Ipoh Chemistry teacher V. Komathy wins Global Teacher Award 2021

 

IPOH (Bernama): Chemistry teacher V. Komathy, from SMK Ave Maria Convent here, has won the Global Teacher Award 2021 - an annual awards event organised by AKS Education.

The 38-year-old, who has been serving for 14 years, received the international recognition at a virtual ceremony via the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of the AKS Education Awards on Sunday (Oct 24).

The mother of three said she was shocked when she received a notification via email on Sept 29 from the organisers that she had won the award.

"I still can’t believe being selected as the winner out of 321 candidates from Malaysia and about 26,000 entries from other countries.

"Of that number, 500 had been shortlisted, including six Malaysian candidates," she said when met by reporters at her residence here.

Komathy, who holds a master’s degree in chemistry education from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and is currently pursuing a doctorate in the same field at UPSI, has produced several innovative products that have been recognised internationally, in order to pique students' interest in chemistry.

Among the innovative products are Chem-Ester Kit: Chem-Ester Kit 2.0, namely a PdPC Chemistry product and Biomass Activated Carbon (BAC) for Toxic Dyes Removal: Towards a Sustainable Environment, which is a product for the application of chemistry knowledge in problem solving.

Komathy said Chem-Ester Kit: Chem-Ester Kit 2.0 is a guidance module in the form of a game card and is designed to increase students' mastery of writing molecular formulas, structures, naming of alkane compounds, alkenes, alkanes, alcohols, carboxylic acids and ester.

According to her, BAC for Toxic Dyes Removal: Towards a Sustainable Environment is an innovation that aims to develop biomass activated carbon from three agricultural wastes, namely sugarcane fibre, coconut husk and banana peel to remove toxic dyes from contaminated water.

"Chemistry is a less popular subject because it is full of formulas and involves a lot of calculations, so we need to educate in an entertaining way so as to grab students’ interest in this subject and avoid them giving up easily," she said.

She said the awards received previously and this Global Teacher Award 2021 would be a motivation to educate, produce a more advanced nation and to continue making various innovations in the subject of chemistry.

Komathy started teaching at SMK Methodist Girls School, Ipoh, in 2007 for six years before moving to SMK Buntong and then transferred to SMK Ave Maria Convent here in February.

She has also produced several scholarly works and has taken students from SMK Buntong to represent the country at both national and international levels in various academic events.

"When people say I am one of the inspirations to other teachers, I feel my inspiration comes from the students because it is towards their needs that I strive for excellence," she added. - Bernama

Top Dewan Rakyat agendas: New deputy speaker, ordinances revocation

 

The Dewan Rakyat will convene for its second meeting starting tomorrow and two of the main agendas will be the election of a new Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker and the revocation of the emergency ordinances.

According to Dewan Rakyat's Order Paper, the first order of business after Question Time in the morning is the election of the new House deputy speaker followed by the debate on the revocation of the emergency ordinances.

Both motions were previously delayed due to controversies.

The election of the deputy speaker was supposed to happen during the previous meeting which ran from Sept 13 to Oct 12.

However, it was postponed after it became apparent that the government's sole nominee, Umno's Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan, who was facing a money laundering charge but was later let off with an RM1.1 million fine, would be defeated.

Bersatu had signalled that they won't vote for Ahmad, which will cause Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's government, which has the support of 114 MPs out of 220 MPs including from Bersatu, to fall short. Bersatu has 31 MPs.

Ahmad had since dropped out and Umno has nominated a new candidate, Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor, who if elected, will become the first Orang Asli deputy speaker. His contender from the opposition is DAP's Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming.

Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan

Long overdue

Meanwhile, the revocation of the emergency ordinances has also been long overdue, since July.

The emergency, intended for the Covid-19 pandemic, was first declared in January and expired in August.

The revocation of the emergency ordinances had marred the tail end of the Muhyiddin Yassin government as Putrajaya and Istana Negara came into conflict on how to wind down the emergency for the Covid-19 pandemic that was first proclaimed in January. 

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had in July refused to consent to the revocation and instead wanted the matter to go through a debate in Parliament.

Muhyiddin, whose majority in the Dewan Rakyat was uncertain, had adamantly resisted any vote in the House. 

He resigned as the prime minister on Aug 16. 

His successor Ismail Sabri is now complying with the Agong's desire for the revocation of the emergency ordinances to be debated.

If the government does not alter the Order Paper, the election of the new deputy speaker will start at around noon tomorrow.

