No smoking at outdoor restaurants from December, says deputy health minister
Smokers will not be able to light up even when dining al fresco at restaurants nationwide in just three more months. The Health Ministry has announced that all open air restaurants will be gazetted as non-smoking areas from December, reported Utusan Malaysia. “This gazettement is Malaysia’s commitment as a member state to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and adheres to the guidelines under Article 8 of the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is also one of the ministry’s initiatives to protect the public from the dangers of cigarette smoke,” said Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye. Those found to flout the law can be fined RM10,000 or jailed up to two years. (Malay Mail Online)
Sime Darby sole Malaysian player recognised on Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Sime Darby Property Bhd has been recognised as an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), receiving a commendable sustainability score to be qualified as an index constituent in Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index. In a statement, Sime Darby Property said it was the only real estate industry player from Malaysia to be included in the index alongside other property players from the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa and Chile.The Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index comprises emerging-market sustainability leaders as identified by RobecoSAM, an investment specialist that focuses exclusively on sustainability investing. It aims to represent the top 10% of the largest 800 companies in 20 emerging markets, based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria. (The Star Online)
Dr M: Malaysia has no plans for nuclear power plant
The government has no plans to pursue nuclear power to generate electricity in Malaysia, amid the risk associated with it, says Prime Minster Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He said although the cost of energy production through nuclear power was way cheaper, there was still this lack of knowledge in its handling, especially the safer way to dispose nuclear waste. He also cited the catastrophic nuclear tragedy in 1986, the Chernobyl disaster, both in terms of cost and casualties. Dr Mahathir said the country would continue to use fossil materials such as fuel and coal, as well as hydro, to generate electricity. (The Edge Markets)
Gamuda confirms submitting highest bid for Singapore land
Gamuda Bhd and Evia Real Estate (7) Pte Ltd, which jointly tendered for a 51,411.9-square metre land at Anchorvale Crescent in Singapore, have emerged with the highest bid at S$318.89 million (RM963.0 million). The Housing and Development Board of Singapore (HDB) announced the provisional tender results after the exercise’s closing date on Sept 14. The Malaysian property developer, which participated in the tender via wholly-owned subsidiary Gamuda (Singapore) Pte Ltd, said the site was earmarked for an executive condominium development project. It added that it would make a further announcement on the tender on receipt of the letter of acceptance from HDB to the successful tenderer, namely Gamuda Singapore-Evia Joint Venture. (NST Online)
Germany rolls out world’s first hydrogen train
Germany on Sept 17 rolled out the world’s first hydrogen-powered train, signalling the start of a push to challenge the might of polluting diesel trains with costlier but more eco-friendly technology. Two bright blue Coradia iLint trains, built by French TGV-maker Alstom, began running a 100km route in northern Germany – a stretch normally plied by diesal trains. The company plans to deliver another 14 trains by 2021. Hydrogen trains are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, a process that leaves steam and water as the only emissions. Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries on board the train. The Coradia iLint trains can run for around 1,000km on a single tank of hydrogen, similar to the range of diesel trains. Other countries are also looking into hydrogen trains, including Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Italy and Canada. (The Star Online)
The first hydrogen-powered train, by French train maker Alstom, arrives at the station in Bremervoerde, Germany, as it enters service. — AFP Relaxnews
