BERNARD WANTS TO ERADICATE POVERTY, IMPROVE PEOPLE’S SOCIO-ECONOMY AND DEVELOP EDUCATION
SINCE he was elected as the Pensiangan Member of Parliament three years ago, Datuk Bernard Maraat continues to work towards resolving the problems of the people in his constituency. If the Parliament sitting is adjourned, Bernard can be found visiting the villages in his constituency to find out what they need in terms of basic infrastructure and facilities. Relating to The Borneo Post of his experience since winning the parliamentary seat in 2004, the Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Secretary General said he first drew up a development blueprint for the constituency.
“I visited all the villages in my area and to see that the villagers earn just enough to barely survive was a culture shock to me,” he said.
Bernard thus made poverty eradication, and improving the people’s socio-economy as well as education development his top priorities.
He told of villages which can only be accessed via river transportation while others which take about 10 hours walk from the landing point along the river, to reach. Some are a little easier to reach provided you have a four-wheel drive vehicle as there are roads for logging trucks leading there.
“I felt I had travelled back in time to the colonial era because of the lack of development and infrastructure in these remote villages,” he said, adding that things are now looking up for these people as he has managed to resolve about 50 percent of the problems which were brought to his attention.
Bernard is also very passionate about the development of education in his constituency and he wants to see the younger generation obtain an education so that they can improve their and their family’s standard of living.
According to him, “kebilangan” is the word used to describe a person who is knowledgable such as local warriors like Antonom, Mat Salleh, Korom Anduat who were “kebilangan” with knowledge, courage, determination and well versed with war strategies to fight for the people’s freedom.
“I want this ‘kebilangan’ concept to continue and in this modern era, it is about overcoming competition and challenges in order to succeed. So for the younger generation to be ‘kebilangan’, they must first obtain an education,” he stressed.
Bernard wants to see rural folks make full use of the infrastructure facilities provided by the Government, especially in the education sector so that they can soon catch up and be on par with their peers in the urban areas.
He agreed that many of the villages in his constituency are still backward in terms of development but pointed out that the Government is aware of the matter and doing its best to change the situation. Included in his blueprint for education development is the repairing, upgrading and construction of school buildings, including teachers’ quarters and hostels for students from remote villages.
Some of the students have to wake up as early as 4. 30 am everyday as the nearest school is miles away and they have to walk there, he said, adding that some of the parents are so poor that they are unable to send their children to school daily as they need the latter to help out around the house and fields.
According to him further, some of these children are only able to study up to Primary Five as they do not have any identification documents and are therefore unable to sit for the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination in Primary Six. He urged the Education Ministry to seriously consider constructing hostels in schools which cater for remote villages in Pensiangan and that quarters must also be built for the teachers so that they will accept postings to remote areas.
“If no drastic action is taken by the Government, the situation will remain unchanged and children in Pensiangan as well as other remote areas will be left out,” he said, adding that during a visit to Kampung Binanon recently, he was shocked to find out that many of the children there did not go to school or had dropped out at an early age.
“When I asked a Form Four student why he dropped out of school, the boy simply replied ‘no money’ but this is not the reason not to continue studying,” he said and urged parents in his constituency as well other remote areas not to use poverty as an excuse not to send their children to school.
Bernard said he came from a poor family but had never let that fact stop him from getting an education and getting himself to where he is now.
He said that children should look at poverty as a challenge and not a hindrance to success and with that in mind, work hard towards achieving their goal of a better future.
Bernard also reminded the school management and teachers to always monitor any building construction to ensure that everything is done according to specifications. They must report to the relevant authorities anything not done accordingly.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
SUNDAY-4TH NOVEMBER 2007-POWER THEFT AFFECTS SEWERAGE TREATMENT
SANDAKAN:
POWER THEFT AFFECTS SEWERAGE TREATMENT
The theft of power from the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) transformer in Mile 3 Jalan Bomba by nearby squatters is disrupting the operations of the adjacent sewage treatment station.
“The pumps at the treatment station cannot function due to inadequate electricity and the culprits of the problem are the power thieves,” the head of the Public Works Department Sewage Unit here, Stanley Mohd Omar, disclosed on Saturday. Stanley said he and a team of SESB staff carried out checks on several locations after receiving complaints on clogged sewage system in the SEDCO Light Industrial Area, Sri Taman, Taman Lucky and Bandar Kim Fung.
“The sewage system in these areas has been blocked for three days. We later managed to trace the source of the problem to the power thefts at the SESB transformer in Mile 3 Jalan Bomba,” he said.
POWER THEFT AFFECTS SEWERAGE TREATMENT
The theft of power from the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) transformer in Mile 3 Jalan Bomba by nearby squatters is disrupting the operations of the adjacent sewage treatment station.
“The pumps at the treatment station cannot function due to inadequate electricity and the culprits of the problem are the power thieves,” the head of the Public Works Department Sewage Unit here, Stanley Mohd Omar, disclosed on Saturday. Stanley said he and a team of SESB staff carried out checks on several locations after receiving complaints on clogged sewage system in the SEDCO Light Industrial Area, Sri Taman, Taman Lucky and Bandar Kim Fung.
“The sewage system in these areas has been blocked for three days. We later managed to trace the source of the problem to the power thefts at the SESB transformer in Mile 3 Jalan Bomba,” he said.
SUNDAY-4/11/2007-SUPPLY DROPS DUE TO LACK OF POWER FOR PUMPS SAYS ENGINEER
SANDAKAN:
Water supply to the whole of Sandakan is likely to be affected in the following days due to a generator problem at the Bukit Garam Treatment Plant in Kinabatangan. “The daily production has been reduced byat least eight million litres because of insufficient power to keep the pumps functioning at the Bukit Garam Treatment Plant,” Water Department Divisional Engineer Jeffrey Chong told reporters after the official opening of the department’s Payment and Customer Service Centre in the town on Saturday. Chong said the Water Department was waiting for the report on the extent of the problem from water concessionaire Timatch Sdn Berhad. “We are studying the measures to be taken to address the matter but presently we are still waiting for the report from Timatch. The problem was detected at 3pm on Friday,” he said. Chong advised consumers in Sandakan to use water wisely during this period. Meanwhile earlier in his speech during the opening ceremony, Chief Operating Officer of Salcon Engineering Berhad, How See Hock, said his company is proud to be a partner of the Water Department in setting up and running the first ever customer service centre right in the town centre. “The centre will allow customers easy access to various services such as bill payment, bill enquiries, new account application, water reconnection, termination of accounts, report of water quality and pipe bursts,” he said. He said consumers could also contact the friendly customer service representative at the toll free number 1300888855 for information on water bills, water disruption or to lodge complaints on their water services. a According to How, Salcon being the turnkey contractor of the Non Revenue Water (NRW) reduction a project since 2003, has successfully reduced physical losses in the existing distribution system through strategic NRW reduction and asset replacement and improvement programmes. “In conjunction with our NRW programme, we are launching an awareness programme to conserve our environment by giving away mugs to the public, to create awareness among the society not to waste water and to protect our rivers,” he said. The opening ceremony of the Water Department Payment and Customer Service Centre was officiated by Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Haji Aklee Haji Abbas who represented Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan.
SUNDAY 4/11/2007-ITALIAN TV TO SHOW TAWAU ISLAND, A FISHING VILLAGE
TAWAU:
The highly acclaimed Italian travel reality TV series, “Donnavventura”, will feature Mataking Island and a fishing village in the district. Donnavventura, which means ‘the woman in adventure’, is in its 19th year of production. It features six young and charismatic Italian ladies who were chosen from some 40,000 applicants to act as aspiring journalists and share their travel experiences with viewers. Five of the Italian ladies - Chiara Babilani, Michela Guizzon, Chiara Baselice, Stefania Donati and Elisa Grazzini - were on a three-month expedition to eight South-East Asia countries, shooting 12 episodes of exciting and exhilarating adventures. The TV series will show a stroll across the Mataking Island and some of the neighboring islands, a visit to the Kalapuan fishing village to show how the other side of the world lives and a night jungle trek. The Italian ladies also tried out the Mangunatip bamboo dance during their stay at Mataking from October 6 to 9. The producer of the television series, Maurizio Rossi, 54, said their visit to Mataking was one of the highlights of their trip to Sabah. “The resort island is truly ‘El Paradiso’. Mataking Island will be aired in Italy towards the end of this year or early next year,” he added. The crew had so far travelled to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. This was their second stop in Malaysia as they started out in Kuala Lumpur on July 19 this year. Rossi disclosed that they looked forward to completing the Asian leg by mid October before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
The highly acclaimed Italian travel reality TV series, “Donnavventura”, will feature Mataking Island and a fishing village in the district. Donnavventura, which means ‘the woman in adventure’, is in its 19th year of production. It features six young and charismatic Italian ladies who were chosen from some 40,000 applicants to act as aspiring journalists and share their travel experiences with viewers. Five of the Italian ladies - Chiara Babilani, Michela Guizzon, Chiara Baselice, Stefania Donati and Elisa Grazzini - were on a three-month expedition to eight South-East Asia countries, shooting 12 episodes of exciting and exhilarating adventures. The TV series will show a stroll across the Mataking Island and some of the neighboring islands, a visit to the Kalapuan fishing village to show how the other side of the world lives and a night jungle trek. The Italian ladies also tried out the Mangunatip bamboo dance during their stay at Mataking from October 6 to 9. The producer of the television series, Maurizio Rossi, 54, said their visit to Mataking was one of the highlights of their trip to Sabah. “The resort island is truly ‘El Paradiso’. Mataking Island will be aired in Italy towards the end of this year or early next year,” he added. The crew had so far travelled to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. This was their second stop in Malaysia as they started out in Kuala Lumpur on July 19 this year. Rossi disclosed that they looked forward to completing the Asian leg by mid October before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
SUNDAY 4/11/2007-PLANT USED BY ELDERS IN OLDEN DAYS TO CAST SPELL
THE ‘Rolok”, a local flowering plant which is planted in most house compounds or backyards because of its natural and aesthetical beauty, actually has an evil past. Apparently, the plant was used by elders in the olden days to cast spells on people though some have talked about its medicinal attributes too. The Rolok plant can be found in two forms, one that grows as shrub and the other which can grow up to 10 feet tall. According to Hasnah Bousun, in her 40s, the Rolok plant was believed to possess a mystical power which could uproot a big tree or trigger a massive landslide in a single voodoo-induced natural disaster. “According to my grandfather, Pagans in the olden days would use the Rolok branch to cast an evil spell on somebody’s property. “What they would do is to dig a hole, put an egg in it and plant the Rolok branch on top. Thus the spell is cast and the area will be affected by natural disaster such as flooding or landslide,” she said. “This evil ancient rite is not practised anymore as most people have now converted to either Islam or Christianity. Furthermore it is not good to cast spells as it is against the teaching of God and also morally wrong,” explained Hasnah. Meanwhile, the leaves of the Rolok plant were said to have medicinal value and used to treat fevers. The preparation is simple. Boil a handful of Rolok leaves and leave them to cool. Bath in the leaf solution and it will lower your body’s temperature.
SUNDAY 4/11/2007-CASH SAYS TO INTRODUCE DEBT COLLECTION LEGISLATION
KOTAKINABALU:
The Consumer Association of Sabah and Labuan (Cash) has urged the Government to introduce a debt collection legislation to protect consumers from being abused by debt collectors in order to unfairly pressure them into paying their debts. Its deputy president, Nordin Thani, said these abuse tactics are often intended to scare or intimidate consumers, sometimes with threats of violence or will try to pile on illegal interest or fees to make the debt seem larger than it actually is. “Harassment by moneylender debt collectors is nothing new to us but the existing law to protect consumers are insufficient. With the introduction of the law all debt collectors would follow certain guidelines, rules and procedures. Most importantly the consumers would be protected and be able to know what are their rights as borrowers are,” he pointed out in a statement yesterday. Nordin said the legislation should also cover vehicle repossessors. Some of them are acting like gangsters when trying to repossess vehicles that are overdue for payment. They even charge vehicle owners certain fees which they are not supposed to. At the moment, there is no such act or legislation to protect consumers which bars all forms of unfair, abusive and deceptive collection practices by debt collectors in this country. According to him, in certain
developing countries, a law of this kind has already been introduced and enforced which provides a general prohibition on any form of deception, abuse or unfair treatment to consumers when come to debt collection. With this kind of law enforced, at least all debt collection businesses or collectors would behave and are more disciplined when collecting their debts and would prevent unwanted incidents that we normally read, heard or see on television. Nordin also called for frequent check on health products that are sold openly on the streets and at open market in the City vicinity and towns throughout the state. “These products are not even approved by the Ministry of Health. There is no ministry logo or any other approval agency registration number on its label. Some are imported products and others produced locally. Amongst the products sold are weight-loss tablets which promise customers to look slim and Tongkat Ali special capsules which promises sex drive for men,” he said. “We believe a majority of the salespersons are foreigners knowing from their accent when trying to convince customers to buy. These products have not been tested and proven to be working by the authorities. It could be a fraud that could cheat consumers of their time listening, money and most importantly their health.
