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The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Lessons from big cities that cut back cars
CITIES around the world trying to limit driving have faced objections – namely that the measures would limit personal freedom, cost too much, destroy commerce or have negligible effects on air quality. Now the first data from these experiments in New York, London and Paris has trickled in. They offer some clues about whether cutting speed limits, charging traffic for entering a city centre and penalising drivers of the most polluting cars can reduce congestion and improve air quality, without causing too much disruption. These lessons are helpful because cities, where problems with traffic and poor air quality are frequently more severe than in less urban areas, are often moving more quickly in restricting vehicle emissions than countries or states. In Europe, cities are outpacing laws and national regulations to cut traffic pollution, according to the think tank Transport & Environment. As of April this year, 35 cities have committed to introducing 'zero emissions zones' – where diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles will be banned. Still, early results from some cities show reducing traffic is not enough. Take Oslo, which has pioneered lower speed limits, car-free zones and improvements to public transport, walking and cycling. Norway's widespread adoption of electric cars has also helped reduce smog. But the city still suffers from high levels of particulate pollution from tire wear, wood-burning stoves and dust from gravel and salting on icy roads. While restricting fossil-fuelled vehicles won't solve those problems, there is evidence that it helps clean the air and has other benefits too. Here's what policy makers and city dwellers can learn from other early adopters. > New York The city introduced a policy on Jan 5 charging cars up to US$9 (RM38) a day to enter certain parts of Manhattan. Travel time data from the first three months of the charging zone suggests commuting times are down on some of the busiest routes, in particular the bridges and tunnels that connect Manhattan with New Jersey, Brooklyn and Queens. A site run by student brothers Joshua and Benjamin Moshes has been tracking travel times based on Google Maps traffic data on various routes affected by the New York congestion pricing since the policy was introduced in January. They found travel times have also dropped during weekends, while there's been little change on other routes going from one part of Manhattan to another. That suggests people are choosing to take public transport or cutting out less urgent travel, they say. In Boston and Chicago, which the Moshes use as a control, traffic levels have not changed significantly. > Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo introduced 50kph speed limits on the city's outer ring road in October 2024, despite opposition from France's transport minister and conservative opponents. A report from the city's urban planning department found that the new, lower speed limit, introduced on Oct 1 last year, has already had some positive effects. In the following five months, air quality improved by 12% and traffic accidents dropped by 17%, compared to the same period in the previous year. There are also signs that congestion is lower. Hidalgo, who has said she won't seek re-election next year, isn't finished with her plans to reduce car traffic and encourage walking and cycling in Paris. Her office also banned motorised through-traffic from the city centre in November. Local workers, residents and taxis are still able to drive into the zone, but anyone passing through to go somewhere else will be fined €135 (RM651) once enforcement begins. > London The city's ultra-low emission zone has been in place for over five years. The restrictions, which place a daily charge on driving old gasoline or diesel vehicles, initially covered a small area of the city centre. It was subsequently expanded to cover an almost 1,554km square area, making it the largest in the world. London has had a separate congestion charging zone, which means almost everyone who drives into the city's core must pay, since 2003. When London mayor Sadiq Khan announced the expansion in 2022, the decision was met with warnings that high street shops would wither away and small businesses would struggle to survive. ULEZ, as the area is known for short, became a contentious topic in local elections, and Khan's opponent, from the right-wing Conservative Party, made it a central part of her pitch to voters in the mayoral election last year. (Khan won). In March, the mayor's office released data suggesting that ULEZ had a positive impact on air quality, while causing little disruption to shops in the outskirts of London, an area which was only included in the zone in August 2023. In particular the change has cut emissions of nitrogen oxides, air pollutants linked to lung problems, asthma and inflammation, by between 33% and 39%, while footfall and spending in shops has not dropped, according to data from Mastercard Inc. Almost 97% of vehicles driven within the zone are now compliant with the emissions standards, the report said. Vans, which were much more likely to be caught up by the changes, have been slower to switch, but over 90% are now compliant, compared with just 12% in 2017, before the zone was introduced. 'Everyone in the capital is now breathing cleaner air because of ULEZ,' said Christina Calderato, Transport for London's director of strategy, commenting on the report. — Bloomberg News/TNS
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Previndran: Strategic upside seen in Widad's RM41.5mil Damansara Heights asset sale
KUALA LUMPUR: Widad Group Bhd's disposal of its 12-storey office building in Damansara Heights for RM41.5 million presents a potential long-term upside for the new owner, said Previndran Singhe, founder and CEO of Zerin Properties. He told Business Times that Richfield Builder (M) Sdn Bhd — a wholly owned subsidiary of Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd and the buyer of the property — could either occupy the building or lease it out for recurring rental income. "Over time, there could be opportunities to reposition or upgrade the asset to enhance its value and rental appeal," he said. "With the right vision, the building's sizeable floor plates offer potential for repositioning into a boutique office development, possibly incorporating curated retail or lifestyle elements." He added that while large-scale redevelopment may not be immediately feasible due to leasehold restrictions and zoning limitations, a strategic refurbishment could attract businesses seeking prestigious yet competitively priced office space in Damansara Heights. The 28-year-old building is located next to HELP University (formerly known as Wisma IBI) and has a gross floor area (GFA) of 132,945 sq ft. It sits on a 17,305 sq ft leasehold plot with 48 years remaining. Widad had acquired the building in 2013 for RM38 million. As of Dec 31, 2023, it carried an audited net book value of RM39.69 million. According to Previndran, the RM41.5 million sale represents a modest capital gain of about 9.2 per cent over 11 years, or an annualised return of less than 1 per cent, reflecting a subdued capital return. However, he noted that this figure does not account for rental income generated during the holding period, which would have improved the investment's overall yield. Widad stated last month that proceeds from the sale would be used to fully repay borrowings tied to the property and for working capital purposes, ultimately reducing its debt by RM40 million and improving its gearing. Previndran said that assuming a standard building efficiency of 70 per cent, the net floor area (NFA) of the building is estimated at around 93,000 sq ft. This places the transaction at roughly RM446 per sq ft (psf) based on net floor area, which falls within the typical en bloc pricing range for offices of RM400 to RM500 psf in Damansara Heights. In comparing the transaction with past sales in the area, Previndran cited Wisma IBI, a 12-storey office building with 62,320 sq ft of built-up space, which was sold in 2016 for RM36.29 million, or about RM582 psf. Another benchmark is Bangunan CIMB, a 10.5-storey office block acquired by a Widad subsidiary in 2021 for RM32 million. Although its exact built-up area is not publicly disclosed, Previndran said the deal likely reflected a lower psf value than Wisma IBI due to differences in size, condition, or transaction context. "In contrast, the current property being sold has a significantly larger GFA of 132,945 sq ft and is being disposed of for RM41.5 million. The lower psf reflects several factors, including the building's age (28 years), remaining lease of 48 years, and location disadvantages, namely the lack of direct MRT or public transport access and absence of surrounding amenities such as retail or food courts, which is increasingly challenging the marketability of such assets due to rising tenant and occupant expectations," he said. These limitations, he explained, are increasingly impacting tenant preferences and asset marketability but are already factored into the pricing, which remains fair given the property's size and location. Previndran noted that premium-grade office buildings with newer specifications, transit connectivity, and lifestyle features may command up to RM600 psf, a benchmark not applicable in this case due to the property's dated infrastructure and lack of direct transit links. "While the disposal doesn't reflect strong capital appreciation, the pricing is market consistent, especially considering the building's age, lease tenure, and locational limitations. The sale is driven by strategic financial considerations, including balance sheet improvement, rather than value maximisation," he said.
New Paper
18-05-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Mahadi reaps instant reward
KUALA LUMPUR - Mahadi Taib might have waited for months for his work permit to come through in Malaysia, but the Singaporean trainer hit pay dirt when his first runner in Kuala Lumpur got on the scoresheet on May 17. Purchased for just A$2,000 (S$1,665) at the Inglis 2021 July (Late) online sale and ran unplaced in two runs for Mahadi in Singapore, Genrich came from just off the pace to score a 1¾-length victory at his fifth Malaysian start in the RM38,000 (S$11,500) Class 5A sprint (1,020m) at Sungai Besi. After the son of Your Song last ran ninth in a Restricted Maiden race (1,400m) at Kranji on July 30, 2023, he suffered from tendon issues and had to be backed off. After racing in Singapore came to a halt in October 2024, Genrich was one of the horses Mahadi brought over when he relocated to the capital of Malaysia. But, with the approval of his work permit being held up, Genrich had to come under Malaysian trainer Ooi Chin Chin's care for the time being. The four-year-old gelding raced four times and finished fourth twice under Ooi. After Mahadi had his work permit approved about two weeks ago, Genrich was transferred back to his yard and won a trial on April 29 before his race at Mahadi's first meeting in Malaysia on May 17. Though the former syce currently trains 15 horses, Genrich was his only runner at the meeting. Ridden by Lim Shung Uai, Genrich ($54) jumped from barrier 7 and settled in fourth with Banker'sseventytwo (Harmeet Singh Gill) setting a brisk pace from Give Me Five (Uzair Sharudin) and Sacred Order (Andre da Silva). Genrich moved up swiftly to second spot upon making the turn into the straight. The Fabulous Stable-owned gelding kept closing in behind the leader at the 300m before finally sprinting past Banker'sseventytwo at the 100m to win. Pacific Stout (Laercio de Souza) ran another 1¼ lengths away in third. The winning time was 59.04sec for the 1,020m on the turf. "I am happy to get my first win with my first runner," said Mahadi, who has worked with various trainers in Singapore before getting his trainer's licence in 2022. "I am especially happy because this horse (Genrich) had tendon issues after his last race in Singapore and could not race for some time. "This horse has settled down a lot since he wore blinkers-pacifiers, so I might step him up to 1,200m next, run him a bit quieter than before and see how he goes from there. "The work permit took quite some time and it was only approved about two weeks ago I think, but I would like to thank the Selangor Turf Club for helping me." Although Mahadi did not have a runner at the Kuala Lumpur meeting on May 18, things are still up and running with more of his horses to be fielded in the two-meeting weekend in Malaysia next week. "I will run Top Confidence in a 1,300m race in Ipoh next Saturday, and then Good Star and Leiniao over 1,200m in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday," he said. The Ipoh meeting would be held on May 24 while the Selangor meeting would take place on May 25. Lim, who was at his third ride on Genrich, said patience was the key to the horse's first career win in Malaysia. "Mahadi told me to ride patiently. I could see that the pace was very fast so I only made my move passing the 600m," said the Malaysian jockey. "I rode him in a trial recently. He won his trial so I was quite confident of a win today." French jockey Marc Lerner booted home his first winner atop the Simon Dunderdale-trained Thunderous in the RM45,000 Open Novice event (1,400m) on May 17 at his first long-term stint in Malaysia. After sitting on the girth of the leader Sakura (Mohd Zaki) for most parts of the way, Lerner made his move on the Written Tycoon four-year-old at the 400m. Night Warrior (de Souza) was gaining momentum with every stride on the outside, but Thunderous ($13) kept finding under Lerner's strong urgings and opened his account by 1¼ lengths. Lerner, former partner of Singapore champion galloper Lim's Kosciuszko - who ran a creditable third first-up in the Listed Straight Six (1,200m) at Flemington on May 17 - went on to score another win aboard the Joseph Leck-trained Wait U Know ($23) in the RM32,000 Class 5B event (1,300m) on May 18. After posting four wins at his three previous short-term visits to Malaysia, Lerner has decided to base himself in Selangor after his last stint in New Zealand. Another ex-Kranji jockey, Oscar Chavez, landed his first Malaysian winner in 2025 with the Jerome Tan-trained Ahone ($32) in the RM32,000 Class 5 contest (1,020m) at his second meeting on May 18, after coming close with two thirds from seven rides earlier. The Panamanian-born hoop, who picked up two placings from five rides at Sungai Besi on May 17, last rode in Abu Dhabi on Feb 28. SELANGOR TURF CLUB/TURFONLINE
The Star
14-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Reward for good SPM results in Sibu
Chieng (third from left) presenting an award to a 2024 SPM student with Teo (second from left) and other teachers. Incentives have been awarded to 92 students from SMK Sacred Heart in Sibu, Sarawak, who achieved 5As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. The incentives were from Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng amounting to RM38,500. Chieng said the educational incentives had been implemented in schools within his constituency since 2022. The Bukit Assek constituency comprises four secondary schools – SMK Methodist, Catholic High School, SMK Bukit Assek and SMK Sacred Heart. 'The aim is to encourage and motivate students. 'It also serves as a token of appreciation for their diligence, while offering them some financial support too,' he said. Chieng expressed hope that the incentive would encourage students in Bukit Assek to strive for academic excellence. 'To the high-achieving students, I extend my congratulations. 'I urge you to remain focused and disciplined as you progress to the next stage of your educational journey,' he added. SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo described the achievements as a collective effort of students, teachers and parents.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
SMK Sacred Heart's SPM 2024 top-scorers receive incentives totalling RM38,500 from Bukit Assek rep
Chieng (front, eighth left) and SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo, on his right, join others in a group photo with the school's SPM 2024 top-scorers. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 9): Ninety-two Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 top-scorers from SMK Sacred Heart received incentives totalling RM38,500 from Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng today. It was informed that the recipients were those who achieved 5As and above in the public examination. 'This marks a significant increase compared to SPM 2023's results, when 77 students achieved this standard with a total incentive of RM30,400. 'This is a proud moment for the school, and a clear sign of continuous improvement – an increase of 15 students, and RM8,100″ said Chieng in his remarks for the SPM 2024 Incentive Presentation Ceremony at SMK Sacred Heart today. The assemblyman said in 2022, he introduced this incentive programme in four secondary schools in his state constituency, including SMK Sacred Heart, with the simple yet meaningful purpose of encouraging academic excellence and rewarding students who strove for success. 'But beyond just the financial support, I hope this initiative serves as a symbol of encouragement, a reminder that every effort matters, and every step you take toward your dreams is worth celebrating.' In this regard, Chieng encouraged the students to continue aiming higher, including pushing their boundaries and believing in their potential. Moreover, he extended his congratulations to SMK Sacred Heart for reaching a remarkable achievement this time, ranking among the top secondary schools in Sarawak for SPM 2024 results. incentives joseph chieng Sibu SMK Sacred Heart SPM
