Lessons from the Japanese

 

We can all take a leaf from the way they treat visitors, the environment

Tourists can feel safe walking around Japan

COMPARING countries with different cultural backgrounds may not be fair but my recent trip to Japan had me taking notes.

How the Japanese stand to the left on escalators and follow the directional arrows while walking left an impression.

As a true blue Penangite, I know we are nice people, and going to Japan made me realise how similar we are in that aspect.

One day, I left my umbrella on the midnight train in Osaka and walked off with a friend.

Not only did a passenger ask the train driver to stop, she then jumped off to pass it to me, bowed, gave me a quick smile and hopped back on as I said thank you.

She could have missed her train, which was the last one for the night, but she did what she felt honour-bound to do.

In another instance, a lady running a busy cafe left her work to show my friends and I the way to the subway station.

I told her that she needn’t bring us there but she insisted with a bright smile and ran with us to the destination before bowing and returning to her cafe.

My train card did not work one time and I couldn’t leave the station.

I stepped aside to let others pass, and a group of school students behind me stepped aside too.

I urged them to go ahead but they said “no, we will wait with you”, and proceeded to help me find someone in charge.

Only after my card problem was resolved did they leave the station, while urging me to “take care”.

Not once during my 12-day trip there did I feel like a foreigner alone in a strange land.

I felt safe and at home, except for the language barrier, of course.

Penang, being a tourist hub, has its share of equally heartwarming stories about visitors receiving cordial treatment.

But there is one thing Penangites can learn from the Japanese, and that is cleanliness.

I recalled seeing only three pieces of litter on the ground during my 12 days there.

The roads and pavements were clean, almost like walking in a movie set rather than a real city or town.

Despite there not being many dustbins in open areas, there was no rubbish.

I was told people usually took their rubbish home.

Everyone I saw in eateries cleaned up after themselves, clearing their dishes and wiping down the table.

Their public toilets looked so clean that you felt you could lie down on the floor.

Even if there was only a single washroom shared by 20 small bars, it was clean and had ample toilet paper.

They do have workers cleaning the toilets but I observe the locals play a big part by never wetting the floor and leaving them cleaner than they were before.

I watched the Japanese wipe the counters or dust off crumbs even if they might not have caused it.

It was nice to see people wanting to make the space nice for everyone rather than having the mindset: “I did not cause it; it’s none of my business.”

Safety is another aspect that impressed me as a woman. I could walk around without the slightest fear.

It is safe to walk about in Penang too; you won’t need to peer around every corner, but the public safety in Japan was at another level.

It was nice to return home but I miss the cleanliness and civic-mindedness of the Japanese.

If only there was some way for Penangites to develop such a culture; we will surely reach greater heights.

In the meantime, I will be mindful to clean up after myself and leave a public spot better that it was before I used it.

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The Philippines’ illegally grounded warship at Ren'ai Jiao in South Chiba Sea; ship may cause irreversible damage to marine life

 

Philippine ship may 'cause irreversible damage to marine life'

https://youtube.com/shorts/kHVYgfys70E?si=LJx3spoWSkZWVl9z

Photo: China Coast Guard

The hull and interior facilities of the illegally grounded Philippines' warship at Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef) are severely corroded, showed a set of images exclusively obtained by the Global Times from the China Coast Guard (CCG) recently.

Experts warned that the illegally grounded warship may cause irreversible and continuous damages to the marine life in the South China Sea.

Since 2023, the Philippines has acted in bad faith, and secretly supplied construction materials to the grounded warship through various means. The Philippines' repeated supplements fully exposed its intention to blatantly violate its promise to tow away the warship, and its attempt to illegally occupy China's Ren'ai Jiao with malicious intent.

Photo: China Coast Guard

The exclusive images obtained by the Global Times from the CCG show that the hull of the illegally grounded warship has damage and leaks, with a large amount of paint peeling off the hull, and many corroded rusts water directly flowing into the sea. The entire ship has almost become a pile of rusty scrap iron, with various personal items and garbage casually placed on the uncovered deck. 

