Tag Archives: Indonesia

Does Indocafe Instant Coffee Contain Harmful Drugs?!

Was Indocafe instant coffee mix found to contain harmful drugs?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Indocafe Coffee Mix Contains Harmful Drugs!

People are sharing a video clip on WhatsApp, TikTok, and social media, claiming or suggesting that Indocafe instant coffee mix was found to contain harmful drugs!

WhatsApp example #1 : Please viral to all your family and friends in your group

Discovery of sachets in Indocafe 3 in 1 coffeemix from Indonesia, mixed with harmful drugs??

Recommended : Is Food Being Fried With Plastic To Last Longer?!

Here is the rough English translation of the commentary in Indonesia / Bahasa Malaysia:

Here are all the drugs. From Indonesia. New coffee from Indocafe, which I will open now. This is new okay, now we open.  Let’s throw this first okay. Empty. Okay. Let’s open. Let’s see if there are still reddish drugs. Oh my God… Oh my God… There’s a lot.

 

Truth : Indocafe Coffee Mix Does Not Contain Harmful Drugs!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS being shared on WhatsApp and online platforms like TikTok and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Many Indocafe Customers Disputed Claim

The video appears to have been posted on TikTok by @dianaz780 on 26 November 2023 (archive).

Many people who commented on the video pointed out that they have never seen such pink-coloured drugs or dangerous substances in their Indocafe coffee mixture, even though some have been drinking it for many years.

Personally, I have also made and drunk this particular Indocafe instant coffee mix, and have never seen such pink-coloured substances before.

Fact #2 : Indocafe Labelled Video As “False”

On the same day, Indocafe advised people on Instagram not to fall for the “hoax”, stating that it has more than 38 years of experience in the industry. Then on 29 November 2023, Indocafe issued a statement (archive) through their lawyer, labelling the video as “false” and “fake news”. Here is the English translation:

In connection with the video currently circulating on social media regarding our product, namely Indocafe Coffeemix, which contains drugs, we hereby deny in the strongest possible terms that this is false and is fake news.

The statement also pointed out that the Indocafe Coffeemix product is monitored by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #3 : Unknown What Those Pink Substances Are

Unless the person who created that video sends the samples to Indocafe (or an independent laboratory) for testing, it is impossible to know what those pink-coloured pieces really are.

Could the instant coffee mix sachets have been tampered with? Or is it possible that these are counterfeit Indocafe coffee mix sachets?

Fact #4 : Pink Substance May Be Annatto

Assuming the sachets were not contaminated or tampered with, what could those pink pieces be? Short of a laboratory test, it would be quite impossible to know.

That said, the ingredients (archive) of this particular Indocafe Coffeemix 3-in-1 product may offer us a clue:

Sugar, Non-Dairy Creamer [Glucose Syrup, Hardened Vegetable Fat, Sodium Caseinate (contain milk protein), Stabilizer (E452ii, E340ii) and Emulsifier (non-animal origin) (E471), Anti-caking Agent (E554), Colour (160b)], Indocafé Instant Coffee.

The three key components of this coffee mix are sugar, non-diary creamer, and coffee. But one of the components of the non-diary creamer is 160b (E160b), also known as Annatto – orange-red food colouring from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree.

It is possible that the annatto powder may have clumped together with the other components of the creamer, caking them into large pieces in the presence of excessive moisture.

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #5 : Narcotics Are Expensive

While contamination or counterfeiting might be possible, it is absurd to claim, without evidence, that the pink substances are “dangerous drugs”. For one thing – narcotics are expensive. Who would be so stupid enough to put narcotics into cheap instant coffee mix?

Fact #6 : World Population Is Now Over 8 Billion

Claims that these “dangerous drugs” are being used to kill people and depopulate the world is a ridiculous conspiracy fantasy. Anyone who opens a sachet would immediately see the large pink pieces, thus foiling the dastardly plans of an incompetent evil cabal that has hitherto failed to stop the world from expanding to 8 billion people!

A real “Deep State operative” would have blended the poison to mix evenly with the coffee mix. And a real evil depopulation cabal would have done a better job of stopping population growth! This is nothing more than a silly conspiracy theory.

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Did Toxic Fukushima Water Kill Fish In Indonesia?!

Did the toxic Fukushima waste water just kill thousands of fish in Indonesia?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Toxic Fukushima Water Killed Fish In Indonesia!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, which claims to show thousands of fish in Indonesia killed by the toxic Fukushima waste water. It’s paired with warnings like this:

ALERT: TOXIC SEA WATER HAS ARRIVED AT INDONESIA.

Fishermen are catching more dead fishes than live ones.

Jangan makan ikan dulu. Limbah racun dari jepang sdh masuk ke indonisia.

Don’t eat fish yet. Toxic waste from Japan has entered Indonesia.

日本“毒水” 相信已漂到印尼水界. 食海产可要小心。

Recommended : Did Fukushima Water Kill Thousands Of Fish In Penang?!

 

Truth : Fukushima Water Did Not Kill Fish In Indonesia!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS surrounding the release of treated waste water from the Fukushima NPS, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Happened In Tuban, East Java

The viral video appears to be recorded on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, at the beach in front of Hotel Purnama, along the Tuban-Semarang road in Tuban, East Java, Indonesia.

Fact #2 : Fish Were Caught, Not Found Dead

The fish seen in the video were not found dead on the beach, or in the sea. Rather, they were caught by fishermen in the area.

In fact, you can see one of the fishing boats at about 0:26 in the video. The fisherman was merely dropping off his catch at the beach, to be collected by the white Bintang Novelita pickup truck seen at 0:13 in the video.

Fact #3 : Only One Type of Fish Was Caught

If you look carefully at the video, you will notice that it only shows one species of fish. Known locally as Jamal Roti or Manyung, it is a marine catfish from the Ariidae family.

This is actually the spawning season for this catfish, which not only causes them to gather, they also rise to the surface, making it easy for fishermen to catch them.

The fishermen caught about 2 tons of this catfish that day. A week earlier, they caught one ton of the same fish.

If there was any contamination killing fishes in the area, there would be an assortment of different fish species, not just one particular fish species.

Recommended : Did Yasuhiro Sonoda Die After Drinking Fukushima Water?!

Fact #4 : Jenu Police Refuted Viral Claim

On Wednesday, 13 September 2023, Jenu Police Chief Rialto confirmed that the large number of fish were not stranded on the beach, but caught by local fishermen.

Fact #5 : Tuban Fisheries Service Refuted Viral Claim

On Wednesday, 13 September 2023, the head of the Tuban Regency Livestock, Fisheries and Food Security Service, Eko Arif Yulianto confirmed that the Manyung catfish were spawning at that time. He appealed to the public to stop believing in unverified information.

Fact #6 : Tuban DKP2P Fisheries Refuted Viral Claim

On Thursday, 14 September 2023, the head of the Tuban DKP2P Fisheries Division, Lingo Indarto, publicly refuted the claim that the fish were killed from the Fukushima waste water.

The fishermen in the video, was identified as called Sutrisno from Karangsari. He said that the fish were all caught at sea, and were healthy and fresh.

Mr. Linggo called for netizens to stop believing in unverified rumours, as they can cause great losses to the fishermen. He is also coordinating with the East Java Province Maritime and Fisheries Service to fight this fake news.

Fact #7 : No Dead Fishes Were Reported En-Route

For the Fukushima waste water to reach Tuban, it would need to travel some 7,000 kilometres past southern Japan, the Philippines, the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi, Bali and Surabaya.

Yet no dead fish were reported elsewhere. How is that possible if the Fukushima waste water is so toxic? Did the evil Japanese design the waste water to only kill fish in Tuban?

Recommended : Did Yasuhiro Sonoda Die After Drinking Fukushima Water?!

Fact #8 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is Bill Gates Releasing Millions of GMO Mosquitoes?!

Is Bill Gates manufacturing and releasing 30 million genetically-modified mosquitoes every week?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill Gates Is Releasing Millions Of GMO Mosquitoes!

People are sharing a World Mosquito Program video as evidence that Bill Gates is manufacturing and releasing 30 million genetically-mosquitoes every week, from his mosquito factory in Colombia.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr : Should Bill Gates be releasing 30 million genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild? Part of the mentality of earth-as-engineering-object. What could possibly go wrong?

Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis : BILL GATES – This is Bill’s mosquito factory in Colombia. It’s the largest in the world. 30 million genetically modified mosquitoes are released every week into 11 countries. Because Bill knows better than nature, what could possibly go wrong.

Dr. Lynn Fynn-derella : How is @BillGates allowed to do this? They are likely testing mosquito-borne disease spread in order to roll out more vaccines for the diseases they create. The entire mosquito population should be eradicated- including the king mosquito-

Recommended : Did Philippines Issue Arrest Warrant For Bill Gates?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates Is NOT Releasing Millions Of GMO Mosquitoes!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created about Bill Gates, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Mosquito Factory Video Was Released In 2022

First, let me just point out that the mosquito factory video is not new. It was posted by Bill Gates on his YouTube channel some 9 months ago, on August 16, 2022, garnering over 6.9 million views.

Fact #2 : Mosquito Factory Does Not Belong To Bill Gates

The “world’s biggest mosquito factory” in Medellin, Colombia, does not belong to Bill Gates. It is not Bill Gates’ mosquito factory. He doesn’t own one.

As the viral video clearly states, that mosquito factory belongs to World Mosquito Program.

Fact #3 : World Mosquito Program Has Many “Factories”

The World Mosquito Program actually has a number of mosquito breeding facilities worldwide. The Medellin mosquito factory is merely its biggest. To be clear – Bill Gates does not own any of them.

Recommended : Is ICC launching Nuremberg 2 trials for COVID crimes?!

Fact #4 : Those Are Not Genetically-Modified Mosquitoes

The claim that those are genetically-modified mosquitoes is false. Those are regular Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that have not been genetically modified.

As the video itself explained, the mosquitoes are only being infected with the Wolbachia bacteria, which are extremely common bacteria found naturally in 50% of insect species.

The World Mosquito Program also clearly stated on its website that it does not genetically modify any mosquito:

Unlike most other techniques that aim to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, our Wolbachia method is natural and self-sustaining.

Our method does not suppress mosquito populations or involve genetic modification (GM), as the genetic material of the mosquito is not altered.

Fact #5 : Wolbachia Mosquitoes Prevent Diseases

When Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are infected by the Wolbachia bacteria, scientists discovered that the bacteria competes with viruses like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever!

This makes it harder for the dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses to multiply in the Wolbachia-infected mosquito, and thus, block the transmission of those viruses.

A randomised controlled trial conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, found that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes reduced the number of dengue cases in the city by a whopping 77%, and dengue hospitalisations by 86%!

Another study conducted in Medillin (where the mosquito factory is located) showed that the mosquitoes reduced dengue cases there by 89% since they were first released in 2015.

On top of that, scientists also discovered that male Wolbachia mosquitoes can reduce the population of uninfected mosquitoes by breeding with normal female mosquitoes – the eggs they produce won’t hatch!

All this can be accomplished by breeding and infecting mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacteria, and releasing them. There is no need for any genetic modification.

Recommended : Did Bill Gates Call For COVID-19 Vaccine Withdrawal?!

Credit : National Environment Agency

Fact #6 : World Mosquito Program Is A Monash University Project

The World Mosquito Program is not a Bill Gates project. Formerly known as the Eliminate Dengue Project, it is a non-profit initiative by Monash University of Australia, with funding from the Australian government, as well as other donors.

Fact #7 : Bill + Melinda Gates Foundation Helped Fund The Project

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, together with the Wellcome Trust, awarded the World Mosquito Program with AUD$50 million (US$33.7 million) in additional funds in September 2022.

