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The Star
an hour ago
- Science
- The Star
Six endangered fish species found in fish maw from Singapore and Malaysia's stores: Study
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The DNA of six endangered fish species was found in fish maw products from stores in Singapore and Malaysia, a new study found. This was uncovered by a pair of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), who analysed the DNA of 480 samples of fish maw. The duo published their research on June 24, in the journal Conservation Letters. Fish maw – a delicacy in Chinese cuisine – is derived from the dried swim bladder of fish. Also known as the air or gas bladder, the organ helps fish modulate their buoyancy, allowing them to remain at a desired depth without floating or sinking. Widely consumed throughout much of East and South-East Asia, fish maw is regarded as an indicator of wealth, prestige and status in Chinese culture. It is also a popular ingredient in stews and soups, as it brings purported health benefits. The mysterious origins of fish maw The trade of fish maw products is hard to regulate, however, as it is difficult to visually identify them by species, said NUS Assistant Professor Benjamin Wainwright, one of the study's authors. He said: 'Fish maw has been processed, flattened, cleaned and washed. 'You can't determine what species the maw comes from without using genetic methods – so we have no idea of what species are involved in this trade in South-East Asia.' The aggregation of fish maw and other dried fish products under a common commodity code has also made its trade harder to oversee. Prof Wainwright said: 'Commodity codes are meant to say, this is shark fin, this is shrimp, this is fish maw – but at the moment, all these products are lumped together and imported as dried fish goods.' Thus, the two researchers – Dr Seah Ying Giat of UMT and Prof Wainwright – set out to collect fish maw samples from stores in Malaysia between October and December 2023, and in Singapore from January to April 2024. Within the Republic, they visited dried goods shops such as those in Victoria Wholesale Centre and Albert Centre, Prof Wainwright said. 'Just from walking around Chinatown, you can see maw everywhere – sold in lots and lots of shops. In supermarkets, there's fried maw all over the place as well.' DNA was successfully analysed from 118 samples from Malaysia and 362 samples from Singapore, and a total of 39 fish species were identified across both countries. The dried fish maw products sampled in Singapore ranged from $80 to $1,184 per kilogram, the researchers found. The most commonly identified species was the blackspotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus), which made up 58 of the 480 samples. It is classified as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which outlines the conservation status of animals, plants and fungi. This means that though the species is currently not threatened by extinction, it is likely to become endangered in the near future. Among the species identified from the maw samples, there were also four endangered and two critically endangered ones on the IUCN Red List. The endangered species identified were: the cassava croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), fourfinger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) and iridescent shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Maw samples were also found to originate from the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which are critically endangered. Notably, 11 samples of fish maw were identified as coming from the European eel, despite the European Union's enactment of a zero-export quota on the fish in 2010, which bars its export from the region. On this, Prof Wainwright said: 'It's not that surprising that eel maw has been sold, because you can find the eels here. 'But it's interesting that the European eel is still making it here, because that should have been banned a long time ago.' Consider more sustainable alternatives Ultimately, as fish maw products often do not specify the exact species used, it may be difficult for consumers to make informed choices, said Mr Chester Gan, the marine lead at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore. Businesses and corporations thus play a vital role, he added, and should examine their supply chains to ensure they are sourcing ingredients responsibly and reducing environmental impact. He said: 'Given that fish maw may originate from fisheries with little data, endangered species, or unsustainable fishing practices that harm vulnerable marine life, we urge both consumers and businesses to consider more sustainable alternatives.' To Prof Wainwright, the best option is to not consume fish maw, especially if its species, country of origin and the sustainability of the fishery it is from cannot be confirmed. He said: 'The hope is, as more people become aware of the damage caused by unsustainable fishing, they may turn away from products of unknown origin and towards seafood from sustainable fisheries. 'Otherwise, when a species targeted for fish maw gets fished out, it's very likely we'll turn to another species and fish that one out, and then do the same for the next ones.' - The Straits Times/ANN
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Organised crime groups behind in-flight theft cases, says Singapore Police Force
