Condivergence: Termites of the economy
There are three types of economic termites. Today, we recognise that markets are ecosystems and economic termites are part of the economic system, just as real termites form part of the biodiversity of nature. Thus, can economic termites be totally eradicated, or do we just need to make sure that they do not eat up the whole system? Many politicians and civil servants think that social problems can be solved by passing more laws and regulations. I do not personally believe that there is a conspiracy of global Illuminati (secret elite), but these economic termites control the system without necessarily acting together.
Source:The Edge Markets
July 20, 2021 03:33 UTC
Olympics-Athletes' village COVID-19 isolation bubble already 'broken' - health expert
TOKYO (Reuters) -The isolation bubble system that Olympic organisers have set up at the Tokyo Games village to control COVID-19 is already broken, and there is a risk that infections could spread more widely from inside it, a prominent public health expert said on Tuesday. Games officials on Sunday reported the first coronavirus case among competitors in the village in Tokyo where 11,000 athletes are expected to stay. There have been 67 cases detected among those accredited for the Games since July 1, organisers said on Tuesday. New COVID-19 cases in Tokyo reached 1,410 on Saturday, a near six month high, while the Games are due to start in just three days. The vaccination push has gained steam since last month, but recently ebbed due to supply and logistical snags.
Source:The Star
July 20, 2021 03:23 UTC
Stay safe by assuming everyone you meet is Covid-19 positive, doctor urges Malaysians
PETALING JAYA: A doctor says Malaysians need to treat everyone they encounter in their daily lives as Covid-19 positive, so they should increase the precautions they take. As an example, she shared an account of her encounter with a 90-year-old Covid-19 patient at the public hospital in Selangor where she serves. A day before that, we found out that her son – who was also positive – was in the same ward and nobody knew ... "Whether it's your neighbour, the food delivery rider, the aunty that you go for walks with, your friends or family, anyone can be Covid-19 positive. She also said that the number of patients brought in dead at the hospital has increased, with some suddenly collapsing for unknown reasons and later testing positive for Covid-19.
Source:The Star
July 20, 2021 02:26 UTC
New app helps Indonesians fit their lifestyle to their surroundings
While avoiding pollution altogether is impossible, a locally made app called Nafas (breathe) seeks to present easily accessible, real-time data to help people fit their lifestyle to their surroundings. Still, the monitor showed a reading of 180 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) – the equivalent of smoking four cigarettes per day, according to the index. “But the air quality in my backyard was worse than the air quality on the main road in the area, which is notoriously congested with passing vehicles,” Piotr told The Jakarta Post. Francesca Dominici, a biostatistics professor at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health has been studying the effects of air pollution for years. WHO director Maria Neira told The Guardian in 2018 that “air pollution is a global public health emergency”.
Source:The Star
July 20, 2021 00:45 UTC
Boxing is a lifeline for girls from Nairobi slums
Inside the rundown building in Kariobangi-North, it's almost entirely women and girls, all training under the watchful eye of boxing coach Alfred Analo Anjere - founder of BoxGirls Kenya. For most at BoxGirls Kenya, the contact sport is a leisure activity, but some have made it their life, becoming professional pugilists. Anjere, nicknamed "Priest", says he doesn't want boxing to be about revenge: "Boxing is intended to be a tool... the means to empower girls, for them to have a voice." The primary objective of BoxGirls Kenya is not to train champions, but a woman ready to face the outside world, says Anjere. "If girls succeed in boxing (we have) happiness and pride," he says.
Source:The Star
July 20, 2021 00:33 UTC
Contact BNMTelelink for loan repayment help
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara has urged the public to contact BNMTelelink if they were to encounter any problems with loan repayment assistance applications or difficulties in contacting their respective banks. The central bank said if borrowers faced any difficulties with their banks, or if their installments increased unreasonably, they may contact BNMTelelink at bnm.my/RAsurvey to put in their complaints. “Borrowers could contact their banks to reduce installment payments, continue to service their loans, or contact the Credit Counseling and Management Agency (AKPK) through services.akpk.org.my,” it said. “You also need to ask the bank what will happen to the assistance that is being received if you are the recipient of an existing repayment assistance,” said Bank Negara. Bank Negara also urged the public to contact AKPK through services.akpk.org.my for advice or alternative repayment assistance options, as well as free advice from the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia’s SmartFinance Licensed Financial Planner via bit.ly/3js5zrm.
