Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Article: Hawksbill turtles returning to nest in Malacca, study finds
Friday October 9, 2009
By CHEN PELF YEEN
ALOR GAJAH: A study to track hawksbill turtles in waters off the west coast of the peninsula has revealed that the critically-endangered species is returning to Malacca to nest.
The findings emerged from an ongoing research involving eight turtles that were tagged with transmitters and released after nesting in Pulau Upeh and Padang Kemunting.
For research purposes: A hawksbill turtle making its way back to the sea after being tagged. The research was initiated by WWF Malaysia and the State Fisheries Department three years ago.
WWF's Conservation of Hawksbill Turtles officer Lau Min Min said the turtles were tracked as far as the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia and Singapore.
The turtles would swim to the Riau islands and Singapore to feed but they would return to Pulau Upeh and Padang Kemunting to nest between April and September, she said in an interview.
Lau said the research was also to determine the feeding habits of the turtles along the Malacca coastline and their migration patterns in the Straits of Malacca.
"The study will also enable scientists and planners to better understand the habitat use in the coastal waters off Malacca which is crucial due to future mega coastal development," she said.
Lau said the wildlife authorities together with the Malacca state government should take steps to preserve and protect the nesting sites on Pulau Upeh and Padang Kemunting.
On Aug 29, 2006, a hawksbill nesting on Pulau Upeh and named Puteri Pulau Upeh, became the first such turtle in the Straits of Malacca to be fitted with the satellite transmitter.
Seven more turtles were subsequently tagged over the last three years.
Six of the turtles were tracked to the Riau Archipelago while two others were last located in waters south of Singapore.
Last year, 189 hawksbill nesting sites with a total of 23,619 eggs were recorded on Pulau Upeh and Padang Kemunting, representing almost 40% of the estimated 450 turtles nesting sites found in Peninsular Malaysia.
In July this year, the Malacca state government deferred plans to allow a private developer to revive an abandoned resort on Pulau Upeh pending the outcome of environmental and fisheries impact assessment reports.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 9 October 2009
Article: Plastic bags to be eased out
Friday October 9, 2009
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: Plastic bags, especially for packing food, are on their way out at the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, which is going "green" to minimise harm to the environment.
Its minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said plans were afoot to kick off the campaign to create an ecologically friendly environment.
"We also plan to rope in other ministries for this good cause. It is important for the public to be aware of the harm plastic can do to the environment," he told reporters after the ministry's monthly gathering yesterday.
"It is time that we do our part for nature, and it is good if we can minimise – even stop – the use of plastic bags. Kicking off the campaign in my ministry is a positive start, and I hope to see the employees bring containers to the cafeteria if they want to pack food.
"This is a good habit that I want to see the staff members promote to their children, friends, family and neighbours. It may be a small thing, but it will certainly have an impact on efforts to protect and preserve the environment."
Chin said his ministry was in the midst of discussing the project with other ministries to have a better and "more powerful impact."
If successful, the "do not use plastic bags" campaign would be extended to shops and retail outlets within Putrajaya and later, nationwide.
At the function, the minister launched a handbook providing information on fiscal incentives provided by the Government to encourage the generation of renewable energy.
Incentives would be given to those who adopt energy efficiency, and parties which make efforts to improve power quality. Among the incentives were investment tax allowance and exemption of import duty and sales tax.
Chin added that the ministry was also involved in ensuring the success of one of the six national key results areas outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"We are providing support to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in ensuring that 90% of people in Sabah and Sarawak, and 98% of the population in the peninsula, have access to clean water by 2012," he said.
"As for power, the target is to see that 95% of the East Malaysian population have electricity supply to their homes, while 7,000 orang asli in the peninsula enjoy uninterrupted power supply in three years' time.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 9 October 2009
Image: Cactus pot
by Norhaslin Salehuddin
Now I know why many motorcyclists don't use their helmets while riding their motorbikes.
This image was taken from: The Star Online: Thumbnails 9 October 2009
Image: Seeing double
Date : Friday, 9-October-2009
by Kong Ee Mun
Eat conjoined cucumbers if you want to have twins, so says the old wives' tale.