“They even assured customers that if the product doesn’t work, their money would be returned but didn’t inform the customers where and how to reach them except for a mobile number that’s even not active given on a pamphlet,” he pointed out. Nordin stressed that a special surveillance and enforcement team is needed from the relevant agency to combat all these misleading and deceptive advertising and to confiscate the products for testing of their true and actual contents. Perhaps a seminar or campaign could be organized to prevent innocent consumers from becoming victims of fraud by educating them on how to recognize authorized health products that are approved by the Health Ministry, he said.
developing countries, a law of this kind has already been introduced and enforced which provides a general prohibition on any form of deception, abuse or unfair treatment to consumers when come to debt collection. With this kind of law enforced, at least all debt collection businesses or collectors would behave and are more disciplined when collecting their debts and would prevent unwanted incidents that we normally read, heard or see on television. Nordin also called for frequent check on health products that are sold openly on the streets and at open market in the City vicinity and towns throughout the state. “These products are not even approved by the Ministry of Health. There is no ministry logo or any other approval agency registration number on its label. Some are imported products and others produced locally. Amongst the products sold are weight-loss tablets which promise customers to look slim and Tongkat Ali special capsules which promises sex drive for men,” he said. “We believe a majority of the salespersons are foreigners knowing from their accent when trying to convince customers to buy. These products have not been tested and proven to be working by the authorities. It could be a fraud that could cheat consumers of their time listening, money and most importantly their health.
“They even assured customers that if the product doesn’t work, their money would be returned but didn’t inform the customers where and how to reach them except for a mobile number that’s even not active given on a pamphlet,” he pointed out. Nordin stressed that a special surveillance and enforcement team is needed from the relevant agency to combat all these misleading and deceptive advertising and to confiscate the products for testing of their true and actual contents. Perhaps a seminar or campaign could be organized to prevent innocent consumers from becoming victims of fraud by educating them on how to recognize authorized health products that are approved by the Health Ministry, he said.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2007-BREAK-IN AT TAMAN KENDARA
KOTA KINABALU:
In just half an hour, police here detained two suspects who broke into a house at Taman Kendara, thanks to the quick action of the house owner and police.
City Police Chief, ACP Ahmad Sofi Zakaria, said the 42-year-old lorry driver quickly alerted the police, providing them with the registration number of the suspects’ car after seeing them dashing out from his house.
The lorry driver was said to have just finished his shift on Oct 25 and got home at about 9. 3Oam when he noticed the men rushing out of the house and escaping in a Proton Iswara car.
“The man stayed calm, taking down the necessary information and alerted the police immediately,” he said.
“Because he did not panic and was table to take down the (registration) number, we were immediately able to inform our patrol units to be on the lookout for the vehicle,” said Ahmad.
He said police located the car at Sinsuran here about 30 minutes later and detained two local men, both in their 50s, and recovered several jewellery items and cash from the suspects.
In an unrelated case, two locals aged 29 and 27 were detained for robbing an 18-year-old local college student of his cellphone and RM25 cash at Likas on Oct21.
Ahmad said the student was waiting .for a bus near a secondary school in the area at around 7.2Opm when he was approached by four men, one armed with a screwdriver.
“It was through a public tip-off that we managed to detain the two suspects at Mile 5, Likas and seized a Kancil car from them,” he said.
Police are still looking for the remaining accomplices.
In another incident, a teenage robbery suspect smashed a window of a minibus in his desperate bid to evade arrest.
The 18-year-old youth and his 15- year-old accomplice, both former convicts, had chartered the bus, believed with the money they took from another 18-year-old and his younger brother earlier near Menggatal town on Oct 20, said Ahmad.
On seeing police intercepting the busat Kampung Tebobon in Menggatal at around 6.3Opm, the youth shattered the glass window and fled.
“The police personnel from the city crime prevention unit gave chase and apprehended him soon after,” he said, adding that the younger suspect was too scared and made no attempt to escape.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects had robbed the victims of their cellphone and RM200 with a pair of scissors at about 1.45pm.
Ahmad said police believe they have solved at least three robberies involving the same modus operandi with scissors and one break-in in Menggatal.
He said police also seized two mobile phones, a pair of scissors and heaps of SIM cards from the suspects’ bag.
Meanwhile, Penampang police detained 16 illegal immigrants in a predawn operation in Putatan and Petagas on Friday.
District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat said the three-hour operation was led by District Traffic and Public Order head, Chief Inspector Edward Kondokor, and involved 16 policemen and 10 Rela members.
In just half an hour, police here detained two suspects who broke into a house at Taman Kendara, thanks to the quick action of the house owner and police.
City Police Chief, ACP Ahmad Sofi Zakaria, said the 42-year-old lorry driver quickly alerted the police, providing them with the registration number of the suspects’ car after seeing them dashing out from his house.
The lorry driver was said to have just finished his shift on Oct 25 and got home at about 9. 3Oam when he noticed the men rushing out of the house and escaping in a Proton Iswara car.
“The man stayed calm, taking down the necessary information and alerted the police immediately,” he said.
“Because he did not panic and was table to take down the (registration) number, we were immediately able to inform our patrol units to be on the lookout for the vehicle,” said Ahmad.
He said police located the car at Sinsuran here about 30 minutes later and detained two local men, both in their 50s, and recovered several jewellery items and cash from the suspects.
In an unrelated case, two locals aged 29 and 27 were detained for robbing an 18-year-old local college student of his cellphone and RM25 cash at Likas on Oct21.
Ahmad said the student was waiting .for a bus near a secondary school in the area at around 7.2Opm when he was approached by four men, one armed with a screwdriver.
“It was through a public tip-off that we managed to detain the two suspects at Mile 5, Likas and seized a Kancil car from them,” he said.
Police are still looking for the remaining accomplices.
In another incident, a teenage robbery suspect smashed a window of a minibus in his desperate bid to evade arrest.
The 18-year-old youth and his 15- year-old accomplice, both former convicts, had chartered the bus, believed with the money they took from another 18-year-old and his younger brother earlier near Menggatal town on Oct 20, said Ahmad.
On seeing police intercepting the busat Kampung Tebobon in Menggatal at around 6.3Opm, the youth shattered the glass window and fled.
“The police personnel from the city crime prevention unit gave chase and apprehended him soon after,” he said, adding that the younger suspect was too scared and made no attempt to escape.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects had robbed the victims of their cellphone and RM200 with a pair of scissors at about 1.45pm.
Ahmad said police believe they have solved at least three robberies involving the same modus operandi with scissors and one break-in in Menggatal.
He said police also seized two mobile phones, a pair of scissors and heaps of SIM cards from the suspects’ bag.
Meanwhile, Penampang police detained 16 illegal immigrants in a predawn operation in Putatan and Petagas on Friday.
District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat said the three-hour operation was led by District Traffic and Public Order head, Chief Inspector Edward Kondokor, and involved 16 policemen and 10 Rela members.
SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2007- CONSUMERS BE PREPARED TO PAY MORE FOR ESSENTIAL GOODS NEXT YEAR-Fomca
KUALA LUMPUR:
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) yesterday asked the people to be prepared to face rising prices of goods following an increase in the prices of basic items such as wheat and petrol in the world market. Its adviser, Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan, said it was important for the consumers to prepare themselves mentally and by way of their spending to face the inevitable rising prices of essential goods next year.
“This is because the price of petrol has risen to almost double that when the fuel price in the country was reviewed more than a year ago,” he said in a statement following the rise of world oil price to US$100 a barrel.
“The people have to be thankful to the Government for continuing to subsidise the fuel and ensuring no price hike of the commodity this year,” he said.
Prof Hamdan said, however, he did not think that the Government could accommodate the existing price next year in view of the steep rise in the world oil price. He said the rise in the price of fuel would have an effect on the cost of transportation but added that Fomca hoped the Government could ensure that any rise in the prices of essential goods and public transportation fares would be within the means of consumers.
Elaborating on the need for consumers to be prepared for a price hike, he said the people should resort to measures such as eating out less and bringing meals from the home to the office or workplace. On the rise in the price of a loaf of bread following the rise in the price of wheat, Prof Hamdan urged the Government to enforce regulations on the existing standard loaf in accordance with the Food Act.
“Bread manufacturers should be subjected to a quota on the making of the standard loaf besides producing the more expensive high- fibre bread,” he said.
On complaints by the people on the rise in the price of “roti canai” and its varying sizes, he said the authorities and traders should discuss and come up with regulations on standard roti canai to determine the ingredients and weight as it has become a routine food. Prof Hamdan also suggested that the Government revive the Green Book programme, of the people cultivating their own vegetables, as a measure to reduce the impact of rising prices of essential goods.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) yesterday asked the people to be prepared to face rising prices of goods following an increase in the prices of basic items such as wheat and petrol in the world market. Its adviser, Prof Datuk Hamdan Adnan, said it was important for the consumers to prepare themselves mentally and by way of their spending to face the inevitable rising prices of essential goods next year.
“This is because the price of petrol has risen to almost double that when the fuel price in the country was reviewed more than a year ago,” he said in a statement following the rise of world oil price to US$100 a barrel.
“The people have to be thankful to the Government for continuing to subsidise the fuel and ensuring no price hike of the commodity this year,” he said.
Prof Hamdan said, however, he did not think that the Government could accommodate the existing price next year in view of the steep rise in the world oil price. He said the rise in the price of fuel would have an effect on the cost of transportation but added that Fomca hoped the Government could ensure that any rise in the prices of essential goods and public transportation fares would be within the means of consumers.
Elaborating on the need for consumers to be prepared for a price hike, he said the people should resort to measures such as eating out less and bringing meals from the home to the office or workplace. On the rise in the price of a loaf of bread following the rise in the price of wheat, Prof Hamdan urged the Government to enforce regulations on the existing standard loaf in accordance with the Food Act.
“Bread manufacturers should be subjected to a quota on the making of the standard loaf besides producing the more expensive high- fibre bread,” he said.
On complaints by the people on the rise in the price of “roti canai” and its varying sizes, he said the authorities and traders should discuss and come up with regulations on standard roti canai to determine the ingredients and weight as it has become a routine food. Prof Hamdan also suggested that the Government revive the Green Book programme, of the people cultivating their own vegetables, as a measure to reduce the impact of rising prices of essential goods.
SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2007- ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO RURAL FOLKS BY 2010
KOTA KINABALU:
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is confident of supplying electricity to’90 per cent of rural people in the State by the year 2010, compared to only 67 per cent presently.
Its Managing Director Baharin Din, in disclosing this yesterday, explained that one of the contributing factors that hamper the effort to provide electricity to these areas is the distribution problem faced by those appointed to channel electricity supply to the houses.
“We have set up generators in each area and it is up to the appointed parties to do the distribution of electricity supply, where currently some are enjoying the utility while others have yet to get it,” he said. “This is one of the reasons why a big portion of the rural folks have yet to get electricity supply,” he said during the SESB Raya Open House at the Dewan Karamunsing, yesterday.
Also present were Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Mayor Datuk lliyas Ibrahim and SESB Senior Corporate Communication Manager Chenderamata Sinteh.
Asked about the construction of the coal-fired electricity plant at Silam, Lahad Datu, which is expected to be completed soon, Baharin explained that it would be able to generate 300 megawatts of electricity.
He said once the project is completed in 2011, it would be able to supply power to over 100,000 people in the East Coast which covers Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak.
