Sep 26, 2007
Myanmar protesters disperse after crackdown, at least 4 killed
Security forces form a barricade after closing the eastern gate of the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
YANGON - TENS of thousands of anti-government protesters dispersed in Yangon after six hours of marches Wednesday in which at least four people were killed - three of them monks - in a crackdown by security forces.
About 200 protesters have been arrested, said witnesses.
The protests, including thousands of monks, spread through the city and were met by soldiers and riot police who responded with teargas and warning shots fired over the crowd, witnesses said.
Based on witness accounts compiled from around Yangon, as many as 100,000 people took to the streets, with civilians far outnumbering the Buddhist monks who have spearheaded the movement.
The protesters took to the streets in defiance of a ban on gatherings and stern threats from the junta.
At least four people, including three Buddhist monks, were killed in the crackdown by soldiers and police, according to Myanmar officials and hospital sources.
About 200 people, as many as half of them Buddhist monks, were arrested, witnesses and diplomats said. One western diplomat said that at least 100 Buddhist monks were among the arrests.
Buddhist monks have led nine straight days of demonstrations in Yangon and other cities around the country, but Wednesday was the first day that security forces tried to violently break up the crowds.
At least 17 monks were injured, witnesses said. All 17 were injured around midday when police baton-charged a group of monks and mainly young protesters near the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar's holiest shrine, the witnesses said.
Among the wounded was an 80-year-old monk who witnesses said was beaten about the head by security forces. The elderly monk has participated in the daily anti-junta protests in Yangon although he cannot walk and has to be carried.
Hospital officials have refused to comment on any injuries stemming from the crackdown.
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party said onWednesday Myanmar’s military regime had committed 'the greatest, irreparable wrong in history' by beating Buddhist monks.
The civilian crowd near the Sule Pagoda, end point of monk-led protest marches this week, was awaiting the arrival of a procession of an estimated 10,000 Buddhist monks and civilians, a witness said.
Security forces also fired tear gas at columns of monks trying to push their way through barricades sealing off the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar's holiest Buddhist shrine and the starting point of the mass marches against decades of military rule.
As many as 200 maroon-robed monks were arrested outside the gilded shrine at the heart of the former Burma's main city, monks said.
Despite the presence at key locations of police and soldiers armed with rifles, batons and shields, the procession of 10,000 monks and civilians marched towards the Sule Pagoda, witnesses said.
Their numbers swelled as they headed towards the temple, scene of some of the worst bloodshed when troops opened fire on protesters in 1988, killing an estimated 3,000 in the ruthless crushing of the last major uprising.
Many of the monks wore surgical masks to try to counteract the effects of tear gas, one witness said.
Witnesses and monks said some of the deeply revered Buddhist clergy were beaten and manhandled by riot police as they were taken away from the Shwedagon, action which could inflame public anger against the military, which has been in charge since 1962.
Activist arrested
A comedian famed for his anti-government jibes became the first well-known activist rounded up following the protests.
Zarganar, who uses only one name, was taken away from his home overnight by authorities shortly after midnight. His family members said on Wednesday that they were told he had been 'called in for temporary questioning.'
Along with actor Kyaw Thu and poet Aung Way, Zarganar led a committee that provided food and other necessities to the monks who have spearheaded the protests. He had earlier been imprisoned twice and his comedy routines were banned for their satirical jokes about the regime.
The fates of the actor and poet were not immediately known, but there were unconfirmed reports from dissident groups of more than half a dozen other arrests.
Myanmar's leaders warned monks to stop the protests after some 100,000 people joined marches in the country's biggest city, Yangon, on Monday in the largest anti-government demonstrations since a 1988 pro-democracy uprising was violently suppressed.
The junta imposed the 9pm-to-5am curfew and ban on public assembly after 35,000 people monks and their supporters defied the warnings to stage another day of protests on Tuesday.
The junta has not used force so far to stop the demonstrations.
But troops in full battle gear and police swarmed around Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda and Mahamuni Paya Pagoda, among the most sacred sites in the country.
Mandalay
In Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, more than 100 soldiers armed with assault rifles were deployed around the Mahamuni Paya Pagoda, erecting a barricade and barbed wire at the gate from which monks had marched out to protest.
Five military trucks were seen inside the monastery compound, while other soldiers were stationed along the road into the fabled city of temples and palaces.
'We are so afraid, the soldiers are ready to fire on civilians at any time,' a man near the pagoda said, asking that his name not be used for fear of reprisals.
If the military responds to new protests with force, it could further isolate Myanmar from the international community. It would almost certainly put pressure on Myanmar's top economic and diplomatic supporter, China, which is eager to burnish its international image before next year's Olympics in Beijing.
