Latest news with #Pfeiffer
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Transporting packages via LRT in Klang Valley
The rise of e-commerce has led to a sizeable number of parcels being delivered across the country using various modes of land transport, contributing to a large amount of carbon emissions. In 2023, Malaysia's transport sector contributed 66.348 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, 23% of the total emissions in the country, according to Asian Transport Observatory. With that in mind, a local logistics company in collaboration with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd hopes to reshape the parcel delivery industry, reduce traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Diolko Logistics Malaysia Sdn Bhd, based in Cheras, Selangor, is offering a parcel delivery service that uses the light rail transit (LRT) network and a fleet of electric vehicles in the Klang Valley. Diolko co-founder and chief executive officer Yoann Gueguen said since the launch of its pilot project in July last year, the company delivered more than 6,000 parcels through this eco-friendly mode, thereby reducing carbon emissions by 70%. Pfeiffer (left) and Gueguen at Diolko's hub at Putra Heights LRT station. How it works The project involves three LRT stations – Awan Besar, Ara Damansara and Putra Heights – with the last station serving as its main hub. Gueguen said electric vans pick up parcels from clients and take them to Putra Heights LRT station for sorting. 'The parcels are placed into different boxes based on destination, before being loaded into trolleys that are specially designed and certified by Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). 'The trolleys can be locked into place in the LRT train so that they do not move around. 'Our staff are also on hand to monitor the trolleys on board,' he added. Gueguen said a maximum of six trolleys are placed in each train and passengers are not allowed in the same space during delivery. Diolko co-founder and chief operating officer Onno Pfeiffer said after sorting at the Putra Heights LRT station, the parcels are sent to Awan Besar and Ara Damansara stations. Parcels being sorted at Putra Heights LRT station. 'Delivery riders pick up the parcels from these stations and deliver them to their final destination,' he said. The company currently has two electric vans and eight electric motorcycles to cover last-mile delivery. 'These vehicles, supplied by our partners, are placed at each station we operate in and the number of vehicles is expected to grow over the next few months.' Pfeiffer said parcels are transported after 11pm to avoid disrupting the passenger service. Stating that the company might request for special cargo trains to meet increased volume, he said Diolko was currently focused on maximising the capacity of existing infrastructure. 'We believe this model presents a win-win situation. 'The LRT operator does not need to put on extra trains for us and we enjoy lower maintenance costs,' he said. Pfeiffer said there are plans to expand its delivery network, with Phase 1 involving expansion to more stations along the Kelana Jaya and Ampang/Sri Petaling LRT lines. 'We plan to open up hubs in Gombak LRT and Ampang LRT stations by the end of this year. 'We would like to maximise our coverage on one line first, before moving on to the next.' For Phase 2, Pfeiffer said the company was planning to expand to existing mass rapid transit (MRT) lines, starting with terminal stations such as Kwasa Damansara, Putrajaya and Kajang. 'We will also set up operations in Cheras and Kota Damansara in this phase,' he said. The third phase, he said, would see the network extended to the LRT3 line which is scheduled to start operating on Sept 30. 'This line will provide us with direct access to the west of Klang Valley, including Shah Alam and Klang,' he said. Pfeiffer added that Diolko also plans to expand to 15 transit stations across the Klang Valley by 2027. Electric motorcycles used for last-mile delivery at Ara Damansara LRT station. Limited scalability Logistics experts have, however, raised concerns over the scalability of such a business model, given the commuter-centric design of the LRT service. They said there was still a long way to go before such a delivery mode could become mainstream in the Klang Valley. UCSI University Business and Information Science Faculty assistant professor Dr Dazmin Daud said providers would need their own vehicles if the service were to be scaled up. 'Delivery with trains would not be workable if the number of parcels increases too much, as LRT trains are designed for passengers, not freight services. 'Speed of delivery would also be an issue as service providers could only operate during off-peak hours,' said Dazmin, a lecturer in the Logistics Department and member of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport education committee. When asked whether it was feasible to provide separate trains and tracks for service providers, Dazmin said he did not see the possibility of developing separate tracks for cargo trains. 'However, there is still potential for more companies to adopt a similar business model. 'This delivery mode could save companies a lot in maintenance cost, since the trains and tracks are maintained by Prasarana. 'Nevertheless, the government should carefully select companies taking part in the initiative and choose those with vast experience in the fields of logistics and shipment,' he said. Dazmin said although the upcoming LRT3 and MRT3 lines could offer more opportunities, it would also stretch delivery time. 'If you are operating in five stations, your delivery train only needs to travel to five stations. 'When it becomes 20 stations, the delivery time would take longer,' he said. Kuugan Thangarajoo, a logistics hub manager of a regional company, said there would be a limit to the volume of parcels that could be handled daily because of the fixed number of coaches and trips. 'This can be improved by increasing the number of train coaches or having special parcel trips during the day. 'However, this would disrupt the frequency of LRT trains for passengers. 'Another challenge is the lack of connectivity of the current LRT lines to areas such as Rawang. 