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Arab News
2 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi initiatives are the most sound options for confronting challenges of climate change
Specialists have indicated that temperatures across the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, may rise by as much as 9 C by the year 2100. Hot zones have already been recorded above the Saudi capital, and projections suggest that extreme heat days in Riyadh will increase to 132 days a year by 2040. A study published this year found that between May 2024 and May 2025 the world experienced 67 severe heatwaves, attributed to the excessive use of conventional fuels. Furthermore, 49 percent of the global population endured at least 30 additional days of high temperatures. March of this year marked the 20th month out of the past 21 in which the average high temperatures exceeded the 1.5 C threshold. This specific limit was established at the 2015 Paris Summit, resulting in an agreement signed by 196 nations, though only a few have adhered to it. Should this limited commitment persist, the situation could reach a critical stage. More concerning is that the air we breathe today is contaminated with radiation, a legacy of nuclear detonations carried out by the US in Japan during the Second World War, as well as tests conducted by several other countries. These countries conducted a total in excess of of 2,000 nuclear tests underground, in the atmosphere, and deep in the oceans over a span of 53 years (from 1945 to 1998). In 2018, The Straits Times, a Singaporean newspaper, reported on the theft of debris from 48 naval ships that sank off the coast of Singapore following the Second World War. It was discovered that these ships were made of non-radioactive steel, predating the use of nuclear technology. The thieves sold the material to Chinese companies for use in the manufacture of precision scientific and medical devices, which cannot be produced with radioactive steel due to its danger to humans. This suggests that even the industrial revolution itself has not been spared. Study found world experienced 67 severe heatwaves in a year Alf Hornborg, professor of human ecology at Lund University in Sweden, has published some important words regarding climate crises, and states that there is misleading information within the subject. He said that in order for Europeans to drive environmentally friendly cars, they shift the environmental and ethical burden resulting from this by pressuring countries like Brazil to cultivate crops from which ethanol is extracted. They then hold these countries responsible for their non-compliant actions, when in reality they were the ones who incited them. What is important, in their view, is to preserve their own environment from pollution. I believe this illustrates a strange opportunism and narcissism from the Northern Hemisphere countries, especially European nations and the US, against the non-industrialized countries of the South. The major industrialized nations, as evidenced by international reports, are responsible for the largest part of the problem. The proof is that from 1850 to 2021, about 2,500 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide were pumped into the atmosphere, according to a report from the investigative website Carbon Brief, which specializes in monitoring climate change. Three countries, the US, China, and Russia, were behind 38 percent of the aforementioned emissions, with 20 percent for the first, 11 percent for the second, and 7 percent for the third. The preceding statistics concern manufacturing emissions and do not include wars and their environmental impacts. Strikingly, the average temperature in 2021 was double that of 1821. This occurred within 200 years, a very short period in the Earth's age, in which climate changes are typically measured in millennia. A report published by the World Meteorological Organization noted that the average number of environmental disasters has reached one per day over the last 50 years, or about 365 disasters annually. Incidents such as hurricanes, droughts, and fires kill an average of 115 people daily. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at the UN provided clear and undeniable evidence that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 2019 was the highest in 2 million years. Spanish physicist Jose Maria Martin said in 2024 that during heatwaves in which temperatures in Europe reach 45 C, the mortality rate is expected to increase by up to 40 percent. The current rate in the increase of temperatures will lead to rising sea and ocean levels, resulting in various disasters, as well as desertification, drought, shrinking rivers, contraction of the Amazon forests (dubbed the lungs of the world), and melting ice. Sea ice volume has already receded to its lowest level in 47 years. The imperative is simply to maintain the status quo, as the possibility of reducing temperatures is completely ruled out. I believe that Saudi Arabia's initiatives, along with its plans for carbon neutrality and the use of clean energy, are globally the most sound options for confronting the complex challenges of climate change. • Dr. Bader bin Saud is a columnist for Al-Riyadh newspaper, a media and knowledge management researcher, an expert and university professor in crowd management and strategic planning, and the former deputy commander of the special forces for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. X: @BaderbinSaud.


Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Museum celebrates Singapore's 60th birthday with record-breaking Lego display
SINGAPORE, July 18 — A giant Lego mural certified as Singapore's largest is currently on display at the National Museum of Singapore in conjunction with the city-state's 60th birthday celebrations. The mural, which measures over seven metres wide and two metres tall, was unveiled yesterday and will be on display until August 9, The Straits Times reported today. According to the Singapore newspaper, the Lego mural is part of a new showcase titled Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick. 'As Singapore's oldest museum, we have always believed that history should not simply be preserved, but reimagined and retold in ways that resonate with the old and young,' museum director Chung May Khuen was quoted as saying. The mural was certified by the Singapore Book of Records as the biggest Lego mural ever created in the country. It was assembled by Lego before being sent to the museum, but visitors will be able to complete the final section themselves. Visitors can also display their own digital art on an interactive screen at the showcase. Other Lego creations on display include a large model of Singapore's historical landmarks and Lego versions of popular local dishes like chilli crab and nyonya kuih. The Lego showcase is part of a series of programmes organised by the museum from July 18 to August 9 to celebrate Singapore's 60th National Day, also known as SG60. Admission to the Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick showcase is free. All visitors, including tourists, will enjoy free admission to the National Museum on August 9.


Singapore Law Watch
2 days ago
- Singapore Law Watch
Man charged over making drug-laced vapes at home
Man charged over making drug-laced vapes at home Source: Straits Times Article Date: 18 Jul 2025 Author: Christine Tan The case involving a man who intended to sell the Kpods, is first of its kind in Singapore. A man who allegedly made drug-laced vapes, or Kpods, at home was charged on July 17. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was manufacturing e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate at home with the intent to sell them. HSA said Akil's case is the first of its kind in Singapore. For making these do-it-yourself Kpods, the 41-year-old Singaporean was handed five charges under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. On Dec 11, 2024, Akil was allegedly found with vapes and various related components in an HDB flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22. These included 569 pieces of empty pod casings, 534 pieces of pod components, 1,485 pieces of pod covers and 100 loose e-vaporiser pods, among other items, according to charge sheets. An HSA prosecutor said in court that the authorities were ready with a plea offer for him. He said he did not want to hire a lawyer, adding: 'I don't want to waste the court's time.' Akil had earlier been charged with two offences under the Poisons Act for possessing and selling etomidate, a classified poison increasingly detected in vapes. After midnight on Dec 11, 2024, Akil allegedly sold 100 vape pods outside the same HDB flat. These vape pods contained 150ml of liquid, which was analysed and found to contain etomidate, according to charge sheets. Around 5.30am that day at the same location, Akil was allegedly found with 26.4g of white powder, which also contained etomidate. Kpods are a growing cause for concern here. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint statement on July 12 that vaping is a serious issue, noting that etomidate may cause adverse effects such as seizures and psychosis. Used in hospitals to induce sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision and is never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. The ministries said they were looking at tightening the laws around vaping after the increased detection of vapes containing etomidate and other controlled drugs. ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13 to raise awareness about the issue in Singapore. Members of the public have since spoken up about how Kpods have destroyed their families, harmed their children and even taken their loved ones' lives. Akil faces one more charge under the Passports Act for making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority while applying for a new Singapore passport. He allegedly lied on Jan 20 that he forgot his bag – which contained his NRIC and passport – at a coffee shop, and that his passport was not returned to him. Akil, who has been in remand since June 20, is slated to plead guilty on July 23. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print

Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Malaysia appoints new Chief Justice, easing weeks of controversy over vacant top judge seats
Datuk Wan Farid is filling one of several top spots left vacant for weeks in the nation's highest court following the retirement of several senior judges. KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia has appointed former deputy minister-turned-judge Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as its new Chief Justice, a move analysts say could help quell public concerns about political interference in the country's judiciary. The announcement, made in a statement issued by the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, said that the King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar had approved the appointment on the advice of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and after consulting with the Conference of Rulers. The appointment of Justice Wan Farid, confirming an earlier Straits Times report, comes amid an unprecedented leadership vacuum in the nation's judiciary that has stirred concerns over the state of the courts and its independence. While the confirmation that came in the wee hours of July 18 will ease controversy that has been brewing over the post, analysts say meaningful reform to restore confidence in the judiciary can only be achieved if the Prime Minister is no longer part of the selection process for the top bench. Datuk Wan Farid is filling one of several top spots left vacant for weeks in the nation's highest court following the retirement of several senior judges. Meanwhile, the statement also named Federal Court judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais as President of the Court of Appeal, while Court of Appeals judge Datuk Azizah Nawawi was promoted to Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, according to the statement. The announcement of a new chief justice follows weeks of controversy and heightened scrutiny over the delay in naming a successor to former Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired on July 2. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling, White House says World Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it? Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore Asia Malaysia's King appoints Wan Ahmad Farid as new Chief Justice World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Opinion Is your child getting drawn to drugs? Don't look away and don't give up Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Business Granddaughter of late Indonesian tycoon pays $25 million for Singapore bungalow The country's highly regarded first female chief justice, who was lauded by peers and the legal community for her integrity and defence of judicial independence, was not given a six-month extension after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66 – which had been granted in the past to other retiring judges. Currently, Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, who is due to retire in November, is the acting Chief Justice. Critics, including civil society groups and the Malaysian Bar, had urged transparency and adherence to constitutional processes amid fears of executive overreach, including speculation that Mr Anwar was manoeuvring to have his pick of Federal Court judge Terrirudin Salleh fast-tracked for the top job of chief justice. Tan Sri Terrirudin was appointed directly to the apex court in 2024 while he was still serving as Mr Anwar's attorney-general. 'The appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid will quell or dispel the notion that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has a hand in picking the Chief Justice,' said geostrategist and Nusantara Strategic Research Academy senior fellow Professor Azmi Hassan. 'It will restore confidence in our legal system that he does not influence the appointment,' he added. However, not all observers see the new appointments as a full restoration of judicial independence. 'This does not really restore the trust in the judiciary unless they remove the Prime Minister from the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) process. That is the only way to restore confidence,' said Asian Studies Professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania. Under Malaysia's appointment process, the JAC recommends candidates for the judicial bench, but the Prime Minister is not bound to follow its list when advising the King, who makes the formal appointment. Still, Prof Chin said the appointment was 'the best outcome for the present circumstances' adding that the real test of judicial independence under the new Chief Justice will come when politically sensitive cases are brought before the courts. 'The big question going forward is whether the new Chief Justice will follow through with Tengku Maimun's ideals. Everyone knows that she was very independent, she stuck to the law. Or will he move the judiciary back into a less independent mode? This is a question that can only be answered when politically sensitive cases go before the courts,' he said. Mr Wan Farid, 62, is currently a judge of the Court of Appeal – the second-highest court after the Federal Court – and also served as deputy home minister under former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Previously, in a move seen as bolstering public accountability in a long-contentious case, the judge in 2024 had ordered the reopening of an investigation into the 2009 death of Teoh Beng Hock, a political aide to an opposition leader who died after hours of questioning at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office. In 2022, the judge recused himself from hearing an application by jailed former PM Najib Razak due to his previous affiliation as an Umno politician as well as having a family member still active in the party. He said that should he continue to hear the matter, it could compromise the integrity of the judiciary. Mr Wan Farid was a High Court judge from 2019 to 2024, after being appointed as a judicial commissioner in 2015. Before that, he practised law in Kuala Lumpur and his home state of Terengganu after being called to the Malaysian Bar in 1987. He also holds the rare distinction of having served in all three branches of government. He was a senator in 2005 and a deputy home minister in 2008, before joining the judiciary in 2015 after leaving politics. Public criticism and calls for transparency have mounted since early July over the unprecedented leadership vacuum in the Federal Court, including from within the PM Anwar's coalition, and his own Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) party. The Malaysian Bar also led a protest march on July 14, where hundreds of lawyers took to the streets to voice their concerns over the situation and called for independence of the judiciary. The police are also currently investigating a purported leak of a classified Judicial Appointments Commission meeting's minutes that detail alleged interference in judicial decisions by a Federal Court judge. Top judges – including the chief justice, Court of Appeal president and chief judge of Malaya – are appointed by the king on the advice of the prime minister, after consulting the Conference of Rulers.


