Rabu, 20 Mac 2013

The Star Online: World Updates

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: World Updates


Most Americans back path to citizenship for illegal immigrants - poll

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 09:16 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The majority of Americans favour giving millions of illegal immigrants a way to earn citizenship, according to a survey released on Thursday, highlighting public support for efforts in Congress to reform immigration law.

In the Public Religion Research Institute poll, 63 percent of Americans said they supported a path to citizenship for undocumented foreigners if they meet certain requirements.

Police try to hold back a group of protesters stopping the traffic in front of a courthouse in Phoenix in this July 29, 2010 file photo. Millions of illegal immigrants are at the sharp end of a daily battle for survival on the margins of American society as Obama pushes for immigration reform in Washington, months after Hispanic voters turned out to give the Democrat a second term. REUTERS/Rick Scuteri

Police try to hold back a group of protesters stopping the traffic in front of a courthouse in Phoenix in this July 29, 2010 file photo. Millions of illegal immigrants are at the sharp end of a daily battle for survival on the margins of American society as Obama pushes for immigration reform in Washington, months after Hispanic voters turned out to give the Democrat a second term. REUTERS/Rick Scuteri

Seventy-one percent of Democrats and 53 percent of Republicans backed eventually allowing illegal immigrants to become Americans.

The path to citizenship idea is the centrepiece of both a bipartisan immigration plan in the Senate and President Barack Obama's immigration reform proposals.

This week, Republican Senator Rand Paul, a libertarian and favourite of the conservative Tea Party movement, called for legalization of the 11 million undocumented foreigners, the majority of who are from Latin America.

He stopped short of specifically urging a path to citizenship but his statement nonetheless represents a shift in thinking for many conservatives, many of whom used to advocate deportation.

"In many ways, we are seeing the leaders in Congress catching up to where rank and file Republicans are on this issue," said Robert Jones, the CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute.

"Republicans, a couple of years ago, were holding the line against a path to citizenship... Now, there have been more Republican (lawmakers) talking about a middle option," he said.

Republicans have been forced to retool their message to non-white voters after Hispanics and other minority groups threw their support behind Obama in the November presidential election.

The poll found that fewer Americans thought that the best way to solve the country's immigration problems was to secure U.S. borders, and arrest and deport everyone living in the United States illegally. This year, 29 percent of those surveyed said that was the best policy, down from 36 percent in 2011.

The survey, conducted between March 6 and 10, was based on 4,465 Spanish and English telephone interviews with adults. The margin of error is plus or minus 1.7 percentage points.

The poll was conducted in partnership with the Brookings Institution think tank.

(Reporting by Rachelle Younglai; Editing by Alistair Bell and Cynthia Osterman)

Copyright © 2013 Reuters

North Korea issues fresh threat to U.S., South probes hacking

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 09:09 PM PDT

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said it would attack U.S. military bases on Japan and the Pacific island of Guam if provoked, a day after leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a mock drone strike on South Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) watches what KCNA said was a drill of drone planes assaulting targets and a firing drill of self-propelled flak rocket destroying "enemy" cruise missiles coming in attack in low altitude, conducted by the air force and air defence artillery units of the Korean People's Army in an undisclosed location in this picture released by the North's official KCNA news agency in Pyongyang March 20, 2013. KCNA said this picture was taken on March 20, 2013. REUTERS/KCNA

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) watches what KCNA said was a drill of drone planes assaulting targets and a firing drill of self-propelled flak rocket destroying "enemy" cruise missiles coming in attack in low altitude, conducted by the air force and air defence artillery units of the Korean People's Army in an undisclosed location in this picture released by the North's official KCNA news agency in Pyongyang March 20, 2013. KCNA said this picture was taken on March 20, 2013. REUTERS/KCNA

The North also held an air raid drill on Thursday after accusing the United States of preparing a military strike using bombers that have overflown the Korean peninsula as part of drills between South Korean and U.S. forces.

North Korea has stepped up its rhetoric in response to what it calls "hostile" drills between South Korea and the United States. It has also been angered by the imposition of fresh U.N. sanctions that followed its February 12 nuclear test.

Separately, South Korea said a hacking attack on the servers of local broadcasters and banks on Wednesday originated from an IP address in China, raising suspicions the intrusion came from North Korea.

"The United States is advised not to forget that our precision target tools have within their range the Anderson Air Force base on Guam where the B-52 takes off, as well as the Japanese mainland where nuclear powered submarines are deployed and the navy bases on Okinawa," the North's supreme military command spokesman was quoted as saying by the KCNA news agency.

Japan and U.S. Pacific bases are in range of Pyongyang's medium-range missiles.

It is not known if North Korea possesses drones, although a report on South Korea's Yonhap news agency last year said it had obtained 1970s-era U.S. target drones from Syria to develop into attack drones.

"The (drone) planes were assigned the flight route and time with the targets in South Korea in mind, Kim Jong-un said, adding with great satisfaction that they were proved to be able to mount (a) super-precision attack on any enemy targets," KCNA reported.

It is extremely rare for KCNA to specify the day on which Kim attended a drill. It also said a rocket defence unit had successfully shot down a target that mimicked an "enemy" Tomahawk cruise missile.

North Korea has said it has abrogated an armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War and threatened a nuclear attack on the United States.

Although North Korea lacks the technology to carry out such an attack, Washington said it would deploy more anti-missile batteries in Alaska to counter any threat.

PYONGYANG HAS HACKED SOUTH KOREA BEFORE

The hacking attack brought down the servers of South Korean broadcasters YTN, MBC and KBS as well as two major commercial banks, Shinhan Bank and NongHyup Bank.

South Korean communications regulators said the attack originated from an IP address based in China.

An unnamed official from South Korea's presidential office was quoted by the Yonhap news agency as saying the discovery of the Chinese IP address indicated Pyongyang was responsible.

Investigations of past hacking incidents on South Korean organisations have been traced to Pyongyang's large army of computer engineers trained to infiltrate the South's computer networks.

At least one previous attack was traced to a Chinese IP address.

South Korea's defence ministry said it was too early to blame the North but said such a cyber capability was a key part of its arsenal. Experts say thousands of North Korean engineers may have been recruited for the purpose.

