Nationwide 結果共45筆

Premier Chen Chien-Jen addresses inquiries on the possibility of a unified Labor Day holiday on May 1 in Taiwan, pending a meeting with the Ministry of the Interior. Legislation amendments may be considered if a decision is reached before May 20, as discussed in response to concerns raised by KMT legislator Wang Hung-wei and the National Federation of Teachers Unions.

Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state signs bill designating Lunar New Year as a state holiday, promoting inclusivity for Asian Americans. Representative My-Linh Thai spearheaded the initiative, aiming for nationwide recognition.

The Taiwan food industry is rocked by a scandal involving the detection of carcinogenic industrial dye Sudan Red in breading and marinade powders used by numerous restaurants across the country. Over two metric tons of tainted powders have been distributed in 11 municipalities nationwide, prompting swift action from health authorities and food businesses.

Lawmakers and health advocates in Taipei call for gender equality in cancer prevention policy, pushing for junior high school boys to be included in the public HPV vaccination program. Data shows higher rates of oral HPV infections and head and neck cancer in males. Taipei City has already allocated funds for HPV vaccinations for boys, with calls for nationwide implementation. Suggestions include using increased tobacco health surcharge revenue to fund vaccinations. Calls for equal opportunities in cancer prevention measures for all students and a focus on lowering cancer risks for children.

Stay informed about Taiwan’s government-funded influenza vaccination program starting on March 5. All citizens aged six months and older are now eligible for flu shots to curb the spread of the flu post-lantern festivals. High-risk groups like seniors, preschool children, and medical staff are encouraged to get vaccinated promptly. Supplies are limited, with about 70,000 doses left as of Feb. 27. Vaccine effectiveness varies by age and health condition, ranging from 30 to 80 percent.

Yannick, the pioneer of Taiwan’s cream roll cake, is set to close six stores nationwide as part of its 2024 strategy adjustment due to labor shortages and high raw material costs. Despite this, Yannick Chairman Wu Tsung-en remains optimistic about the company’s operations and plans to launch 30 additional Yannick To Go Machine (YTM) cake vending machines. Founded in 2000, Yannick is known for being the first cake shop to specialize in slice cakes and later introduce the cream roll cake.

The Executive Yuan of Taiwan has approved a draft bill for referendum absentee voting, allowing eligible voters to apply for absentee voting through a transfer voting system to protect their voting rights. The new law, in accordance with Article 25 of the amended Referendum Act, aims to facilitate voting for those unable to return to their place of registration due to various reasons. The Central Election Commission will implement the absentee voting method to ensure secrecy and fairness, with an application system open to all eligible voters until 60 days before the voting day. Additionally, an online application system will be established for voter convenience, including options for residents in remote areas to apply for transfer voting within the same county or city.

The National Police Agency has denied rumors of cutting year-end bonuses for police officers, clarifying that the bonuses are distributed according to the provisions of the Executive Yuan. Police officers who are employed by Jan. 31 and still on the job by Dec. 1 would receive a year-end working bonus of 1.5 months, with no specific stipulations for police officers. Last July, the Executive Yuan approved a 15% increase in police duty allowances, the first adjustment in 30 years, benefiting nearly 70,000 officers nationwide. The agency reaffirmed its support for police officers and commitment to improving their working conditions and benefits.

Get the latest weather forecast for Taiwan as a mainland cold front moves southward. Expect cold and damp conditions, with morning temperatures ranging between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures will reach only 17 to 20 degrees in the north and eastern regions, while the central, southern sectors, and Taitung can expect warmer temperatures of 23 to 27 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is expected across Taiwan, with broad, persistent rainfall in the north and localized, brief showers in other areas. There is a possibility of snow or sleet in high-altitude areas, particularly on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The weather will stabilize on the second and third days of the lunar year, with gradually warming temperatures. Stay prepared and carry rain gear when venturing outdoors.

Weather experts have warned that a weak northeast monsoon will briefly impact Taiwan, resulting in temporary showers in the northern and eastern regions. Coastal winds will increase and central and southern regions will experience slightly cooler temperatures, but the effects are not significant. The weekend weather will return to warm and stable conditions. As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, scattered early showers may occur in the north and center regions. On Monday, there may be brief showers across Taiwan with a decrease in high temperatures as a front passes. Starting from Tuesday next week, the weather will transition to a northeast monsoon pattern, but the incoming cold air is not strong and will mainly affect daytime temperatures on the windward side. From Wednesday evening to New Year’s Eve on Thursday next week, the South China rain area will move eastward, resulting in widespread rain nationwide and significantly lower temperatures.