If monks who are leading the protests are mistreated, that could outrage the predominantly Buddhist country, where clerics are revered. But if the junta backs down, it risks appearing weak and emboldening protesters, which could escalate the tension.
When faced with a similar crisis in 1988, the government harshly suppressed a student-led democracy uprising. Security forces fired into crowds of peaceful demonstrators and killed thousands, traumatizing the nation.
Call for peace
Foreign governments and religious leaders have urged the junta to deal peacefully with the situation. They included the Dalai Lama and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, both Nobel Peace Prize laureates like detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
US sanctions
US President George W. Bush announced new sanctions against Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, accusing the military dictatorship of imposing 'a 19-year reign of fear' that denies basic freedoms of speech, assembly and worship.
President Bush said the US would tighten economic sanctions on leaders of the regime and their financial backers, and impose an expanded visa ban on those responsible for human rights violations and their families.
Britain warns junta
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband urged restraint from Myanmar authorities on Wednesday, warning the 'extremely repressive' regime it would be held accountable for its actions.
'The world does want restraint, and it will hold the regime accountable for any actions,' said Mr Miliband after the military junta moved to crush the mass rallies that have erupted nationwide.
EU threatens sanctions
The European Union also threatened to strengthen existing sanctions against the regime if it uses violence to put down the demonstrations.
Britain's ambassador to Myanmar, Mark Canning, met Tuesday with some of Myanmar's leaders, urging continued restraint. Canning said he told ministers that the 'demonstrations have been peaceful and well-disciplined'.
'It will be disastrous in the eyes of the world on Myanmar if the authorities use force,' he told them, saying that they assured him the situation would be handled with caution.
M'sia opposes sanctions
Malaysia opposes the imposition of economic sanctions on Myanmar as they would hurt the ordinary people, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.
Mr Syed Hamid, who is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, said sanctions would not affect the military junta but usually hurt ordinary citizens more.
'Any hard or aggressive action would be counter-productive at this stage,' he was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency. 'We think the best way of resolving the issue is to get the constitutional process on track, to get the reconciliation going.' -- AP, AFP, REUTERS
Responses:
I visited Myanmar in early 2003. The people are friendly and hospitable. They deserve a better government, one that will bring them some decency into their lives. Let us also not forget that the military Junta are an illegal governemnt. The government of Singapore are in a unique position, holding the Chair of ASEAN, and can bear diplomatic pressure to end this illegal rule peacefully. Alas, but there are vested interests that may impinge on any hope of true change. The Singapore government has built up substantial clout with the Junta. We have built cyberwarfare schools for the Junta which they use to intimidate their own population and we have substantial financial links with the Junta. A lot of their monies are in our banks. A walk down central Yangon, you will see many old comfort taxi cabs being used by ordinary Burmese.
With George Bush's announcement of targeted sanctions against the Junta and those that help them, would it mean that Singapore might be on the list to receive those sanctions?
It is very sad that ASEAN is not doing anything! ASEAN seems to see BUrma as just another businees opporunity. Sinagpore included. Singapore by setting up business dealings with the junta is supporting the burmese militrary and condoning the gross human rights abuses occuring at this very moment in Burma. Do we not care what happens to our neighbours? Is life all about accumulating wealth? It is a very sad materialistic society that is Singapore that we live in today.
I think it is deplorable that a country like ours has got dealings with the Junta. We should use any influence we have to redeem our international standing and urge the Junta to reliquish power back to the people of Burma and not use economic rationalism as an excuse over the sovereignty of a moral cause!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Article Review 4 - The success of locally-made films (or rather, lack of)
The locally-produced movie, 881, directed by home-grown director Royston Tan, has been doing extremely well, attracting many Singaporeans to watch his movie. Thus, it has drawn national media attention and courage on the success on the production of his film. Some believe that he will, in time to come, follow in the shoes of popular local director Jack Neo, and go on to churn out more films soon.
However, this also brings up a new topic: mainly, on how Singaporeans do not really support local movies. This has been a major problem for the local film industry, who is becoming increasingly discouraged after poorer and poorer results. There are many examples: Gone shopping, a local film which is actually given the thumbs-up by film raters, but yet, it had turned out to be a flop in box-office takings. According to the Today Newspaper, September 11, this local-produce movie starring actress Kym Ng had only garnered $31,000 in all 4 weeks of its screening, compared to the $650,000 it had taken to produce, even excluding advertising and promotion expenses (A&P)!
On the flip side, local director Jack Neo’s films are doing very well even though it is obviously a local film. His films have mass-appeal, often crossing the 2 to 3 million dollar mark in box-office takings. However, it is a sad thing since Neo’s movies are the only exception. Other local producers like Kelvin Tong, Wee Li Lin, both international prize awardees, have been hit hard by the poor industry here. The situation is so bad that it has led a director to quip, “It takes $3 to recoup every $1 spent in film production.” Unfortunately, this is a sad fact.