"Throughout the world, states that create cyber warfare and engage in those types of activities are precisely the same countries that develop nuclear weapons," Defence Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said.

"North Korea has strongly stepped up development of asymmetrical strategy with nuclear development and many types of ballistic missiles as well as a special forces of 200,000 strong."

(Additional reporting by Ju-min Park. Editing by Dean Yates)

Copyright © 2013 Reuters

Australian PM Gillard calls leadership vote

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 09:06 PM PDT

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard called a leadership vote on Thursday after party rivals urged her to step aside and for former leader Kevin Rudd to head the minority government, in an attempt to stave off election defeat.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard speaks at the National Press Club in Canberra January 30, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard speaks at the National Press Club in Canberra January 30, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer

Gillard's leadership has been under threat for most of the past two years as voters desert the Labour government, leaving it facing defeat in a September 14 general election.

However, if Gillard is replaced as leader, key independents who back her government may withdraw their support, possibly prompting an earlier election.

Gillard announced the leadership vote, scheduled for 4.30 p.m. (0530 GMT), during parliament's question time, shortly after a senior minister called for her to step aside for a leadership ballot.

"This is not personal. It's about the party, the future of the country," said senior Labour minister Simon Crean, a former strong supporter of Gillard who has shifted to back her chief rival, Rudd.

Gillard, Australia's first female prime minister, replaced Rudd in a party coup in June 2010. The dumping of Rudd, an elected prime minister, angered many voters who have never forgiven Gillard for the way she became leader.

Gillard has since failed to arrest a slump in opinion polls, which predict a major defeat in September, with Labour losing about 20 seats in the 150-seat parliament. Despite 21-years of economic growth, Gillard's government has failed to win over voters who believe her economic management is flawed.

There is very little difference in economic policies between the government and conservative opposition. But opposition leader Tony Abbott has promised to scrap a 30 percent tax on coal and iron ore mine profits, and to scrap an unpopular tax on carbon, if it wins power.

Financial markets had little reaction to the news. The Australian dollar was a shade firmer on the day thanks mainly to a surprisingly strong reading of manufacturing from China, Australia's biggest export market.

"If there is a new leader, they might decide to bring the election forward which could actually help limit any political uncertainty," said Michael Turner, a strategist at RBC Capital Markets.

The currency was at $1.0380 and holding in a very tight range. Government bonds hardly budged, with investors assuming future borrowing needs would be much the same whichever leader or party was in power.

A switch to Rudd would also mean a likely shakeout of senior ministers including Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan, who openly criticised Rudd during a previous, failed leadership challenge by Rudd in February 2012.

But Rudd is unlikely to have any major policy differences from Gillard if he returns as prime minister.

Abbott moved to take advantage of the turmoil by seeking to move a motion of no-confidence in parliament in Gillard, but the motion lost because it failed to attract the 76 votes needed for an absolute majority although it had 73 votes to Labour's 71.

Copyright © 2013 Reuters

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio


Jimmy Fallon to take over 'The Tonight Show'

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 09:01 PM PDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - NBC plans to move The Tonight Show from California to New York, its original home base, where Jimmy Fallon will succeed Jay Leno as host, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing several unnamed senior television executives.

No date for the shift of the top-rated late-night talk show had been set, but it was expected to take place by autumn 2014, the Times said.

"There is no way on earth that this is not going to happen," the Times quoted an unidentified senior executive as saying.

NBC did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Leno, 62, has won the ratings for much of his tenure since taking over for longtime Tonight Show host Johnny Carson in 1992. NBC replaced Leno with Conan O'Brien in 2009, but soon brought Leno back to the show.

The Tonight Show started in New York in 1954, but Carson moved the show to Burbank, California, in 1972. It has maintained a hold on U.S. popular culture for decades, a show for celebrities to promote their latest ventures and a forum that has provided a springboard for leading standup comedians.

Fallon, 38, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live, has hosted Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in the time slot following The Tonight Show since 2009.

Simon Cowell debuts YouTube talent hunt

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:28 PM PDT

LONDON: British pop mogul Simon Cowell launched an innovative online talent contest Wednesday, inviting wannabee stars from around the world to post clips of their skills on YouTube.

"The X Factor" and "Got Talent" guru Cowell joined forces with the video sharing platform to run 26 biweekly contests, called "The You Generation", for hopefuls in 26 countries over the next 12 months.

"We wanted to devise a way that it's easier for you to get noticed," explained Cowell in an interview in his padded-wall office posted on the "You Generation" channel.

Contestants immediately began uploading videos in a host of categories - vocalists to chefs to make-up artists - after an hour-long introduction, live on YouTube, by the Cowell-managed Brit boy band One Direction.

Entries will be judged by talent scouts at Cowell's production company, in a joint venture with Japanese electronics and entertainment powerhouse Sony.

Cowell hopes the initiative will make up for a slide in viewing figures for conventional TV talent shows as more artists bypass traditional routes to success by harnessing the power of the Internet.

Notable among those previously discovered on YouTube is Justin Bieber - but Cowell's idea is to have a one-stop YouTube channel for fans to size up new acts without having to surf all over the website.

The first artists posting on Wednesday swiftly collected hundreds of thousands of views, although comments varied between positive reviews and criticisms of Cowell's tastemaker status in the pop music industry.

YouTube is striving to become more than simply a place to watch amusing cat videos by encouraging, and in some cases bankrolling, original programming.

"It's the biggest TV channel now in the world," Cowell said. "It's changed everything. It has literally changed the music business - for the good." - AFP

Chef Wan goes global with Fox TV’s new culinary series

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:48 PM PDT

PETALING JAYA: Homegrown culinary celebrity Chef Wan has added yet another feather to his cap by clinching a lucrative deal with Fox TV to star in a 13-series syndicated cookery programme.

Fox TV, which will be opening its own food channel soon, has chosen Chef Wan as its first international chef to be featured in its maiden culinary extravaganza.

"I am very excited as I have been looking for a platform to share the essence of true Asian cuisine internationally," said Chef Wan.

Called East Bites West, the programme sees Chef Wan travelling in a caravan all over the United King­dom and teaching the local community about the nuances of Asian cooking.

