A company in Malaysia hopes to export millions of ringgit worth of tiger prawns to Europe and Japan from October when its hatchery and processing plant is operational in Kerpan.
Blue Archipelago Bhd chief executive officer Dr Shahridan Faiez Mohideen Abdul Kader said the Kerpan monodons and white prawns, which would also be exported to the United States, had recently received the seal of acceptance from European nations in the form of a registration number from the European Union.
The company operates a prawn farm which produces about 2,000 tonnes of white prawns and up to 6,000 tonnes of tiger prawns.
"We have some of the finest prawns in the world and we are confident our home-reared crustaceans will place Malaysia on the global map as a major producer of tiger and white prawns," he said after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the operator of the prawn farm and Universiti Putera Malaysia here on Sunday.
Witnessing the event were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
Under the agreement, about 200 employees of Blue Archipelago will undergo diploma-level training at the university to improve their knowledge and skills in prawn breeding technology.
"Once our hatchery and processing plant are ready, we can further boost our production. This will also be good for the nation's foreign exchange."
He said the construction of the plant was part of Blue Archipelago's efforts to boost the yield of the prawn farm, set up 15 years ago.
"We have the capacity and know-how and we aim to exploit all opportunities to tap our potential."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
10kg python takes bite out of its catcher
A staff member of the Civil Defence Department (JPA3) was rushed to Seberang Jaya Hospital yesterday after he was bitten by a python while he and three other colleagues tried to catch the reptile in Prai, early yesterday.
Although the bite was not poisonous, the JPA3 members rushed Mazlan Abdullah, who is in his 20s, to the hospital for outpatient treatment.
The 4.20am drama unfolded when Mazlan and his colleagues received a call that the three-metre long python, weighing 10kg was spotted in a factory at the Prai industrial area.
JPA3 officer Jimmy Alberto said they subsequently managed to subdue the snake before sending Mazlan to the hospital.
Jimmy said prior to that, the team had caught another python in Titi Mukim, Teluk Air Tawar on Saturday.
He said the four-metre reptile was nabbed in a chicken coop.
He added that this month alone, seven pythons and four king cobras had been caught.
Although the bite was not poisonous, the JPA3 members rushed Mazlan Abdullah, who is in his 20s, to the hospital for outpatient treatment.
The 4.20am drama unfolded when Mazlan and his colleagues received a call that the three-metre long python, weighing 10kg was spotted in a factory at the Prai industrial area.
JPA3 officer Jimmy Alberto said they subsequently managed to subdue the snake before sending Mazlan to the hospital.
Jimmy said prior to that, the team had caught another python in Titi Mukim, Teluk Air Tawar on Saturday.
He said the four-metre reptile was nabbed in a chicken coop.
He added that this month alone, seven pythons and four king cobras had been caught.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fish can learn despite small brains
A small fish found in streams across Europe has a human-like ability to learn, British scientists reported on Wednesday.
The nine-spined stickleback could be the first animal to exhibit a key human social learning strategy that allows it to compare the behaviour of others to its own experience and make choices that lead it to better food supplies.
"Small fish may have small brains but they still have some surprising cognitive abilities," said Jeremy Kendal of Durham University.
Kendal and colleagues from St. Andrews University found in tests that 75 percent of sticklebacks were clever enough to know from watching others that a feeder in a tank was rich in food, even though they had previously got little from it themselves.
This ability represents an unusually sophisticated social learning skill not yet found in other animals, they reported in the journal Behavioral Ecology.
The nine-spined stickleback could be the first animal to exhibit a key human social learning strategy that allows it to compare the behaviour of others to its own experience and make choices that lead it to better food supplies.
"Small fish may have small brains but they still have some surprising cognitive abilities," said Jeremy Kendal of Durham University.
Kendal and colleagues from St. Andrews University found in tests that 75 percent of sticklebacks were clever enough to know from watching others that a feeder in a tank was rich in food, even though they had previously got little from it themselves.
