Putatan Upgraded To Full District
July 04, 2009 17:38 PM

SANDAKAN, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Putatan sub- district, which was set up under the Penampang District in 1997, has been upgraded to a full district.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the decision was made at the state cabinet meeting here yesterday and a district council would be formed to administer Putatan.

"With the decision, the people of Putatan will get better services from the district council," he told reporters after opening the state-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day here Saturday.

He said the state cabinet meeting was held here to enable state ministers to meet the people and the staff of government agencies based here.

In his speech, Musa reiterated his call to planters in Sabah to allocate 10 per cent of their plantations for crop cultivation to help increase the local food production.

Despite having ample fertile land for crop cultivation, he said the state had yet to attain self-sufficiency in food production.

"I believe this is not impossible to achieve if we were to develop the land available with food crops," he added.

Musa warned companies that failed to cultivate the land that had been allotted to them for agriculture.

The measure is aimed at cultivating large tracts idle land in the state, estimated over 280,000ha, with food crops, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Plans To Position Sarawak Pepper As Global Benchmark Product
July 04, 2009 16:23 PM

KUCHING, July 4 (Bernama) -- The pepper industry, through the Malaysia Pepper Board (MPB), plans to position the Sarawak brand of pepper as the benchmark for product and services in the niche global market.

In line with this, it aims to increase the production of pepper to 40,000 tonnes by 2020.

Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Hamzah Zainudin said it was only appropriate to increase the production to a level higher than the current 20,000 tonnes in line with the increasing demand for pepper in the global scene.

"There is still so much of potential in the industry in terms of opportunity to increase productivity at plantation level, product innovation and exploration of the diverse use of pepper to increase demand and consequently strengthen the industry," he said at the pepper industry industry awards here Friday night.

He said the Sarawak Pepper brand, the first agriculture product in the country to successfully get its branding from the Malaysia Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), gave an edge to the country's pepper products.

Currently, 90 percent of the 67,000 pepper farmers in the country are in Sarawak, followed by Johor.

The export of pepper has earned the country more than RM5 billion in foreign exchange from 1970s till last year.

In terms of export market, the country's pepper is exported to 43 countries, including niche market, while Malaysia is also no longer dependent on imports from third countries.

"Indeed, about 80 percent of our pepper is directly exported to consumer countries like Japan, China and United Kingdom," he said.

He said the government has allocated RM119 million to MPB including RM75 million for the implementation of programmes to raise the productivity and income of smallholders of pepper under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

The government, which is also aware of the challenges in the industry, especially for the small farmers due to the rising agriculture input cost, will continue to encourage the use of good agriculture practice (GAP)as part of the long term moves.

At the event, Seow Chee Lian from Kota Tinggi, Johor won the pepper industry award under the category of innovative/succesful farming, while Rita Tamot Mandeng from Kampung Daha Kiasau, Serian near here won the successful entrepreneur award. Ming Kong Sdn Bhd from Kuching won the best export category, and Hajah Maskinah from Mukah also won the most innovative product and Lanak Ramba from Ulu Kanowit, Julau received a special award.

-- BERNAMA

Kelantan govt extends invite to build golf course
Published: Saturday July 4, 2009 MYT 1:55:00 PM

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government is inviting proposals from investors to build an environment-friendly golf course in the state, with the Lojing Highlands as one of the possible sites.

State Local Government, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan called for the offers after opening the Kelantan Amateur Open Golf Tournament here on Saturday.

Takiyuddin said the new golf course could draw more tourists to Kelantan and help boost development in its vicinity.

He also said Kelantan anticipated a drop to 4.5 million in the number of tourist arrivals this year compared to the more than five million recorded last year.

A total of 136 golfers, including one from Myanmar, are taking part in the three-day tournament. -Bernama

SABAH’S LARGEST AGROPOLITAN PROJECT TO BE LAUNCHED IN KB
3rd July, 2009

KOTA BELUD: A total of 550 families in Kota Belud district will benefit from a RM70 million agropolitan project which will start this August, said the state Assistant Minister of Agriculture & Food Industry Datuk Musbah Jamli.

He said the project is based on an 820-acre dairy farm in Pintasan, the raising of cattle on 450 acres of farmland for meat at Kampong Rosok and the planting of rubber on 2,000 acres at the same village.

“The project, supported by the federal government, is the largest such pioneer venture in Sabah.

“It is hoped that the farmers in Kota Belud will be ready to open their minds as to the benefits of this programme and to make the agriculture sector their main income source,” he told Bernama here yesterday.

Musbah also said the ministry was also actively formulating a strategy for the project which among others, offers courses for dairy farming, meat processing and the processing of compost fertiliser.

“There are a lot of benefits to be reaped if the agricultural works can be implemented,” he added.

Sarawak's 58 Community Broadband Centres By 2010
July 04, 2009 20:55 PM

JULAU, July 4 (Bernama) -- The information communication and culture ministry hopes to set up 58 community broadband centres (CBC) in Sarawak by the end of next year, in a move to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas.

Deputy minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the programme to be carried out by the Malaysian Communications and MultiMedia Commission (MCMC) would cost about RM420 million.

He told reporters this after an inspection tour of the RM800,000 Julau broadband centre here today, which would be operational this month.

Salang was accompanied by Telekom Malaysia Berhad acting chairman Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi and MCMC board member Datuk Idris Abdullah.

He said the money to set up the centres came from the RM2.4 billion Universal Service Provider (USP) Fund contributed by communication providers in the country as their corporate social responsibility.

