Latest news with #livingconditions
Daily Telegraph
3 hours ago
- General
- Daily Telegraph
Horror conditions inside Sydney sharehouse exposed
A Sydney renter has shared her experience of the conditions she claims she lived through in a sharehouse via a video posted to TikTok. The renter claimed in the video that the property in the inner west suburb of Petersham had unaddressed bug infestation throughout the house and a window that could be opened from the outside. The home also allegedly featured a random shipping container in the backyard. MORE: Aus man forced to live in mould-infested hellhole The creator said she spent $240 a week on rent, the least out of the sharehouse's nine tenants. 'I paid the least as well, they would change the prices for each room, some people were paying 350!' she said. The video also showed an outdoor 'shared living room' that was essentially an alleyway, and a shower with pretty lacklustre water pressure. The creator also said that only two toilets were available for the nine tenants. MORE: Homeowner's insane $2m demand for driveway Commenters were appalled by the state of the home, with one user commenting 'Sydney is probably the worst place to live in Aus (sic)'. Another said: 'Saving this for whenever someone bothers me about living with my parents'. Others urged the user to seek out better options. 'You don't need to live in the city. Go outer like western suburbs you will find something more cleaner and descent,' one comment said. Many users urged the poster to take action, with one user commenting 'I would lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trade for unliveable conditions'. Other users were not surprised by the conditions, with one commenting: 'That's exactly what $240 will get you in Sydney.' It is understood the poster no longer lives at the sharehouse and filmed the video before she left. 'I genuinely wanted to report the living conditions … but I had no idea where to start,' she commented. 'I've also moved out now so not sure there's much I can do now.' MORE: Wild sum Aussie renters are losing each year
Japan Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Living conditions index hits lowest level in 15 years in Japan
The proportion of people in Japan who think their living conditions are more comfortable than a year before has fallen to the lowest level in over 15 years, according to a Bank of Japan quarterly survey for June. The diffusion index on living conditions, or the percentage of respondents who said their living conditions improved from a year before minus that of those who said the opposite stood at minus 57.2, the worst level since the September 2009 survey. The figure worsened from minus 52.0 in the previous March survey, according to the latest survey released Monday. The share of respondents who said they have become worse off came to 61.0%, up 5.1 percentage points from the previous survey. By contrast, the proportion of people who said they have become better off fell by 0.1 point to 3.8%. Among respondents becoming worse off, the proportion of those who cited rising prices as a reason behind the deterioration reached 93.7%. The survey also showed that the share of respondents who think that economic conditions worsened from a year before stood at 70.5%. Asked how much prices would increase in a year, respondents answered 12.8%, on average, up from 12.2% in the previous survey and hitting the highest level since comparable data became available in September 2006. The share of respondents who said prices rose in the country from a year before came to 96.1%, almost unchanged from the previous survey. The latest survey was conducted between May 1 and June 3, covering people age 20 or over across the country. The June survey was the first since the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles as well as some "reciprocal" tariffs. "We cannot say anything for sure" about the potential impact from the tariffs, a BOJ official said.
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
Maids forced to sleep in bomb shelters: Singaporean woman asks, 'Why not employers try to sleep in one for themselves first?'