It is unknown how much the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation alone contributed to the World Mosquito Program, but both foundations have contributed a total of AUD$185 million (US$124.6 million) in funding since 2010.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Ethylene Oxide Found In Mi Sedaap Noodles Too!

The Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) just announced that the carcinogenic ethylene oxide was also found in Mi Sedaap instant noodles! Here is what you need to know…

 

KKM Orders Recall Of Two Ah Lai + Indomie Instant Noodles

On Monday, 24 April 2023, the Taipei Department of Health announced that found the presence of carcinogenic ethylene oxide in “Ah Lai White Curry Noodles” from Malaysia, and “Indomie : Special Chicken Flavour” noodles from Indonesia.

Both instant noodles were ordered to be taken off the shelves, and its importers fined between NT$60,000 (US$1,960) and NT$200 million (US$6.5 million).

On 26 April, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) announced that its tests of Ah Lai White Curry Noodles samples showed that they comply with local legislation. However, to “ensure the continuous food safety control”, the Ministry ordered the voluntary recall of all “Ah Lai White Curry Noodles” batches that expire on 25 August 2023.

KKM also ordered the voluntary recall of all Indomie : Special Chicken Flavour noodles, and incoming batches will be tested before release at entry points into Malaysia.

Read more : Toxic Ethylene Oxide Found In Two Instant Noodles!

 

KKM : Ethylene Oxide Found In Mi Sedaap Noodles Too!

KKM also informed the public that after all Mi Sedaap instant noodles produced in Indonesia were withdrawn in 2022 because they were found to contain ethylene oxide, its Food Safety and Quality Department had been conducting continuous monitoring of food sold in Malaysia, whether produced locally, or imported.

KKM shared that in its surveillance of 36 samples of instant noodles of various brands from 2022 until today, 11 samples of Mi Sedaap instant noodles were found to contain ethylene oxide, and enforcement action was taken, which may include issuing compounds, court action, as well as product recalls.

Last year, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also ordered a recall of two Mi Sedaap instant noodles flavours – Korean Spicy Chicken and Korean Spicy Soup, with expiry dates of March 17 2023 and May 21 2023, due to the presence of ethylene oxide.

Those two products, fortunately, did not appear to have been imported into Malaysia, according to KKM.

Recommended : Eu Yan Sang Brown Rice Powder Recall Over Toxins!

 

The Risk Of Ethylene Oxide In Instant Noodles

At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable colourless gas, with a sweet odour. It is often used as a pesticide and sterilising agent, but is considered a health risk if remnants remain on the food products.

The US EPA considers ethylene oxide to be carcinogenic to humans by the “inhalation route”, with exposure linked to an increased risk of lymphoid cancer, and breast cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a Class 1 carcinogen. Due to its carcinogenic properties, the EU sets the limit for ethylene oxide very low, at just 0.02 mg/kg.

Over the years, ethylene oxide has been detected in instant noodles from different brands, which is why regular tests are important to make sure they remain below acceptable limits.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Toxic Ethylene Oxide Found In Two Instant Noodles!

Two instant noodles were just withdrawn after they were identified to contain toxic and carcinogenic ethylene oxide!

 

Toxic Ethylene Oxide Found In Two Instant Noodles!

On Monday, 24 April 2023, the Taipei Department of Health released the results of its 2023 inspection of instant noodles available in Taipei, in which it found that two types of instant noodles from Malaysia and Indonesia were found to contain the toxic and carcinogenic ethylene oxide.

In its statement, the Taipei Department of Health stated that a batch of “Ah Lai White Curry Noodles” from Malaysia, and a batch of “Indomie : Special Chicken Flavour” noodles from Indonesia both contain ethylene oxide – a chemical compound associated with lymphoma and leukaemia.

Tests conducted by the department detected ethylene oxide in both the noodles and the flavour packet of “Ah Lai White Curry Noodles“, but only in the flavour packet of “Indomie : Special Chicken Flavour” noodles.

Both instant noodles were ordered to be taken off the shelves, and its importers fined between NT$60,000 (US$1,960) and NT$200 million (US$6.5 million).

Chen Yi-ting (陳怡婷), who heads the Taipei Department of Health’s Food and Drug Division, said that they conducted the instant noodles inspection in the city by randomly selecting 30 products from supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarkets, traditional wet markets, Southeast Asian food shops and wholesale importers.

On 26 April 2023, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) ordered a recall of both instant noodles. It also announced that ethylene oxide was found in 11 samples of the Mi Sedaap instant noodles earlier.

Read more : Ethylene Oxide Found In Mi Sedaap Noodles Too!

 

The Risk Of Ethylene Oxide In Instant Noodles

At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable colourless gas, with a sweet odour. It is often used as a pesticide and sterilising agent, but is considered a health risk if remnants remain on the food products.

The US EPA considers ethylene oxide to be carcinogenic to humans by the “inhalation route”, with exposure linked to an increased risk of lymphoid cancer, and breast cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a Class 1 carcinogen. Due to its carcinogenic properties, the EU sets the limit for ethylene oxide very low, at just 0.02 mg/kg.

Over the years, ethylene oxide has been detected in instant noodles from different brands, which is why regular tests are important to make sure they remain below acceptable limits.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did US Steal Instant Noodles From Earthquake Victims?!

Was the US military caught stealing Indomie instant noodles that Indonesia donated to earthquake victims?!

Take a look at the viral photo, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : US Stole Instant Noodles From Earthquake Victims!

People are sharing a photo of US soldiers carrying Indomie boxes, claiming that it is evidence the US military stole instant noodles that Indonesia donated to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria!

ElysiusThor : Hot on the heels of the US military stealing tents donated by China to the Syrian earthquake victims, it’s now been revealed that they’re also stealing Indonesian-donated instant noodles as well. What the hell is the Pentagon feeding them then?

Bevin Chu 朱炳文 : The Unite [sic] States. An equal opportunity looter.

It loots the Syrian people’s oil, the Chinese people’s humanitarian relief tents, and the Indonesian people’s humanitarian relief foodstuffs with equal alacrity.

军武季 : 继美军盗窃中国捐赠给叙利亚地震灾民的帐篷后,又被爆出盗窃印尼捐赠的方便面。五角大楼到底在喂他们什么?

After the U.S. military stole the tents donated by China to the victims of the earthquake in Syria, it was revealed that it stole instant noodles donated by Indonesia. What the hell is the Pentagon feeding them?

Recommended : Was US Military Caught Stealing Tents From China?!

 

Truth : US Did Not Steal Instant Noodles From Earthquake Victims!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) or pro-CCP netizens and groups, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Viral Photo Was Taken In Turkey

I traced the origin of viral photo to the DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) website.

I confirmed that the original photo was taken by Captain William Stroud, of the 1st Armoured Division Combat Aviation Brigade, in Dulkadiroğlu, Türkiye on 22 February 2023.

Fact #2 : US Soldiers Were Delivering Aid In Turkey

The claim that the US military stole the Indomie instant noodles from Indonesia is nonsense.

The soldiers were carrying relief supplies to people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. This was clearly explained in the caption of the photo:

U.S. Army soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12th CAB), V Corps, delivers relief supplies to Turkish authorities in Dulkadiroğlu, Türkiye, Feb. 22, 2023. The 12th CAB supports the dynamic lift capability of the 1AD CAB in direct support of USAID and Turkish relief efforts, to those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye. 12th CAB is one of several U.S. military units supporting Task Force 61/2 (TF 61/2), operating under U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR), and U.S. European Command as part of the International Turkish disaster relief efforts.

Here is another photo of the same Indomie instant noodles, this time being delivered by US Marines on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Fact #3 : Indomie Instant Noodles Were Produced In Turkey

It is unknown if the Indomie instant noodles were donated by Indonesia, or merely provided by the Turkish relief agency, AFAD.

However, the Indomie instant noodles in the viral photo appear to be produced in Turkey. If you look closely at the boxes, you can see that these Turkish words.

Hazir Noodle : Instant Noodles

Yerli Üretim : Domestic Production

Bardak : Cup [Noodles]

Sebzeli Hazir Noodle : Vegetarian Instant Noodles

In 2014, Indofood set up a factory to produce Indomie instant noodles in the Tekirdağ industrial district, in Turkey.

Recommended : 2023 Turkey Earthquake : Fake Photos + Scam Alert!

Fact #4 : US Military Helped To Deliver Aid

While many countries sent tons of food and other supplies to Turkey, most did not have any base or ability to transport the humanitarian aid to the affected areas. That was left to AFAD – the Turkish relief agency.

That was where the United States military came in – they used their helicopters at the Incirlik Air Base to deliver donated aid to the affected areas that are hard to reach by trucks.

That’s why you see US soldiers taking things on or off helicopters, which may have been donated by other countries. They were not stealing anything, just helping to deliver them.

Fact #5 : This Is Just Chinese Propaganda

This appears to be yet another example of Chinese propaganda created by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), or pro-CCP netizens.

Here is just the latest dozen the other wumao articles and videos that I looked at so far:

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is WHO Planning To Take Control Of Internet?!

Is the WHO (World Health Organization) planning to take control of the Internet, for the “benefit of humanity”?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WHO Plans To Take Control Of Internet!

People are sharing an article by NewsPunch, which claims that the WHO (World Health Organization) is planning to take control of the Internet, for the “benefit of humanity”!

Here is an excerpt of the very long article, so please feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WHO Moves Forward With Plans To Take Total Control of the Internet ‘For the Benefit of Humanity’

The World Health Organization (WHO) this week held a meeting to advance the international pandemic treaty — a legally binding instrument that will grant the global health agency total control over the internet to censor anything it deems to be “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Read more : Is Biden Admin signing over US sovereignty to WHO?!

 

Truth : WHO Is NOT Planning To Take Over Internet!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS about the World Health Organization – WHO, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : NewsPunch Is A Fake News Website

Like Real Raw News, NewPunch is a FAKE NEWS website that capitalises on making shocking but fake stories to generate page views and money.

It was founded as Your News Wire in 2014, before being rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news spread on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from NewsPunch. Here are some of its fake stories that I personally debunked earlier:

Fact #2 : WHO Member States Want To Amend IHR

This claim is based on WHO member state discussions in 2022, to amend existing International Health Regulations to strengthen the world’s preparedness against future global pandemics.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) were first adopted by member states in 1969, empowering the WHO to monitor global diseases. Those regulations have since been revised over the years, including in 2005 – after the SARS outbreak.

On 1 December 2021, world leaders agreed to kickstart the process to draft and negotiate an agreement or convention to “strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response“.

The proposed recommendations came from WHO member states, and not WHO itself. Among the more than 200 recommendations on how to better prepare for the next pandemic were:

  • sharing of data and genomic sequences on emerging viruses
  • a plan for equitable vaccine distribution
  • a ban on wildlife markets
  • incentives for reporting new viruses or variants

In other words – this agreement is being formulated by WHO member states, and not the WHO itself.

Recommended : Did WHO Recommend Permanent Use Of Face Mask?!

Fact #3 : WHO Is Not Planning To Control Internet

If you read the zero draft of the proposed WHO agreement, you will realise that the WHO is not planning to control the Internet. This is explicitly stated in Article 17, which refers to “Parties” that are the member states.

The Parties commit to increase science, public health and pandemic literacy in the population, as well as access to information on pandemics and their effects, and tackle false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation, including through promotion of international cooperation.

As you can see, under the agreement, each individual country will commit to increase KNOWLEDGE about science and public health, as well as combat “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Not only does the article clearly state that it is up to each country (not the WHO) to implement its policies, it does not mention anything about controlling the Internet.

The only people who need to worry about Article 17 of this proposed WHO agreement are those who peddle “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Fact #4 : No One Can “Take Over” The Internet

The Internet is not some kind of organisation that the WHO can “take over”, even if it wants to. The Internet is a global system of networks, literally a “network of networks” connecting the networks in each country to each other.

