Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by iamSUSUman

Boeing 737 crashes during take-off in Senegal

iamSUSUman — Thu, 09 May 2024 22:38:48 +0800

A Boeing 737-300 aircraft has crashed during take-off in Senegal, injuring 11 people, four of them severely.

The Air Senegal plane bound for the Malian capital Bamako went off the runway in the early hours of Thursday, Dakar's Blaise Diagne airport said in a statement.

The pilot was slightly injured, but most of the 78 passengers on board were not hurt in the incident.

Operations have since been halted at the airport.

Emergency services at the airport have been mobilised to evacuate passengers, the airport's statement said.

An inquiry is under way to determine the causes of the incident, which took place at around 0100 GMT.

Boeing has not yet commented on the incident.

Though it is not yet known what caused the crash, it comes as the manufacturer faces a deepening crisis over its safety record.
How much trouble is Boeing in?
An unused door blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max in January shortly after take-off in the US.

The company is facing a criminal investigation into that incident.

The Senegal crash comes as a former quality inspector at Boeing's largest supplier told the BBC that plane bodies regularly left the factory with serious defects.

The company, Spirit AeroSystems, said it "strongly disagreed" with the allegations.

3 crash in 2 days.

Give way to VIP convoys or face 2-years’ jail,

iamSUSUman — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:33:18 +0800

Beware on Malaysian roads: Give way to VIP convoys or face 2-years’ jail, or a RM10,000 fine

I always give way when policemen on motorcycles or cars blare their horns or shout from hailers to move to the side when they escort VIPs. I note that most Malaysian road users do the same.

This is almost certainly not because they have high regard for VIPs being escorted. Rather, it is simply that they do not want to get into trouble with the lawmen.

I’ve been told by many motorists that you can’t win, because the police can just book you for obstructing an officer from carrying out his duties.

Right now, if anyone were to disobey instructions of a policeman, he can be fined RM200 or face a two-month jail sentence.

However, very soon, once amendments to the Police Act 1967 are gazetted, he will have to pay a hefty fine of RM10,000 or face jail time of up to two years.

That’s quite a jump, say concerned Malaysians, for not giving way or following a policeman’s instruction over a VIP convoy.

This is among 10 amendments to the Police Act 1967, including a new clause that makes the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the honorary commissioner-in-chief of the police, that were passed by Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat or lower house on 21 March.

This particular amendment gives the police legal authority to conduct escort duties, especially for VIP convoys. Which raises the question whether they have been doing escort duty unlawfully so far.

Moving aside for convoys
Clause 4 of Section 21 states that “any person who obstructs, opposes or disobeys any reasonable direction given by any police officer in the performance of his duties under this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction”.

The fact is, Malaysians have always grumbled about giving way to convoys carrying VIPs.
Most Malaysians do not mind if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the state Sultans and the prime minister are given escorts but they are unhappy with ministers and other supposed VIPs being accorded the same privilege on the road.

I’ve often heard complaints that because of the tinted windows they don’t really know who is inside, whether it’s the minister or some family member.

In fact, in May 2022, a video of a MP’s son driving with police escorts - apparently to beat Hari Raya traffic congestion in Penang – went viral.

Asked about this, then home minister Hamzah Zainuddin told the media on 11 May, 2022, that escort services by police outriders could be used by VIPs, dignitaries and anyone who had applied and received approval for it.

"Anyone who wants to hire the escort service must go through the IGP. It's an offence for anyone to misuse the services," he was quoted as saying.

I have often been asked: “What’s so special about the VIPs? Aren’t they citizens like us?”

Some consider it a waste of public money and the policemen’s time; and that the policemen would be better deployed in preventing or investigating crime.

There have often been discussions on online platforms and social media about the special treatment given to VIPs.

Increased fines
Until now, there was no specific law requiring motorists to give way to VIP convoys or be punished. But lawyers had said in the past that although there was no specific law, a motorist could be asked to move if the VIP was on his way to perform some official duty.

Other amendments to the Act include a higher penalty under Section 26 for not stopping at police roadblocks, with the maximum fine doubled to RM2,000.

The MPs have been slammed for passing the amendments, which concerned Malaysians say give the police even more power and which could make life more painful for ordinary Malaysians on the roads.

One of those who criticised the MPs was former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.

“What's the purpose of increasing fines from RM200 to RM10,000 for not following police instructions? What is the justification for expanding the jail sentence from two months to two years? It is ordinary men in the streets who will pay for this law.”