SINGAPORE: In Singapore, where real estate is precious and space is tighter than your grab driver's parking spot on a Saturday night, families are turning to creative solutions. Unfortunately, not all of them are kind. The 'maid room' — a term now synonymous with bomb shelters and utility rooms in many Build-to-Order (BTO) flats and condos. Once built for emergencies, these small, windowless boxes are increasingly being rebranded as living quarters for foreign domestic workers (FDWs). But are we disguising practicality as progress? Or simply camouflaging discomfort? Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco RICE Media hit the streets to find out, and what they uncovered was a complex mix of justification, concern, and quiet suffering. When being pragmatic becomes problematic 'I think this is very inhumane to let the maid sit in the bomb shelter. I don't think it will have proper ventilation,' said one woman who was interviewed. And she's not alone in thinking that a room built to withstand explosions might not be the coziest space to catch some shut-eye. But not everyone sees it that way. Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco 'I think using the bomb shelter or laundry room as a maid's room is okay because some people just do not have an extra room to be able to help give to the helper,' said one resident, pointing out the harsh reality of space constraints in Singaporean homes. One employer admitted: 'I have a live-in helper with me. She stays in the utility room by herself… to be pragmatic, is there an alternative?' Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco That seems to be the prevailing sentiment — pragmatism over perfection. Space-saving or soul-crushing? To understand how livable these spaces truly are, RICE Media spoke to the helpers themselves. And let's just say, 'cozy' isn't exactly the word they'd use. 'My employer said, 'You cannot touch the room, you cannot go inside because you cannot stay inside the bomb shelter for so long,'' shared one domestic worker, visibly concerned. Another helper said bluntly, 'It's not okay to sleep in the bomb shelter. I want my room to be very comfortable for rest, so that I can do my work properly the next day,' and summed it up with: 'We respect you, and you can also respect us.' Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco The recurring theme? Rest is not a luxury; it's a requirement for good work. Yet many helpers report cramped quarters, lack of privacy, and even safety issues. Store rooms, not storm rooms Some employers take a more conscientious approach, as the earlier one explained how when he had two helpers and only one utility room, he offered the larger bedroom, but surprisingly, both helpers wanted the smaller one, likely out of shyness. 'I think minimally, employers must provide a wall fan… and the door has to be opened. If privacy is an issue, maybe you can have a small curtain or cloth covering,' he said. Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco And others go further. 'If you have the money to hire a helper, you should be able to provide the helper with the right amenities and the right place to stay,' said another woman, who shared she had friends who turned their spare storeroom into a bedroom by clearing it out for their helpers. Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco It's also a sentiment echoed by the interviewed resident, who described horror stories of helpers sleeping in bomb shelters stacked with boxes, which are uncomfortable and dangerously unsafe. 'In newer estates like Sengkang, these rooms are two by one meters at most. Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco That's the biggest it gets. Other places just get smaller and smaller.' A place to sleep or a place to rest? One domestic helper pointed out the stress of having no personal space at all: 'I have a friend who sleeps in the living room… her employer is still in the living room, so she cannot sleep early. So she always sleeps late.' Another stressed the importance of simple dignity: 'Privacy is very important…' Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco A good night's sleep should not be a workplace perk — it should be a basic right. 'We're not asking for a big room. We're asking for it to be comfortable enough so we can rest after work,' she added. Humanity over hierarchy Despite the grim stories, not all employers treat their helpers as invisible labour. 'I told my helper that as long as she finishes her job, she can do whatever she wants,' the employer shared. 'We can't help them reunite with their family often. But if you let them have access to the internet, they might feel happier… so treat them like a normal human being, treat them like a fellow colleague or a younger brother or sister.' Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco The earlier resident who was interviewed also urged the community to shed its bias. 'Sometimes when I hang out with my friends, I see a bunch of helpers during the weekends. And there are comments — 'Oh, it's them again,' or 'They're making a ruckus.' Just let them live. They're coming here to help our economy. They have no ill intent at all. Try to integrate them into our community,' he advised. The uncomfortable truth The growing rebranding of bomb shelters as 'maid rooms' might look like an architectural convenience. But at its core lies a tough question: are we offering our helpers a place to live, or merely a place to stay? Many Singaporeans would never consider placing a family member in a bomb shelter. Yet for some, it's deemed acceptable for the person who cooks their meals, cares for their children, and supports their elderly parents. Photo: YT screengrab/@ricemediaco If foreign domestic helpers are expected to treat their employers' families like their own, shouldn't they be treated like part of the household too? As the woman who was interviewed above put it: 'I'll tell people who ask helpers to sleep in the bomb shelter — why not they try for themselves first? If they can survive, then it's okay.' Check out the RICE Media 's episode Singapore, Unfiltered video below to witness the full street interview while exploring their perspectives even more in depth: Read related: Domestic helpers in Singapore: We left our own children behind to raise yours, but you treat us like second-class citizens, without even basic dignity
