Kesesakan Terusan Suez – Dunia Rugi RM1.6 bilion Sejam

    Foto Sumber: RT NEWS

INSIDEN kapal kontena besar milik Panama, Ever Given yang tersadai dan mengakibatkan kesesakan lalu lintas marin yang teruk di Terusan Suez semenjak 23 Mac lalu mengakibatkan kerugian besar kepada dunia.

Menurut laporan jurnal berita Lloyd’s List, gangguan perjalanan itu itu mengakibatkan kerugian mencecah AS$400 juta (RM1.6 bilion) sejam.

Tambah Lloyd’s List, anggaran nilai barang yang dibawa kapal kargo itu mencecah AS$9.7 bilion (RM40 bilion) sehari.

Daripada jumlah tersebut, sebanyak AS$5.1 bilion (RM2.1 bilion) dibawa oleh kepal dari timur ke barat dan AS$4.6 bilion (RM19 bilion) dibawa oleh kapal dari barat ke timur.

Kesesakan itu juga memaksa hampir 300 buah kapal kargo lain untuk menukar laluan melalui Afrika dengan perjalanan yang lebih jauh, kos yang tinggi dan juga berbahaya.

Ia juga memberi kesan kepada bekalan global yang meningkat naik dalam pandemik Covid-19.

Ketika ini, usaha mengapungkan semula kapal Ever Given yang tersekat itu masih giat diteruskan.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif syarikat perkapalan Belanda Boskalis, Peter Berdowski berkata pihaknya telah mencuba pelbagai usaha untuk mengalihkan kapal itu daripada sekatan namun tempoh yang diperlukan untuk berbuat demikian tidak dijelaskan.

Terusan Suez merupakan salah satu laluan air terpenting di dunia yang menghubungkan Mediterranean dengan Laut Merah serta merupakan laluan perkapalan ke Asia.

Ia meliputi sepanjang 190 kilometer, sedalam 24 meter dan seluas 205 meter yang boleh mengendalikan puluhan kapal kontena besar dalam masa sehari.-Agensi

Kapal tunda, korek berusaha apungkan kontena sekat Terusan Suez

KAHERAH: Kapal tunda dan korek pada 27 Mac meneruskan operasi hari keempat untuk mengapungkan kapal kontena yang menghalang Terusan Suez di Mesir, hingga memaksa syarikat perkapalan mengubah laluan penting kapal dagang di sekitar Afrika.

MV Ever Given, yang lebih panjang daripada empat padang bola sepak, tersekat secara menyerong merintangi terusan itu sejak Selasa lalu, menutup laluan air kedua-dua arah.

Ia menyebabkan kesesakan lalu lintas ke atas lebih 200 kapal di kedua-dua hujung terusan sepanjang 193 kilometer (km) dan menyebabkan kelewatan penghantaran minyak dan produk lain.

Pegawai dari Shoei Kisen Kaisha, syarikat Jepun yang memiliki Ever Given, hari ini berkata, kru sedang berusaha mengapungkan kapal terbabit.

Katanya, 'kapal tunda dan korek digunakan untuk menghancurkan batu' dalam usaha mengapungkan kapal itu, selain tidak mempunyai maklumat berkaitan kerosakan kapal terbabit.

Krew dilihat bekerja sepanjang malam, menggunakan mesin pengorek sambil dibantu penggunaan lampu limpah.

Bagaimanapun, kapal dengan berat kasar 219,000 tan dan berat muatan 199,000 tan itu masih belum bergerak, memaksa syarikat gergasi perkapalan global Maersk dan Hapag-Lloyd dari Jerman mengubah laluan sekitar hujung benua Afrika.

"Terusan Suez masih tersekat sekurang-kurangnya satu atau dua hari lagi, syarikat perkapalan terpaksa mengambil laluan lebih jauh di sekitar Tanjung Harapan untuk pergi ke Eropah atau pantai timur Amerika Utara," kata Lloyd's List, syarikat data dan berita perkapalan.

"Kapal kontena pertama melakukannya ialah kapal Evergreen, Ever Greet selain laluan memerlukan tambahan 12 hari," katanya. 

SUMBER: AGENSI/AFP

27 MAC 2021

NASA Sasar Penerbangan Pertama di Marikh Awal April 2021

WASHINGTON: Pentadbiran Aeronautik dan Angkasa Lepas Amerika Syarikat (NASA) menyasarkan awal April untuk melancarkan percubaan penerbangan pertama helikopter robotik Ingenuity yang dikawal ke planet lain.

