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The Star
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
It's not just about that tan
Staying safe outdoors: People using umbrellas and wearing face masks at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, around 3.30pm due to the unexpected weather situation. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Prolonged exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to severe health effects, including damage to the skin and eyes, organ damage and long-term health issues, according to health experts. Healthcare expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said while the haze situation can actually reduce UV radiation, the public still needs to take steps to protect themselves from UV rays. 'Extreme prolonged and intense doses of UV rays may even cause organ damage. 'These include melanoma, skin cancer, basal-cell cancer (skin cancer), cataracts of the eyes, photokeratitis, pterygium (red, fleshy growth in inner eyes), eye macular degeneration, immunosuppression and premature skin ageing,' she said when contacted yesterday. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionising radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sharifa Ezat said certain groups of people are more at risk against UV rays, including children, outdoor workers, fair-skinned people and those with pre-existing moles that might turn malignant, as well as those with a history of skin cancer. 'Protective strategies include using sunscreen, limiting time outdoors, seeking shaded cool areas, wearing protective equipment (such as umbrellas, hats and long-sleeved clothes), using sunglasses and avoiding getting artificial tanning devices (sunbeds),' she said. According to her, the most common types of skin cancer in the country are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). 'WHO has come up with an index, which is the Global Solar UV Index (UVI) that indicates the potential of skin damage,' she said, adding that it can be helpful to know how harmful UV radiation can be on a given day. WHO had taken steps to reduce the burden of disease resulting from exposure to UVR. The Global Solar UV Index (UVI), an information tool that describes the level of solar UVR at the Earth's surface, was developed by WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (Icnirp). The UVI serves as an indicator of the potential for skin damage. It alerts people about the need to adopt protective measures when exposed to UVR. The higher the UVI value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. Sun protection measures should be used when the UVI reaches three or above. Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar warned that the UV rays may have an impact on our skin and eyes. 'They can cause sunburn, premature ageing such as wrinkles and dark spots, as well as eye damage (cataracts, photokeratitis),' he warned. The public is told to take steps to protect themselves from UV radiation, including using sun glasses and seeking shade during peak hours. 'UV rays are the strongest at about 10am to 4pm; the public needs to limit sun exposure during these hours. The best way is to try and stay safe under the sun,' he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
A high target – can we meet it?
Growth needed: The next five years will thus be crucial for Malaysia if it is to become a high-income nation. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star HERE'S the good news – the World Bank has declared Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Penang, Sarawak and Selangor to be high-income states. The bad news, though, is that Malaysia as a whole is not there yet. This is the latest high-income data based on Gross National Income (GNI), which is the total amount of factor incomes earned by the residents of a country. The country's GNI per capita of RM53,400 annually falls short of the high-income threshold of RM63,000. Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App. RM 13.90/month RM 9.73 /month Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter. RM 12.39/month RM 8.63 /month Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates! Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.
The Star
14-07-2025
- The Star
No room for rage on shared roads
Photo : FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: There is a lack of 'sharing on the road' campaigns and dedicated bicycle lane facilities in the country for cycling enthusiasts, says the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF). Its vice-president Mohd Saiful Abdul Jalil said there are several points that need to be clarified to the public by MNCF. 'Cyclists have the right to be on the road, as defined by rules under the Road Transport Act and we are aware of the prohibition against cycling on highways,' he said yesterday. He added that there are six gazetted highways where cycling activities are officially prohibited. 'However, tolerance between cyclists and motor vehicle drivers is declining. There is a lack of 'sharing the road' campaigns and dedicated bike lane facilities,' said Mohd Saiful. He claimed there has been a rise in threats on social media against cyclists following the recent encounter between a bus driver and a group of cyclists, which MNCF is opposed to. Muhammad Zamir Azath, head of Grupetto Cycling & Sports Clubhouse, said he does not agree with the way the incident was portrayed on social media. 'CLICK TO ENLARGE' He said that almost every week, club members use the same route at the Kuala Selangor-Kuala Lumpur road where the altercation happened. 'We know that there are places where we have to ride in a single file and other stretches where we can ride in double file. 'We have encountered similar experiences in the past with RapidKL buses and we have complained through proper channels and received feedback. 'If we work within the system, other stakeholders will help us,' he said. Muhammah Zamir said his club instils the value of humility and tolerance. 'As cyclists, we must share the road with others. Other motorists also have a right to be there. If you cannot be humble and tolerant of others, then don't cycle. 