Many onlookers also do not expect the situation to improve drastically any time soon. As Juan Foo, a producer, also said, “People are not going to pay $8.50 just to be patriotic.”
So is the problem that Singapore directors are just no good, and produce bad work? Apparently, there have been several cases of poor movies being made. However, bad work is not a sufficient cause for poor box-office receipts. Critically-acclaimed and award-winning works like Eric Khoo’s Be With Me (2005), Royston Tan’s 4.30 and Colin Goh’s Singapore Dreaming (2006), are just some examples of how local films feted at international festivals are yet being given a hard time here. It could be just a case of Singapore’s market being too tiny for producers to recoup the amount invested.
Perhaps though, there is hope yet. While directors cannot control the box-office receipts, they can manage the production costs. Eric Khoo, a veteran director, is known for being extremely cost-conscious. His films have never cost more than $300,000, and he admits that he would only allow the maximum budget to be $500,000 for future films. If local producers adopt such a method, it may be that profiting from this industry is a possible prospect.
However, this also brings up a new topic: mainly, on how Singaporeans do not really support local movies. This has been a major problem for the local film industry, who is becoming increasingly discouraged after poorer and poorer results. There are many examples: Gone shopping, a local film which is actually given the thumbs-up by film raters, but yet, it had turned out to be a flop in box-office takings. According to the Today Newspaper, September 11, this local-produce movie starring actress Kym Ng had only garnered $31,000 in all 4 weeks of its screening, compared to the $650,000 it had taken to produce, even excluding advertising and promotion expenses (A&P)!
On the flip side, local director Jack Neo’s films are doing very well even though it is obviously a local film. His films have mass-appeal, often crossing the 2 to 3 million dollar mark in box-office takings. However, it is a sad thing since Neo’s movies are the only exception. Other local producers like Kelvin Tong, Wee Li Lin, both international prize awardees, have been hit hard by the poor industry here. The situation is so bad that it has led a director to quip, “It takes $3 to recoup every $1 spent in film production.” Unfortunately, this is a sad fact.
Many onlookers also do not expect the situation to improve drastically any time soon. As Juan Foo, a producer, also said, “People are not going to pay $8.50 just to be patriotic.”
So is the problem that Singapore directors are just no good, and produce bad work? Apparently, there have been several cases of poor movies being made. However, bad work is not a sufficient cause for poor box-office receipts. Critically-acclaimed and award-winning works like Eric Khoo’s Be With Me (2005), Royston Tan’s 4.30 and Colin Goh’s Singapore Dreaming (2006), are just some examples of how local films feted at international festivals are yet being given a hard time here. It could be just a case of Singapore’s market being too tiny for producers to recoup the amount invested.
Perhaps though, there is hope yet. While directors cannot control the box-office receipts, they can manage the production costs. Eric Khoo, a veteran director, is known for being extremely cost-conscious. His films have never cost more than $300,000, and he admits that he would only allow the maximum budget to be $500,000 for future films. If local producers adopt such a method, it may be that profiting from this industry is a possible prospect.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Singapore firms alerted on China cough syrup mix-up
Health authorities in Singapore are currently warning local manufacturers to be extra vigilant after reports of 365 deaths in Panama after many people consumed tainted cough syrup from China.
Taixing Glycerine Factory, based in China, had substituted glycerine, a safe liquid with medicinal purposes, with doses of diethylene glycol. This is an industrial solvent that is highly toxic, used as a principal ingredient in antifreeze, employed in petrol/diesel engines
From Beijing, this syrup was shipped to Barcelona (Spain). IN the process, the manufacturer’s real name was altered during the analysis translation.
Fortunately, in Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HAS) reported that no case of diethylene glycol substitution had been discovered yet, and that the risk of such an occurrence was very low. However, they would still advise local manufacturers to exercise caution when purchasing raw materials (i.e. glycerin) for pharmaceutical production.
Reading this, one feels outrages at how companies, for the sake of money, are willing to risk human lives in exchange. IN fact, these incidents have occurred before, even in Singapore. Previously, medicines imported from China – Zhen Feng Da’s Xi Tong Wan, Wellring’s Yin Qiao Jie Du, both contained disallowed substances. Traces of indomethacin – a controlled drug advised to be consumed only under medical supervision, and paracetamol, were found to be present in the aforementioned medicines respectively.
To combat this rise of tainted drugs, manufacturers are required to comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and be licensed by the appropriate authorities before they can make the market. Clearly, as shown throughout the years, this action has rid Singapore of many bad drugs, mostly from China. However, some have still managed to slip through before, for example, in 2002, Slim 10 pills caused a woman’s death and another’s severe liver damage. This caused an uproar in Singapore. I certainly hope nothing of the sort will happen again.