News24
04-06-2025
- Business
- News24
If he comes to Parliament, we'll meet in the chamber – Malema on Shivambu's new role
Malema says the fuel levy court defeat is a loss for the public, not just the EFF, warning that rising fuel costs will worsen living conditions for ordinary South Africans. He dismisses claims of political rivalry with Floyd Shivambu, asserting the EFF's dominance in Parliament and criticising attempts to undermine the party through unity narratives. Malema acknowledges the retirement of Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi, commending her leadership while clarifying there is no council resolution for extended benefits. EFF leader Julius Malema has rejected the notion that the party's failed court challenge against the government's fuel levy increases was a political defeat, arguing instead that it represents a broader loss for ordinary South Africans. Speaking to journalists after visiting the family of late actor Presley Chweneyagae on Wednesday, Malema said the Western Cape High Court's dismissal of the EFF's application to stop the levy hike meant that already burdened citizens would face increased costs across the board. When they rejected the EFF application for the levy, it was not the EFF that got rejected; it is the people of South Africa who lost. Julius Malema He explained that increases in fuel levies would have a cascading effect on the economy, pushing up transport costs and subsequently the prices of essential goods such as bread and food delivered to schools and hospitals. 'Our people are already struggling. To put any further increase on the fuel levy is to burden them more. They cannot afford it,' he said. Despite the court loss, Malema said the EFF had no regrets for pursuing the matter and insisted that the party, which holds about 9% of the seats in Parliament, would continue to represent the interests of the people '24 hours a day'. Malema on Shivambu and the MK Party Turning to political developments, Malema addressed questions about Floyd Shivambu's redeployment to Parliament. Shivambu, formerly with the EFF, has been redeployed by the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) to Parliament after being demoted from his position as secretary-general, after a trip to Malawi to visit controversial 'pastor' Shepherd Bushiri. Malema downplayed the significance of Shivambu's new role, suggesting that Parliament was now under the influence of a younger generation of EFF-aligned MPs who would not be easily swayed. 'I don't work with Floyd – not in Parliament, not in football, nowhere,' said Malema. If he comes to Parliament, we'll meet in the chamber. But he won't be able to undermine the superior logic of the EFF. Julius Malema He added that the MKP's presence in Parliament would not disrupt the EFF's work and emphasised his party's commitment to its parliamentary duties through well-researched and effective contributions. On black political unity Malema also addressed criticism regarding black political unity, responding to claims that the EFF had not shown a willingness to unite with other black-led parties. 'The EFF has always advocated black unity,' said Malema. 'But forming a new party and then calling for unity is disingenuous; that's already a division.' READ: WATCH |'That man said, kill the white farmers, and then he danced': Trump calls for Malema's arrest He criticised what he called a targeted narrative that only questioned the EFF's role in black unity, while ignoring other parties such as the UDM or Patriotic Alliance (PA), which were not held to the same standard. 'This is not about unity. It's an agenda to destroy the EFF,' Malema asserted. On developments regarding Imogen Mashazi Malema also weighed in on the recent developments involving Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi, whose contract is set to expire in August. A request for her to go on special leave has reportedly been made to allow the council to begin appointing her successor. He clarified that the request for leave was expected and not controversial, comparing it to similar practices followed by high-ranking public officials nearing retirement, such as former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng when his term was coming to an end. 'She has been a good leader,' said Malema. 'We will miss her. She led from the front and was instrumental in achieving clean audits and delivering services.' While questions have been raised about whether Mashazi is owed compensation for her remaining term, Malema said he was unaware of any council resolution regarding an extension or special retirement package. 'There is no special package in retirement. You retire with your savings and benefits,' he explained. He concluded by noting that the EFF was actively involved in governance in Ekurhuleni and would continue to engage in municipal processes, particularly through the mayoral committee. Malema reiterated that the EFF remained committed to its role in Parliament. He highlighted the party's focus on rigorous preparation and meaningful contributions in parliamentary debates and oversight. 'The EFF will continue to play a meaningful role in Parliament. Nothing has changed,' Malema said.
