S. Korea hospital fire: Faulty wires suspected
SEOUL • Defective wiring is suspected to have caused the deadly South Korean hospital fire that killed dozens and injured over 150, police said.
The huge blaze that erupted at the hospital in the south-eastern city of Miryang last Friday killed at least 38 people, comprising 35 patients - mostly elderly women - and three medical staff.
The authorities are still investigating the cause but a preliminary on-site inspection has pointed to possible defects in the wiring in the first-floor ceiling of what used to be an office pantry. The hospital did not have fire sprinklers as it was not large enough to be required to install them under local safety rules.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
KL may retaliate against EU palm oil ban
KUALA LUMPUR • Malaysia is reviewing its trade with the European Union following the bloc's move to back a ban on using palm oil to make biofuels, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying yesterday.
European lawmakers approved draft measures this month to reform the power market and reduce energy consumption to meet more ambitious climate goals. The plan includes a ban on the use of palm oil in motor fuels from 2021.
Indonesia and Malaysia, which produce nearly 90 per cent of the world's palm oil, called the move discriminatory. "If we import trade products from any country, and if that country makes the decision to boycott palm oil, then our government will also stop buying from that country," said Datuk Seri Zahid.
REUTERS
Dhaka residents to get park to 'manage anger'
DHAKA • Bangladesh started work yesterday on an "anger management park" in capital Dhaka which the mayor said would help the 15 million inhabitants cope with rising daily stress.
Traffic jams, noise and dust pollution, rainy season chaos and petty crime are daily grouses. Mr Sayeed Khokon, mayor of the southern half of the city, hopes the US$7 million (S$9.2 million) 15ha park near the main government offices will ease the stress.
The Goswa Nibaroni Park is expected to take 12 to 14 months to complete and will feature a lake, snack corners, relaxing music and giant-screen televisions.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