For a start, the RM1.2 billion plant would be able to generate 40 megawatts of electricity supply, starting 2010, he added
‘Baharin said they have met the Environmental Impact Assessment at (EIA) requirements concerning the construction of the plant.
He is confident that the power plant will be able to benefit the people, particularly economically, apart from solving the frequent power disruptions in Sabah.
In addition, he said, the Sabah Grid in Kolopis, Penampang, will be launched on Nov 26.
“We have managed to reduce by 50 per cent the power disruptions in the State,” he said, adding that as at yesterday,, SESB had generated 624.9 megawatts throughout Sabah, which is an increase of 3O percent compared to only 500 megawatts during the same period last year.
Its Managing Director Baharin Din, in disclosing this yesterday, explained that one of the contributing factors that hamper the effort to provide electricity to these areas is the distribution problem faced by those appointed to channel electricity supply to the houses.
“We have set up generators in each area and it is up to the appointed parties to do the distribution of electricity supply, where currently some are enjoying the utility while others have yet to get it,” he said. “This is one of the reasons why a big portion of the rural folks have yet to get electricity supply,” he said during the SESB Raya Open House at the Dewan Karamunsing, yesterday.
Also present were Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Mayor Datuk lliyas Ibrahim and SESB Senior Corporate Communication Manager Chenderamata Sinteh.
Asked about the construction of the coal-fired electricity plant at Silam, Lahad Datu, which is expected to be completed soon, Baharin explained that it would be able to generate 300 megawatts of electricity.
He said once the project is completed in 2011, it would be able to supply power to over 100,000 people in the East Coast which covers Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak.
For a start, the RM1.2 billion plant would be able to generate 40 megawatts of electricity supply, starting 2010, he added
‘Baharin said they have met the Environmental Impact Assessment at (EIA) requirements concerning the construction of the plant.
He is confident that the power plant will be able to benefit the people, particularly economically, apart from solving the frequent power disruptions in Sabah.
In addition, he said, the Sabah Grid in Kolopis, Penampang, will be launched on Nov 26.
“We have managed to reduce by 50 per cent the power disruptions in the State,” he said, adding that as at yesterday,, SESB had generated 624.9 megawatts throughout Sabah, which is an increase of 3O percent compared to only 500 megawatts during the same period last year.
SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2007 GRANTS FOR 121 CHINESE MISSION SCHOOLS
KOTA KINABALU:
A total of 121 Chinese independent and mission schools yesterday received grants amounting to RM7,879,490 from the Government, which was an increase from last year’s allocation of RM5,445,000.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who presented the assistance, said that in February last year, the State Government decided to extend early grants for schools that are deemed to be in need of financial assistance.
“At the same time, the State Government also handed out financial assistance to schools in the interior that were badly affected by the floods last year,” he said at the presentation of the grants at Le Meridien Hotel here, yesterday.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, several cabinet ministers and assistant ministers.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, said the provision of the yearly allocations as well as the early grants and disaster relief clearly reflects the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government’s commitment towards helping these schools as part of the overall development of education in the State.
“In this respect, the State Government will within its capacity, continue to support schools in its effort to create educational excellence,” he added.
Musa said the State Government will do its level best to assist schools towards raising the level of education among the people, especially those from the rural areas and the underprivileged.
He said this is very much in line with the emphasis on education under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9-MP), which is clearly reflected in the huge allocation given to Sabah by the Federal Government.
He said the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in launching the Educational Development Action Plan earlier this year, stated that the generation of students produced today must not only be literate but also intellectually capable.
“Intellectually capable students will make up the pool of human capital required by the nation to face an ever increasing competitive world,” he added.
In view of this, Musa said, all quarters involved in the educational development programme should focus on nurturing students with the objective of developing quality human capital, which is one of the major thrusts of the national mission and an important agenda in achieving the successful implementation of the 9MP.
“With this in mind, I hope that educational institutions including Chinese independent schools will tailor their teaching methods and curriculum towards this education direction.”
Musa said the State Government will also be allocating RM1O.48 million to Christian organizations and temples in Sabah, an increase from last year’s RM9.66 million.
“I understand that 15 Christian organizations and 39 Chinese temples as well as one Hindu and one Sikh temple will receive their respective allocations,” he added.
He said the provision of these allocations shows the State Government’s commitment to uphold religious freedom and encourage religious and spiritual development of the people irrespective of their race and belief.
“Houses of worship, including churches and temples. will continue to get State Government’s support,” he added.
He said churches and temples have a role to play in complementing the Government’s efforts in creating a moral and caring society and curbing social ills such as drug abuse and other criminal activities.
A total of 121 Chinese independent and mission schools yesterday received grants amounting to RM7,879,490 from the Government, which was an increase from last year’s allocation of RM5,445,000.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who presented the assistance, said that in February last year, the State Government decided to extend early grants for schools that are deemed to be in need of financial assistance.
“At the same time, the State Government also handed out financial assistance to schools in the interior that were badly affected by the floods last year,” he said at the presentation of the grants at Le Meridien Hotel here, yesterday.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, several cabinet ministers and assistant ministers.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, said the provision of the yearly allocations as well as the early grants and disaster relief clearly reflects the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government’s commitment towards helping these schools as part of the overall development of education in the State.
“In this respect, the State Government will within its capacity, continue to support schools in its effort to create educational excellence,” he added.
Musa said the State Government will do its level best to assist schools towards raising the level of education among the people, especially those from the rural areas and the underprivileged.
He said this is very much in line with the emphasis on education under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9-MP), which is clearly reflected in the huge allocation given to Sabah by the Federal Government.
He said the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in launching the Educational Development Action Plan earlier this year, stated that the generation of students produced today must not only be literate but also intellectually capable.
“Intellectually capable students will make up the pool of human capital required by the nation to face an ever increasing competitive world,” he added.
In view of this, Musa said, all quarters involved in the educational development programme should focus on nurturing students with the objective of developing quality human capital, which is one of the major thrusts of the national mission and an important agenda in achieving the successful implementation of the 9MP.
“With this in mind, I hope that educational institutions including Chinese independent schools will tailor their teaching methods and curriculum towards this education direction.”
Musa said the State Government will also be allocating RM1O.48 million to Christian organizations and temples in Sabah, an increase from last year’s RM9.66 million.
“I understand that 15 Christian organizations and 39 Chinese temples as well as one Hindu and one Sikh temple will receive their respective allocations,” he added.
He said the provision of these allocations shows the State Government’s commitment to uphold religious freedom and encourage religious and spiritual development of the people irrespective of their race and belief.
“Houses of worship, including churches and temples. will continue to get State Government’s support,” he added.
He said churches and temples have a role to play in complementing the Government’s efforts in creating a moral and caring society and curbing social ills such as drug abuse and other criminal activities.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Bus passenger, driver robbed
Four men stop bus and relieve victims of phone, wallet
TAWAU: Four unidentified men stopped a bus at Mile 4 Apas Road on Wednesday and robbed a passenger of a cellphone and the driver’s wallet.
Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Hj Ramli Ali Mat said the bus driver in his 30s was travelling from the town to Mile 5 Apas at 7.30pm. There were five passengers on board the bus.
“When they reached Mile 4, four men stopped the bus and boarded it. They pointed a knife at one of the passengers and took the cellphone before alighting,” he said.
Ramli said after the four suspects had gone, the driver realized his wallet which he placed on the dashboard was missing along with his MyKad and driving licenses. In another incident, a man in his 50s reported a theft at his workshop in Kampung Titingan.
Ramli said the man went to the workshop about 8. 3Opm on Wednesday and found three boxes of welding rods, an Italy-made grinder and Italy-made electric hand-drill, drill bit, air filter equipment, several menthols and two sets of spanners missing. The victim estimated his losses at RM7,000.
Ramli said the police had questioned the workers of the workshop and had yet to make any arrest.
TAWAU: Four unidentified men stopped a bus at Mile 4 Apas Road on Wednesday and robbed a passenger of a cellphone and the driver’s wallet.
Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Hj Ramli Ali Mat said the bus driver in his 30s was travelling from the town to Mile 5 Apas at 7.30pm. There were five passengers on board the bus.
“When they reached Mile 4, four men stopped the bus and boarded it. They pointed a knife at one of the passengers and took the cellphone before alighting,” he said.
Ramli said after the four suspects had gone, the driver realized his wallet which he placed on the dashboard was missing along with his MyKad and driving licenses. In another incident, a man in his 50s reported a theft at his workshop in Kampung Titingan.
Ramli said the man went to the workshop about 8. 3Opm on Wednesday and found three boxes of welding rods, an Italy-made grinder and Italy-made electric hand-drill, drill bit, air filter equipment, several menthols and two sets of spanners missing. The victim estimated his losses at RM7,000.
Ramli said the police had questioned the workers of the workshop and had yet to make any arrest.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Bridge project to benefit 7,000 islanders
KOTA KINABALU: The 7,000 people living on Lthak-Lihak island in Semporna will be able to travel faster to the mainland once construction of a RM30 million bridge is completed.
Bugaya Assemblyman Datuk Basalie Abdul Hamid said the bridge project, which started early last month, would enable locals on the island to transport their commodities to Semporna town faster.
At the moment, they have to use boats which would take them about two hours.
For 40 years, the islanders have problem transporting their commodities to the mainland, especially during rainy season or low tide, thus hampering our effort to eradicate poverty.
“They are also in a dilemma, especially when sending sick patients or women in labour to the district hospital. Everything will be settled once the bridge is up,” he said.
Basalie said the Lihak-Lihak villagers were blessed with economic development from the Federal Government through the rubber planting project by Feldra Berhad and the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS).
The Lihak-Lihak bridge is one of the two projects to link Semporna to the nearby islands. The other bridge is at Bum-Bum Island under the Sulabayan constituency.
Lihak-Lihak is the only island under the Bugaya constituency while Sulabayan has others such as the Sipadan and Mabul, known to many divers for their beautiful underwater world, and Ligitan.
The Sabah Barisan Nasional executive secretary also said the people were also provided with asphalt roads, electricity, water and telephone lines.
Basalie, who is also the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park Sdn Bhd chairman, added 70 per cent of the Bugaya
constituency is enjoying clean water supply while the rest of the area will receive the facility soon.
Apart from the district library, a marine police post and court, schools are also provided.
“We have homestay and handicraft industry to lure people to come and visit us in Bugaya,’ he said.
Bugaya Assemblyman Datuk Basalie Abdul Hamid said the bridge project, which started early last month, would enable locals on the island to transport their commodities to Semporna town faster.
At the moment, they have to use boats which would take them about two hours.
For 40 years, the islanders have problem transporting their commodities to the mainland, especially during rainy season or low tide, thus hampering our effort to eradicate poverty.
“They are also in a dilemma, especially when sending sick patients or women in labour to the district hospital. Everything will be settled once the bridge is up,” he said.
Basalie said the Lihak-Lihak villagers were blessed with economic development from the Federal Government through the rubber planting project by Feldra Berhad and the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS).
The Lihak-Lihak bridge is one of the two projects to link Semporna to the nearby islands. The other bridge is at Bum-Bum Island under the Sulabayan constituency.
Lihak-Lihak is the only island under the Bugaya constituency while Sulabayan has others such as the Sipadan and Mabul, known to many divers for their beautiful underwater world, and Ligitan.
The Sabah Barisan Nasional executive secretary also said the people were also provided with asphalt roads, electricity, water and telephone lines.
Basalie, who is also the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park Sdn Bhd chairman, added 70 per cent of the Bugaya
constituency is enjoying clean water supply while the rest of the area will receive the facility soon.
Apart from the district library, a marine police post and court, schools are also provided.
“We have homestay and handicraft industry to lure people to come and visit us in Bugaya,’ he said.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Six children return after successful heart surgeries
KOTA KINABALU: Six of the 16 children suffering from congenital heart defect (CHD) have returned home after undergoing successful heart surgeries in South Korea.
The healthy-looking children, aged one to eight, arrived with their parents at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport just after midnight Wednesday, some three weeks after they left for the operations.
They were in the first group of eight patients who flew to South Korea on Oct 10 for the surgeries and treatment programme at Bucheon Sejong Hospital in Seoul.
All their expenses, including travel and accommodation cost, were borne by several Korean charity bodies who carried out the Heart Treatment for Children project in collaboration with a number of local organisations.