This ability represents an unusually sophisticated social learning skill not yet found in other animals, they reported in the journal Behavioral Ecology.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
New Born Baby Pygmy Hippo
Born on 4th June 2009, this calf is the latest addition to the Singapore Zoo! Weighing 6.2 kg at birth, Divo is the eighth successful birth for proud parents Mina and Babu.Found most in West Africa, with slightly over 3,000 left, pygmy hippos have dwindled in numbers due to deforestation and poaching.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
INFLUENZA A (H1N1) MEASURES IN Singapore Zoo
What is influenza A (H1N1) flu?
The new strain of influenza A (H1N1) involved in the current flu outbreak in humans is a reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that are, separately, endemic in humans, endemic in birds and endemic in swine.
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that it has not been isolated in swine. It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. Influenza A (H1N1) is not found in any swine or human in Singapore so far. To prevent the outbreak of pandemic, the focus is in prevention of spread from human to human, and human to our animals.
Are there any live pigs in WRS parks?
Yes, we have live pigs in both Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
How many pigs are there in WRS parks?
We have a total of 55 pigs at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. These include babirusa, warthogs, red river hogs and Malayan bearded pigs.
Is it safe to come into contact with live pigs at WRS parks?
So far, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore. However, proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals including pigs, should be maintained. No visitors are allowed to come into contact with pigs in WRS parks, as the exhibits are fronted by water or dry moats.
Will WRS be closing the exhibits for these animals, especially with the recent case of human to pig transmission in Alberta, Canada?
To date, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore. Thus there are no plans to close our exhibits as yet.
The pig population in WRS parks is confined within the parks. Our specimens do not have any contact with other pigs. However, to safeguard out endangered species, WRS parks will confine our babirusa, warthogs and bearded pigs behind the scenes if there is a confirmed outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore.
In the event of an outbreak in Singapore, will WRS be putting down the pigs?
We would like to assure the public that WRS parks practise strict biosecurity surveillance in consultation with AVA. Our pigs are confined within the parks and our collection; and they do not have any contact with other pigs. The current influenza A (H1N1) infection is spread from human to human, and we will be ensuring that our pigs are properly protected from such transmissions by maintaining our continuous vigilance and sound biosecurity practices.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors?
Wildlife Reserves Singapore parks are in the process of putting up signages to reinforce the need for visitors to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilets and if they have come into contact with any animal. We are working with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to monitor the influenza A (H1N1) situation closely. Hygiene, and the safety of our animals, visitors and staff are of utmost importance to us.
Keepers are also reminding guests to wash their hands after all animal token feeding sessions.
The parks have also increased the frequency of their cleaning schedules for various facilities. This includes wiping down of all rental equipment such as wagons and strollers with a sanitizer every time they are used, instead of just once daily.
In addition, we are also monitoring the condition of our visitors and keepers, and those who show symptoms of coughing, sneezing and other flu-like symptoms will be asked to consult with a doctor immediately.
Are WRS parks taking the temperatures of their guests?
As there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore to date, we do not want to alarm our visitors by adopting such measures at this time. Furthermore, our parks are in open areas so visitors are not restricted to confined spaces.
Will the water play area at Rainforest Kidzworld be closed?
There are no plans to close the attraction as yet as there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore.
Will the animal petting section at Rainforest Kidzworld be closed?
So far, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) flu in Singapore. We encourage our visitors to practise proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals.
The new strain of influenza A (H1N1) involved in the current flu outbreak in humans is a reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that are, separately, endemic in humans, endemic in birds and endemic in swine.
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that it has not been isolated in swine. It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. Influenza A (H1N1) is not found in any swine or human in Singapore so far. To prevent the outbreak of pandemic, the focus is in prevention of spread from human to human, and human to our animals.
Are there any live pigs in WRS parks?
Yes, we have live pigs in both Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
How many pigs are there in WRS parks?
We have a total of 55 pigs at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. These include babirusa, warthogs, red river hogs and Malayan bearded pigs.