Until today, there is no centralised control of the Internet – no one sets the rules or policies, or even technical implementations. It is up to each country to adopt its own policies, although to ensure interoperability, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages the domain name system (DNS), while the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) helps to standardise and improve technical aspects of the Internet.

Due to its autonomous nature, no one can control the Internet, never mind take over control. Individual countries and organisations can control its own networks, limiting or filtering access as they wish, but they cannot do so for other networks.

Fact #4 : Many Countries Do NOT Want A Binding Treaty

The claim that this is a binding treaty is, currently, false.

While the European Union, Britain, Indonesia and Kenya have proposed that the changes be adopted in the form of a binding treaty, the United States, India and Brazil opposed that idea.

The EU proposed the treaty and is its biggest backer, with support from Britain, Indonesia, Kenya and others.

The United States will take part in the talks but has opposed a binding treaty. India and Brazil have also voiced reservations.

With so many member countries involved, securing agreement is likely to be tricky.

Recommended : Did Joe Biden Fire Over 200 Marines For Not Taking Vaccine?!

Fact #6 : Future WHO Agreement May Not Be Binding

If you download and read the zero draft, you will realise that the WHO is still calling it a “convention, agreement, or other international instruments“, clearly showing that member countries have not decided whether they want it to be binding or otherwise.

In the third point noted on the very first page of the draft, it was even pointed out that this is just a draft that is being used for “commencing negotiations“, and that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed“.

The INB (Intergovernmental Negotiating Body) further agreed that the zero draft would be considered at its fourth meeting as a basis for commencing negotiations at that meeting, it being understood that the zero draft will be without prejudice to the position of any delegation and following the principle that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”.

So it is ludicrous for anyone who read the first page of the zero draft to claim that this is a binding treaty.

Fact #7 : WHO Agreement Must Be Ratified By Member Countries

The claim that the proposed WHO agreement will be voted on by “mostly unelected diplomats” is nonsense.

First of all, the agreement was drafted and amended by member countries themselves. The WHO is only facilitating this agreement. It is not the one creating the agreement.

Secondly, even after member countries agree on a final WHO agreement, it must be approved and adopted by each individual country. This is clearly stated in Article 33(1) with my emphasis in bold:

The WHO CA+ shall be subject to ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by States, and to formal confirmation or accession by regional economic integration organizations. It shall be open for accession from the day after the date on which the WHO CA+ is closed for signature. Instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, formal confirmation or accession shall be deposited with the Depositary.

Recommended : Did WHO Boss Dr. Tedros Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine?!

Fact #8 : All Treaties Require US Senate Ratification

The move by Republican Senators to introduce a bill that would require the WHO treaty to be approved by two-thirds of the Senate is nothing more than political drama, because it is already the law of the land.

The US Constitution gives the Senate the sole power to approve, by a two-thirds vote or more, all international treaties (binding agreements) negotiated by the executive branch.

[The President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur;

In other words, the bill by Republican senators is irrelevant political theatre. If the WHO agreement is a binding treaty, the US Constitution already requires two-thirds of the US Senate to ratify it.

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New JobStreet Study : 2023 Remains Jobseekers’ Market In Asia!

A new JobStreet study just revealed that 2023 will remain the jobseekers’ market in Asia! Here is what you need to know.

 

New JobStreet Study : 2023 Remains Jobseekers’ Market In Asia!

On 1 March 2023, SEEK, the parent company of JobStreet and JobsDB – Asia’s leading online employment marketplaces, released a new study on the jobseekers’ market in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, together with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network, a global alliance of recruitment websites.

The study, which surveyed 97,324 respondents in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, delivered these key findings:

  • 34% of talents are actively looking for a new job
  • their top 3 motivations for seeking for a new job are:
    – 49% are looking for a more interesting position, or higher seniority
    – 30% feel they lack opportunities for upward career progress
    – 27% are unsatisfied with their current salary and benefits
  • 54% are not actively looking for a job, but would consider a job opportunity with better financial compensation
  • 74% of talents in the region are approached multiple times per year for new job opportunities
  • 36% of talents are approached about new job opportunities every month
  • 70% of talents believe they have strong negotiation power
  • IT talents are the most coveted in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore, being frequently approached with job opportunities

You can download the full report here.

Despite the waves of layoffs by tech companies in the region and around the world, the demand for tech talent still remains based on the reports’ findings. This is consistent with SEEK’s observation of a 29% YoY (2021 vs 2022) increase in job ads for tech roles in the region, based on data from our JobStreet and JobsDB platforms.
– Peter Bithos, CEO of SEEK Asia

 

2023 JobStreet Study Findings : Top Talent Priorities

The 2023 study by JobStreet parent company, SEEK and the Boston Consulting Group, also gave us a look at what are the top priorities for talents in the Southeast Asia and Hong Kong region:

Most respondents (71%) desire, above all, a stable job with a good work-life balance. This preference is dominant across job roles, countries, and age groups.

  • 22% say that unattractive financial compensation is a deal breaker
  • 17% say that poor work-life balance is a deal breaker
  • amount of time off, and job security tie as deal breakers in third place

People’s expectations towards work have changed radically in the past few years. Most jobseekers don’t want to live to work anymore – they want to work to live. Employers must understand that while a high salary may be a way to raise the attention of in-demand talent, money is not enough to retain them on the long run. A culture that supports work-life balance, allows for flexibility, and emphasises good workplace relationships is equally important.
– Sagar Goel, Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Jobseekers are also interested in a better recruiting process:

  • 67% want a smooth and timely process, as 49% will refuse even an attractive job offer if they face a negative experience
  • recruitment platforms like JobStreet and JobsDB are the top channel used when applying for a job.
  • Advanced digital tools are not favoured, even among the young generation. Many prefer personal interactions during the recruitment process – only 24% were comfortable participating in an AI-led automated interview.

 

2023 JobStreet Study Findings : The Malaysian Context

The study also looked at the Malaysian context for jobseekers in 2023:

  • Malaysia’s labour market remains positive, with 30.9K new jobs
  • Talents in Malaysia have lower job opportunities than the global average. However, 69% of respondents feel they have a strong negotiation power over employers.
  • 1 in 3 employees are willing to try different careers by reselling to new professions – this is approximately 5% higher than the regional average
  • top 3 more coveted talents in Malaysia (based on the percentage of respondents who are approached most frequently with job opportunities) are:
    – Information Technology
    – Digitisation, data science, and artificial intelligence
    – Education, such as teachers and trainers
  • 61% of Malaysians expressed their preference for hybrid working models, which is 7% higher than the global average.

 

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Is Biden Admin signing over US sovereignty to WHO?!

Is the Biden Administration negotiating to sign over US sovereignty to the World Health Organization (WHO)?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Biden Admin Is Going To Sign Over US Sovereignty To WHO!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The Epoch Times, which claims that the Biden Administration is negotiating a deal to give WHO authority over US pandemic policies!

Here is an excerpt of the very long article, so please feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

The Biden administration is preparing to sign up the United States to a “legally binding” accord with the World Health Organization (WHO) that would give the Geneva-based United Nations health agency the authority to dictate America’s policies during a pandemic.

Despite widespread criticism of the WHO’s response to the COVID pandemic, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joined with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in September 2022 to announce “the U.S.-WHO Strategic Dialogue.” Together, they developed a “platform to maximize the longstanding U.S.–WHO partnership, and to protect and promote the health of all people around the globe, including the American people.”

 

Truth : Biden Admin Is NOT Going To Sign Over US Sovereignty To WHO!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS about the Biden Administration, and the WHO, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WHO Member States Want To Better Prepare For Future Pandemics

This claim is based on WHO member state discussions in 2022, to amend existing International Health Regulations to strengthen the world’s preparedness against future global pandemics.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) were first adopted by member states in 1969, empowering the WHO to monitor global diseases. Those regulations have since been revised over the years, including in 2005 – after the SARS outbreak.

On 1 December 2021, world leaders agreed to kickstart the process to draft and negotiate an agreement or convention to “strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response“.

Fact #2 : Recommendations Came From WHO Member States

The proposed recommendations came from WHO member states, and not WHO itself. Among the more than 200 recommendations on how to better prepare for the next pandemic were:

  • sharing of data and genomic sequences on emerging viruses
  • a plan for equitable vaccine distribution
  • a ban on wildlife markets
  • incentives for reporting new viruses or variants

Fact #3 : Biden Administration Does Not Want A Binding Agreement

The European Union proposed that the changes be adopted in the form of a new treaty, a measure backed by Britain, Indonesia and Kenya, among other countries.

Despite what people are claiming on social media, the United States has opposed a binding treaty. India and Brazil are similarly reluctant about adopting a treaty.

The EU proposed the treaty and is its biggest backer, with support from Britain, Indonesia, Kenya and others.

The United States will take part in the talks but has opposed a binding treaty. India and Brazil have also voiced reservations.

With so many member countries involved, securing agreement is likely to be tricky.

Recommended : Did Joe Biden Fire Over 200 Marines For Not Taking Vaccine?!

Fact #4 : Future WHO Agreement May Not Be Binding

The zero draft of the proposed WHO agreement on preparing for future pandemics was released on 1 February 2023, and was the focus of the article by The Epoch Times.

If you download and read the zero draft, you will realise that the WHO is still calling it a “convention, agreement, or other international instruments“, clearly showing that member countries have not decided whether they want it to be binding or otherwise.

In the third point noted on the very first page of the draft, it was even pointed out that this is just a draft that is being used for “commencing negotiations“, and that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed“.

 The INB (Intergovernmental Negotiating Body) further agreed that the zero draft would be considered at its fourth meeting as a basis for commencing negotiations at that meeting, it being understood that the zero draft will be without prejudice to the position of any delegation and following the principle that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”. 

So it is ludicrous for anyone who read the first page of the zero draft to claim that the Biden Administration is planning to sign away US sovereignty to the WHO.

Fact #5 : Zero Draft Specifically Addressed Sovereignty

The zero draft of the proposed WHO agreement on preparing for future pandemics even addresses the issue of national sovereignty on Article 4 (3):

3. Sovereignty – States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right to determine and manage their approach to public health, notably pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery of health systems, pursuant to their own policies and legislation, provided that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to their peoples and other countries. Sovereignty also covers the rights of States over their biological resources.

Anyone who read the zero draft can clearly see that even the “draft” has clarified that no country is signing over its national sovereignty to the WHO.

Recommended : Did WHO Boss Dr. Tedros Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine?!

Fact #6 : WHO DG Dismissed Sovereignty Claim In May 2022

On May 17, 2022, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus dismissed the claim that countries signing up for this new agreement would be giving up their sovereignty.

The accord process is led by Member States with their own Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (called INB), representing all regions of the world. The INB has now started a two-year process that includes global public hearings with all stakeholders. This represents the world’s opportunity to plan together, detect pathogens quicker, share data broadly and collectively respond more effectively to the next diseases X or known pathogens.

Unfortunately, there has been a small minority of groups making misleading statements and purposefully distorting facts.

I want to be crystal clear. WHO’s agenda is public, open and transparent. WHO stands strongly for individual rights. We passionately support everyone’s right to health and we will do everything we can to ensure that that right is realized.

The first ever World Health Assembly, which took place soon after the WHO Constitution entered into force in 1948, was a watershed event in global public health. And like the proposed pandemic preparedness accord, this did not mean WHO usurped nations’ sovereignty; in fact it strengthened countries’ ability to fight diseases together.

WHO is an expression of Member States’ own sovereignty and WHO is entirely what the sovereign 194 Member States want WHO to be.

Every year, these sovereign governments come together at the World Health Assembly to set the health agenda for the world. Individually we can’t beat pandemics; our best chance is together.