The remaining children are scheduled to return next week after their recovery procedure is fully completed.
All selected patients were from poor families who were on the Institute Jantung Negara (IJN) waiting list.
The Seoul hospital carrying out the operations is well known for opening its door to a healthier life for poor patients.
Affecting approximately one in every 125 babies born, congenital heart defect is the most common birth defect. Forty thousand people are born each year with CHD and 4,000 will not survive their first year.
Present to receive the children at the airport were Community Development and Consumer Affairs Assistant Minister Jornah Mozihim, SOS Heart Fund Secretary Eva Susau, Korea Food for the Hungry International representative to Malaysia Simon Lee, Sabah Agape Counselling Association president Louis Yong and members of the Lions Club of KK Damai.
The healthy-looking children, aged one to eight, arrived with their parents at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport just after midnight Wednesday, some three weeks after they left for the operations.
They were in the first group of eight patients who flew to South Korea on Oct 10 for the surgeries and treatment programme at Bucheon Sejong Hospital in Seoul.
All their expenses, including travel and accommodation cost, were borne by several Korean charity bodies who carried out the Heart Treatment for Children project in collaboration with a number of local organisations.
The remaining children are scheduled to return next week after their recovery procedure is fully completed.
All selected patients were from poor families who were on the Institute Jantung Negara (IJN) waiting list.
The Seoul hospital carrying out the operations is well known for opening its door to a healthier life for poor patients.
Affecting approximately one in every 125 babies born, congenital heart defect is the most common birth defect. Forty thousand people are born each year with CHD and 4,000 will not survive their first year.
Present to receive the children at the airport were Community Development and Consumer Affairs Assistant Minister Jornah Mozihim, SOS Heart Fund Secretary Eva Susau, Korea Food for the Hungry International representative to Malaysia Simon Lee, Sabah Agape Counselling Association president Louis Yong and members of the Lions Club of KK Damai.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Sabah almost make clean sweep of golds
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah dominated the competition as they swept seven gold medals at the PKM-MSN-PSM East Malaysia Zone Sepak Takraw Championship 2007 at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex multipurpose hail.
The host contingent over-powered their opponents in all the team and doubles events in the 11, 14 and 16 years old categories while their seventh gold medal came from the regu event of the Under-11 years old category.
Sabah missed out on only two gold medals in the four-day event which ended yesterday, with Sarawak adding some sparkle to their medal tally through the regu event for the 14 and 16 years old categories.
The Sarawakians also managed to haul in seven silver medals while FT Labuan ended their run with nine bronze medals.
State Education Department, Sabah Sports Board and the Sabah Sepak Takraw Association (Astaka) jointly organised the championship aimed at selecting the best regu to represent the East Malaysia Zone at the national championship.
The new competition format was introduced through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, National Sports Council and the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM).
State Education Department Human Development Sector head Md Nor Md Sharif, on behalf of State Education Director Normah Gagoh, presented the prizes during the closing ceremony yesterday.
The host contingent over-powered their opponents in all the team and doubles events in the 11, 14 and 16 years old categories while their seventh gold medal came from the regu event of the Under-11 years old category.
Sabah missed out on only two gold medals in the four-day event which ended yesterday, with Sarawak adding some sparkle to their medal tally through the regu event for the 14 and 16 years old categories.
The Sarawakians also managed to haul in seven silver medals while FT Labuan ended their run with nine bronze medals.
State Education Department, Sabah Sports Board and the Sabah Sepak Takraw Association (Astaka) jointly organised the championship aimed at selecting the best regu to represent the East Malaysia Zone at the national championship.
The new competition format was introduced through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, National Sports Council and the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM).
State Education Department Human Development Sector head Md Nor Md Sharif, on behalf of State Education Director Normah Gagoh, presented the prizes during the closing ceremony yesterday.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Firefly mulls flights from KK to BIMP-EAGA towns
KOTA KINABALU: Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is considering operating flights from Kota Kinabalu to major towns within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BMP-EAGA), said MAS managing director and Firefly chairman Datuk Idris Jala.
He said the Sabah Government has given its green light to make Kota Kinabalu as one of its hubs to operate a domestic and international network.
Idris said Firefly has ordered 10 Italian turboprop aircraft, a smaller aircraft capable of carrying 72 passengers in a move to expand its network.
“We have also made an option for another 10 turboprop aircraft and when they arrive gradually over the next five years, we can position some of the aircraft in Kota Kinabalu to cater for BIMP-EAGA sub-region,” he said.
“We cannot make money using jet but certainly turboprop maybe possible,” he told reporters after meeting Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun, here yesterday.
He said the Sabah Government has given its green light to make Kota Kinabalu as one of its hubs to operate a domestic and international network.
Idris said Firefly has ordered 10 Italian turboprop aircraft, a smaller aircraft capable of carrying 72 passengers in a move to expand its network.
“We have also made an option for another 10 turboprop aircraft and when they arrive gradually over the next five years, we can position some of the aircraft in Kota Kinabalu to cater for BIMP-EAGA sub-region,” he said.
“We cannot make money using jet but certainly turboprop maybe possible,” he told reporters after meeting Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun, here yesterday.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Post offices now collect Yayasan loan payments
KOTA KINABALU: Graduates can now pay their Yayasan Sabah (YS) educational loans at 45 outlets of Pos Malaysia throughout Sabah.
To make payment even easier, students can also pay their loans from home or anywhere they want through Pos Malaysia’s online portal, PosOnline.
Yayasan Sabah and Pos Malaysia yesterday sealed a strategic partnership for the Integrated Collection System (ICS) which was made fully operational since Oct 1.
YS Deputy Director Dr Johan Ariffin said with ICS now in place, YS is targeting to collect a total of RM5 million in repayment of loans for this year, surpassing the initial target by one million ringgit. He said the target is achievable due to the increasing trend in amount collected shown this year. He noted that RM3.6 million had been collected as at October this year compared to RM3 million collected for the same period last year.
Group Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad, Datuk Idrose Mohamed, said the partnership with YS is part of their continuous efforts to explore various new services that can be offered through post offices as well as through PosOnline.
“We are honoured by this alliance with YS as it reflects on their trust and confidence in Pos Malaysia’s capacity and capability in managing payment of the Yayasan Sabah student loans at our post offices as well as through our online transaction portal.
“In addition to our network of post offices, our move to extend the convenience through cyberspace via PosOnline makes it possible for Pos Malaysia to reach out to students in both urban and rural areas, hence facilitating their payment of Yayasan Sabah loans in a more efficient manner,” he said.
The MoU was signed by the YS Deputy Director and Pos Malaysia Deputy General Manager Mearia Hamzah.
To make payment even easier, students can also pay their loans from home or anywhere they want through Pos Malaysia’s online portal, PosOnline.
Yayasan Sabah and Pos Malaysia yesterday sealed a strategic partnership for the Integrated Collection System (ICS) which was made fully operational since Oct 1.
YS Deputy Director Dr Johan Ariffin said with ICS now in place, YS is targeting to collect a total of RM5 million in repayment of loans for this year, surpassing the initial target by one million ringgit. He said the target is achievable due to the increasing trend in amount collected shown this year. He noted that RM3.6 million had been collected as at October this year compared to RM3 million collected for the same period last year.
Group Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad, Datuk Idrose Mohamed, said the partnership with YS is part of their continuous efforts to explore various new services that can be offered through post offices as well as through PosOnline.
“We are honoured by this alliance with YS as it reflects on their trust and confidence in Pos Malaysia’s capacity and capability in managing payment of the Yayasan Sabah student loans at our post offices as well as through our online transaction portal.
“In addition to our network of post offices, our move to extend the convenience through cyberspace via PosOnline makes it possible for Pos Malaysia to reach out to students in both urban and rural areas, hence facilitating their payment of Yayasan Sabah loans in a more efficient manner,” he said.
The MoU was signed by the YS Deputy Director and Pos Malaysia Deputy General Manager Mearia Hamzah.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - Early warning system for landslide-prone areas including Sabah
KUALALUMPUR: The hill slope along Jalan Ranau-Tamparuli in Sabah is among areas that will be studied by experts in the Government’s efforts to resolve landslide problems.
Thirty slope stability and landslide experts are conducting a nationwide study to identify landslide-prone areas, said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.
He said they included engineers from the slope-engineering unit of the Public Works Department (PWD) who were equipped with the latest gadgets to monitor soil movements.
Samy Vellu said the study was expected to be ready by April next year and the Government was hopeful that it would help address slope-related problems in the country.
“When the master plan is ready, we’ll be having an early warning system at locations which are considered dangerous.. .to immediately alert the public of possible landslide hazards,” he told reporters after opening a seminar on landslide engineering organised by the department here yesterday.
Samy Vellu said PWD district engineers would closely monitor slopes during the rainy season and submit reports to the slope-engineering unit.
The unit, he said, was also conducting a detailed study of a 100sq km area in Hulu Kelang where several landslides have occurred in the past. It is to be completed by end-2008.
“The study will enable the Government to identify high-risk locations that should be closely monitored as well as areas deemed suitable for development activities,” he said.
Samy Vellu said that “critical” slopes such as the ones along Jalan Simpang Pulai-Lojing and Jalan Ranau-Tamparuli were being monitored for potential landslides.
Earlier, Samy Vellu said the Early Warning and Real-Time Monitoring System, a national landslide hazard monitoring and prediction system, had been put in place to assist the authorities in determining the nature of landslide hazards.
Thirty slope stability and landslide experts are conducting a nationwide study to identify landslide-prone areas, said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.
He said they included engineers from the slope-engineering unit of the Public Works Department (PWD) who were equipped with the latest gadgets to monitor soil movements.
Samy Vellu said the study was expected to be ready by April next year and the Government was hopeful that it would help address slope-related problems in the country.
“When the master plan is ready, we’ll be having an early warning system at locations which are considered dangerous.. .to immediately alert the public of possible landslide hazards,” he told reporters after opening a seminar on landslide engineering organised by the department here yesterday.
Samy Vellu said PWD district engineers would closely monitor slopes during the rainy season and submit reports to the slope-engineering unit.
The unit, he said, was also conducting a detailed study of a 100sq km area in Hulu Kelang where several landslides have occurred in the past. It is to be completed by end-2008.
“The study will enable the Government to identify high-risk locations that should be closely monitored as well as areas deemed suitable for development activities,” he said.
Samy Vellu said that “critical” slopes such as the ones along Jalan Simpang Pulai-Lojing and Jalan Ranau-Tamparuli were being monitored for potential landslides.
Earlier, Samy Vellu said the Early Warning and Real-Time Monitoring System, a national landslide hazard monitoring and prediction system, had been put in place to assist the authorities in determining the nature of landslide hazards.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - No more reclamation except to enhance coastal areas
KOTA KINABALU: Future reclamation of Sabah’s coastline will only be allowed on grounds of enhancement or strengthening of the coastline, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjum.
He said that under the recently-approved Coastal Management Guideline, the State Government will disallow unnecessary land reclamation to protect the State’s environment and tourism industry.
“There is sufficient land in the State to support the population and development of industries. Land reclamation will affect the whole structure of our ecosystem and we want to avoid that,” he said.
Masidi was speaking to reporters after launching the Sabah National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment
(NCSA) Stakeholders Consultation Session on Biological Diversity, Climate Change and Land Degradation workshop at Hyatt Kinabalu here, yesterday.
He noted that it is imperative to protect the State’s coastline as it is among the main draws for foreign tourists here.
“A lot of tourists visiting here have commended us on our beautiful shoreline…if we allow land reclamation exercises to continue we will lose part of our attraction.”
Masidi said that so far only two land reclamation projects have been approved in Sabah, one each in the city and nearby Putatan, while housing projects that have been built on reclaimed land were implemented prior to the approval of the guideline.
He stressed that it is up to the local authorities in the State’s coastal areas to ensure the guideline is adhered to.
“The local authorities are the ones giving approval for projects. They must abide by the guideline...their duty is to enforce it,” he said.
Earlier in his speech when launching the two-day workshop, Masidi said the State Government has always been committed to sustainable management of Sabah’s environment and natural resources.
