Justice Ministry finalizes bill after sanitation worker rice cooker fallout

Justice Ministry finalizes bill after sanitation worker rice cooker fallout

2025-12-03

Public outrage continues over the case of a Taipei sanitation worker who faced legal consequences for gifting a discarded rice cooker to an elderly woman in need. The worker was reported after picking up a rice cooker valued at NT$32 from the trash and giving it to the woman. He received a three-month jail term for corruption, suspended for two years. If you think the sentence is disproportionately harsh, you are not alone, as the Minister of Justice also believes so. He says an amendment is in the works to add exemptions to the law and afford the judiciary greater flexibility in handling cases like this. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Weighing in on case
Shouldn’t there be laws ruling over this? If we throw away something, and it’s considered waste, why forbid us from giving it to someone else?

Member of public
Weighing in on case
It’s just a rice cooker! There are so many corruption cases. How come they aren’t getting sentenced and sent to jail so quickly?

Cheng Ming-chien
Minister of Justice
We have submitted a draft amendment to Article 12 of the Anti-Corruption Act. Currently, the law allows for a reduced sentence for illicit gains under NT$50,000 when the circumstances are minor. We want to add an option that allows for exemptions from punishmen.

The amendment is under review at the Executive Yuan. The Ministry of Justice hopes it will be approved soon so that it can be sent to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#ricecooker #petty #taiwan #news #inequality

"送32元二手電鍋濟貧"清潔隊員遭判刑法務部:修正貪污治罪條例

2025-12-03

日前台北市一名清潔隊員，因為轉贈拾荒婦人，價值32元的電鍋遭判刑3個月，儘管可以緩刑，但很多民眾仍幫他抱屈，法務部長鄭銘謙直言，這起案例確實反映現行法處分過重，已提出修正草案，將增加"免除其刑"的選項，讓讓司法裁量更具彈性。

[[民眾]]
“那你是否要立法規範啊，如果我們丟掉的東西，就是他就是不能就是廢棄物，他就是不能轉贈與他人這樣子”

[[民眾]]
“一個電鍋而已，現在貪污的人那麼多，為什麼不是那些人，怎麼不趕快判一判，去關一關”

[[法務部部長鄭銘謙]]
“(已提)貪污治罪條例的12條的修正草案，貪污所得在5萬元以下，這部分的而且情節輕微，這部分我們本來現行法是減輕其刑，我們要多一個那個免除其刑的選項”

相關的修正草案已在行政院審查，法務部也盼，近期能夠經院會同意，盡快送進立院審議。

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Suspected Chinese tourist destroys ‘love Taiwan’ Daruma display in Osaka

Visitors to Osaka’s Katsuo-ji Temple often buy Daruma dolls for luck. Over a span of two months, many Taiwanese tourists, after making a wish, placed their Darumas on the ground to create a display that reads, "Taiwan I love you." The temple staff even put a chain around the display to protect it. Apparently, it struck a nerve, because a female tourist from China went around the chain barrier to destroy it.

Hundreds of red Daruma dolls are arranged in the shape of Taiwan at Osaka’s Katsuo-ji Temple. Outlines of Taiwan, one big and one small, stand beside text reading “TW I heart u.” The arrangement took two months to complete by the many Taiwanese tourists who visited the temple. At one point it was jumbled when the temple repaired the ground, but at the beginning of November, a dozen Taiwanese visitors put everything back in place and the temple put a chain around to protect it. But there was someone who couldn’t stand seeing the display.

A woman with a Chinese accent stared intently at the arrangement, as though harboring a deep-seated grudge. The people with her tried to get her to move on, but she threw them off. The next moment, she acted on her ill intent.

She crossed around the barrier and knelt down to scatter the Daruma around. Starting with the text and moving to the images, no part was spared. One Taiwanese traveler witnessed the entire thing. By the time she was done, the TW was illegible and the center of one outline was toppled entirely.

Voice of witness (voice altered)
Saw what happened
If your identity or your views differ from ours, you’re welcome to share them in your own space. Or better yet, go create your own happy little Daruma display. There’s no need to be destructive to convey any grievances you might have or your opinion.

When the news got out, people online were furious, saying that messing with others’ Daruma dolls will bring bad luck.

Voice of Chen Chien-chin
Japan travel agency manager
If you have a wish you want to fulfill, you get a Daruma with three painted eyes. As for touching someone else’s doll—to be honest, unless you’re beyond a certain level, messing with someone else’s Daruma while they’re wishing for something will only bring misfortune upon yourself.

Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka is famous for its variety of Daruma dolls. Many visitors like to buy one to wish for success or good luck. During the World Expo, the temple even initiated a World Daruma Challenge, and included Taiwan’s flag on the poster. Unfortunate that the outburst of one Chinese tourist could cause so much trouble.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Zhubei mayor shares stage with French pianist Richard Clayderman

As of October, Zhubei City’s population reached 220,000, making it Taiwan’s largest city administered at the county level. Mayor Cheng Chao-fang celebrated the milestone with the highest honors, closing roads to hold a concert featuring world-renowned pianist Richard Clayderman. Many people braved the elements to see the maestro at work, and at one point, the mayor even shared the stage with Clayderman, playing a violin.

After giving a captivating performance, Richard Clayderman, hailed as France’s most successful pianist, gave an excited shout to the audience in Hsinchu County’s Zhubei. The city invited the pianist to perform, treating residents to a world-class performance without having to leave their neighborhood.

Zhubei resident
I’m excited. He was my idol when I was growing up, so I’m honored that living here in Zhubei, I still have the chance to see him perform without having to fly to another country.

Zhubei resident
It was just pouring rain, so I was afraid it would be canceled. But we still braved the rain to come. We prepared umbrellas and rain jackets. Our shoes are soaked. We started lining up just past 4. We’re still so excited.

Zhubei held a concert over the weekend that sold out immediately after tickets went on sale. There was even a special surprise.

Taking up his violin, Zhubei Mayor Cheng Chao-fang joined Clayderman on the stage. This international event not only elevated the city’s cultural status, but also marked its milestone of surpassing 220,000 residents to become Taiwan’s largest city administered by a county.

Cheng Chao-fang
Zhubei Mayor
We’re celebrating Zhubei’s designation as Taiwan’s largest county-administered city with the highest standards. I’m confident that through our efforts, Zhubei residents will feel that their city has the potential to become a major international hub in Taiwan.

Besides the main venue, the newly renovated Shidong Park also served as an alternative site to watch the performance, drawing 50,000 spectators in total.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Franchisee makes a monthly NT$50,000 selling sweet potato balls

Many people love to eat crispy, chewy sweet potato balls. Recently, it was reported that a franchisee in southern Taiwan got into a dispute with headquarters over a contract issue. The news story revealed that the franchisee was making a monthly income of NT$50,000. Many in the public were curious as to how selling deep fried sweet potato balls could be so profitable. Let’s find out.

Giant sweet potato balls endlessly tumble and roll as they are deep fried.

To make delicious sweet potato balls, you need to hand-press them in a pan to make them fluffy, crispy, and chewy.

Piping hot sweet potato balls are best when they are eaten fresh and crispy! They are a favorite for many. Recently news broke that a franchisee in Southern Taiwan was earning NT$50,000 a month and got into a contract dispute with headquarters. Many people’s curiosity was piqued and they wondered if it is really possible to earn NT$50,000 a month just by selling sweet potato balls?

Sweet potato ball chain executive
Taipei
Our average profit is between NT$40,000 and NT$60,000, but profits depend on how well the business is doing. Like during the previous summer vacation it was very hot and we’d probably just make NT$20,000 a month. Outlets that are doing good business can make upwards of NT$100,000. The advantage of franchising is that the brand manufacturers control the market, and when prices rise, they absorb the increase, so we franchisees don’t have to pay extra in response to price increases.

For franchises, the brand owner controls the rise and fall of costs. For example, the rent for this sweet potato ball restaurant located next to Shuanglian MRT station in Taipei is about a monthly NT$10,000 to NT$18,000. The owner doesn’t hire any staff in a one-person operation and makes a profit of NT$40,000 to NT$60,000 after deducting all costs. However, it’s not so easy to make money with your own brand.

Sweet potato ball vendor
Taipei
The profits aren’t as good as before. Sweet potatoes, oil, and paper prices have all risen hugely. Paper prices have probably increased seven or eight times, and oil prices have almost doubled. If you have your own brand, the costs are higher.

For those creating their own independent brand who source and prepare all the ingredients themselves, although the cost of goods is high, as long as business is thriving and there is a lot of foot traffic, even though it’s sold one cheap bag at a time, it is still very profitable.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Courtyard home converted into guesthouse serving Hakka cuisine

In the mountains of Miaoli’s Sanyi Township, one homeowner converted his old three-sided courtyard house into a bed and breakfast. The traditional home has a courtyard in the center with structures on three sides. The owner prepares authentic Hakka cuisine and serves meals in the courtyard, giving guests a novel yet nostalgic experience.

Dried tofu, squid, and celery are stir-fried with some spring onions, peppers, and spices to make this traditional Hakka dish.

Fried rice noodles, chicken, and braised pork fill the table to complete this delicious feast.

Homeowner
Braised pork, chicken, radish omelet, Hakka stir-fry... The secret to our braised pork is to stir-fry it first and use the leftover oil to stir-fry the vegetables. We don’t add water, only rice wine.

