Reported about 1 year ago
In order to rescue low egg prices, the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Poultry Association will launch the 'Low-Producing Hen Elimination Program' in July, planning to eliminate 1.8 million hens. The overproduction of eggs in the country has led to prices dropping, with farmgate and wholesale prices hitting a new low in nearly three years. The initiative aims to stabilize egg prices by eliminating hens and reducing the number of breeding hens simultaneously.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
A dead drifting pig found off the coast of Kinmen Island tested positive for African swine fever, marking the first case this year in Kinmen. In response, the Department of Agriculture has temporarily suspended the export of pigs, carcasses, organs, fresh, and processed products from Kinmen to Taiwan and other outlying islands until July 1. The area surrounding where the pig was found has been thoroughly disinfected, with no concerns about pig health at nearby pig farms. Despite the suspension, producers and products on the list of 'Risk Assessment for the Import of Hoofed Animal Products from Kinmen' can still be exported to Taiwan and other outlying islands.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Southern Taiwan has been experiencing high temperatures with temperatures over 38 degrees Celsius for the past two days, leading to an increase in heat-related medical cases in hospitals. Due to the recent hot weather and high UV index, many people have been feeling dizzy, weak, and fatigued, with an average of 10 to 20 cases per day, mostly affecting elderly individuals. One man was reported to have collapsed and fallen into a coma on his way from Kaohsiung to Pingtung due to the extreme heat, showing symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Medical professionals advise people to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses, as severe cases like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life-threatening. Local authorities have also reported cases of heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations, emphasizing the importance of staying cool and hydrated during the hot weather.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
After the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and mask mandates, many people are paying more attention to their appearance when not wearing a mask, especially focusing on the eyes. Concerns about prominent eye bags, droopy eye corners, and signs of aging around the eyes have become more prevalent. Seeking a consultation with a specialist is recommended for evaluating eye issues, discussing surgical procedures, risks, expected outcomes, and selecting the appropriate surgical method. Surgical procedures involving the relocation of eye fat to fill creases are effective in improving the appearance of eye bags, with options for both minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches. Post-surgery swelling and bruising are common but usually subside within a few days with rest and cold compress. While eye bag surgery is generally safe, there is a slight risk of temporary double vision and blindness post-surgery, so it's important to choose an experienced specialist for the operation. Various aging symptoms around the eyes, including droopy upper eyelids, narrowed field of vision, and excess skin covering the outer eye corners, can be addressed through procedures like botulinum toxin injections or brow lift surgery, depending on the individual's needs.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As of June 26, 2024, in Tainan's Rende landfill, the accumulated number of discarded mattresses is expected to exceed 60,000, prompting the Environmental Protection Bureau to outsource crushing operations this year. Meanwhile, in Kaohsiung, they have been collecting 80,000 to 100,000 used spring mattresses annually and plan to implement a clearing fee system starting next year, with double mattresses costing 375-700 NTD to dispose of. Tainan expresses concerns about potential mattress dumping if Kaohsiung imposes fees, suggesting the need for synchronized implementation. The issue of how to handle the increasing waste efficiently and cost-effectively is being addressed by both city governments through different approaches.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 26, 2024, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration issued new standards for heavy metal content in food products, lowering the limits for baby and toddler foods, poultry and livestock organs, and adding limits for nuts and oilseeds. Products in circulation must comply with the set limits starting from July 1, with penalties of confiscation and fines up to 3 million NTD for non-compliant manufacturers. The stricter standards aim to protect infants and young children from the harmful effects of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can impact neurological development and overall health.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
According to the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication, the average room rate in tourist hotels in Taiwan for the first quarter of this year has slightly decreased to NT$4,683 per night from NT$4,775 compared to the same period last year. The occupancy rate increased to 59.62%, leading to a slight drop in room rates due to market mechanisms. The highest average room rate was in Nantou County at NT$13,359 per night. Despite the high room rates, international tourist hotels in Nantou County had an occupancy rate of 71.5%, second only to Keelung City. Total revenue for tourist hotels in the first quarter of this year slightly grew to NT$16.64815 billion from NT$14.75483 billion last year. The secretary-general of the Hotel Association of the Republic of China, Chu Chien-hui, mentioned that with the return of tourists and increased occupancy rates, hotel revenues have reached the expected levels, resulting in slight reductions in room rates. However, due to rising costs of raw materials and utilities, the price reduction will not be significant.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Dr. You Zhenchao, the director of Songhe Clinic in Keelung, encourages dialysis patients to set recovery goals and actively improve their physical conditions to avoid becoming too reliant on care. By following medical advice and engaging in suitable dialysis treatments, patients like Aunt Zhang have shown remarkable resilience and determination, maintaining a healthy lifestyle even while facing various health challenges. With advancements in extended hemodialysis therapy, patients can experience better toxin clearance, reduced discomfort, and improved overall well-being, underscoring the importance of active collaboration between patients and medical professionals for a fulfilling life post-dialysis.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Big U.S. banks successfully navigated a hypothetical 40% drop in commercial real estate values during the U.S. Federal Reserve's annual stress test. With concerns rising in the commercial real estate space, the test results provide reassurance regarding banks' ability to weather severe economic downturns, even as the sector faces challenges like high vacancy rates and declining property values.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 26, 2024, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resumed the 'Expanded Public Payment Measure for Antiviral Drugs for Influenza' where individuals with flu-like symptoms and contact with others experiencing similar symptoms can receive free antiviral drugs until July 31. With both flu and COVID-19 in a pandemic stage, the CDC reintroduced this measure due to the increased number of confirmed cases. Additionally, starting October 1, specific groups like healthcare workers, individuals aged 65 and above, young children, and pregnant women can receive both COVID-19 and flu vaccines on the same day. The CDC has procured over 6.88 million doses of flu vaccines and 5.5 million doses of new COVID-19 vaccines for this year.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As summer approached on June 26, 2024, flu and COVID-19 entered their peak seasons with a high number of infections. Scholars attribute this to transmission in air-conditioned spaces and many people not wearing masks, advising to take preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and mask-wearing. Experts warn about the spread of LΒ.1 variant in Taiwan, stressing the importance of vaccination, especially for the elderly population with chronic conditions, as well as the need to maintain personal protective measures. Thus, the public is urged to consider wearing masks, especially when visiting hospitals or crowded places, due to the increasing severity of the local COVID-19 situation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Due to a shortage of the antiviral drug Molnupiravir, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control recommended physicians to prioritize prescribing Paxlovid and Remdesivir for COVID-19 patients. Elderly care institutions are worried that the strict conditions set by the CDC for prescribing antiviral drugs may result in a wave of deaths among infected elderly residents who are critically ill. Experts suggest relaxing the restrictions on publicly funded antiviral medications and returning to a market mechanism to allow patients the opportunity to self-fund medication. They also recommend prompt prescription of oral antiviral drugs for elderly individuals aged 65 and above with chronic illnesses to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. Restrictions on the usage of Molnupiravir have resulted in challenges for elderly residents in care facilities with chronic diseases, as some are unable to directly use this drug despite needing it due to current regulations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As the COVID-19 pandemic resurges, there is a continuous increase in confirmed cases in Taiwan. Hospitals in New Taipei City, such as the Shuang Ho Hospital and the Asia University Hospital, are facing full capacity with patients, especially those with COVID-19. The New Taipei Union Hospital is experiencing an increase in patient volume, particularly with COVID-19 cases, resulting in the rapid depletion of antiviral drugs. They are awaiting government procurement to restock, while also strengthening infection control measures.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
世界衛生組織（WHO）的研究指出，全球約18億成年人中，約有近三分之一無法達到建議的運動量水平。運動不足導致心血管疾病、糖尿病、失智症以及各種癌症的風險增加。報告顯示，高收入亞太地區和南亞的運動不足比率最高，女性的不足比例高於男性，且60歲以上人群的運動不足明顯較高。儘管這是令人擔憂的趨勢，但一些國家在過去十年中取得積極進展，呼籲各國透過多項措施應對全球運動不足危機。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Investigative reporters have uncovered a concerning trend of 'lofeng' prostitution in Taiwan, with sex workers like 27-year-old Mirra from Thailand coming to Taiwan multiple times under the guise of tourism to engage in sex work. This is facilitated by the increase in short-term visa-free entry for tourists from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The sex industry in Taiwan sees an influx of foreign women engaging in prostitution, with statistics showing a significant rise in their numbers since the reopening of the borders. Law enforcement agencies stress the need for international cooperation to combat human trafficking networks operating between Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As of April this year, the number of missing migrant workers and overstaying tourists in Taiwan has reached a record high of 134,000. The budget for the 'Project to Expand the Investigation and Inspection of Overstaying Foreign Residents' in the Immigration Bureau amounts to NT$390 million, with NT$200 million covered by the Labor Department's 'Employment Stabilization Fund.' Criticism has been raised by a KMT legislator, Ke Chih-en, claiming that using this fund to crack down on overstaying tourists doesn't align with its original purpose of benefiting domestic employment. Ke also emphasized the need for stricter border control measures at airports to tackle issues like human trafficking involving Southeast Asian visitors, suggesting requirements for financial proof or guarantees for visas. The Immigration Bureau announced the resumption of pre-pandemic enforcement efforts and periodic inspections to track and address overstaying foreign residents.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Reporters Lin Huancheng and freelance reporter Chen Weizhou reported that on June 26, 2024, a multinational group took advantage of the 'Guanghong Project' loophole to bring a large number of female sex workers to Taiwan. The Taiwanese police have been cracking down on such illegal activities, including uncovering a large-scale prostitution ring involving Vietnamese women who entered Taiwan on tourist visas. The influx of Southeast Asian sex workers coming to Taiwan under the New Southbound Policy has raised concerns. Various regions in Taiwan have seen a surge in the number of sex workers from Southeast Asian countries, with places like Taichung and Taoyuan having the highest concentrations. The criminal organizations behind this illicit industry operate similar to international fraud groups, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace the main perpetrators.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Since the opening of the New Southbound Policy in June 2024, a significant number of Southeast Asian sex workers have come to Taiwan, engaging in illegal activities such as prostitution and hostess work. This includes foreign students holding student visas attending language centers or the 'New Southbound International Program' (NSP), with instances of them being involved in sex work in various regions of Taiwan. The issue has raised concerns about the exploitation and control of foreign students through debt bondage, highlighting the need for better monitoring and policies to prevent such activities among international students.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Legislator Huang Kuo-chang questioned the payment made by the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute to SuperVision while the import permit for eggs was obtained by Bright Harvest. The investigation involves allegations of misconduct in importing eggs, mislabeling the origin, and wasting public funds on destroying expired eggs. However, after nine months, the Prosecutor's Office has yet to interview the accused officials. The Livestock Research Institute has agreed to repay half of the subsidies received.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The controversy over the import of eggs from Japan by Supr Inc. and the involvement of Taiwan Livestock Development Association intensified as it was revealed that a trade contract signed with LCA Enterprise Limited was later paid by Supr Inc. instead. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Du Wen-zhen, who also serves as the chairman of the Livestock Development Association, claimed ignorance about the situation when interviewed, drawing criticism from Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi, who stated that this cannot be explained to the people. Mayor Hou emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, especially with parliamentary reform ongoing. LCA Bio-Tech, the company involved, remained elusive when questioned by reporters. Mayor Hou urged for clarity on how Supr Inc. imported the eggs, stressing that saying 'I don't know' is not an acceptable response.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Central Livestock Association's imported eggs project has raised suspicions of significant discrepancies in egg imports and questionable practices in obtaining import permits, breaching government procurement laws. Despite the controversies, the Department of Agriculture has delegated the investigation to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office claiming no investigative powers. This has shed light on the lack of supervision over the Livestock Association, mainly funded by massive subsidies from the Agricultural Department. The investigation further revealed misuse of subsidies, lack of accountability in procurement processes, and lack of balanced production and prediction mechanisms in the egg industry, leading to imbalances between demand and supply, and an opaque judicial process in exposing the truth behind the scandals.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 26, 2024, the Parliamentary Reform Act came into effect, prompting the Kuomintang (KMT) opposition party to establish an investigation team focusing on the Universal Basic Income (UBI) case and the NCC TV case. The KMT aims to initiate investigations with the support of the public and address corruption issues responsibly. The KMT plans to propose motions in the committee meetings next week and expedite the investigation process by forming a special investigative team.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Chief of the General Staff, Mei Chia-shu, reported to the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee on the implementation of the Han Guang Exercise, focusing on the importance of 'decentralization of command and control' with clear Rules of Engagement. This year's exercise prioritizes Taiwan's defense operations in the Taiwan Strait, while still maintaining capabilities for amphibious and special operations. The exercise aims to validate the effectiveness of the decentralized command approach with ROE now delegated to individual soldiers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
During a press conference held by People First Party Legislator Huang Kuo-chang, it was revealed that a company under the 'Alliance Renewal' of the Green Energy National Team installed Chinese-made solar inverters at the Army's Lanyang Command Headquarters, violating the contract banning the use of mainland Chinese products. This raised concerns over the company's political connections. The Ministry of National Defense acknowledged the error and promised to investigate and hold the responsible company accountable.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Taiwan Shipbuilding emphasizes that the contractually agreed delivery date for the 'Sea Giant' submarine is November 3, 2025, and they will adhere to the contract. The progress of the first domestically manufactured submarine, named Sea Giant and designated as 711, has raised discussions as it has not entered the sea trial phase after completing the HAT berthing test for a long time. The delay is attributed to the late delivery of the optical-electronic periscope mast ordered from overseas manufacturers by Taiwan Shipbuilding. However, Taiwan Shipbuilding did not comment on this. The company also released a statement mentioning its adherence to national policies and interests in subsequent submarine projects, aiming to prevent arms dealers from profiteering and meddling to exploit taxpayers' money.
Source: YAHOO