He said among the initiatives jointly-implemented by the State and Federal Governments include capacity building in administration and human resources in the Environmental Protection Department, monitoring of waste treatment from livestock and industrial activities and management of conservation areas such as the Maliau Basin and the Kilas Peat Swapm Forests.
He said that under the recently-approved Coastal Management Guideline, the State Government will disallow unnecessary land reclamation to protect the State’s environment and tourism industry.
“There is sufficient land in the State to support the population and development of industries. Land reclamation will affect the whole structure of our ecosystem and we want to avoid that,” he said.
Masidi was speaking to reporters after launching the Sabah National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment
(NCSA) Stakeholders Consultation Session on Biological Diversity, Climate Change and Land Degradation workshop at Hyatt Kinabalu here, yesterday.
He noted that it is imperative to protect the State’s coastline as it is among the main draws for foreign tourists here.
“A lot of tourists visiting here have commended us on our beautiful shoreline…if we allow land reclamation exercises to continue we will lose part of our attraction.”
Masidi said that so far only two land reclamation projects have been approved in Sabah, one each in the city and nearby Putatan, while housing projects that have been built on reclaimed land were implemented prior to the approval of the guideline.
He stressed that it is up to the local authorities in the State’s coastal areas to ensure the guideline is adhered to.
“The local authorities are the ones giving approval for projects. They must abide by the guideline...their duty is to enforce it,” he said.
Earlier in his speech when launching the two-day workshop, Masidi said the State Government has always been committed to sustainable management of Sabah’s environment and natural resources.
He said among the initiatives jointly-implemented by the State and Federal Governments include capacity building in administration and human resources in the Environmental Protection Department, monitoring of waste treatment from livestock and industrial activities and management of conservation areas such as the Maliau Basin and the Kilas Peat Swapm Forests.
Friday 2nd Nov 2007 - MAS, State Govt in joint effort to bring in more tourists from Japan
KOTA KINABALU: National carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and the State Government, through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, yesterday agreed on a collaborative effort to increase tourist arrivals from Japan.
The plan was agreed upon during a meeting between both parties, headed by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and MAS Managing Director Datuk Seri Idris Jala.
Masidi said the plan would be of mutual benefit for both the State tourism industry and MAS as Japanese visitors here are largely part of the up market segment of Sabah’s tourist demographic.
“Through this meeting we have reached some consensus to work together in vigorously bringing tourists to Sabah, especially from Japan,” he told a press conference after the meeting.
“This is a mutual agreement. Seat availability is not the only factor to consider. Perhaps there are also areas in marketing where we have yet to exhaust all possible avenues and MAS will help us in this area.
“We are very happy with this arrangement, it is not common for the MD himself to “turun padang” (go down to the field) to do the marketing,” Masidi said.
Idris explained that the collaboration would bring together representatives from both MAS and the State Government on promotional meetings with their Japanese counterparts from the highest to junior levels.
“In the airline industry we have what we call seat factor which averages at 70 percent (Japan flights). Based on this there is tremendous potential to fill up the plane,” he said.
“The first challenge is to fill in these seats and with proper marketing I am confident we can tap into this potential.
“We at MAS have high confidence in Sabah pulling in more tourists. I believe there are many great things that can be offered here and if marketed properly, I am sure the State can pull in more tourists,” he said, adding that there are currently four weekly direct flights from Japan, two each from Tokyo and Osaka.
Idris said MAS Wings has been progressing well since its relaunch on Oct 1 with “very positive” feedback from passengers in both Sabah and Sarawak, and expects to establish its full fleet of seven Fokker and five Twin Otter aircraft by Dec 1.
“Between now and Dec 1, we will progressively add aircraft until we get our full fleet. This will increase the total frequency of flights by around 200 additional flights a month,” he said. MAS Wings is currently operating with five Fokker and four Twin Otter planes.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - CASH hopes for better parking management after study
KOTA KINABALU: The Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (CASH) is hoping that the parking management in the city would improve further after the ongoing study on the matter has been completed by the City Hall.
Its deputy president, Nordin Thani, said that CASH welcomed the study which also covers the parking rate to be imposed apart from determining the effectiveness of parking lots management in the city.
According to him, the problems related to parking in the city area are essentially separated into three main issues.
“Firstly, there are problems arising from the balance between supply and demand. Secondly, there are problems arising from inconsiderate or illegal usage and thirdly, there are specific problems affecting particular groups or locations,” he said yesterday.
Given the spaces for car park are very limited, Nordin said CASH suggested that the private parking lots (if implemented) should be open and not fixed at the allocated or proposed lots.
He said the parking lots should be categorized accordingly by the colours of the permit issued, for example, the colour of residents parking permit (for residents residing in the city) is blue; red for business proprietor parking lots and white for monthly permits for visitors or frequent users.
“Loading bays should also be provided specifically for businesses so that conflict with other road users is minimized, especially areas like Segama, Sinsuran and Bandaran Berjaya.
“A designated space for the disabled should also be considered with a special sticker provided to them by City Hall or other relevant authorities,” said Nordin.
Further improvement of the parking management would benefit all the consumers as the City Hall is responsible for creating and operating the parking spaces, and to introduce parking schemes to alleviate parking related problems and traffic congestion in the city, he added.
Its deputy president, Nordin Thani, said that CASH welcomed the study which also covers the parking rate to be imposed apart from determining the effectiveness of parking lots management in the city.
According to him, the problems related to parking in the city area are essentially separated into three main issues.
“Firstly, there are problems arising from the balance between supply and demand. Secondly, there are problems arising from inconsiderate or illegal usage and thirdly, there are specific problems affecting particular groups or locations,” he said yesterday.
Given the spaces for car park are very limited, Nordin said CASH suggested that the private parking lots (if implemented) should be open and not fixed at the allocated or proposed lots.
He said the parking lots should be categorized accordingly by the colours of the permit issued, for example, the colour of residents parking permit (for residents residing in the city) is blue; red for business proprietor parking lots and white for monthly permits for visitors or frequent users.“Loading bays should also be provided specifically for businesses so that conflict with other road users is minimized, especially areas like Segama, Sinsuran and Bandaran Berjaya.
“A designated space for the disabled should also be considered with a special sticker provided to them by City Hall or other relevant authorities,” said Nordin.
Further improvement of the parking management would benefit all the consumers as the City Hall is responsible for creating and operating the parking spaces, and to introduce parking schemes to alleviate parking related problems and traffic congestion in the city, he added.
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - Health talks, medical checks for villagers
PAPAR: The residents of Kampung Gana and nearby villages are invited to attend health talks and receive free medical checks during the 3S (Sihat, Selamat, Sejahtera) programme at SK Gana here on Saturday.
The programme, jointly organised by the Papar Member of Parliament’s office and various participating Government agencies, will be held from 7am to 1pm at the school.
Yayasan Sabah Group Kuala Penyu operations officer cum Papar district 3S Programme committee deputy chairman Ghanilin Hj Hasim said various activities will be carried out at the half-day event aimed at raising general health awareness among residents of the area.
The programme is aimed at residents within the Gana area, including Kampung Gana, Kampung Purak, Kampung Manggis (Tung Shan), Kampung Marahang and Kampung Kopimpinan Kawang.
Among the activities include health talks related to mouth cancer mouth examination and counseling exhibitions and free treatment and tooth extraction by the Papar Dental Clinic.
The Maternity and Children’s Health Clinic will also provide health talks, pap smear and breast examination while talks on emergency aid and safety will be given by St John’s Ambulance Central Kinabalu and the Papar district police headquarters respectively.
There will also be lucky draws for visitors. Papar Member of Parliament Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin and Kawang assemblyman Datuk Hj Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar are expected to grace the event, aside from visiting the home of the disabled in Kampung Gana.
The programme, jointly organised by the Papar Member of Parliament’s office and various participating Government agencies, will be held from 7am to 1pm at the school.
Yayasan Sabah Group Kuala Penyu operations officer cum Papar district 3S Programme committee deputy chairman Ghanilin Hj Hasim said various activities will be carried out at the half-day event aimed at raising general health awareness among residents of the area.The programme is aimed at residents within the Gana area, including Kampung Gana, Kampung Purak, Kampung Manggis (Tung Shan), Kampung Marahang and Kampung Kopimpinan Kawang.
Among the activities include health talks related to mouth cancer mouth examination and counseling exhibitions and free treatment and tooth extraction by the Papar Dental Clinic.
The Maternity and Children’s Health Clinic will also provide health talks, pap smear and breast examination while talks on emergency aid and safety will be given by St John’s Ambulance Central Kinabalu and the Papar district police headquarters respectively.
There will also be lucky draws for visitors. Papar Member of Parliament Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin and Kawang assemblyman Datuk Hj Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar are expected to grace the event, aside from visiting the home of the disabled in Kampung Gana.
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - KPD Tamu on Sunday
KOTA KINABALU: Korporasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) will hold its tamu this Sunday at the KPD Marketing Complex, Tanjung Lipat, Teluk Likas, here from 6.30am to 1pm.
Various types of rural products will be available such as fresh Shiitake mushroom, Tenom pomelo, honey, fresh beef and chicken.
The public are also encouraged to donate generously used clothing, books or children toys at the Charity Corner for the needy rural folks. The Health Corner will also be having blood pressure check-up and blood sugar test for tamu customers.
Various types of rural products will be available such as fresh Shiitake mushroom, Tenom pomelo, honey, fresh beef and chicken.
The public are also encouraged to donate generously used clothing, books or children toys at the Charity Corner for the needy rural folks. The Health Corner will also be having blood pressure check-up and blood sugar test for tamu customers.
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - Free course for Sabah youths available
KOTA KINABALU: In line with the government’s call to encourage youths to upgrade their knowledge and skills, SEGi College is offering youths between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to study for free.
To ensure that Sabah students are given an opportunity to upgrade their skills and knowledge, the college will be registering and providing information to them on November 1, 2007 at Hotel De Leeton, Lot 45-46, Block E. Asia City, Kota Kinabalu.
Senior Manager, Recruitment and Marketing, Mr Angrez Sandhu will be present from 1pm to 8pm, November 1, 2007 at the hotel to provide further information on the course available, said SEGi College Sarawak Acting Head of Business Development, Joseph Wong.
‘The students have a choice of one of the following programmes, namely Hotel, Airline Ticketing or Graphic Design, totally free. And they can register for the programmes on the spot.
“This is not a loan so there is no repayment to be made after they complete their respective programmes. In addition, students are given an allowance of RM210 per month for the duration of the programme.”
“To ensure that outstation students are not left out, hostel arrangement has been made for those who need accommodation but their allowance will be reduced to RM110.”
The registration fee is RM210, including the start-up pack, and students who are unable to pay the sum up front can have the amount deducted off their allowance.
Wong advised students to bring their necessary documents, including photostated copies of their IC, SPM certificate and School Leaving Certificate, and 4 passport- size photographs for immediate on-the-spot registration.
The enrolment is conducted on a first-come-first-serve basis and the allocation for youths who are eligible for the programmes is limited to only 300 places. Entry requirements are SPM school leavers with a pass in Bahasa Malaysia.
The programmes, to be conducted at the SEGi College Training Centre at Jalan Pending, Kuching, are one-year full-time programmes.
Malaysian youths, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply.
Further information is obtainable from Mr Angrez at tel: 016-883372 or 082-252566.
To ensure that Sabah students are given an opportunity to upgrade their skills and knowledge, the college will be registering and providing information to them on November 1, 2007 at Hotel De Leeton, Lot 45-46, Block E. Asia City, Kota Kinabalu.
Senior Manager, Recruitment and Marketing, Mr Angrez Sandhu will be present from 1pm to 8pm, November 1, 2007 at the hotel to provide further information on the course available, said SEGi College Sarawak Acting Head of Business Development, Joseph Wong.‘The students have a choice of one of the following programmes, namely Hotel, Airline Ticketing or Graphic Design, totally free. And they can register for the programmes on the spot.
“This is not a loan so there is no repayment to be made after they complete their respective programmes. In addition, students are given an allowance of RM210 per month for the duration of the programme.”
“To ensure that outstation students are not left out, hostel arrangement has been made for those who need accommodation but their allowance will be reduced to RM110.”The registration fee is RM210, including the start-up pack, and students who are unable to pay the sum up front can have the amount deducted off their allowance.
