Latest news with #Mitsui
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
'Not bad at all': Japan expert taste-tests stockpiled rice as reserves hit shelves
TOKYO -- The Japanese government has started selling its stockpiled rice through negotiated contracts in an effort to curb the rising price of the staple, which has sparked public interest in the quality of old rice, particularly its taste. It's rare for stockpiled rice, released only in response to disasters, to enter the market, making this the first time for it to be used to control prices. And because it is rarely released, consumers don't often get a chance to taste it. The impression of old rice having poor flavor is deeply rooted. Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), commented that stockpiled rice "after a year becomes something fit for animal feed," apparently echoing this negative perception. But how much does the quality of rice actually decline over time? The Mainichi Shimbun asked a food scientist and a major rice cooker manufacturer to find out. 'Not bad,' says expert "Of course, freshly harvested rice tastes best. But older rice isn't bad at all," said Toshiaki Mitsui, a specially appointed professor at Niigata University who teaches molecular biology. On May 29, he taste-tested rice harvested in 2024, 2022 and 2020 -- all from the same region and freshly milled. "The new rice from 2024 has an excellent aroma, chewy texture and refined sweetness. Older rice can be a bit dry and lose some of its luster. But I couldn't tell the difference between the 2022 and 2020 rice. While the fragrance is fading, there was no unpleasant smell." According to Mitsui, the fat found on the outer surface of rice oxidizes and produces compounds like hexanal over time, which can cause a so-called "old rice smell" when cooked. However, in his actual tests, even rice from five years ago apparently tasted like ordinary rice. "The outer layer is removed when the rice is milled, and more importantly, it all depends on how it is stored. I've heard that government stockpiles are kept at low temperatures with carefully controlled humidity, so there shouldn't be any issue," he explained. 'Livestock are eating well' Rice prices remain high. Despite the situation, consumers likely want to continue enjoying tasty rice as part of their daily meals. Agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is overseeing the effort to bring down rice prices, criticized Tamaki's "animal feed" comment as "a bit disappointing," though the comment itself is technically true. Stockpiled rice is generally sold for animal feed if it is stored for more than five years. Of the 300,000 metric tons now being released by the government through negotiated contracts, 100,000 tons were harvested in 2021 and 200,000 tons in 2022. Tamaki's comment referred to this. Tamaki held a speech on the streets that same evening after the animal feed remark, and said, "That's why I don't think even 1,800 yen (about $13) for 5 kilograms is cheap." While the term "animal feed" may evoke the image of rice of a severely degraded quality, Mitsui laughed and said, "You could say that Japanese livestock (that are being fed stockpiled rice) are actually eating pretty well." He added, "Older rice can still taste really good. Why not think of it as a rare opportunity and enjoy it?" How to cook old rice according to rice cooker manufacturer Japanese rice cookers have made notable progress in recent years. Major brands now boast features that allow even older rice to be cooked deliciously. Milling technology is also said to have advanced significantly. Osaka-based Zojirushi Corp., a major rice cooker and kitchen appliance manufacturer, advises on its website that "since older rice contains less moisture, it's best to add a little more water when cooking." At the same time, scrubbing the rice too hard due to worries over the quality of old grains is apparently not recommended. Older rice tends to be drier and more fragile, making it more likely to crack when washed vigorously. A representative from the company's public relations department said, "In the past, people were told to scrub the rice, but now with advanced milling technology, a light rinse is enough. You don't need to worry that much just because it's old rice."
