Malaysia’s natural rubber production increases 27 pct in July


Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s natural rubber production increased by 27 percent to 37,960 tons in July from 29,881 tons in June, official data showed Wednesday.

A year-on-year comparison showed that natural rubber production jumped 33 percent from 28,533 tons a year ago.

Total stocks of natural rubber in July decreased by 7.6 percent month on month to 148,096 tons.

Exports of Malaysia’s natural rubber amounted to 48,199 tons in July, up 21.1 percent month on month.

China remained the main destination for natural rubber exports, which accounted for 30 percent of total exports in July.

This was followed by the United Arab Emirates (12.3 percent), India (11.6 percent), Germany (10.6 percent) and the United States (6.7 percent).

The export performance was contributed by natural rubber-based products such as gloves, tires, tubes and rubber thread.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Myanmar seizes over 1 ton of ICE in eastern state


Myanmar authorities have seized over one ton of ICE (methamphetamine) in eastern Myanmar’s Shan state, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Wednesday, citing the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Kengtung township of eastern Shan state on Sept. 7 and seized the narcotics, the report said.

A suspect was arrested in connection with the case, and the estimated value of the seized drugs is over 8.37 billion kyats (about 3.98 million U.S. dollars), it added.

Investigation showed that the drugs were being transported from Kengtung township to Monghpyak township of Shan state, the report said.

The suspect has been charged under the country’s laws, and further investigations are ongoing, it added. Enditem

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Bangladesh forms task force to overhaul struggling banking sector


Dhaka: The central bank of Bangladesh has formed a task force aimed at reforming the struggling banking sector in the South Asian country.

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday issued a notification regarding the formation of a six-member task force for ensuring financial stability in the banking sector.

According to a BB statement, the task force will mainly assess the current financial situation of the banking sector and estimate the amount of distressed assets.

The task force will also identify major risks, review the financial indicators of underperforming banks, and assess the actual condition of loans, provision deficits, net capital, the true value of assets, and the overall liquidity situation, the statement said.

At least 10 commercial banks in Bangladesh are close to bankruptcy, Central Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur told media on Sept. 8.

He said the BB was working to save the banks by providing them with technical, advisory and liquidity support.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Mbumba inaugurates Namibia Maritime Museum at Lüderitz


Keetmanshoop: President Nangolo Mbumba on Wednesday inaugurated the Namibia Maritime Museum at L ü deritz . The museum is part of the development undertaken by the Waterfront Company to transform the Old Power Station in the town . In his remarks , Mbumba said the museum will become the ultimate resource for discovering the country ’ s maritime history and celebrating the important role the ocean has played in the history of the country . He added that the museum will play an integral role in properly capturing , documenting , and representing Namibia ’ s maritime heritage and the citizens ’ contribution to global seafaring . The museum would not only add to the aesthetic beauty of the town by transforming the old derelict L ü deritz Old Power Station into a more appealing landmark but it will ensure that historical artifacts and vessels are preserved in optimum condition and made accessible for general interest , academic study and for public education . “ It is indeed a pleasing development that after many
years of deliberation , planning , and finally , execution , the town of L ü deritz and the whole Namibian nation at large , can proudly witness the grand opening of the Namibia Maritime Museum , which will document the unique relationship that our people have with the ocean ,” he said . According to Mbumba the museum will include a cultural programme and art events throughout the year , all geared towards promoting cleaner oceans and long – term sustainability . He said the ocean is of integral importance to Namibia as a nation , not only from a historical standpoint but also as a means of advancing developmental objectives . “ The ocean contributes significantly to Namibia ’ s economy by providing jobs , food , minerals , transportation , energy resources , ecological services , and tourism opportunities . In this regard , this museum will highlight these contributions , educating visitors about the economic importance of our marine resources and promoting sustainable practices to ensure their preservation
,” said Mbumba . Mbumba urged government officials , educators , students , entrepreneurs , researchers , conservationists , and citizens to visit the museum , participate in its programmes , contribute their own stories and artifacts , and advocate for the preservation of the maritime heritage . “ Together , we can all contribute towards building a living archive that reflects the diversity of our nation . May this museum stand as a symbol of our collective dedication to preserving Namibia ’ s rich maritime history for generations to come . I believe that this museum will not only become a centrepiece attraction in this town but will make a difference to the knowledge and understanding to everyone who walks through its doors ,” said Mbumba .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

3 int’l banks in talks to establish offshore operations in Colombo Port City


Colombo: Three international banking corporations are in discussions to establish offshore operations in Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port City, according to a press release from CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. on Wednesday.

The company noted that discussions are also underway with seven local banks.

Recently, Sri Lanka’s parliament approved two gazetted regulations, which, the company said, will offer potential investors a range of attractive benefits for setting up offshore banking operations.

The new regulations will further enhance the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone’s fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, which include significant tax exemptions for over 25 years, full repatriation of capital and profits, and 100 percent foreign ownership, the press release said.

According to a statement from the Department of Government Information in July, international accounting firms estimated that the Port City could attract up to 15 billion U.S. dollars in investments.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Collaboration key to fighting crime: Sakaria


Ongwediva: Namibian Police Force Commander for the Oshana Region , Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria has emphasised the importance of building partnerships between the police and communities . Speaking during the Oshana police women network workshop in Ongwediva on Wednesday , Sakaria said engaging every individual is key to fighting crime collectively . “ Anything less than professionalism and respect will not be tolerated . Our role as law enforcement officers is to protect , serve and uphold the law and that responsibility comes with high expectations from the communities we serve ,” he said . He added that every action they take reflects not only on them as individuals , but on the entire institution of law enforcement . Further , Sakaria highlighted that they are faced with an issue of debt collectors coming to their offices wanting payment owed to them , saying that it should be made clear that the police are not debt collectors . “ In cases where community members make personal agreements – verbal
or written amongst themselves , it is important to understand that these are not matters for the police to handle ,” he said . He stressed that such issues should be addressed in the courts of debt collection companies that are registered and empowered to resolve these disputes . Deputy Commissioner Nangula Iifo , Head of the Women Network said that the crime rate is ever increasing and they should ensure that they adjust their mindset in order to have a better chance of fighting crime . Iifo noted that the nation genuinely is concerned about their welfare , therefore the police are obliged to ensure that the Namibian society is free of crime . The Oshana Women network unit was established to actively promote women ’ s roles in the force and foster an inclusive dialogue around female participation , leadership , empowerment , and freedom in a sector often dominated by men .

Source: The Namibia News Agency