He added: "Already, the police will charge you for insulting them if you complain about their conduct! How many more powers do they need?”

Many are asking why there was no public discussion of the proposals before the parliamentary Bill was tabled and passed by Parliament.

Taken by surprise over the amendments passed by the lower house, a coalition of 11 civil society groups and individuals on 25 March urged senators in the Dewan Negara or upper house to reject the amendments.

They said the amendments were prepared hurriedly without consulting interest groups. They also said some of the amendments to the Act overlapped other laws, potentially opening the doors to abuse of power.

They asked why there was such a huge hike in fines and prison time for not following police orders.

“The question arises, how does a police officer determine whether a directive is reasonable? Given that existing police oversight mechanisms are ineffective, does this amendment pave the way for abuse of power and corruption?

“We fear this may give rise to ‘Little Napoleons’ running rampant,” the coalition, which included Suara Rakyat Malaysia, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia and Transparency International Malaysia, said.

It asked for clarity on how failure to comply with police signals at roadblocks would apply to people taking part in protests.

The coalition said the amendments and the lack of transparency in the manner in which it was tabled and passed contradicted democratic principles and the spirit of reform and transparency championed by the current government.

However, the senators disregarded the coalition’s call – and the reasons given - by approving the amendments on 1 April.

So, Malaysian road users must be extra vigilant and give way when they see police vehicles – with or without sirens screaming - accompanying VIPs in their posh cars.

Unless, of course, they want to have a huge hole in their wallets or pockets, or, worse, end up behind bars.

A.Kathirasen is a veteran Malaysian journalist/editor who has been writing columns, with breaks, in newspapers and online since 1981. All views expressed are the writer's own.

Sos convoy VIP

Barca special: Pique waka waka teammate's mom

iamSUSUman — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 00:23:49 +0800

Barcelona defender Pique & Shakira splitting up after 11 years together amid cheating allegations

A joint statement released by the singer on June 4 has confirmed that they are separating

Shakira has released a statement to confirm that her relationship with Gerard Pique is ending.

The Barcelona centre-back has been with the Colombian singer for 11 years, with the couple having had two children together.

Spanish daily newspaper El Periodico has published allegations made by video podcast Mamarazzis that claim that Pique "has been seen accompanied by other women" and that he has "been living alone for weeks in his old apartment".

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What does the statement released by Shakira say?
"We regret to confirm that we are parting ways," the joint statement, released via the EFE agency, read.

"For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy.

"Thanks for your understanding."

How long have Pique & Shakira been together?
Pique and Shakira have been together for 11 years, having started dating in 2010.

In an interview Catalan newspaper L'Esportiu back in 2020, Pique recalled the first time he met the singer, who performed at the 2010 World Cup before Spain's 1-0 win over Netherlands in the final.

"I told her that I'd see her at the final," he said. "She was going to perform in the closing ceremony and I was certain we'd make it that far."

The pair have two children together, Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.

In an interview on Gary Neville's Overlap video series released in May 2022, Pique discussed why he and Shakira were not married.

He said: No, I'm not married. It's her mentality.

"I like it how we are right now. We have two kids, nine and seven right now. We work good as a couple."

sos afrika

https://twitter.com/TrollFootball/status/1532423632143937538

Malaysia's Extraordinary House

iamSUSUman — Sat, 28 May 2022 22:08:34 +0800

[YOUTUBE]haJqda2ktnc[/YOUTUBE]

very nice design, especially use of marbles. but many sharp edges, once fall sure kepala pecah

how much do you think such design built will cost?

Durians sell for staggering price of US$34

iamSUSUman — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:12:23 +0800

[YOUTUBE]VyDGZBy6Mjs[/YOUTUBE]

This price range seems like Nonthaburi Durian?

Seems like despite how Msian fancy local durian more than others, the Thai already dominate the durian market worldwide.
Even Msia fruit stalls also stock in a lot of Thai durian due to availability and price (maybe?)

I haven't tried Nonthaburi before, anyone can clarify if its better? I like kampung durian best, got susu flavor, got pahit flavor, etc.

Also, same like Singapore jiken rice and Indonesia batik which we always complain origination being taken away fromf us, we never really go beyond our jaguh kampung mentality and take charge of dominance in international market.

Covid new sub-variant

iamSUSUman — Fri, 06 May 2022 13:35:57 +0800

[YOUTUBE]-tNjUlVZiLw[/YOUTUBE]

LoFi Raya Beat

iamSUSUman — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 17:38:45 +0800

[YOUTUBE]GEGseAmVxR8[/YOUTUBE]

Enjoy and selamat berpuasa

Chelsea for SALE!

iamSUSUman — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 18:40:15 +0800

Roman Abramovich is willing to listen to offers for Chelsea as pressure grows over his ownership amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, sources have told ESPN.

The 55-year-old attempted to separate the club from a possible personal sanction from the UK government by passing "stewardship and care" of Chelsea on to its trustees on Saturday.

However, sources have told ESPN that the trustees are seeking legal advice before responding to Abramovich's instruction due to concerns a charitable foundation is not a suitable entity to run a football club.

In the meantime, Abramovich is understood to be seriously considering selling Chelsea with the UK government under mounting pressure to freeze the assets of high net-worth Russians in England with any alleged links to Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich has always strenuously denied any ties to the Putin regime, and Chelsea have repeatedly previously insisted the club is not for sale.

The club did not respond to a request to clarify this position when contacted by ESPN on Wednesday.

However, if the UK government were to act and punish Abramovich, as one of his assets, Chelsea would be frozen which means he could not sell the club or inject any funds into the club -- something which would have huge repercussions for the club.

Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 for £140 million. The club's latest accounts show he is owed £1.514 billion in loans through parent company Fordstam Limited, which he controls.

When Chelsea announced their latest accounts -- a £145.6m loss after tax for the year ending June 30, 2021 despite winning the Champions League -- the club admitted at the time it was "reliant on Fordstam Limited for its continued financial support."

Swiss business tycoon Hansjoerg Wyss has claimed Abramovich contacted interested parties on Tuesday to sound out potential interest.

Chelsea have won five Premier League titles since Abramovich bought the club, as well as two Champions Leaue trophies. Getty
"Abramovich is currently trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly now. I, along with three other people, received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich," Swiss newspaper Blick quoted Wyss as saying in an interview published on Wednesday.

Sources have told ESPN that Abramovich has told potential buyers in the past that he valued the club at around £3bn.

Wyss added: "Abramovich is asking for far too much at the moment. You know: Chelsea owes him £2bn. But Chelsea has no money. Meaning: those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich."

American businessman Todd Boehly was interested in buying a London Premier League club before the coronavirus pandemic, sounding out both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur only to have his interest rebuffed.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man according to a Forbes study from 2021, previously held preliminary talks with Abramovich over a possible purchase.

Ratcliffe's brother Bob, who runs the football division of his company INEOS, told BBC Radio 5live last month that "we were a significant way apart on valuations."

Another complicating factor for another buyer is the difficulty in renovating Stamford Bridge. Complicated plans to redevelop the 41,800-seater stadium -- which involved knocking the existing structure down and rebuilding a 61,000-capacity venue -- were shelved by Abramovich in 2018 at around the time his UK investor visa expired. The site's freehold is held by Chelsea Pitch Owners and would not therefore be included in any sale of the club.

virus link

[YOUTUBE]NYZ2bnKavT4[/YOUTUBE]

Will our rich meow meow buy chelsea?

CNY gathering

iamSUSUman — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:51:21 +0800

CNY around the corner and friends starting to make dinner arrangement for annual meetup etc.
My friend watsapp me to go for friends gathering on 3rd/4th day of CNY.

What is your excuse joining/not joining gathering?
1. Skip as you are concerned with your friend's Vaccination/Covid status?
2. or do you plan to skip it because it's comfortable for the past 2 year not meeting/ gathering for events like CNY therefore finding excuse to skip it this year as well?
3. or you want to join to keep up with juicy news kepoh which friend got married/divorced/bankrupt/rich etc.?
4. it's annual showoff gathering, this is my calling.

I'm planning to have small dinner with family in small restaurant outside with open air and clean environment. That's the end of it.
I rejected several gathering because i dun like some member within the group. As i grew older I have lesser tolerance for unnecessary dramas be it small or big.
Also, this year is Tiger year, which then a lot of female cats, cougars and stripped animals coming out of hibernation to mate. What is your strategy? To prey or be prey?

For Malay brethrens, what do you do during CNY? and what do you enjoy most when u visit your chinese friend's place?

Bincangkan

Smoking in eateries

iamSUSUman — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:47:12 +0800

I discover a lot of people starting to smoke ciggies again in restaurants.
I tell the servers I don't like it but they no layan me. Those smokers looked fierce and potential troublemakers. What should I do?
Is this happening in your place too?

Discuss.
No markah