2009/04/13

TASEK GELUGOR: Help is in sight for farmers and livestock breeders who have suffered hefty losses over the years because of natural disasters or disease.

Agricultural and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Noh Omar said an agricultural insurance scheme was under consideration to cushion the impact when crops were destroyed or livestock had to be put down because of disease.

A pilot project involving padi planters in Kedah and chicken breeders in Johor will be introduced soon.

Friday April 10, 2009

By : DR N.R.S., Johor Baru

YOUR report on food prices ("Why food prices stay high" -- NST, April 1), reminded me of another item whose prices have also gone up -- medicines.

When the cost of petrol skyrocketed early last year, some pharmaceutical companies began to insist that doctors in private practice (like me) purchase a minimum amount of medical supplies and medi-cine -- e.g. for at least RM300 per transaction -- failing which the purchaser would have to pay transport charges.

2009/04/09
 
By : WILLIAM DENNIS, Subang Jaya

THE government should consider putting a cap on insurance companies increasing premiums and adding conditions as they please on existing medical insurance policyholders who have yet to make claims.

I am a victim of such a situation. I have a medical insurance with a prominent company, signed in August 2004 with a premium of RM2,016.55. This was increased to RM2,516.55 in 2007 as per the age band. I was told the next increase would be in 2012.

Tuesday April 7, 2009

THE customer is king, goes the saying. Why not exploit that adage to the fullest by influencing social and environmental concerns with your purchasing power? By being aware of the implications of your choices, you can reduce the adverse impact of your purchases.

Being a green consumer does not mean abstaining from, or opposing, all forms of consumption. It is about consuming better.

Buying in the spirit of sustainable development also means looking beyond mere value for money to thinking about the impact of the purchase. Did those shrimps come from a farm dug from a mangrove forest? Is that dress made from pesticide-infused cotton? Did this furniture contribute to the destruction of rainforests? Was this coffee traded fairly?

Tuesday April 7, 2009

By TAN CHENG LI

Join the movement to promote sustainable living.

THIS Earth Day, on April 22, calls are out for people to protect and appreciate the Earth. It will mark the beginning of the Green Generation campaign, a movement promoting a new way of thinking, living and doing business where sustainability takes precedence.

Spearheaded by US-based Earth Day Network, the campaign is a two-year initiative that will culminate in the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010.