Xavier: Govt mulls amending laws to charge those trespassing permanent forest reserves
Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the government is looking at amending the law to charge anyone caught trespassing any permanent forest reserves.
Dr Jayakumar said that after the launch of the "Hutan Kita - Journey through the Rainforest", an exhibition on rainforests at Kuala Lumpur Tower on Friday. Adding that the ministry is looking at enforcing the standard operating procedures (SOP) which will be further tightened on degazetting of forests.
The Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister also said that the Orang Asli would be continuously engaged to safeguard forests as they are the "eyes and ears in the forest against poachers and those stealing our treasure".
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/23/xavier-govt-mulls-amending-laws-to-charge-those-trespassing-permanent-forest-reserves
August 23, 2019
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Perak exco member Paul Yong unhappy with cops' handling of rape probe
Perak executive council member Paul Yong has lashed out at the police for not being professional with the investigation of his rape case.
When met outside the Ipoh Sessions Court after claiming trial to the case, Yong said the police had failed to investigate the case thoroughly, causing him to be charged on Friday.
The Tronoh assemblyman also said he would continue his duty as the state exco member.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/23/perak-exco-member-paul-yong-unhappy-with-cops039-handling-of-rape-probe
August 23, 2019
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The merbau is now Malaysia’s national tree
The merbau tree (Malacca teak) is now Malaysia's national tree.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made the announcement at the opening of the “Hutan Kita: Journey Through Our Rainforest” exhibition on Malaysian rainforests at KL Tower on Friday, and further reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/23/the-merbau-is-now-malaysias-national-tree-says-dr-m
August 23, 2019
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Drugs worth RM676mil seized in Malaysia's biggest haul
A record haul of 3,667 kg of drugs comprising cocaine and ketamine worth RM676 million was seized in Selangor on Aug 18, making it among the largest successes of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Royal Malaysia Police, to date.
August 23, 2019
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Ramkarpal: Rape charge against Perak exco Paul Yong should be withdrawn
Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh believes the Attorney General should withdraw the rape charge against Perak exco member Paul Yong in light of allegedly new evidence forwarded to the police by Perak State Assembly Speaker Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham.
Ngeh lodged a police report Thursday night, claiming that the man who brought the Indonesian maid to lodge a police report against Yong had received RM100,000.
Ramkarpal, who is among four lawyers representing Yong, said it was reason enough for the charges to be withdrawn.
August 23, 2019
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PM: Unfair to link palm oil to deforestation
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has dismissed claims linking palm oil to deforestation, saying they are unfair and unjustified.
Dr Mahathir said that when opening the Hutan Kita (Our Forests) exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Tower on Friday, adding that these claims bring a negative impact to Malaysia which depends highly on the palm oil industry to raise the socio-economic well-being of the people, in order to help Malaysia achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
August 23, 2019
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Perak exco man Paul Yong claims trial to raping Indonesian maid
Perak exco member Paul Yong Choo Kiong pleaded not guilty at the Ipoh Sessions Court on Friday to a charge of raping his Indonesian maid.
The Tronoh assemblyman allegedly committed the act at his house in Meru Desa Park on July 7, between 8.15pm and 9.15pm.
He was granted bail of RM15,000 with one surety.
Read more at
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/23/perak-exco-man-paul-yong-pleads-not-guilty-to-rape-charge
August 22, 2019
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Amazon fires spark worries of a 'death spiral'
Thousands of wildfires are decimating the Amazon, threatening the very existence of the world’s largest rainforest and a bulwark against climate change.
Reuters correspondent Jake Spring has been traveling the Trans-Amazonian highway for the past week for a first-hand report.
August 22, 2019
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Bukit Aman confirms Paul Yong will be charged with rape
Perak executive council member Paul Yong Choo Kiong, who was alleged to have raped his Indonesian maid, will be charged on Friday.
Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed confirmed that the Tronoh state assemblyman would be charged at the Ipoh Sessions Court.
Read more at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/22/bukit-aman-confirms-paul-yong-will-be-charged-with-rape
August 22, 2019
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One last trip as Penang Hill train conductor
Since 1932, a lineage of train conductors from grandfather to grandson has taken people up to Penang Hill along the funicular railway.
And that lineage ended on Thursday with the retirement of third generation funicular train conductor N. Chandrasekaran.
August 22, 2019
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Zakir agrees to halt speeches, will meet with cops again next week
Controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik will comply with police advice not to hold seminars and speeches for the time being.
