I REFER to the report “Zero mercy for landlords” (The Star, Dec 1). Kudos to Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming for his determination to put a stop to “birdcage” and “gravelike” rooms for rent, which he described as “the size of graves, with room just enough for a coffin. This is inhumane and unreasonable.”
The situation clearly demonstrates the extent greedy people would go for money.
I am sure there are many other things unscrupulous people would do for monetary gains.
In this connection, I would like to highlight the quandary that residents of SS4C in Petaling Jaya are facing over a negligent landlord and his irresponsible tenant.
The house is in an area inhabited by respectable senior residents, and I, unfortunately, am living near it. A few years ago, the owner moved to Seremban and rented out the house to a man who used it as accommodation for his foreign workers.
It looks like the owner is only interested in collecting rent while the tenant just wants to use the house for his own purposes because there has been no attempt to maintain it since it was rented out.
Over the years, the compound has been turned into a big rubbish dump infested by flies, rats, snakes and monitor lizards.
Trucks are repaired on a regular basis there, and old tyres and vehicle parts are just discarded in the compound.
The house is now in shambles and sticks out like a sore thumb in the neighbourhood.
After complaints were lodged by the residents, officers from the Petaling Jaya City Council’s health department came and issued a warning to the tenant. Following the visit, the place was cleaned up, but two months later, things regrettably returned to their previous state. There were no further checks by the authorities.
Landlords have both legal and ethical responsibilities to their property. These obligations include maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, appliances and furniture, and dealing with issues related to water and electricity supply.
Landlords should also do their part to help improve the community where their properties are located.
Meanwhile, tenants are responsible for keeping the premises clean. Most people expect a reasonable level of maintenance and cleanliness for homes in their neighbourhoods.
I am sure there is a tenancy agreement between the landlord and the tenant, and one of the clauses would allow the landlord to inspect his property on a regular basis. In this case, I have not seen the landlord visit his property in the past two years.
The authorities should compel the house owner and his tenant to adhere strictly to the conditions stipulated in the tenancy agreement. And I hope the Local Government Development Ministry will also address this problem and find a permanent solution for it.
A view of the Expo City Dubai, the venue of COP28 Photo: Shan Jie/GT
The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gave the world a surprise on its first day, Thursday.
Delegates from more than 160 countries unanimously agreed to formally establish the Loss and Damage Fund, pledging more than $400 million to support the world's particularly vulnerable countries in their efforts to cope with the loss and damage caused by climate change. This groundbreaking progress has brought much-needed good news to the world, raising confidence and expectations for the outcomes of this conference.
The issue of funding has been a focal point in recent UN climate conferences, with prolonged and intense debates surrounding the amount of aid and compensation developed countries should offer for their historical emissions, as well as the ways of raising and distributing the funds. However, the urgency of the severe climate change situation has led to significant achievements. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion a year to support climate finance. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund was a decision made at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, but its implementation has not been easy. Nonetheless, this time, several developed countries have made pledges toward the fund.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), host country of COP28, committed $100 million, Germany, $100 million, the UK, 40 million pounds (about $50.6 million) and 20 million pounds for other arrangements, Japan, $10 million, and the US, known for its grandstanding on climate issues, only $17.5 million.
When it comes to paying, some countries revealed their true face. The amount pledged by the US is meager in comparison with its status as the world's largest economy and the responsibility in addressing climate change it should bear given its highest historical cumulative carbon emissions, leading to criticism from attending delegates and experts who deemed it "disappointing," "shocking," and "embarrassing."
However, amid this disappointment, there were heartening developments. When the US once again let the world down at the critical moment, other countries stepped up.
On the second day of the climate conference, Friday, the UAE announced $30 billion for a new climate finance fund, aiming to mobilize $250 billion by the end of the decade. It also aims to improve the flow of money into projects to reduce emissions, especially in the Global South.
Washington should really feel ashamed of this scene. The New York Times bluntly questioned in a September article: How Long Can America's Climate Hypocrisy Last? "It's nothing new for climate ambition and climate hypocrisy to flicker back and forth like the two faces of a lenticular hologram," said the article. Even the American media itself says so, showing how bad the US' performance is on climate issues.
Another typical example is the deliberate effort by the US to woo Pacific island nations, establishing new embassies and claiming to help them maintain "maritime security." However, when it comes to the climate issues that these countries genuinely care about, Washington exhibits conspicuous stinginess and parsimony. The true focus of Washington in its diplomacy is becoming increasingly evident to people.