It should be a brief affair, followed by the debate on the revocation of the emergency ordinances.

The second meeting of the Dewan Rakyat sitting this year will run from Oct 25 until Dec 26, during which Budget 2022 will also be tabled. - Mkini

‘Green light’ for Pahang’s new airport project, says MB

 

Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at a 12th Malaysia Plan meeting in Kuantan today. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The federal government has no objection to plans for a proposed new international airport in Gebeng, near Kuantan, according to Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

He said the federal government and related agencies had agreed in principle to approve the project, which will be part of a proposed RM10 billion Pahang aerospace city project.

The National Physical Planning Council had agreed that the project be studied further, he said, Sinar Harian reported.

FMT is seeking confirmation from Wan Rosdy.

According to the report, the current Kuantan airport, known as Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, would be transferred to the Royal Malaysian Air Force which has a major base there.

“Apart from the construction of an international standard airport, the project also involves the construction of shopping malls, hotels, among others,” Wan Rosdy was quoted as saying. “This project is a long-term plan that will be developed in phases until 2050.”

He added that the proposed project took into account the need for an international airport in the state and the east coast in particular.

The Pahang aerospace city project, on an area measuring 5,042 hectares, is led by Pahang Corporation Sdn Bhd and is expected to be fully operational in 2026. - FMT

Erdogan Expels US Envoy Plus Nine Others

 

October 24, 2021 

ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish President Erdogan Saturday expel US ambassador and nine other Western countries for demanding the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala.

Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, US

• Seven of the ambassadors represent Turkey's NATO allies 
• expulsions would open deepest rift with West in Erdogan's 19 years in power.
• 10 ambassadors must be declared persona non grata at once
• "They will know and understand Turkey" he said to cheers from the crowd

My comments :

Act in haste repent at your leisure. For 19 years this turkey has been leading Turkey.

Here is Turkey under Erdogan's leadership :

As you can see above the GDP has actually been shrinking over the past eight years. And GDP growth rates (below) are see-sawing above and below 0 percent growth.

Here is the Turkish Lira. Nine years ago one Lira was worth 56 US cents. Today it is 10 US cents per Lira.  

And here is inflation in Turkey over the past 10 years. Its was above 12% in 2020. 

This is not a good Report Card at all for Erdogan. He has been mismanaging Turkey.

But Erdogan has found the right formula to "con"-vince the Turkish voters. He has played up bangsa, agama and negara in Turkey.  

Erdogan wants to re-create the failed Ottoman Caliphate. 

He has also embarked on wars in Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan. 

Sadly a sufficient number of Turks have bought into his b.s.

Artikel ini adalah pandangan penulis dan tidak semestinya mewakili MMKtT.

Khairy leads Malaysian delegation to Japan health meet

 

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is leading a Malaysian delegation to the 72nd World Health Organisation Western Pacific Region Committee Meeting (WPRCM) in Himeji, Japan scheduled for tomorrow until Oct 29. - NSTP/EIZAIRI SHAMSUDIN

PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is leading a Malaysian delegation to the 72nd World Health Organisation Western Pacific Region Committee Meeting (WPRCM) in Himeji, Japan scheduled for tomorrow until Oct 29.

The Health Ministry in a statement said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and its senior officials were also in the delegation.

"The WPRCM this time will discuss the issues and resolutions already agreed upon at the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) held online from May 24 to June 1 this year, as well as the proposed agenda for the 75th WHA to be held in May next year.

"Among the arising issues to be discussed at the 72nd WPRCM are primer healthcare, Covid-19, school health, the technical programme progress report, as well as coordination and leadership," it said in the statement.

During the five-day meeting, Khairy will also have a series of bilateral meetings with a number of countries to discuss strategic issues and invited to speak at a special session themed "Communication for Health" on Oct 28 as part of his programme there.

He is also scheduled to make an intervention statement on the report by WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, Dr Takeshi Kasai, thus finalising the discussion agenda on health security and antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and ageing, climate change, environment and health, as well as the proposed new vision titled "For the Future".

MOH said Malaysia's presence at the 72nd WPRCM was a manifestation of the country's full commitment to always support the integrated actions of all the member countries in the prevention, control and treatment of infectious diseases, NCDs and newly arising diseases.

Describing Malaysia's participation in the meeting as important, MOH said it was to ensure that the country's policies be given consideration by WHO in making better decisions.

