Malaysian escapes the gallows after Singaporean court acquits him
SINGAPORE (Bernama): A Malaysian bus driver, Mangalagiri Dhruva Kumar, escaped the noose on Wednesday (May 18) after he was acquitted by the Singapore High Court. In a written judgement, Justice Valerie Thean among others said the only evidence that Mangalagiri supplied the drugs to Shanti was her testimony. Thean said Shanti was not able, however, to recall the various events of the transactions well. "In my judgment, the accused’s guilt on the charge framed has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Court of Appeal allowed his appeal and sent his case back for a re-trial before another High Court judge.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 14:44 UTC
Recognise contribution of frontliners
I REFER to the report “Praise heaped on frontliners manning centres” (The Star, May 19). I would like to add my experience to the many accolades that have already been expressed. I would also like to thank the young Rela personnel, Idyu, who cheerfully wheeled my wife from one station to the next throughout the exercise, which itself was most professionally and efficiently conducted. While I realise that it is a team effort, I do hope those at the top level of the Health Ministry will get to hear of the outstanding service being provided by specific people and recognise them accordingly. GRATEFUL OCTOGENARIAN , Kuala Lumpur
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 13:52 UTC
China is winning the race to vaccinate the world, for now
India, meanwhile, had exported almost 69 million doses to nearly 100 countries until it suffered the world's worst outbreak and halted further deliveries. The WHO authorisation, a de facto approval for regulators in poorer countries, could help unleash hundreds of millions of doses of Chinese shots. Global surveys have shown Chinese shots are the least favoured in several places. Still, China's contributions will be crucial in the race to inoculate large populations across the developing world before outbreaks — and variants — spread too widely. "It has become an opportunity for China to demonstrate to the world that its rise cannot be stopped."
Source:The Edge Markets
May 19, 2021 12:56 UTC
Soccer-Mueller and Hummels back in Germany squad for Euro 2020
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) -World Cup winners Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels on Wednesday secured a return to the German national team for the first time in more than two years after coach Joachim Loew included them in his 26-man Euro 2020 squad. Mueller and Hummels, winners of the 2014 World Cup under Loew, were some of the players dropped after Germany's disappointing 2018 World Cup first round exit and their losing Nations League performance later that year. "Mats is a player who influences other players and brings experience," Loew added, also praising Mueller's superb season with Bayern Munich. Mueller has delivered 18 assists and 11 goals in the Bundesliga alone, while Hummels has established himself as leader at freshly-crowned German Cup winners Borussia Dortmund, forcing Loew into a U-turn. "If we get through the group and get into a flow then my team can achieve anything," Loew added.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 11:34 UTC
Singapore court fines Indonesian tycoon Kris Wiluan S$480,000 for market rigging
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Indonesian tycoon and former chief executive of offshore and marine company KS Energy Kris Taenar Wiluan was fined S$480,000 after pleading guilty on Wednesday (May 19) to three charges of market rigging. "Prosecution is seeking a high fine for the purposes of general deterrence and to reflect his culpability as mastermind of the market rigging operation," DPP Yong said. He was also a first time offender and did not have a profit motive for his market rigging offences. “A stern warning, in lieu of prosecution, has been administered against Ho for intentionally aiding the accused with the market rigging, ” the police said. Senior Counsel Jimmy Yim of Drew & Napier, who represents Wiluan, said it was not fair to classify him as the “mastermind” of the market rigging operation.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 10:02 UTC
Hari Raya shopping gives retail recovery a boost
Jakel Group managing director Datuk Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel agrees. “We did not expect that the response would be this good for Hari Raya,” he says. Traditionally, Hari Raya sales have translated into one of the best months for retailers, apart from Chinese New Year and year-end sales. Mohamed Faroz says that, last year, Hari Raya sales were down 60% from 2019, whereas 2021 sales are down 20% from 2019. “We are still not doing as well as we did in 2019, but we did manage to clear our Hari Raya stock from last year.
Source:The Edge Markets
May 19, 2021 08:12 UTC
Senior citizen bookings for AstraZeneca shot to open from Sunday
KUALA LUMPUR (May 19): Bookings for senior citizens for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine will start from May 23 (Sunday). The bookings are open to senior citizens in Johor, Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Selangor. However, the announcement did not disclose the time at which people can start making bookings for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. In addition, they should also make sure that they are informed about the AstraZeneca vaccine before making any bookings. An MoH spokesperson told theedgemarkets.com later today that the time at which people can start making bookings for the vaccine will be announced tomorrow.
