 TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Metropolitan Transport Corp. electric bus caught fire Monday at 8:40 p.m. near the Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital station.
A battery warning appeared on the dashboard just before the fire erupted, prompting the driver to immediately pull over. All seven passengers exited safely before flames burst from the vehicle’s right side. No injuries were reported. The company said the bus was manufactured by RAC Electric Vehicles in December 2021 and underwent maintenance in March and April. Beginning Tuesday, all buses using the same type of battery have been temporarily pulled from service, with diesel buses dispatched as replacements. On Tuesday morning, Taipei’s Transportation Department, along with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Vehicle Safety Certification Center, sent personnel to the bus company to investigate the cause of the incident. The department also ordered all 858 electric buses in the city to complete inspections of their batteries and charging systems within three days. RAC Electric Vehicles said the battery had no prior record of accidents. The company added that the battery pack is certified under European safety standards and includes built-in protection mechanisms in case of abnormalities. New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said the city operates 56 electric buses equipped with the same type of battery. He said the Transportation Department will review the service life, maintenance records, and incident history of batteries used in the city’s fleet. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) added that the city has three buses made by RAC Electric Vehicles, which have also been taken out of service for inspections of their batteries and related equipment. According to the transportation ministry, Taiwan had 1,926 registered electric buses and 10,086 public charging connectors as of December. The ministry plans to invest NT$64.3 billion (US$2.1 billion) by 2030 to subsidize the replacement of diesel buses or the purchase of 14,500 new electric buses.
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 TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei City Department of Health announced Tuesday that three imported mung bean products were found to contain pesticide residues exceeding legal limits during inspections conducted in April.
Mung beans thrive in humid, rainy climates and are vulnerable to pests such as bean flies, aphids, red spiders, stink bugs, and the Taiwan yellow tussock moth, according to Sci-Tech Vista and the Ministry of Agriculture. Authorities inspected 30 grain and legume products sold at retail markets, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. Of the three non-compliant products, one originated from Myanmar and two from Indonesia. One was distributed by a company outside Taipei, while the other two were sold by Taipei-based vendors. Local health authorities will pursue enforcement actions and impose penalties under food safety regulations. The 30 sampled products included 26 imported items and four domestic ones. Among the samples were 10 mung beans, five sesame, four oats, three each of soybeans and Job’s tears, two red beans, and one each of rice, red quinoa, and buckwheat. The inspections tested for pesticide residues, phosphine, ethylene oxide, heavy metals, and aflatoxins. Violations included 0.07 parts per million (ppm) of cyproconazole in the Myanmar product, exceeding the legal limit of 0.05 ppm. According to Santa Cruz Biotechnology, cyproconazole may pose risks of cancer, genetic mutations, or reduced fertility with long-term or repeated exposure, though data remains inconclusive. The Indonesian samples contained 0.03 ppm and 0.04 ppm of thiamethoxam, both above the 0.02 ppm threshold. Thiamethoxam is classified as a World Health Organization Class III pesticide linked to liver and kidney toxicity. A 2023 study in Environment International reported increased liver tumors in mice and potential developmental effects following high maternal exposure. Taipei-based distributors could face fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$2,036) to NT$200 million under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The non-Taipei distributor has been referred to its local health authority for follow-up. The Health Department urged importers to establish food safety monitoring plans and enhance self-inspection, including routine testing of raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished products. Downstream vendors are advised to retain documentation of product origins to ensure traceability. Consumers are advised to rinse grains and legumes under running water, soak them for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse them two to three more times with clean tap water to help reduce pesticide residue levels.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The economics ministry announced Tuesday it has partnered with National Cheng Kung University and three other universities to launch its new AI talent initiative.
The plan offers a one-year practical training course divided into three four-month phases: industry professional development, AI application practice, and corporate internships. It aims to drive smart transformation by cultivating AI talent, including local and foreign students. The government will fully cover training costs and provide monthly stipends of NT$20,000 (US$670) during training and NT$30,000 during internships. Graduates must commit to at least two years of service in participating companies. Designed to reduce financial burdens, the program requires no fees and provides substantial learning incentives, allowing trainees to focus fully on skill-building and real-world experience. The MOEA’s Industrial Development Administration said the program partners with National Taipei University, National Taipei University of Technology, National Formosa University, and National Cheng Kung University. Each institution tailors its curriculum to leverage its strengths and develop cross-industry AI talent, it explained. Enrollment is open, with courses set to begin in August. The initiative aims to create a pathway between academia and industry, easing talent shortages and accelerating AI adoption across Taiwan’s business sectors.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Thai massage therapist in New Taipei has been indicted for allegedly recording female clients without their consent during massage sessions, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office said.