Fact #6 : WHO Treaty Cannot Bypass US Senate Ratification

The claim that the Biden Administration is using the WHO treaty to bypass US senate ratification is nonsense.

The US Constitution gives the Senate the sole power to approve, by a two-thirds vote or more, all international treaties (binding agreements) negotiated by the executive branch.

[The President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur;

In other words, the Biden Administration can negotiate any agreement it wants with other WHO member countries, but it must still seek ratification by the two-thirds of the US Senate.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Forecasts Predict Pakatan Harapan Victory In GE15?!

Are many think tanks including the US government predicting a Pakatan Harapan victory in GE15 – the 15th General Election?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Forecasts Predict Pakatan Harapan Victory In GE15?!

On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, this message went viral on WhatsApp, claiming that many think tanks in Malaysia issued forecasts that Pakatan Harapan will win the most seats in GE15!

Electoral Barometer Forecast, (until 6 am, 15 Nov 22)

O2 = BN 42, PN 43, PH 91

Ilham = BN 39, PN 46, PH 87

Merdeka = BN 35, PN 56, PH 98

UMCEDEL = BN 38-40, PN 37-41, PH 88

Iman = BN 41, PN 60, PH 84

Invoke = BN 39, PN 54, PH 105

Penang Institute = BN 35, PN 43, PH 103

UUM = BN 42, PN 49, PH 89

MPN = BN 40, PN 50, PH 90

MIEO = BN 36-40, PN 45-53, PH 92-98

Kemas = BN 36, PN 54, PH 90

Bukit Aman = BN 38, PN 54, PH 92

Ipsos = BN 38, PN 51, PH 87

ISEAS = BN 35, PN 46, PH 96

Oxford Analytica = BN 39, PN 48, PH 92

Indonesia Intel = BN 37, PN 50, PH 94

US Embassy= BN 35, PN 48, PH 94

ASEAN = BN 32, PN 51, PH 108

 

Truth : Forecasts Do NOT Predict Pakatan Harapan Victory In GE15?!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Early Voting Only Started Today

First, I should point out that early voting for police and military personnel and their spouses only started today – Tuesday, 15 November, 2022.

Just over 265,000 were allowed to vote early, consisting of 146,737 military personnel and their spouses, and 118,794 police personnel and their spouses.

Fact #2 : Impossible To Use Polls Of Early Voters

As this early voting only occurs in police contingent and district headquarters, as well as military camps, it is impossible for any think tank to conduct exit polls.

Even if they did, this group only makes up 1.2% of Malaysia’s 21 million registered voters, and would not readily represent the voting patterns of the electorate.

Therefore, no think tank – even if they bothered to conduct an extensive exit poll of these early voters – would dare to issue any forecast of the GE15 results.

Fact #3 : No Think Tank Has Issued GE15 Forecasts

Let me just state this – the list of think tanks or research firms predicting a Pakatan Harapan victory in GE15 is false. No think tank has issued such GE15 forecasts.

It is really absurd that people would believe that anyone would issue a forecast before Election Day on 19 November 2022.

Think tanks and research firms like O2 Research Malaysia can conduct polls, but as this recent example shows – they do not predict winners or losers.

Their polls are also based on a relatively small sample that may give us a good idea of the Malaysian population’s voting preferences, but that may not translate into votes – the people polled may end up not voting, or may change their minds later.

Fact #4 : PDRM Is Apolitical

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is an apolitical organisation that is part of the Malaysian civil service.

Therefore, it is ridiculous to claim that it would conduct political research, and that its Bukit Aman headquarters would actually issue a forecast that Pakatan Harapan would win the most seats in GE15.

Fact #5 : Foreign Countries Do Not Forecast Malaysian Elections

I should also point out that it is ludicrous to claim that ASEAN, as well as the Indonesian and US governments issued their forecast that Pakatan Harapan will win the 15th General Election in Malaysia.

As a general rule, foreign governments do not issue public forecasts of another country’s politics or elections. That would be considered as foreign interference in a democratic process.

Needless to say – the Indonesian and US governments never issued such GE15 election forecasts.

As for ASEAN, it has a long-standing police of “non-interference in the internal affairs of member nations“. In any case, ASEAN is a pretty toothless and almost inconsequential association.

On top of that – Malaysia is a member of ASEAN. What makes you think the Malaysian government would agree to ASEAN conducting research into its electorate, and actually releasing a forecast that the opposition would win?

Please WATCH OUT about such FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media. They are designed to suppress voter turnout in the 15th General Election.

Regardless of what you may read or see on social media, please take the time and effort to cast your vote. This is not only your right, it is your responsibility as a citizen of Malaysia.

Remember – democracy does not guarantee us a good government. Democracy only guarantees us the right to vote out a bad government!

Happy voting on 19 November 2022!

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Indonesia Bans Sale Of Cough Syrups + Liquid Meds!

Indonesia has stopped the sale of all medical and cough syrups, and liquid medication after 99 children died, amidst an unexplained spike in acute kidney injuries.

 

Indonesia Bans Sale Of Cough Syrups + Liquid Meds!

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Indonesia banned the sale of all syrup and liquid medication, including cough syrups.

This decision follows the deaths of 99 children, and 206 cases of acute kidney injuries in children, mostly under 6 years of age.

As a precaution, the ministry has asked health workers in health facilities not to prescribe liquid medicine or syrup temporarily.

We also ask that drug stores temporarily stop all sales of non-prescription liquid medicine or syrup until our investigations are completed.

– Indonesia Health Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Syahril

Read more : Truth About FDA Import Alert 99-33 On Japanese Food!

 

Indonesia Ban Of Cough Syrups + Liquid Meds : What’s Going On?!

Just a week ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) linked four cough syrups made in India to the deaths of more than 60 children who suffered acute kidney failure in The Gambia, West Africa.

WHO suspected that the four cough syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited of India, contained “unacceptable amounts” of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can damage the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys.

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organizatio immediately shut down Maiden Pharmaceuticals’ factory in New Delhi where these cough syrups were made.

In view of the seriousness of the contraventions observed during the investigation and its potential risk to the quality, safety and efficacy of the drugs being produced, all the manufacturing activities of the firm (are) being stopped with immediate effect.

The cough syrups that killed so many children in The Gambia though were not sold in Indonesia, according to the Indonesian food and drugs agency.

However, Indonesian Health Ministry Budi Gunadi Sadikin said today (Thursday, October 20) that the same toxic substances – diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol – were detected in syrups found in the homes of some of the affected children.

He added that the number of acute kidney failure cases could be higher than reported, so his health ministry was taking the conservative approach by banning the sale of all medical syrups and liquid medication.

 

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Dell 40-Nation Survey : Employees Are Greatest Asset!

Dell Technologies just conducted a new 40+ country survey to find out things have changed after two years of accelerated digital transformation!

Take a look at their results, and find out why most businesses consider employees as their greatest asset!

 

Dell 40-Nation Survey : Employees Are Greatest Asset!

After two years of accelerated digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, 64% of IT leaders in Malaysia (APJ: 45%; Global: 50%) say their organisations know what it takes to digitally transform a workforce.

But after such rapid change, many employees now face the challenge of maintaining the pace. What’s more, more than two-thirds of the 10,500 respondents believe that their organisations are not able to engage with their employees properly when planning transformation programs.

The results suggest that after 2 years rapid transformation, businesses and their workforce are in need of time to recharge, reflect and refine before embarking on new or iterating projects.

The research also highlights how there is still the danger os digital transformation stalling, as 68% of Malaysian respondents (APJ: 72%; Global: 64%) believe that their employees’ resistance to change can lead to failure.

Over half or 57% of Malaysian respondents (APJ: 62%; Global: 53%)  fear that they will be shut-out of the rapidly-evolving digital world due to a lack of people with the right authority or vision to capitalise on opportunities offered by new technologies, like as-a-Service models.

Most organisations around the world – including Malaysia – realise the need to digitally transform, but they find digital transformation hard, and their people don’t always embrace change.

This human-technology friction is only compounded by the pandemic and what we end up with is businesses that are more digitally resilient, but many of their people are exhausted.

Today, businesses aspiring for sustainable success need to be asking themselves how they can thoughtfully and purposefully help their people navigate further change.

– Mak Chin Wah, country manager, Malaysia and general manager, Telecom Systems Business, South Asia, Dell Technologies.

 

Dell 40-Nation Survey : Readiness For Digital Change

Dell and independent behavioural experts also studied survey respondents’ appetite for digital change, and they found that only 8% of the Malaysian workforce – from senior business leaders to IT decision-makers and staff – are pursuing modernisation projects (APJ: 7%; Global: 10%).

Furthermore, 40% of Malaysian respondents are slow or reluctant to embrace change (APJ: 46%; Global: 42%).

Breakthrough Benchmark Malaysia APJ Global
Sprint: Will chase innovation and
trailblaze technological change.
8% 7% 10%
Steady: Poised to adopt technological
change, selected by others.
50% 41% 43%
Slow: Inclined to hold back and
observe / deliberate.
40% 46% 42%
Still: Tend to anticipate problems and
resist proposed technology innovations
based on perceived risk.
4% 6% 5%

 

Dell 40-Nation Survey : The Way Forward

The Dell study also charts a way forward for businesses to focus on keeping pace with digital transformation:

1. Connectivity

Businesses performed tremendous feats to connect, collaborate, and conduct business online during the pandemic, but the job is not done.

Around 76% of Malaysian respondents say they need their organisations to provide the necessary tools and infrastructure to work anywhere (along with the autonomy to choose their preferred working pattern) (APJ: 78%; Global: 72%).

In fact, they worry their employees might be left behind because they do not have the right technology to shift to a highly distributed model (where work and compute are not tied to a central place, but occur everywhere).

Technology alone is not enough. Businesses also need to make work equitable for employees with different needs, interests, and responsibilities, including the 82% Malaysian employees (APJ: 78; Global: 76%) that would like their organisation to do any of the following:

  • Clearly define their ongoing commitment to flexible work arrangements and the practicalities of making it work – Malaysia: 54% (APJ: 46%; Global: 40%)
  • Equip leaders to effectively and equitably manage remote teams – Malaysia: 41% (APJ: 42%; Global: 42%)
  • Empower employees to choose their preferred working pattern and provide the necessary tools / infrastructure – Malaysia: 49% (APJ: 47%; Global: 44%)

Read more : Dell Commissions Largest Solar Panel Globally In Malaysia!

2. Productivity

Every employee’s time is limited and there are now too few qualified candidates for open roles. To address these limitations, businesses can delegate repetitive tasks to automated processes and free-up employees to focus on higher-value work.

At present, 19% of Malaysian respondents say that their work is stimulating and not repetitive (APJ: 32%; Global: 37%). With the opportunity to automate more repetitive tasks, 81% of Malaysian respondents would look forward to learning new, sought-after skills and technologies, like leadership skills, courses in machine learning, or focusing on more strategic opportunities to elevate their role (APJ: 74%; Global; 69%).

However, businesses with limited budgets are concerned they will not be able to advance their workforce and compete.

3. Empathy

At their heart, businesses must build a culture, modelled by empathetic leaders, that treats people as their greatest source of creativity and value.

The research shows there is still work to do and empathy has to inform decision making – from simplifying technology for approximately half (Malaysia: 51%; APJ: 52%; Global: 49%) who often feel overwhelmed by complex technologies, to tailoring change programs to individuals’ skills (Malaysia: 54%; APJ: 50%; Global: 41%;) of employees believe their leaders do this).

Read more : Dell Survey On Remote Work Readiness In Malaysia!

 

Dell 40-Nation Survey : A Quick Primer

To find out how things have changed after two years of accelerated digital transformation, Dell Technologies conducted a survey across 40+ countries from all regions of the world, from August to October 2021.

