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Thousands evacuate Philippine coast as tropical storm approaches

Thousands evacuate Philippine coast as tropical storm approaches

MANILA : Thousands of Philippine residents evacuated coastal areas on Saturday as Tropical Storm Fengshen approached with warnings of potential flooding. The government weather service forecast the storm would hit Catanduanes island late Saturday with wind gusts reaching 90 kilometres per hour. Fengshen is expected to make a second landfall on Luzon island on Sunday morning. The storm system brings heavy rainfall and a minimal to moderate coastal flooding risk from waves measuring 1-2 metres. Local disaster officials reported nearly 17,000 people evacuated from Albay province and over 9,000 from Catanduanes island. These evacuations represent a familiar routine for a region frequently experiencing Pacific cyclones. Catanduanes provincial authorities ordered local officials to activate evacuation plans for high-risk coastal and landslide-prone areas. The Philippines typically faces approximately 20 storms and typhoons annually, often affecting impoverished communities. Scientists indicate storms are growing more powerful due to human-caused climate change. Fengshen’s arrival follows recent major earthquakes that killed at least 87 people over the past three weeks. – AFP

Israel identifies 75-year-old hostage returned by Hamas in Gaza

Israel identifies 75-year-old hostage returned by Hamas in Gaza

JERUSALEM : Israeli authorities have identified the deceased hostage returned by Hamas on Friday as 75-year-old Eliyahu Margalit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the identification process was completed on Saturday. The Israeli military formally notified Margalit’s family about the return and identification of their loved one. Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s commitment to recovering all hostages, both living and deceased. Margalit’s remains were transferred to Israeli security forces in Gaza through the Red Cross. His body was returned to Israel for medical analysis and identification on Friday night. The Israeli military confirmed the remains were subsequently returned to Margalit’s family for burial. Margalit was killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. He is survived by his wife, three children, and grandchildren. His daughter Nili Margalit was also abducted but returned during the November 2023 hostage release agreement. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated the group remains committed to the ceasefire agreement. Qassem confirmed Hamas would continue working to complete the full prisoner exchange process. The US-brokered ceasefire agreement required Hamas to return all hostages by Monday at 0900 GMT. Hamas has returned all 20 surviving hostages and 10 out of 28 known deceased hostages so far. – AFP

Kereta berpusing beberapa kali sebelum terbabas ke stesen minyak

Kereta berpusing beberapa kali sebelum terbabas ke stesen minyak

KUBANG PASU: Pekerja dan pelanggan sebuah stesen minyak di Taman Angsana, Changlun di sini berdepan detik mencemaskan apabila sebuah kereta dipercayai berpusing beberapa kali sebelum terbabas menghala ke premis itu. Menurut saksi, Kamarulzaman Lot, 42, kejadian pada pukul 9.24 pagi itu juga mengakibatkan enjin kereta berkenaan tercabut dan hampir mengenai sebuah kereta lain yang berada ... Read more The post Kereta berpusing beberapa kali sebelum terbabas ke stesen minyak appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Israel cabul gencatan senjata, bunuh 11 sekeluarga di Gaza

Israel cabul gencatan senjata, bunuh 11 sekeluarga di Gaza

GAZA: Israel membunuh 11 sekeluarga di Gaza, menjadikannya pelanggaran gencatan senjata paling maut sejak ia mula berkuat kuasa lapan hari lalu. Serangan itu berlaku pada petang Jumaat apabila peluru berpandu dari kereta kebal dilancarkan oleh pasukan Israel ke atas sebuah kenderaan awam yang membawa keluarga Abu Shaaban di kawasan Zeitoun, Gaza City, menurut pertahanan awam ... Read more The post Israel cabul gencatan senjata, bunuh 11 sekeluarga di Gaza appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Vigorous Dragon: China’s J-10C fighter ready to roar in Indonesia

Vigorous Dragon: China’s J-10C fighter ready to roar in Indonesia

Indonesia’s plan to buy Chinese J-10C Chengdu “Vigorous Dragon” multi-role fighters (MRFs) signals a seismic shift in Southeast Asia’s airpower balance—where the nation’s pursuit of strategic autonomy may blur the line between independence and alignment. This month, multiple media outlets reported that Indonesia has confirmed plans to purchase 42 J-10C fighters in a deal worth […] The post Vigorous Dragon: China’s J-10C fighter ready to roar in Indonesia appeared first on Asia Times .