Taixing Glycerine Factory, based in China, had substituted glycerine, a safe liquid with medicinal purposes, with doses of diethylene glycol. This is an industrial solvent that is highly toxic, used as a principal ingredient in antifreeze, employed in petrol/diesel engines
From Beijing, this syrup was shipped to Barcelona (Spain). IN the process, the manufacturer’s real name was altered during the analysis translation.
Fortunately, in Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HAS) reported that no case of diethylene glycol substitution had been discovered yet, and that the risk of such an occurrence was very low. However, they would still advise local manufacturers to exercise caution when purchasing raw materials (i.e. glycerin) for pharmaceutical production.
Reading this, one feels outrages at how companies, for the sake of money, are willing to risk human lives in exchange. IN fact, these incidents have occurred before, even in Singapore. Previously, medicines imported from China – Zhen Feng Da’s Xi Tong Wan, Wellring’s Yin Qiao Jie Du, both contained disallowed substances. Traces of indomethacin – a controlled drug advised to be consumed only under medical supervision, and paracetamol, were found to be present in the aforementioned medicines respectively.
To combat this rise of tainted drugs, manufacturers are required to comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and be licensed by the appropriate authorities before they can make the market. Clearly, as shown throughout the years, this action has rid Singapore of many bad drugs, mostly from China. However, some have still managed to slip through before, for example, in 2002, Slim 10 pills caused a woman’s death and another’s severe liver damage. This caused an uproar in Singapore. I certainly hope nothing of the sort will happen again.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Article Review 3 - Sumatra Quake
Article: At least 70 die in Sumatra quake
Publisher: Baltimore Sun.com
Date: March 7, 2007
Singapore has always been known as a safe island that is almost a fortress against natural disasters, since we are surrounded by a ring of islands. I have constantly held this perspective and belief that we have nothing to fear from these formidable nemeses.
However, I had an awakening when I discovered that many other countries were not as well protected as we were. Of course, this was not new to me; but I had never considered empathizing or even trying to understand their plight before, until the Sumatra quake caused Singapore to experience slight tremors a day ago.
Then, I began to source for information about this disaster that had struck our neighbour country Indonesia, and began to understand the magnitude of the situation that they faced. They not only had to contend with their jobs and occupations, they even had to worry constantly about the safety of their homes, and live in fear about dreaded natural disasters occurring.
Suddenly, the geographical part of earthquakes and the like did not seem that important anymore. What was being discussed here were: lives. Human lives were being picked off by the hundreds and thousands were forced out of their homes and to become nomads for an indefinite period of time, and yet, here I was, relaxing in my abode and neither caring nor knowing about their plights. In fact, I tried to escape from donating to earthquake survivors or victims and if compelled to do so, only gave a measly dollar. How could one be so indifferent?
The terrible incidents that have befallen our own race were really shocking. Worse still, many have lost their homes, the only place where they could possibly find comfort. Their former lives were disrupted and they would probably take a long time to settle from this incident, by then which another might strike.
Through this, I also realized the absolute comfort in Singapore which we all reside in. More often than not, I have taken safety for granted and only now do I realize how difficult it is for people to have to constantly live in trepidation? When is the next quake going to strike? Will I become the next victim of such an event? These uncertainties, so real in our present world, however, are not found in Singapore. Thus the need for one to cherish his current safety that he enjoys here.
From this incident, I have decided to do more for others, and to be more open. One never knows how close he can be to become one of those unfeeling people that we sometimes see in TV and condemn. It is important that one learns how to care for his fellow men, and also, never to just forget and dismiss other’s misery in one’s happiness. More importantly, I also pledge never to donate just a dollar in the future for such worthy events…
However, I had an awakening when I discovered that many other countries were not as well protected as we were. Of course, this was not new to me; but I had never considered empathizing or even trying to understand their plight before, until the Sumatra quake caused Singapore to experience slight tremors a day ago.
Then, I began to source for information about this disaster that had struck our neighbour country Indonesia, and began to understand the magnitude of the situation that they faced. They not only had to contend with their jobs and occupations, they even had to worry constantly about the safety of their homes, and live in fear about dreaded natural disasters occurring.
Suddenly, the geographical part of earthquakes and the like did not seem that important anymore. What was being discussed here were: lives. Human lives were being picked off by the hundreds and thousands were forced out of their homes and to become nomads for an indefinite period of time, and yet, here I was, relaxing in my abode and neither caring nor knowing about their plights. In fact, I tried to escape from donating to earthquake survivors or victims and if compelled to do so, only gave a measly dollar. How could one be so indifferent?
The terrible incidents that have befallen our own race were really shocking. Worse still, many have lost their homes, the only place where they could possibly find comfort. Their former lives were disrupted and they would probably take a long time to settle from this incident, by then which another might strike.