This image was taken from: The Star Online: Thumbnails 9 October 2009
Article: Council’s greening bid
Thursday October 8, 2009
By DERRICK VINESH
IN an effort to promote a greener municipality, the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) in Penang is offering potted plants at a nominal RM1 per pot to schools, government departments and agencies as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The council's senior assistant agriculture officer Lawrence Cheong said the small decorative plants usually cost around RM3 per pot.
"These establishments can write to us, with endorsement from any municipal councillor, to buy the plants at the subsidised price.
"A nominal fee is charged simply to ensure the recipients value the plants," he said during a recent visit to MPSP's nursery in Permatang Tengah, Bagan Ajam, Butterworth.
Cheong said the council presently had about 5,000 tree saplings as well as 40,000 potted plants which included 10,000 leafy shrubs.
There are 60 plant species in its nursery.
He said among the common shrubs available in the nursery were the cordyline, alamanda, bougainvillea, cassia, biflora, duranta, heliconia, hibiscus and ixora.
The few rare ones, he said, were the coleus (daun hati-hati), cycas, licuala (fan palm) and fucrea.
"Our nursery workers usually prepare about 120 pots of mixed soil a day under a potting shade within the nursery.
"They also do active replanting — they cut stems from adult plant branches and re-grow them in new pots," Cheong said.
He said the freshly replanted plants would take two weeks to root, adding that they would be placed on benches under the shade for another two weeks before they were ready to be sent out.
He said the nursery also had its own composting site where cut grass was mixed with cow dung and soil, and left to assimilate for three months before it could be used as fertiliser for the plants.
Municipal councillor Soon Lip Chee said the nursery staff should actively repaint and replace the dilapidated concrete floral pots that they had earlier placed in strategic locations within Seberang Prai.
"It is pointless to just keep these plants within the nursery when many of the council's potted plants in the streets are in bad condition.
"Now that maintenance of the council's potted plants is under its Town Planning and Beautification Department, there should be a team to inspect them regularly," he said.
Soon said before 2007, the council used to engage a private company to maintain 52,000 potted plants within the municipality at the cost of RM8.8mil over 36 months.
"The council now supplies and maintain potted plants in Seberang Prai," he added.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: North, 8 October 2009
Article: giant ring around saturn
-723631.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: World W44, 8 October 2009
Article: largest dinosaur footprints found
-795386.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: World W35, 8 October 2009
Image: six-legged calf
-755134.jpg)
This image was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Nation: Star Foto Folder N33, 8 October 2009
Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better: Announcement - Please forward
Announcement
MALAYSIAN DOGS DESERVE BETTER ADOPTION DRIVE
15 ADULT DOGS AND 12 PUPPIES UP FOR ADOPTION
VENUE: THE SUMMIT SUBANG JAYA, LOBBY AREA NEAR STARBUCKS
TIME: 11.00AM TO 7.00PM
Details visit: www.malaysiandogsdeservebetter.blogspot.com or write to malaysiandogsdeservebetter@gmail.com or call 019-3576477, 012-3739007.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Article: Persistence pays
Thursday October 8, 2009
By S. INDRAMALAR
Thanuja Ananthan's second shot at the Miss World/Malaysia title pays off.
THANUJA Ananthan has become an instant sensation. Walking by the poolside (and later through the lobby) at the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the 24-year-old was stopped many times by hotel guests – both local and foreign – who wanted to be photographed with her.
Those without their cameras had to be content with giving Thanuja their appreciative sidelong glances. The very conspicuous crown she had on and the black velvet sash with the words "Winner" emblazoned across probably had something to do with all the attention.
Dream come true: After finishing as a finalist in last year's pageant, Thanuja Ananthan was determined to win the Miss World/Malaysia title this year. – YAP CHEE HONG / The Star But then, the newly crowned Miss World/Malaysia would have drawn admiring glances even without her beauty queen trappings.
At 178cm, Thanuja is at least a couple of heads above most people. Her curly black mane falls easily over her shoulders, framing her angular face and slender neck. Her wide toothy smile (she's almost always smiling) is an indication of her friendly personality.
Winning the Miss World/ Malaysia title is a dream come true for the Kuala Lumpur lass who, as a child, used to dress up in fancy clothes and pretend to be a Miss World finalist.
"My mum used to dress me and my twin sister up in pretty dresses, and we'd walk down the stairs pretending we were one of the beauty pageant finalists. I was Miss Venezuela," recalls Thanuja. Victory is doubly sweet for the law student as this year marks her second attempt at the title.