"Malaysia will also have the opportunity to state its stand in developing the health sector at the national and international levels," it said.

Besides Malaysia, the other 36 WHO Western Pacific Region member countries include Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Brunei, Cambodia, China and the Philippines.

Its main secretariat is the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in Manila. – BERNAMA

Titi Hayun, Batu Hampar, Seri Perigi areas in Kedah currently unsafe for visitors, says state exco

Kedah Works, Water Supply and Water Resources and Energy Committee chairman Datuk Suraya Yaacob (right) visits the location of a flash flood in Titi Hayun October 24, 2021. — Bernama pic

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YAN, Oct 24 — The Titi Hayun, Batu Hampar and Seri Perigi resort areas here, which have been adversely affected by the Gunung Jerai water surge incident on August 18, are still unsafe to be visited by the public for the time being.

State Works, Water Supply and Water Resources and Energy Committee chairman, Datuk Suraya Yaacob, said that this was because several construction structures and land in the areas were found to have collapsed, thus changing the landscape in the area resulting in fast and uncontrollable water flow.

“We will not allow anybody to enter the areas just yet, in the current situation. Many structures are unsafe and it is quite worrying,” she told reporters when visiting the location of a flash flood in Titi Hayun here, today.

Last Wednesday, the media reported that 160 houses in several villages in the district of Yan were affected by flash floods that occurred following heavy downpours since afternoon.

On Thursday, Bernama reported that residents of villages in the district were traumatised by the flash flood, after facing the same situation three times after the water surge tragedy on August 18.

In this regard, Suraya urged the government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water (Kasa), to speed up the construction of the RM20 million Sabo dam in the Gunung Jerai area, to replace the trees and stones which acted as buffer prior to this.

She said that the dam would slow down the movement of the water and help reduce the destruction downstream and in villages in the area.

For the record, on August 23, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced an allocation to upgrade the river and drainage system for 27 kilometres in phase one, which also involves the construction of the dam.

In the meantime, Suraya denied allegations by the local community regarding the delay in cleaning and deepening of the said river, which caused the flash flood on Wednesday in the area.

She said that the government had done its best for the people and hoped they would be patient because the tragedy that took place was a natural disaster.

“Who said that we were slow? We have constructed retaining walls along the river but they were all washed away by the fast currents downstream and to the banks of the river, not because we were slow.

“We understand their problem and I hope they understand nature,” she said.

“Work to repair and clean the river has started in the middle of September. As of now, work has progressed by 65 per cent and it is expected to be completed in early November,” Suraya added. — Bernama

Federal Hill landslide victim says residents told to relocate as area deemed unsafe

 

Residents looking at the landslide that took place along Jalan Lingkungan Negri Sembilan, Federal Hills October 24, 2021. — Picture by Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Residents with homes near the landslide along Jalan Lingkungan Negri Sembilan in Federal Hills here have been told to relocate as the area is deemed unsafe, one of them has said.

Thomas Yap said Fire Department officials have told him he had best relocate for the time being as the place was not safe to inhabit.

“At the moment the place is unsafe, Bomba told us to relocate,” Thomas told Malay Mail.

Yap’s backyard has been destroyed, as debris like sand, concrete and tar from the landslide flowed into his compound killing all his pet fish while causing damage to the walls of his link-house.

“The wall (where the landslide occurred) is exposed and apart from the tons of mud that’s already seeped into my backyard, more will flow if the rain hits. It could seep into the house eventually.

“I hope the authorities can fix this soon as not only is it affecting people’s livelihoods, it’s a distraction for the children, especially those who are studying for important exams,” he added.

Thomas said he has moved to a relative’s house for the time being but the authorities did not give him a timeline for when he can return home.

Following heavy rain last night, a landslide had hit Jalan Lingkungan Negri Sembilan in Federal Hills, with several houses being affected.

According to a preliminary report by the Fire and Rescue Department, the soil slipped down from the shoulder of the main road along a 40-metre stretch at 7pm last night.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, who visited the site last night, said that this is a worrying trend as it is the second incident of landslide in the last few months.

Chairman of Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur — a coalition of resident associations in Bangsar — Datuk M. Ali said the landslide was not a surprise as those who live there have been highlighting these incidents with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall so it can look into developments, preventive measures and enforcement more holistically.

Ali said that he met DBKL officials on September 18 to ask for a proper water drainage system on Jalan Lingkungan Negri Sembilan, the very road where the land slid last night. - malaymail