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A spike in cabin theft cases in Asia has been blamed on members of organised crime groups, who catch short-transit flights – including trips to Singapore – to steal small items from passengers. Hong Kong has been one of the worst hit, with 169 cases of in-flight theft involving HK$4.32 million ($700,000) in valuables recorded in the first 10 months of 2024 – a 75 per cent increase from the same period the previous year. In an interview with The Straits Times, Assistant Commissioner M Malathi, who is commander of the Airport Police Division (APD), said that in-flight theft cases are difficult to detect and investigate. She said syndicate members, who work in pairs to steal from unsuspecting passengers, often catch a flight out of Singapore soon after landing at Changi Airport. 'They will only take some cash and maybe one or two cards. They won't take your whole wallet, because if they do, it is easier to notice,' said AC Malathi, who added that the authorities have a short lead time before the suspects leave on an outbound flight. 'A timely report is important for our officers to quickly track and trace the suspects and intercept them before they catch their next flight,' she said, adding that passengers should always keep their valuables on them and remain vigilant. The International Air Transport Association (Iata), which represents about 300 airlines, had flagged concerns on June 3 after members indicated a spike in in-flight theft cases over the last 12 to 18 months. Many of the routes were in Asia. According to reports, Malaysia saw a significant increase in onboard theft cases, with the authorities receiving 146 reports in the first 10 months of 2024, compared with 88 in the previous year and 33 in 2022. The authorities in Vietnam reported that criminals often purchase last-minute tickets, avoid checked baggage, and switch between domestic and international flights and different carriers to avoid detection. Singapore Airlines (SIA) declined to share statistics and information regarding theft cases on board, but said the cabin crew are trained to be vigilant and alert the authorities of any suspicious behaviour on flights. 'Should there be a suspected theft case, SIA and Scoot will assist the affected customer, and will cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigations,' a spokesman for the SIA Group told The Straits Times. At its general meeting in India, Iata said that many of the theft cases appear to be organised from China. The police in Singapore declined to reveal where the syndicates operate from, but checks by ST showed that four out of five people who were charged in 2025 over cabin theft were Chinese nationals. AC Malathi said in-flight theft picked up around the time air travel started to recover after the Covid-19 pandemic. 'We see more of these syndicates working as air travel picks up. Singapore is not the only location. This is happening worldwide,' she said. Between January and May, three people were charged in Singapore for theft on board an aircraft. Only one person was charged in the same period in 2024. More recently, two Chinese nationals were arrested and charged in court on June 4 after being accused of stealing from passengers while on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. Liu Xitang, 35, and Wang Wei, 40, are accused of taking $169 in cash and two debit cards from another passenger. In May, Chinese national Zhang Kun, 51, pleaded guilty to stealing a credit card and more than $200 in cash from a passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore in March. The Airport Division said it tries to identify potential syndicate members by looking out for a common trend of behaviour, including frequent travel and transit flights, often with just a two- or three-hour transit period. 'We use data analytics in general to identify these people that could be of interest coming into Singapore, and to aid our investigation process,' said AC Malathi, who added that criminals operate across all classes of travel. Another area of concern she flagged during the interview is shop theft in transit areas in Changi Airport, which saw 37 cases between January and May. There were a total of 109 cases in 2024, and 129 cases the year before. 'These crimes are very opportunistic. Some travellers walk into the shops and take what they want and walk off. 'Some of them get emboldened if they get away the first time,' said AC Malathi. To help address it, the APD has used robots since 2023 to patrol the airport, as a way to beef up police presence. The robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that can capture footage and allow the public to communicate with officers. AC Malathi said a new patrol robot called Gibson, which will be equipped to transport an officer, will be launched later in 2025. More details on its latest fleet will be revealed at a later date. - The Straits Times/ANN
The Star
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom split after nine years
Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry have been engaged since February 2019 and have a four-year-old daughter. Photo: Katy Perry/Instagram After nine years together, American singer Katy Perry and British actor Orlando Bloom have parted ways. They have been engaged since February 2019 and have a four-year-old daughter. The 40-year-old singer of Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) was first romantically linked to Bloom in January 2016, when they were seen at several Golden Globe after-parties together. They went public with their relationship on Instagram in May that year, after attending the Cannes Film Festival. They were set to wed in 2020, but their plans were foiled by the Covid-19 pandemic. Bloom, 48, recently appeared in Orlando Bloom: To The Edge (2024), which he executive-produced. The three-episode TV series sees him going on a journey of self-discovery through activities such as freediving and rock climbing. The Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003 to 2017) star also has a 14-year-old son with his ex-wife, Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr. Perry was previously married to British comedian Russell Brand between October 2010 and December 2011. She is now in Adelaide for her The Lifetimes Tour, which will wrap up in December. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Focus Malaysia
6 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Surge in in-flight theft in Malaysia linked to international crime gang
A SURGE in in-flight thefts across Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and Malaysia, has been linked to organised crime groups targeting short-transit flights, including those to Singapore. Malaysia saw 146 cases in the same period, up from 88 in 2023. Assistant Commissioner M Malathi, commander of Singapore's Airport Police Division, noted the difficulty in detecting these crimes, as syndicate members work in pairs, stealing small items like cash or cards to avoid notice. 'They will only take some cash and maybe one or two cards. They won't take your whole wallet, because if they do, it is easier to notice,' she said in a report published by The Straits Times. Criminals often buy last-minute tickets and switch flights to evade detection. Between January and May 2025, Singapore charged three individuals for in-flight theft, compared to one in 2024. On June 4, Chinese nationals Liu Xitang, 35, and Wang Wei, 40, were charged with stealing S$169 and two debit cards on a Kuala Lumpur-Singapore flight. In May, Zhang Kun, 51, pleaded guilty to stealing a credit card and over $200 on a similar route. The Singapore Airport Police Division (APD) uses data analytics to identify syndicate members, focusing on frequent travellers with short transit times. 'We use data analytics in general to identify these people that could be of interest coming into Singapore,' said AC Malathi. Additionally, shoplifting in Changi Airport's transit areas is a concern, with 37 cases in early 2025, down from 109 in 2024 and 129 in 2023. 'These crimes are very opportunistic,' Malathi noted. Since 2023, APD has deployed patrol robots, with a new model, Gibson, set for launch in 2025. — June 28, 2025
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Over 700 Marsiling-Yew Tee residents walk for mental health, amid more initiatives for Malay/Muslims
Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, Mayor Alex Yam and Ms Hany Soh flagging-off a walk during the Hijrah Walk & Health Fiesta on June 28. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Over 700 Marsiling-Yew Tee residents walk for mental health, amid more initiatives for Malay/Muslims SINGAPORE - Residents in Marsiling-Yew Tee, those in particular from the Malay/Muslim community, can look forward to more mental health support in the coming months. Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad said on June 28 that the M³@Marsiling-Yew Tee team has been engaging residents since the start of 2025 with mental health sharing sessions and information about dementia awareness. More than 80 people have been engaged so far, through a partnership with An-Nur Mosque. Speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines at the annual Hijrah Walk and Health Fiesta event, Mr Zaqy said the initiative is in its early days, but has plans to expand. He said he has gotten feedback, especially from the Malay/Muslim community in Marsiling-Yew Tee, that they cannot find enough support for caregivers of those with mental illnesses or dementia. The June 28 event, held in conjunction with the Islamic New Year, was held at Choa Chu Kang Stadium and attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Mr Zaqy, Ms Hany Soh and Mr Alex Yam. All are MPs for the GRC. The event was organised by the M³@Marsiling-Yew Tee team. M³ is a collaborative effort between three key Malay/Muslim institutions - the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, Mendaki and Mesra. More than 700 residents from Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC came together to show their support for mental wellness through a mass walk. Residents visited interactive booths and activity stations by community partners like the Singapore Cancer Society, Caregivers Alliance, and Health Promotion Board which featured information on mental health support services, wellness resources, and active lifestyle initiatives. Said Mr Zaqy: 'It's important from a community perspective to talk about mental wellness. I think there's always been mental illness around us, but it can be seen as a taboo issue and therefore not much of it has been spoken about.' 'But I think that sharing experiences, resources, and support is one way in which we bring the community together and help bring down the barriers to discussing mental illness.' He added that connecting those in need with help is always challenging. 'For many of them, the reason why they are not well-connected is because they're are busy firefighting at home. Taking care of those struggling with any issue is not easy, so we need to go reach out to them through neighbourhood networks.' He said the M³@Marsiling-Yew Tee team plans to also work with youth in the rest of the year. Among younger people, he said, mental health is less of a taboo topic, thanks to greater exposure in schools and on social media. PM Lawrence Wong (in pink) interacting with participants after their walk during the Hijrah Walk & Health Fiesta. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO 'We have to translate that and see how they can be ambassadors to do outreach to the rest of the community, and refer friends and family members who may have issues,' he added. 'I think they are more ready to speak about this, and I hope they can help bring family members who might be older onboard.' Retiree Madam Zulaiha, 63, attended the mass walk on June 28 with her grandson. 'It is not only good exercise and fun to walk with everyone else, but it is for a good cause,' the former canteen cook said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