The suspect, a woman surnamed Shen (沈), reportedly collaborated with a male acquaintance surnamed Chang (張) to carry out the unauthorized recordings. Shen was employed at a wellness center where clients were required to remove their clothing, except for disposable undergarments provided by the establishment. According to prosecutors, Shen recorded clients without their knowledge during treatments and shared the footage with Chang through a messaging app. The case came to light on April 25 when one client noticed she was being filmed and reported the incident to authorities. Police arrested Shen at the wellness center and confiscated her phone as evidence. Chang’s phone was similarly seized on May 1 following a search of his residence. Investigators identified six clients who had been secretly recorded. Prosecutors have charged Shen and Chang with violating laws related to unauthorized filming of individuals. They noted that each incident involved distinct actions and intent, and have requested that the court consider cumulative sentencing for the offenses. Under Article 319 of Taiwan’s Criminal Code, recording sexual or intimate images without a person’s consent or awareness can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) announced that starting Oct. 1, international travelers must complete the country’s arrival card online, as the current paper-based form will be discontinued.
The shift to digital forms is part of a broader initiative to streamline immigration procedures and reduce paper consumption, aligning Taiwan’s entry process with international standards, according to the agency. Travelers must complete the arrival card through the agency’s designated website, Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC), within three days prior to arrival. The platform supports Mandarin and English input, with instructional guides available in seven languages, including Mandarin, English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. Secretariat official Lin Tse-chien (林澤謙) said the agency has received positive feedback since launching the revamped TWAC interface on May 5. In addition to design improvements, the system now allows travelers to upload a photo of their passport’s bio page to automatically populate personal details. To accommodate families and group travelers, the system enables a single individual to submit arrival information for up to 16 people. Upon successful submission, a confirmation email is sent to the user’s designated address. For travelers who have not completed the form in advance, the agency has coordinated with airlines and shipping companies to display QR code posters at check-in counters in airports and seaports. These travelers will be required to complete the form online before proceeding. The agency added that users can review or edit their information before arrival if necessary. It said the TWAC system will offer travelers a smoother entry and help build a more efficient, welcoming gateway to Taiwan.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A French national drowned at Tamsui's Shalun Beach on Monday at 4 p.m.
The 37-year-old male drowned after being swept away by waves, with his girlfriend, surnamed Chung (鍾), notifying authorities of his disappearance. The police and the Coast Guard immediately responded to the emergency.. After a 40-minute search, he was found with no vital signs approximately 500 meters from the beach. Three Coast Guard officers pulled him into a lifeboat and brought him ashore, later rushing him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead soon afterwards. Shalun Beach has undercurrents and whirlpools just beneath the surface that are difficult to detect, which led to four drownings in 2012. In 2013, New Taipei prohibited all water recreation activities at the beach. However, over the past decade, people still play in the water and swim during the summer or on weekends. There have also been multiple calls to reopen the beach for water activities. DPP New Taipei City Councilor Cheng Yu-en (鄭宇恩) said in the wake of the most recent drowning, more must be done. "We cannot just ban people from such activities without implementing better management." Cheng urged municipal authorities to enact improved safety measures, with the first water safety coordination meeting of the year scheduled for July 4. In addition to reviewing the Tourism Bureau's overall feasibility risk assessment report, Cheng hopes more resources will be deployed to protect the public from danger.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Yilan County’s Animal and Plant Disease Control Center on Monday dismissed recent allegations of a feline distemper outbreak at its stray animal shelter, assuring the public that all suspected cases have been promptly isolated and treated.
The center’s statement followed a social media post on Sunday that claimed many cats at the shelter appeared near death, lacked basic necessities such as cat litter, and were kept in unsanitary conditions. The post also accused the shelter of failing to contain the spread of feline distemper and cited poor staff attitudes as discouraging potential adopters and supporters. Feline distemper, medically known as “feline panleukopenia,” is a highly contagious viral disease among certain animal species that suppresses bone marrow function. The disease spreads through direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids such as feces, vomit, and saliva from infected cats, or contaminated objects like litter boxes and clothing. The center stated that although the disease remains a serious and common threat, there is currently no evidence of a large-scale outbreak at the shelter. Addressing concerns about shelter hygiene, the center clarified that the facility’s original design does not include dedicated cat enclosures. Instead, kittens are housed in mesh cages equipped with protective padding and fabric. Cat litter is provided according to each animal’s developmental stage and behavior. The shelter undergoes daily cleaning and weekly disinfection routines. Additionally, all enclosures are thoroughly sanitized whenever animals leave the shelter. Adopters are informed of the potential risk of illness during the virus’s incubation period or due to changes in environment. Regarding accusations of poor staff conduct, the center highlighted that surveillance cameras are installed throughout the shelter, and regular monitoring of camera footage is conducted. The public is encouraged to provide specific dates and times of any incidents so that recordings can be reviewed.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Seven high school students were swept out to sea at Pingtung's Fangliao Fishing Port on Sunday, with six eventually rescued, though one was recovered without vital signs.