Through this, I also realized the absolute comfort in Singapore which we all reside in. More often than not, I have taken safety for granted and only now do I realize how difficult it is for people to have to constantly live in trepidation? When is the next quake going to strike? Will I become the next victim of such an event? These uncertainties, so real in our present world, however, are not found in Singapore. Thus the need for one to cherish his current safety that he enjoys here.
From this incident, I have decided to do more for others, and to be more open. One never knows how close he can be to become one of those unfeeling people that we sometimes see in TV and condemn. It is important that one learns how to care for his fellow men, and also, never to just forget and dismiss other’s misery in one’s happiness. More importantly, I also pledge never to donate just a dollar in the future for such worthy events…
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Article Review 2 - Fighting for Animals
New TCM label scheme to fight illegal trade
ACRES and the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (Stoc) yesterday launched the Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Labelling scheme. It aims to discourage the selling of TCM products made from endangered species, in particular bear, rhinoceros and tiger.
The use of bear parts in Chinese medicine dates back over 3,000 years. Since the 1980s, bile has been extracted from live bears.
The Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), which is funding the scheme, says bears are crammed into cages for up to 22 years. Bile is collected daily through rusting metal catheters stuck into their gallbladders or via permanently open infected holes in their abdomens.
HERBAL ALTERNATIVES
Ursodeoxycholic acid, the active ingredient in bear bile, can successfully treat some liver problems. But there are more than 50 different herbal alternatives, said Acres director of investigations Charlene Tan.
She pointed out how one shopkeeper recommended herbal alternatives instead of bear products during the Acres undercover operation.
"It was very encouraging to hear that. We look forward to working with Stoc to promote the herbal alternatives," said Ms Tan.
Most of the 800-plus retail medicinal halls in Singapore are members of Stoc.
Stoc chairman Lee Tiong Sa said: "The labelling scheme will create more awareness among the traders as well as the general customers of the need to protect endangered species."
AAF founder Jill Robinson said the aim is to "educate consumers that by buying bear bile and other endangered animal products, they are directly contributing to the suffering and demise of a range of species."
Acres executive director Louis Ng said he plans to get 500 TCM shops to have the label within six months. The nine companies that have joined the scheme are listed on www.acres.org.sg
Mr. Ng said : "We urge the public to only go to TCM shops with the label. The strongest body is not Acres, Stoc or AVA- it's the consumers.
"Once demand stops, supply will stop as well."
PENALTIES
Anyone found possessing, selling, offering, advertising or displaying for sale any endangered species (whether authentic or claimed to be authentic), which had been imported without a permit, faces a compound fine of up to $5,000.
If convicted in court, the fine is up to $50,000, and the maximum jail term is two years. AVA will also confiscate all illegally acquired or imported products that contain or purport to contain endangered species.
Ms Lye Fong Keng, head of AVA's wildlife regulatory branch, said it will continue to monitor the sale of bear bile and other protected-species products in TCM shops and "take the necessary enforcement action". Anyone with information on the sale of such products can call AVA at 6227 0607.
Today
2 March 2007
What's that red label in the TCM shop?
Scheme aims to stamp out sale of endangered species products
by Gracia Chiang
BY THE end of this month, the public will be able to tell if a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shop is selling endangered species products.
Under a new voluntary labelling scheme launched yesterday, shops committed to not selling such products will place the red-coloured label (picture) at their entrance.
Organised by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) and the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (STOC), the "Acres and STOC Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Label" will cover three endangered species, namely bears, rhinoceroses and tigers.
These three species are currently given highest protection under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement of which Singapore is a signatory.
Mr Lee Tiong Sa, chairman of STOC said: "Even though this scheme does not guarantee 100 per cent that TCM shops will not sell such products anymore, it's a form of psychological pressure because, by putting up the label, you have to set a good example."
Nine TCM companies representing more than 10 retail outlets have signed on so far. Mr Ng said that Acres and STOC would be holding joint seminars at the TCM College of Singapore and issuing circulars to STOC members in order to increase that number to 500 within half a year.
There are currently more than 800 TCM retail outlets in Singapore.
This new scheme comes on the back of a recent Acres undercover investigation into the illegal trade in bear products for TCM in Singapore which was conducted from May to October last year.
Five pairs of undercover investigators visited 115 TCM shops to inquire if they sold bear products ranging from bile pills to gall bladders. Some 20 per cent of shops were caught on tape, down from 73.5 per cent from a similar 2001 investigation. Although the significant drop is encouraging, director of investigations Ms Charlene Tan said the aim is to "completely wipe out the trade in endangered species".
Based on this tip-off, government regulatory body, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) made their own rounds at 100 TCM shops this year and found 14 shops offering illegal bear products for sale. Out of these, two samples were tested to be genuine bear bile products and these shops were fined $3,000 and $5,000. The remaining 12 shops that offered bear products, which turned out to be fakes, were fined between $500 and $1,000.