Is it safe to come into contact with live pigs at WRS parks?
So far, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore. However, proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals including pigs, should be maintained. No visitors are allowed to come into contact with pigs in WRS parks, as the exhibits are fronted by water or dry moats.
Will WRS be closing the exhibits for these animals, especially with the recent case of human to pig transmission in Alberta, Canada?
To date, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore. Thus there are no plans to close our exhibits as yet.
The pig population in WRS parks is confined within the parks. Our specimens do not have any contact with other pigs. However, to safeguard out endangered species, WRS parks will confine our babirusa, warthogs and bearded pigs behind the scenes if there is a confirmed outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore.
In the event of an outbreak in Singapore, will WRS be putting down the pigs?
We would like to assure the public that WRS parks practise strict biosecurity surveillance in consultation with AVA. Our pigs are confined within the parks and our collection; and they do not have any contact with other pigs. The current influenza A (H1N1) infection is spread from human to human, and we will be ensuring that our pigs are properly protected from such transmissions by maintaining our continuous vigilance and sound biosecurity practices.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors?
Wildlife Reserves Singapore parks are in the process of putting up signages to reinforce the need for visitors to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilets and if they have come into contact with any animal. We are working with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to monitor the influenza A (H1N1) situation closely. Hygiene, and the safety of our animals, visitors and staff are of utmost importance to us.
Keepers are also reminding guests to wash their hands after all animal token feeding sessions.
The parks have also increased the frequency of their cleaning schedules for various facilities. This includes wiping down of all rental equipment such as wagons and strollers with a sanitizer every time they are used, instead of just once daily.
In addition, we are also monitoring the condition of our visitors and keepers, and those who show symptoms of coughing, sneezing and other flu-like symptoms will be asked to consult with a doctor immediately.
Are WRS parks taking the temperatures of their guests?
As there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore to date, we do not want to alarm our visitors by adopting such measures at this time. Furthermore, our parks are in open areas so visitors are not restricted to confined spaces.
Will the water play area at Rainforest Kidzworld be closed?
There are no plans to close the attraction as yet as there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore.
Will the animal petting section at Rainforest Kidzworld be closed?
So far, there are no known cases of influenza A (H1N1) flu in Singapore. We encourage our visitors to practise proper hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after contact with animals.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Anteaters caught (human) H1N1 flu in zoo outbreak
Humans, horses, dogs, whales, seals, birds, cats, ferrets and even raccoons are known to be susceptible to the tiny eight-gene viruses. Researchers in Tennessee have now added giant anteaters to that list.
"Who would have thunk it?" senior author Dr. Melissa Kennedy says with a laugh. "We were pretty amazed."
The February 2007 outbreak, involving 11 adult giant anteaters at Tennessee's Nashville zoo, is reported in an article that will be published in the July issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. All the anteaters survived the illness.
Branswell's story makes it clear that the anteaters caught the "old" human form of H1N1, not the current strain.
"Who would have thunk it?" senior author Dr. Melissa Kennedy says with a laugh. "We were pretty amazed."
The February 2007 outbreak, involving 11 adult giant anteaters at Tennessee's Nashville zoo, is reported in an article that will be published in the July issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. All the anteaters survived the illness.
Branswell's story makes it clear that the anteaters caught the "old" human form of H1N1, not the current strain.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Don't stay at home during the June holidays
It's that time of the year again; the time where the weather becomes unbareably hot, the kids are set loose and suddenly, malls are over-run with screaming children.
Though traveling will most probably be out of the question this year, fret not! Singapore is filled with a barrage of exciting promotions for you and your child, this June, you'll never be bored.
National Museum
1) Get Real, Kids: Let there be Clothes! (In collaboration with Project Omelette)
Specially developed for active young learners, these half-day workshops incorporate all the necessary ingredients to ignite the passion of discovery, fuel the process of learning, while inculcating thoughtful values and life skills in children.