President Tsai Ing-wen visits forces stationed at Penghu and pledges continued support for the Republic of China Armed Forces. She also inaugurates the renovated Wude Barracks and emphasizes the government’s dedication to revitalizing military dormitories nationwide. The defense budget for 2024 reaches a record high of NT＄600.7 billion, and Tsai inspects military demonstrations by the mechanized infantry battalion of the Penghu Defense Command. The president highlights ongoing defense reforms to establish a leaner and more modern military force and acknowledges the strategic importance of the Penghu force. With the Lunar New Year approaching, she advises officers to stay connected with their families and encourages quality time with loved ones for those on leave.

A recent survey by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation reveals that 52% of respondents have confidence in President-elect Lai Ching-te’s leadership. The survey, conducted from Jan. 15-17, 2024, among adults aged 20 and above nationwide, shows that 21% have high confidence in Lai’s ability to lead, while 30.9% are somewhat confident. On the other hand, 19.5% are not very confident, 18.7% are not at all confident, and 7.3% held no opinion. The survey, which had a total valid sample of 1083 respondents, also found that 51.9% expressed confidence in Lai, while 38.2% reported having no confidence in him. The survey was funded by TPOF and had a margin of error of approximately 2.98 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president-elect, Lai Ching-te, and vice president-elect, Hsiao Bi-khim, have begun their nationwide bento box meeting tour to engage with local concerns and express gratitude to election staff and volunteers. The tour started in Kaohsiung and Pingtung in southern Taiwan and will continue for two weeks, covering the entire island and its outer islands. The bento box meetings aim to create a relaxed atmosphere for discussions on the post-election situation and the future of the new parliament. Despite the election results, the DPP remains committed to listening to local opinions in the new political landscape.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has successfully implemented a mental health support program for young people, serving 17,000 individuals by the end of 2023. The program offers three free counseling sessions for individuals aged 15 to 30, with 33% of users assessed as high-risk and referred for medical treatment. The majority of users are between the ages of 24 and 30, comprising 66% of the total users. The program has received positive feedback, with a satisfaction rate of 96% and 95% of participants finding the counseling services beneficial. The initiative has utilized approximately 50% of its budget and will continue to provide counseling even after its completion. Currently, 406 partner institutions nationwide contribute mental health services to the program. MOHW aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health counseling and encourages young people to actively seek help. The ministry plans to further accumulate psychological medical resources to serve the needs of young people. The program was launched on August 1, 2022, through collaboration between seven leading professional medical and psychological associations.

Taiwan FactCheck Center refutes Ko Wen-je’s claim that most of Taiwan’s social housing units were completed during his tenure. As of August 2023, Taiwan had a total of 27,781 social housing units, with 6,253 existing residences and 21,528 newly completed units. During Ko’s term as mayor until 2022, a total of 11,383 social housing units were built or constructed, including units initiated by his predecessor, Hau Lung-pin. Of these, only 5,062 units were started and completed before August 2023 under Ko’s administration, accounting for just 23.51% of the nationwide newly completed total. When factoring in Hau’s units, projects completed under Ko’s term totaled 6,359 units, or 29.54% of the nationwide total. These figures contradict Ko’s claim of being responsible for ＂most＂ of the social housing projects. The factual data reveals a significant discrepancy between his statement and the reality.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim have begun their 10-day election campaign trail, which includes 21 large-scale rallies and greeting voters at over 1,000 crossroads across all 22 municipalities in Taiwan. Lai will take three more trips around the island before the election on Jan. 12. The campaign will conclude with joint campaigning in New Taipei and Taipei City.

DPP candidate Lai Ching-te campaigned at a traffic intersection in Taipei, echoing President Tsai Ing-wen’s previous bid in the same location. The DPP has launched a nationwide campaign to solicit votes at over 1,000 intersections across Taiwan. Lai has called on citizens to vote for the DPP at 22 municipalities and 817 traffic intersections. He emphasized the importance of having a majority in the legislative yuan to ensure the smooth advancement of Taiwan. Lai and his vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim are positioned as candidates who can continue Tsai Ing-wen’s political course and guide Taiwan forward.