CAP cautions Hindus against excessive sugar intake during Deepavali

CAP cautions Hindus against excessive sugar intake during Deepavali

GEORGE TOWN : The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged Hindus celebrating Deepavali to be mindful of their sugar consumption and make healthier choices during the festival of lights. CAP senior education officer N.V. Subbarow said while Deepavali is a time of joy and indulgence, it can be especially challenging for those managing their blood sugar levels. “Deepavali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration and delicious treats. For individuals managing blood sugar levels, this festive season can be a bit challenging. “However, with thoughtful planning and the right choices, Hindus can enjoy Deepavali without compromising their health,” he said in a statement. Subbarow said it is easy to overindulge in rich, high-calorie foods during the festival, noting that sugary delicacies can be particularly tempting. “The abundance of traditional sweets, carb-heavy dishes and celebratory drinks creates a perfect storm for blood glucose fluctuations. Irregular eating patterns — late-night dinners, skipped meals and continuous snacking — further disrupt the body’s natural glucose regulation,” he said. He advised celebrants to take small servings and avoid second helpings, adding that “social pressures to indulge often make sugar management feel like an uphill battle.” “Festivals are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, but moderation and awareness are key to ensuring that celebrations do not come at the expense of one’s health,” he said. The Health Ministry’s Healthy Eating During the Deepavali Festival guide, published in 2012, similarly advises moderation when consuming festive favourites that are often high in sugar and fat. According to the guide, Deepavali dishes are typically prepared with large amounts of ghee and sugar. Traditional sweets such as laddoo, halwa and gulab jamun can contain between 30g and 50g of sugar per 100g, depending on preparation. A single serving of laddoo (40g) has roughly 180 calories, a slice of halwa (40g) about 200 calories, and one muruku (20g) around 120 calories — amounting to nearly 500 calories combined. The guide recommends smaller portions, less frying, and using reduced sugar or low-fat milk to make festive treats healthier, alongside increasing fruit and water intake. According to the National Health Screening Initiative 2023, more than half of Malaysians screened were overweight or obese, while the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2024 found that six in ten adults consume at least one sugary drink daily — a major contributor to weight gain and diabetes risk. Meanwhile, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader voiced concern over the sale of firecrackers in the overcrowded Little India area during the festive season, warning that it poses a serious fire hazard. “Many of these stalls lack fire extinguishers, safe storage and basic safety measures. A single spark in such a crowded place can cause a major fire, putting lives, shops and homes at risk,” he said. He urged the Fire and Rescue Department to inspect the area immediately and take preventive action, stressing that firecrackers should only be sold by licensed shops following safety regulations. “Prevention is better than disaster,” Mohideen added.

Education minister vows full responsibility for school safety reforms

Education minister vows full responsibility for school safety reforms

KUALA LUMPUR : Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has vowed to take full responsibility and strengthen safety measures in schools following several recent crimes involving students. She expressed deep sorrow over these incidents and confirmed the Ministry of Education remains committed to implementing safety and well-being reforms across all educational institutions. “My deputy Wong Kah Woh and I take full responsibility towards ensuring improved safety at all institutions under the MOE,“ Fadhlina stated in a Facebook post. She promised that improvement measures would be implemented immediately to protect students, teachers, and all school staff. Fadhlina also thanked parents and Parent-Teacher Associations for their continued support during this difficult period. The country has been shaken by several horrific school crimes in recent weeks. A 16-year-old female student was fatally stabbed at a school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, on October 14. The suspect, a 14-year-old boy, has been remanded for seven days to assist police investigations. On October 7, a nine-year-old girl from a Rembau, Negeri Sembilan school was allegedly molested by a female security guard and her boyfriend. A Form Three female student at a school in Alor Gajah, Melaka, was raped by her seniors on October 2. – Bernama

Taman Putra Harmoni residents sue five parties over gas explosion

Taman Putra Harmoni residents sue five parties over gas explosion

SUBANG JAYA : Thirty-six residents of Taman Putra Harmoni in Putra Heights have filed a civil suit at the Shah Alam High Court against five parties including Petronas Gas Berhad over a massive explosion and fire on April 1. The plaintiffs’ representative Loh Poh Heng confirmed the suit also names Hong & Hong Homes Sdn Bhd, Pinterest Ventures Sdn Bhd, Subang Jaya City Council, and the Government of Malaysia as defendants. He explained the gas pipeline explosion occurred at 8.07 am on the second day of Aidilfitri and triggered a major fire destroying dozens of homes in the Topaz and Citrine neighbourhoods. “The fire raged for over seven hours before it was extinguished,“ he said during a press conference at the estate. “Our homes were destroyed, our lives were turned upside down, and many residents suffered serious injuries including severe burns and emotional trauma that persists to this day.” The residents allege the tragedy resulted from negligence regarding pipeline installation proximity to homes and construction approvals over safety concerns. Loh said the plaintiffs are seeking compensation for property loss, physical health impacts and emotional distress. He added that they hope no other community will have to endure a similar experience in the future. He confirmed they have appointed former Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas as their lead counsel. Plaintiff Shankar Robindran said this year’s Deepavali celebration is profoundly different after living in the neighbourhood for over 15 years. “We are renting now, so it feels completely different,“ he said at the press conference. “We don’t have the mood to do anything because we are still sad and traumatised by what happened.” Another plaintiff Loo Yoke Chen claimed she suffered burns to her legs and back from the incident. Loo who works for an oil and gas company said she is still on sick leave after undergoing two skin graft surgeries. The April 1 gas pipeline explosion and fire resulted in 81 houses completely destroyed and 81 partially destroyed. The incident also affected 57 units that were not burnt and left 218 homes undamaged. – Bernama

Andalusia sasar urus 80,000 jemaah umrah menjelang 2026

Andalusia sasar urus 80,000 jemaah umrah menjelang 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Andalusia) menyasarkan untuk mengurus sekurang-kurangnya 80,000 jemaah umrah menjelang tahun 2026, menerusi pelancaran Kempen October Deals 2025.  Ahli Lembaga Pengurusan Andalusia, Izzati Ibrahim berkata, kempen tersebut diadakan bagi menamatkan baki lebih 15,000 tempat duduk penerbangan yang masih tersedia sehingga April 2026. Menurutnya, kempen tersebut bertujuan membantu umat ... Read more The post Andalusia sasar urus 80,000 jemaah umrah menjelang 2026 appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .