Latest news with #Mada
Mada
5 days ago
- Politics
- Mada
Hundreds of people raid WFP's Gaza warehouse after week of Israeli-hindered aid distribution
Hundreds of people stormed a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Deir al-Balah Governorate on Wednesday night to seize food provisions after distribution of the little aid that has entered the strip in the last week has been marked by chaotic and often violent outbursts due to Israel's restrictions on how it makes its way to people. Two eyewitnesses of Wednesday night's raid who spoke to Mada described an hours-long struggle between hungry crowds and security personnel stationed to protect the warehouse. At least two people were killed in the incident, according to a statement published by the United Nations program, which said the raid took place amid 'spiralling' humanitarian conditions following over 80 days of a complete blockade on the strip. The ongoing siege imposed by Israel's occupation has stretched dwindling resources in the coastal enclave to their limit, caused widespread sickness, that has led to a rash of deaths from malnutrition, and prompted a rapid breakdown in social order. At the same time, Israel has sought to install a securitized aid-distribution scheme in isolation from independent humanitarian organizations. Alongside the American and Swiss-registered Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the Israeli military has established distribution centers policed by its own military, while restricting humanitarian organizations' access to deliver and distribute supplies to families in need, which WFP has called 'the most effective way to prevent widespread starvation.' Those that have made their way to those centers, the first of which opened earlier this week, have faced humiliating conditions and, for some, arrest. When chaos broke out at the center in Rafah earlier this week, Israeli forces opened fire to try to restore order, several of the thousands of people who had gathered at the distribution point were killed and wounded. Israel's induced starvation has prompted a spike in incidents of armed theft across Gaza in recent weeks. An eyewitness to the raid on the WFP's Ghafari warehouse on Wednesday evening told Mada Masr that they were aware before the incident that large quantities of flour were being held in the warehouse. Israel allowed the delivery of sacks of flour to the WFP for the first time in over 80 days last week. However, they prohibited the UN agency from resorting to the previous distribution method, which had seen flour given directly to families. Due to Israel's prohibition, the UN had to resort to distributing the flour to bakeries, which would then make bread and sell it to citizens. Bakeries, however, were unable to manage the crowds of people who had been without sufficient food for over two months. Abu Talal Awwad, the owner of Zadna bakery in Deir al-Balah, told Mada Masr earlier this week that armed groups had stormed several bakeries in the central governorates of Gaza, including the Banna bakery in Deir al-Balah and Hajj bakery in Nuseirat, with assailants threatening to destroy equipment and assaulting staff. An eyewitness to the storming of a bakery told Mada Masr on condition of anonymity th at while waiting in line at a bakery in Nuseirat camp to collect a bundle of loaves, a group of masked men wielding bladed weapons suddenly appeared, seized large quantities of bread, and fled the scene. The bakery subsequently shut down, leaving the eyewitness and tens of thousands of others without access to even a single loaf. Eyewitness Nael Khattab was waiting outside Deir al-Balah's Banna bakery on Saturday to collect a bundle of bread for his family. There was a large crowd and people began pushing, he told Mada Masr. The situation escalated further when some individuals broke down the barriers set up in front of the bakery entrance. The owners had no choice but to open the gates. 'Chaos broke out,' he continued. 'Groups carrying bladed weapons stormed the bakery, stole bread, and loaded it into [tuktuks] waiting outside.' Resident Amal al-Hattou urged for flour to be distributed directly to citizens rather than forcing them to wait for hours at bakeries with no guarantee they'll walk away with any bread. 'We're ready to prepare the bread ourselves,' she said. 'But we don't want to go through this humiliation outside bakeries again just to get some bread.' While some may accept the current bakery-based system in hopes of securing a daily supply of bread, it fails to meet the needs of Gaza's large families, as the allocated quantities are insufficient. Susan Bashir, another resident, said that her household includes 20 people, yet they are only permitted one bundle containing 18 small loaves. She asked how these few loaves are supposed to feed such a large family, adding that if flour were distributed directly, families could bake according to their actual needs. Eyewitness Oday Hemeida called the mechanism ineffective and unjust to hundreds of thousands of residents. There is also no system to manage crowds at bakeries, he said, leading to mass