Latest news with #Er
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
MAXIS POWERS UP HOME SOLAR
MALAYSIA, a land blessed with year-round sunshine and a tapestry of rooftops, possesses an often underutilised natural resource – solar energy. While the nation drives towards the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) goals, to achieve 70% renewable energy installed capacity by 2050, a critical piece of the puzzle – accessible home solar energy – has lagged. This is precisely the gap that integrated telecommunications provider Maxis Bhd aims to fill with its innovative Maxis Home Solar package, launched in 2024, and expanded across Peninsular Malaysia earlier this year. 'The reason why solar energy adoption is not moving forward as fast is that people are still unsure. 'They would ask: 'Do I have to invest thousands of ringgit?' or 'Am I going to get the value for that money?'', said Maxis Green Solutions director and Maxis chief people and transformation officer Patrick Er. 'We feel that there is still a way to give worry-free experiences for Malaysians. 'Not everybody is comfortable with making such big upfront investments,' he added, highlighting the intention of Maxis Home Solar – to de-risk solar adoption and empower more households to embrace cleaner energy alternatives. A household name connecting millions daily, through its mobile and fibre solutions for consumers, homes and businesses, the company realised its expertise and experience in customer service and reliability could be a game-changer in unlocking home solar market potential. 'Our roofs could be doing more. We need to think of them as prime real estate for solar energy,' said Er. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star Maxis Home Solar The move to solar is a natural extension of Maxis' converged home solutions ecosystem. As part of its broader push into home solutions across fibre broadband and a wide range of devices, solar is the 'next piece' in the mission to improve lifestyle experiences through technology. Er said that Maxis Home Solar is built on a 10-year subscription model, with a low RM1,000 upfront payment, to address consumer apprehension about solar energy. 'Customers can opt for a fixed rate, which most prefer because there is less uncertainty, or a consumption-based rate based on the amount of energy produced.' The fixed-rate options provide unparalleled peace of mind, locking in rates for a decade (even if tariff rates increase), after which the solar assets are fully transferred to the homeowner. To ensure quality and reliability, Maxis exclusively utilises Tier 1 solar panels and inverters and provides insurance coverage for the system. But the difference that Maxis offers extends far beyond just hardware, as Er explained that the company's comprehensive support sets Maxis Home Solar apart from fragmented market offerings. 'We ensure that what we install will be around for a very long time, and we are happy to choose only the best products for our customers. 'On top of that, we will also monitor the system for you. If maintenance or repairs are required, we will conduct them as needed and even handle warranty claims where necessary. 'So, over the subscription period, you do not have to worry about anything,' said Er. Sustainable energy consumption Leveraging its deep expertise in network operations, Maxis extends this capability with its remote energy monitoring system, enabling the company to proactively identify and rectify any performance issues. 'At one point, we found that about 15% of installations were not optimal, where certain panels were not producing the desired amount of energy. When we saw this, we were able to quickly address it. 'We have already learnt a lot since launching this service. If we were to just install the systems and 'walk away', we would not know if your house had not been generating power optimally,' said Er. He explained that this vigilance allows Maxis to identify issues impacting panel performance, ensuring reliable and consistent performance in customers' solar energy systems. Looking ahead Moving forward, Maxis sees significant potential beyond residential homes, with interest from commercial and industrial sectors, and a keen eye on East Malaysia, should a scheme such as Net Energy Metering (NEM) be made available there. Er believes that reaching the NETR goal necessitates 70%-80% of landed homes adopting solar, making the case for home rooftops as a viable alternative to vast solar farms. 'If you look at the last 10-15 years, solar adoption is less than 5% of households nationwide, and I do not think that we would want to wait another decade or more for minimal growth,' said Er. 'Our roofs could be doing more. We need to think of them as prime real estate for solar energy.' When asked about the future of the NEM scheme, Er states that the hope is for the scheme to continue to thrive and evolve, potentially increasing the adoption rate of solar energy among more households. 'The government has done an excellent job in supporting solar adoption, and I believe that withcontinued commitment, we can push this even further. In the long term, it's a win-win for everybody,' he said. 'I am confident that we are one of the few companies that can make this ambition come to pass.' For those hesitant about making the switch to solar, Er opines that there is 'no downside' to adopting renewable energy solutions. 'With Maxis Home Solar, there is low risk. Coupled with the low barrier of entry, it could create almost instant savings. And, at the very least, you will be doing your part to protect the environment,' said Er. In all, Maxis Home Solar is not just about providing clean energy but also simplifying complex technology and driving Malaysia towards a sustainable, connected future, one rooftop at a time. For more information, visit
Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Straits Times
Johor expects surge in visitors as school holidays kick in on both sides of causeway