Source:The Edge Markets
May 19, 2021 07:41 UTC
What NOT to do when shopping for houseplants
Shopping for houseplants now can be like playing the lottery: There’s no guarantee you will be rewarded with the jackpot. Reality: It’s a good idea to keep an eye on pets and kids at the plant store because some houseplants are toxic. Tip: It’s a good idea to keep pets and children away from poisonous houseplants and under a watchful eye. Even with the current demand for houseplants, stores get requests for discounts and complaints that houseplants are too expensive. Additionally, studies have shown that some plants don’t like to be touched, due in part to the oils on your fingers.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 07:02 UTC
Federer says he can't even think of winning French Open
(Reuters) - Roger Federer said he is not playing well enough to have a chance of winning the French Open after the Swiss' preparations for the claycourt Grand Slam were cut short in Geneva on Tuesday. The 39-year-old was up 4-2 in the final set against world number 75 Pablo Andujar of Spain but lost the next four games to lose 6-4 4-6 6-4 in his only tuneup event on clay before the French Open starts on May 30. "I think when you played so little and you know where your level is at, and I think you saw that today, how can I think of winning the French Open?" "I'm just realistic that I know I will not win the French and whoever thought I would or could win it is wrong. "So when I walk out of a match like today, and I feel like 'My God, I could play so much better'.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 06:29 UTC
Perak Youth Assembly rep steps in to help Ipoh lawyer whose vaccination jab was set 280km from home
IPOH: A local lawyer was stumped when he was informed on the MySejahtera app that his Covid-19 vaccination jab was fixed at Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan – a 280km drive away. After more than a week of trying to reschedule his vaccination appointment closer to home, Cheang finally received a helping hand from Malim Nawar Perak Youth assemblyman Wong Chin Ho. “He told me that he had spoken to the state Health director and could help me get the jab here. Wong said he contacted the state Health director after reading of Cheang’s problem to find out if it could be resolved. “The director said they needed his information and it was then that I contacted him to get it, ” he added.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 05:38 UTC
Rosmah lodges police report claiming Tommy Thomas’ affidavit a blatant lie, afterthought
“This created doubt as on the day I filed the notice [to seek Sri Ram's authorisation or fiat letter], the fiat was immediately issued. "This clearly shows there is a blatant lie, afterthought and deceit which prejudice me,” she claimed in the police report. According to the police report, Rosmah wants an investigation and action to be undertaken against Thomas for alleged perjury regarding Sri Ram’s appointment. “This resulted in me filing the application on July 8, 2020 to seek Sri Ram's fiat and other relief that was deemed necessary. Read also:Thomas: No letter needed for Sri Ram's appointment as lead prosecutor in 1MDB and Rosmah cases
Source:The Edge Markets
May 19, 2021 03:05 UTC
Actor rubbishes magnet stunt at vaccination centre
To dispel the myth, Fizo even posted a video of himself trying to stick a magnet to his arm during his vaccination. Urging the creator of the viral video not to mislead the public, the actor, who is best known for his roles in Romeo Kota and Cinderella, called on everyone to fight the pandemic together. Nur Adibah, who showcased her vulnerability in the song, admitted that she often compared herself with others which led to her feeling depressed. “I did not expect to win and it has motivated me to work hard to pursue my passion in the future, ” said Nur Adibah. The Education Ministry also congratulated Nur Adibah on her win on its official Facebook page last Friday.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 00:33 UTC
Student’s new venture sparked by aunt’s candle business and promise to father
He has collaborated with his aunt Livia Bernadette to sell her candles, which she markets as Louvelights Candles & Gifts. Being active in the church and with the help of his peers, Max has managed to promote the candles. His mother Racheal Maria David, 42, said the death of her husband was sudden and she was still coming to terms with the loss. “My son Max has been helping my sister in promoting and selling the candles with the help of his church friends. To order the candles, visit Louvelights Candles & Gifts on Facebook or call Racheal at 017-665 5426.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 00:29 UTC
First India, now the US?
LAST week, a news item that left me gobsmacked was this: it is possible for mammals to absorb oxygen via the anus! It does plan to conduct a randomised clinical trial to evaluate its efficacy and safety in high-risk Covid-19 patients. This is exactly what experts like Dr Leana Wen, emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, worry about. And then the CDC could say once we achieve a societal level of vaccination... we can remove indoor masking mandates and social distancing. And I really worry about the consequences, especially to those who are not yet vaccinated, ” she said.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 00:19 UTC
Mum trying to stay strong for son battling stage four Covid-19
JOHOR BARU: News about government hospitals reaching their maximum capacity is extremely worrying, especially for a mother whose son is being treated for stage four Covid-19 at the Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) intensive care unit (ICU) here. Mixed rice stall owner Rozita Ramli said her family was put through an anxious waiting period after finding out that her 35-year-old son Mohd Izuan Rosmi (pic) was positive for Covid-19 on May 2. “Initially, he had a fever and was told that he had dengue after a check-up at HSA. As his condition worsened, we took him to a private hospital and he tested positive for Covid-19, ’’ she said. Shortly after that, Rozita said the Health Department contacted her son and told him to self-quarantine at home and that they would come over in two days’ time.
Source:The Star
May 19, 2021 00:18 UTC