"The whole idea of the programme is to show people there how they can eat Asian cuisine in an affordable and easy way and I will be teaching them to prepare simple yet nutritious dishes," said Chef Wan.

The celebrity chef, whose real name is Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, said he had already completed the pilot series, which was wholly shot in Plymouth, England.

"We went to the naval base in Plymouth where I parked my caravan near a popular takeaway place called Captain Jasper and prepared food similar to what was on their menu, but with an Asian twist," he said.

He would also visit farmers' markets, food events and even people's kitchens to introduce the British public to Asian cuisine.

Chef Wan is scheduled to leave for Britain next month to shoot the remaining episodes of the show, which is expected to be launched in June.

Earlier this year, Chef Wan beat six other internationally acclaimed chefs, including highly renowned Jamie Oliver, by bagging the Special Awards of the International Jury for TV-English for his contributions to food TV at the prestigious Gourmand Awards 2013 in Paris, France.

"I have wanted to be on the same level as chefs Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson for a very long time. My dream has finally come true," he said.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Sports

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Sports


Quintana wins Tour of Catalonia third stage

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:57 PM PDT

MADRID: Colombia's Nairo Quintana won the 180km third stage of the Tour of Catalonia from Vidreres to the Vallter 2000 ski resort on Wednesday.

Quintana pipped Spaniards Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez in a tough uphill finish to claim the win.

The Colombian's Movistar team-mate Valverde took over the leader's jersey from Belgium's Gianni Meersman and sits four seconds ahead of both Joaquim Rodriguez and Bradley Wiggins.

Last year's Tour de France winner Wiggins had attempted to break clear and win the stage with one kilometre remaining, but was quickly pegged back by Quintana.

Thursday's fourth stage is the longest of the race, a 217.7km ride from Llanars to Port-Aine which will again conclude with a mountaintop finish.

The seven-stage race concludes on Sunday. - AFP

Vonn's boyfriend Tiger tries to dethrone No. 1 McIlroy

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:41 PM PDT

ORLANDO, Florida: Tiger Woods, who can overtake Rory McIlroy for World No. 1 by defending his title this week at Bay Hill, says he and ski star Lindsey Vonn went public as a couple to combat "stalker-azzi."

A day after Woods and Vonn told the world they were dating and shared photos on their Facebook pages, Woods explained why they made that decision at a news conference on the eve of the $6.2 million US PGA Arnold Palmer Invitational.

"We're very happy where we're at, but also we wanted to limit the 'stalker-azzi' and all those sleazy websites out there, paparazzi following us," Woods said.

Photographers seeking a valuable picture of the couple had put at risk the health of Woods' two children with ex-wife Elin Nordegren - five-year-old daughter Sam Alexis and four-year-old son Charlie.

"I've had situations where it has been very dangerous for my kids, the lengths paparazzi will go to," Woods said. "We basically devalued the first photos. Unfortunately that's just the way it is in our society right now. We felt it was the best thing to do and I'm very happy about it."

Woods, a 14-time major champion who will try to close the gap on the record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus when he plays at next month's Masters, has spent a record 623 weeks atop the world rankings, but none since October of 2010 after injuries and an infamous sex scandal saw him stumble from the top 50.

"I fell to 50-plus there for a while," Woods said. "To gradually work my way back is something I'm proud of. It's not easy to get there in the first place and to sustain it isn't easy at all.

"I'm very pleased where I've come from - 50-plus to where I'm at is no small task."

World No. 2 Woods has won five titles in the past year, a run that began at Palmer's event last year when he won his first PGA title since the scandal. This year, Woods has already collected triumphs at Torrey Pines and Doral.

But doubters say he will not be fully back to the form of glory days until he ends a major title drought that dates to the 2008 US Open.

"I feel like I'm headed in the right direction from where I have come from," Woods said. "I'd like to get to 19-plus myself."

Woods, whose return to success has coincided with his romance with Vonn, seeks his eighth career title at Bay Hill. He would become the first man to win the same PGA event eight times, although he already has eight career victories on the same course from seven PGA titles and the US Open at Torrey Pines.

"It has been a long process," Woods said. "I was hurt for a long time. I had to make swing changes that were drastically different than what I was doing before. It has taken some time."

After Nicklaus offered earlier this month that he thought Woods would pass his major title total but that at age 37 he had "better get with it", fellow golf icon Palmer said he gives Woods a chance but one that shrinks every year.

"I think right now looking at him and watching him play, he looks probably as strong and as good from a golf perspective as I've ever seen him," Palmer said. "His swing and his posture and his attitude is far better than it has been in some time.

"I give him a chance. I suppose that every year it's a little more fleeting, however, and he will have to really work hard to keep himself up and keep his mental attitude if he's going to do it."

Top-ranked McIlroy, who is dating ninth-ranked women's tennis star Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, is idle this week but the field at Bay Hill still offers more than a few challengers who could deny Woods despite his history there.

Woods will be paired alongside England's Justin Rose and reigning British Open champion Ernie Els of South Africa, who won at Bay Hill in 2010 and 1998.

Brandt Snedeker is making his first start since straining a rib muscle in a victory at Pebble Beach last month.

Reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson and reigning US Open champion Webb Simpson are also in the field, as is 2011 PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley. - AFP

New No. 1 Lewis ready to enjoy ranking supremacy

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:39 PM PDT

CARLSBAD, California: Coming off LPGA victories at Singapore and Phoenix, American Stacy Lewis plays her first event as the World No. 1 of women's golf starting Thursday at the $1.7 million Kia Classic.

By winning her seventh career title at last week's LPGA Founders Cup, 2012 LPGA Player of the Year Lewis overtook Taiwan's Yani Tseng for the top spot in the new rankings last Monday.

"It was a little strange definitely to see myself there," Lewis said. "I don't think it's really kind of hit me over the last two days. I didn't realize it was such a big deal at the time, but it has kind of hit me the more I've talked about it and the more people that have said congratulations."

Lewis will try to continue her success streak at Aviara Golf Club in quest of a $255,000 top prize in an event that serves as the final tuneup for the first women's major of the season, the $2 million Kraft Nabisco Championship.