Fieldwork was conducted by Vanson Bourne, and involved 10,500 senior business decision-makers, IT decision-makers and knowledge workers (employees involved in digital transformation).

In Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ), 2,900 respondents across 11 locations were surveyed. The APJ locations include Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Malaysia, 200 number of respondents were surveyed.

On 22 September 2022, Dell Technologies presented their key findings at the Dell Technologies Forum 2022, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Do Vegan Tonkotsu Noodles Contain Pork?!

Do vegan Tonkotsu noodles contain pork, and are therefore not halal for Muslims to eat?!

Take a look at the viral photo, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Vegan Tonkotsu Noodles Contain Pork!

A packet of vegan Tonkotsu noodles has gone viral, with people claiming that it contains pork, and is therefore not halal for Muslims to consume. It’s often accompanied by comments like:

Kepada yg suka sgt Japanese Food. Berhati2 lah. (To those who love Japanese food, be careful)

Dunia hari ini… hati2 bila membeli (Be careful when buying things in today’s world)

Something is off about this

 

Truth : Vegan Tonkotsu Noodles Do NOT Contain Pork!

The photo of the Tonkotsu noodles packet has gone viral, with Muslim netizens in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand deeply concerned about its halal status, so here is what you need to know…

Fact #1 : That Is A Packet Of Vegan Tonkotsu Instant Noodles

First, let me just point out that many netizens did not bother to look at the photo properly.

It is stated clearly on the packet that it contains Tonkotsu with pork bone broth flavour.

The small labels also point out that this packet is not only vegan, it has a gluten-free soup base.

Fact #2 : Vegan Tonkotsu Noodles Do Not Contain Meat

This packet of vegan Tonkotsu noodles does NOT contain meat. Certainly not pork.

In fact, vegan food products by definition do NOT contain any animal products. That means it won’t contain meat, eggs, dairy products, or any other animal-derived substances.

The soup is made to mimic the taste of pork bone broth, using yeast extracts and garlic powder amongst other things.

For example, here are the ingredients of the Nissin Tonkotsu Instant Noodles – a similar vegan tonkotsu ramen product :

Noodles: Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Tapioca Starch, Salt, Potassium Chloride (Salt Substitute), Sodium Phosphates, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Alginate, Guar Gum, Green Tea Powder, Tocopherols, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Soup Base: Sugars (White Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Dextrose), Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Yeast Extracts, Soy Sauce Powder (Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Garlic Powder, Fully Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Onion Powder, Dehydrated Green Onion, Guar Gum, Maltodextrin, Vegetable Oil, Milk Protein, Silicon Dioxide. Black Garlic Oil: Palm Oil, Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Caramel Colour.

As you can see – its ingredients are not only completely halal, they are also completely vegan.

Fact #3 : NAHA Halal Logo Was Used Without Permission

The packet of vegan Tonkotsu noodles also has a Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA) logo, which proclaims that it had been certified halal.

However, NAHA issued a statement on August 19, 2022 stating that it did not certify this noodle producer as Halal, and the brand did not receive their permission to use the NAHA Halal logo.

We never certify this company as halal. Even if the product is vegan, our Halal standards clearly explain that we dont allow this kind of label even if all ingredients are halal and process is halal dedicated. We are searching which company has used this label with our halal mark without our permission. Please discourage this and wherever you saw this product, please inform the store that this is fake label and fraud label.

Fact #4 : Invalid NAHA Logo Does Not Mean It Is Not Halal

I have to point out that NAHA did not certify this company, so the use of their label is illegal, even if the product itself is halal.

That is a certification issue, and does not mean that the vegan noodles are not halal.

For example, if the noodle company paid NAHA to certify this particular Tonkotsu instant noodle product, it would receive a certificate and the right to use the halal logo for just 1 year.

If the brand does not continue to pay NAHA for the halal certification, it will lose the right to use its halal logo, even though the instant noodles have not changed one bit, and remain just as halal as it was before.

In other words – certification confirms that the product is halal, but the lack of certification or even the use of lapsed / false certification does not mean that the product is not halal.

NAHA, for example, offers halal certification for mineral water with a 2-year validity period. But does that mean that mineral water without the NAHA logo is not halal?

Of course, if you are in doubt about whether vegan noodles are truly halal, it’s best to check with the religious authorities in your country.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Why Sony Hiked PlayStation 5 Prices Globally!

Sony just gave everyone a “nice” August surprise, by hiking PlayStation 5 prices globally by up to 24%!

Here is what you need to know…

 

Sony Hikes PlayStation 5 Prices Globally, Except US!

Sony has had a hard time producing enough PlayStation 5 consoles, with available units getting snapped up within minutes, often by scalpers.

It doesn’t seem to be a situation that will likely be resolved until 2024, but that does not mean Sony is willing to lose out on profits just because there’s still a shortage of chips worldwide.

On 25 August 2022, they sprung a “nice” surprise by announcing an immediate hike to PlayStation 5 prices globally… except in the United States.

Japan gets a short reprieve until September 14, so consumers there can still enjoy the lower price, but with virtually no stock at hand, that probably won’t make much of a difference.

Europe

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99
  • PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99

UK

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99
  • PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99

Japan (effective Sept. 15, 2022)

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥60,478 yen (including tax)
  • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥49,478 yen (including tax)

China

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥4,299 yuan
  • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥3,499 yuan

Australia

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – AUD $799.95
  • PS5 Digital Edition – AUD $649.95

Mexico

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – MXN $14,999
  • PS5 Digital Edition – MXN $12,499

Canada

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – CAD $649.99
  • PS5 Digital Edition – CAD $519.99

Singapore

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – SG$799
  • PS5 Digital Edition – SG$669

Malaysia

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – RM2,499
  • PS5 Digital Edition – RM2,069

Indonesia

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – IDR 9,699,000
  • PS5 Digital Edition – IDR 8,199,000

Thailand

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – THB 18,690
  • PS5 Digital Edition – THB 15,690

Philippines

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – PHP 30,790

Vietnam

  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – VND 15,990,000

In the United Kingdom, prices are going up by £30 for both the Blu-ray and Digital Edition versions – a 6% to 8% hike.

In Europe, the €50 hike raises the console’s price by 10% to 12.5% for the Blu-ray and Digital Edition versions respectively.

In Australia, the A$50 hike raises the console’s price by 6.7% to 8.3% for the Blu-ray and Digital Edition versions respectively.

Here in Malaysia, the RM200 hike raises the console’s price by 8.7% to 10.7% for the Blu-ray and Digital Edition versions respectively.

The highest increase though will be in Japan. The ¥10,498 increase is a massive 21% hike over the original price of ¥49,980 for the Blu-ray edition. The Digital Edition was originally priced at ¥39,980, but it will cost 24% more after its price is raised by ¥9,498.

 

Why Is Sony Hiking PlayStation 5 Prices Globally, Except US?!

It is certainly odd and rare for companies to raise prices on a product in the middle of its lifespan. I should point out that the PlayStation 5 is almost 2 years old, having been launched on November 12, 2020.

Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan blamed the decision on “challenging economic conditions” which caused “high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends“.

The global economic environment is a challenge that many of you around the world are no doubt experiencing. We’re seeing high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends, impacting consumers and creating pressure on many industries.

Based on these challenging economic conditions, SIE has made the difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price (RRP) of PlayStation 5 in select markets across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), as well as Canada. There will be no price increase in the United States.

Why not the United States? Probably because Sony is not doing quite so well in that market, getting edged out by Xbox Series X/S. So it looks like Sony does not want to upset the apple cart there just yet…

PlayStation 5 is doing great in other countries, so Sony apparently felt confident enough to raise prices without the risk of potential customers jumping to the Xbox bandwagon in protest.

Ultimately, this boils down to profit. If Sony cannot get enough units out the door, the only way to increase profits is to raise prices. And if raising prices will keep the shareholders happy and protect their own bonuses, it’s no surprise that Sony executives would sign off on this.

Even more shockingly – Sony is raising prices most in its own turf. Japanese gamers will have to put up with a massive price hike of 21% to 24%.

It really does not pay to be a fan of Sony products…

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Indonesia Bans Steam, PayPal, Epic Games + More!

Indonesia just banned a number of major websites including Steam, Epic Games, PayPal and Battle.net!

Here is what you need to know!

 

Indonesia Banned Steam, PayPal, Epic Games + More!

On 30 July 2022, Indonesians woke up to the shocking discovery that a number of gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games, Origin, Ubisoft and Battle.net are now banned!

Not only were gaming platforms banned, Indonesia also banned major websites and digital services like PayPal and Waze.

Indonesian netizens have started sharing tips on how to bypass this sudden ban – by using VPN, or changing their DNS servers, to bypass what appears to be an IP block.

 

Why Indonesia Banned Steam, PayPal, Epic Games, Etc!

There was no official announcement by the Indonesian government, but it is likely that Indonesia banned Steam, PayPal, Epic Games and a bunch of other websites and digital platforms because they failed to register as an Electronics System Provider / Penyelenggara Sistem Elektronik (PSE).

On November 24, 2020, the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) imposed a new regulation calling for all local and international digital services to register with them for cybersecurity and user protection purposes.

Failure to comply with that regulation would subject the digital service to being banned / blocked in Indonesia.

Here is a partial list of major websites, platforms and digital services registered with the Indonesian government, and those that have not been registered, or are known to be blocked.

Those on the unregistered list are likely to be blocked, if not already blocked. Interestingly, Telegram is listed as registered, but is currently inaccessible (blocked) in Indonesia.

Registered Unregistered Blocked
LINE
WhatsApp
TikTok
Google
Google Classroom
Google Drive
Gmail
Google Cloud
YouTube
Amazon AWS
Facebook
Telegram
Twitter
Instagram
Discord
Zoom
Gojek
Spotify
Shopee
Lazada
Traveloka
Netflix
Disney+ Hotstar
Zenius
Mobile Legends
LinkedIn
Roblox
Vidio
FB Messenger
Wikipedia
Deezer
Waze
Brainly
Notion
Pinterest
SoundCloud
PayPal
EA
Nintendo
Ubisoft
Mangaku
MediaFire
GitHub
GitLab
Bitbucket
CloudFlare
MS Azure
Amazon
Reddit
DuckDuckGo
Twitch
IMDb
MS Office
Yahoo
IMDb
Patreon

Epic Games
Steam
Uplay
Battle.net
Origin

On July 15 – just 2 weeks earlier – Kominfo warned that digital service providers will be banned in Indonesia on July 21, 2022 if they refused to register.

The deadline for all PSE registration – both domestic and foreign – was set at July 20, 2022. After that, Kominfo would start banning unregistered apps and services.

At that time, Kominfo reported that many major brands and companies have yet to register with them, like Google (which owns YouTube, Google Drive, Gmail, etc.), Meta (which owns WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook), Twitter, Netflix, PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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US Mil Contractor Admits Selling Aviation Secrets To China!

A US military contractor just pleaded guilty to selling classified aviation secrets to China!

 

US Mil Contractor Admits Selling Aviation Secrets To China!

On 23 June 2022, Shapour Moinian, 67, of San Diego, pleaded guilty to selling classified aviation secrets to “representatives of the Chinese government”.

Moinan admitted that he knew that those individuals were employed by, or directed by, t he government of the People’s Republic of China.

He also admitted making false statements to cover that up, by lying on his government background questionnaires in July 2017 and March 2020 that he did not have any close or continuing contacts with foreign nations, and that no foreign national had offered him a job.

He now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 for action as an agent of a foreign government, and up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for making false statements.

His sentencing is scheduled for August 29, where federal prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than 20 months, as part of his plea agreement.

As Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office explains :

The defendant admitted to being an unregistered agent of a foreign power, lying on his background check paperwork to obtain his security clearance, knowingly providing proprietary information to people controlled by the Chinese government, and willingly receiving payments from them. This is another example of how the Chinese government enhances its defense capabilities through the illicit exploitation of U.S. technology.