At any rate, the US cannot be absent when addressing the issue of climate. Even if other countries are proactive, they cannot fill the irresponsible void left by the US. Conversely, if the US fails to set an example on climate issues, it completely loses its qualification to pursue global leadership. In any case, the US must shoulder its due obligations and responsibilities. The Democratic Party shows a more positive attitude toward climate issues than the Republican Party. The Biden administration should take advantage of its time in office to push for substantive progress on climate issues with greater determination and force.
This current climate conference's crucial agenda is the "Global Stocktake," where each contracting party will review progress and gaps in implementing key provisions of the Paris Agreement. The focus will also be on "four paradigm shifts": fast-tracking energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030; transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance; putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever. These are ambitious goals indeed.
In the realm of climate, every step forward is incredibly challenging. It is precisely because of this difficulty that each achievement is so valuable. Regardless, we observe that human society is moving forward step by step, even though the pace is still too slow and lags behind the rate of environmental degradation.
How to ensure that this collective effort of all humanity involves less short-term selfish calculations and more long-term vision of shared future, and stronger climate actions, is crucial for the future and fate of humanity. No one can escape or evade this duty, especially for countries with significant responsibilities and obligations.
COP28 anticipated to bring a deal that will make a real difference
International delegates are gathering in Dubai to find a deal that will make a real difference in tackling the planet's climate issues at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Anticipation is high for COP28, with over 70,000 delegates, including representatives from UNFCCC member states, participating in the pivotal event.
This gathering is expected to facilitate the forging of agreements to confront the climate crisis between global leaders and stakeholders, focusing on critical goals such as limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 C, aiding climate-vulnerable communities, and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
The conference will not only see participation from leaders and delegates from different countries but also a diverse group of voices including business magnates, youth activists, climate experts, indigenous peoples, media representatives, and other influential figures.
A group meets near an art installation ahead of the COP28 summit, on November 28, 2023, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Photo: VCG
"Over 160 world leaders are headed to Dubai, because only cooperation between nations can get humanity back in this race. But COP28 cannot be just a photo-op. Leaders must deliver - the message is clear," said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell via a statement sent by the UNFCCC to the media. "And as leaders leave Dubai after the opening summit, their message to their negotiators must be equally clear: Don't come home without a deal that will make a real difference."
"We don't have any time to waste. We need to take urgent action now to reduce emissions. At COP28, every country and every company will be held to account, guided by the north star of keeping 1.5 C within reach," said COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.
"All parties should be prepared to deliver a high ambition decision in response to the global stocktake that reduces emissions while protecting people, lives, and livelihoods," Al Jaber added.
Flags of nations participating in the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference, including China, are hoisted a day before its official opening in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on November 29, 2023. Photo: VCG
China has always given top priority to addressing climate change, viewing proactive measures against it as an intrinsic requirement for its sustainable development and as its responsibility in building a global community of a shared future.
Graphic: GT
Notable progress has been made in both mitigation adaptation efforts, foundational capabilities have been continuously enhanced, and there has been a significant increase in green, low-carbon awareness across society, the Global Times learned from the China Pavilion at the COP28.
The country has also been actively and constructively participating in global climate governance, deepening our South-South cooperation on climate change, and has become a pivotal participant, contributor, and leader in global ecological civilization building.
Xie Zhenhua (left), China's special envoy for Climate Change Affairs, speaks with Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, before the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion, on November 30, 2023. Photo: Shan Jie/GT
Performers are seen in costume at Expo City Dubai, the venue of COP28, on November 29, 2023. Photo: VCG
Performers are seen in costume at Expo City Dubai, the venue of COP28, on November 29, 2023. Photo: VCG
A view of the Dubai Exhibition Center in Expo City Dubai. Photo: VCG
A view of the Dubai Exhibition Center in Expo City Dubai. Photo: VCG
China's strategic goodwill is the most important counterbalance to avoid global disasters
China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) kicks off on November 28 in Beijing. Photo: VCG
CISCE embodies a sense of vision and transcendence
The world's first national-level exhibition with a theme focusing on supply chain, the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), opened on November 28 in Beijing. Against the backdrop of the global industrial and supply chains' stability being impacted, and the urgent expectation of consolidating and strengthening global cooperation, the expo will not only showcase new key technologies, products, and services along the global supply chain, but also strive to help enterprises from various countries find partners in the upstream and downstream of the supply chain. It is another important public product that China provides to the world. Judging from the "hard-to-come-by" registration, this move has obviously received strong responses from the outside world; it is a new and mutually beneficial journey.
The convening of the inaugural CISCE is indeed timely. In recent years, the most severe challenges facing the global economic and trade sector have revolved around industrial chain and supply chain issues. The impact of the pandemic and the trend of "decoupling" and "derisking" incited by some countries are creating a fragmented and risky outlook. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, previously warned that if the world were to break up into trading blocs it would mean a 5 percent loss in real global GDP in the longer term. Against this backdrop, China's hosting of the first CISCE, as an innovative initiative, undoubtedly provides valuable positive expectations and policy guidance for the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain.
