Showing posts with label Carolyn Khew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolyn Khew. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

No reported illness from diners at Pulau Ubin

My Paper, Monday, December 23, 2015, Page A3, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/epc/en/2015-12-23/
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/no-reported-illness-diners-pulau-ubin-20151223
By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on 23 December 2015


Pulau Ubin villagers use boiled water after quality of well water falls
PHOTO: Pulau Ubin villagers use boiled water after quality of well water falls
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMey69cmAAq0N4iKFbRLlyefX1nTvmGsFgMt8wchmafoHOVSwj1jK1V-XOB6MN-07c1xyR_y2zqDpDBNibjnZC4CXHOgqNC8FgKWlTl0Xndsna8AmRG-L7Nu8Fx_CJW1d9W7u_xm7Y6OE/s1600/Ubin3.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin3.jpg?itok=LhHr-7_w
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


NO ONE has reported falling sick from dining at food establishments on Pulau Ubin despite authorities having found a deterioration in the water quality on the island.

But all retail food outlets - believed to be fewer than 10 - must now boil water from their wells continuously for at least one minute before using it to prepare food and drinks for sale.

This is according to a joint statement on Monday from the National Environment Agency (NEA), national water agency PUB, National Parks Board and the Singapore Land Authority.

Alternatively, the outlets may also use bottled water or PUB water piped from mainland Singapore.

In response to queries yesterday, an NEA spokesman confirmed there has not been a reported case of food- or water-related health incidents associated with Pulau Ubin in the past five years.

The Straits Times understands the order for food outlets on the island was made after routine checks by NEA on the island.

Without elaborating on what it had found, it said the quality of well water could have deteriorated because of contamination with animal or human waste or surface run-off from contaminated soil.

According to village chief Chu Yok Choon, 70, all residents use well water for their daily needs.

Residents told The Straits Times they drew water from wells in their backyards. One uses a motor pump to fill containers in his home.


Residents told The Straits Times they drew water from wells in their backyards. One uses a motor pump to fill containers in his home.
PHOTO: Residents told The Straits Times they drew water from wells in their backyards. One uses a motor pump to fill containers in his home.
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHowURekiV_8Sw7w0UvmbeP9ate3V3i9Lcv2rHyoM75CjJoQnT9i-laWf6orbHbBNL5iy3dQwes-tPCpjEyns5dE4PfT1w-YrDi9qRGT6IXXIdMdTYspgSvXUO0m818tKZTjmcYyT3E_8/s1600/Ubin1.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin1.jpg?itok=ZUTBEYuo
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


Authorities said in its advisory on Monday that water from the taps is drawn from wells and is not potable without further treatment. Signs are up to remind visitors not to drink water straight out of the taps.


Authorities said in its advisory on Monday that water from the taps is drawn from wells and is not potable without further treatment.

PHOTO: Authorities said in its advisory on Monday that water from the taps is drawn from wells and is not potable without further treatment. Signs are up to remind visitors not to drink water straight out of the taps.
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNVCgJV4et1LeuM20Bis7ZWO6c3Ch_F8oOQbD7e2Cj2SGCl4WqoEsH3QSbGUgSR4WOY_b7vNcEwFCUN5tElqPNVA0Xr9RI7cZe1K1laU7b8YEV3rd607l_EfLLnZnt1YoChK12Y3MZWM/s1600/Ubin0.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin0.jpg?itok=8e7s7QfC
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


In a letter to a retail outlet that was seen by The Straits Times, NEA's director-general of public health Derek Ho said operators of retail food establishments had to comply with the requirement or face "strict enforcement action" if they are found selling food unfit to be eaten because they had not complied.

Goh Lai Guat, 60, who runs an eatery with her sister on Pulau Ubin, said she would use boiled water from now on for washing utensils as well as vegetables before serving meals to customers.


Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall on Pulau Ubin after an advisory from the authorities on the usage of well water.
PHOTO: Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall on Pulau Ubin after an advisory from the authorities on the usage of well water.
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEtRBQoeUVI0MfQhV8r3unvqjl09-4eMwEH_tS1-oNHO3C56I4DqxyVkzNQZOJbYlIDtb6ar9n_9P25Tqy2YE_p3gvndg5ScgrOp0tC7HKtgM368JaM9GzgcOxHrawYSTu8LUkMq9Kks/s1600/20151223_ST_Ubinwater.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w848/public/original_images/Dec2015/20151223_ST_Ubinwater.jpg?itok=saIB3qgh
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


"Before this, we would boil well water only for drinking. But since NEA has told us, we have to change our way of doing things," she said.

Many residents said the advisory would have little impact on them since they already boil the water from their wells before they drink it.

At least one resident, 63-year-old retiree Chua Keng Beng, said he had long switched to using more hygienic bottled water instead.