"I was a finalist last year but didn't win. I wanted to try again this year as I truly felt I had more to give. I really gave it my best this year. I wanted to come back and 'advance, command and conquer' ... I read about Julius Caesar and how he led the Roman armies against enemies abroad, especially in Gaul, to fight for political control at home. I wanted to conquer the competition in the immortal spirit of Julius Caesar.
"I told myself that if I didn't win this time, that would be it. There would be no point trying again because I really gave it my all this time.
"And I won! I can't believe it. It still hasn't really sunk in," she shares.
Thanuja beat 18 other hopefuls to become the 42nd Miss World/ Malaysia. She will compete in the international pageant in Johannesburg, South Africa, this December.
Being a finalist for the second time around had its advantages, she acknowledges. But there are also disadvantages.
"I was definitely a lot calmer this time around, and more aware of my surroundings and of everything that was going on.
"When you are participating for the first time, you are overwhelmed by everything. This time, I was more composed and receptive ... I think that helped a lot.
"However, being back for a second time also meant the pressure (to do well) is really high. People think you have an edge and so they expect more. I really had to stay focused on being true to myself."
Winning the pageant, she says, will allow her to further her personal agenda – being an advocate for animal and human rights.
"I am animal lover and have always had dogs when I was growing up. I have two dogs now – a 14-year-old Alsatian-Spitz mix and a four-year-old Rottweiler-Mongrel. I also have many cats and some fish. I hope someday to work for PETA and I hope that winning this title will help me achieve my aim.
Thanuja, after winning the Miss World/Malaysia 2009 title, is flanked by first runner-up Stefanie Chua (right) and second runner-up Christy Yeoh. "Mahatma Gandhi said that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated and I believe this is so true. I want to start with working with the SPCA and Paws, saving mongrels from the streets and then go on from there," she says vehemently.
Though she has volunteered her services at the SPCA, Thanuja admits that she had to give that up to concentrate on her studies.
For the moment though, Thanuja is focused on representing the country as best as she can at the international pageant.
"I will do my best and hopefully do Malaysia proud. I think if I am genuine and give it my best, I will be okay," she says.
What will she tell the world about Malaysia in view of recent political and social events, many of which have made world news?
"Some people are starting to believe that Malaysians are suffering from an identity crisis. I think the '1Malaysia' concept is a positive step towards achieving racial harmony and also the freedom of race, religion and speech. There are some racial tensions but I think overall we are dealing with it well and Malaysia is by and large a peaceful nation," she says.
Describing herself as a "private person", Thanuja shares that she is very close to her family, particularly Anuja, her identical twin (born five minutes after her) who, except for her different hairstyle, looks just like her.
"We are and have always been very close. When I was in the pageant last year, she was in Britain. I missed her terribly and actually broke down on one occasion. So this year, some of them (pageant organisers) remembered and asked me about her. I assured them she was around and that I was okay," she laughs.
"Anuja is my biggest cheerleader and also my biggest critic. She's harder on me than I am on myself." The twins have an older brother and sister.
Her family – her father is a property consultant and her mother, a retired administrator – was very supportive about her decision to enter the Miss World/Malaysia pageant.
"My dad is my biggest supporter. They (parents) are behind me all the way, and want me to achieve my dreams as long as I don't compromise my beliefs and principles. There is nothing worth chasing if it means going down the wrong path," Thanuja says, full of conviction.
The negative perception many have of beauty pageants and those who take part in pageants is something Thanuja hopes to change.
"It really bugs me that people think beauty queens are ignorant and shallow. This is not at all true. We are all strong, empowered women who know what we want. We are all educated ... among the girls in this year's pageant were a financial analyst, chartered accountant, medical undergraduate, law students ... We're not make-up dolls or dumb brunettes!" she adds indignantly.
Debunking the stereotype further, she assures: "I am not into make-up at all. In fact I usually don't wear make-up except for some eyeliner.
"And I eat everything. I have a sweet tooth and I have to have my chocolate. And, I am a true Asian – I must eat rice at least once a day! " she says glancing at her sister Anuja (who spent the night with her after the finals) for confirmation. Anuja backed up the story: "She really does eat everything."
Being in a pageant, adds Thanuja, is tough as the contestants had to work really hard in the weeks leading up to the finals.