Source:The Star
July 20, 2021 00:00 UTC
Students and school heads bring up Internet connection issues in online meeting
POOR WiFi connectivity remains a major barrier to many doing home-based teaching and learning while schools remain closed. Those who received digital devices under the Penang E-Learning Programme are now equipped with the necessary hardware, but Internet connectivity remains a problem for some. “I hope the students who got help with getting computers will also receive assistance to obtain Internet connection,” he said. Chow said the issue of Internet connectivity had always been a concern of the government as there were still weaknesses in the infrastructure. “Having connectivity is an important component to ensure the success of Penang E-Learning Programme,” he said.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 23:37 UTC
Calming anxieties while giving vaccine is part of daily challenges for nurses
SOMEONE shrieked from behind the partition at the sight of the needle, and the nurses could be heard calmly pacifying the person. They coaxed her into taking deep breaths until she felt ready to be jabbed at the government clinic in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, Penang. Patiently vaccinating Penang’s frontliners with smiles on their faces, nurses are at the heart of the national inoculation effort. Matron Nor Aini Omar, 48, said they have met many different people and understand those with a fear of injection needles. “It is different from normal clinic work but we have learnt the ropes,” she said.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 23:36 UTC
Those found guilty of wrongdoing during immunisation drive to be terminated
PETALING JAYA: The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) is working with the authorities to investigate alleged wrongdoing during the immunisation programme. It said it would not hesitate to end the services of vaccination personnel for misconduct. It was alleged that the incident took place on July 17 at a drive-through vaccination centre in Kem Lapangan Terbang Sungai Petani, Kedah. “Disciplinary action has been taken on the vaccination personnel,” CITF said. Earlier this month, another man also claimed of being injected with an empty syringe at a vaccination centre.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 23:15 UTC
Fried durians the latest craze in Sungai Siput
FRIED durians are selling like hotcakes, thanks to the creativity of two sisters in Perak. Each piece is sold for RM1 at their stall in Sungai Siput. They started their venture on July 1, selling fried bananas. They then decided to expand to selling fried durians as the King of Fruits’ season had started in the state. We started with selling 100 pieces a day but now we sell up to 300 daily,” said Nor Farhana.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 22:52 UTC
What does independence mean to you?
For this columnist, the nation’s independence is our own personal and individual independence and independent responsibility. Independence Day, Malaya’s day of independence... the expression seems hollow after what seems like an eternity of a literally empty Parliament, that symbol of independence for the people of this country. That hollow feeling caused me to reflect on what the independence of this nation might mean for my children and their children henceforth. Independence means things are our own responsibility, not other people’s. The nation’s independence is your own personal and individual independence and independent responsibility.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 22:18 UTC
Appeal to remove quarantine requirement
To date, many Malaysians in Singapore have been vaccinated against Covid-19 courtesy to the government there. We are therefore hopeful that vaccinated Malaysians can be allowed to return home without going through the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Exempting vaccinated Malaysians from the quarantine requirement would spare them the time and expenses. A petition to allow Malaysians in Singapore to return home without undergoing quarantine (http://chng.it/7kF5RN4R) has been launched and has to date garnered 8,000 supporters. We hope our government will consider our appeal for removing or at least reducing the 14-day quarantine requirement for Malaysians returning from Singapore.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 21:56 UTC
Fresh-faced Syaqiera out to make the most of Olympics debut
CLICK TO ENLARGEWhat’s more mind-blowing was that Syaqiera had only joined the national team last year and hasn’t even won a medal even at the Sukma level. “It’s just unbelievable considering the inclusion came barely two weeks after none of us in the (women’s) team managed to qualify on merit through the final qualifiers in Paris. “I know where exactly I stand as a national team rookie. Aliya is no longer with the national team after bring dropped early last year. “It sounds weird, but I hope that the Tokyo Olympics, which is supposed to be the pinnacle of any archer, will become my a stepping stone towards a great career in archery.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 21:56 UTC
Steadfast in serving the underserved
Star Foundation trustee Datuk Dr Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Rouse said the prolonged pandemic had brought unprecedented challenges, particularly to vulnerable groups in society. “At Star Foundation, we regard NGOs as our trusted partners on the ground in serving the underserved and addressing community issues. “Therefore, we are continuing our efforts to raise funds for reusable face masks. “We hope to send more reusable face masks to schools that have registered their need on our platform,” said Tan. Established in 2004, Star Foundation aims to deliver meaningful initiatives with lasting outcomes to diverse groups of beneficiaries.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 21:45 UTC
Muslims observing a safe celebration
GEORGE TOWN: Muslims are observing this year’s Hari Raya Haji with a quiet celebration as safety is uppermost on their minds amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In Kampung Makam, where about 1,000 villagers would get together to celebrate the occasion every year, no decorations were seen. Muhammad Doffy, a phone accessories trader at a nearby market, said besides safety, economic hardship was another reason that made them scale down the celebration. Hari Raya Haji usually starts with Muslims gathering at mosques for the Aidiladha prayers. In 2019, the 136-year-old mosque saw 24 cows slaughtered with close to 100 people gathered to help in various tasks.
Source:The Star
July 19, 2021 21:45 UTC