When met outside Bukit Aman on Thursday, Zakir’s lawyer Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader said that while no black-and-white instructions were issued, his client would comply with the advice as investigations were ongoing.
A fresh police report has been lodged against Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy for comments against Zakir during a recent interview with the Indian press.
Read more at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/22/zakir-agrees-to-halt-speeches-will-meet-with-cops-again-next-week
August 22, 2019
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Any takeover of highways depends on management company’s toll charges, says PM
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said any takeover of highways would have to look into how much toll fee the new management company would impose on the road users.
He said this on Thursday when asked if the government had made a decision following proposals by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd to take over a dozen highways in the country.
August 22, 2019
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PM: Motorcycle e-hailing will benefit commuters, small businesses
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the motorcycle e-hailing service will benefit the people and those doing small businesses.
On the issue of safety, especially for women passengers, Dr Mahathir said they should not engage the service if they are not comfortable with it.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/22/pm-motorcycle-e-hailing-will-benefit-commuters-small-businesses
August 22, 2019
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PM: There is no Cabinet reshuffle
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied rumours that there will be a Cabinet reshuffle.
But he did say that the Cabinet discussed about the possible changes in the ministers’ portfolios.
August 22, 2019
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Tun M: No change of stance on deporting Zakir Naik
Despite the recent drama with controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he has no intention to change his mind about deporting the preacher back to India.
He said this on Thursday after meeting the civil servants In Putrajaya.
August 22, 2019
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Guan Eng: Expect 20% rise in housing loan approvals with Bank Negara’s new requirements
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Bank Negara Malaysia’s easing of eligibility requirements for its RM1 billion Fund for Affordable Homes should lead to at least a 20% increase in home loan approvals for first-time homebuyers.
Lim said that at a joint press conference with Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin on Thursday and added that it will help first-time homebuyers see a 20% reduction in their monthly housing loan repayments amid an extended repayment duration to 40 years from the previous 30 years under the fund.
Meanwhile, Zuraida said she has asked banks to relax some of the requirements to fund housing projects in line with Pakatan Harapan’s promise to deliver one million affordable homes by 2028.
August 22, 2019
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Zakir back in Bukit Aman over police report he lodged
Controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik is back.
Zakir and his lawyer entered the Bukit Aman compound at around 3.38pm on Thursday over a report filed at the Section 7 police station in Shah Alam on Aug 16.
The police report was to enable the launch of investigations against five person for allegedly defaming him and instigating racial disharmony.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/22/zakir-back-in-bukit-aman-over-police-report-he-lodged
August 22, 2019
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Elderly siblings in need of a new home
Having lived in a rundown wooden house in Falim, Perak since they were children, two elderly siblings in their 70s hope they can move to a new place soon.
Ng Lai Yee, 70, who is living with her paralysed brother, Ng Kok Yoon, 74, said their home has been infested with termites and the roof is leaking.
Perak MCA public service and complaints bureau chief Low Guo Nan urged the public to lend a helping hand to the siblings.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/22/elderly-siblings-in-need-of-a-new-home
August 22, 2019
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What Cabinet reshuffle? Dr M didn't even bring it up, say Zuraida, Guan Eng
Senior Cabinet ministers have denied that a Cabinet reshuffle was brought up by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said that at a joint press conference with Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, adding that the meeting between Dr Mahathir and senior ministers only discussed "government matters".
Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, also denied that his party had submitted a list of potential minister candidates for Dr Mahathir's consideration.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/22/what-cabinet-reshuffle-dr-m-didn039t-even-bring-it-up-say-zuraida-guan-eng
August 22, 2019
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Zuraida: Ministry yet to receive potential locations for Lynas PDF
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said her ministry has not received a list of potential locations for the permanent disposal facility (PDF) for the Lynas rare earth refinery in Gebeng from the Pahang government.
Zuraida said that on Thursday, adding that her ministry cannot identify the proper location but can only ensure that the location is in full compliance with the policies and standards.