"I don't know what I'm looking forward to. I just know that I'm going to have fun," Lewis said. "I know there's a lot of people that would love to be in my position right now and that's why I just want to have fun and enjoy it."

Tseng, the defending Kia Classic champion seeking a 16th career crown this week, set the rankings pace for 109 weeks and sent Lewis a congratulations message that was special.

"The coolest one I think is the one I got from Yani," Lewis said. "I know she may have said that she wanted to lose that spot to kind of help her, but I know she didn't want to lose No. 1 and she was very just very nice to me - congratulations, you played awesome - and kind of added at the end that she was coming after me now and to watch out.

"We kind of have a cool relationship built over the last few years and I think it's something that's going to continue over the next couple."

Lewis is not setting any goals for how long she might reign.

"I'm not going to say I want to be in this position for a certain number of weeks or years because you can't do that - there are too many other good players out here," Lewis said.

"So I'm going to just enjoy this position and keep trying to win golf tournaments."

Lewis also spoke to the growing globalization of the LPGA, whose 28 events include 14 at US venues, one fewer than last year's American total.

"The whole game is becoming more global just because of the players that we have," Lewis said.

"We have players from Thailand, so we have a tournament in Thailand. We have players in Japan, so we have a tournament in Japan. I think it's fair to say we go play where our players are from, and I think that's only fair to them. They come and play here, so we should go play there, too.

"At the same time, it's a US-based tour and we want to keep it that way, so I think the more events we can get in the US is definitely always better. We've added some domestic events. I feel like we're moving in the right direction but I think it would be unfair if we didn't go play where all our stars are from." - AFP

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Business

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Business


Support Line

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 07:06 PM PDT

Thursday March 21, 2013

CSC STEEL HOLDING BERHAD

CSC Steel has been range-bound since Aug 13, last year, interpreted as base building process. The trend ahead is pretty simple. A positive breakout of the RM1.26 barrier may drive prices up to challenge the RM1.50 heavy resistance. On the opposite, a crack of the RM1.13 solid floor would signal a downtrend continuation.

KSK Group

KSK Group shares pulled back to a 10-month low of 56 sen on Tuesday before pausing. Apparently, the prevailing trend is bearish, but the rising moving average convergence/ divergence histogram offers a ray of hope that prices may have found the bottom. Stronger support and stiff resistance are expected at the 52-sen and 64-sen level respectively .

MAA Group

RENEWED bargain hunting pushed MAA Group to a near five-month high of 55.5 sen during intra-day session. Technically, indicators are pretty encouraging. If the shares can overcome the relatively strong barrier of 60 sen, the outlook would be clearer, enroute to the 78.5-sen level. Current support is pegged at the 50-sen mark.


CSCSTEL : [Stock Watch] [News]
MAA : [Stock Watch] [News]

 

UEM Land, IOI Corp inch up in early trade

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 06:18 PM PDT

Published: Thursday March 21, 2013 MYT 9:16:00 AM
Updated: Thursday March 21, 2013 MYT 9:18:16 AM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's blue chips were firmer in early trade on Thursday, underpinned by gains in UEM Land, IOI Corp and several banks as investors turned more optimistic, especially after the stronger overnight close on Wall Street.

Asian shares inched higher and the dollar was underpinned on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve maintained its commitment to a very accommodative monetary stance, and market nerves over the Cyprus bailout wrangling calmed, Reuters reported

The Fed ended a two-day meeting on Wednesday with a pledge to keep its aggressive policy stimulus despite improvements in the U.S. economy, pointing to still-high unemployment, fiscal headwinds out of Washington and risks from abroad, it reported.

At 9.03am, the FBM KLCI was up 1.53 points to 1,633.07. Turnover was 13.86 million shares valued at RM19mil. There were 60 gainers, 38 losers and 62 counters unchanged.

Hwang DBS Vickers Research said the KLCI could add on to its two-day cumulative gains of 10.2-point by riding on the prevailing recovery momentum. On the chart, the benchmark index may challenge the immediate resistance barrier of 1,635 on Thursday. The research house said the sentiment would perk up after Wall Street extended its run-up last night. Bullish investors pushed up major US equity indices by between 0.4% and 0.8% at the closing bell on the back of better economic outlook.

Petronas Gas rose 30 sen to RM18.80 with 100 shares done. UEM Land and IOI Corp added five sen each to RM2.69 and RM4.67.

MPHB gained four sen to RM3.68. Among the banks, HL Bank and Maybank edged up four sen each to RM14.48 and RM9.16.

 

Malaysia-Market factors to watch on March 21(Thursday)

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 06:06 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Following is a list of events in Malaysia as well as news company-related and market news which could have an influence on the local market. GLOBAL MARKETS-Shares end up after Fed, Cyprus fears ease

SE Asia Stocks-Mixed; Cyprus bailout worries weigh

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN MALAYSIA, IN TIMES LOCAL FOLLOWED BY GMT:

* International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed opens Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement Forum at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur at 0800am (0000).

* Bank Negara Malaysia Assistant Governor Sukdave Singh attends seminar on the central bank of Malaysia governor's address on Malaysia's economy and panel discussion at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Resort, Kuala Lumpur at 1400pm (0600).

MARKET NEWS

> Nikkei hits 4-1/2 high on Fed optimism, BOJ easing hopes

> US STOCKS-Wall St ends higher as Fed keeps stimulus in place

> TREASURIES OUTLOOK-Prices dip after rally on Cyprus worries; Fed on hold

> FOREX-Yen on defensive as new BOJ governor awaited > PRECIOUS-Gold slips after Fed maintains policy, euro rise supports

> Brent oil rises from 3-month low as Cyprus concern eases

> VEGOILS-Palm oil gains to more than 1-wk high on rise in exports MALAYSIA IN THE NEWS:

> Abertis moves closer to airports sale -sources

> Malaysia charges Filipinos with terror, waging war-report

> HIGHLIGHTS-Malaysia c.bank governor's media briefing

> HIGHLIGHTS-Malaysia c.bank's economic outlook for 2013

> Islamic finance body in "final stages" of 1st sukuk issuance-Malaysia c.bank

> Malaysia c.bank sees steady 2013 growth, lingering global risks

> Motor racing-Formula One statistics for Malaysian Grand Prix

> Motor racing-Raikkonen seeks happy Malaysian anniversary - Reuters

VEGOILS-Market factors to watch March 21

KUALA LUMPUR: The following factors are likely to influence Malaysian palm oil futures and other vegetable oil markets. FUNDAMENTALS

* Malaysian palm oil futures rose to the highest in more than a week on Wednesday on higher export demand, although gains were curbed after Cyprus's rejection of a proposed bailout plan led to worries of a default.

* Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) wheat futures rose to a three-week high on Wednesday on brisk demand from feeders and exporters, while corn rose to a six-week high with the market buoyed by tight stocks, firm cash and slow farm sales.

* Brent crude oil rose above $108 a barrel on Wednesday, recovering from a three-month low, after the U.S. Federal Reserve signalled it would continue its stimulus programs and on optimism that European policymakers can keep a debt crisis in Cyprus from spreading. MARKET NEWS

* Asian shares inched higher and the dollar was underpinned on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its commitment to a very accommodative monetary stance, and market nerves over the Cyprus bailout wrangling calmed.

* Commodities rallied on Wednesday as the U.S. central bank's assurance of continued stimulus for markets and an easing of worries over Cyprus drove oil, metals and crop prices higher, snapping two days of losses. RELATED NEWS

> Malaysia's March 1-20 palm oil exports up 13.7 pct -SGS

> Malaysia's March 1-20 palm oil exports up 11 pct - ITS

> China soy cancellation threats spook Brazil; doubts remain

> Brazil sugar exports to see smoother sailing than soy

> U.S. drought relief improving, cold snap being eyed DATA/EVENTS

> Cargo surveyors to release Malaysia's March 1-25 export data on Monday. - Reuters

 

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Nation

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Nation


GTP, ETP: The country’s most daring experiments, says Najib

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 07:32 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The planning and implementation of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) are the government's most daring experiments in applying the principles of transparency and accountability to the people, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The prime minister said the initiatives under the GTP and ETP, introduced in 2010 and 2011 respectively, demonstrated the government's commitment in developing the country and striving to achieve the goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2020.

"Through the GTP and ETP, the people can evaluate the government's performance by going through the annual and periodic reports," he said in his blog, www.1malaysia.com.

Najib presented the GTP and ETP annual reports on Tuesday.

He attributed the success to hard work of all quarters, from the people to the private sector and civil servants.

"Alhamdulillah, the GTP and ETP annual reports that I had presented yesterday showed that we have achieved tremendous success.

"The results show that the standard of living and quality of life have improved, the economy is growing while the country's finances are getting stronger day by day," he said.

Najib said the country's outstanding performance could be seen from an increase in the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) by 4,000 per cent from merely U.S.$257 (RM802) in 1957 to U.S.$9,970 (RM31,111) in 2012.

This is further attested from the Household Income Survey which has increased to RM5,000 in 2012 from RM4,025 in 2009.

The prime minister said that apart from reduction of the national poverty rate from 60 percent at the outset of the independence to 1.7 percent in 2012, the initiative introduced also managed to free about 100,000 people from the clutches of poverty.

The prime minister said this proved that everything the government introduced had benefited the people in line with the 1Malaysia concept: the people first and performance now.

"That is why, during the presentation yesterday, I also announced that the government will continue to implement the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) as an annual initiative.

"With the country's outstanding performance, I hope the people will continue to support the government to enable all plans in the pipeline can be implemented for the future of the country," he said. - Bernama

Coroner leads inquest team to site of William Yau's disappearance

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 07:12 AM PDT

PETALING JAYA: Coroner Mohd Hezri Shaharil led the inquest team in a visit to the site in Putra Heights at Subang Jaya where six-year-old William Yau was reported missing on Jan 16.

The coroner was accompanied by Deputy Public Prosecutor Lee Keng Fatt, lawyer who held a watching brief for the Yau family Goh Kim Lian, investigating officer Asst Supt Mohd Zainal Abdullah, William's parents Yau Kok Kang and Goh Ying Ying, as well as court staff and police officers.

The 20-minute visit saw Coroner Mohd Hezri visit the Onking chain-store, inspected the place where the Toyota Hilux was parked and two big drains which were about five metres from the vehicle.

He also inspected an uncovered drain about 200m away from the store, which was believed to be connected to Sungai Sireh.

William's body was found on Jan 24 floating in a river near Kampung Sungai Sireh jetty in Port Klang.

The police also could not ascertain the cause of his death with the post-mortem turning out to be inconclusive.

Last Tuesday, William's mother Goh, 26, testified that she received a call from a man telling her to prepare RM80,000 in two days if she wanted to see the boy again.

Goh said the man called her on three consecutive days from Jan 20 and at one time, she heard a child in the background calling 'mummy, mummy' but she could not ascertain whether the voice came from a boy or a girl.

Related Stories:
Father breaks down upon identifying William Yau during inquest
William's cause of death unknown
William Yau inquest: Mother told to get RM80,000 if she wants to see William again (Update)
William Yau inquest: Cause of death could not be ascertained, says IO

Banting murders: There was no conspiracy, police tell court in Sosilawati case

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 06:47 AM PDT

SHAH ALAM: A deputy head of the police criminal investigation department denied a conspiracy to 'fix up' two men who are currently serving jail sentences for disposing of evidence in the murder trial of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others.

Asst Comm Abdul Aziz Zakaria from the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters said there was no plot to set up K. Sarawanan, 22, and U. Suresh, 30, when he facilitated meetings between the men and lawyers Roslie Sulle and his partner Muhammad Naguib Abdul Malik.

"I wanted to provide for their legal rights," said the witness. He said it was the detainees' right to choose their lawyers.

Sarawanan and Suresh are currently serving a total of 28 years jail each in Sungai Udang prison, Melaka after pleading guilty to disposing evidence in the murders of Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32.

Last week, Sarawanan's father N. Kandasamy testified that his son was 'tricked and forced' into confessing that he had disposed evidence related to the murders of Sosilawati and her companions.