congestion and countless thefts. Many bakeries have refused to participate in the new system, Abdel Nasser al-Ajrami, the head of the Gaza Bakery Owners Association, told Mada Masr, arguing that it fails to meet residents' needs and puts bakeries at risk amid the rise of groups stealing bread. He also described thefts, and said that some of the stolen bread was reappearing in markets at extortionate prices. The stocks positioned at the Ghafari warehouse that was raided on Wednesday were pre-positioned there for distribution, the WFP said on Wednesday night. One of the eyewitnesses who spoke to Mada Masr about the raid said they joined the crowd at the Ghafari warehouse hoping they could get a sack of flour for themselves and their family, who they said had not eaten bread for weeks. Armed individuals outside the warehouse initially attempted to defend it, opening fire on some of those who attempted to approach, the eyewitness said. They noted that several people were injured in the fracas over the course of several hours. A second eyewitness also saw armed security personnel outside, who ultimately withdrew as hundreds of people forced their way into the building. Once the crowd was inside, they emptied the warehouse of all its contents, the first eyewitness said, while the second confirmed that the warehouse had been stocked with large amounts of flour. The raid on the warehouse and the failed attempt to have bakeries manage bread distribution may be enough for the WFP to be able to secure the ability to revert to its previous distribution method. Two civil society representatives in the Gaza Strip told Mada Masr on Wednesday that the WFP is expected to begin distributing flour to families instead of bakeries over the coming days. Bakers Owners Association in Gaza head Abdel Nasser al-Ajrami told Mada Masr that after meetings to determine a better mechanism, the WFP informed the association that Israel has finally approved the delivery of flour to the Gaza Strip week for direct distribution to residents, including its northern governorates, starting early next week. Nahed Shehaibar, the head of the Private Transport Association in Gaza, confirmed the information. Ajrami noted that contacts have been made with the Israeli side to request the reopening of the Zikim crossing, on Israel's border with the northern Gaza Strip, to allow flour and food aid to enter the northern governorates. However, he added that Israel is yet to respond to the request. Ultimately, any change in the distribution method will be in Israel's hands, as it controls all the entrance and exit points of Gaza. Approximately 1,000 tons of flour remain at the Karm Abu Salem crossing, awaiting Israeli approval to allow it into the strip in the coming days, Ajrami said. An Egyptian official also told Mada Masr in recent days that authorities have trucks full of material stationed in North Sinai waiting to enter the strip. 'We want to operate the Rafah border,' the official said, 'but Israel doesn't want to get out.'
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Mada to seek RM550,000 allocation to replace collapsed bridge in Jerlun
ALOR STAR: The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) will apply for a RM550,000 allocation from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to rebuild a collapsed bridge connecting several villages in Ayer Hitam to Kuala Tunjang, Jerlun. Its chairman, Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, said that as a temporary measure, Mada would carry out repair work on an access road along the left bank of the Parit Tunjang irrigation canal to ensure continued vehicle access for residents in the affected areas. "Mada will undertake tree-trimming and road repair works along the access road beside Parit Tunjang to facilitate vehicle movement along the canal," he told the "New Straits Times". "We estimate that constructing a new bridge will cost about RM550,000. Mada will seek funding from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry." Dr Ismail said warning signs and road barriers were put up at the site last night to alert villagers to the collapsed structure and ensure public safety. Earlier today, it was reported that the lives of over 1,000 residents from five villages in Ayer Hitam were disrupted following the collapse of the over 60-year-old bridge, which served as a vital link between Ayer Hitam and Kuala Tunjang. The affected villages are Kampung Hutan Tualang, Kampung Padang Tui, Kampung Gandai, Kampung Tandop Kedabu, and Kampung Tempayan Pecah. According to villagers, cracks had appeared in the bridge as early as 2022. They believe the structure gave way when strong river currents swept large amounts of aquatic vegetation, known locally as "kemeling", underneath it, causing a blockage that increased pressure on the aging structure. Villagers said Mada had previously informed them of estimated repair costs of RM400,000 and had carried out minor patching work at the time.
Biz Bahrain
26-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
MADA Brokers Sets a New Standard: Bahrain's First Online Insurance Aggregator Now Live!