Buat masa ini, helikopter ultra ringan itu masih terlekat di perut kenderaan jelajah Perseverance rover, yang mendarat di Planet Marikh pada 18 Februari lalu.

Ahad lalu, Perseverance menjatuhkan sisa-sisa perisai yang melindungi Ingenuity ketika berlakunya pendaratan, dan ia sedang menuju ke tapak penerbangan di mana Ingenuity akan dilancarkan.

Apabila tiba di sana, ia akan mempunyai tempoh 30 sol Marikh yang bersamaan dengan 31 hari Bumi untuk menjalankan misinya.

"Tekaan kami ialah 8 April untuk penerbangan pertama," kata Bob Balaram, Ketua Jurutera Helikopter Marikh di Makmal Pendorong Jet sambil menambah ia kemungkinan beberapa hari awal atau lewat.

Balaram berkata, buat pertama kalinya Ingenuity membawa sehelai kain kecil yang menutupi salah satu sayap pesawat pertama saudara Wright yang dilancarkan melalui penerbangan berkuasa pertama di bumi Kitty Hawk pada tahun 1903, untuk memberi penghormatan kepada pencapaian itu.

Ingenuity akan terbang di atmosfera dengan satu peratus ketumpatan Bumi, yang menjadikan data angkatan lebih sukar tetapi akan dibantu oleh graviti satu pertiga planet Bumi.

Penerbangan pertama akan membabitkan pendakian dengan kecepatan sekitar satu meter sesaat hingga mencapai ketinggian tiga meter, berlegar-legar selama 30 saat, kemudian turun kembali ke permukaan.

Ia akan mengambil fotografi resolusi tinggi ketika terbang.

Sebelum itu, Ingenuity perlu ditempatkan di tapak pelancarannya, dan diletakkan secara menegak, satu proses yang akan memakan masa selama beberapa hari lagi.

Selepas Perseverance menurunkan helikopter itu, ia perlu beredar sejauh lima meter dalam masa 25 jam supaya tidak membayangi Ingenuity.

Itulah tempoh masa bateri Ingenuity dapat menjalankan pemanasnya tanpa perlu dikuasakan semula melalui panel solarnya.

Bahagian itu sangat penting untuk bertahan pada suhu waktu malam yang boleh turun serendah minus 90 darjah Celsius. 

SUMBER: AFP/24 MAC 2021

10 MUST-VISIT SELANGOR’S NEW TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

 

 Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor

Selangor Strengthens Its Status as the Preferred Travel Destination in Malaysia with a Selection of Exciting New Tourism Products

The State of Selangor certainly is home to unique tourism attractions offering serenity of nature and elements of local cultures, urban areas boasting modern lifestyle, and a variety of food options; - from stalls to lavish restaurants. Amidst struggling tourism industry bearing the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Selangor strengthens its status as the preferred travel destination in Malaysia with a selection of exciting new tourism products with high potential of attracting tourists as follows:

1) Singgah Santai Resort, Hulu Langat

Singgah Santai Resort is one of the newest accommodation providers with resort-like theme in Hulu Langat District of Selangor. The resort offers a selection of room types, according to the needs of the guests. 

They will also enjoy the many resting areas around the resort. Travel enthusiasts, backpackers, or simply guests with family and children would certainly enjoy their time here as the place offers peaceful and serene stay; a bit distant from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: Kg Batu 14, Jalan Felcra Semungkis, Hulu Langat, Selangor.

2) “Sidek Brothers” Monument, Banting

In the town  of Banting, a new monument now stands tall; built to remember the contributions of the Sidek Brothers who made Malaysia proud in the arena of badminton; domestic and international. Sidek Brothers also used to be featured in animation and comic series which were the talk of the town back in the day. 

One fun fact; “Sidek Brothers” Monument is built within the grounds of the house of Tuan Haji Sidek, where the Sidek Brothers grew up in. Now, the house and the most recent; the Monument have become one of Selangor’s attractions with historic values in Banting town, Kuala Langat.

Address: Jalan Sultan Alam Shah, Kampung Kanchong Darat, 42700 Banting, Kuala Langat, Selangor.