Wong advised students to bring their necessary documents, including photostated copies of their IC, SPM certificate and School Leaving Certificate, and 4 passport- size photographs for immediate on-the-spot registration.
The enrolment is conducted on a first-come-first-serve basis and the allocation for youths who are eligible for the programmes is limited to only 300 places. Entry requirements are SPM school leavers with a pass in Bahasa Malaysia.
The programmes, to be conducted at the SEGi College Training Centre at Jalan Pending, Kuching, are one-year full-time programmes.
Malaysian youths, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply.
Further information is obtainable from Mr Angrez at tel: 016-883372 or 082-252566.
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - City Halls spends half million ringgit on human resources devt
KOTA KINABALU: City Hall has spent nearly half a million ringgit this year alone on developing its human resources, said Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.
He said City Hall had allocated some RM450,00 this year for staff training compared to RM420,000 spent in 2006, with the aim of improving efficiency and quality service for the residents of the city.
“City Hall is willing to spend a huge sum for training its staff to ensure that they receive adequate training, skills and self-development so that they remain competent and effective in their jobs,” he said in his speech when launching a workshop on “Delivering Excellent Customer Service” for heads of departments under City Hall at the City Education Centre in Kingfisher here yesterday.
Also present at the event were City Hall director-general Datuk Dr Chua Kim Hing, deputy director-general (corporate) Wan Maria Othman Lee, deputy director- general (operations) Ismail Majin and workshop consultant Charles McDowell.
Iliyas said that an efficient delivery system is vital to ensure the effectiveness of implementation of policies and development strategies by City Hall.
He said efficiency in the same system is also necessary to fulfill the increasing demands of the public and the business community.
“As a Government agency, we deal with thousands of people each day who demand excellent delivery service from us. Our customers, the taxpayers, deserve the best service we can offer,” he said.
He said City Hall had allocated some RM450,00 this year for staff training compared to RM420,000 spent in 2006, with the aim of improving efficiency and quality service for the residents of the city.
“City Hall is willing to spend a huge sum for training its staff to ensure that they receive adequate training, skills and self-development so that they remain competent and effective in their jobs,” he said in his speech when launching a workshop on “Delivering Excellent Customer Service” for heads of departments under City Hall at the City Education Centre in Kingfisher here yesterday.
Also present at the event were City Hall director-general Datuk Dr Chua Kim Hing, deputy director-general (corporate) Wan Maria Othman Lee, deputy director- general (operations) Ismail Majin and workshop consultant Charles McDowell.
Iliyas said that an efficient delivery system is vital to ensure the effectiveness of implementation of policies and development strategies by City Hall.
He said efficiency in the same system is also necessary to fulfill the increasing demands of the public and the business community.
“As a Government agency, we deal with thousands of people each day who demand excellent delivery service from us. Our customers, the taxpayers, deserve the best service we can offer,” he said.
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - Tour operators urged to promote Sabah to Middle East Visitors
PENAMPANG: Local tour operators have been urged to come up with proposals to promote Sabah as a holiday destination to visitors from the Middle East.
Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof said the Ministry of Tourism is working towards increasing the number of visitors from the Arab states here, but needs support from local tourism players.
“There are already efforts from the Ministry’s side to promote Sabah as a destination among Middle Eastern tourists. The plan in the near future is to bring these tourists direct to Sabah and not on transit from Kuala Lumpur,” he said at the Tourism Malaysia Han Rays open house at Lembah Impian here yesterday.
“We want the travel agents to submit their brochures and proposals to us on ways to attractgroup of tourists here.”
Iskandar noted that tour operators here should capitalise on the State’s natural beauty and environment which present Sabah’s greatest tourism assets, instead of a shopping destination which is considered a major draw for tourists from the Arab region.
“The problem is that there is still no shopping complex here that offers brands that are up to their standards… the packages here should focus more on the islands, scaling the mountain and also the home stay programme,” he said.
Iskandar added that the Ministry of Tourism will also make concerted efforts to bring Middle Eastern tourists visiting Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah.
€
Meanwhile, representatives from various tourism players attended the open house organised in conjunction with the Aidlifitri celebrations. Also present was Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjum
Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof said the Ministry of Tourism is working towards increasing the number of visitors from the Arab states here, but needs support from local tourism players.
“There are already efforts from the Ministry’s side to promote Sabah as a destination among Middle Eastern tourists. The plan in the near future is to bring these tourists direct to Sabah and not on transit from Kuala Lumpur,” he said at the Tourism Malaysia Han Rays open house at Lembah Impian here yesterday.
“We want the travel agents to submit their brochures and proposals to us on ways to attractgroup of tourists here.”
Iskandar noted that tour operators here should capitalise on the State’s natural beauty and environment which present Sabah’s greatest tourism assets, instead of a shopping destination which is considered a major draw for tourists from the Arab region.
“The problem is that there is still no shopping complex here that offers brands that are up to their standards… the packages here should focus more on the islands, scaling the mountain and also the home stay programme,” he said.
Iskandar added that the Ministry of Tourism will also make concerted efforts to bring Middle Eastern tourists visiting Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah.
€
Meanwhile, representatives from various tourism players attended the open house organised in conjunction with the Aidlifitri celebrations. Also present was Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjum
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - Pre-school programmes should be further improved: Director
KOTA KINABALU: The State Education Department has directed all the 1,200 pre-schools in the State,
including those in the rural areas, to be more active in attracting more children to participate in the early education programme.
Its director, Normah Gagoh, said more activities should be conducted at pre-school level to highlight the significance of early education for children aged five and six.
“To further develop education in the State, pre-school programmes should be further improved, particularly in rural areas, to attract children to enter into pre-schools and kindergartens. “In order to produce an educated generation, education needs to be started early and pre-schools play an important role in shaping the foundation for the agenda to be realized,” said Normah.
She was speaking at the 25th Presentation of Pre-School Graduation Certificate and Children Performancesin conjunction with the Tadika Ria Silver Jubilee celebration at Menara Tun Mustapha here yesterday.
Also present at the ceremony was Yayasan Sabah Deputy Director Dr Johan Arriffin Datuk Abdul Samad.
Normah said pre-school education should not be taken lightly as it has contributed a lot to the development of education in the State. Normah who is also a board member of Amanah Saham Yayasan Sabah, hoped that all parties will take pre-school education seriously as it is an important step towards preparing young children for primary school education.
In fact, she said it is possible those who received education at early age will turn out to be excellent students in future as shown by students who were previously under the Yayasan Sabah pre-school programme.
including those in the rural areas, to be more active in attracting more children to participate in the early education programme.
Its director, Normah Gagoh, said more activities should be conducted at pre-school level to highlight the significance of early education for children aged five and six.
“To further develop education in the State, pre-school programmes should be further improved, particularly in rural areas, to attract children to enter into pre-schools and kindergartens. “In order to produce an educated generation, education needs to be started early and pre-schools play an important role in shaping the foundation for the agenda to be realized,” said Normah.
She was speaking at the 25th Presentation of Pre-School Graduation Certificate and Children Performancesin conjunction with the Tadika Ria Silver Jubilee celebration at Menara Tun Mustapha here yesterday.
Also present at the ceremony was Yayasan Sabah Deputy Director Dr Johan Arriffin Datuk Abdul Samad.Normah said pre-school education should not be taken lightly as it has contributed a lot to the development of education in the State. Normah who is also a board member of Amanah Saham Yayasan Sabah, hoped that all parties will take pre-school education seriously as it is an important step towards preparing young children for primary school education.
In fact, she said it is possible those who received education at early age will turn out to be excellent students in future as shown by students who were previously under the Yayasan Sabah pre-school programme.
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - Sabah rural folks going blind needlessly: Doctor
KOTA KINABALU: There is still room for improvement in the State’s rural medical services, a
doctor from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said yesterday.
Dr Lee Mun Seng of UMS School of Medicine, said many areas in the State are so remote and inaccessible that seeking proper medical attention for its residents is next to impossible.
For instance, he said in some places people are needlessly going blind due to the absence of eye treatment services.
Explaining that the State’s eye treatment facilities are currently only available at urban areas, he said patients suffering from any form of eve ailment in rural areas are forced to travel a long and difficult journey to seek treatment.
Otherwise, they may just lose their eyesight.
The fact that a lot of places are still beyond the reach of modern civilization, and many people still have to walk for days just to get to the nearest road or town, does not make things any easier, though they know they have a health problem, Lee pointed out.
Eye, ailments, like many other symptoms of health problems, are the things most of the people in the urban areas take for granted, he said.
Unfortunately, the delay in seeking proper treatment would not do them any good and in the case of eye ailments, it only means one thing - blindness, added Dr Lee.
In many cases, he said by the time the rural patients reach an eye specialist, it was almost too late to save their eyesight.
Once their eye condition deteriorates, the treatment is not only more complicated but also much more expensive, he said, adding, “What is really sad is that most of the eye diseases can be treated and those suffering from it could have avoided from becoming blind if only treatment can reach them early.
doctor from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said yesterday.
Dr Lee Mun Seng of UMS School of Medicine, said many areas in the State are so remote and inaccessible that seeking proper medical attention for its residents is next to impossible.
For instance, he said in some places people are needlessly going blind due to the absence of eye treatment services.
Explaining that the State’s eye treatment facilities are currently only available at urban areas, he said patients suffering from any form of eve ailment in rural areas are forced to travel a long and difficult journey to seek treatment.
Otherwise, they may just lose their eyesight.
The fact that a lot of places are still beyond the reach of modern civilization, and many people still have to walk for days just to get to the nearest road or town, does not make things any easier, though they know they have a health problem, Lee pointed out.
Eye, ailments, like many other symptoms of health problems, are the things most of the people in the urban areas take for granted, he said.
Unfortunately, the delay in seeking proper treatment would not do them any good and in the case of eye ailments, it only means one thing - blindness, added Dr Lee.
In many cases, he said by the time the rural patients reach an eye specialist, it was almost too late to save their eyesight.
Once their eye condition deteriorates, the treatment is not only more complicated but also much more expensive, he said, adding, “What is really sad is that most of the eye diseases can be treated and those suffering from it could have avoided from becoming blind if only treatment can reach them early.
“Complicated operations are only done in Kuala Lumpur, which means the patient would have to travel there for treatment. They have to pay for their traveling expenses as well as the medical expenses.
Thurs 1st Nov 2007 - Bernard reiterates there is no rift between him and Kurup
NABAWAN: Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Secretary General Datuk Bernard Maraat on Tuesday reiterated that allegations of a rift between him and party president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup are not true.
“My relationship with him (Kurup) is good. I have no problem with him. As the PBRS’s Secretary General, I respect him and he has my fullest cooperation,” he said, adding that Kurup also has no problem with him.
“We work well together as both of us are committed in our duty to help the people and because we rarely meet, people assume that we have problems with each other,” he said when closing a one-day Journalism Workshop and History Writing course held at the multi-purpose hall here on Tuesday.
According to Bernard, Kurup as a State assemblyman, is busy carrying out his duties in his Sook constituency while he as the Pensiangan Member of Parliament is busy in the Dewan Negara.
If there is no Parliament sitting, Benard said he spends most of his time visiting his constituency which is why he rarely has time to meet Kurup.
Bernard also said the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) influence in Pensiangan, Sook and Nabawan is getting stronger and assured that he, Kurup as well as Nabawan assemblyman Datuk Bobbey Suan will work towards ensuring that the coalition wins again in the coming elections.
Speaking about the opposition’s strength in the area, Bernard said political democracy will decide who the people support.
“The people are free to decide who they want to lead the country,” he said, adding no political democracy means no economic democracy.
On his preparation for the coming election, Bernard replied, “My slogan is ‘everyday is election’, which means going down to the ground to meet the people.”
“My relationship with him (Kurup) is good. I have no problem with him. As the PBRS’s Secretary General, I respect him and he has my fullest cooperation,” he said, adding that Kurup also has no problem with him.
“We work well together as both of us are committed in our duty to help the people and because we rarely meet, people assume that we have problems with each other,” he said when closing a one-day Journalism Workshop and History Writing course held at the multi-purpose hall here on Tuesday.
According to Bernard, Kurup as a State assemblyman, is busy carrying out his duties in his Sook constituency while he as the Pensiangan Member of Parliament is busy in the Dewan Negara.