When someone holds a security clearance, they know what information should be reported to security officials. In this case, the defendant betrayed his sacred oath, knew his actions were wrong, and subsequently lied about it. The FBI and our partners on the Counterintelligence Task Force will pursue anyone who abuses their placement and access to obtain proprietary information on behalf of a foreign government. I specifically want to thank the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) for their continued partnership on this case.

 

How This Military Contractor Sold Aviation Secrets To China!

Moinan was a former US Army helicopter pilot who served in the United States, Germany and South Korea from 1977 to 2000. After leaving the US Army, he worked for various “cleared” defence contractors in the United States.

The term “cleared” indicates that the contractor has been vetted and cleared to work on projects involving classified information.

While working for a cleared defence contractor on various aviation projects involving the US military and intelligence agencies, Moinan was contacted by an individual in China, who claimed to be working for a technical recruiting company.

This Chinese individual offered Moinan the opportunity to consult for the aviation industry in China. In March 2017, Moinan travelled to Hong Kong to meet with this recruiter.

At that meeting, he agreed to provide information and materials related to multiple types of aircraft designed and/or manufactured in the United States, in exchange for money. Moinan accepted between $7,000 to $10,000 during that meeting.

On returning to the United States, Shapour Moinan began gathering aviation-related materials for the Chinese government.

In one instance, he copied classified materials obtained from a cleared defence contractor into a thumb drive, which he handed over to Chinese government officials during a stopover in the Shanghai airport in September 2017.

Moinan arranged for payment for this transfer to be paid through his stepdaughter’s South Korean bank account. He told her that these funds were payments for his overseas consulting work, and instructed her to transfer the funds to him in multiple transactions – to avoid scrutiny.

Moinan also accepted a mobile phone, and other equipment from these Chinese government officials to securely communicate with them, and to aid in the electronic transfer of classified materials and information.

At the end of March 2018, Moinan travelled to Bali to meet with the same individuals again. After that meeting, his step daughter received thousands of dollars in her South Korean bank account, which she wired to him in multiple transactions.

Later in 2018, Moinan went to work for another cleared defence contractor, and in August 2019, he travelled with his wife to Hong Kong to meet with the same Chinese government officials.

This time, he received $22,000 in cash for his services, which Moinan and his wife smuggled into the United States that trip.

It is currently unknown how the US government discovered Moines’s activities, but he was investigated by the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS).

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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The Brief Kiss That Got Lightyear Banned In 14+ Countries!

Take a look at the scene that got the Disney-Pixar movie, Lightyear, banned in 14 countries, and likely China too!

 

Lightyear Movie Banned In 14 Countries + Maybe China Too!

Lightyear – the long-awaited Toy Story prequel from Disney-Pixar – has been banned in  14 Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and quite likely China too!

The ban started in the UAE, whose Media Regulatory Office of the Ministry of Youth and Culture announced on 13 June 2022 that Lightyear was banned from screening in all cinemas for “its violation of the country’s media content standards“.

A Variety report claimed that the UAE initially approved Lightyear for release, but revoked the licence after social media posts accused the movie of insulting Muslims and Islam.

That ban was then followed by other countries. The current list includes, but is not limited to :

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Egypt
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain

Although not confirmed yet, it is very likely that Lightyear will also not be allowed to screen in China.

Lightyear producer, Galyn Susman, said that Chinese authorities “asked for cuts”, which Disney declined to make. So she assumed that the movie would not be allowed to screen there either.

I’m assuming it will not make it to China. I know we’ve gotten requests for things to cut, Disney isn’t going to modify the material.

We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he’s making, so that’s not getting cut

 

The Brief Kiss That Got Lightyear Banned In 14+ Countries!

The reasons why Lightyear has been banned in at least 14 countries, and possibly China too, is over a brief kissing scene.

In the first 30 minutes of Lightyear, Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) – a female space ranger and a close friend of Buzz Lightyear – shares a brief kiss with her same-sex partner.

That kiss was part of a scene showing milestones in the couple’s relationship. It also shows the couple’s son, although it is not known if he was adopted or conceived through assisted reproduction.

But it was the brief kiss between two fictional characters that broke the camel’s back for censors in those countries. They demanded that the scene be cut from the film.

Normally, Disney would quietly cut such a controversial scene from the movie to comply with “local sensibilities”, since it doesn’t affect the plot.

However, Pixar employees had earlier penned a letter complaining that Disney corporate executives were censoring “nearly every moment of overtly gay affection” in their projects.

We at Pixar have personally witnessed beautiful stories, full of diverse characters, come back from Disney corporate reviews shaved down to crumbs of what they once were.

Nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney’s behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar.

Disney caved to the pressure, and decided not to censor the kiss from Lightyear. And so, all those countries refused to grant a licence to screen the movie in theatres.

Read more : Lightyear Movie Banned In 14 Countries + Maybe China Too!

 

Lightyear Stars On Why Lightyear Was Banned…

Chris Evans, who voiced Buzz Lightyear in this prequel, labelled such objections as “frustrating”.

It’s great that we are a part of something that’s making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity.

But it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be.

He also told Variety magazine that he was frustrated that news coverage of the movie would be focused on such an issue :

It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of ‘news.’

The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is.

Taika Waititi, who voices the character of Mo Morrison in the film, added :

We’re hoping for a time when we don’t even have to have this conversation. We can watch a movie and we don’t even have to bat an eyelid.

We don’t have to think ‘Oh wow, weird’. It’s not weird, it’s normal and it should be normalised.

Whenever you have these small steps that studios are making – sometimes they may feel small but also, they are steps – and it’s steps towards normalising humanity and love. I really feel sorry for countries who don’t want this film because of a tiny, weird little thing like that

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Lightyear Movie Banned In 14 Countries + Maybe China Too!

The Disney-Pixar movie, Lightyear, has been banned in 14 countries, and quite possibly China too!

Here is what we know so far…

 

Lightyear Movie Banned In 14 Countries + Maybe China Too!

Lightyear – the long-awaited animated feature film from Disney-Pixar – has reportedly been banned in 14 Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

The ban started in the UAE, whose Media Regulatory Office of the Ministry of Youth and Culture announced on 13 June 2022 that :

The Media Regulatory Office announced that the animated film Lightyear, which is scheduled for release on 16th June, is not licensed for public screening in all cinemas in the UAE, due to its violation of the country’s media content standards.

A Variety report claimed that the UAE initially approved Lightyear for release, but revoked the licence after social media posts accused the movie of insulting Muslims and Islam.

That ban was then followed by other countries. The current list includes, but is not limited to :

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Egypt
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain

Although not confirmed yet, it is very likely that Lightyear will also not be allowed to screen in China.

Lightyear producer, Galyn Susman, said that Chinese authorities “asked for cuts”, which Disney declined to make. So she assumed that the movie would not be allowed to screen there either.

I’m assuming it will not make it to China. I know we’ve gotten requests for things to cut, Disney isn’t going to modify the material.

We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he’s making, so that’s not getting cut

 

Why Lightyear Was Banned In Those Countries…

In Lightyear, the character of Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) shares a brief kiss with her same-sex partner.

That’s it – a little kiss between two fictional characters. Unfortunately, it was a kiss too far for those countries.

Normally, Disney would quietly cut such a “controversial” scene from the movie to comply with “local sensibilities”, since it doesn’t affect the plot.

However, Pixar employees had earlier penned a letter complaining that Disney corporate executives were censoring “nearly every moment of overtly gay affection” in their projects.

We at Pixar have personally witnessed beautiful stories, full of diverse characters, come back from Disney corporate reviews shaved down to crumbs of what they once were.

Nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney’s behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar.

Disney caved to the pressure, and decided not to censor the kiss from Lightyear. And so, all those countries refused to grant a licence to screen the movie in theatres.

Read more : The Brief Kiss That Got Lightyear Banned In 14+ Countries!

 

Lightyear Stars On The Movie Ban By 14+ Countries

Chris Evans, who voiced Buzz Lightyear in this prequel, labelled such objections as “frustrating”.

It’s great that we are a part of something that’s making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity.

But it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be.

He also told Variety magazine that he was frustrated that news coverage of the movie would be focused on such an issue :

It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of ‘news.’

The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is.

Taika Waititi, who voices the character of Mo Morrison in the film, added :

We’re hoping for a time when we don’t even have to have this conversation. We can watch a movie and we don’t even have to bat an eyelid.

We don’t have to think ‘Oh wow, weird’. It’s not weird, it’s normal and it should be normalised.

Whenever you have these small steps that studios are making – sometimes they may feel small but also, they are steps – and it’s steps towards normalising humanity and love. I really feel sorry for countries who don’t want this film because of a tiny, weird little thing like that

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Sumatra Earthquake Topple These Shipping Containers?!

Watch the viral video of shipping containers toppling over, and find out if it happened during the Sumatra earthquake!

 

Claim : Sumatra Earthquake Toppled These Shipping Containers!

At 9:39 AM on 25 February 2022, people across South East Asia felt the tremors of a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Almost immediately, netizens started sharing pictures and videos of people evacuating buildings, including a viral video of shipping containers toppling over.

Some people alleged it happened in Port Klang, Malaysia while others claim it happened in Pekan Baru, Indonesia.

 

Truth : Storm Eunice Toppled Shipping Containers, Not Sumatra Earthquake!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the facts…

Fact #1 : Video Was Recorded 6 Days Earlier

The video is genuine, but was recorded 6 days before the Sumatra earthquake on 19 February 2022.

Fact #2 : It Happened At Rotterdam Port

The video was not recorded at Port Klang in Malaysia, or Pekan Baru in Indonesia.

The video was recorded at the Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport, and half a world away from the Sumatra earthquake.

Fact #3 : Tremors Were Mild In Malaysia

While many people in the Klang Valley felt the tremors from the Sumatra earthquake, they were relatively mild.

They were certainly not strong enough to topple shipping containers, even empty ones.

Fact #4 : Storm Eunice Toppled Those Containers

The containers seen in the video were toppled by Storm Eunice, which recorded wind gusts of up to 196 km per hour (122 miles per hour).

Four people were killed in The Netherlands, not by those containers, but by fallen trees.

Please help us fight fake news by sharing this article, or the fact check video above!

 

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Did Malaysia Health Ministry Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?

Is the Malaysia Health Ministry giving us expired COVID-19 vaccines?

Take a look at the viral message, and find out what the FACTS really are!

 

Claim : Malaysia Health Ministry Is Using Expired COVID-19 Vaccines!

This message is going viral on WhatsApp, claiming that the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) is using EXPIRED COVID-19 vaccines.

A million vaccine shots tossed in Indonesia on short expiry date

Our health ministry and Minister must explain why Indonesia is discarding expired vaccine shots while our Health minister is extending the expired period to six months.

It is known that once a vaccine or any medicine is expired it loses its efficacy and should not be given. But our DG and Health Minister on their own accord without any advice from from the vaccine maker decided to extend the expiry period and give it to our people.

Is Malaysian lives so cheap that expired vaccine can be given to our people without fear that it may have adverse effects on the people.?

 

Truth : Malaysia Is Not Using Expired COVID-19 Vaccines!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp about COVID-19 vaccines.

Malaysia is NOT using expired COVID-19 vaccines, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Most Expired Vaccines In Indonesia Had Short Shelf Life Left

It is true that more than a million COVID-19 vaccine doses were discarded in Indonesia after they expired. But that was because most of them were donated with just 1-3 months of shelf life left!

On 19 January 2022, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told the Indonesian Parliament that about 98% of the 1.1 million doses that were discarded were “donated just 1-3 months away from expiry“.

In other words, it was almost impossible for Indonesia to distribute and use those vaccines before they expired.

Hence, the Indonesian government will be “more selective and only accept doses expiring in three months or longer“.

Fact #2 : COVID-19 Vaccine Shelf Lives Were Too Short

When properly stored, vaccines can last a long time. Most vaccines actually have a shelf life of about three years.

However, vaccine manufacturers have been extraordinarily cautious when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. Many COVID-19 vaccines ship with shelf lives of only 3 to 6 months!

The key takeaway point is that COVID-19 vaccine shelf lives are extraordinarily short. Many healthcare professionals would call them way too short.

Read more : Why Expiry Date On COVID-19 Vaccine Vial Is NOT Accurate!

Fact #3 : EUA / EUL Vaccines Do NOT Have Fixed Expiry Dates

The US FDA points out that vaccines authorised for emergency use (EUA / EUL) do NOT have fixed expiry dates.

Vaccines authorized for emergency use – as products that are not approved under a biologics license application and are still being studied under investigational new drug applications– do not have fixed expiry dates.

For those doses that are close to expiry, if they are being held under appropriate conditions for ensuring their integrity for use, they can potentially be quarantined to see if data on new stability studies warrant extension of the initial expiry date according to appropriate policies and procedures.

Fact #4 : Vaccine Shelf Life Extension Is Based On Stability Studies

Vaccine manufacturers can conduct stability studies, to prove that their COVID-19 vaccines remain stable and effective over time.

They can then apply to extend the shelf life of COVID-19 vaccines, which is subject to approval by drug regulatory agencies like the US FDA and the UK MHRA

The shelf life of COVID-19 vaccines will only be extended if stability tests prove that they maintain their potency.

Fact #5 : Vaccine Shelf Life Extension Requested By Manufacturers

The fake news claimed that the Malaysia Health Ministry extended vaccine shelf life on their own accord. That’s complete and utter nonsense.

The vaccine manufacturer must apply for a shelf life extension, and provide their stability study results to prove that their COVID-19 vaccine remain stable and potent beyond the requested shelf life extension.

Fact #6 : Many COVID-19 Vaccines Have Extended Shelf Lives

Many COVID-19 vaccines shipped with very short shelf lives, and have since had them extended, some multiple times.

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COMIRNATY : Extended to 9 months since 22 August 2021
  • Moderna Spikevax : Extended  to 9 months since 23 December 2021
  • J&J Janssen : Extended to 4.5 months on 10 June 2021, and then 6 months on 28 July 2021
  • Sinovac : Extended to 12 months
  • SII Covishield : Extended to 9 months in March 2021
  • Bharat Covaxin : Extended to 12 months on 3 November 2021
  • Sputnik V : Extended to 6 months

Read more : Why COVID-19 Vaccine Shelf Life Keeps Getting Extended!

Now that you are aware of the facts, please share this fact check with your family and friends, so they won’t get fooled by this fake news!

 

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UOB Buys Citibank Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand + Vietnam!

UOB just announced that they will take over Citibank consumer business in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam!

Here is what you need to know…

 

UOB Buys Citibank Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand + Vietnam!

On 14 January 2022, UOB announced that they won the bid to take over Citibank consumer business in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The acquisition of Citibank in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam will cost UOB about S$5 billion (about RM15.5 billion or USD 3.72 billion).

When completed around early 2024, the acquisition of Citibank Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam will expand UOB’s retail customer base to approximately 10 billion in the region (including Singapore).

The sale comes more than 8 months after Citi announced in April 2021 that it would be exiting the consumer banking market in 13 markets. Citi, however, will continue to retain its Singapore assets.

The acquisition will affect some 5,000 Citi employees in those four countries, about 36% of whom have worked at Citi for more than a decade.

 

Official Statement By Citibank Malaysia On UOB Purchase

On 14 January 2022, Citibank Malaysia issued this advisory on the acquisition of Citi’s Consumer Banking business in Malaysia :

Dear Valued Customer,

I am writing to let you know that Citi in Malaysia has reached an agreement with UOB Group for the acquisition of Citi’s Consumer Banking business in Malaysia.

This is a positive outcome for Citi, our people, and our customers.

UOB Group will acquire Citi’s consumer business which includes credit cards, personal loans, retail banking, mortgages and wealth management solutions for high net-worth individuals.

We are delighted to find a strong partner in UOB Group, a leading Pan-Asian institution committed to providing great products, services and customer experiences. They have established a strong presence in Southeast Asia backed by a global network of 500 offices and have a reputation for building lasting relationships with customers.

Rest assured, there will be no immediate impact to your credit card accounts, loan accounts, deposits, investments, or any other product you may hold with us. This announcement is the start of a process that we expect will take time, with closing of the transaction subject to regulatory approvals.

Until such time, all our Consumer Banking business operations, Citibank service teams including our Relationship Managers, branches, call centers, Citibank Online and mobile banking services, will continue to serve you as usual.

Citi remains committed to serving you with excellence. Together with UOB Group, we will be sharing further updates with you in the future.

 

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Fake News : New Malaysia Travel Ban On 23 Countries!

Please note that the new travel ban by Malaysia on 23 countries with high COVID-19 cases is FAKE NEWS!

Here is what you need to know!

 

Claim : Malaysia Travel Ban On 23 Countries!

On 7 January 2022, people started sharing a screenshot of a travel advisory by the Embassy of Malaysia in Berlin, Germany.

Please skip to the next section for the facts…

Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin

TRAVEL ADVISORY
ENTRY RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN TRAVELERS TO MALAYSIA

Effective from 08 January 2022, the Government of Malaysia is imposing travel restrictions into Malaysia on foreign travellers who are travelling from countries that have recorded over 150,000 COVID-19 cases as listed below:

 

Truth : There Is No Such Travel Ban!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS being created and circulated on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the facts…

Fact #1 : This Travel Advisory Was Forged

This travel advisory was forged from the original September 2020 travel advisory.

Back then, the government of Malaysia announced the temporary travel ban on those 23 countries, that would start on 7 September 2021.

The original travel advisory was edited, with the new date added to make it look like it’s new. But it was a very poor photo-editing job.

If you look carefully, the 08 January 2022, date is not only in bold , but of a different type of font and a much larger size.

Note : Here is the screenshot that went viral. I added a FAKE overlay to prevent further abuse.

Fact #2 : Embassy of Malaysia In Berlin Confirms It Is Fake

The Embassy of Berlin in Malaysia confirmed that the viral travel advisory is FAKE.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin would like to warn the public that there has been a fake news being circulated regarding travel advisory by the Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin on entry restriction on foreign travelers [sic] to Malaysia.

We condemn the actions of those who maliciously spread fake news which can have an adverse effect and concern to the public. The public is advice [sic] to validate the source before circulating any news.

Thank you.

Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin
7 January 2022

Fact #3 : Malaysia Currently Has No Travel Ban

There is currently no travel ban in Malaysia.

In fact, Malaysia just ended a temporary travel ban of 8 countries, on 27 December 2021, due to the risk of Omicron variant.

There is currently only a list of 18 countries that are considered high-risk due to the Omicron variant.

  1. Australia
  2. The United States of America
  3. The United Kingdom
  4. Norway
  5. France
  6. Denmark
  7. Canada
  8. Nigeria
  9. India
  10. Saudi Arabia
  11. South Africa
  12. Botswana
  13. Eswatini
  14. Lesotho
  15. Mozambique
  16. Namibia
  17. Zimbabwe
  18. Malawi

Travellers from those 18 high-risk countries can still travel to Malaysia, but they must comply with the following additional restrictions :

  • Negative COVID-19 PCR test within 2 days before departure
  • COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Malaysia
  • Wear a digital tracker on arrival in Malaysia
  • Mandatory quarantine of 7 days or 10 days, depending on vaccination status, either at home or at a quarantine centre, subject to approval.
  • Additional PCR test on Day 5 (for 7-day quarantine) or Day 8 (for 10-day quarantine).
  • Risk assessment on the last day of quarantine, which may be extended if you are symptomatic.
  • You will only be free from the quarantine on Day 8 or Day 11, if there is no quarantine extension and the Day 5 or Day 8 PCR test is negative.
  • Travellers from the United Kingdom have the additional requirement of conducting daily RTK-Ag tests during their quarantine, which must be reported in MySejahtera.

Now that you know the truth, please SHARE this fact check with your family and friends, so they won’t get fooled by it!

 

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Malaysia Admits Losing Undersea Cable Due To Cabotage!

Malaysia finally admits losing the Apricot undersea cable due to its cabotage policy, in a stunning reply from the Communications and Multimedia Minister.

 

Malaysia Admits Losing Undersea Cable Due To Cabotage!

Malaysia Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong has stridently rejected claims that Malaysia was excluded from the Apricot undersea cable project due to the cabotage policy.

On 30 September 2021, he denied that his decision to revoke the exemption of cabotage on undersea cable repairs was the reason Malaysia was excluded from the Apricot undersea cable project.

However, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim revealed that he received a Parliamentary reply from the Communications and Multimedia Minister that basically admits that the loss was due to the cabotage policy.

Here is the Bahasa Malaysia quote from the Communications and Multimedia Minister, followed by our English translation :

Pemilihan negara bagi menyertai rancangan pemasangan kabel Internet Apricot dasar laut (subsea cables) adalah keputusan syarikat Facebook dan Google. Malaysia tidak tersenarai (bypass) sebagai salah satu negara yang terlibat dalam pendaratan stesen kabel dasar laut tersebut memandangkan isu pengecualian Dasar Kabotaj yang masih belum selesai.”

The choice of country to participate in the Apricot undersea Internet cable (subsea cable) installation plan is decided by Facebook and Google. Malaysia was not listed (bypassed) as one of the countries involved in the landing of the submarine cable station due to the unresolved Cabotage Policy exemption issue.”

This reply by the Communications and Multimedia Minister directly contradicts the Transport Minister’s strident denials, and confirms what most people already know – Malaysia was bypassed in the Apricot undersea cable project because this government refused to exempt undersea cable repairs from the cabotage policy.

 

What Does Loss Of Apricot Undersea Cable Mean For Malaysia?

Backed by Google and Facebook, the Apricot undersea optic cable will connect South East Asia and North Asia and the US, with a whopping bandwidth of 190 terabits per second (Tbps) and very low latency.

Being bypassed means Malaysia has lost investments and high-speed connectivity worth US$300-400 billion (RM1.26 to RM1.68 billion), according to MIDF Research.

And to add salt to the wound, it comes after Malaysia already lost two earlier undersea cable investments by Google and Facebook called Bifrost and Echo.

This continued loss of subsea cable landings runs contrary to Malaysia’s MyDIGITAL Initiative, which aims to achieve the HIGHEST number of subsea cable landings in South East Asia by 2025.

Malaysia currently only has 23 subsea cables, including those under construction. This leaves it behind Indonesia and Singapore, which have 55 and 31 cables respectively. Even the Philippines is catching up with 19 cables so far.

Is the continued refusal to exempt subsea cable repairs from the cabotage policy worth the loss of billions of dollars of investments?

This government seems to think so, but many would strongly disagree with them.

 

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Drop In Jakarta COVID-19 Cases Due To Ivermectin?

Is the recent fall in COVID-19 cases in Jakarta, Indonesia, due to the use of ivermectin?

Take a look at the new ivermectin claim, and find out what the FACTS really are!

 

Claim : Drop In Jakarta COVID-19 Cases Due To Ivermectin!

This message is being shared on WhatsApp by ivermectin proponents.

It claims that the drop in COVID-19 cases in Jakarta is due to the use of ivermectin.

WHAT HAS CHANGED ?

But over two weeks, Jakarta’s daily cases dropped from 14,619 on July 12 to 2,662 on July 25, according to city data, while pressure on Covid-19 referral hospitals has eased.

“The situation is very different,” Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan said in a video address yesterday.

“The hallways in front of emergency (hospital) units were always full…. Now they’re mostly empty,” he said.

They introduced Ivermectin!

 

NO EVIDENCE Drop In Jakarta COVID-19 Cases Was Due To Ivermectin

Ivermectin proponents are touting the drop in COVID-19 cases in Jakarta as a result of Indonesia introducing ivermectin to treat and prevent COVID-19.

That’s bullshit and I will show you why.

Don’t be misled by these fake messages on ivermectin. These people are antivaxxers who are trying to fool you into not vaccinating yourself against COVID-19.

Protect yourself and your family – get VACCINATED against COVID-19!

Fact #1 : No Evidence Drop Was Due To Ivermectin

It’s easy for an unnamed person to simply say that the drop in new COVID-19 cases in Jakarta must be due to the introduction of ivermectin. Where’s the evidence?

There is NO EVIDENCE that the drop in new COVID-19 cases was due to ivermectin.

It is far more likely due to emergency measures that Indonesia initiated like travel and business restrictions on red zones, including Jakarta.

There is also evidence (see Fact #5) that the high vaccination rate in Jakarta could be the reason.

Fact #2 : Cases Are Not Falling Across Indonesia

Even as the number of new COVID-19 cases in Jakarta has fallen, they are not falling across the rest of Indonesia.

That’s why ivermectin proponents are specifically pointing out Jakarta. It’s the only city in Indonesia where new cases are falling.

Fact #3 : Ivermectin Was Illegally Sold Since 2020

Ever since the Australian lab study suggested in April 2020 that ivermectin could work against COVID-19, people in Indonesia have illegally imported and sold ivermectin.

That was further spurred by Harsen Laboratories’ handing out of ivermectin (for free) to use against COVID-19 in 2020.

But that did not stop Indonesia from detecting 4,000 to 14,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day since September 2020.

Fact #4 : Official Sale Of Ivermectin Did Not Help

In June 2021, both Harsen Laboratories and Indofarma were given licences to distribute ivermectin as a parasitic drug, basically legalising its sale in Indonesia.

That, however, did not stop the massive surge in COVID-19 that kicked off in middle of May 2021.

It was only 16 July 2021 – 2 months later – that Jakarta started seeing a drop in new COVID-19 cases.

Isn’t it odd that Indonesia continues to register over 40,000 new cases EVERY DAY, even with the legalised use of ivermectin?

Fact #5 : Jakarta Has Highest Vaccination Rate

A likely big factor in cutting down the number of new COVID-19 cases in Jakarta would be the surge in vaccinations.

Jakarta had already vaccinated the 3 million priority recipients by June 2021, with the aim to vaccinate its remaining 4.5 million residents by August 2021.

That would mean that approximately half of the Jakarta population were vaccinated by the time the number of new cases started to fall.

The much slower vaccination rate across the rest of Indonesia would also explain the high number of new cases per day outside of Jakarta.

Fact #6 : Ivermectin Hasn’t Helped Other Countries

It is also instructive to note that ivermectin has NOT helped other countries control COVID-19.

Ivermectin proponents have claimed that these countries have successfully used it to prevent and treat COVID-19.

Does it really look like they successfully handled COVID-19?

Bet they also didn’t mention that India stopped using ivermectin, because it was … well, useless.

Read more : MAECC Ivermectin Briefing : Control COVID-19 In 6 Weeks?

Fact #7 : Ivermectin Not Proven To Work Against COVID-19

Ivermectin has been shown to work against COVID-19 in lab (in vitro) studies, but has NOT been shown to improve clinical outcomes or prevent transmission.

That is why the WHO and the vast majority of health authorities around the world DO NOT advocate using ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19.

So please stop obsessing over ivermectin, and get VACCINATED against COVID-19!

Read more : Latest Ivermectin COVID-19 Study : What Does It Really Say?

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Fact Check : China Lifted KRI Nanggala From 838 Metres?

Did China lift the Indonesian submarine, KRI Nanggala, from the depths when no other country could?

Find out what’s going on, and what the FACTS really are!

 

Claim : China Lifted KRI Nanggala From 838 Metres!

This viral message has been circulating on WhatsApp, together with a gruesome video showing naked and half-naked bodies of dead men lined up on the floor.

The submerged Indonesian submarine was successfully lifted from a depth of 838 meters, killing 53 people. previously asked for help from neighboring Singapore, Australia, Malaysia. but they were unable to lift from below 800 meters, in the end Indonesia asked the Chinese Government for help. China immediately lifted it with heavy equipment. Finish this job.

We will not show you the video, but we can share this screenshot with you.

 

China Lifted KRI Nanggala From 838 Metres? Another Fake Story!

This is yet another fake story about the awesomeness of the Chinese government… and here are the facts.

Fact #1 : KRI Nanggala Has Not Been Recovered… Yet

The Chinese Navy has been assisting in the recovery of KRI Nanggala since 4 May 2021, using three ships :

  • Nantuo-195 – an ocean tug
  • Yongxing Dao-865 – an ocean salvage and rescue ship
  • Tan Suo 2 – a scientific research vessel

As of 17 May 2021, they have NOT recovered the Indonesian submarine, KRI Nanggala, or any bodies from the wreck.

Fact #2 : Singapore, Australia, Malaysia Were Not Asked To Recover KRI Nanggala

It is false to claim that Singapore, Australia and Malaysia were asked to help recover KRI Nanggala from the depths of over 800 metres, but failed.

None of those countries were asked to assist in the recovery of KRI Nanggala, so how could they fail at a task they never even attempted?

Recommended : KRI Nanggala Submarine : Was Its Wreck Recovered?

Fact #3 : The Video Is Not Of KRI Nanggala Sailors

The gruesome video was used to imply that the Chinese government recovered the bodies of KRI Nanggala sailors.

After analysing the video, we can safely say that the video does NOT show the bodies of KRI Nanggala sailors.

For one thing – no body from KRI Nanggala has been recovered so far.

Secondly, the KRI Nanggala went down with 53 people onboard, but there are about 100 dead bodies in the video!

Finally, at least three men can be seen wearing the longyi – the Burmese sarong, and one of the men in the video is wearing a vest with Burmese script.

Therefore, the video was very likely taken in Myanmar, and the dead men could well be people killed by the junta after the coup.

 

Who Would Create Lies About KRI Nanggala???

With China’s aggressive foreign stance in recent years, it is not uncommon to see such fake stories being created and shared.

Some believe it’s part of a concerted attempt to burnish China’s image overseas.

Others believe the many fake stories are being created to drown out the negative coverage of China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative, and their aggressive moves in the South China Sea.

Whatever the reasons may be, it is our duty as global citizens to stop the proliferation of such fake stories.

Please share this fact check with your friends, so they know the truth!

 

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KRI Nanggala Submarine : Was Its Wreck Recovered?

Was the wreck of the Indonesian submarine, KRI Nanggala, just recovered from the sea?

Find out what has gone viral on social media, and what the FACTS really are!

 

KRI Nanggala Submarine : Was Its Wreck Recovered?

People have been sharing a picture purportedly showing the wreck of he Indonesian submarine, KRI Nanggala, being lifted from the sea.

The picture shows a crane apparently lifting the wreckage of a submarine with the hull number 402 circled in red, with pictures of women crying and hugging each other.

402 is the hull number of KRI Nanggala – the Indonesian submarine that sank 95 kilometres north of Bali on 21 April 2021.

Some also shared part of the Indonesian article – Tangisan Keluarga Korban Pecah, Tim Evakuasi Berhasil Angkat Puing Puing KIR Nanggala 402 Kepermukaan.

In English, the long title translates as “The Victims’ Families Cried, The Evacuation Team Succeeded In Lifting The Wreckage of KRI Nanggala 402 To The Surface“.

 

KRI Nanggala : Submarine Wreck Has Not Been Recovered!

The truth is – this is yet another piece of FAKE NEWS circulating through social media. Here are the facts..

Fact #1 : The Photo Was Edited

Obviously, the photo was edited – it is a collage.

But more to the point – the photo of the submarine was edited to add the hull number 402.

The person who created the photo lifted the 402 hull number from this picture of the actual KRI Nanggala submarine, and added it to the submarine in the photo above.

Fact #2 : That Submarine Was K-141 Kursk

The submarine used in the fake photo is actually K-141 Kursk of the Russian Navy, flipped horizontally.

This is the photo of the Kursk they used to make the fake photo, which we flipped horizontally to make the comparison easier.

As you can see, they edited out the Kursk coat of arms from the sail, and paste the 402 hull number next to it.

Fact #3 : KRI Nanggala Has Not Been Recovered… Yet

Efforts to recover the wreck of KRI Nanggala started on 4 May 2021, with the assistance of the Chinese Navy.

However, as of 11 May 2021, no part of its hull has been recovered from the depth of 838 metres where the wreck has rested.

Fact #4 : Original Article Was Deleted

The original article was posted on 1 May 2021 but recently removed after being exposed as fake news.

However, the video with that fake photo is still available on YouTube, and it was copied and posted by other websites eager to capitalise on the disaster.

Note : We added the FALSE overlay to prevent the article from being further shared as fact.

 

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Panasonic Eclipse Live Broadcast By Solar Power

Ternate, Indonesia – February 24, 2016 – As Sumatra, Borneo and Sulawesi plunge into darkness during a rare total solar eclipse on the morning of March 9, 2016, Panasonic delivered a live broadcast of the approximately 4-minute-long phenomenon from Ternate, an island in eastern Indonesia, using its Power Supply Container, a stand-alone photovoltaic power package.

 

Watch The Broadcast New!

 

How Did It Work?

[adrotate banner=”4″]To enable live filming and broadcast from the island, the Power Supply Container will be transported from Jakarta to Dodoku Ali of Ternate. 12 Panasonic HIT solar modules with high conversion efficiency will generate approximately 3kW of electricity by tapping renewable energy from the top of the container, and store the power in 24 built-in lead-acid storage batteries.

The stored energy will be supplied to a Panasonic LUMIX GH4 camera attached to a telescope to capture the spectacular moment. Mobile computers, production and editing equipment, internet connection and other supporting technology will also be powered by solar energy.

The live broadcast of the solar eclipse will begin at 05:00 AM, March 9 in Ternate (08:00 PM, March 8 UTC) and can be viewed on platforms including Ustream, YouTube Live and Periscope.

 

Third Time Is The Charm

This was the third time Panasonic is broadcasting a solar eclipse live. Unlike previous occasions where time and effort had to be spent setting up HIT solar modules on the ground, the process is significantly more convenient this time round due to the portability of the Power Supply Container and its capability to be assembled quickly and easily with minimal construction work.

Prior to this live broadcast project in Ternate, Panasonic has developed and introduced the Power Supply Container to other parts of Indonesia. The first container was installed in July 2014 at the National Elementary School Karimunjawa 01 located on a remote island of Indonesia to improve the educational environment for students and teachers. Following its success, a second container was introduced in July 2015 at another elementary school in the mountainous region of West Java Provinceto enhance both study and water supply conditions.

Panasonic strives to extend this technology to other areas without electricity to provide stable power supply and mitigate social challenges towards a better life and a better world.

 

Eclipse Live Broadcast Times

Live Broadcast Begins (Tentative) 20:00 Mar 8 (UTC)
Partial Eclipse Begins 23:36 Mar 8 (UTC)
Total Eclipse Begins 00:50 Mar 9 (UTC)
Maximum Eclipse 00:53 Mar 9 (UTC)
Total Eclipse Ends 00:56 Mar 9 (UTC)
Partial Eclipse Ends 02:20 Mar 9 (UTC)
Live Broadcast Ends (Tentative) 03:00 Mar 9 (UTC)

Live Broadcast Channel : Panasonic Live Stream / UStream / YouTube Live / Periscope

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