Johor expects surge in visitors as school holidays kick in on both sides of causeway JOHOR BAHRU - Johor's tourism industry is bracing for a surge in visitors with the school holiday period being observed in Malaysia and Singapore. Local industry players said they are gearing up for a much-anticipated travel wave from across the Causeway. Desaru Fruit Farm director Steve Er said the tourism industry in Johor is experiencing good times again with both local and international visitors. 'With Malaysia and Singapore having school holidays now, we expect to see many visitors at the farm,' he said. Mr Er said many hotels operating in Desaru, which is about 75km from Johor, were highly booked due to the school holidays in both countries. 'We expect June to be a busy month for us, especially from the second week, as Desaru has become a popular getaway for both Malaysian and Singaporean holidaymakers with many attractions in the area,' he added. Mr Er said there are many activities at the farm for the family to enjoy, from tasting various tropical fruits to seeing its many animals. 'Besides hotels in Johor Baru, those in other areas in the state such as Desaru and even Mersing are experiencing a surge in bookings. 'Singaporeans remain the bulk of foreign visitors but we are also seeing visitors from Japan, South Korea and China coming over.' State unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said about 80 per cent of hotel rooms throughout Johor were already booked due to the school holidays. He said that the strong bookings reflect the growing global interest in Johor as a travel destination. 'This is not just a school holiday phenomenon because even on regular weekends, we have recorded impressive numbers, particularly around Johor Bahru. 'Other areas like Mersing are also seeing an increase in visitor traffic,' he said. The school holidays in Malaysia started on May 29 and will last until June 9, while Singapore school holidays are from May 31 till June 29. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
31-05-2025
- The Star
Johor bookings in as school's out on both ends of the Causeway
JOHOR BARU: Johor's tourism industry is bracing for a surge in visitors with the school holiday period being observed in Malaysia and Singapore. Local industry players said they are gearing up for a much-anticipated travel wave from across the Causeway. Desaru Fruit Farm director Steve Er Wee Heng said the tourism industry in Johor is experiencing good times again with both local and international visitors. 'With Malaysia and Singapore having school holidays now, we expect to see many visitors at the farm,' he said. Er said many hotels operating in Desaru, which is about 75km from here, were highly booked due to the school holidays in both countries. 'We expect June to be a busy month for us, especially from the second week, as Desaru has become a popular getaway for both Malaysian and Singaporean holidaymakers with many attractions in the area,' he added. Er said there are many activities at the farm for the family to enjoy, from tasting various tropical fruits to seeing its many animals. Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo confirmed the high volume of hotel bookings in the state. 'Besides hotels in Johor Baru, those in other areas in the state such as Desaru and even Mersing are experiencing a surge in bookings. 'Singaporeans remain the bulk of foreign visitors but we are also seeing visitors from Japan, South Korea and China coming over.' State unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said about 80% of hotel rooms throughout Johor were already booked due to the school holidays. He said that the strong bookings reflect the growing global interest in Johor as a travel destination. 'This is not just a school holiday phenomenon because even on regular weekends, we have recorded impressive numbers, particularly around Johor Baru. 'Other areas like Mersing are also seeing an increase in visitor traffic,' he said. The school holidays in Malaysia started on Thursday and will last until June 9, while Singapore school holidays are from today till June 29.
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Time Business News
Introduction to Erome
Erome is a platform where people upload and share adult content. It's free to use and allows users to stay anonymous. But with the rise of online privacy concerns, many wonder: is Erome actually safe to use? The truth is, using adult platforms comes with certain risks. These include privacy issues, malware threats, and the possibility of seeing or sharing unethical content. Understanding these dangers helps users make smart decisions. This guide explores Erome's safety, privacy policies, and ethical concerns. We also look into the experience of content creators and the risks they face. Whether you're a viewer or a creator, this article gives you everything you need to know. From technical tips to ethical responsibilities, we'll cover it all in simple, clear language. Let's dive deep into the world of Erome and figure out how to stay safe while using it. Erome is a video and image sharing site that focuses mainly on adult content. Unlike many paid platforms, Erome offers free uploads and browsing. It's popular for user-generated content, and people like it because it allows them to stay anonymous. The website has a simple layout and doesn't require registration to view most content. However, uploading and interacting with others does need a free account. This account can be made without giving personal details. Erome does not offer content monetization tools like OnlyFans. Instead, it works as a place to share content, not to earn money from it. This limits its appeal for professional content creators. One of the platform's appeals is its relaxed content rules. However, this also means content is often poorly moderated, opening the door for non-consensual material or illegal uploads. When compared to other adult platforms, Erome is more open and less regulated. This comes with pros and cons—mainly, greater freedom but less protection for users and creators. To stay safe on Erome, use a VPN every time you browse or upload. This helps hide your IP address and encrypts your internet connection. Avoid using your real name or email. Create a unique username and use a burner email when signing up. This keeps your identity separate from the content. Use strong passwords that are different from your other accounts. Change them regularly, especially if you share your device with others. Regularly clear your browser's cache and cookies. This reduces tracking and keeps your history private. Use a separate browser or incognito mode when visiting adult sites. This stops cookies from being stored long-term. When using Erome, never click on short or unfamiliar links in video descriptions or