Filipino military personnel are fishing on the shallow reef of Ren'ai Jiao. One of the images shows a Filipino military personnel is standing on the grounded warship and is suspected of urinating into the lagoon of Ren'ai Jiao.

The illegally grounded warship looks actually to be no longer suitable for human habitation and living. 

Photo: China Coast Guard

Several video clips captured earlier this year show that Filipino military personnel on the grounded warship not only dumped waste water directly into the sea, they also gathered on the foredeck to burn garbage. The actions of the Filipino military personnel have starkly contrasted with the pristine blue skies and clean waters near Ren'ai Jiao, showing their destruction of the marine environment.

Facing such a dilapidated warship, the Philippine authorities have repeatedly violated their promises. Instead of towing away the illegally grounded military vessel, they have attempted to carry out large-scale repairs and reinforcements on it. The transportation has been reinforced since last year.

Photo: China Coast Guard

An anonymous professional told the Global Times that since 2023, the Philippines has repeatedly illegally intruded into China's Ren'ai Jiao, and carried out illegal resupply activities for the warship. In addition to the malicious provocations, the reason behind this is that the warship is severely damaged, and the Philippines needs to resupply building materials to repair and reinforce it in order to maintain their illegal presence in China's Ren'ai Jiao. 

"But every time, the intention to secretly resupply building materials is exposed by the CCG, who resolutely stops it," the professional said.

Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that due to the fact that the warship has been grounded for nearly 25 years, the spread of ship hull paint, the dissolution of hull metal rust, the discharge of fossil fuel combustion, and domestic waste onboard the ship have been discharged for a long time on the reefs and waters around the Ren 'ai Jiao.

Photo: China Coast Guard

These toxins continue to spread around the illegally grounded ship's grounding points, causing irreversible and continuous damage to the surrounding marine life. This not only causes the death of marine animals such as fish and shrimps, but also makes cumulative damages to marine aquatic plants. Furthermore, through the food chain, it poses significant adverse effects on the marine ecosystem of the South China Sea and humanity by extension, Yang said. 

For ships constantly moving at sea, the paint and pollution of the ship could be continuously diluted by seawater. However, if it's moored or grounded at fixed points for a long time, pollution is difficult to be diluted by seawater due to a lack of water movement, resulting in a gradient of toxins centered on the warship, Yang noted.

"Among them, prominent pollutants include mercury oxide, organotin [TBT], and copper compounds. There is enough scientific research to show that these toxins can cause irreversible pathogenic pollution to marine life. More importantly, with the enrichment of the food chain, these pollutants may enter the human living circle," Yang said.  

Yang further stated that the Philippine government, for the sinister purpose of stealing territory from other countries, deliberately ran a dilapidated military ship aground on the beautiful reefs of the South China Sea, and failed to fulfill its promise to remove it for 25 years. 

Moreover, the Philippines is unable and unwilling to carry out environmental protection and pollution control on the warship, leading to a large amount of natural and man-made pollutants being directly discharged into the surrounding reefs and waters, which is extremely irresponsible and uncivilized, Yang said.

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‘Follow SOP to check Covid-19’, Containing the rising spread

 

Mask up to be safe: People wearing face masks as a protective measure against air pollution and Covid-19 in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. — Filepic

Containing the rising spread

Covid-19: Health Ministry says cases up by 57.3%

Mask up, Covid-19 cases are rising

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/pinang-points/2023/12/05/mask-up-covid-19-cases-are-rising

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.

ALSO READ: Daily confirmed cases steadily rising since September

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.

ALSO READ: Health Ministry to send report to PAC over Covid-19 management

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.

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Rift over future of AI development

Sam Altman was fired on Nov 17 from the company that created the popular ChatGPT chatbot. To many, he was considered the human face of generative AI. — Reuters

OpenAI CEO calls for global cooperation on AI regulation, says ‘China has some of the best AI talent in the world’

THE rift that cost artificial-intelligence whiz kid Sam Altman his CEO job at OpenAI reflects a fundamental difference of opinion over safety, broadly, between two camps developing the world-altering software and pondering its societal impact.