The owner says this effectively removes the pork smell. Guests who have tried the food here all sing its praises.

Guest
Coming to the courtyard house to eat feels like a banquet, and we’re right in the living room. The food today was absolutely fantastic.

This banquet is at a traditional courtyard-style house in the mountains of Miaoli’s Sanyi Township. Before renovations, the east side housed cows and the west side housed pigs. Now, the owner has converted both sides into guest rooms and opened a bed and breakfast.

Guest
Coming to this bed and breakfast reminds me of the courtyard house I lived in when I was young. It makes me very grateful. Plus, there are so many different Hakka dishes. I think it’s very special.

Since there are not many restaurants in this area, the owner sets up large tables in the house and courtyard, serving guests authentic Hakka cuisine.

Guest
The Hakka food I had when I was young was saltier with stronger flavors. The food here is lighter and more refreshing. The environment is green and mountainous, with cool, fresh air, so dining here feels very comfortable.

This old courtyard house has been given a new life after its renovations, offering travelers a comfortable place to relax and enjoy authentic Hakka cuisine.

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Student exploits NTU security flaw to cancel classmate’s masters’ offer

A student who got accepted into National Taiwan University in March was in for a shock a few months after being accepted. When he logged into the school’s computer system, he saw that he had apparently declined the offer. Having no recollection of refusing the offer, he contacted the university to see what had happened. It turns out, a classmate of his had logged into his account with his ID number and tampered with the admissions process. Let’s hear more.

Student
National Taiwan University
It’s really messed up. If all you need is the ID number, you can easily memorize someone else’s number and log in.

Student
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NTU should consider how to protect their future students. They should find a way to prevent hard working students from being declined due to all this nonsense.

Lai Cheng-an
Nantou District Prosecutors Office
The office is investigating the case in which a student surnamed Lo was accused of violating the Personal Data Protection Act and using electronic means that resulted in the cancelation of the university admission of a classmate surnamed Chen. Both parties reached a settlement, and Lo has been granted deferred prosecution.

Liu Yen-po
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With a phone, you can use mobile OTP verification. Or if you have a credit card or another personal ID document, that can be used for a more complete identity verification process. We recommend online systems to incorporate multifactor authentication.

NTU says it will make improvements to its admissions and registration systems, by implementing multifactor authentication measures. In the end, the student was able to attend the university as he originally planned through a separate admissions system. Though the two parties have reached a settlement, the perpetrator could face up to 5 years in prison for tempering with a computer system.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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US President Trump signs Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act into law

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act into law. This means that the US State Department will be required to review and update, every five years, its guidelines on official US interactions with Taiwan. Foreign Minster Lin Chia-lung welcomed the decision, and called it a great step forward for Taiwan-US relations. Let’s find out more.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act into law, which requires the US State Department to review and update guidelines on official US interactions with Taiwan every five years.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign Minister
This is the first Taiwan-friendly bill that the Trump administration signed into law. Earlier there were some US-skeptic voices. Let’s just leave it as that.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomes the law, and believes that it would enable official engagement between Taiwan and the US. That would be a breakthrough ever since the US severed formal diplomatic relations.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign Minister
There were self-imposed restrictions on mutual visits and meetings, such as at federal agencies or at our representative offices. In fact, after the Taiwan Travel Act was signed into law, all these are gradually being allowed. Now, through law, restrictions can be further loosened. This is an important step forward for the development of normal Taiwan-US relations.

Also to watch is Taiwan-Japan relations, particularly with the ongoing spat between China and Japan. After condemning Japan for bringing up the Treaty of San Francisco last week, China doubled down on suppressing Taiwan.

Lin Jian (Dec. 2)
PRC foreign ministry spokesperson
Taiwan is part of China, and there is no such thing as “foreign minister” of Taiwan.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign Minister
For that comment, well, here I am. Whether with the Taiwan passport or the foreign minister’s name card, we are able to travel all over the world.

Meanwhile, the National Security Bureau is reportedly expecting China to conduct another round of military exercises that can be likened to “Joint Sword-C,” if the ongoing dispute with Japan continues. An unnamed official also said the drills are most likely to be held on Dec. 13, also the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Day, to allude to Japan’s war crimes and hinting at what some observers believe to be Japan’s remilitarization.

Tsai Ming-yen
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The worst assumption must be made about the enemy. We cannot rule out any possibilities. For the CCP, all they had to do was to act on the premise of their regular joint exercise and patrol, or their regular far-sea comprehensive training mission, give it a specific code name, and that will turn into an exercise with an agenda. If necessary, we will reach out to cooperate with international partners.

With these recent developments, many are watching if China will hold another round of military drills encircling Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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