comments. These often lead to scam pages or phishing sites. Avoid downloading files unless you're sure they're safe. Most users stick to streaming instead of downloading anything. Make sure your antivirus and anti-malware software is active and updated. Many threats can be blocked automatically. If a link or page looks suspicious, trust your instincts and exit immediately. Erome itself is not known for spreading malware—but it doesn't vet third-party links. Always think twice before watching content that looks suspicious. If it seems like it wasn't uploaded with permission, skip it. If you find something illegal or non-consensual, use the report button. Your action could stop harm to someone else. Support creators who ask for consent and share their own work. Avoid sharing or saving content that doesn't belong to you. Be respectful in the comment section. Don't pressure creators or ask for illegal material. Your behavior matters. Ethical use of adult platforms helps build a safer and more respectful space for everyone. Erome offers freedom and anonymity, but those perks come with big responsibilities. For viewers, it's crucial to prioritize privacy, safety, and ethical behavior. For creators, the platform can be a double-edged sword—great for visibility but lacking tools for protection and monetization. To make the most of Erome safely: Use a VPN and private browser. and private browser. Never click unknown links. Watch only consensual content . . Report anything suspicious. Creators should watermark content and link to safer platforms. Erome isn't inherently unsafe, but it demands smart use. Stay alert, protect yourself, and always respect others' rights. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New Paper
11-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Directors who fail to oversee firms set up for clients will likely be jailed
Professional company directors who lend their names to help foreign clients set up companies in Singapore but fail to exercise oversight over these companies will likely be sentenced to jail terms. The High Court said the custodial threshold would be presumptively crossed for such directors when they are sentenced for failing to exercise reasonable diligence in carrying out their duties. The onus will be on the offenders to explain why a jail term should not be imposed on them, said a three-judge panel. The sentencing guideline was issued in a case involving chartered accountant Zheng Jia, who was fined $8,500 by a district judge in April 2024. Zheng, then 41 and a Singapore permanent resident, was also disqualified from acting as a company director for five years. On Feb 19, the prosecution appealed to the High Court against the fine. The High Court panel, led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, allowed the appeal and sentenced Zheng to 10 months' jail instead. On April 24, the court issued written grounds for the decision. It said that Zheng operated a business of incorporating companies in Singapore, primarily at the behest of foreign clients. As Singapore companies are required to have at least one director who is a local resident, Zheng registered himself as a local resident director of these firms and helped in the opening of bank accounts. He offered these services through three Singapore companies. In November 2019, he set up a branch office in Shenzhen, China. His services were priced at between $1,000 and $1,400 annually. Investigations later revealed that he had incorporated or been registered as a director of 384 companies. This business model was so successful that Zheng recruited another person, Er Beng Hwa, to act as a local resident director and assist in opening bank accounts for companies set up on behalf of his clients. Both men did not exercise any oversight over the affairs of those companies. In 2020, substantial sums from overseas scams were routed through the bank accounts of three such companies. One of them was Ocean Wave Shela, which Zheng incorporated in May 2020 at the request of a client and helped the firm open a bank account in Singapore. In October 2020, an American company was deceived into transferring US$64,630 ($83,900) to the Ocean Wave account. The funds were then channelled to a bank account in China. For this, Zheng was charged with failing to exercise reasonable diligence as a director of Ocean Wave. In August 2020, Er was registered as a director and secretary of a company named Rui Qi Trading, which later opened two bank accounts. The accounts were used to receive and transmit the proceeds of scams perpetrated against three foreign companies. These proceeds amounted to US$2.18 million and $237,120. For this, Zheng was charged with intentionally aiding Er's omission to exercise reasonable diligence as a director of Rui Qi. Zheng pleaded guilty to the two charges. Under the law, each charge carries a maximum fine of $5,000 or up to a year's jail. A third charge was taken into consideration. It involved Er's directorship of another company, Eastar Holding, whose bank accounts were used to receive and transmit stolen money. In sentencing Zheng, the district judge relied on the framework laid out in a 2017 case. However, the High Court said that case should not have been relied on as a precedent. The judges set out a revised sentencing framework for cases involving professional directors whose business models were premised on providing no, or inadequate, oversight over the affairs of the companies. Under this framework, the sentencing judge would first identify the factors relevant to the offence, such as the duration of offending and the extent of the harm caused. Based on the number of factors, the judge would place the offence within three sentencing bands. At the lowest band - for offences involving one to three factors - the indicative sentence is up to four months' jail. At the highest band, offences involving more than six factors could result in nine months' to a year's jail. The sentence would then be adjusted based on factors specific to the offender, such as relevant antecedents and the extent of voluntary restitution. Applying the framework to Zheng, the court concluded that he should get three months' jail for the first charge and seven months' jail for the second charge. There was no change to the disqualification order. Er was separately fined $4,000 and disqualified from being a company director for three years.