3) Sungai Lepoh Waterfall, Hulu Langat

Sungai Lepoh waterfall is one of the newest nature attractions in Hulu Langat. Also known as Sungai Lopo or Sungai Lepok, this serene waterfall area is also a perfect place for a picnic with family and friends. 

The place also attracts nature lovers and hikers, especially those residing in Klang Valley, during weekends and public holidays. 

Address: Lot 3461, KM22 Sungai Lepoh, Kampung Kuala 43100, 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor.

4) Anjung Spotter, KLIA Plane Spotting

Anjung Spotter is one of the latest additions to country’s proud Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. Now open to public, the place is perfect for photographers or simply anyone who love the airplanes. 

At Anjung Spotter, they are able to capture taking-off or landing airplanes from various interesting angles; the closest they may be too! The open concept gives an exceptional experience to the visitors, especially to children; creating one-of-a-kind memories.

Address: Jalan Pekeliling , Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor.

5) Ardence Labs @ Eco Ardence, Setia Alam

Amidst the avidity of Selangor’s housing and property developers in introducing new places with tourism  appeal within the compounds of their development projects, some of these really turn out to be a success. 

For instance, Ardence Labs @ Eco Ardence is Setia Alam’s newest attraction where visitors get to enjoy the ambience and take beautiful pictures every now and then, with bold and vibrant 2D, 3D and graffiti art backgrounds.

Address: Eco Ardance Sales Gallery PT 8, Persiaran Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor.

6) Elmina Central Park, Shah Alam

The greens within a modern concept; Elmina Central Park is a new recreational area with a jogging track which is also roller-blading and cycling-friendly. Meanwhile, the Elmina Iconic Bridge is a grand structure, perfect for pictures.

With bright red colour that seems to light up when the sun sets, this bridge really is a stunner at night.

Address: Seksyen U16 City of Elmina, 40160, Selangor.

7) HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm, Sepang

HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm is a huge dragon fruit farm in Sepang District which offers various activities to its visitors; not limited to only fresh dragon fruit plucking and tasting. 

Visitors also get to experience a guided tour around the farm, as well as get to plant their own dragon fruits and learn on the fruits’ pollination process during the visit.

Address: Lot 7608, Jalan Besar, Baru Satu, 43900, Sepang, Selangor.

8) Sungai Serai Hot Spring, Hulu Langat

Selangor is well-known as being the home to various hot spring attractions; which Sungai Serai Hot Spring, Hulu Langat has made its way into the list. 

Preferred by many lovers of nature regardless of age, this hot spring with high concentration of sulphur within its soils is a perfect destination after a trip to one of the many waterfalls located along the whole stretch of Hulu Langat District.

Address: Lot 769, Jalan Sentosa 11/A, Taman Desa Sentosa, Hulu Langat, Daerah Hulu Langat, selangor.

9) Woodhouse KKB IO Home, Tinggian, Kuala Kubu Bharu

Woodhouse KKB IO Home offers a stay in unique tree houses, with emphasis on privacy. With mesmerising views of the peak of Kuala Kubu Bharu Hill, Woodhouse KKB IO Home is equipped with modern furniture and facilities for that luxurious stay. 

It has a private pool, two spacious bedrooms with en suites, outdoor kitchen equipped with appliances, balcony dining area, barbeque equipment, a washing machine and cable TV, studio tables, and more.

Address: Jalan Harmonian 2, Off Jalan Padang Golf, Tinggian, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor

10) Chenuang Hill, Hulu Langat

Chenuang Hill, Hulu Langat poses a high potential in becoming the preferred hiking destination after the widely-known Broga Hill as its track from the entrance of Sungai Chongkak Tropical Forest is well-marked with clear directions and sign boards. 

There are also several rivers along the way, allowing hikers to have some breaks in between, before reaching the peak of Chenuang Hill, approximately in 2-3 hours, depending on their speed and skills.

Address: Pejabat Hutan Daerah Selangor Tengah, Tingkat 1, Blok B, Platinum Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor

Selangor, is not exempted from having to face the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. While some tourism operators may have to shut their businesses down during these difficult times, some operators are opening their premises’ doors to visitors and tourists in 2021. 

Tourism Selangor has also been highlighting some of the State’s nature attractions.

However, it is to be reminded, new-norm practises based on SOPs should be emphasized at all times. Worry-free; almost all of Selangor’s tourism attractions have been practising Covid-19 precautionary measures. 