The ongoing CISCE lasts for five days, with a total of 515 domestic and foreign enterprises and institutions from 55 countries and regions participating. It covers five supply chains: smart vehicle, green agriculture, clean energy, digital technology, and healthy life, and includes a supply chain service exhibition area. Among the exhibitors, 26 percent are international exhibitors, with American companies accounting for about 20 percent, the figure far exceeding expectations. Major global top 500 enterprises and multinational companies such as Amazon, ExxonMobil, Apple, FedEx, Tesla, GE HealthCare, Intel, HP, Qualcomm, Honeywell, and others have sent representatives.
This reflects at least two answers. Firstly, China is genuinely pursuing an open and inclusive industrial and supply chain, welcoming all international enterprises, including US companies, and firmly opposing exclusive protectionism and various forms of "decoupling." Secondly, despite Washington's continuous maneuvers behind the scenes and attempts to coerce and entice American and other foreign companies to distance themselves from the Chinese market, most multinational enterprises are not swayed. Their actual choices represent the prevailing trend of strengthening global interconnectedness.
Many international media outlets have noticed that just hours before the opening of the CISCE, on November 27 local time, the US established the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, convened the first meeting and announced nearly 30 new actions to "strengthen supply chains critical to America's economic and national security." When asked by the media, US officials emphasized "geopolitical risks" and "threats and vulnerabilities" inside the US. This is the latest step taken by the US after implementing a series of protectionist measures. It should be pointed out that Washington's high unilateralism and hegemonic actions have had a significant impact on global industrial and supply chains in recent years.
It is not difficult to see that there are two completely different paths on how to maintain the security and stability of industrial and supply chains across the Pacific. One is focused on eliminating barriers, promoting a more extensive and in-depth globalization driven by market laws, and promoting the construction of a global industrial and supply chain system where countries participate extensively, complement each other's strengths, and share dividends. The other tries to dominate the industrial and supply chains through "reshoring manufacturing" and creating an alliance system, determining who can participate and who will be "kicked out" solely based on the discretion of the "hegemon."
The White House announced that the US Department of Commerce will hold a Supply Chain Data and Analytics Summit next year. It is unknown whether a repeat of what happened in the semiconductor field will occur. Samsung and TSMC are probably the ones who understand the situation the most. Washington's intentions are evident - it aims to permanently solidify its position at the high end of the global industrial and supply chains, which means keeping a large number of developing countries in a subordinate or even economically enslaved position, making it difficult for them to break free. This is a manifestation of economic imperialist thinking. The fact that some media outlets view the CISCE as an attempt to "form another camp" of supply chains dominated by China shows their hegemonism and narrow-mindedness. In fact, China has never approached the issue from this perspective when it comes to maintaining the stability of the industrial and supply chains.
If we really want to discuss the differences between China and the US in maintaining the stability of the industrial and supply chains, it is clear that the US is taking the path of "restricting others and developing itself," while China is pursuing the path of "mutual benefit and win-win cooperation." This is not a so-called competitive relationship claimed by some US media outlets, but a transcendence of narrow-mindedness. We believe that the CISCE, like the Canton Fair and the CIIE, will continue to be held year after year and demonstrate vigorous vitality. China is not only a participant and beneficiary of global industrial and supply chain cooperation, but also a firm defender and builder. This point will become increasingly evident in the future, and China's significance in the global industrial and supply chains will also continue to grow.
TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by Chinese technology company ByteDance, achieved a major victory in the US after a judge on Thursday (US time) blocked Montana's first-of-its kind state ban on the use of the app from taking effect ...
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 30) as he tabled a much-anticipated White Paper on the Progressive Wage Policy, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the voluntary programme will target 1,000 companies for the pilot, with a focus on micro small and medium enterprises.
Only Malaysian employees who earn less than RM5,000 (US$1,076) monthly will be eligible for the programme, with workers from multinational and government-linked companies exempted from participating in the project, he added.
“The progressive wage policy model that will be introduced involves a progressive increase in wages, in line with the increase in employee productivity,” said Mr Rafizi.
“This policy will not only improve the skills of employees, but employers will also benefit through increased productivity, employee loyalty and competitiveness.”
Mr Rafizi noted that Malaysian employees faced issues of low wages, with 73.3 percent of a formal workforce of 6.54 million people earning less than RM5,000 a month.
He also said that according to official data, wages grew at an average of 4.1 per cent from 2011 to 2022.