Free Malaysia Today
29-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Concern over Japan CO₂ storage deal
From Dr Cecilia Anthonysamy PSM expresses serious concern over a report published by FMT revealing that carbon emissions from Japanese industries are expected to be injected into depleted gas fields in Malaysian waters. The project – reportedly involving Mitsui & Co, Kansai Electric Power, and Petronas – is said to be formalised by the end of this year. However, no environmental impact assessment (EIA) or public safety documentation has been made publicly available. If such assessments exist, they must be disclosed immediately. Despite government assurances, PSM questions whether this project is truly safe. Why isn't Japan storing its carbon on its own soil? Why export its emissions to a country that contributes only 0.73% to global carbon emissions? PSM calls on the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, or the economy ministry, to immediately: Disclose the full EIA related to this cross-border carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) project. Reveal who the consultants are, how they are funded, and whether they operate independently. Clarify whether independent Malaysian scientific experts are involved in reviewing the EIA. Allow public scrutiny and feedback before any final agreement is signed. In our experience, most EIAs are conducted by consultants hired by the project owners, raising serious concerns about objectivity and credibility. Without independent, peer-reviewed science, Malaysians cannot be expected to trust the claim that such projects are safe. Globally, among the 150 CCUS projects: 3 have experienced subsurface leakage (2%) 2 have suffered borehole leakage (1.3%) 1 involved direct geological leakage (0.7%) 1 case posed potential danger to human life (0.7%) (Source: Jason Eleson, Senior CCUS Geologist, 2023) While these may appear as low percentages, a single incident could have catastrophic consequences, especially in a country with limited disaster response capacity. Research findings include: First-time injections into reservoirs pose the highest risk due to geological uncertainty (Benson, 2007). Over a 10,000-year period, there's a 50% chance of measurable leakage, even under ideal conditions (Alcalde et al, 2018). Studies have flagged concerns over toxic trace elements (e.g., arsenic, selenium), the lack of long-term monitoring, and inadequate modelling under fault conditions (Gholami et al., 2021; Bin Li et al., 2025). These findings are well documented and must not be dismissed. Clear, simplified summaries should be made public, with full references available for expert review. Key logistical questions remain unanswered: How will carbon from Japan reach Malaysian waters – via undersea pipeline or pressurised shipping? Are any transit countries involved or consulted? Does the project comply with maritime and environmental regulations under UNCLOS? These are not minor details. A leak during transit could be disastrous. The public deserves clear answers. Even if Petronas stands to earn billions and generate thousands of jobs, these economic benefits do not justify: The absence of a public EIA The withholding of risk disclosures Malaysia's lack of disaster preparedness Development without safety is reckless, not progressive. If Japan's carbon is to be stored at the Kasawari or Lang Lebah fields off Sarawak's coast, PSM strongly urges civil society groups, scientists, and indigenous communities in Sarawak to demand full disclosure and consultation. The people of Sarawak must have a voice in deciding whether foreign carbon can be buried beneath their seafloor for centuries to come. PSM calls for an urgent town hall meeting hosted by the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry or the economy ministry involving: Independent geologists and environmental scientists Civil society organisations Affected coastal communities The general public We must not base national environmental decisions on vague assurances like 'projects must align with climate goals'. What we need is action, transparency, and informed public consent, not just corporate partnerships and ministerial pledges. PSM fully supports rigorous, peer-reviewed science and is not opposed to technological innovation. But without full public disclosure, independent assessment, and transparent governance, Malaysia risks becoming a carbon dumping ground for industrialised nations. Climate justice must prioritise people over profit, sovereignty over subservience, and science over spin. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT. Dr Cecilia Anthonysamy is a member of PSM's environmental, climate crisis & indigenous peoples bureau.
Irish Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Molesworth Street investment at €4m has scope for redevelopment
Agent Knight Frank is guiding a price of €4 million for Molesworth House, a prominent office building in a prime position in Dublin city centre. The property, at the junction of Molesworth Street and South Frederick Street and within a short walk of the Luas green-line stop on Dawson Street, comprises a five-storey over-basement building with a net internal area of 9,264sq ft. The building has dual access and frontage on to Molesworth Street and South Frederick Street, and gated rear access via Dawson Lane. The property comprises retail and office accommodation, and offers significant repositioning potential, including options for refurbishment, rooftop extension or full redevelopment, subject to planning permission. Molesworth House, built in the 1930s and subsequently refurbished, retains its traditional redbrick facade while providing modern commercial accommodation. It is zoned Z5 – City Centre under the development plan, which facilitates a broad range of uses including office, retail, residential, educational and hospitality. The building is 63 per cent vacant. It is partially let to Mitsui & Co Europe Plc and M&T Aviation, generating a combined passing rent of €167,000 a year. Both tenants have signed deeds of renunciation, offering the prospective purchaser the option of securing vacant possession. READ MORE John Earley of Knight Frank says: 'This is an excellent opportunity for an investor to acquire an office and retail asset in one of Dublin's most-sought-after areas. Given the location, profile and repositioning potential of Molesworth House, we expect to see considerable interest in this asset.'