Tourists in Selangor should always register via “Selangkah:Langkah Masuk Dengan Selamat” mobile application, ensure social distancing, apply hand sanitizers regularly and wear face masks at all times, for the sake of many.

For more information, log on to TourismSelangor’s official website; Selangor.Travel.

By: Tourism Selangor

BMW's iDrive 8 helps drivers using machine learning and natural language processing

Two decades after its debut in the 2001 Series 7, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is among the best on the market. It’s about to get even better — think, natural language processing, gesture control and cloud-based machine learning — with the release of its latest iteration, iDrive 8, aboard the upcoming BMW iX and i4.

BMW iDrive 8BMW

The system’s onboard AI, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, will be the driver’s primary point of contact when interacting with the new iDrive 8. The driver will be able to give the IPA a personalized name and then cue up various in-vehicle functions and information streams using either verbal or non-verbal commands. 

The new iDrive 8 has also been issued a face of sorts, “spheres of light in differing sizes and brightness levels, giving the assistant more space and new ways of expressing itself,” per a BMW press release.

Drivers will also find the iDrive 8 offers more contextual functionality than its predecessors. The new system will take external conditions like traffic and road conditions into account before attempting to interact with the vehicle’s passengers. 

It will also “control functions such as climate control, ambient lighting, audio playback, opening and closing of the side windows, shading of the panoramic glass roof, switching between My Modes, and the driver assistance systems” so the driver won’t have to take their eyes off the road in heavy traffic conditions to find the front defrost controls on a touchscreen menu. 

What’s more, the IPA can also deliver vehicle status information and provide details on local points of interest.

“The future will be with less switches, BMW CTO Frank Weber said during an online roundtable on Monday. “But it won't be switchless.”

iDrive 8BMW

My Modes is another new feature to iDrive 8, replacing the older Driving Experience Controls. It enables the driver to personalize and activate up to ten vehicle parameters under a single command grouping. 

The preset Modes include Efficient, which prioritizes energy efficiency and a calming cabin interior; Sport, which boosts acceleration and handling; and Personal, which is whatever you want it to be. Additional modes will eventually be made available to the BMW community through future OTA updates using the vehicle’s onboard 5G connectivity.

The iDrive’s various monitors and gauges will appear on BMW’s new Curved Display which combines a 200 ppi 12.3-inch information display in lieu of the traditional control cluster, and a 14.9-inch control (read, infotainment) display. 

The all-electric iX will also include a HUD, whose projector is integrated within the steering column itself, showing the driver pertinent vehicle information directly on the windshield ahead of them. 

To ensure that the driver doesn’t become distracted with extraneous information, BMW has adopted a “Act, Locate and Inform” principle in which “pre-filtering ensures that only information relevant to the driving situation is presented to the driver, and always shown where they can absorb it as quickly and easily as possible,” per the company.

The iDrive’s graphics are similarly designed for minimal driver distraction. Like previous iterations, the iDrive 8 will allow drivers to personalize their various graphic displays and quickly swap between three preset menu layouts and a host of media widgets using tactile buttons mounted on the steering wheel. 

These presets include Drive, which offers “a dynamically changing area in the center of the information display to show individually selectable information;” Focus, which keeps the driving gauges front and center; and Gallery, which seems like a really bad idea as it minimizes the instrument cluster in favor of media widgets. There is also a Calm mode that shows the vehicle’s speed and nothing else.

BMW iDrive 8MANUEL_NAGEL

Drivers will also be able to take their personal settings with them with the new BMW ID feature, which is tied to either a PIN or the driver’s MyBMW app. 

Simply enter the PIN or entangle your app with any vehicle sporting an iDrive 7 or 8 to immediately port virtually every one of your preference settings to the new car — super helpful if you’ve just received a loaner from the dealership.

BMW is also leaning heavily on cloud-based machine learning to improve the IPA’s responsiveness as well as the iX’s navigation system. Rather than simply ingesting and regurgitating traffic data at the driver, the new iDrive 8 has learned to calculate probabilities. 

For example, it will leverage the traffic patterns around local points of interest to return more accurate ETAs. It can help drivers find open parking spaces near their destination. 

The same applies to the vehicle’s air conditioning. BMW taught the iDrive 8 to better anticipate the climate control needs of its drivers based on 440 million training trips from around the world. 

This allows the iDrive to automatically set the optimum cabin temperature based on not only the external environmental conditions but also the driver’s personal habits.

SOURCE: ENDGADGET