Roslie represented Sarawanan when he admitted to the offence at a magistrate's court in Banting in October 2010.

Four men - N. Pathmanabhan, T. Thilayalagan, R. Matan and R. Kathavarayan - have claimed trial to murdering Sosilawati and her companions. They allegedly committed the offences at Lot 2001, Jalan Tanjung Layang, Tanjung Sepat, Banting, between 8.30pm and 9.45pm on Aug 30, last year.

The hearing continues before High Court judge Justice Akhtar Tahir on Thursday.

Related Stories:
Banting murders: Conflicting testimony about presence of accused at court complex
Sosilawati case: Accused says was told murdered men would have killed his boss if left alive
Banting murders: Witness says he did not sign up for witness protection programme for money
Banting murders: Accused denies murdering Sosilawati

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies


Next Bond movie in 3 years

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 04:02 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Movie studio MGM said on Tuesday it expects to release the next James Bond movie within three years, and hopes to announce soon a new director after Sam Mendes decided to move on.

In a conference call with investors, MGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Barber said the studio was developing the screenplay for the next, 24th movie in the 50-year-old franchise about the British secret agent.

"We are very excited about the franchise, we look forward to announcing a director soon," Barber said.

"We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners. We look forward to developing the script soon and signing a director. We are hoping within the next 3 years it will be released," Barber added.

He gave no details on casting but Daniel Craig has already signed on for two more films in the lead role as the suave 007 agent.

The 2012 Bond film Skyfall, starring Craig, made US$1.1 billion at the global box office and impressed critics. But Britain's Mendes said earlier this month that he wanted to focus on his theater projects for the foreseeable future.

Barber said Mendes "did an amazing job on Skyfall. We are very thankful for the work that he did."

Privately-held MGM jointly produced Skyfall with Sony Corp's movie studio arm.

MGM said on Monday that Skyfall and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey had helped bring a three-fold increase in its 2012 net income.

'Twilight' author hopes fans will watch 'The Host'

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:53 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Author Stephanie Meyer is hoping her vampire fans will be willing to step into a new world and embrace aliens as the first film of her new book series, The Host, hits the big screens.

Fans of the successful Twilight Saga box office franchise have been eagerly anticipating Meyer's next offering on the big screen with The Host out in U.S. theaters on 29 March.

But Meyer (pic), speaking at the film's red carpet premiere in Los Angeles, said the new film may not be what fans of the popular vampire series expect from her.

"If (fans) go into it wanting a repeat of Twilight they probably will not be thrilled, because it is not. It is a very different kind of story," Meyer told Reuters TV.

"I think if they are willing to go on a new ride with me and try out something a little different than I think they will really like it."

The five Twilight films, based on Meyer's best-selling novels, focus on a love story between a vampire and a human and grossed more than US$3.3 billion at the global box office, according to movie sales tracking website BoxOfficeMojo.com.

The films, which attracted a devoted teenage following, launched lead stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner into A-list fame.

The Host, adapted from Meyer's novel of the same name, explores a post-apocalyptic world where alien beings called Souls invade Earth and take over human bodies and minds, causing conflicting emotions between the two beings in the same body.

Meyer has already said that she has plots in mind for follow-on books and hoped this would become a trilogy, which would open the way for sequel films.

In The Host, Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan, 18, plays human Melanie Stryder who is taken over by a Soul called Wanda.

Ronan, who starred in The Lovely Bones and was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscars for Atonement, said she enjoyed the challenge of switching between two personalities.

"I really enjoyed playing Melanie because the majority of the film I am playing Wanda, who is quite a pure, serene and understanding character," said Ronan on the red carpet.

British actor Max Irons, 27, the son of Irish actress Sinead Cusack and English actor Jeremy Irons, plays Melanie's love interest Jared Howe.

He said the film's complex story touched many different genres, appealing to more than just Twilight fans.

"It is a science fiction movie at heart, it is a story of human survival. Yes, it has the romance, but I think it has a lot more for a lot of different people," said Irons.

Diane Kruger, Jake Abel and William Hurt also star in The Host, directed by Andrew Niccol. The film is distributed in the United States by Open Road Films, a joint venture between theater owners Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment Inc.

Wu Xiubo takes on romantic role in Sleepless In Seattle

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 02:57 AM PDT

Chinese actor Wu Xiubo tackles a romantic comedy in this homage to Sleepless In Seattle.

ONE OF the highest paid actors on Chinese television, Wu Xiubo is best known for his role as Liu Xinjie in Before The Dawn, a spy television drama set during the rule of communism in China. In his latest movie Finding Mr. Right however, he takes a shot at the romance genre instead.

Wu plays Frank, who was once a famous doctor in Beijing before he moved his family to the United States and subsequently endured a failed marriage.

Alongside Wu is Chinese actress Tang Wei — notable for her breakout lead role in 2007's Lust, Caution. Tang plays Jiajia, a pregnant city girl who travels to Seattle to give birth to the son of her rich, married boyfriend.

Jiajia picks Seattle as it is the city where her favourite movie, Sleepless In Seattle, was set in. Much like the 1993 Hollywood film that Finding Mr. Right draws inspiration from, Frank and Jiajia eventually cross paths in Seattle, and a love story blossoms.

Wu's character in this movie as quite unlike his previous roles, and this is exactly why he decided to take it. "I wanted to play a character that is different from my previous roles," explained Wu. "The past films that I was in were mostly told from a man's point of view. This particular film is a woman's work, so it has a softer side to it, and it is told from a woman's perspective. I have not been in such a film before, so I wanted to try it out."

The movie is both directed and written by Xue Xiaolu, whom Wu describes as "a very outstanding screenwriter".

"She has written many really great works in the past, one of them being Don't Talk To Strangers," he said in an interview transcript provided by the movie's Malaysian distributers, RAM Entertainment. "She then directed Ocean Heaven, and Finding Mr. Right is the second film she is directing. I've always had faith in her writing, and I believe she does well as a director too."

The famous Empire State Building in New York City was a key setting in Sleepless In Seattle, and the same building also plays a prominent part in the movie.