AVA's head of wildlife regulatory, Ms Lye Fong Keng, welcomed the use of the labels. She said: "This scheme supplements AVA's outreach programmes and continual efforts in stamping out illegal wildlife trade."
The Straits Times
2 March 2007
Fewer TCM shops selling illegal bear products
By Tania Fong
Fewer shops dealing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are selling bear bile products, which are illegal, and even those who did, sold fakes.
Apart from penalties, public education on the cruelty to bears, an endangered species, has helped turn the tide.
Local animal welfare charity, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) even went "undercover" to monitor and review the situation.
Yesterday, Acres announced its findings. Between May and October last year, it found that only 23 shops, or 20 per cent, of the 115 TCM shops sold bear bile products.
It carried out a similar stake-out in 2001. Then, it had found that 50- or 73.5 per cent- of the 68 shops monitored sold the products.
Acres executive director Louis Ng said the latest figures showed a "significant and positive achievement".
ACRES and the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (Stoc) yesterday launched the Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Labelling scheme. It aims to discourage the selling of TCM products made from endangered species, in particular bear, rhinoceros and tiger.
The use of bear parts in Chinese medicine dates back over 3,000 years. Since the 1980s, bile has been extracted from live bears.
The Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), which is funding the scheme, says bears are crammed into cages for up to 22 years. Bile is collected daily through rusting metal catheters stuck into their gallbladders or via permanently open infected holes in their abdomens.
HERBAL ALTERNATIVES
Ursodeoxycholic acid, the active ingredient in bear bile, can successfully treat some liver problems. But there are more than 50 different herbal alternatives, said Acres director of investigations Charlene Tan.
She pointed out how one shopkeeper recommended herbal alternatives instead of bear products during the Acres undercover operation.
"It was very encouraging to hear that. We look forward to working with Stoc to promote the herbal alternatives," said Ms Tan.
Most of the 800-plus retail medicinal halls in Singapore are members of Stoc.
Stoc chairman Lee Tiong Sa said: "The labelling scheme will create more awareness among the traders as well as the general customers of the need to protect endangered species."
AAF founder Jill Robinson said the aim is to "educate consumers that by buying bear bile and other endangered animal products, they are directly contributing to the suffering and demise of a range of species."
Acres executive director Louis Ng said he plans to get 500 TCM shops to have the label within six months. The nine companies that have joined the scheme are listed on www.acres.org.sg
Mr. Ng said : "We urge the public to only go to TCM shops with the label. The strongest body is not Acres, Stoc or AVA- it's the consumers.
"Once demand stops, supply will stop as well."
PENALTIES
Anyone found possessing, selling, offering, advertising or displaying for sale any endangered species (whether authentic or claimed to be authentic), which had been imported without a permit, faces a compound fine of up to $5,000.
If convicted in court, the fine is up to $50,000, and the maximum jail term is two years. AVA will also confiscate all illegally acquired or imported products that contain or purport to contain endangered species.
Ms Lye Fong Keng, head of AVA's wildlife regulatory branch, said it will continue to monitor the sale of bear bile and other protected-species products in TCM shops and "take the necessary enforcement action". Anyone with information on the sale of such products can call AVA at 6227 0607.
Today
2 March 2007
What's that red label in the TCM shop?
Scheme aims to stamp out sale of endangered species products
by Gracia Chiang
BY THE end of this month, the public will be able to tell if a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shop is selling endangered species products.
Under a new voluntary labelling scheme launched yesterday, shops committed to not selling such products will place the red-coloured label (picture) at their entrance.
Organised by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) and the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (STOC), the "Acres and STOC Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Label" will cover three endangered species, namely bears, rhinoceroses and tigers.
These three species are currently given highest protection under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement of which Singapore is a signatory.
Mr Lee Tiong Sa, chairman of STOC said: "Even though this scheme does not guarantee 100 per cent that TCM shops will not sell such products anymore, it's a form of psychological pressure because, by putting up the label, you have to set a good example."
Nine TCM companies representing more than 10 retail outlets have signed on so far. Mr Ng said that Acres and STOC would be holding joint seminars at the TCM College of Singapore and issuing circulars to STOC members in order to increase that number to 500 within half a year.
There are currently more than 800 TCM retail outlets in Singapore.
This new scheme comes on the back of a recent Acres undercover investigation into the illegal trade in bear products for TCM in Singapore which was conducted from May to October last year.
Five pairs of undercover investigators visited 115 TCM shops to inquire if they sold bear products ranging from bile pills to gall bladders. Some 20 per cent of shops were caught on tape, down from 73.5 per cent from a similar 2001 investigation. Although the significant drop is encouraging, director of investigations Ms Charlene Tan said the aim is to "completely wipe out the trade in endangered species".