'Self-collection points could be introduced at train stations, for the convenience of those using the train,' he added. Pfeiffer said every train station need not have a hub, as not every station was suitable for cargo. 'Suitable stations must also be accessible to delivery riders. 'Space is also an important factor as some stations in the Klang Valley are too small for cargo,' he said. Pfeiffer added that with 15 stations, the company would be able to optimise operations across the Klang Valley. 'In some places like Bukit Bintang, there are four to five stations close to each other. 'As such, we only need to set up operations in one station and it would be enough to cover the whole area,' he said. Gueguen said passenger safety and comfort remained the top priority. 'We would never use stations like KLCC where the volume of commuters is very high. 'We also make sure to load our trolleys onto the trains within 30 seconds. 'If we cannot do so, we wait for the next train so that the service is not delayed and passengers are not affected.' There are at least four handling areas in train stations for the parcels, situated away from passengers, he added. Multifunctional hubs Prasarana in a statement said rail-based parcel delivery could be a game changer for the logistics industry in the Klang Valley. 'By shifting a portion of cargo transport to our rail system, we envision significant benefits such as reduced emissions and traffic congestion, and enhanced efficiency and reliability. 'Moreover, this approach may also drive further innovation, paving the way for integrated multi-modal logistics solutions.' The public transport operator said it was actively transforming key LRT stations into multifunctional hubs. 'Our strategy is to optimise strategic locations such as Putra Heights, Ara Damansara and Awan Besar by integrating advanced digital platforms, dedicated cargo handling areas and parcel locker installations into our station designs. 'By leveraging innovative technologies, including deployment of electric vehicles and virtual hub systems, we are creating seamless cargo transfer processes. 'These enhancements are designed to maximise efficiency, reduce delays in last-mile delivery and support Malaysia's broader environmental objectives, notably by cutting carbon emissions and alleviating urban traffic congestion,' said Prasarana. It added that it was open to expanding its network of partners in sustainable logistics as part of its broader move towards greener and more efficient urban transit systems.
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
How the Grand River is inspiring kids to read more books
An ambitious challenge has youngsters from two schools on Six Nations of the Grand River racing to read 280 kilometres worth of books. The read-a-thon was hatched by the YMCA of Hamilton Burlington Brantford as part of its Beyond the Bell program, which provides after-school learning enrichment to students in priority areas. One example is this 'playful competition,' which aims to get the students interested in reading and working as a team, area supervisor Patrick Pfeiffer said. It pits I.L. Thomas Elementary School and Emily C. General Elementary School — both with the Six Nations School District — against each other to see who can read the length of the Grand River first. No small feat, considering the waterway flows from the Dufferin County highlands down through Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Six Nations, emptying into Lake Erie. A book represents four kilometres, meaning each cohort has to collectively read 70 books to cover the entire river. The program has used similar challenges in the past, but Pfeiffer thought attaching it to a meaningful part of local history and culture could make it more engaging. But while this all takes place after class, Pfeiffer is clear Beyond the Bell is separate from the organization's after-school child-care programs. For starters, it's donor funded and free of charge for participants, who are as young as Grade 1 and can continue year after year until Grade 5. Schools identify students who could benefit, and co-ordinators collaborate with the board, principals and teachers 'to mould our program to what they need,' Pfeiffer said. Some schools use it to amp up academic success. Others want to improve social skills and development 'and we work directly with the school to identify those things and modify our program as much as we can,' he said. During the read-a-thon, participants just might fall in love with their next favourite graphic novel, picture book or series. And the prize for the winning school — a movie day with popcorn — is a bonus. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Pink Villa
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Danny DeVito Recalls Crushing on Co-star Michelle Pfeiffer During Batman Returns: 'She Was a Goddess'
Danny DeVito recently shared how he felt working alongside Michelle Pfeiffer on Tim Burton's 1992 film Batman Returns. In an interview for Variety's Actors on Actors series, DeVito described Pfeiffer as a 'goddess' and admitted, 'I lusted after her.' Playing the Penguin to Pfeiffer's Catwoman, he confessed that her presence made him self-conscious. 'If I knew she was going to be in a scene that day…I got all flushed. Put extra makeup on, 'Give me another pound of makeup.' It was very difficult,' DeVito recalled. DeVito clarified that it was his character, Oswald Cobblepot, not him personally, who was 'lustful.' He laughed when co-star Colin Farrell asked if Pfeiffer ever called security on him. DeVito replied, 'I kind of feel like she liked it. She liked Oswald.' His remark suggests that Pfeiffer appreciated the energy he brought as a Penguin. Despite playing a despicable character, DeVito made it clear he never carried that role home. Asked whether he ever took the character home, Danny DeVito firmly replied that he went home to Rhea Perlman and the kids. DeVito and Perlman have been married since 1982 and share three children: Lucy, Gracie, and Jack. Though the couple separated in 2017, they remain married. DeVito shared that regardless of the brutal or despicable roles he plays, he always sheds that persona once he leaves the set. Meanwhile, Michelle Pfeiffer continues to impress fans with stunning, makeup-free selfies that showcase her ageless looks. In April, she was honored with a hand and footprints ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, appearing in a chic black suit and satin blouse. Pfeiffer has been married to TV writer and producer David E. Kelley since 1993. The couple shares two children: Claudia, 32, and John, 30. DeVito and Farrell also discussed their views on alcohol. Farrell, sober since 2005, influenced DeVito to cut back. DeVito admitted he still enjoys just a sip of wine and likes gin martinis with cigars. However, when he's on the health kick, he avoids alcohol altogether. Both actors agreed they feel much better without heavy drinking.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Ex-Obama advisor warns Democrats are in a ‘huge bit of trouble' if they don't make this change
