Latest news with #ZHAFARANNASIB
The Star
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Farmers adopt tagging system ahead of durian fest
Fahmi (right) showing a poster of the tagging system for durians using QR codes. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Govt aid prioritised for those onboard initiative to protect Penang brand PENANG has rolled out its 'Track and Trace' smart monitoring system for durian to ensure the authenticity of the state's prized fruit. The system was launched ahead of the Penang Durian and Fruit Festival, to be held from June 23 to July 20, at Persiaran Queensbay in Bayan Lepas. State agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said some 60 farmers had committed to use the tagging system, launched on June 1, while 20 large-scale farm operators had already registered. 'Farmers must apply for the tagging themselves and provide valid land ownership documents. Applications through intermediaries will not be accepted,' he said at a press conference in Komtar. Fahmi urged durian farmers to register for the smart monitoring system to prevent durians from other areas being labelled as being from Penang. Through the system, each durian from Penang would be tagged with a QR code. Consumers just need to scan to verify whether the durian is truly from Penang or not. Fahmi said the initiative, under the state Agriculture Department, was developed in collaboration with Mimos Bhd. 'The tracking system was previously used in conjunction with the (Covid-19) vaccination programme,' he said. He added that the government had proposed making the use of a durian-tagging system mandatory for farmers. Those who register will be prioritised for government aid, promotional efforts, and participation in official programmes. Registration can be done through the Agriculture Department, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) or the state executive councillor's office. Fahmi said the tagging system was required for those wishing to participate in the upcoming Durian and Fruit Festival, to ensure the quality and authenticity of the durian sold. He said the system would benefit consumers and farmers, offering price transparency. It would also enhance the farmers' reputation and export potential, particularly to China. 'The month-long festival aims to promote local fruits, especially Penang's famous durian, while supporting farmers and strengthening the state's agricultural sector through tourism and marketing initiatives,' he said. The event is a joint effort by his office, the state Agriculture Department and Fama. Fahmi said the festival aimed to elevate the status of local fruits by showcasing the uniqueness and quality of the renowned durian and other tropical produce. He said the event would serve as a direct marketing platform to help small-scale farmers increase their sales and income through direct engagement with consumers. The festival is part of the state's broader strategy to promote agrotourism, positioning Penang as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors seeking agricultural experiences. He said the initiative also sought to strengthen the cooperative economy by enhancing the participation of cooperatives in agriculture and the marketing of local produce. 'We hope this year's Penang Durian and Fruit Festival will provide added value in several key areas. 'The event offers a platform for local entrepreneurs to promote fruit-based products to a broader market, enhancing visibility and sales potential,' he said, adding that the festival was expected to raise public awareness of the importance of healthy eating, by encouraging the consumption of local fruits. Fahmi also said the event could serve as a catalyst for new business networking opportunities among entrepreneurs and cooperatives in the agriculture sector. It was earlier reported that Penang would roll out a Track-and-Trace system to allow comprehensive monitoring of locally grown durian, particularly from Balik Pulau, in conjunction with the upcoming fruit season. The system aims to address growers' complaints regarding fraudulent sales and the misrepresentation of Penang durian. The project was a collaboration between the Penang tourism and creative economy committee, Fama, state Agriculture Department, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services, and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in Penang.
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Trader sizzles her way to wok of fame
Search for the best: A cook (above) giving his all at the char kuey teow competition held at Toi Shan Ningyang Wui Kwon, a clan temple in King Street, George Town, as the crowd (below) gets to have a taste. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: It was a fiery showdown as 30 of Penang's top char kuey teow traders competed over roaring flames for the coveted title of the state's best. The intense cook-off, aimed at uncovering the finest char kuey teow and ultimate wok hei (breath of the wok), saw contestants battling it out with their own secret recipes. Held at the Toi Shan Ningyang Wui Kwon clan temple in King Street, a smoky aroma filled the air as an eager crowd gathered to see each contestant dish out their version of the popular street food. Contestants brought their own seasoned woks, cockles, lap cheong (Chinese sausage), sauces and cooking oil. Other ingredients including flat rice noodles or kuey teow, eggs, bean sprouts and white prawns, along with stoves and gas supply were provided by the organisers. It took less than two minutes for each contestant to dish out their plate of char kuey teow, which was then judged by a panel of six for presentation, aroma and taste. Penang Koo Soo Kwong Choon Tong Restaurant and Tea Shop Association chairman Vinah Yee, who was on the panel of judges, said char kuey teow with the most ingredients was not necessarily the best. 'Each component should be balanced and complement the dish without overpowering the overall flavour. 'One of the key criteria we looked for was the presence of wok hei, that distinct aroma and flavour created when food is stir-fried over intense heat in a seasoned wok. 'If the strands of kuey teow stick together, they may not cook evenly, become gummy and lose that wok hei flavour. 'High flames may look impressive, but if the heat is too strong, the noodles can become over-charred and have a burnt taste,' said Yee. After two hours of sizzling action and clanging woks, Ong Siew Kean, 53, of Hean Char Koay Teow in Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, was crowned champion. 'This is my first competition and I am grateful to be recognised. I never thought my char kuey teow was anything special but I'm glad my effort paid off. 'Maybe it was my sauce blend that made the difference as soy sauce plays a crucial role in creating a flavourful dish,' she said. Ong, who is fondly known as Winny, said she began frying char kuey teow in her 20s but took a break before returning to the trade about three years ago. 'My brother-in-law taught me the basics and over time, I tweaked the recipe to suit my taste,' she said. Ong, who fries up about 200 plates of char kuey teow on weekends, said she was looking forward to an influx of customers following her win. Second place went to Chin Foh Shin, 51, of Hobe Kedai Makanan & Minuman, Butterworth, while third place was awarded to Khoo Kay Keat, 47, of Kong Long Char Koay Teow in Beng Chin Garden, Air Itam. The three winners received RM388, RM288 and RM188 respectively, presented by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The competition was jointly organised by the Village Community Management Council of Padang Kota and Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll, along with Toi Shan Ningyang Association, and promoted by Kwangtung and Tengchow Association of Penang.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Free Tdap vaccination offer to pregnant women at 28-32 weeks
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad talking to the press during the official opening and open day of the North Seberang Perai Wellness Hub at Sungai Dua health clinic in Butterworth. (February 8, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. PUTRAJAYA: The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from yesterday, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic). The Health Minister said the Tdap vaccination is being offered at all Health Ministry primary health facilities that provide maternal health services nationwide. 'This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule. 'International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby,' he said at the national-level Immunisation Day celebration held here yesterday, Bernama reported. He said that although the ministry does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are, however, strongly encouraged to do so. He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the ministry has also launched the influenza immunisation programme for senior citizens on Feb 18 by targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. Dzulkefly said that as of Wednesday, a total of 97,355 senior citizens have received the influenza vaccine at the ministry's facilities. He also said the national immunisation policy is regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the ministry. 'There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information, and this undermines public confidence. 'I understand that some parents are still unsure. 'I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because the decision we take today will affect the health of future generations,' he said.
The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Abused by parents for three years
Scene of the crime: The apartment complex in Sungai Ara where the pre-teen was living with her parents. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Girl, 12, caned and caged for every little mistake BALIK PULAU: For three years since she was just nine, a girl here was caned and locked up in a dog cage for every little mistake she made – and the abusers were her parents. The girl, now 12, was repeatedly caned, with the most recent incident happening on Sunday after she mistakenly placed her food in her cupboard. 'The victim also claimed she was put in a dog cage for committing mistakes,' Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Comm Sazalee Adam. The horrifying case came to light when a counsellor at a primary school in Sungai Ara noticed signs of pain and distress in the girl's behaviour and physical condition. The counsellor alerted the headmaster, who immediately reported the matter to the relevant authorities. Child protection officers have since intervened, and both parents have now been remanded. The girl, who had blue-black bruises and welts on her hands and back, is now under the care of the Welfare Department, with a child protection officer watching over her. State welfare committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said she is receiving treatment at Penang Hospital and is in stable condition. Lim said the parents, who came to give their statements at the Balik Pulau police headquarters, have since been remanded. 'The 47-year-old father admitted to physically hurting the child, while the mother denied any involvement in the confinement,' he added. Both parents have been barred from visiting the child at the hospital after her revelations. Lim said the victim's 15-year-old sibling, who is now with their grandmother, will also be evaluated by welfare department officers. She said efforts are currently underway to trace other relatives who could care for the children. 'I deeply appreciate the swift action taken by the school, the social welfare department, the police and the medical team,' she said, adding that the state government takes all child abuse cases seriously. She stressed that there is no place for neglect, abuse or violence in society. ACP Sazalee said the father has been remanded from Wednesday to today. The mother was remanded from Thursday to tomorrow, he added. Police are investigating the case under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tech-savvy approach to collecting
