Close shave

A close shave for Malaysian vessel, Bunga Seroja Satu, when Danish warship, Absalon, helped thwart an attack by Somali pirates at the Gulf of Aden. Swift action on the part of both Bunga Seroja Satu and Absalon helped deter the attempted hijacking. Things do not seem to be improving as there has been at least four attempted attacks on trade ships in the past three days.

Should the situation at the Gulf of Aden does not show any sign of improving, shipping cost will increase as ships will have to ply an extra 3,501 nautical miles and add another 12 days by sailing around Africa to get to Europe (and vice versa). The Gulf of Aden is the passage to the Suez Canal. Unless and until the problem of maritime piracy is solved, chances are the Suez Canal would be relatively quiet - resulting in a loss of income for Egypt.

There is also a report that an unidentified warship has captured 14 Somali pirates on Sunday. Whether this will bring about a solution to the crisis remains to be seen.

I do hope that the international community tackles this piracy menace at the Gulf of Aden promptly and effectively. No doubt, the problem that occurred is a spillover from the socio-political problems plaguing Somalia. Aside from tackling the Somali pirates at sea, efforts must also be taken to alleviate the situation in Somalia itself.

And now the news in brief...

Just finished speed-reading the paper. Some interesting bits I found today:

Oil found at inshore areas in Kelantan: If this is true, and if it is financially-sound to drill oil inshore in Kelantan, then logically, it'd be a windfall for the state and its people. Should be a catalyst for development on this part of the country. I just hope politics do not get in the way. And speaking of oil, I was horrified with the news shown on TV3 last night on the leakage at the petrol station in Putrajaya. I think petrol station owners should take extra precaution to avoid disasters like this.

Four new faces in Suhakam: Interesting bit of news this, especially when I know one of them personally. I am pleasantly surprised myself to find the esteemed Ustaz 'Uthman El-Muhammady (left) as one of the new appointees. I wish him all the best in this new position, and I hope that certain people keep their dissatisfaction, or perhaps envy, to themselves. I am also pleased that my former boss, Professor Datuk Dr. Abdul Monir Yaacob is also reappointed.

Yahoo! aid techno-challenged: For those who want to understand the latest gadgets, tools and technology, go to http://tech.yahoo.com for information. Should be handy!

And of course, last but certainly not least, Malaysia are in the Thomas Cup semi-finals after the nail-biting quarter-finals with Korea. Syabas! And let's hope that success awaits in the match against Denmark.