond up until Friday’s opened email was made public.

He continued, adding that he continues to believe that software companies had responded favorably to discussions on the program.” What is apparent is that AIC does not reflect all the platforms, but only some of them,” he said.

Mr. Fahmi acknowledged that it was” strange” that AIC had distributed multiple versions of its open letter, and that Grab’s claim that it was not consulted on the letter made things “awkward.”

However, Mr. Fahmi stated that he continues to take an “open” stand by inviting AIC and any other business to join and express their opinions on the registration system.

” There is still room for discussion”, he said.

The Indonesian government continues to insist that social media platforms and messaging apps may be regulated in order to make the internet safer for Malay citizens, especially children and families.

Continue Reading

‘Our laws are bigger’: Malaysian minister warns Big Tech for resisting licensing regime in ‘strange’ open letter

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on Tuesday ( Aug 27 ) warned tech firms to comply with the government’s licensing regime if they wanted to continue operating in the country.

A partnership of tech companies sent its most recent available letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in which he urges the government to reconsider its controversial registration program, a day later. &nbsp,

Social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million users will need to obtain an annual operating license in accordance with the new framework, which could lead to fines of up to RM500, 000 ( US$ 15, 000 )

The Asia Internet Coalition ( AIC ), a trade organization established to address public policy issues and promote the growth of the internet economy in the Asia Pacific region, claimed the regime would “unfavor innovation” and “impose undue burdens on businesses”.

” It will prevent continuous purchases and deter future people due to the complexity and expense of compliance”, said AIC, whose members include Meta, Google, Amazon and Apple. &nbsp,

The proposed program, according to civil society organizations like Malaysia’s Centre for Independent Journalism, was stifle free speech and criticism from the state.

On Tuesday, Mr. Fahmi addressed these remarks on the outside of an Orang Asli growth function in Sepang, stressing that the regime’s implementation is scheduled to begin on January 1st, 2025, will not be postponed.

” They are Big Tech, but our laws are bigger. But if they want to work in Malaysia, they must regard and cooperate with our regulations”, he said.

The secretary cited recent examples from the UK and France as proof that the Indonesian government’s decision to enact more stringent regulation of tech companies.

In the UK, widespread turmoil and protests broke out in the summer and August, while Telegram leader Pavel Durov was detained in France on Saturday as part of a spacecraft into child porn and drug trafficking on the well-known encrypted communications app.

According to Mr. Fahmi, the accusations against Durov involved “many stuff that we are concerned about- that is, crimes that have migrated to cultural media.”

” POSITIVE” Debate WITH BIG TECH

When CNA questioned whether the government had considered a situation wherein tech firms would refuse to comply and step out of Malaysia, Mr. Fahmi claimed that his government had “examined all elements”.

He added that his conference with technology companies in Singapore in soon July on the licensing program was “positive,” in that they were prepared to talk about the subject.

” We will continue discussions … The government of Malaysia is very receptive to holding conversations, taking into consideration their opinions”, he said.

The AIC claimed in the most recent version of its notice that an ecosystem that depends on creativity, flexibility, and openness could be destabilized by the introduction of the licensing program “without a clear roadmap or enough industry engagement.”

The industry is divided on the range of the obligations and what precisely these platforms would be signing up for, it said.” The absence of these important discussions has created a great deal of doubt in the industry.”

The AIC raised concerns about the regime’s legal responsibility for members of licensed service providers and the “insufficient” five-month grace time for compliance before the plan begins.

Additionally, it raised questions about demanding content moderation requirements, such as the condition that spiritual content been approved by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.

Issues OVER AIC LETTER

Mr. Fahmi pointed out that the AIC had published three versions of its notice, all of which had been subject to CNA’s review.

The second type, dated Friday, contained the symbols of all its 17 members and said the licensing program would be “unworkable” for the business.

Regional super-app Grab, one of its people, immediately issued a declaration distancing itself from the email, saying that the proposed legislation would not affect its procedures.

Because Grab is focused on ride-hailing and food delivery, it would not fall under the definition of a platform that requires a license.

The AIC then released the second version of its letter from Monday, which included the logos of only six businesses as “applicable representation.” The third version, also dated Monday, did not contain any company logos.

The section that said the licensing regime would be “unworkable” was also omitted from the second and third versions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that it had” consistently engaged with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including service providers, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, ( and ) law enforcement agencies”.

The final framework must be fair, effective, and in line with the needs of both the industry and the general, according to the statement.

Mr. Fahmi claimed that MCMC had met with AIC representatives in May to talk about the regime and that AIC had repeatedly requested more time to respond up until the open letter was made public on Friday.

He continued, adding that he continues to believe that tech companies had responded positively to discussions on the regime.” What is clear is that AIC does not represent all the platforms, but only some of them,” he said.

Mr. Fahmi acknowledged it was” strange” that AIC had distributed multiple versions of its open letter, and that Grab’s claim that it was not consulted on the letter made things “awkward.”

However, Mr. Fahmi stated that he continues to take an “open” attitude by giving AIC and any other company the opportunity to meet and express their opinions on the licensing regime.

” There is still room for discussion”, he said.

The Malaysian government continues to insist that social media platforms and messaging apps must be imposed with a regulatory framework to ensure a safer internet for Malaysian citizens, especially for children and families.

Continue Reading