Record fine for factory over infamous Songhua spill

China: Jilin Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Petrochina Group, was fined a record CNYI m (USD128,000) as a result of a toxic spill that even reached Russia and caused authorities to cut off water supplies to millions of people. This fine constitutes the maximum amount allowed by law.

In November 2005, a huge explosion caused approximately 100 tonnes of carcinogenic benzene to seep into the Songhua River raising benzene levels to 108 times safety levels in China. The government only announced the severe damage ten days following the incident and after repeated denials that there had been any major environmental impact.

Source: Agence France Press – English Wire, 15 January 2007
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Pollution turns river red in central China

China: The Hubei province government in central China cut water supplies to some 200,000 people, as part of the Han River and its tributaries turned red and foamy due to pollution. Tests revealed elevated levels of ammonia, nitrogen and permanganate, a chemical used for metal cleaning, tanning and bleaching. The communities were dependent on emergency water supplies; five schools were closed, while others could not provide food to the students.

Source: Associated Press, 27 February 2008
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Listed firms forced to submit environmental data

China: To cope with a water pollution rate of about 70% and an urban air quality that is among the worst in the world, the Chinese Government intends to force energyintense companies that intend to raise money on the stock market or companies that are already listed to make full disclosure of their environmental impact. Inspections will be carried out to make sure companies adhere to this prerequisite. This regulation covers companies operating in more than one province and in 13 sectors, such as thermal power generation, iron, steel and cement.

Source: Agence France Presse-English Wire, 26 February 2008
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Failure to meet environmental taKgets

China: According to the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), environmental problems have become a major hindrance to China's economic and social development. In 2006, 161 severe pollution incidents were recorded. Their goals of reducing energy consumption by 4% and emissions of pollutants by 2% were not met; on the contrary, energy consumption and emissions increased during the first half of the year. Moreover, more than 70% of rivers, lakes and underground water supplies in 90% of Chinese cities are contaminated.

Source: Agence France Press - English Wire, 10 January 2007
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Banker's family awarded SGD1.9m (USD1.4m)

Singapore: The family of a banker, who died in a car crash on December 18, 2004, will receive about SGD1.9rn (USD1.4m), less than half of the SGD4.8m (USD3.5m) the family sued for.

The victim was the sole passenger in the car driven by a friend, when the vehicle crashed into the back of a.lorry. After suffering severe injuries he died four hours after ` the accident.

His two sons will receive USD1.624m and his wife USD211,000. Thereby it was considered that his plan was to support his sons through education abroad, as well as the family's maintenance expenses.

Source: Strait Times, 28 June 1007
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Accident victim awarded SGD1.5m (USD1.1m)

Singapore: A 33-year-old man who was incapacitated and mentally disabled by a road accident in 2001 has been awarded SGD1.Sm (USD1.1 m) by the High Court. The claim was about SGD2.Sm (USD1.8m).

Source: SoLrce: Straits Times, 7 March 2008
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Bus crash kills 20 people

Malaysia: Twenty people were killed on 13 August 2007 in one of the worst accidents in Malaysia's history.
The Express bus, which was on long-haul journey liad.27 passengers and two drivers on board when the accident happened. The bus was moving downhill when it crashed into a road divider. The impact of the crash ripped off the roof off the bus.

The bus driver, who also died, had 13 summoneses and two arrest warrants for various traffic offences. It has to be investigated if the mandatory switch of bus drivers had taken place.

Source. Strait Times, 14 August 2007
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