"We had to perfect our walks, choreography and so on. It's not easy," she says, debunking another pageant myth.
Not much of an athlete, Thanuja stays in shape by practising yoga, which she has been doing since she was a child.
The rest of her time is spent with her dogs – being away from them, she claims, was the hardest part about being in the pageant – as well as with family and friends, whom she says are the pillars in her life.
With a good head on her shoulders – and a pretty one at that – Thanuja is determined to make her mark at the international pageant.
"I know that I will be representing not just myself but my country. I will be carrying my nation on my shoulders and it's a huge responsibility. And I am ready for it," she concludes.
Miss World/Malaysia 2009
Name: Thanuja Ananthan
Age: 24
Height: 178cm
Education: Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in law from Northumbria University in Newcastle, Britain via distance learning.
Music: Loves Raggae, R & B, Jazz, and Soca.
Interests: An animal lover, Thanuja also loves yoga and swimming.
Preferred drinks: This ultra healthy girl like water and green tea and she doesn't drink alcohol.
Favourite Food: Indian food ... anything that's spicy and sweet.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Focus 8 October 2009
Article: ‘Dead mermaid’ tale
Thursday October 8, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: A "dead mermaid" has reportedly been found on the beach of an island off Sabah's northern Kudat district, causing a lot of excitement in the state.A clip has also surfaced on YouTube of the "mermaid" lying dead on the shores of the island.
The clip has been on YouTube under the heading "Dead Mermaid in Kudat" since Oct 3, but tales of the mysterious find had begun much earlier.
Police, have, however brushed off any talk of a dead mermaid.
"It is a hoax, someone is playing the fool," said Kudat police chief Deputy Supt Dawi Ossen yesterday.
He said they too had got wind of such talk spreading around Kudat town earlier this week, and had checked with the villagers of Pulau Balambangan where the "mermaid" was found.
"There was no such thing; neither had any body been washed ashore," he said, explaining that the video clip did not show the island's surroundings as claimed.
DSP Dawi added that a resort operator there had told police nothing unusual had been found on the island in recent weeks.
"I hope people don't get taken in by the video clip, it is totally baseless. Most likely, it's someone playing a trick," he added.
Initially when the rumours spread, police assumed that a human body had been found on the island.
They were prompted to check the rumours because of concern that people might not have reported finding a dead person.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 8 October 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Image: Big Egg
-727839.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Star Foto Folder: World W34, 7 October 2009
Article: third civet cat death in a week
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Nation N16, 7 October 2009
Article: Clean-up of island seabeds
Wednesday October 7, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: A massive clean-up and planting of corals will be undertaken at the Tunku Abdul Rahman island park here to create public awareness on the need to keep the sea clean.On Oct 17, both professional and amateurs will be scouring the seabeds of Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Manukan to clear them of garbage so as to protect the corals and sea creatures.
Borneo Divers Training Institute managing director Clement Lee said the clean-up, dubbed Project Aware, was to awaken all citizens to the importance of keeping the seas free of garbage in view of the current concerns over climate change.
"We cannot continue to pollute the sea and eventually choke and suffocate the coral reefs," he said.
The baby corals will be planted on special cement bases and transferred to to an underwater nursery where their growth could be monitored.
"After a few months, they will be moved to a different site," he said.
Lee urged the public to join in the clean-up.
Those interested can register with Borneo Divers in Menara Jubili here. For more details call 088-222226.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 7 October 2009
Article: 8yr-old girl in coma from hornet attack dies
Published: Wednesday October 7, 2009 MYT 10:37:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday October 7, 2009 MYT 10:47:24 AM
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: The death toll from Saturday's hornet attack at Sungai Moyan climbed to three after eight-year-old Chen Sze Ting died Tuesday night at the Sarawak General Hospital here.
Sze Ting, who fell into a coma after being severely stung by the hornets, died at about 8pm.
Her younger sister Sze Ying, six, and brother Chun Jie, three, died hours after they were admitted to the hospital.
Their funerals have yet to be held as family members wish their mother Tan Wan Chew, 29, who has also been hospitalised, will be able to bid farewell to her children.
Wan Chew's condition was reported to have worsened and she is being treated at the hospital's intensive care unit.