Other old-timers, like Ahmad Kassim, an 80-year-old drinks stall owner, will have none of that. He draws from two wells just opposite his home.


Ahmad Kassim, an 80-year-old drinks stall owner, boils the water to drink but just to show that he believes it is safe, he took a sip straight from the well yesterday, saying: 'I have been drinking the water for 80 years and nothing has happened to me.
PHOTO: Ahmad Kassim, an 80-year-old drinks stall owner, boils the water to drink but just to show that he believes it is safe, he took a sip straight from the well yesterday, saying: "I have been drinking the water for 80 years and nothing has happened to me."
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y85h6DO-SljDcJ7rlv37h444UuVEGuho3tVv7R6hSt7cc6zcLubG5GGe1G1ULkClCRx9CnBCl8i5nQM5YckVXuQus9iU3Gw9eDbTB-txbWrcxsJF9xqE68Lzx5gBq6dZoWb5gGSf6jE/s1600/Ubin16.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin16.jpg?itok=3QXe1cDl
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


Mr Kassim boils the water to drink but just to show that he believes it is safe, he took a sip straight from the well yesterday, saying: "I have been drinking the water for 80 years and nothing has happened to me."

By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on 23 December 2015


Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall.
PHOTO: Ms Goh Lai Guat (far right), 60, and her sister pushing trolleys of supplies and bottled water to their food stall on Pulau Ubin. "Before this, we would boil well water only for drinking. But since NEA has told us, we have to change our way of doing things."
Photo Source: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN4MBn1OdHRQj67AmtuET8umWWjV2q_WlLa6WNbRS16LQTR0B5b3KgaNoh_O0CZcjUktRV5F6Mzm9kb_XSb0jeAsCvFAZYaYclET_Wal2qNDDjLUdrRKwPJXg3r2I1gUd66lW5TAHA3Q/s1600/Ubin25.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Dec2015/Ubin25.jpg?itok=oVb7nkgt
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/water-worry-alls-well-ubin-villagers


Love Gone Wild at Pulau Ubin!
PHOTO: Love Gone Wild at Pulau Ubin!
Photo by Marcus Chua (Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum), Wood you be my Valentine?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTToKAamY7nP42HZtUDQlfws77BICQWmIqHxdYc5ALq4JA2erAjXHqukAJiwQ9wWPoWz8rkYdAxg8zM0fJ3n3UXKbDzPNY9Ys3VEXXdFZ_p_z-gJ-Mfm-jKVa1nTPnG4QW2pRmLVFRvNM/s1600/dsc_6953-1.jpg
https://lkcnhm.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/dsc_6953.jpg
http://lkcnhm.net/2015/02/16/lovegonewildatubin/



Reference
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, July 13, 2015

A breath of fresh air for Potong Pasir

My Paper, Monday, July 13, 2015, Page A4, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2015-07-13
Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/breath-fresh-air-potong-pasir
By Carolyn Khew, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, mypaper, Monday, 13 July 2015


REJUVENATED: Residents at a lookout deck along an improved 400m stretch of the Kallang River yesterday.
PHOTO: REJUVENATED: Residents at a lookout deck along an improved 400m stretch of the Kallang River yesterday.
Photo: Lim Yao Hui, The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmxbC6a-p56PEK2XBPeoetyAOlY2cTBvBFoJLNNXqgQcrfNI7JkZb84qQ0el0K2hSl730YwVegPG8wIJdg6Mll2nrQNXw2MNBaLsEkAYohEMp_3H7sUf6GpQuh6AZYrGZAPAJJaaIq7k/s1600/PotongPasirWaters.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w848/public/original_images/Jul2015/PotongPasirWaters.jpg?itok=gGxDCeK-
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/breath-fresh-air-potong-pasir


Residents of Potong Pasir can enjoy a new and improved waterfront near their homes, with viewing decks and a plaza for community events.

The 400m stretch along the Kallang River was officially opened yesterday by Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin.

Rain gardens and vegetated swales will cleanse rainwater run-off, and decks with timber seating offer a soothing view of the waterfront.

An open plaza has also been built to accommodate 750 people for community events and outdoor classroom learning.

Said Irene Ong, 62, who has lived in the estate for more than 20 years: "The water is very clean and the scenery, with different types of plants and flowers, really makes people want to come down to have a look."

Last month, students from St Andrew's Secondary School helped to plant rain gardens along the waterway.

Rain gardens treat rainwater run-off using specially selected plants, for instance, before it is discharged into the river.

The school has conducted cleanups and projects along the Kallang River since 2005.

The Potong Pasir waterfront has been 11/2 years in the making, under national water agency PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme to spruce up water bodies here.