BusinessToday
25-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
LGMS Solidifies Position As Gold Standard In Cybersecurity
Independent cybersecurity specialist LGMS Berhad is stepping up its game in the fast-evolving digital threat landscape, following a series of strategic moves that enhance its domestic and global market reach. Unlike many cybersecurity firms that bundle software or hardware sales with services, LGMS remains impartial by providing advisory and testing services without reselling third-party products. Its core offerings span cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing, risk management, compliance, and incident response. StarSentry: Boosting SME Cyber Defence In 2024, LGMS introduced StarSentry , a plug-and-play cybersecurity tool specifically developed for SMEs. After two years of in-house research and development, the tool enables smaller businesses to perform automated security checks without needing on-site consultants. The bundled service includes unlimited scans, consulting support, and software licensing — a model that reduces dependency on manpower while maintaining service quality. Since its launch, StarSentry has led to a 20% increase in SME inquiries and was recognised as the 'Cybersecurity Product Innovation of the Year' at the 2024 Malaysia Cybersecurity Awards. Mitsui Partnership Fuels Global Expansion LGMS's global ambitions received a major boost in April 2023 when Japan's Mitsui & Co. Ltd acquired a 25% stake in the company. This partnership has expanded LGMS's footprint to international markets including Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and New Zealand. Overseas revenue now accounts for 22.3% of total revenue as of 1Q25, up from 16% in FY24. This expansion is key to diversifying geographical risk and strengthening the company's global competitiveness, particularly in a market increasingly focused on cybersecurity resilience. Riding the Wave of Rising Cyber Threats With Malaysia recording an average of 74,000 cyberattacks per day in 2023 and a total of RM1.22 billion in losses due to cybercrime, demand for LGMS's services has surged. Cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits continue to grow in tandem with Malaysia's rising internet penetration — projected to hit 36.8 million users by 2029. According to market research firm MarkNtel, the country's cybersecurity market is set to grow from USD1.05 billion in 2023 to USD2.17 billion by 2030, driven by e-commerce expansion and increasing digitisation across sectors. Solid Industry Credentials and Compliance Strength LGMS holds a slew of prestigious international certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001, CREST, TÜV TRUST IT, and critical Payment Card Industry (PCI) credentials such as PCI QSA and PCI 3DS Assessor. The company is also an authorised training provider for PECB and Mile2, further solidifying its standing as a trusted service provider. This compliance pedigree has helped LGMS win contracts with Malaysia's 11 Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) sectors, where demand rose by 30% in 2024 alone. Balancing Growth with Operational Expansion Despite posting a 12% YoY increase in revenue to RM9.6 million in 1Q25, LGMS saw a 20.9% drop in net profit to RM1.9 million, primarily due to increased employee costs from workforce expansion. However, this strategic investment in talent is expected to boost long-term service delivery and scalability. With strong fundamentals, international backing, and innovation-led offerings like StarSentry, LGMS is positioning itself as a key cybersecurity player ready to ride the wave of digital transformation — both in Malaysia and globally. Related
Free Malaysia Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia vows strong safeguards in Japan CO₂ storage deal
The natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry says any cross-border CO₂ storage arrangement would be strictly governed by bilateral or multilateral agreements. (Wikimedia Commons pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The government has pledged to enforce strict environmental and legal safeguards, amid reports of an agreement with Japan for liquefied carbon dioxide (CO₂) to be stored in offshore sites beginning as early as 2030. In a statement to FMT, the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry said the government was committed to upholding the 'highest environmental and safety standards'. It stressed that all carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects would be subjected to rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIA), real-time monitoring and robust regulatory oversight. 'Long-term monitoring protocols will include seismic surveys, well integrity checks and the use of advanced technologies to detect any potential leaks,' the ministry said, adding that a dedicated legal framework was being developed to ensure environmental protection and accountability. The ministry's statement follows a report that Japan plans to export CO₂ for underground storage in Malaysia through a partnership involving Mitsui & Co., Kansai Electric Power, and state oil company Petronas. Nikkei Asia reported that the stored carbon from Japanese power plants and factories would be injected into depleted gas fields in Malaysian waters, with the Malaysian government expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with Japan by this year. The Japanese daily also reported that Japan was aiming to store up to 10 million tonnes of CO₂ annually in Malaysia as part of its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Addressing concerns that Malaysia could become a dumping ground for foreign emissions, the ministry said any cross-border CO₂ storage arrangement would be governed strictly under bilateral or multilateral agreements. These will align with international standards and clearly define legal responsibilities, risk-sharing mechanisms and safeguards to prevent misuse, said the ministry. 'Malaysia's priority is to safeguard its national interest, environmental integrity and sovereignty,' the ministry stated. 'Malaysia will only accept carbon storage projects that are environmentally sound, economically beneficial and aligned with our national climate goals.' The ministry also said that storing CO₂ for another country would not affect Malaysia's own carbon budget or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target under the Paris Agreement. 'Technically, receiving CO₂ from other countries, including Japan, does not affect Malaysia's NDC target,' the ministry said. 'However, if the storage site leaks in the future, then Malaysia will be responsible for it.'