Wan Chew's younger brother Lan Chia, who was one of the five attacked by the hornets, has recovered and been discharged from the hospital.
The five were swarmed and stung by the hornets while on a stroll on a hill near their home at the Sungai Moyang flats in Batu Kawa.
Meanwhile, the pest control expert engaged by the Padawan Municipal Council has destroyed the remaining hornet hives found behind the rocks near the flats where some 600 families live.
Two other hives were destroyed by the Civil Defence Department Rescue 991 personnel on Sunday night.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 7 October 2009
Article: Good Lord! It’s a leopard!
Wednesday October 7, 2009
A SCIENTIST who recently studied an animal fossil found in Gua Naga Mas near Gopeng, believes it could be that of a leopard.Since its discovery by Malaysian Nature Society members in 1992, many have put forward the view that the fossil could be of a tiger or serow.
Lord Cranbrook (blue shirt and yellow hat) taking down notes on the fossil after inspecting it. The latest opinion that the fossil is a leopard came from Dr Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy, the 5th Earl of Cranbrook.
Lord Cranbrook, as he is popularly known, was invited by Universiti Malaya (UM) senior lecturer in Geology Dr Ros Fatihah Muhammad to inspect the fossil on Sept 29.
He said the fossil was that of a carnivore but too small to be a tiger.
Prehistoric animal: The ancient fossil in the cave Lord Cranbrook was a senior lecturer in zoology between 1961 and 1970 at UM and the author of several books on wildlife in South East Asia.
On why the fossil was found about 30m above the ground, Dr Ros Fatihah said studies in areas in the Kinta Valley had shown that the ground level was much higher in the past.
Dr Ros Fatihah said sediment collected would be sent to a researcher in Australia to determine the age of the cave and fossil.
It has been reported earlier that experts believed that the animal could have lived during the Pleistocene age which started 2.5 million years ago and ended 10,000 years ago.
The Museum and Antiquities Department has gazetted Gua Naga Mas as a historical site.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: North 7 October 2009
Article: seasonal controls
-706975.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Startwo T14, 6 October 2009
Article: earth is living - and changing
-779802.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Startwo T14, 6 October 2009
-743877.jpg){kind=spacer}
Article: toxic industry
-708702.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Startwo T12, 6 October 2009
-772640.jpg)
Article: low-carbon flights
-736520.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Startwo T10, 6 October 2009
Article: lights out for old bulbs
-708761.jpg)
This article was taken from: The Star Newspaper: Startwo T10, 6 October 2009
-771682.jpg)
-737994.jpg)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Article: Damage control
Tuesday October 6, 2009
WITH concerns about global warming escalating worldwide, MySolar stands fast behind its principle of being eco-friendly and environmentally safe.Together with the World Wildlife Fund, MySolar has launched a campaign to reinforce this belief.
"By choosing to use renewable energy sources like solar energy, the use of electricity and the burning of fossil fuels are reduced, thus helping to mitigate climate change," said MySolar director, Gary Khor.
This is the vision of MySolar: To always guarantee products of the highest quality coupled with dedicated and professional services.
"There is no such thing as a one-off transaction. We not only give you what you want, we make sure that every customer is satisfied with the products and we stay in touch," added Khor.
With over 10 years in the business of studying and producing hot water systems, Khor believes that the environment cannot be saved and restored in a day.
Yet, by using products that are environmentally friendly and do not cause further damage to what we already have, we can in a way, prolong our depleting natural resources.
"Everyone talks about being environmentally friendly but are their products really so? Even so, do they promise to deliver a product that serves you if not for life, then for at least a decade?" Khor asked.
MySolar's Solar Hot Water System is only installed and offered to customers after passing rigorous quality control tests of the highest levels.
Using only the best quality materials, MySolar's Solar Hot Water System is reliable and most importantly, long lasting.
The system is 100% rust-proof and guaranteed. Each product also comes with a 10-year warranty with the first three years guaranteed to be technically faultless.
"You need a hot water system that not only provides you adequate hot water, it must also give you peace of mind and soul," added Khor.
Imagine indeed, coming home from a long day of work to revel in a long warm bath. With MySolar's Solar Hot Water System, you know that what you use does not in any way contribute to the destruction of the environment.
For more details on MySolar's Solar Hot Water System, call 03-7785 8082.
This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Living 6 October 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