The $7-million project is the 28th under the programme to be completed. Over 100 potential locations have been identified for a makeover under the ABC Waters programme by 2030.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Mr Sitoh cited other work that has benefited residents, including lift upgrading and a home improvement programme.

Potong Pasir was held by opposition MP Chiam See Tong for 27 years, but it elected the People's Action Party candidate in 2011.

"There are still a lot of things to be done," said Mr Sitoh. "We want to carry on and complete the journey that we have started."

By Carolyn Khew, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, mypaper, Monday, 13 July 2015
Get MyPaper for more stories.


The Potong Pasir waterfront has been 11/2 years in the making, under national water agency PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme to spruce up water bodies here.PHOTO: The Potong Pasir waterfront has been 11/2 years in the making, under national water agency PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme to spruce up water bodies here.
Photo: Lim Yao Hui, The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmxbC6a-p56PEK2XBPeoetyAOlY2cTBvBFoJLNNXqgQcrfNI7JkZb84qQ0el0K2hSl730YwVegPG8wIJdg6Mll2nrQNXw2MNBaLsEkAYohEMp_3H7sUf6GpQuh6AZYrGZAPAJJaaIq7k/s1600/PotongPasirWaters.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w848/public/original_images/Jul2015/PotongPasirWaters.jpg?itok=gGxDCeK-
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/breath-fresh-air-potong-pasir
 


Reference
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, July 10, 2014

$15k for punter, sad for ad

My Paper, Wednesday, July 10, 2014, Page A4, News, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2014-07-10
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/15k-punter-sad-ad-20140710
By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on Jul 10, 2014


SPOT ON: This anti-gambling advertisement by the National Council on Problem Gambling went viral after Germany's shock 7-1 win against Brazil at the World Cup. An outrageous bet on the match by a punter here has also paid off, with a $15,000 win.
PHOTO: SPOT ON: This anti-gambling advertisement by the National Council on Problem Gambling went viral after Germany's shock 7-1 win against Brazil at the World Cup. An outrageous bet on the match by a punter here has also paid off, with a $15,000 win.
PHOTO: REUTERS
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRrb690nwYnccN7tH1v7FGKPgTxTH__Aw2dkmcbPHp3e9L0TYfjaB5zdkpP-njvn_oifR0tsFOciHAjjtGQhHNKAFpWiUtwpWOhyRXzuRoMzdA2V6hr4ewsIYTrZyiRm6NeWHXSwLSoM/s1600/$15k+for+punter,+sad+for+ad.jpg
My Paper, Wednesday, July 10, 2014, Page A4, News, Top Stories


WHILE fans mourned Brazil's defeat in the World Cup semi-finals yesterday, one lucky person in Singapore was left beaming, with $15,000 from an outrageous bet on the match.

The shock 7-1 scoreline in Germany's favour caught everyone off guard, except this person who put $100 on a score that was literally off the charts.

Singapore Pools had offered punters the choice of placing their money on pre-fixed scorelines, ranging from 0-0, 0-1, 1-1, 2-1 and so on, all the way to 5-4. Ignoring all these, he bet on "any other score" and won $15,000.

A picture of the betting ticket started doing the rounds and My Paper confirmed its authenticity with Singapore Pools.

But it was not the only one making waves.

An anti-gambling advertisement by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) also went viral.

The ad starts off by showing a group of boys discussing who they think will win the World Cup. It ends with the last boy in the group saying: "I hope Germany will win. My dad bet all my savings on them."


I hope Germany will win. My dad bet all my savings on them.
PHOTO: "I hope Germany will win. My dad bet all my savings on them."
PHOTO: REUTERS
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRrb690nwYnccN7tH1v7FGKPgTxTH__Aw2dkmcbPHp3e9L0TYfjaB5zdkpP-njvn_oifR0tsFOciHAjjtGQhHNKAFpWiUtwpWOhyRXzuRoMzdA2V6hr4ewsIYTrZyiRm6NeWHXSwLSoM/s1600/$15k+for+punter,+sad+for+ad.jpg
My Paper, Wednesday, July 10, 2014, Page A4, News, Top Stories


Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said on his Facebook page yesterday: "Germany beat Brazil 7-1! Brazil (need) to find out what went wrong and I need to find the scriptwriter for the gambling control advertisement."

Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin also joined in with his post on Facebook: "Bad timing. Looks like the boy's father who bet all his savings on Germany will be laughing all the way to the bank!"

The ad was also mentioned in other media, such as The Telegraph and Agence France-Presse.

Netizen Leslie Teo said that it was a "lose-lose situation" no matter which country the scriptwriter had picked. "If a weak country is chosen, then the ad is deemed useless once the country is knocked out. If a strong country is chosen, then you worry that the country will be the (champion) and the ad will be counterproductive."

In response to queries from My Paper, a NCPG spokesman said: "The focus of the TVC highlights how those close to the gambler are adversely affected by problem gambling, and not who eventually wins the World Cup.