If there is no Parliament sitting, Benard said he spends most of his time visiting his constituency which is why he rarely has time to meet Kurup.
Bernard also said the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) influence in Pensiangan, Sook and Nabawan is getting stronger and assured that he, Kurup as well as Nabawan assemblyman Datuk Bobbey Suan will work towards ensuring that the coalition wins again in the coming elections.
Speaking about the opposition’s strength in the area, Bernard said political democracy will decide who the people support.
“The people are free to decide who they want to lead the country,” he said, adding no political democracy means no economic democracy.
On his preparation for the coming election, Bernard replied, “My slogan is ‘everyday is election’, which means going down to the ground to meet the people.”
Thursday 1st Nov 2007 - Indian National found dead in lodging house room
KOTA KINABALU: A 34-year-old Indian national who had earlier entered a room at a lodging house here with a female companion, was found dead about four hours later.
The victim was identified as Mohamed Sheikh Ibrahim who worked as a cook at a restaurant in Sinsuran.
He had checked in the lodging house in Gaya Street around 10.45am and was supposed to check out at 1pm.
It was learnt that the girl had left the room earlier. When the man did not check out, a security guard
went to the room and knocked on the door but there was no response.
He then returned with a hotel staff and opened the door with a spare key. They saw the man lying on the bed lifeless.
The police were quickly notified and the body was sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for post-mortem. Police have ruled out foul play.
The victim was identified as Mohamed Sheikh Ibrahim who worked as a cook at a restaurant in Sinsuran.
He had checked in the lodging house in Gaya Street around 10.45am and was supposed to check out at 1pm.
It was learnt that the girl had left the room earlier. When the man did not check out, a security guard
went to the room and knocked on the door but there was no response.
He then returned with a hotel staff and opened the door with a spare key. They saw the man lying on the bed lifeless.
The police were quickly notified and the body was sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for post-mortem. Police have ruled out foul play.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Potentials of Penampang should be exploited: Bosi
PENAMPANG: Parti Keadilan Rakyat divisional chief Dr Edwin Bosi wants the potential of Penampang to be exploited to the fullest.
Bosi who is also the State PKR information chief, has high hopes for the district as Penampang has so much to offer.
“First, I would like to see every child in Penampang being given an opportunity to go to school, excel and become successful in any field they pursue. Human resource development is fundamental to the future wellbeing of the native Kadazans.
“I would also like to see conservation work on the Crocker Range so that our people and country can benefit, and the world can benefit. I like to see eco and research tourism flourishing in Penampang,” he said.
According to him, with the Crocker Range at their backyard, residents in Penampang can promote and develop the traditional and herbal medicinal sector.
He also said he would like to see a strong rubber industry integrated with pineapples in Penampang and that freshwater fish breeding become a lucrative business in the district.
“As Penampang is gradually turning into a suburb of Kota Kinabalu, proper town and infrastructure planning must be in place,” he said after a gotong royong in Kampung Tampasak, last Saturday
Bosi told the villagers there that they should not be dependent on the Government for everything and they should also criticise the Government should it fail to perform as promised or expected.
They should also complain about the Government of the day if it does not perform, he said adding, “After all, we deserve the Government we voted for. I can only advise the people that the general election is coming soon and this is their opportunity to decide whether they should give BN another chance.”
Bosi urged the villagers to be bold and rational and said if they were not happy with the BN’s performance, then it is time to give PKR an opportunity to govern the country.
Bosi who is also the State PKR information chief, has high hopes for the district as Penampang has so much to offer.
“First, I would like to see every child in Penampang being given an opportunity to go to school, excel and become successful in any field they pursue. Human resource development is fundamental to the future wellbeing of the native Kadazans.
“I would also like to see conservation work on the Crocker Range so that our people and country can benefit, and the world can benefit. I like to see eco and research tourism flourishing in Penampang,” he said.
According to him, with the Crocker Range at their backyard, residents in Penampang can promote and develop the traditional and herbal medicinal sector.
He also said he would like to see a strong rubber industry integrated with pineapples in Penampang and that freshwater fish breeding become a lucrative business in the district.
“As Penampang is gradually turning into a suburb of Kota Kinabalu, proper town and infrastructure planning must be in place,” he said after a gotong royong in Kampung Tampasak, last SaturdayBosi told the villagers there that they should not be dependent on the Government for everything and they should also criticise the Government should it fail to perform as promised or expected.
They should also complain about the Government of the day if it does not perform, he said adding, “After all, we deserve the Government we voted for. I can only advise the people that the general election is coming soon and this is their opportunity to decide whether they should give BN another chance.”
Bosi urged the villagers to be bold and rational and said if they were not happy with the BN’s performance, then it is time to give PKR an opportunity to govern the country.
Wed 31st Oct - Drunk vandals among 12 held in Putatan
PENAMPANG: Three drunk men were among 12 people detained during an anti-crime operation in Putatan on Monday night.
The trio were picked up after police caught them breaking the window of one of the houses in the area.
District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat said the trios were known for doing vandalism, especially when they were drunk.
Also arrested during the operation, which was carried out between 11pm and 2am, were six drug addicts, including two teenage girls.
“The four boys, aged between 18 and 29, are believed to be involved in several housebreaking case, including the one reported on October 12 in Petagas. One of them is also believed involved in a car theft reported in Tanjung Aru,” he said, adding the vehicle, a van, was recovered at Taman Friendship in Putatan.
The two girls, aged 16 and 17, one who is still a student at a school in Ranau and the other no longer schooling, are not members of the gang.
“The two girls are just friends of the four men. They all tested positive for drugs,” Madang noted.
He added the remaining three suspects, all men, were arrested for possessing stolen items.
“The three men will be investigated under Section 411 of the Penal Code for having stolen items, and we seized four sets of VCD players from them,” said Madang.
The trio were picked up after police caught them breaking the window of one of the houses in the area.
District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat said the trios were known for doing vandalism, especially when they were drunk.
Also arrested during the operation, which was carried out between 11pm and 2am, were six drug addicts, including two teenage girls.
“The four boys, aged between 18 and 29, are believed to be involved in several housebreaking case, including the one reported on October 12 in Petagas. One of them is also believed involved in a car theft reported in Tanjung Aru,” he said, adding the vehicle, a van, was recovered at Taman Friendship in Putatan.
The two girls, aged 16 and 17, one who is still a student at a school in Ranau and the other no longer schooling, are not members of the gang.
“The two girls are just friends of the four men. They all tested positive for drugs,” Madang noted.
He added the remaining three suspects, all men, were arrested for possessing stolen items.
“The three men will be investigated under Section 411 of the Penal Code for having stolen items, and we seized four sets of VCD players from them,” said Madang.
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - EVENT
- Diploma in Early Childhood - Education organised by Persatuan Tadika Sabah on Nov 19 (Monday). Details: Anne Wee 016-5858173, Anne Lasimbang 019-8806018.
- The Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu and the Eye clinic of Queen Elizabeth Hospital jointly organising a Diabetes Awareness and Sight conservation project on Nov 17(Saturday) from 8am to 1pm at the Atrium, Asia City Complex, in with the World Diabetes Day. Free screening for public members during the project. Details call, Dr Molly Mathew 019-8507190, Francis 016-8128899 or Margaret 019- 8128390.
- The Sabah Government Pensioners Association Charity Golf 2007 teeing off on November 10 (Saturday) at SGCC by TYT Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah. All golfers are welcome. Hole-in-one prizes one unit Mazda Fighter 4WD D/Cab and other attractive prizes are waiting for the lucky golfers. Details call Philip Wong 012- 8386006, David Chong 012-8244680 or Lucy 088-211282, 012-8287890.
- St Michael School Penampang (Class of 1982 marking its 25thsilver anniversary) Reunion Dinner on December 22(Saturday) at Putera Ballroom, Luyang. For details and tickets, please call Fidelis 019- 8136564, Celestina 013—8772377, Justina 019—8337105, Mary 012—8382565, Vera 019-8606563,Julita 016-8412539 or Tony 019-8114791.
- St Michael School Penampang, Class of ‘92 Reunion Dinner on December 15 (Saturday). Venue: Atlantis Restaurant, Jalan Bundusan.Time: 6.30pm to 11pm.
Details call, Christopher Masudal (SSc) 013-8678837,IvyJennifer Lojuti(5B) 016-8319883, Daniel Edmund(5K) 013-8562583 or Rudy Boyou(5M) 019-8133701.
- Kota Kinabalu Advanced Toastmasters Club -Training meeting on November 6(Tuesday) at 7.30pm at 5th Floor, Wisma Yakim . All are welcome.
Details please call Dora Danny 088-262910 or Richard ‘A Gontusan 016-8322586. - KK Music Society’s 2nd ABRSM High Scorers’ concert
Date: November 4 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Venue: Menara Tun Mustapha’s mini theatre
Contact: 012-8285111/ 088-211655 - 5K St.Francis Convent’s Parents and Teachers’ Association’s charity dinner
Date: November 162007
Time: 6pm
Venue: Putera Ballroom Buick Padang
Contact: Freddie Insiong (0 16-8038141),
ZamaliaYaacub (0138851010) or the school (088224S59)
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Sabah students doing well in examinations
KUALA LUMPUR: It is not true that Sabah students have performed badly in Government examinations.
The Education Ministry’s parliamentary secretary, Komala Devi, said based on the ministry’s analysis, there was no truth in the allegation.
“In fact, some students in Sabah have achieved the highest scores in certain subjects such as the Bahasa Malaysia subject in the PMR examination where the passing average was 96 percent, surpassing the national average of 92.7 percent.
“The excellent result in the Bahasa Malaysia was also seen in the SPM examination where students in Sabah
scored 94.1 percent, higher that the national average of 90 percent,” she said in reply to Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau in Parliament yesterday.
Komala however pointed out that students in Sabah had performed below the national average in certain subjects such as English and Mathematics.
Madius had asked the ministry about the poor performance of students in Sabah and what were the steps taken by the Government to rectify the problem.
Komala said the ministry had taken various steps to help students who are poor in certain subjects to improve in their studies.
She said the remedial measures were to assist students throughout the country, especially those in the rural and interior areas.
One of the steps is the diagnostic test which identifies the problems or obstacles which are commonly faced by the students.
“Intervention programmes such as the PROTIM, Gerak Gempur PPSMI, adopted school programme as well as extra classes have also been implemented,” she added.
The Education Ministry’s parliamentary secretary, Komala Devi, said based on the ministry’s analysis, there was no truth in the allegation.
“In fact, some students in Sabah have achieved the highest scores in certain subjects such as the Bahasa Malaysia subject in the PMR examination where the passing average was 96 percent, surpassing the national average of 92.7 percent.
“The excellent result in the Bahasa Malaysia was also seen in the SPM examination where students in Sabah
scored 94.1 percent, higher that the national average of 90 percent,” she said in reply to Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau in Parliament yesterday.
Komala however pointed out that students in Sabah had performed below the national average in certain subjects such as English and Mathematics.
Madius had asked the ministry about the poor performance of students in Sabah and what were the steps taken by the Government to rectify the problem.
Komala said the ministry had taken various steps to help students who are poor in certain subjects to improve in their studies.
She said the remedial measures were to assist students throughout the country, especially those in the rural and interior areas.
One of the steps is the diagnostic test which identifies the problems or obstacles which are commonly faced by the students.
“Intervention programmes such as the PROTIM, Gerak Gempur PPSMI, adopted school programme as well as extra classes have also been implemented,” she added.
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Constitutional issue of major importance settled
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Justices of Peace Council (MAJAPS) has welcomed the Federal Court’s decision on Oct 23, that the child convict’s detention at the King’s pleasure for murder was constitutional.
Its Honorary Secretary-General, Datuk Lawrence Thien, said it finally settled a constitutional issue of major importance by taking into account the interests of the child convict, the victim and the public.
The court based its judgment on the limit of judicial power of the court imposed by Federal Law, in this case, Section 97 of the Child Act 2001 as a result of amendment of Article 121(1) of the Federal Constitution, he said yesterday.
On Oct 23, Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, Court of Appeal President Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Alauddin Mohd Sheriff, Chief Judge of Sabah and ,Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum and Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi unanimously allowed the appeal by the prosecution.