Two Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion members were in the fishing port performing a mission with assault boats when they heard cries for help. The marines jumped into action, entering the sea with five lifesavers, swimming 300 meters to make contact with the group. They placed life preservers on the swimmers, two of whom were unconscious and appeared blue. A stand-up paddleboarder also joined in the rescue, accompanying the marines and the distressed swimmers until the Coast Guard arrived. The two unconscious swimmers were pulled aboard and revived with CPR. The marines included one surnamed Chen (陳) from the Paiwan tribe in Chunri Township and the other surnamed Sung (松) from the Bunun tribe. While five students were eventually pulled aboard a Coast Guard boat, one made it ashore by himself. However, one 19-year-old student, surnamed Huang (黃), was found to have no vital signs at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday. The Coast Guard said sea conditions in Pingtung have been affected by the outer periphery of a passing typhoon. It reported a strong southwest surge with waves 2-3 meters high. Strong currents can quickly carry people out to sea in Fangliao Fishing Port. Local authorities remind the public that if the waves are big, the area is not suitable for swimming.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Prosecutors on Monday indicted 28 people in a military draft-dodging scheme, including actor Darren Wang (王大陸) and singer Nine Chen (陳零九).
The indictment alleges that Wang, Chen, and 22 other draft-age men each paid between NT$50,000 and NT$500,000 (US$1,700–17,000) to four individuals led by a man named Chen Chih-ming (陳志明). Prosecutors said NT$4.03 million changed hands from 2016 to January this year. Chen and his group allegedly taught the conscripts how to manipulate blood pressure tests, either by holding their breath or by using paid stand-ins to wear 24-hour monitors. These results were then used to apply for a change in military status. Local draft boards reclassified some conscripts from “active duty” to “exempt." The Ministry of the Interior’s Department of Conscription Administration later approved the changes and issued official exemption certificates. Wang, who has spent much of his career abroad, allegedly paid NT$3.6 million to Chen. Investigators said Wang gave Chen his national ID and health insurance card so that an imposter could go to hospital appointments in his name. However, Chen's imprisonment in January for unrelated charges prevented him from finishing Wang’s draft evasion. Wang then falsely reported his ID and insurance card as lost the following month. Prosecutors concluded that the 28 defendants broke the law by unlawfully altering military classifications to evade conscription and instructing public officials to falsify official documents. Wang was specifically indicted for violating the Criminal Code by causing a public official to make false entries in official records. Chen is accused of controlling the operation, which prosecutors said he turned into a business, illegally earning NT$7.63 million. He is also accused of recruiting accomplices to grow his scheme. Chen has been indicted on charges of obstructing military service, and prosecutors recommend that the court impose a sentence of at least five years in prison.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in Taiwan last year, marking its return to the nation's top 10 causes of death for the first time in 14 years.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, there were 4,062 suicides in Taiwan last year, an increase of 164 compared to 2023. Last year, the suicide mortality rate was highest for people aged 65 and above, at 25.5 per 100,000 population. However, the largest number of suicides occurred in the 45 to 64 age group with 1,405 cases, followed by 1,244 cases among those aged 25 to 44, and 1,120 among seniors aged 65 and above. Taiwanese Society of Suicidology Chair Lu Shu-jen (呂淑貞) said that suicide among children and adolescents in Taiwan has seen a significant increase, particularly among females. She attributed the main causes to the uncertainties young people face in school, interpersonal relationships, and entering the workforce. Lu said that middle-aged adults may be at higher risk of suicide due to factors such as workplace stress and financial burdens. She added that elderly people may also have suicidal thoughts stemming from feelings of loneliness and illness. Lu also mentioned that some families in Taiwan even experienced group suicides after falling victim to fraud. Lu urged the health ministry to develop suicide prevention programs tailored to different demographic groups, incorporating elements such as school education, family education, and social emotional learning. She also called on the government to increase funding for mental health counseling and suicide prevention programs. Jenny Wu (吳佳儀), a professor in the School of Nursing at National Taiwan University, said that suicide is a behavior caused by many factors, with more than 90% of cases related to mental illness. She added that Taiwan’s suicide prevention system is still inadequate. Wu called for better integration of resources across schools, workplaces, and the healthcare system to reduce suicides. In Taiwan, local health bureaus primarily handle suicide prevention. These agencies are responsible for assigning personnel to follow up with high-risk individuals and referring them to medical institutions when necessary. The bureaus also collaborate with social welfare departments and private counseling providers to create case lists and offer support. |