COLLECTORS and enthusiasts were treated to an interesting showcase at the 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair, where a wide range of items – from vintage stamps to rare debenture certificates – were on display. The event in George Town was touted as the largest in Penang. Organised by Malayan Banknote Fair (MBF), the three-day fair featured 34 exhibitors from around the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Vietnam and the United Kingdom, as well as various states in Malaysia. Richard showing the white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s. MBF founder Richard Lim said one of the highlights was a piece from his personal collection – a copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944, featuring a striking image of an Allied soldier during World War II. 'I bought this newspaper several years ago from a shop at Chowrasta Market for RM10 each, and picked up several copies at the time. 'I later sold some to a collector for RM1,000 each, but I decided to keep one copy for myself and had it framed,' he said. A visitor admiring Richard's framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail Continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items on display at the fair. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. Richard said another notable item on display was a white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s. What made it particularly unique, he explained, was that the sheet had already received its first layer of currency print and was en route to India when the ship carrying it was bombed by German forces during World War I. The 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair featured 34 local and international exhibitors. Some of the vintage stamps belonging to philatelist Beng Yeong. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Some of the old coins on display and available for purchase at the fair held at the mall in Penang. A visitor taking a closer look at a framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items. Richard said his personal collection also included a debenture certificate from Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a 5,000 won banknote from North Korea and a RM2 Malaysian currency note. Philatelist Lim Beng Yeong has amassed thousands of stamps over the past 40 years, dating from the British colonial era. Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series, 1948 British Malayan Administration issue, rare Johore Postage and Revenue stamps and Kelantan Postage and Revenue stamps dating back to the 1900s. 'I bought these stamps from other collectors; some were given to me as gifts,' said Beng Yeong, adding that the collection is kept at his house in Alor Setar, Kedah. To preserve his stamps, especially the older and vintage ones, Beng Yeong stores them in albums and protective plastic sleeves to maintain their condition and ensure their longevity. Some of the collectors' items on sale at the fair, including memorabilia of current US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania. Collecting stamps is not an expensive hobby and can be a good starting point for children, he said. 'Sometimes, a set of stamps only costs around RM5 to RM10. 'Of course, rare and vintage ones are priced higher, but they are not overly expensive,' said Beng Yeong. 'I believe that stamp collecting not only preserves history, but also offers insights into a nation's identity and heritage.' He encouraged the younger generation to take up the hobby, suggesting that schools and community centres host philately workshops or exhibitions to spark interest. Beng Yeong lamented that children nowadays were more inclined towards video games, rather than hobbies such as stamp collecting. 'Stamp collecting teaches patience, research skills and an appreciation for culture. Visitors and collectors browsing through items on display at the three-day event. 'It is more than a hobby; it is a journey through time,' he pointed out. In addition to old coins, banknotes and rare stamps, the event also featured the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. Australian exhibitor Rick Coleman said the banknote was released in 1988 to commemorate the bicentenary of the arrival of the First Fleet Down Under. 'The note is the AUD10 bill, which features an image of (18th century) explorer Captain James Cook,' he said, adding that the polymer banknote is now valued at around AUD50 (RM140). A passionate collector for over 40 years, Coleman is a familiar face at international banknote fairs in Malaysia and around the world. He also has a collector shop in his hometown of Bundaberg, Queensland. Some of the old coins that were on display and on sale at Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. At the fair, collectors were introduced to the mobile technology behind a trusted coin and banknote authentication system – an app developed by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). PCGS business development assistant manager Vincent Lee said the app marked a step forward in helping Malaysian collectors verify and manage their prized collections with ease and confidence. 'It is important for collectors to have their coins and banknotes graded and verified,' he said. 'With this app, people no longer need to second-guess the authenticity or market value of their collectibles,' said Lee. Coleman holding the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. He was one of the international exhibitors at the three-day event. The PCGS Cert Verification app allows users to scan a barcode or QR code on a PCGS label, or manually enter the seven- or eight-digit certification number, to instantly access critical information. These include the item's denomination, date, mint mark, grade, mintage, holder type, PCGS population statistics and price guide value. For an extra layer of security, the app also features C Gold Shield technology that allows collectors to securely verify the coin's details and makes it almost impossible to forge. 'Collectors spend years, sometimes decades, building their collections. 'Tools like the PCGS app help preserve that investment while enhancing its transparency, especially for buyers, sellers and even historians,' said Lee. The event also featured a talk titled 'Scammers and Cyber Crime' by DSP Pang Meng Tuck, deputy head of the Penang police's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (Intelligence/ Operations).