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu accuses the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of smearing and attacking the presidential election through nationwide advertising campaigns. The KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong are losing swing voters, according to a public opinion poll published by the United Daily News. Chu criticizes the DPP for targeting Hou by drawing attention to the dormitory at Taipei’s Chinese Culture University (CCU), owned by Hou’s wife. He warns that if such smear tactics go unchecked, Taiwan risks becoming a society dominated by smear campaigns. Internal party polls show that the KMT’s support rates are within the margin of error compared to the DPP’s, leading by one percentage point in landline-based surveys. Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections are due to take place next Saturday, and Chu emphasizes that the KMT will work harder despite alleged underhanded tactics and continuous smearing efforts by the DPP.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has hinted that the large inflatable artwork ＂Rubber Duck＂ by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman may be exhibited once again in Kaohsiung. The preparations are currently underway, and the exact details will be announced after completion. The Rubber Duck previously attracted over 3.9 million visitors during its 32-day exhibition at the Kaohsiung Glory Pier harbor in 2013, increasing Kaohsiung’s international visibility and sparking a nationwide ＂Rubber Duck＂ fever in Taiwan. The possible re-exhibition is the result of efforts by then-Deputy Mayor Lee Yung-te and Information Bureau Director Lai Jui-lung, among others.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je vows to promote international sports events, including the 2038 Asian Games and the Olympics, if elected. He recognizes the connection between sports and national power and highlights Taiwan’s top athletes. Ko also proposes career planning guidance and specific examinations for sports personnel, as well as the establishment of a National Sports Development Fund and revision of the Sports Industry Development Act. He plans to increase the budget for the national training center, improve support teams, and promote physical fitness nationwide. Ko aims to develop e-sports and align it with global standards, while advocating for education reforms and cultivating high-tech talents.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has unveiled a three-part ＂winning formula＂ for their presidential candidate Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim. The strategy aims to rally support across Taiwan leading up to the 2024 elections through a series of events and initiatives. The first element, ＂Round-Island Puzzle,＂ involves visits to various counties and cities to discuss future development plans. The campaign will then intensify with the ＂Stand at Crossroads & Rally Nights,＂ featuring large-scale rallies in multiple locations. The final phase, the ＂Nationwide Tour,＂ will see Lai and Hsiao taking separate routes across the island to drum up last-minute support.

The Yunlin County Government has announced the sale of its TPASS ticket, priced at NT＄199, which will become active next Tuesday. The TPASS integrates various modes of public transportation within the county, including Taiwan Railway, highway buses, local city buses, and public bicycles, providing an economical solution for commuters. The pass allows unlimited use for 30 days, covering 69 highway and city bus routes and five Taiwan railway stations. Pass holders will also enjoy the first 30 minutes of public bicycle use without charge. The Yunlin TPASS is tied with Hualien for the lowest-priced monthly transit pass nationwide and covers the most extensive range of transit routes within a single county or city. To celebrate the launch, pass holders can enjoy an exclusive promotion, including a ＂buy one, get one free＂ offer for two people traveling together from Douliu Train Station to Janfusun Theme Park by presenting their TPASS ticket stub.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed an amendment to the House Tax Act, known as the ＂House Hoarding Tax 2.0,＂ raising the tax rate for non-owner-occupied housing to a range of 2 to 4.8 percent, up from the current range of 1.5 to 3.6 percent. The tax rates will apply nationally to all properties owned by individuals and will be implemented by July 2025. Local governments will set their tax rate discrepancies based on the total number of residential properties owned nationwide. The amendment was approved in the Legislative Yuan session following negotiations among the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), with dissent from the New Power Party (NPP).

KMT chairman Eric Chu expresses optimism about the upcoming legislative elections and suggests that the KMT could potentially secure a majority if things go smoothly. He is joined by legislators-at-large candidates Ko Chih-en and Hsieh Lung-chieh, as they declare their commitment to victory in the 2024 elections. The KMT acknowledges that about 15 electoral districts are currently in tight races and plans to mobilize a strong team including former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to bolster support in these critical areas. Chairman Chu expresses confidence in the quality of the KMT’s legislative nominees and emphasizes the party’s careful and cautious approach to the election battle. With high-profile party members rallying to support candidates nationwide, the KMT is gearing up for a significant push ahead of the 2024 legislative elections.

The New Taipei City Police Bureau announced that NT＄147.19 million was intercepted from potential fraud in October and November 2023, bringing the total amount of prevented fraud in New Taipei to NT＄700 million. Deputy Mayor Chu Ti-chih urged local law enforcement to continue cracking down on illegal activities and emphasized the significant decrease in traffic fatalities in 2023. From January to September, there were 188 vehicle accident-related deaths, a 20% reduction compared to the same period last year. Notably, the number of elderly traffic fatalities dropped by 36%, the highest reduction nationwide.