Khaleej Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Arab world split between successful states and those in a 'bottleneck', says top official
Countries should prioritise improving people's living conditions, education, and safety, rather than focusing on normalisation as it is being used as a 'scarecrow' to prevent positive societal change and economic progress in the Arab world, said UAE Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Dr. Anwar Gargash during his address at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai Wednesday. 'Normalisation is a scarecrow; the goal is truly to avoid facing the new reality,' Dr. Gargash stated, emphasising that establishing relations is a sovereign decision for each country based on its national interests. 'In the UAE, based on our calculations, we saw this as the correct strategic decision for the UAE. Each country has its sovereign decision, but using normalisation sometimes to prevent positive change in society is, in my estimation, a scarecrow to prevent change from failed policies,' he added. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Dr. Gargash highlighted that these failed policies have led to internal tensions and territorial divisions in several Arab nations. 'Today, for the first time since the independence of many Arab countries, there is a fear that these Arab countries are truly extending their sovereignty over all their territories,' he noted. Arab world at a crossroads The senior UAE official painted a picture of an Arab world divided between successful Gulf experiences and struggling nations caught in what he described as a 'bottleneck.' 'The Arab world today is truly divided. There is a very successful experience in the Gulf, but there are experiences in the Arab world today of suffering because they are in a bottleneck,' Dr. Gargash said. He specifically pointed to Syria and Lebanon as examples of changing political landscapes, noting that while some forces recognise the necessity for these countries to emerge from their difficulties, others attempt to pull them back to previous conditions. 'In my assessment, as there are forces that see the necessity for these countries to emerge from this bottleneck, there are forces trying to pull change back to what it was before,' he explained. Ideology collapse Dr. Gargash identified a significant 'collapse of ideology' in Arab politics, particularly evident in the past two or three years during the difficulties of the Gaza war. 'This collapse of ideology in Arab politics has happened before, but unfortunately, many Arabs haven't learned the lessons because this attachment to certain ideological terms was unnatural and contrary to the existing reality,' he said. The Presidential Advisor called for a shift toward pragmatism, emphasising that priorities should focus on improving living conditions, education levels, and addressing youth migration to Europe and the Gulf. 'The priorities should not be fluttering slogans. Priorities must be about education levels, whether there is youth migration to Europe and the Gulf. Why can't we create opportunities for them? Priorities must be realistic,' he stressed. UAE's foreign policy Speaking about the UAE's approach to regional challenges, Dr. Gargash explained that the country balances addressing regional issues with creating opportunities. 'Part of our effort is based on dealing with the region's issues and problems because we live in this region, which also has opportunities. From this reality, the UAE deals with this situation,' he said. He highlighted the UAE's role as 'the main outlet' for countries like Lebanon and Syria during their peak crises, noting the presence of productive Arab communities in the Emirates. 'If Arabs can produce, work, and innovate in the UAE, they can also produce, work, and innovate in their own countries,' Dr. Gargash remarked. International partnerships focused on future Dr. Gargash referenced his recent participation in strategic dialogue with France, noting how UAE-France relations have evolved from energy and security in the 1970s to cultural landmarks like the Louvre and Sorbonne, with Dubai now being 'the largest Francophone city in the Middle East.' He revealed that the UAE is a major investor in creating an AI complex in France, a $50 billion project that the French need as Europe lags behind the US and China in electronic chips and AI. 'During President Trump's visit to the region, the part related to the UAE was about economy, investment, and technology—the future. All announcements from this visit weren't about weapons, security, or energy; they were truly about the future,' he added. Palestinian commitment Dr. Gargash emphasised that the UAE's pragmatic approach does not diminish its commitment to the Palestinian cause.'Our commitment to the Palestinian cause, Palestinians' right to a state, and our pain at what we see in Gaza is real. This will not cancel this approach, and what I'm saying today is not contradictory to that,' he stated. He highlighted that the UAE has provided 42% of all humanitarian aid that entered Gaza since October 8, underscoring the Emirates' significant humanitarian role in the conflict.'We must turn the page, emerge from the bottleneck, and see that our coming challenges must truly be livelihood challenges: how to improve people's conditions, how to prevent the best minds from our countries from leaving, and how to provide real work opportunities,' Dr. Gargash said.