In the film's production notes, Xue said that the scenes there were the hardest to shoot as the building has extremely stringent shooting requirements. The crew only had a total of four hours over two days to shoot on location, and that included the time used to ferry equipment up the building.

Wu recalled that they had to be on the set by 5am without any sleep before that, because they had be on standby to shoot at the Empire State Building.

While the story may seem like a predictably feel-good one, Finding Mr. Right is filled with charm and humor that will surely delight the romantic at heart.

"This is a very warm, romantic film. Ladies can also bring their partners to watch it, so that the guys can learn from Frank," Wu said with a laugh. – Amanda Soo

Finding Mr. Right is set for a limited release in Malaysia on March 21.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Metro: Central

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Metro: Central


Providing an avenue to nurture their children’s talents

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:04 AM PDT

BINTANG Rugby Club (BRC) International Rugby 10s tournament director Paul Tipton sensed a high five finish for his team nearing the conclusion of the tournament.

Besides BRC juniors providing joy with encouraging results for the hosts, the 56-year-old from Manchester, England said it had been a great experience to be part of the popular 10-a-side junior tournament.

"For most parents, it has been rewarding to serve as volunteers without expecting anything in return. We have developed an exceptional community spirit because we are keen in promoting rugby in Malaysia.

"Besides providing an avenue for our children to nurture their talent in the game, we are also reaching out to the local community interested in learning the game," added Paul, who has been residing in Malaysia for the past 13 years.

Two of Paul's sons — Joe and Henry — are part of the BRC rugby development initiatives.

Joe trains under the Under-Seven programme while Henry is with the Under-16 squad.

For the recent tournament, a total of 60 volunteers offered their services to assist in running the sixth edition of the tournament.

Currently, BRC are conducting their ongoing weekly training programmes for juniors aged between four and 19 based at the Malaysian Police Training Centre (Pulapol) field in Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am.

BRC triumph at International Rugby 10s tournament

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:04 AM PDT

IT WAS a perfect finish for hosts Bintang Rugby Club (BRC) at the sixth BRC International Rugby 10s tournament at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, recently.

They appeared in the Cup finals for the Under-13, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 age-groups, and they completed a fruitful campaign with victories in the Under-16 and Under-18 contests.

In the penultimate match of the two-day tournament, BRC Under-18 line-up subdued speedy newcomers Dubai English Speaking College from United Arab Emirates before prevailing with a hard-earned 15-12 win in the championship encounter.

After holding on to possession in keeping their opponents at bay, BRC was forced to fend off the challengers as Dubai English Speaking College put up a courageous display in the closing stages of the match.

BRC Under-18 head coach Darrel Fergus said they were happy to claim their first victory in the Under-18 at their home tournament.

In contrast, the BRC Under-16 side chalked up an easier 27-0 win over Johor's Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) during the final match of the day.

SSTMI manager Mohamad Najib said, "We struggled after losing several key players for the final and made too many mistakes, thus we could not perform to our true potential.

"However, it served as a good training experience for us to develop our squad and make a stronger impression in other 10-a-side tournaments this season," he added.

Last year, SSTMI also failed to clear the final hurdle and went down to former winners Dubai College in the Under-18 final.

Meanwhile, Singapore's Centaurs Rugby denied BRC from emerging as champions in both the Under-13 and Under-14.

Almost 140 teams including foreign teams from Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates took part in 10 separate categories at the recent meet.

Besides Dubai English Speaking College, the other newcomers were Indonesia's Jakarta Komodos Junior Rugby, Hong Kong's Discovery Bay Pirates, Sri Lanka's Hisham Abdeen Rugby Football Academy.

Dubai English Speaking College were the runners-up finishing behind former BRC 10s Under-18 champions Dubai College in the Arab Gulf Schools tournament.

RESULTS (Cup finals)

- Under-Seven: Tanglin Rugby Club Lions bt Hong Kong Football Club Blues 1-0

- Under-Eight: Royal Selangor Club bt Tanglin Rugby Club Panthers 4-4 (RSC won for scoring the first try)

- Under-Nine: Centaurs Rugby Archers bt Singapore Cricket Club 15-0

- Under-10: Hong Kong Football Club Vikings bt Tanglin Rugby Club Spears 10-0

- Under-11: Tanglin Rugby Club bt Centaurs Rugby 5-5 (Tanglin won for scoring the first try)

- Under-12: Sai Kung Stingrays bt Hong Kong Football Club 12-0

- Under-13: Centaurs Rugby bt Bintang Rugby Club 34-14

- Under-14: Centaurs Rugby bt Bintang Rugby Club Saracens 27-0

- Under-16: Bintang Rugby Club Saracens bt Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School 27-0

- Under-18: Bintang Rugby Club bt Dubai English Speaking College 15-12

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Health

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

The Star Online: Lifestyle: Health


Six apps similar to Fujitsu's new pulse-reading face scanner

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:03 AM PDT

Fujitsu just announced its new smartphone technology that can take the pulse of a user just by looking at his or her face. But if the "groundbreaking" device sounds familiar, that's because a host of small app developers have developed similar products in recent years.

On Tuesday, Mobihealthnews offered a roundup of competing apps that are available now that, like Fujitsu's new product, can measure variations in the brightness of a person's face caused by the flow of blood. Here is what's out there now:

Philips' Vital Signs Camera

Back in 2011, Philips launched an iPad app dubbed Vital Signs Camera that can measure your heart rate and breathing via the tablet's camera. Since then the company has released a version for the iPhone 4S as well, with the app selling for $0.99 in the AppStore.

Cardiio

Cardiio, a face-scanning pulse reader from MIT and Harvard researchers, was a hot topic back in 2010 when it took the form of a smart bathroom mirror. Now it's a popular iOS app with research-backed claims that the app gets within three bpm of the readings that a clinical pulse oximeter can provide. $2.99

Cardio Buddy from Azumio

Azumio's Instant Heart Rate app is a popular item in that it can track your pulse by placing your finger over your smartphone's camera. To compete with Cardiio, Azumio also offers its Cardio Buddy iOS app, which scans your face to detect heart rate. $1.99

E-Intuit's Magic Heartbeat Mirror

Hong Kong-based E-Intuit offers its own heart-rate checker as a "magic mirror." iOS only, and sells for $1.99 in the AppStore.

