[Asia Round-up] Diapers form 12.14% of waste in Malaysia

(Photo : Xinhua/NEWSis)

Adult and baby diapers now 12.14% of waste in Malaysia

Diapers formed 12.14 per cent of the total waste disposed in Malaysia. This shows that Malaysia has an ageing population as more senior citizens are using diapers. This fact stressed the importance of using more environmental-friendly and cost-effective technology such as thermal treatment in solid waste management. Malaysia will bid to host the 2018 International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress in Kuala Lumpur.
The Star, Malaysia

(Photo : Xinhua/NEWSis)

Nepal not earning from remittance

Nepal has not been able to benefit from the remittance sent home by Nepalis working abroad as most of the money is being spent on basic needs. Remittance accounts for one-fourth of the country’s GDP amounting to US$4.4 billion in the fiscal year 2012-13. The central bank is planning to issue foreign employment bonds worth $10 million this year to help direct the money earned by migrant workers to productive sectors.
The Kathmandu Post, Nepal

(Photo : Xinhua/NEWSis)

China’s worsening air pollution, health-hazard crisis

Air pollution in China is becoming a serious health threat. The concentration of PM2.5 topped the upper limit of 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre in Harbin. The figure far exceeds Japan’s safety standard of 35 micrograms per day. PM2.5’s cancer-causing risk is comparable to those of asbestos and smoking, WHO warned. Fighting air contamination is an urgent task that Japan and China must carry out together.
The Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan

(Photo : AP/NEWSis)

More data needed: Civilians killed in drone strikes

As the debate on US drone strikes continues, there are growing indications that a number of civilians are killed. An Amnesty International report confirmed the killing of civilians in two separate attacks including a group of 18 labourers among 45 strikes in North Waziristan between January 2012 and August 2013. Even a single innocent civilian killed is one too many. The factual information on civilians and militants killed in the strikes should be released.
Dawn, Pakistan