MADA Brokers licensed by Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), has announced the launch of the first insurance aggregator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, accompanied by the introduction of the mobile application, 'Shamil by MADA.' This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone with the support and guidance of Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), as MADA becomes the first company in Bahrain to provide clients with instant quotations for a variety of insurance products, including motor, home, and travel insurance. This advancement underscores MADA's commitment to harnessing technology to enhance customer experience and address the evolving needs of its clients. In addition to the mobile application, the aggregator is also accessible via the company's website: In a statement on the occasion, Mr. Khaled Fuad Kanoo – Chairman of the Board of MADA Insurance, commented: 'The launch of Mada's comprehensive digital application marks a major milestone in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as it introduces the first insurance aggregation platform of its kind. The platform serves as a unified marketplace that streamlines the insurance purchasing process—empowering users to compare multiple products and choose the option that best aligns with their needs.' Mr. Kanoo further added, 'At Mada Brokers, our mission is to drive the expansion of Bahrain's online insurance aggregator ecosystem—a model that has matured globally to become the primary channel for distributing personal and commercial insurance products. Our goal is to offer a user-friendly platform that equips consumers with the tools and knowledge necessary to make confident, informed decisions about their insurance coverage.' Mr. Kanoo affirmed that Shamil by Mada is a key milestone in the company's journey, developed with the support and regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of Bahrain. It reflects MADA ongoing commitment to using digital innovation to create transparent, accessible, and seamless insurance solutions for all clients. Mada Brokers currently offers three core insurance lines—Motor, Home, and Travel—through strategic partnerships with GIG Gulf, GIG Bahrain, and Solidarity. The platform is designed to simplify the insurance process, offering side-by-side comparisons of policies from leading providers. In addition, Mada provides a range of corporate insurance solutions, offering coverage against a spectrum of risks such as property damage, business interruption, operational incidents, financial losses, employee benefits, and theft. For individuals, Mada's personal insurance lines cover losses arising from death, injury, or property damage, ensuring financial protection and peace of mind. As part of its roadmap for continued expansion, Mada plans to introduce Medical Malpractice Insurance and Medical Insurance in the coming months—reinforcing its role in enhancing the insurance sector and addressing the evolving needs of Bahrain's diverse customer base.
Sharjah 24
08-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Digital Department organises ‘Sharjah GIS Forum'
The forum, held at Aljada by Arada in Sharjah, drew significant attendance, with around 172 participants. Among the distinguished attendees were several senior officials from Sharjah's government departments and institutions, including His Excellency Eng. Omar Khalfan bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Chairman of Department of Municipalities Affairs, and His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City. Strengthening joint action His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department, emphasised the forum's role as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and expanding collaboration among government entities. He highlighted the growing importance of spatial data as a foundational element in supporting decision-making, enhancing service delivery, and improving overall government performance. His Excellency expressed his hope that the forum would foster greater cooperation in building an integrated digital environment grounded in accurate, reliable information towards serving the community and advancing the emirate's shared development goals. A step towards digital integration In her opening speech, Her Excellency Eng. Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of SDD, emphasised the critical role of geographic information systems in urban planning, infrastructure management, environmental monitoring, and public services. She described GIS as a key enabler of sustainable development guided by clear visions and strategic planning. Her Excellency also reaffirmed SDD's commitment to strengthening this vital sector, empowering its workforce, aligning collaborative efforts, and investing in initiatives that improve quality of life and advance digital integration across the emirate. In this context, Her Excellency highlighted the Mada Geographic Data Platform, launched by SDD during GITEX 2024, as a key step toward advancing geospatial data sharing across the UAE. Mada is a centralised, continuously updated database that enables seamless exchange of geographic information between government entities. This facilitates more effective spatial planning, streamlines government processes, and enhances the quality of public services, ultimately supporting the emirate's economic growth. A paradigm shift His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, affirmed that the Municipality's participation in the forum reflects its commitment to sharing its expertise and showcasing its projects in the field of geographic information systems. He noted that the forum also provides an opportunity to learn from other experiences to strengthen institutional performance and enhance operational efficiency, in line with the emirate's strategic direction. Al Tunaiji highlighted several advanced digital initiatives driven by GIS technology, including the 'Smart Inspection' system and the digital platform for issuing No Objection Certificates for sewage services. Urban planning support Eng. Fatima Juma, Head of the GIS Department at Department of Town Planning and Survey, affirmed that the Department's participation in the forum aimed to highlight its key applications and strategic directions in the field of modern geography and urban planning. She explained that the presentation focused on core themes such as