Based on this tip-off, government regulatory body, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) made their own rounds at 100 TCM shops this year and found 14 shops offering illegal bear products for sale. Out of these, two samples were tested to be genuine bear bile products and these shops were fined $3,000 and $5,000. The remaining 12 shops that offered bear products, which turned out to be fakes, were fined between $500 and $1,000.
AVA's head of wildlife regulatory, Ms Lye Fong Keng, welcomed the use of the labels. She said: "This scheme supplements AVA's outreach programmes and continual efforts in stamping out illegal wildlife trade."
The Straits Times
2 March 2007
Fewer TCM shops selling illegal bear products
By Tania Fong
Fewer shops dealing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are selling bear bile products, which are illegal, and even those who did, sold fakes.
Apart from penalties, public education on the cruelty to bears, an endangered species, has helped turn the tide.
Local animal welfare charity, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) even went "undercover" to monitor and review the situation.
Yesterday, Acres announced its findings. Between May and October last year, it found that only 23 shops, or 20 per cent, of the 115 TCM shops sold bear bile products.
It carried out a similar stake-out in 2001. Then, it had found that 50- or 73.5 per cent- of the 68 shops monitored sold the products.
Acres executive director Louis Ng said the latest figures showed a "significant and positive achievement".
Bear bile products and bear gall bladders, also illegal, have been used in TCM to treat such ailments as fever, haemorrhoids, conjunctivitis and liver problems. But public education has drawn attention to the cruel facts: bear abdomens are punctured so that bile can be drawn into metal pails. The bears spend their lives in bile farms in China and Vietnam.
Of the 23 errant shops in last year's stake-out by Acres, nine offered bear gall bladders. They can cost up to $4,000 each, while bear bile pills cost between $1 and $10 each.
Acres later alerted the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), which carried out checks on the shops.
The AVA seized the bear products from the 23 shops. Six shops were fined, while the 17 others were issued warning letters.
Mr lee Tiong Sa, president of the Singapore Chinese Medicines and Health Products Merchant Association, said: "There is no need to consume bear gall bladders, as there are more than 50 herbal alternatives to bear bile."
Acres and the Singapore Traditional Chinese Medicine Organisations Committee have launched labels to identify TCM retail merchants who do not sell products of endangered species.
There are about 800 TCM retail shops here.
The import and export of protected wildlife, their derivatives and parts are regulated here because Singapore has signed the Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), which controls these items.
Anyone who possesses, sells, advertises for sale, or displays endangered species on the Cites list can be fined up to $50, 000, or jailed up to two years, or both.
_________________________________________________________
With the impelementation of this scheme, with help from Acres, the wonderful organisation which helps animals, the animals are now given more protection over other evil causes, since the high fines will surely serve as a greater deterrence to those who have the slightest notion of even committing such a heinous deed.
But this article made me wonder about the peculiarities of human nature: Why are these required so that people will not do such things to their fellow friends? Is it not a daunting thought if one ever considered that humans did not become the dominant race on Earth and instead others were. For example in the novel Planets of the Apes, then how would we want to be treated.
It is sad that animals can be mistreated just because they have no voice and cannot express their feelings and thoughts, although these are emotions that they surely must have. Every living thing requires love and warmth, and our fellow friends from nature are no exceptions. Of course, Acres is doing a great job in helping animals, but I believe it would be much better if there was no need for such an organization to be founded.
Of the 23 errant shops in last year's stake-out by Acres, nine offered bear gall bladders. They can cost up to $4,000 each, while bear bile pills cost between $1 and $10 each.
Acres later alerted the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), which carried out checks on the shops.
The AVA seized the bear products from the 23 shops. Six shops were fined, while the 17 others were issued warning letters.
Mr lee Tiong Sa, president of the Singapore Chinese Medicines and Health Products Merchant Association, said: "There is no need to consume bear gall bladders, as there are more than 50 herbal alternatives to bear bile."
Acres and the Singapore Traditional Chinese Medicine Organisations Committee have launched labels to identify TCM retail merchants who do not sell products of endangered species.
There are about 800 TCM retail shops here.
The import and export of protected wildlife, their derivatives and parts are regulated here because Singapore has signed the Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), which controls these items.
Anyone who possesses, sells, advertises for sale, or displays endangered species on the Cites list can be fined up to $50, 000, or jailed up to two years, or both.
_________________________________________________________
With the impelementation of this scheme, with help from Acres, the wonderful organisation which helps animals, the animals are now given more protection over other evil causes, since the high fines will surely serve as a greater deterrence to those who have the slightest notion of even committing such a heinous deed.
