'Indolent' cancers still pose threat, experts warn
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Health experts have warned against underestimating the risks of 'indolent tumours' as China observes its 30th National Anti-Cancer Week from April 15 to 21. 'Indolent tumours' are certain cancers that exhibit slower growth, less invasiveness, and a lower likelihood of metastasis. Examples include differentiated thyroid cancers and prostate cancer. While patients with 'indolent tumours' tend to have high survival rates, these tumours should not be underestimated as they can transform into more invasive forms. Early screening, detection, and treatment are key. Thanks to the promotion of cancer screening in China, more 'indolent tumours' are being detected early, enabling early intervention and improving patient survival rates.
#Cancer #IndolentTumours #China #NationalAnticancerWeek #EarlyDetection #EarlyTreatment
https://www.sinardaily.my/article/217256/focus/world/indolent-cancers-still-pose-threat-experts-warn
Oil prices could soar to $100 per barrel due to Middle East escalation - Expert
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The recent escalation in the Middle East, including Iran's retaliation against Israel and Israel's genocide in Gaza, could push global oil prices back to $100 per barrel, according to Universiti Putra Malaysia MBA Director Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abd Latiff. He noted that current global oil prices are hovering around $90. However, he downplayed the potential impact on the Malaysian economy due to limited trade with the involved countries. Malaysia's main trading partners are China and the US. Razman also acknowledged that higher global oil prices could benefit Petronas due to Malaysia's significant petroleum exports. He assured Malaysians that government-controlled subsidies on RON95 petrol and diesel will shield them from global price fluctuations.
#OilPrices #MiddleEast #Escalation #Malaysia #Economy #Trade #Petronas #Ron95Petrol #Diesel
Why would the US defend the Philippines?
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Relations between the United States and the Philippines have been in overdrive since President Ferdinand Marcos took power in June 2022, fueled by China's growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines is a major focus of US efforts to strengthen regional alliances due to its close proximity to the South China Sea and self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. Manila and Washington have a complex history but have remained bound by a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty. Top Biden administration officials have repeatedly said that 'an armed attack' against Philippine public vessels, aircraft, armed forces, and coastguard anywhere in the South China Sea would invoke the treaty. The South China Sea covers more than three million square kilometers and is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it enormous trade and military value. The US has no territorial claim over the waters or features, but regularly conducts patrols there. The Duterte years were a rocky time for US-Philippine ties as Manila pivoted away from Washington and towards Beijing in the hope of extracting investment and trade. Duterte also set aside the international ruling rejecting China's claims to most of the South China Sea, and threatened to axe the 2014 defense agreement allowing US troops on Philippine soil. However, President Ferdinand Marcos dramatically changed course when he took office, publicly standing up to Chinese actions in the waterway and giving the United States access to more Philippine military bases. President Joe Biden has reiterated the United States' 'ironclad' commitment to defend the Philippines.
#UsphilippinesRelations #SouthChinaSea #MutualDefenceTreaty #China
https://www.sinardaily.my/article/217130/focus/world/why-would-the-us-defend-the-philippines
Thai government's digital wallet handouts to jumpstart economy - Analysts
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The Thai government plans to roll out a digital wallet scheme in the final quarter of this year, which will spend 500 billion baht (US$13.68 billion) in cash handouts. The scheme aims to jumpstart Thailand's sluggish economy by providing 10,000 baht (around US$275) to 50 million eligible Thais via a digital wallet to spend in their neighborhood within six months. Analysts at Krungthai Bank believe that the scheme will support the recovery of vulnerable domestic sectors and enhance confidence in Thailand's economic expansion. The handout scheme could also integrate the informal economy into the formal sector, as the informal economy accounts for 48.4% of Thailand's GDP. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expects the policy to boost the nation's growth by 1.2 to 1.6 percentage points. Thailand's economy contracted 0.6% in the final quarter of last year and grew by 1.9% in 2023.
#ThaiGovernment #DigitalWallet #CashHandouts #Economy #KrungthaiBank
From socks to soles: What’s with the logo concern on Vern’s shoes?
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Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd issued a public apology for the design of its shoe logo, which was believed to resemble the word 'Allah'. The company clarified that the logo was inspired by the image of interconnected lines resembling a high-heeled shoe. They acknowledged that the logo on the sole of the shoes could be misinterpreted, particularly by members of the Muslim community, and expressed regret for any offense caused. In response to the backlash, Vern’s Holding announced that it would cease the sale of the shoes and offer refunds to affected customers. The company emphasized that there was no intention to disrespect or insult any religion or belief. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that the Islamic development department (Jakim) would launch an investigation into the matter. Eight police reports have been filed nationwide regarding the company's logo, citing potential violations of laws pertaining to religious sensitivities and communications offenses. Umno Youth Chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh praised Vern's Holding for their prompt clarification and apology.
#Logo #Shoes #Controversy #Apology #MuslimCommunity #Investigation #PoliceReports
BDS to Mr Ambassador: "US is on the wrong side of history by openly supporting Israel"
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BDS Malaysia has written an open letter to the US Ambassador to Malaysia, criticizing the US government for openly supporting Israel and accusing it of being complicit in the genocide in Gaza. The letter states that the US government has no credibility to lecture other countries on what they should or shouldn't do. It also mentions the refusal of the US embassy to pay damages to a Malaysian security guard who was unfairly dismissed. The letter calls for an end to the blind and unconditional support for Israel and urges the US to use its influence to compel Israel to abide by international law. The views expressed in the letter are those of BDS Malaysia and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
#Bds #UsAmbassador #Israel #Genocide #Gaza #Boycott
Bodies of slain foreign aid workers taken out of Gaza
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The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in an Israeli strike were taken out of Gaza to Egypt for repatriation. The attack was a "grave mistake" according to Israel's armed forces chief, who blamed it on night-time misidentification. The remains of the six international staff, along with one Palestinian colleague, were handed over to representatives of their respective countries. The attack has brought more pressure on Israel, with UN chief Antonio Guterres calling it "unconscionable" and "an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted". US President Joe Biden expressed outrage and accused Israel of not doing enough to protect aid workers. The charity, World Central Kitchen, suspended operations and a ship carrying food aid turned back with supplies that had not been unloaded. The attack has also given greater urgency to an International Criminal Court investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes. The bloodiest-ever mass-killing in Gaza has resulted in about 1,170 deaths of Israelis and foreigners, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,975 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. Talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal have stalled, and the UN Human Rights Council will consider a draft resolution calling for an arms embargo on Israel.
#Gaza #Israel #ForeignAidWorkers #WorldCentralKitchen #Un #JoeBiden #InternationalCriminalCourt #Ceasefire #HostageRelease #UnHumanRightsCouncil #ArmsEmbargo