China's pursuit of new quality productive forces to promote shared growth
China has taken the lead in developing new quality productive forces, which will help drive shared growth among the Global South nations, said a Malaysian expert. #GLOBALink
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Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump the queue at land checkpoints: ICA
The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both of Singapore's land checkpoints. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY SINGAPORE – Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: 'If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues.' Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means . In June 2023, a Malaysian driver – who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint – had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: 'Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. 'We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations.' To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. 'At one glance, I knew that was not the case,' he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, 'we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border'. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Extradites Fugitive Musaed Al-Musaileem After 10 Years Abroad
KUWAIT CITY, May 31: After a decade on the run, fugitive Musaed Al-Musaileem was extradited to Kuwait on Friday evening, following his arrest by Malaysian authorities based on an international warrant issued through Interpol. He arrived in Kuwait aboard a Kuwait Airways flight via Doha, where the plane made a brief transit stop. Kuwaiti security forces took custody of Al-Musaileem upon his arrival at Kuwait International Airport, completing all detention procedures. Authorities have since begun formal investigations in preparation for his trial. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef issued a stern warning to those living abroad who engage in activities aimed at harming Kuwait. He cautioned that such individuals will inevitably return, but with disgrace, unable to stand with dignity among their fellow citizens. Sheikh Al-Yousef said, 'Those who left Kuwait and believed that distance gave them the license to attack, fabricate, and harm must now reflect on their actions. They should consider the fate of those who came before them. There is no escaping justice.' He continued, 'There is a stark difference between someone who returns to their homeland with honor, with knowledge, a degree, or a prestigious award and one who returns in shame, having betrayed their country and attacked its people and leaders.' The minister also highlighted Kuwait's continued support and generosity toward its citizens and expats, expressing dismay at those who choose to overlook or disparage these efforts. 'Justice stands above all, and the arm of the law is long. Anyone who thought Kuwait was an easy target will discover, sooner or later, that Kuwait does not forget those who harm it,' he said. Reiterating his message, Sheikh Al-Yousef concluded with a warning to those who have strayed: 'You will return... but do not return with a black face.' Al-Musaileem, who fled Kuwait in 2015, has been sentenced to over 30 years in prison across six separate cases. Notably, his name had been included in the 2023 amnesty list — an opportunity he declined, choosing instead to remain in exile.
Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
Oman wins three medals at ITEX 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultanate of Oman won three medals (two gold and a silver medal) at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2025) in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Innovator Badr bin Salim al Maqbali won the gold medal for his invention, Remote Control for the Operation of the Ring Bonding Unit. Innovator Malak bint Khalifa al Harthyah won the gold medal for her project, Portland Cement Composite Reinforced with Carbon Nanoplates as a Dental Filling. Innovator Yusra bint Yousef al Ghadaniyah won the silver medal for her project, Squid Ink Water Filter. Innovator Badr bin Salim al Maqbali also received the Best Innovator Award from the Bunyan Foundation for Social Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2025) is one of the most prominent initiatives aimed at developing the capabilities of young innovators, enabling them to benefit from international forums to develop their ideas and exchange experiences with their peers from around the world. The exhibition represents a destination for inventors to showcase their innovative ideas to investors and businessmen in various fields, including agriculture, automation, manufacturing, biotechnology, construction, medicine, health, energy and other fields. ITEX is an annual international exhibition that combines inventions, innovations and technology. It is also known as the Invention and Innovation Market and is a vital platform that brings together inventors, investors, businessmen and startups to showcase and market their latest innovations. This year's exhibition saw participation from more than 20 countries in Asia and Europe, showcasing more than 1,000 inventions across various categories. It also included competitions and opportunities for funding and marketing. — ONA