But this article made me wonder about the peculiarities of human nature: Why are these required so that people will not do such things to their fellow friends? Is it not a daunting thought if one ever considered that humans did not become the dominant race on Earth and instead others were. For example in the novel Planets of the Apes, then how would we want to be treated.
It is sad that animals can be mistreated just because they have no voice and cannot express their feelings and thoughts, although these are emotions that they surely must have. Every living thing requires love and warmth, and our fellow friends from nature are no exceptions. Of course, Acres is doing a great job in helping animals, but I believe it would be much better if there was no need for such an organization to be founded.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Article Review 1: First EL NINO, Now LA NINA
Article: First El Nino, Now La Nina (The Straits Times: World)
Publisher: Singapore Press Holdings
Date: March 3, 2007
This article sounds an alarm about the continually deteriorating environment, which has led Mother Nature to start to unleash her unbound fury onto Earth and its habitants. Natural disasters are starting to occur extremely frequently, due to humans’ unforgivable disregard of her health and allowing too much destruction, which has brought about massive dire consequences.
It was reported that currently, the El Nino, a term coined to describe the presence of abnormally warm sea temperatures, had left earlier on Tuesday. El Nino causes droughts and floods to become more serious than normal, and with its departure, it should actually spell good news for many. El Nino coupled with global warming, had caused an unprecedented amount of droughts in Australia and fearsome floods in SE Asia, and furthermore the US disasters Hurricane Katrina and Rita in 2005(to date of which a record number of 28 hurricanes arose that year), which claimed many innocent lives of the civilians.
Unfortunately, El Nino’s departure is followed by a similarly terrible occurrence. La Nina. It is extremely incredible that the environment is currently so wasted that two major disasters can happen one after another. The apparent and unmistakable shift was detected by space satellites and ocean measurements, reported by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) head, Mr. Conrad Laurentenbacher.
He predicted that those that resided near the coast would be hit badly, and the news would definitely not be well received.
La Nina, dubbed as “the evil twin of El Nina” and much less known to the general public, is also a term to explain the sudden and unusual drop of sea temperature below normal, affecting worldwide airflow and weather. 6 yrs ago, a brief La Nina spell caused torrential rainfall to hit Singapore and SE Asia nations. It was also the culprit behind the Philippines, Vietnam, Thai and Korean floods in. In 1998, the monsoon rains, which were also caused by La Nina, compelled 10,000 Malaysians to abandon their homes and seek a safe haven from the flash floods occurring throughout the two cities, Penang and Kedah.
The last long period of La Nina spanning from 1998 to 2001, greatly impacted Western countries, recalled drought specialist Douglas Lecomte. It is yet unknown how strong the US will be affected this year, but it was confirmed that there would be more hurricanes in the Atlantic, fewer in the Pacific, but generally a warmer and more humid weather throughout 2007.
This alarming piece of news has become a central point of debate in political circles, with the newly elected UN secretary-general Ban Ki Moon warning everyone not to underestimate its powers of destruction that it could inflict. He also hoped that “the US would take the lead in the climate change fight after the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.”Although I believe Singapore is not likely to be hit, it still is an shocking reminder of how the Earth has begun its long decay since Man first appeared.
Reading this article made me wonder how the main destroyer of Earth, US, could be so unfeeling towards its own home. By refusing to sign the Kyoto Protocol, which is an agreement by nations to limit their carbon emissions to a certain international amount, just because it would affect its economy, is really unbelievable. By emitting so much greenhouse gases, it would obviously be detrimental in the long run. With the rise of global warming, this would bring about more floods, more droughts and much more unhappiness for everyone. By disagreeing to participate in this beneficial and noble cause, US has shown itself for who she is and how she is willing to stand by and watch others suffer as a consequence of his actions. Although they have repeatedly reiterated its intentions to help conserve Earth, their actions simply do not convey their sincerity.
With the rise of global disasters like the aforementioned El Nino and La Nina, it causes many to think when this madness will all conclude one day. What should be done to make everyone be convinced and realize the harsh reality of Earths’ vulnerability? I previously read an article describing a group of scientists trying to predict how to defend Earth from asteroids in the future. It is ironic that they are trying to solve the problem of how to protect themselves from outer invasions when Earth’s defence is so poor. Shouldn't the emphasis be placed on how the Earth should be conserved, not least for us but also for the following generations? Do we want to leave behind a legacy that will bring destruction to mankind?
The Slow but Steady Destruction Of Our Own Earth
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Creation of the Blog Address
Preface
I have created this blog address with the intention of constantly reviewing the world's events and more towards the environmentalist view, perhaps? However, from time to time, I will try to explore the enigmatic nature of friendship.
KH
I have created this blog address with the intention of constantly reviewing the world's events and more towards the environmentalist view, perhaps? However, from time to time, I will try to explore the enigmatic nature of friendship.
KH
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