August 22, 2019
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@harryscharbroiled has been a Parkdale institution for 51 years, surviving the gentrification of the neighbourhood and the transition when @grantvangameren took over. But in October, #harrys will be closing its doors. Why? Probably for development. Read more by clicking the link in our bio 🍔 | 📷 : Cole Burston / @cburston / for the Toronto Star
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#TBT: The Danforth Music Hall turns 100 on Aug. 18, and with the Cadillac Lounge recently shut; the Silver Dollar demolished and awaiting a mysterious rebirth; El Mocambo still in stasis amidst a pricey five-year rebuild; the 102-year-old Matador ballroom now under threat of condo-ization after years of fighting against the same, and Massey Hall shuttered until at least its own 125th anniversary next July, it's one of the only historic venues still operating as an actual “venue” in this city. Only the 70-year-old Horseshoe Tavern and the 75-year-old Grossman’s Tavern come close in terms of longevity. So while other venues fail, how has the Danforth Music Hall lasted these 100 years? Read more by following the link in our story. #thenandnow 📸: @torontostarchives
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“Sometimes life is like a movie and this script is written by God only... #anythingispossible.” Serge Ibaka once begged for food outside this restaurant in his hometown of Brazzaville, The Republic of the Congo. He returned to eat there with the Raptors NBA championship trophy. Read the full story by clicking the link in our bio. | Tristan Forbes / @tris416 / @sergeibaka
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It’s the most *experimental* time of the year 🎶 yes friends, you heard that right. @letsgototheex is open tomorrow, and the Star’s @karonliu got a sneak peek of the weird wacky food to come. What you’re probably looking at is 🌈 grilled cheese, cotton candy tacos, and more insane stuff you can read about. Click the link in our bio to see what’s good. #CNE | 📸: Richard Lautens / @rlautens / Toronto Star
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Mississauga’s very own @biancaandreescu_ becomes the first Canadian woman to win the Rogers Cup since 1969. She was up 3-1 when a tearful Serena Williams withdrew from the #RogersCup final because of an injury. Our photographer @steverussell was on scene to capture the championship. | 📸: Steve Russell / @steverussell / Toronto Star
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The @toronto_carnival’s Grande Parade is officially underway. Don’t be surprised to see colour, music, dancing all along the downtown core as celebrations make their way throughout the city. Celebrating Caribbean culture in the city, the 52nd annual festival ends today. | 📷: Steve Russell / @steverussell / Toronto Star
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People from all over the world are coming together for the Caribbean Carnival this weekend. Today’s main event, the Grand Parade. We feel the energy Toronto! | 📸: Rick Madonik / Toronto Star
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Up, up, and away! This morning, kids from @sickkidstoronto rose to the challenge and hopped in for an air balloon ride. The unique camp, run free of charge by @chailifelinecanada is for kids who can’t attend traditional summer camp programs due to complex medical needs. Summer in full effect. | 📷: Steve Russell / @steverussell / Toronto Star
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Stro is on the go. Heading to the @mets, @mstrooo6 was traded from the Blue Jays for two pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. In a love letter to Toronto, Stroman said he’d be back plenty in the near future. What do you think? | 📷: Steve Russell / @steverussell / Toronto Star
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From Kim's Convenience to Marvel's first Asian superhero, Canadian actor @simuliu is #ShangChi.
What was his first thought? That he finally felt that he could take care of his parents.
In our #StarExclusive interview he tells us why representation matters. “I know it sounds absurd. But it means that Asian kids finally have a character they can dress up on at Halloween. More on the groundbreaking role in our bio. | 📷: Keith Beatty / Toronto Star
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Coming tomorrow: What We Can Do Now #StarClimateChange
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#TBT: Bonnie Henry went into labour 25 years ago today at an Eagles concert at CNE Stadium.
She had lost her husband to cancer 10 days earlier and attended the concert to keep her spirits up after winning two front-row tickets in a radio contest.
Determined to see the first Toronto Eagles show in 16 years, she waited until her water had broken and contractions were a few minutes apart before calling for help.
Hey, 'Take It To The Limit,' she said from her Toronto East General Hospital bed.
Bonnie said she normally wouldn't have gone to the show, because Phillip was so close to being born (his due date was July 17) and she was wary of the crush of 56,000 people packed into CNE Stadium.
I was thinking it was one good thing that had happened to me, and I should take advantage of it, referring to the death of her 30-year-old husband, Nelson Vaughan.
Bonnie's only regret was that she didn't get to stay long enough to hear her favourite and the night's final song, Take It Easy.
The Eagles later read Bonnie’s story in the Star and sent their congratulations, plus a baby blanket with their signatures.
Friends later told her the band even brought it up at their next concert. “The band took the stage and started out, ‘Okay let’s make sure there’s nobody in the front row pregnant tonight, we don’t need a baby born two nights in a row.”
Bonnie recently beat cancer herself and still has the Eagles blanket framed in her Innisfil home.
Swipe right to see Bonnie with her son today.
Happy 25th Birthday Phillip Nelson Vaughan!
Read the full story on thestar.com. 📸: @torontostarchives
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