'CLICK TO ENLARGE' 'We tell our cyclists not to get upset when motorists honk at them because most of the time, it's a way to communicate to the cyclists that they are behind us,' he said. To prevent such incidents from recurring, he said the authorities and transport companies should collaborate on road-sharing campaigns. 'On our side, we want more awareness programmes for cyclists on how to cycle safely and share the road with other road users.' Cycling enthusiasts Hazman Helman Salahuddin, 44, said it was unfair to blame cyclists just based on one incident. 'As road users, all of us need to have a level of tolerance as we are sharing the roads. 'Heavy vehicle users and cyclists need to play their roles effectively,' he said. Another cyclist, David Tan, 33, urged the public to remain calm and let the authorities resolve the issue in a proper manner.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Cycling safely begins with awareness on the road
Safety in numbers: A group of cyclists travelling along Jalan Kuala Selangor-Jalan Batu Arang. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Closer collaboration must be made between transport authorities and cycling enthusiasts to ensure that cyclists don't get involved in traffic mishaps, says a road safety expert. Associate Prof Dr Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said the authorities in collaboration with cycling clubs should educate cyclists on the selection of safe routes and group riding etiquette. 'Group cycling should be planned and registered, especially when it involves highways. Mass cycling events should be conducted only with sufficient marshalling and safety measures. 'Consultation with traffic authorities should also be carried out,' he said in an interview. Law was commenting on an incident last Sunday of an altercation between a bus driver and cyclists obstructing a bus lane at KM23 of the Kuala Selangor-Kuala Lumpur road. 'Policy-wise, it would be prudent to ban cyclists from highways and high-speed traffic roads unless they are participating in officially sanctioned events. As much as cyclists must be recognised as legitimate road users, it should not be to the extent of compromising their safety on the road.' Law said a short-term move would be to enforce regulations that determine where cyclists may cycle. 'This includes putting limitations on highways where there are no bike lanes or shoulders wide enough for cyclists to pass safely. 'Highways are built primarily for high-speed motorised traffic. 'A wind blast from a passing lorry or a momentary lapse of judgement of a motor vehicle driver or even the cyclist can have catastrophic consequences,' he added. While it is understandable for cyclists to seek equal rights for the use of roads as other commuters, he said being on roads where speeds exceed 110kph poses a major safety risk. 'They are endangering themselves and other road users. The majority of cyclists may underestimate the risks they subject themselves to when using such roads,' Law said. Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association adviser and former president Nik Mohd Salim Nik Mohd Salleh said Malaysian roads are not designed for recreational riding for cyclists, especially when they are in large numbers and move in a convoy. 'When this happens, they may end up hogging traffic as what occurred in the Kuala Selangor incident. The authorities should find ways to enable this healthy activity to be carried out in a safe and controlled environment. 'Perhaps, a road stretch in every district can be dedicated at certain times and days for cyclist to ride with police and local council officials present to oversee their safety.' Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh said cyclists should use safety gear such as helmets at all times, suitable footwear and reflective gear when they ride at night. 'Cyclists riding at night on public roads in mixed traffic should be discouraged due to visibility issues. Cyclists ride at an average speed of 25kph or even lower. Such low speeds travelling with regular or high-speed traffic may leave them prone to mishaps.' Meanwhile, federal police traffic investigation and enforcement department director Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said cyclists should avoid expressways as fast-moving traffic may pose a serious and potentially deadly threat to their safety. To minimise the risk of accidents, recreational cyclists should ride at parks where such activity is allowed or at residential areas where traffic density is lower, he added. Mohd Yusri said more emphasis is given to overseeing the flow of motorised vehicles on Malaysian roads and that cycling activities are encouraged only during certain time periods or events such as City Hall's KL Car Free Morning held twice a month. He said Rule LN167/59 of the Traffic Sign Rules 1959 states that bicycles, tricycles, rickshaws and animal-drawn carriages are prohibited from entering highways. Comm Mohd Yusri said cyclists should comply with 18 rules under Rule LN165/59 of the Traffic Sign Rules 1959, which among them include the use of hand signals to indicate turning or stopping and to use the safest lane possible that is furthest from fast-moving traffic. 'Highway concessionaires and local councils should put up signboards that clearly prohibit this category of vehicles from expressways,' he added. Those who do not comply with the order can face fines of between RM1,000 and RM5,000, or imprisonment up to a year under Section 70(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mirabel's bold swing
Set to roar: Malaysia's Mirabel Ting will begin professional journey starting with Amundi Evian Championship in France next week. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Golfer pulls off surprise with brave decision to turn pro in bid to chase greatness PETALING JAYA: The world could well be her oyster as youngster Mirabel Ting takes a bold first step toward her ultimate goal of becoming the first Malaysian to win on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