On one side are those, like Altman, who view the rapid development and, especially, public deployment of AI as essential to stress-testing and perfecting the technology. On the other side are those who say the safest path forward is to fully develop and test AI in a laboratory first to ensure it is, so to speak, safe for human consumption.

Altman, 38, was fired on Nov 17 from the company that created the popular ChatGPT chatbot. To many, he was considered the human face of generative AI.

Some caution the hyper-intelligent software could become uncontrollable, leading to catastrophe – a concern among tech workers who follow a social movement called “effective altruism,” who believe AI advances should benefit humanity.

Among those sharing such fears is OpenAI’s Ilya Sutskever, the chief scientist and a board member who approved Altman’s ouster.

A similar division has emerged between developers of self-driving cars – also controlled by AI – who say they must be unleashed among dense urban streets to fully understand the vehicles’ faculties and foibles; whereas others urge restraint, concerned that the technology presents unknowable risks.

Altman attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in San Francisco, California. — Reuters

Those worries over generative AI came to a head with the surprise ousting of Altman, who was also OpenAI’s cofounder.

Generative AI is the term for the software that can spit out coherent content, like essays, computer code and photo-like images, in response to simple prompts.

The popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT over the past year has accelerated debate about how best to regulate and develop the software.

“The question is whether this is just another product, like social media or cryptocurrency, or whether this is a technology that has the capability to outperform humans and become uncontrollable,” said Connor Leahy, CEO of ConjectureAI and a safety advocate. “Does the future then belong to the machines?”

Sutskever reportedly felt Altman was pushing OpenAI’s software too quickly into users’ hands, potentially compromising safety.

“We don’t have a solution for steering or controlling a potentially superintelligent AI, and preventing it from going rogue,” he and a deputy wrote in a July blog post. “Humans won’t be able to reliably supervise AI systems much smarter than us.”

Of particular concern, reportedly, was that OpenAI announced a slate of new commercially available products at its developer event earlier this month, including a version of its ChatGPT-4 software and so-called agents that work like virtual assistants.

Sutskever did not respond to a request for comment.

The fate of OpenAI is viewed by many technologists as critical to the development of AI. Discussions on Altman to be reinstalled have fizzled, dashing hopes among the former CEO’s acolytes.

ChatGPT’s release last November prompted a frenzy of investment in AI firms, including US$10bil from Microsoft into OpenAI and billions more for other startups, including from Alphabet and Amazon.com.

That can help explain the explosion of new AI products as firms like Anthropic and ScaleAI race to show investors progress. Regulators, meanwhile, are trying to keep pace with AI’s development, including guidelines from the Biden administration and a push for “mandatory self-regulation” from some countries as the European Union works to enact broad oversight of the software.

While most use generative AI software, such as ChatGPT, to supplement their work, like writing quick summaries of lengthy documents, observers are wary of versions that may emerge known as “artificial general intelligence”, or AGI, which could perform increasingly complicated tasks without any prompting. This has sparked concerns that the software could, on its own, take over defence systems, create political propaganda or produce weapons.

OpenAI was founded as a non-profit eight years ago, in part to ensure its products were not driven by profit-making that could lead it down a slippery slope toward a dangerous AGI, what is referred to in the company’s charter as any threatening to “harm to humanity or unduly concentrate power”. But since then, Altman helped create a for-profit entity within the company for the purpose of raising funds and other aims. — Reuters

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Car combusts, now What To Do When Your Car Catches Fire? - Protect & Detect

PETALING JAYA: Imagine it’s been a long, stressful day at work. To unwind, you decide to take your car for a spin around the city.

With fewer cars on the road, you keep to your normal speed and let other motorists pass you on the right.

Suddenly, you smell something foul in the cabin, followed by the emergence of smoke.

Shortly after, your car bursts into flames.

ALSO READ: Insurance coverage available for vehicle fires, says PIAM

As dramatic as it may sound, this scenario may exactly describe what some drivers have unfortunately experienced.

According to data from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, there is at least one case of vehicle fire in the state each week.A recent incident involved a bus with eight passengers that caught fire in Jalan Tandang here on Oct 1.

Another case had an electric vehicle (EV) parked in Jalan Puchong Jaya burst into flames on Monday.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in both instances.

In the event of a car fire, Automotive Workshop Industry Operators’ Association secretary Anisah Mohammad said it is best to prioritise personal safety by keeping away from the vehicle.

“There is a risk of explosion in EVs, and it is important for firemen to use specialised extinguishers to neutralise the lithium-ion battery fluid as water should not be used.

“Fire and Rescue teams have specific protocols and safety measures in place to extinguish such fires.

“It is advisable for vehicle owners or users to distance themselves from the vehicle, take photos and videos as evidence, and file a report with the relevant authorities for insurance claims,” she said.

Anisah said vehicle fires from cars powered by internal combustion engines could originate from hot components such as the power steering oil, engine oil or gear oil.

“If any of these oils leak when the engine is running and come into contact with the exhaust, it can ignite, leading to a fire.

“This is the primary cause of vehicle fires.

“Another issue that contributes to car fires is the maintenance problem, specifically with oil hoses and petrol leaks.

“Newer cars, especially those from the year 2010 and onwards, are more prone to car fires due to numerous electronic parts,” she said.

“Hybrid cars and EVs are particularly susceptible to fires caused by the battery cooling system.

“The expansion of the battery due to excessive heat can result in sparks, leading to a fire,” she added.

Anisah also noted that performance modifications on vehicles are okay as long as the owner understands its function, and the mechanic has the necessary knowledge and expertise.

“Vehicle owners should only allow mechanics who are recognised with a certificate, diploma or degree in the field of automotive, hybrid cars and EV technology, to handle such modifications,” she said.

She also called on vehicle owners to be aware of safety precautions, such as equipping their vehicles with proper fire extinguishers.

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What To Do When Your Car Catches Fire? - Protect & Detect

In the event of a car fire, you will be likely in shock and panicked, as they don’t happen nearly as frequently as car collisions. However, a car fire is just as deadly, so it’s worth knowing what to do in the event of a car fire. 

Causes of car fires

Unfortunately, the majority of car fires are started deliberately, either by arson, by criminals trying to cover their tracks or committing insurance fraud. Only 35% of car fires are accidental, stemming from manufacturing issues and fixes that may have accidentally been done wrong. Sometimes a car fire is down to the lack of basic car maintenance, so make sure you’re getting regular servicing on your car and complete MOTs when they are due. 

Dealing with a car fire

When a car fire starts, it’s vital you act quickly before you’re overcome with smoke and can’t evacuate the building. Vehicle fires spread rapidly, so follow these steps in the event of a fire:

• Pull over immediately and switch off the engine, this stops the flow of fuel, which is highly flammable. 
• Get yourself and passengers out of the car and as far away as possible.
• DO NOT return to the vehicle for possessions, the vehicle might explode at any moment. 
• Call 999, or if you have left your phone in the car, flag down another motorist and get them to call the emergency services for you. 
• Stay aware of your surroundings whilst you wait for help, you might have stopped next to a busy roadside and it’s important you stay away from moving traffic. If you’re with kids stay extra vigilant and keep an eye on them. 

You may have the instinct to try and put out the fire yourself, but unless you have the right fire extinguisher, you may be causing more damage than good:

• Opening the hood of the car will let more air reach the flames, which will in turn fuel the fire. 
• Do not put water on the flames, the water might wash the burning petrol away to other areas where it will cause further problems. 
• If it’s crucial you attempt to put the fire out without the proper fire extinguisher, earth and sand are a good way of suffocating the fire. 

Here at Protect & Detect, we pride ourselves on delivering a fully comprehensive fire alarm installation service and an extensive range of fire extinguishers to keep you and your family safe. To enquire further about our fire extinguishers or any other services, give us a call or request a callback using our form. 

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