Let the hidden designer in your child bloom as they are introduced to the history of world fashion and discover the identity of clothes through play, while exploring the National Museum of Singapore’s Fashion Gallery.
They can also, design their own t-shirts from skills and knowledge acquired at the workshop.
Where: National Museum Canning Visitor Services Counter (Level 2)
When: 5-6 Jun 2009 Fri & Sat
Timing: 09:00AM & 02:00PM
Ticket pricing: Standard - S$70
Book your tickets at sistic.
2) Cook up your Singapore Flavour
What was a street hawker’s life like in the 1950s and what hawker foods were popular then? Introduce your child to a slice of history through this workshop that includes a tour of the Food Gallery and hands-on craftwork with clay. Let your child experience the bustling street life through the sounds and smells in the gallery, then re-create a local food with play clay and lots of inspiration gathered from the tour!
Where: Stamford Visitor Services Counter, Level 1
When: Wed 3 Jun – Sun 7 Jun, Wed 10 Jun – Sun 14 Jun, Wed 17 Jun – Sun 21 Jun 09
Timing: 11am – 12.15pm
Prices: S$25 per child
For more information check out sistic.
3) Design Future Fashions From Past Styles
What did your grandmother wear when she was a young lady? How is that different from what we wear today?
Your child will be introduced to fashion trends and traditional costumes worn by women in Singapore from the 1950s to 1970s in the National Museum of Singapore’s Fashion Gallery.
Where: National Museum Stamford Visitor Services Counter (Level 1)
When: 3-21 Jun 2009
Timing: 1:30PM
Prices: S$25
For more information check out sistic.
4) Get Real, Kids: Sensing Food
Sensing Food educates children on the global issue of starvation around the world and how they can play a part to help the less fortunate.
Here, they will find out where their favourite burger originates from, discern what constitutes a healthy meal, and express their creativity by designing a healthy burger complete with a presentation kit to promote their product!
Where: National Museum Canning Visitor Services Counter (Level 2)
When: 19-20 Jun 2009 Fri & Sat
Timing: 09:00AM & 02:00PM
Prices: S$70
For more information check out sistic.
5) Children Season returns to the National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is bringing in a performance entitled Dinosaurs in the Garden by Erth Visual & Physical (Australia) . Interect with a herd of "dinosaurs" at the National Museum this holiday.
Where: National Museum Gallery Theatre
When: 4-7 June 2009
Timing: 11am, 2pm and 5pm
Prices: $20 with additional $1 booking fee.
Call Sistic at 6384-5555 for tickets
Park Hopper: Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo
Explore all three of Singapore's most famous parks at a special price of one ticket at $40 (adult) and $20 (child).
Join all three parks on a prehistoric adventure through Jurong Bird Park's new exhibition 'Dinosaur Descendants'. You can also take part in the Dino Trail contest, which will run across the three parks and involve participants answering questions relating to exhibits.
Spend your morning and afternoon at the Zoo and at the bird park and end of the day with a tram ride through Night Safari.
Check out the websites for more information on other events:
Night Safari Singapore Zoo
Jurong Bird Park
"Sleep with the Penguins" Family Camp
Join the bird park in celebrating one of the world's most beloved birds, the penguins.
In this 2 days 1 night camp, it's fun for the whole family as you gather your sleeping bags around the camp fire to have a thrilling encounter with the penguins.
Perfect for toddlers to grandparents, you'll have a fun-packed camp with the bird park.
Where: Jurong Bird Park
When: 13-14 June
Prices: $110 per adult (13 & Above)
$90 per child (3 - 12 years)
*As only tents will be provided, you are encouraged to bring your own sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, picnic mats, mini portable fan, toiletries, insect repellent and additional torchlight.
Check out the camp's itinerary for registration.
Though traveling will most probably be out of the question this year, fret not! Singapore is filled with a barrage of exciting promotions for you and your child, this June, you'll never be bored.