What's My Heart Rate? by ViTrox

This app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows 8 -- plus it's free, although features beyond checking your heart rate (such as storing or charting the data) are extra.

Heart Rate Camera by Intra Labs

IntraLabs' Heart Rate Camera -- for the iPad and iPhone -- claims to get an accurate reading in eight to ten seconds. The company also advertises face recognition software and an ECG-like chart display, with the app selling for $2.99. -- AFPRelaxnews

Running shoes can alter a young athlete's gait, and not in a good way: study

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:02 AM PDT

The latest study to weigh barefoot running against traditional running shoes finds that mixing up the footwear -- training in cushioned shoes, competing in track flats -- may confuse the running gait in young athletes.

While running seems a fairly straightforward activity, ask a devotee his or her opinion about foot strike -- is it better to land on your forefoot (as barefoot running shoes promote) or heel? -- and you're likely to stir up some hot debate.

To add more fuel to the fire, researchers from the University of Kansas recruited 12 adolescent competitive athletes from local track teams, and asked them to run on a treadmill in cushioned heel trainers, track flats, and without any shoes at four different speeds. Researchers measured a battery of biomechanical details, such as stride length and foot strike, with a motion capture system.

"Running barefoot or running in less of a running shoe is a newer trend," says Dr. Scott Mullen, an orthopaedic surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital.

"What we were trying to evaluate is whether or not the foot strike would change in an adolescent -- who doesn't yet have a permanently established gate -- when they changed their shoe or running speed."

The researchers found that shoe type "dramatically" altered running biomechanics in the young runners. When wearing cushioned heel trainers, the athletes landed on their heel nearly 70 percent of the time at all speeds.

With the track flats, the heel hit the ground first less than 35 percent of the time; and when barefoot, less than 30 percent of the time.

"What we found is that simply by changing their footwear, the runners' foot strike would change," says Dr. Mullen.

"When they ran in the cushioned heel or an average running shoe ─ even when running a five-minute mile ─ the athletes landed on their heel first."

Many adolescent runners train in cushioned heels but compete in track spikes, which may give them less of a performance advantage during competition, he says.

Mullen presented his research Tuesday at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Chicago. -- AFPRelaxnews

Learn more about osteoporosis at the Star Health Fair 2013

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 02:31 AM PDT

OSTEOPOROSIS is a silent disease that affects millions worldwide. The pain and disability caused by it are often ignored or misdiagnosed as simple pains and more often than not remains largely untreated.

There are usually no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include back pain, fractures, loss of height, skeletal deformity and neck strain.

The word osteoporosis means "porous bones", and occurs when bones lose an excessive amount of their protein and mineral content, particularly calcium.

Although the condition is more prevalent in women, it can also affect men, and does not distinguish between age, race or ethnic group.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has estimated that by 2050, the worldwide incidence of hip fracture is projected to increase by 310% in men and 240% in women.

A 10% loss of bone mass in the vertebrae can double the risk of vertebral fractures, and similarly, a 10% loss of bone mass in the hip can result in a 2.5 times greater risk of hip fracture.

Calcium is an important part of our diet throughout our lives. As we get older, we need even more calcium to help our bodies keep building new bone tissue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following daily calcium intake for women past menopause and for men over 65: at least 1,300mg per day, but not more than 3,000mg. The recommendations from other organisations and individual countries vary, ranging from 1,000mg a day up to the 1,300mg recommended by the WHO.

Certain risk factors make a person more susceptible to low bone mass. These factors include:

> A family history of fractures or osteoporosis

> Smoking

> A thin frame

> Heavy drinking

> Certain medications, such as steroids

> Anorexia

The IOF has made the following observations in osteoporosis prevention:

> Childhood and adolescence are particularly valuable times to improve bone mass through exercise.

> Adequate levels of calcium intake can maximise the positive effect of physical activity on bone health during the growth period of children.

> Studies in children and adolescents have shown that supplementation with calcium, dairy calcium-enriched foods or milk enhances the rate of bone mineral acquisition.

> Physical activity reduces risk of osteoporosis and fractures and fall-related injuries.

> In the frail elderly, activity to improve balance and confidence may be valuable in fall prevention. Studies have shown that individuals who practice tai chi have a 47% decrease in falls and 25% the hip fracture rate of those who do not and that tai chi can be beneficial for retarding bone loss in weight-bearing bones in early postmenopausal women.

> Calcium supplementation has been shown to have a positive effect on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

> Calcium and vitamin D supplementation reduces rates of bone loss and also fracture rates in older male and female adults, and the elderly. In institutionalised elderly women, this combined supplementation reduced hip fracture rates.

> Good nutrition is an important part of a successful rehabilitation programme in patients who have had an osteoporotic fracture. In frail, elderly, hip fracture patients, this is crucially important, as poor nutritional status can slow recovery, and increase susceptibility to further fractures.

You can find out more about osteoporosis at the Star Health Fair 2013 when holistic medicine practitioner Datuk Dr Rajen M. will share his expertise with the public on this silent disease.

In addition, you can also learn how to "bank" your bones and minimise the risk of osteoporosis at Great Eastern Life's Live Great Portal on livegreat.greateasternlife.com. Look out for the Live Great Challenge in The Star Health Fair 2013, a contest to test one's physical and mental fitness, financial fitness, nutrition knowledge, and to advocate healthy eating. Attractive cash prizes await you!

Great Eastern Life's Live Great Programme is a holistic health and wellness approach which aims to help Malaysians live healthier, better and longer. The programme comprises expert advice, simple health tips, support, articles, apps, rewards, workshops and events, and more.

Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation (www.iofbonehealth.org).

This year's theme "Let's Live Great!" is to inspire Malaysians to lead a healthy lifestyle by being physically and mentally fit. The Star Health Fair 2013 is organised by The Star with Great Eastern Life as the event partner. It will be held in Halls 1 to 3 of the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from April 12 to 14. It is open from 10am to 7pm and admission is free.

For enquiries or to participate, call 03-7967 1388 (ext 1243/1529) or visit www.facebook.com/thestarhealthfair.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my
 

The Star Online

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved