Reported 7 months ago
Taoyuan City has been named as having the lowest ratio of yellow lines and parking spaces among 6 cities. The Taoyuan Traffic Bureau stated that there is a discrepancy between the reported data and the latest findings. While the Ministry of Transportation requested all counties to inventory and improve by the end of June, Taoyuan reported that out of 165 areas that needed improvement and 50 designated parking spaces, 133 areas were already improved with 39 parking spaces designated, achieving an 80.6% completion rate. Nevertheless, there appears to be a difference with the Ministry of Transportation's statistics, and due to uncertainties in the central statistical methods, further comments couldn't be made.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The National Health Insurance Administration is planning to resume implementing measures to reduce outpatient services at medical centers and regional hospitals, aiming to fully implement tiered medical care. The discussion is set to resume in the third quarter, with the possibility of implementation by year-end to avoid overcrowding and uphold the rights of patients with severe and rare diseases. Various suggestions have been made by healthcare professionals and associations, such as penalizing hospitals that treat a higher ratio of mild patients and rewarding those with higher rates of treating severe cases, with the aim of rebalancing outpatient and inpatient care to ensure fair and efficient healthcare distribution.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
This week, wholesale and production prices for eggs dropped by another 3 yuan to 27.5 and 37 yuan per catty respectively, marking a fifth consecutive drop and reaching a new low in nearly 2 years. Due to poor egg sales, the Taipei Egg Merchants' Association urged the catering industry to lower prices moderately to stimulate demand. With egg production exceeding daily demand and entering the low season, surplus eggs have led some in the southern region to feed them to pigs or sell them below market prices, prompting appeals for price reductions to increase consumer interest.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The Baolin Tea Room food poisoning incident in Taipei which started in late March of 2024 has now resulted in a total of six deaths, with one person still hospitalized out of seven severe cases. A 46-year-old female patient who received a liver transplant in mid-April at Taipei's Wanfang Hospital unfortunately succumbed to multiple organ failure caused by the toxic substance Banclel. Despite initial stabilization after the surgery, the poison had already damaged vital organs and tissues, leading to her deterioration. The medical team's efforts to save her were in vain, as she passed away yesterday due to multiple organ failure. The doctor in charge expressed the severity of the toxic substance. Investigation showed that a total of thirty-three individuals were found to have ingested the poison, with seven in critical condition and twenty-six experiencing mild symptoms.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Reporters Li Qingying and Lai Yunxiu/Taipei Report on June 11, 2024, at 6:28 PM, there were 328 new local confirmed hospitalizations of COVID-19 cases last week, a 25% increase from the previous week's 263 cases. The spokesperson for the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tseng Shuhui, announced that the COVID-19 epidemic had entered another pandemic phase, marking the sixth wave since the Omicron variant. It is predicted that this wave of the epidemic will not decline until at least August or September due to the impact of variant mutations and the quantity of vaccine doses administered. Taiwan is currently experiencing a summer pandemic period, and experts suggest that the virus is unlikely to suddenly disappear, with interactions between individuals becoming more frequent and a decrease in mask-wearing rates. As for variant testing, preventive medicine physician Lin Yongqing mentioned that the JN·1 strain remains dominant but is gradually decreasing, with an increase in the KP·2 and KP·3 strains. Professor Huang Limin from National Taiwan University pointed out that compared to previous variants, the JN·1 and KP·2 viruses have stronger immune escape capabilities, resulting in decreased protection for those naturally infected or vaccinated, particularly in the population not vaccinated within three to six months. Amid the low vaccination rate in Taiwan, currently standing at only 11% for the COVID-19 XBB vaccine, there are still 289,000 doses of Moderna XBB vaccine and around 48,000 doses of Novavax XBB vaccine available nationwide.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Kevin Spacey emotionally revealed to Piers Morgan that he is facing financial difficulties and had to sell his Baltimore home due to being unable to pay his mounting legal bills from sexual assault allegations. In tears, Spacey shared that his house is being foreclosed, and he is unsure where he will live next. The actor admitted to inappropriate behavior and mentioned being in significant debt from ongoing legal battles. This marks a continuation of the challenges Spacey has faced since the initial assault allegations in 2017.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
On June 11, 2024, a Chinese national driving a speedboat entered the Tamsui River causing speculation about gray area intrusion. Premier Cho Jung-tai, Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung, and chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council Guan Bi-ling stated in the legislature that an immediate thorough review would be conducted by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ocean Affairs Council. Cho emphasized the importance of national security, launching judicial and administrative investigations to clarify responsibilities and enhance protective measures, while Koo mentioned the possibility of gray area intrusion and the need for vigilance and military coordination with coast guard. The incident sparked concerns about defense readiness, with New Taipei City council questioning potential threats and the government's efforts to strengthen security measures.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Two individuals, one a former CEO of an oil company from China and the other a laborer who aspired for freedom in Taiwan, were sentenced to two months in prison and fined for illegally entering Taiwan by boat and were subsequently deported. The former CEO expressed fears of being pursued in China and arrived from Hong Kong on a speedboat, while the laborer arrived in Taiwan on a rubber boat equipped with an outboard motor. Both cases raised discussions on national security measures after they managed to enter the country undetected.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
A man from Mainland China named Ruan drove a small boat into Tamsui River and claimed to surrender to the coast guard, prompting concerns over a security breach in the capital. The coast guard stations along the coast use human-operated radar stations, with a verification process involving the Navy when unidentified targets are detected. There are four procedures to handle such situations, including activating a remote surveillance system for confirmation. To enhance defense capabilities, long-range military-grade infrared imaging systems have been deployed in various locations across Taiwan and Kinmen. Plans are also in place to install similar equipment in specific areas, like the Tamsui River mouth. The incident highlighted the need to review standard procedures for dealing with incursions into territorial waters beyond the country's 12-nautical-mile limit.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
On June 11, 2024, a 60-year-old man from mainland China piloted a motorboat named 'Hung Jin' from Fuzhou to Tamsui, Taiwan in just 51 minutes without being detected, raising concerns about national defense and security. Premier Su Tseng-chang apologized for the incident in the Legislative Yuan, emphasizing the need for immediate reviews within the government. The man, a former PRC naval officer, claimed he came seeking 'freedom' but will be further investigated. The Coast Guard admitted failures and disciplinary actions have been taken.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
A man surnamed Ruan from mainland China sailed to Tamsui to 'seek freedom,' a similar incident to one three years ago when a man surnamed Zhou landed in Taichung Harbor by rubber dinghy. This reminds people of the 'hijacking planes during festivals' incidents in the 1990s, showing different societal perceptions despite similar situations. The Coast Guard Administration acknowledged negligence in this case, but it doesn't prove that the CCP can launch a 'decapitation' operation through the Tamsui River, as it would be highly difficult to breach the defense points to reach Taipei. With Ruan's sailing knowledge, choosing a crowded area like Tamsui Ferry Terminal seemed intentional to create news events. Whether wanting to be an 'anti-Communist hero' or to highlight the vulnerability of our capital, it serves the same purpose. Both sides need to strengthen defense measures after incidents like this, understanding that control and vigilance have limits, and hostility between the straits could lead to misinterpretation of any movement as malicious, exhausting the military. Mutual goodwill and trust can prevent misunderstandings and accidents, and Taiwan must remember the need for caution and self-defense while not turning accumulated national security risks into a tool for opposing forces. Beijing, with its 'understand the big picture' policy, should not excessively engage in public opinion battles, considering the uncontrollable risks. More udn reports available via the link.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Defense Minister Gou Sheng-hsiung announced the activation of a cyber security alert project from June 11th to 21st, in response to the possibility of increased hacker activities during the Huangpu Centennial School Celebration. The project consists of three phases focusing on strengthening defense measures, monitoring, and tracking abnormal activities to prevent potential cyber threats. The military's cyber security protection center will be monitoring 24/7 and collaborating to ensure network security. Immediate reporting and website recovery actions will be taken if malicious postings, page replacements, or service disruptions occur.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
An Oregon man, Michael Meyden, admitted guilt to spiking his daughter's friends' smoothies with sedatives during a sleepover and was sentenced to two years in prison. Meyden drugged three 12-year-old girls, causing them to be hospitalized. The victims tested positive for benzodiazepine. Meyden's sentence included post-prison supervision and a potential reduction of five months for good behavior. The incident had a significant impact on the victims, their families, and the community, with Meyden expressing remorse in court.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
During a recent political talk show, Kuomintang Taipei City Councilor Li Ming-xian revealed a private conversation with People First Party Legislator Huang Kuo-chang about the 2026 New Taipei City mayoral election, where Li inquired whether KMT would concede. Huang emphasized that the decision on cooperation depends on the party. Different potential candidates from both KMT and DPP have been mentioned, with current mayor Hou You-yi mentioning that the people will decide the best leader for New Taipei City, while Huang stated that he would follow the decision of People First Party Chairman Ko Wen-je and party leaders, maintaining the party's independence. This has caused discussions and speculations over potential collaborations in the upcoming election.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
武打巨星成龍最近赴日宣傳電影《龍馬精神》，讓人驚喜的發現，他從滿頭白髮變回原來的黑髮，曾被誤以為老態的白髮其實是為新戲造型而來。成龍透露自己近期陸續忙於拍戲，包括《小子難纏2》、《神話》續集和一部關於阿茲海默症的電影等，並透露因疫情而在還債，仍有多部電影計畫進行中。
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The UN Women agency has called for immediate global action to end oppression against women in Afghanistan, as the latest report reveals that the Taliban has introduced over 70 restrictive policies targeting Afghan women within three years, reversing decades of progress in gender equality. The Taliban's oppressive measures include banning female students from universities, restricting women's movement, imposing dress codes, and closing beauty salons, leading to significant setbacks for women's rights and education in the country.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Taiwan's Environment Minister, Peggy Kuo-min Peng, revealed discussions during the 4th meeting of the Carbon Fees Rate Review Committee, held on July 5, 2024, indicating the possibility of imposing a 'shadow price' next year to allow industries to estimate costs and raise awareness of carbon pricing, with actual payments expected in the following year. The ministry is preparing for a potential implementation by May next year despite ongoing rate deliberations, with a gradual increase in fees expected until 2030. The ministry is also exploring a carbon trading system alongside carbon fees, with key steel companies like China Steel and other enterprises expressing willingness to align with the government's initiatives.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
External reports on June 11, 2024, highlighted Taiwan facing energy shortages. Premier Su Tseng-chang stated that ensuring stable electricity supply is the government's greatest responsibility to industries and the people, and a definite goal. Implied that electricity prices would not increase in the second half of the year. The energy issue became the main battleground in the Legislative Yuan's inquiry session, where Economic Minister Guo Zhihui emphasized that current base load capacity can meet demand and that considering nuclear power is not yet regulated by current laws. Various lawmakers raised concerns about Taiwan's electricity stability amidst increasing foreign investment, prompting discussions on future electricity costs and subsidies, with the Premier affirming the government's commitment to a stable supply without price hikes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The Ministry of the Environment in Taiwan is planning to implement a carbon trading system under 'total control' regulations, running in parallel with the carbon fee system and drawing inspiration from the EU's 'Cap and Trade' approach to drive carbon reduction through market mechanisms. This shift is seen as a significant change in Taiwan's carbon trading policy, aiming to align with international markets and benefit various industries by encouraging voluntary carbon reduction and facilitating active carbon trading within the country.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
A man named Ruan rented public riverbank land in Guoxing Township, Nantou County, Taiwan under the pretense of farming, but instead allowed 7 businesses to dump approximately 2700 tons of waste, including scrap metal and plastic, within a span of 2 weeks last October. The case is being investigated for violating the Waste Disposal Act, which carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years of imprisonment and fines up to 15 million NTD. Authorities discovered the illegal dumping based on surveillance footage and the involved parties are facing legal consequences.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
A press conference held by the Kuomintang addressed the significant rise in electricity demand due to AI advancements, with experts estimating a compound annual growth rate of AI power demand to be between 25.5% to 33% from 2023 to 2028. The party urged the Taiwanese government to revise its energy policies to support the growing technological sector without hindrance. Scholars highlighted the immense power needed for AI development, warning of severe electricity shortages in Taiwan if current trends continue.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
During a legislative evaluation on June 11, 2024, Taiwan's Economy Minister Guo Zhizhui faced criticism from blue lawmakers regarding energy policies, with his stance on nuclear power being labeled as too lenient. Prime Minister Zuo Rongtai publicly intervened to re-embrace the 'non-nuclear homeland' policy, leading to Guo adopting a more conservative approach. Green lawmakers gave Guo a 'shockingly educational' session during a government meeting, ensuring he 'corrected' his stance. Despite controversy surrounding his flip-flopping statements on nuclear power, Guo emphasized caution in considering nuclear energy on the current energy grid, showcasing his 're-education'. Zuo also stepped in to support Guo on sensitive topics, indicating a focus on stabilizing energy costs. Guo, facing internal and external pressures, asserted his commitment to a four-year term despite uncertainties in Taiwan's energy landscape.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Economic Affairs Minister Guo Zhihui recently stated the need to convert the Hezhong Power Plant into the fourth natural gas receiving station to address the electricity shortfall in the northeast grid, with no alternative solutions. However, Keelung environmental groups criticized this move given contradicting claims of no power shortage and urged against blind construction of the station. They highlighted the imbalance in Taiwan's energy transition policies and raised concerns over the impact on Keelung's military and transportation areas. Advocates called for a shift towards sustainable energy practices instead of relying on gas and nuclear power.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
專家指出，台灣面臨能源短缺，不僅半導體業營運風險增加，也可能影響全球晶片業。能源中心研究員警告台灣電力短缺可能干擾半導體市場發展，如果供應出現干擾將波及全球產業。台灣逾97%的能源需求依賴進口，主要為煤和天然氣，面臨供應不足問題。
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
After the Legislative Yuan passed the Parliament Reform Act on June 11, 2024, the Executive Yuan submitted a review letter to President Tsai Ing-wen on the 6th of this month, which the president approved yesterday morning. The Executive Yuan hopes for bipartisan parliamentary scrutiny to find the maximum consensus prioritizing national interests. The legislative battle will commence as the Nationalist Party is set to convene a full committee on the 14th and question Premier Su, with a deadline on the 25th, forecasting another 'voting battle.' The Executive Yuan cited six hindrances in the law, aiming to initiate a constructive constitutional dialogue process without escalating inter-chamber conflicts.
Source: YAHOO