Ex-Obama senior advisor Dan Pfeiffer warned on Friday that there is 'no path' for Democrats to win elections unless they address their rapidly declining Latino vote. Pfeiffer brought this up with former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau on the 'Pod Save America' podcast as they looked over 2024 election exit data which showed former Vice President Kamala Harris losing ground with both young voters and minority voters. Pfeiffer added that the Democratic Party had been losing Latino voters since 2016. 'The main story of this is that Democrats are in a huge bit of trouble,' Pfeiffer said. 'There's no way to look at this without recognizing the massive scale of our problems. And you can kind of tell yourself that things might be kind of okay by looking at just the shift from 2020 to 2024. But if you really want to assess where we are as a party, you have to look at the shift from 2016 to 2024. And it is particularly true with Latino voters.' Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 4, 2024. AFP via Getty Images He pointed out that Latinos have shifted 17 points towards Republicans since 2016. While Democrats still took a majority of Hispanic voters, Pfeiffer showed concern over this trend. 'Latinos are the fastest-growing population in the country. They are particularly politically powerful because of how the population is distributed in electoral-rich sunbelt states like Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, et cetera. And so, they are becoming more of the electorate, and we are losing more of them at a very fast rate. If that trend continues, there is no path to Democrats winning elections,' Pfeiffer said. Regarding young voters, Pfeiffer pointed out that Harris only got about half of new voters compared to President Donald Trump. Pfeiffer added that the Democratic Party had been losing Latino voters since 2016. Courtesy of Sen. Ileana Garcia 'If that trend continues, we're in huge trouble,' Pfeiffer said. 'The message I take from this is anyone who thinks that we can get away with just tinkering around the edges just hoping that Donald Trump becomes unpopular or they nominate some yahoo in 2028 or we're going to ride the wave of tariffs and inflation to a narrow House victory is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. We have to be willing to ask very hard questions.' Since the 2024 election, other former Obama officials have criticized the Democratic Party for failing to appeal outside the elite. 'The only group they won among – Democrats won among – were people who make more than $100,000 a year,' former Obama advisor David Axelrod said in November. 'You can't win national elections that way.'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Obama advisor says Dems in 'huge bit of trouble' if they can't win Latinos back
Ex-Obama senior advisor Dan Pfeiffer warned on Friday that there is "no path" for Democrats to win elections unless they address their rapidly declining Latino vote. Pfeiffer brought this up with former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau on the "Pod Save America" podcast as they looked over 2024 election exit data which showed former Vice President Kamala Harris losing ground with both young voters and minority voters. Pfeiffer added that the Democratic Party had been losing Latino voters since 2016. "The main story of this is that Democrats are in a huge bit of trouble," Pfeiffer said. "There's no way to look at this without recognizing the massive scale of our problems. And you can kind of tell yourself that things might be kind of okay by looking at just the shift from 2020 to 2024. But if you really want to assess where we are as a party, you have to look at the shift from 2016 to 2024. And it is particularly true with Latino voters." Former Obama Advisors Tell 'The View' Dems Hurt Party By Taking Too Long To Admit Biden Couldn't Win He pointed out that Latinos have shifted 17 points towards Republicans since 2016. While Democrats still took a majority of Hispanic voters, Pfeiffer showed concern over this trend. Read On The Fox News App "Latinos are the fastest-growing population in the country. They are particularly politically powerful because of how the population is distributed in electoral-rich sunbelt states like Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, et cetera. And so, they are becoming more of the electorate, and we are losing more of them at a very fast rate. If that trend continues, there is no path to Democrats winning elections," Pfeiffer said. Regarding young voters, Pfeiffer pointed out that Harris only got about half of new voters compared to President Donald Trump. "If that trend continues, we're in huge trouble," Pfeiffer said. "The message I take from this is anyone who thinks that we can get away with just tinkering around the edges just hoping that Donald Trump becomes unpopular or they nominate some yahoo in 2028 or we're going to ride the wave of tariffs and inflation to a narrow House victory is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. We have to be willing to ask very hard questions." Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Since the 2024 election, other former Obama officials have criticized the Democratic Party for failing to appeal outside the elite. "The only group they won among – Democrats won among – were people who make more than $100,000 a year," former Obama advisor David Axelrod said in November. "You can't win national elections that way."Original article source: Former Obama advisor says Dems in 'huge bit of trouble' if they can't win Latinos back