Singapore Law Watch
3 days ago
- Politics
- Singapore Law Watch
Countering misinformation requires both laws and access to trusted news sources: Josephine Teo
Countering misinformation requires both laws and access to trusted news sources: Josephine Teo Source: Straits Times Article Date: 17 Jul 2025 Author: Goh Yan Han Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said Singapore must try to prevent 'cracks in our infrastructure of fact'. Laws against fake news and manipulated content during elections will continue to be essential in safeguarding Singaporeans against information threats, but by themselves they are not enough to push back against misinformation, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said on July 16. Instead, the Republic must try to prevent 'cracks in our infrastructure of fact', which pave the way for rogue actors to dominate its media and information landscape, as has happened elsewhere, said Mrs Teo. That is why the Government has stepped in to support public service media, she added, which ensures that Singaporeans have continued access to trusted news sources, and to uphold the integrity of the city-state's infospace. 'Our long-term goal remains unchanged, and that is to nurture a resilient information ecosystem – one where truth can stand on its own, and public trust is anchored in an informed, engaged and discerning citizenry,' she said at the Singapore Press Club Awards 2025 held at Pan Pacific Singapore. These efforts to counter misinformation are crucial because Singapore, as a diverse and open society, will always be susceptible to the dangers of misinformation, she said. Mrs Teo cited examples from the 2020 General Election, when there were falsehoods on projected population figures and Covid-19 testing of foreign workers; and the 2023 Presidential Election, when there was a false claim that the Government could trace how individuals voted and penalise them for their choices. Such attempts at misinformation could be addressed 'to some extent' with the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma), which came into force in 2019. This is as Pofma does not generally take a falsehood out of circulation but requires that a correction notice be carried alongside it, which means people can continue to believe the falsehood despite it being called out. Lies also tend to travel faster than the truth, she added. 'We are realistic that a factual correction does not reach everyone who had seen the falsehood.' The risks during the recent May 3 general election were much greater with the availability of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, she noted. A compressed election timeline – there were nine days of campaigning during GE2025 – meant that the window to react was extremely narrow, said Mrs Teo. 'We therefore needed to be absolutely clear what was permitted and what was not, and who was accountable for validating the suspected content,' she added. In October 2024, the authorities put in new safeguards when election laws were amended. The Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Act, or Eliona, prohibits digitally generated or manipulated election-related content that realistically misrepresents a candidate's speech or actions during the election period. Candidates have to declare whether content featuring them was true or false, and a wrongful declaration could have led to the result of their election being voided. Thankfully, GE2025 did not see a surge in egregious misinformation or malicious synthetic content, said Mrs Teo. Neither Pofma nor Eliona was invoked during the recent election. She added that Singapore is fortunate that its public service media remain trusted institutions, with the recent Reuters Digital News Report having found that 75 per cent of respondents trusted The Straits Times, while 74 per cent trusted CNA. 'These are outstanding achievements, especially when compared against the global average trust in media, which stands at just around 40 per cent,' she noted. Going forward, Mrs Teo said public service media has to continue developing the right talent and instincts to provide quality journalistic content for Singaporeans. 'Content is still key. Information is the currency of the industry, and your insight is what sets you apart from the rest. This is also your mission and duty to your audiences,' she said to a room of over 240 guests, including journalists past and present. Media outlets here must also keep pace with technology and the changing preferences of audiences by investing in new capabilities, adopting new processes and creating new products. Mrs Teo cited SPH Media's in-house multimedia facility Studio+65, which allows for virtual production, audiovisual storytelling and digital content creation. Mediacorp has also deployed AI in its newsrooms, automating translation and subtitling processes, she noted. In her speech, Mrs Teo spotlighted some award winners for innovating and finding new ways of bringing important stories to readers. They included ST senior correspondent Stephanie Yeo, who won a health journalism award for her well-researched reports on women's health issues that raised awareness of conditions such as endometriosis and menopause and their available treatment options. Endometriosis is a condition whereby tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside of the womb. Mrs Teo said public service media in Singapore has defied the odds and avoided the fates of many of its international counterparts, and that generations of journalists played an important role in fostering a thriving and vibrant media ecosystem here. 'It is fair to say that journalism has never been an easy job, and it has become only harder in recent decades. But you have soldiered on with a tireless commitment to excellence,' she said. 'Your dedication to the craft has been instrumental in upholding truth and trust in Singapore's information space, shaping an informed audience and a stronger Singapore.' Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print