National Museum
1) Get Real, Kids: Let there be Clothes! (In collaboration with Project Omelette)
Specially developed for active young learners, these half-day workshops incorporate all the necessary ingredients to ignite the passion of discovery, fuel the process of learning, while inculcating thoughtful values and life skills in children.
Let the hidden designer in your child bloom as they are introduced to the history of world fashion and discover the identity of clothes through play, while exploring the National Museum of Singapore’s Fashion Gallery.
They can also, design their own t-shirts from skills and knowledge acquired at the workshop.
Where: National Museum Canning Visitor Services Counter (Level 2)
When: 5-6 Jun 2009 Fri & Sat
Timing: 09:00AM & 02:00PM
Ticket pricing: Standard - S$70
Book your tickets at sistic.
2) Cook up your Singapore Flavour
What was a street hawker’s life like in the 1950s and what hawker foods were popular then? Introduce your child to a slice of history through this workshop that includes a tour of the Food Gallery and hands-on craftwork with clay. Let your child experience the bustling street life through the sounds and smells in the gallery, then re-create a local food with play clay and lots of inspiration gathered from the tour!
Where: Stamford Visitor Services Counter, Level 1
When: Wed 3 Jun – Sun 7 Jun, Wed 10 Jun – Sun 14 Jun, Wed 17 Jun – Sun 21 Jun 09
Timing: 11am – 12.15pm
Prices: S$25 per child
For more information check out sistic.
3) Design Future Fashions From Past Styles
What did your grandmother wear when she was a young lady? How is that different from what we wear today?
Your child will be introduced to fashion trends and traditional costumes worn by women in Singapore from the 1950s to 1970s in the National Museum of Singapore’s Fashion Gallery.
Where: National Museum Stamford Visitor Services Counter (Level 1)
When: 3-21 Jun 2009
Timing: 1:30PM
Prices: S$25
For more information check out sistic.
4) Get Real, Kids: Sensing Food
Sensing Food educates children on the global issue of starvation around the world and how they can play a part to help the less fortunate.
Here, they will find out where their favourite burger originates from, discern what constitutes a healthy meal, and express their creativity by designing a healthy burger complete with a presentation kit to promote their product!
Where: National Museum Canning Visitor Services Counter (Level 2)
When: 19-20 Jun 2009 Fri & Sat
Timing: 09:00AM & 02:00PM
Prices: S$70
For more information check out sistic.
5) Children Season returns to the National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is bringing in a performance entitled Dinosaurs in the Garden by Erth Visual & Physical (Australia) . Interect with a herd of "dinosaurs" at the National Museum this holiday.
Where: National Museum Gallery Theatre
When: 4-7 June 2009
Timing: 11am, 2pm and 5pm
Prices: $20 with additional $1 booking fee.
Call Sistic at 6384-5555 for tickets
Park Hopper: Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo
Explore all three of Singapore's most famous parks at a special price of one ticket at $40 (adult) and $20 (child).
Join all three parks on a prehistoric adventure through Jurong Bird Park's new exhibition 'Dinosaur Descendants'. You can also take part in the Dino Trail contest, which will run across the three parks and involve participants answering questions relating to exhibits.
Spend your morning and afternoon at the Zoo and at the bird park and end of the day with a tram ride through Night Safari.
Check out the websites for more information on other events:
Night Safari Singapore Zoo
Jurong Bird Park
"Sleep with the Penguins" Family Camp
Join the bird park in celebrating one of the world's most beloved birds, the penguins.
In this 2 days 1 night camp, it's fun for the whole family as you gather your sleeping bags around the camp fire to have a thrilling encounter with the penguins.
Perfect for toddlers to grandparents, you'll have a fun-packed camp with the bird park.
Where: Jurong Bird Park
When: 13-14 June
Prices: $110 per adult (13 & Above)
$90 per child (3 - 12 years)
*As only tents will be provided, you are encouraged to bring your own sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, picnic mats, mini portable fan, toiletries, insect repellent and additional torchlight.
Check out the camp's itinerary for registration.
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