They also set aside the Court of Appeal’s release order and reinstated the order of the High Court that the boy, aged 17, is to be detained at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The Court of Appeal, in a decision delivered on July 25, this year ordered the release of the boy after ruling that his detention at the pleasure of the King was unconstitutional.
The boy was convicted of murdering his tuition teacher’s 11-year-old daughter four years ago by stabbing her.
“It is noteworthy and reassuring that in his judgment the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, while agreeing the child convict’s detention was constitutional on the ground that the detention was an alternative order made by the court for sentence or punishment on a child convict, affirmed that the doctrines of separation of power and independence of the judiciary are still very much basic features of our Federal Constitution despite the said amendment,” said Lawrence in a statement.
“MAJAPS lauds and shares the sentiments of the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak in preserving the courts’ common low powers which are so essential in our country governmented by the rule of law,” he added.
Its Honorary Secretary-General, Datuk Lawrence Thien, said it finally settled a constitutional issue of major importance by taking into account the interests of the child convict, the victim and the public.
The court based its judgment on the limit of judicial power of the court imposed by Federal Law, in this case, Section 97 of the Child Act 2001 as a result of amendment of Article 121(1) of the Federal Constitution, he said yesterday.
On Oct 23, Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, Court of Appeal President Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Alauddin Mohd Sheriff, Chief Judge of Sabah and ,Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum and Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi unanimously allowed the appeal by the prosecution.
They also set aside the Court of Appeal’s release order and reinstated the order of the High Court that the boy, aged 17, is to be detained at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The Court of Appeal, in a decision delivered on July 25, this year ordered the release of the boy after ruling that his detention at the pleasure of the King was unconstitutional.
The boy was convicted of murdering his tuition teacher’s 11-year-old daughter four years ago by stabbing her.
“It is noteworthy and reassuring that in his judgment the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, while agreeing the child convict’s detention was constitutional on the ground that the detention was an alternative order made by the court for sentence or punishment on a child convict, affirmed that the doctrines of separation of power and independence of the judiciary are still very much basic features of our Federal Constitution despite the said amendment,” said Lawrence in a statement.
“MAJAPS lauds and shares the sentiments of the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak in preserving the courts’ common low powers which are so essential in our country governmented by the rule of law,” he added.
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Confab to boost rural health services: Pairin
KOTA KINABALU: The International Conference on Rural Medicine (ICORM) provides an excellent platform for local and international bodies to exchange ideas and seek collaborative opportunities, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Pairin Kitingan.
Pairin, who is also Minister of Rural Development, said the conference provides an avenue for deliberation and updates on the development of various aspects of rural medicine.
The first ICORM was organised by the School of Medicine of Universiti Malaysia Sabah in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO and United Nations University.
The three-day event discusses, among other matters, issues in the delivery of health care services, training, education and the challenges faced during planning, implementation and monitoring of the health services provided.
The conference, which also features an exhibition on medicine and health care advancement, receives overwhelming response with 350 local and overseas participants.
“With such great response from you, both internationally and nationally, I believe that this conference has indeed achieved its objectives especially in lifting the level of health of people in the rural areas, which will permit them to lead a socially and economically productive life,” said Pairin during the event closing ceremony last night.
Congratulating the organisers for the success, he said the conference is in line with the Government’s continuous effort to promote better health care.
He said the Government’s responsibility towards the health of the people can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures.
“I am sure this conference has addressed the main health problems in the rural areas, such as how promotive, preventative, curative and rehabilitative services can be provided accordingly,” said Pairin.
Pairin, who is also Minister of Rural Development, said the conference provides an avenue for deliberation and updates on the development of various aspects of rural medicine.
The first ICORM was organised by the School of Medicine of Universiti Malaysia Sabah in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO and United Nations University.
The three-day event discusses, among other matters, issues in the delivery of health care services, training, education and the challenges faced during planning, implementation and monitoring of the health services provided.
The conference, which also features an exhibition on medicine and health care advancement, receives overwhelming response with 350 local and overseas participants.
“With such great response from you, both internationally and nationally, I believe that this conference has indeed achieved its objectives especially in lifting the level of health of people in the rural areas, which will permit them to lead a socially and economically productive life,” said Pairin during the event closing ceremony last night.
Congratulating the organisers for the success, he said the conference is in line with the Government’s continuous effort to promote better health care.
He said the Government’s responsibility towards the health of the people can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures.
“I am sure this conference has addressed the main health problems in the rural areas, such as how promotive, preventative, curative and rehabilitative services can be provided accordingly,” said Pairin.
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Malaysian mother battles on for child custody in Pakistan
PESHAWAR: Despite ,the odds stacked against her, a defiant young Malaysian mother is continuing her fight in Pakistan for custody of her 11-year-old son from her estranged Pakistani husband.
Siti Nadzirah Mohd Nasir, 20, who hails from Rawang, wants to take over custody of Arman Khan, who is now living with her husband Fazal Azim Abdul Aziz 24, in Runer, Pakistan.
“I want my baby back,” Siti told Peshawar Provisional Chief Justice Tariq Parvez Khan as she broke down in tears in the courtroom packed with lawyers.
Her persuasion and emotional plea moved those present and forced the judge to give her another option to continue her custody battle with her husband and his family.
Taking cognizance of all vital factors, such as the baby’s health and future, the chief justice after a long deliberation then transferred her case back to the Peshawar district court, which be described as the “guardian court” that was in a better jurisdiction to solve the complex case.
He also directed the district court to instruct Fazal o bring the child to visit the mother every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at the Malaysian Embassy in Islamabad, where Siti and her mother Siti Abdullah are temporarily staying.
“In 30 days the father must bring the child to the mother for four visits, at least for five to six hours (every visit) so that by then the child will be acquainted with the mother. She (Siti) will also understand the emotional aspect of it (the, issue),” he said.
Siti Nadzirah Mohd Nasir, 20, who hails from Rawang, wants to take over custody of Arman Khan, who is now living with her husband Fazal Azim Abdul Aziz 24, in Runer, Pakistan.
“I want my baby back,” Siti told Peshawar Provisional Chief Justice Tariq Parvez Khan as she broke down in tears in the courtroom packed with lawyers.
Her persuasion and emotional plea moved those present and forced the judge to give her another option to continue her custody battle with her husband and his family.
Taking cognizance of all vital factors, such as the baby’s health and future, the chief justice after a long deliberation then transferred her case back to the Peshawar district court, which be described as the “guardian court” that was in a better jurisdiction to solve the complex case.
He also directed the district court to instruct Fazal o bring the child to visit the mother every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at the Malaysian Embassy in Islamabad, where Siti and her mother Siti Abdullah are temporarily staying.
“In 30 days the father must bring the child to the mother for four visits, at least for five to six hours (every visit) so that by then the child will be acquainted with the mother. She (Siti) will also understand the emotional aspect of it (the, issue),” he said.
Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Poor children to be open for sponsorship
Rotary Club to introduce sponsor-a-child scheme
SANDAKAN: The Rotary Club of Sandakan is introducing a sponsor-a-child scheme next year where the public can choose to “adopt” an unfortunate child for the whole 12 months and receive reports on their academic progress and living standards.
“We do not have to look to other countries to find the poor and the unfortunate. Dig a little deeper into our backyard and we will find hordes of unfortunate children who are victims of circumstance and are born poor,” Club president Cindy Mahsan said.
She said the Rotary Club of Sandakan found such kids in Sandakan and some who are living as far as Mile 30. Four children were found living in a small wooden shed by themselves under the care of relatives.
“They have no choice but to do adult chores with their bare hands. Fortunately, they have food to consume. Others are not so lucky. Their daily menu often comprises steamed rice topped with instant noodles,” Cindy said.
She added that going to school was no luxury for these children. Two siblings aged seven and 12, have to wake up at four in the morning and walk to the bus station to wait for the public transportation to take them to school.
“The journey to their school takes an hour so they have to be at the bus station by 5am. They are not orphans but owing to their family’s financial condition and more often chaotic relationship between their parents, they are neglected and deprived,” Cindy said.
All of these students were recommended by their respective school principals to be put under the Education Care programme which was started by the Rotary Club of Sandakan three years ago, she added.
“This programme aims to nurture and financially care for the unfortunate children. Each selected genuine unfortunate kid will have their educational expense paid, receive monthly pocket money, free medical consultation and treatment, free quarterly education tutoring and assistance, basic food supply among them for a year,” she said.
According to Cindy, the number of students sponsored by the Club has now increased from six to 18. The annual expenses for each student is more than RM1 ,000 and the Club has been lucky to have received a generous donation of RM10,000 from Tanah Emas Corporation Bhd at the 2007-2008 term.
“The programme relies solely on public donation in cash and in kind. The proposed minimum sponsorship fee is RM500 per child, but the Club will accept any donation less than the minimum amount. For further information, those who are keen to sponsor one, can visit www.rotarysandakan.com,” she said.
The 18 confirmed children for 2008 are Chong Vun Teng, Petronella, Annabelle Soh Xiao Wei and Vincent Kong of SJK (C ) Pei Ying; Lai Qiao Keo, Tee Han Jin and Fong Pui Yee of SJK (C) Lok Yuk; Tai Shin Yi, Esther Chow Sook Fuen, Wong Sai Yan, Wong Chun Kit and Wong Khin Chiun of SJK (C) Tai Tong; Saziah Tan and Tan Yau Chung of SJK (C) Pea Hwa; Vieatreas Lai Pui Pui and Chung Ga Yuan of SJK (C) Syn Hua; Patrick Liau Wui Loong and Liew Ming Chung of SJK (C) Ming Chung.
SANDAKAN: The Rotary Club of Sandakan is introducing a sponsor-a-child scheme next year where the public can choose to “adopt” an unfortunate child for the whole 12 months and receive reports on their academic progress and living standards.
“We do not have to look to other countries to find the poor and the unfortunate. Dig a little deeper into our backyard and we will find hordes of unfortunate children who are victims of circumstance and are born poor,” Club president Cindy Mahsan said.
She said the Rotary Club of Sandakan found such kids in Sandakan and some who are living as far as Mile 30. Four children were found living in a small wooden shed by themselves under the care of relatives.
“They have no choice but to do adult chores with their bare hands. Fortunately, they have food to consume. Others are not so lucky. Their daily menu often comprises steamed rice topped with instant noodles,” Cindy said.
She added that going to school was no luxury for these children. Two siblings aged seven and 12, have to wake up at four in the morning and walk to the bus station to wait for the public transportation to take them to school.
“The journey to their school takes an hour so they have to be at the bus station by 5am. They are not orphans but owing to their family’s financial condition and more often chaotic relationship between their parents, they are neglected and deprived,” Cindy said.
All of these students were recommended by their respective school principals to be put under the Education Care programme which was started by the Rotary Club of Sandakan three years ago, she added.
“This programme aims to nurture and financially care for the unfortunate children. Each selected genuine unfortunate kid will have their educational expense paid, receive monthly pocket money, free medical consultation and treatment, free quarterly education tutoring and assistance, basic food supply among them for a year,” she said.
According to Cindy, the number of students sponsored by the Club has now increased from six to 18. The annual expenses for each student is more than RM1 ,000 and the Club has been lucky to have received a generous donation of RM10,000 from Tanah Emas Corporation Bhd at the 2007-2008 term.
“The programme relies solely on public donation in cash and in kind. The proposed minimum sponsorship fee is RM500 per child, but the Club will accept any donation less than the minimum amount. For further information, those who are keen to sponsor one, can visit www.rotarysandakan.com,” she said.
The 18 confirmed children for 2008 are Chong Vun Teng, Petronella, Annabelle Soh Xiao Wei and Vincent Kong of SJK (C ) Pei Ying; Lai Qiao Keo, Tee Han Jin and Fong Pui Yee of SJK (C) Lok Yuk; Tai Shin Yi, Esther Chow Sook Fuen, Wong Sai Yan, Wong Chun Kit and Wong Khin Chiun of SJK (C) Tai Tong; Saziah Tan and Tan Yau Chung of SJK (C) Pea Hwa; Vieatreas Lai Pui Pui and Chung Ga Yuan of SJK (C) Syn Hua; Patrick Liau Wui Loong and Liew Ming Chung of SJK (C) Ming Chung.
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