"Selecting Germany injected a sense of realism in our messaging, since no one will bet on a potentially losing team. At the end of the day, win or lose, the dangers of problem gambling, and the potential anxiety and pain that loved ones go through, remain unchanged."

Seshan Ramaswami, associate professor of marketing (education) at the Singapore Management University, said: "Advertisers have to generally think, 'What if this goes viral?' Will it be helpful or will it hurt the campaign?"
By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on Jul 10, 2014

Fifa Football World Cup 2014 HD Wallpaper
PHOTO: Fifa Football World Cup 2014 HD Wallpaper
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-BSWXhHUWGB3K82hJjuqVQ_PL_AnUedjY6D9nDNccu-JtzjSECr2-AQUUBqsjEcRb6J5Tkab2pHR7CvKAV4kOCKmUhpoZUnmU0jAVc2Xds8rJu-7XzfBN3StlFOsViP1jWOIK__sNpk/s1600/fifa-football-world-cup-2014-hd-wallpaper.jpg
http://hdwallpaperspx.com/file/6409/1024x600/crop/fifa-football-world-cup-2014-hd-wallpaper.jpg
http://hdwallpaperspx.com/preview/6409/1024x600/fifa-football-world-cup-2014-hd-wallpaper



Reference
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Look ma, no hair. Aren't you proud?

My Paper, Thursday, June 12, 2014, Page A2, News, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2014-06-12
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/look-ma-no-hair-arent-you-proud-20140612
By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on Jun 12, 2014


FOR A GOOD CAUSE
PHOTO: FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Students from SJI International - (from left) Verena Schoenenberger, Moe Ono, Lynette Tan, Ngo Qi Wei, Natasha Vincent and Carol Yiu - got their heads shaved for Hair for Hope, a charity event organised by CCF.
PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccF5wrIJAZ7uK42wMJ31IL42Dpibdu47lK7UNARlb5cc4XlDTglD2KlWT2pMKXHyZZOzHVvKg_-H1gDc_atjcnAL7wWiruc5Eu_s4ExGr5JXa7bC6PMByHsb_rigkxKJMfu6N1dT9IOQ/s1600/Look+ma,+no+hair.+Aren%27t+you+proud.jpg
My Paper, Thursday, June 12, 2014, Page A2, News, Top Stories


LAST year, some girls from St Margaret's Secondary School were asked to wear wigs after going bald for cancer.

Yesterday, their counterparts from another school showed how it should be done. With the full support of their principal.

Seven girls and 100 boys from St Joseph's Institution (SJI) International shaved their heads for Hair for Hope, a charity event organised by the Children's Cancer Foundation (CCF).

"This is an opportunity where the kids actually get to do something, where they themselves can identify with (cancer patients)," said Bradley Roberts, principal of SJI International.

"They get to make a statement in a very visual way to support the community."

To "walk the walk", Mr Roberts himself went bald for charity.

Over the years, the school has been directly impacted by students, or their family members, who had cancer, he added.

Last year, three girls from St Margaret's Secondary School were called out of class and taken by a parent volunteer to buy wigs after they went bald for the Hair for Hope charity event.

The incident sparked a discussion, with Singaporeans divided over the principal's action.

When asked about his school's stand, Mr Roberts said that the school has "slightly different rules" and students would not have to wear wigs after shaving bald. "It wouldn't make sense for us to encourage students to take part and then say that they have to wear wigs...Each school has to make its own decision," he added. For SJI, the decision was taken by the students themselves, who led the initiative.

Student Ngo Qi Wei had initially wanted to keep her hair long for the prom. But the memory of a friend nudged the 17-year-old to get it cut.

"I had a friend who died of cancer a few years back," she said. "Most of the time, we don't know what they go through, or don't really do anything about it...but taking part in this at least shows that you care."

Another student, Carol Yiu, was determined to get her head shaved despite some reservations from her mother. "I have only one life, and I just had to do it," said the 13-year-old.

Yesterday, her mother, Shen Rong Rong, 37, was there to see her daughter get her way.

"When she first told me, 'I want to shave my head', I asked her: 'You mean you want to cut (your hair), not shave, right?'

"But she was very determined," said the housewife. "She's so brave, and I'm so proud of her."

Besides Hair for Hope, female students also took part in Pantene Beautiful Lengths, where each one had to have a lock of hair measuring 8 inches (20.3cm) chopped off. The locks will be sent to the American Cancer Society to make free wigs for cancer patients.

This year, CCF hopes to raise about $3.6 million, and encourage at least 6,500 people to "make a bald statement".

And a bold one, too.

By Carolyn Khew, mypaper, kcarolyn@sph.com.sg, Published on Jun 12, 2014


Reference
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)