geospatial data and statistics, the integration of geographic artificial intelligence in future planning, and the development of smart cities. She also emphasised the role of geographic information systems in advancing urban projects and underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships to support the growth of this vital sector. Innovation for sustainable development Khalid Abdullah Al Zarooni, Head of Information Technology at Sharjah Archaeology Authority, stated that the Authority's participation in the forum provided a valuable opportunity to showcase its pioneering project, the 'Archaeological Geographic Information System,' which reflects its steadfast commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah. He noted that the forum served as an effective platform for exchanging expertise, fostering knowledge-sharing, and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in leveraging digital innovation to support sustainable development, aligned with the emirate's comprehensive strategic vision. Ambitious goals The Sharjah Geographic Information Systems Forum aimed to familiarise participating entities with the latest technical solutions and global best practices in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) and how these can be leveraged to enhance government performance through effective spatial data collection, analysis, and visualisation. It also sought to strengthen cooperation between government departments by promoting data and information sharing, thereby accelerating procedures, improving service delivery, and supporting informed decision-making based on sound scientific principles. The event further aimed to advance integration in executing joint projects and strategic plans across the emirate. Insights and experiences The forum featured a series of specialised sessions highlighting the role of geographic information systems in predicting natural disasters, supporting urban planning, and building unified geospatial frameworks to enhance coordination between federal and local entities. Discussions also covered the application of GIS in protecting archaeological sites, streamlining inspection processes, and issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs), alongside a presentation of GIS implementations by the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority. Other session topics explored integrating advanced technologies, such as digital twin models and artificial intelligence, to support smart geospatial solutions, particularly in areas like rainwater collection, flood management, and spatial data analysis to improve the efficiency of government operations. Honouring The forum emphasised the importance of unifying efforts in exchanging geospatial data to enable greater integration and accessibility of information. This, in turn, contributes to more efficient planning and management, reduces time and effort, and supports the development of accurate, strategic decision-making that advances comprehensive development across the Emirate of Sharjah. The event concluded with a ceremony honouring participating entities in recognition of their valuable contributions to digital transformation and the enhancement of smart government performance.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Climate
- The Star
The three Ms bugging padi farmers
Aiming for good harvests: A tractor working on a padi field at Tikam Batu in Kedah. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star PETALING JAYA: Money, machinery and maintenance are the three Ms plaguing padi farmers, in addition to extreme weather conditions that have impeded yield. They say it's time for the government and relevant agencies to take proactive action to address these issues that hit rice production. Wan Maharuddin Sulaiman from Pokok Sena, Kedah, said even the planting season has 'gone haywire' due to the volatile weather patterns. Although the government has acknowledged the situation and announced assistance to farmers, there are still issues when it comes to implementation, he pointed out. 'Even Mada is not proactive enough to come down and see what are the problems faced by us padi farmers. For me, the main problem is infrastructure, where there are places with water canals that are not maintained. 'Sedimentation and overgrown grass are blocking the waterways. This is a sensitive matter, but when farmers meet the authorities, they tend to say it is a budget issue,' he claimed. Then there is the problem of machinery, where only a small percentage of farmers are able to afford their own tractors. Wan Maharuddin said farmers who do not own tractors will have to take turns to use those provided by tractor operators. These farmers, he added, have to contend with the vehicles breaking down or requiring repairs. 'This disrupts the padi-planting schedule provided by Mada. 'These are the serious issues that have been going on for a long time. The government has to do something about them,' he said. Prices of pesticides, too, remain a major concern. There is no agency regulating the prices of pesticides. Even banned pesticides are being sold at an exorbitant rate,' said Wan Maharuddin. To aggravate the problem, pests that were previously non-existent have started appearing due to the erratic weather, he said. Malaysia Padi Farmers Brotherhood Association (PeSawah) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said padi yield has dropped for four consecutive seasons due to the changes in weather. 'We need to have better coordination between the farmers and the government,' he said. Abdul Rashid also said it is high time that the government looked at alternative padi crop varieties that will take less than 100 days for farmers to harvest. 'If we want to harvest five times within two years, we need a variety that takes 40 days,' he said, adding that other South-East Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have adopted this type of crop. He noted that having crops that take less than 100 days to harvest will boost productivity and yield. Abdul Rashid urged the government to look at ways to bring in such padi varieties from overseas if the crop is suitable for Malaysia and conduct research with the help of universities in this area. He said despite the padi floor price being raised to RM1,500 per tonne, the cost incurred by farmers remains high, adding that this is also why PeSawah has called for the floor price to be increased to RM1,800.