“Low wages have had a serious impact on the lives of workers in this country, with a large portion of wages being used to cover basic expenses and not having the opportunity to make any savings,” he said.
Mr Rafizi said that companies participating in the programme would receive financial incentives from the government.
According to Mr Rafizi, participating companies will be eligible to receive cash incentives of up to RM200 monthly for 12 months for fresh graduates and entry level posts, while for non-entry-level posts, the incentive rate is proposed to be up to RM300 monthly for 12 months.
The granting of these incentives will be reviewed every year based on the government's fiscal position, he added.
The incentives will be paid after employers submit documents for their staff’s skills upgrading courses in training programmes identified and certified by the government.
Malaysian economics minister Rafizi Ramli speaking in parliament (Photo: Bernama)
Malaysia’s progressive wage model takes inspiration from Singapore’s Progressive Wage Model implemented and identified in specified sectors, where a multi-year salary increment schedule is set out for workers in tandem with skills acquisition on their part.
However, the government’s moves on this front in recent months has sparked public discussions over whether a progressive wage model is feasible in Malaysia, and what it could mean for the country’s minimum wage policy that covers all sectors.
Malaysia currently has a minimum monthly wage of RM1,500 per month, which was implemented in May of last year. Under the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011, the minimum wage must be reviewed every two years.
In parliament, Mr Rafizi said that the government decided on a pilot programme first to fine-tune it, before expanding it to all employers in the future.
“An impact assessment will be made on the effectiveness of the pilot project and its viability before it is fully implemented,” he said.
The incentives will be given to companies that meet the conditions and criteria for a period of one year to enable the company to adjust its business plan.
He said that a survey of 2,038 workers found that 60 per cent of them supported the implementation of the policy.
Keep safety measures up as the year-end holidays approach says health experts
PETALING JAYA: As Covid-19 caseloads increase, health experts say Malaysians must exercise vigilance to avoid catching the life-threatening disease and other infectious respiratory diseases such as influenza.
These experts say that keeping safety measures up, especially as the year-end holidays approach, can protect yourselves and others besides preventing both asymptomatic and symptomatic spread of respiratory illnesses, which are more dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and chronically ill.
Public health medicine specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said that during the year-end rainy and wet season, there will be many respiratory infection cases due to viruses.
He said the public should not only take measures to prevent Covid-19 but also other respiratory diseases and food and water-borne illnesses during these wet months.
“Covid-19 is still with us and can cause severe illness and even death. Practise SOP (standard operating procedure) like wearing a mask, washing hands, avoiding crowded places, seeking treatment and completing the immunisation schedule,” he said.
On Nov 23, the Health Ministry said that Covid-19 cases had risen by 28% between Nov 12 and 18 at 2,305 infections compared to 1,801 the week before.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said given that Covid-19 symptoms were now mild for most, there was a high likelihood of those infected not performing self-tests or isolating themselves. She also stressed on the use of face masks for those with flu-like symptoms and isolation if the individual is confirmed to contract Covid-19.
“Skipping these practices could be one of the main reasons why there is an increase in cases,” she said.
Dr Azizan said those with influenza should mask up when going around, adding that Covid-19-positive individuals should report themselves through the MySejahtera app.
She also reminded those in high-risk categories to ensure that they have received the recommended boosters and use a face mask when in crowded places and situations.
“The elderly are also recommended to take the influenza vaccine as they may have a weaker immune system. The same goes for children above six months of age,” she said. “And do not forget the good habits the pandemic has taught us: wash hands often with soap and water or use sanitiser.”
Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said that while the recent 28% surge in cases was concerning, it had to be ascertained whether there was also a rise in virulence.
The health economist and public health specialist with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said there is a need to look at trends of Covid-19 admissions and patients with severe respiratory symptoms.On whether a major outbreak is possible, Dr Sharifa Ezat said it is unlikely “unless a new variant of concern comes up, and is highly virulent”.
She also advised patients with mild Covid-19 to wear a mask and get boosted if they have yet to do so, while those with severe symptoms should get tested and seek treatment.
“Immunocompromised populations are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms as well,” she said, referring to those with obesity, young children, the elderly and individuals with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said there has been a small increase in Covid-19 patients in private hospitals but the situation is still manageable.
“We have seen spikes after festive periods and we should be careful with very crowded places during gatherings,” he added.
Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Amrahi Buang said the new wave of infections was likely due to new variants and it has been happening in other countries as well, such as in Perth, Australia.
Last week, a surge in Covid-19 cases prompted the government of the Western Australian state to reintroduce face mask rules at Perth public hospitals.
Amrahi said the current rise in infections in Malaysia is concerning, adding that people have not been using MySejahtera to self-report.