Salang, who is also Julau member of parliament, said currently, 33 of them were in the process of implementation and should be ready by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, he said, Sabah and Sarawak were enjoying the lion's share of the USP fund where between them, more than RM850 million was spent.

-- BERNAMA

Sheer feat by avid mountain climbers
5th July, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/6926/Hope.jpg?1246771847

The team with the recipients

PETALING JAYA: A group of avid mountain climbers who call themselves A PIECE OF HOPE have scaled up Mount Kinabalu for the past nine years consecutively.

This year they will be making their 10th attempt together with some other 100 climbers. Following the previous two years of fund raising efforts, they are again stepping up to help another NGO, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Kajang Selangor (PKIK).

Their previous year’s fund raising effort collected more than RM250,000 in cash and cheques which benefited Shelter Home for Children and Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah, both of which are in Petaling Jaya.

Ting Ted Sun the fund raising charity event organiser for A PIECE OF HOPE climbers said, “In the previous years our donation collection amount easily reached RM100,000 in just a month but this year we are expecting a greater challenge due to the economic slowdown. “Lengthening the collection period even after our climb is definitely what we are going to do to reach this amount.”

Ting added, “Why A PIECE OF HOPE many would ask? The idea is simple. Each of our 100 climbers this year will carry a piece of a jigsaw puzzle and trek up from the base to the top of Mt. Kinabalu.”

Upon reaching the 4,095.2 metre high summit, the pieces will be assembled to form the whole jigsaw puzzle picture. Symbolically, each piece brings one HOPE to a child/person but with many pieces, A PIECE OF HOPE climbers desire to bring HOPE to a future generation of children/people at PKIK.

The jigsaw puzzle picture depicts a beautiful and peaceful scene on Mt. Kinabalu.

“Upon our return, we will present these same pieces of jigsaw puzzles that have touched the peak, to the children/people at PKIK as a memorabilia of the effort we made for them.”

Meanwhile, the lead climber Jimmy Lim indicated that they will be making the climb from July 12 – 13 and have targeted to raise RM100,000-00 through A PIECE OF HOPE CHAPTER 3.

Lim said that all climbers bear their own expenses for the climbing trip and also the cost to organise this fund raising event. Not even a cent is taken out from the funds collected.

Street donation solicitation, Jimmy stressed, is not done at all. He noted that since the beginning of June when the donation collection kicked off, every member has been working hard to appeal for donation from both corporate and individual donors within their own network of contacts.

He said the public can view their on-going and past efforts from the website apieceofhope.blogspot.com.

‘Jalan tikus’ have become ‘jalan gajah’
By Irene C
Sunday, July 5th, 2009

TEBEDU: The many illegal jungle paths that crisscross the Sarawak-Kalimantan border which used to be just ‘jalan tikus’ (jungle treks) have been turned into ‘jalan gajah’ (literally elephant trails) as they have become wider and more well-trodden by illegal immigrants and smugglers.

The term ‘jalan gajah’ was used by Deputy Home Minister Jelaing Mersat to describe the illegal border crossings which he noted had grown wide enough for big vehicles such as trucks to pass through.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Centre here, Jelaing said stolen cars and illegal logs, for instance, could be easily sent across the border apart from even human trafficking.

“We are monitoring the situation closely to tackle, among other things, the problem of smuggling,” he said.

According to Jelaing, the widening of the roads is done by unscrupulous people who reap profits from smuggling activities.

He said such roads were mainly found in Kuching and Sri Aman divisions.

Towards this end, he said the Home Ministry would be much stricter in conducting patrols and would allocate funds to increase the facilities for officers posted at border points.

On the amount to be allocated, he said that it was still being studied, but it would be channelled according to priority.

He admitted that though the entry points were usually used by those who had relatives either in Sarawak or Kalimantan, there were also those who used the roads for other purposes, like looking for jobs in Sarawak.

“We know the Sarawak-Kalimantan border is very long and we have people coming in or going out using roads far from the border posts. This is where our problem is,” he added.

On a claim that gangsters who were arrested under ‘Ops Cantas Kenyalang’ and released recently were up to their old tricks, he said they would be investigated.

“We will conduct a thorough study and if this allegation is true, we will take action. But before the facts are gathered from the police, we can’t make any further statement,” he added.

It was reported on Wednesday that the police planned to interview Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to get a clearer picture regarding his allegation last week that recently released gangsters were up to their old tricks.

On Monday, a national newspaper reported that the Bintulu MP had claimed that gang leaders who had been released after completing their two-year term of restricted residence under the Emergency Ordinance had started to reorganise and had returned to their old ways.

Tiong had said he had received numerous complaints not only from rural folk in his constituency, but also from individuals here and in Sibu, that they were being forced by some gangs to sell farm produce and jungle commodities at prices fixed by the gangs.

He had also claimed that the police had either failed to take down reports lodged by the farmers against the gangsters or had discouraged the farmers from lodging reports as their problems were said to be trivial.

Federal Government Helps Lift Kelantanese Out Of Poverty: Shahrizat
July 05, 2009 23:00 PM

KUALA KRAI, July 5 (Bernama) -- Hardcore poverty in Kelantan will only worsen without financial allocation from the federal government to improve the people's living standard, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said Sunday.

She said the federal government provided RM27 million in 2007 compared to only RM10 million allocated by the state government while last year the federal government spent RM41 million while the state spent only RM11 million.

"This year, we have spent RM21 million so far but the state has only spent RM2 million," she told reporters after handing out welfare aid to 106 poor people in Kampung Laloh, here.

Shahrizat said she regretted that many people in Kelantan had to seek employment in other states because the PAS state government had failed to provide enough jobs for the people.

"The Manik Urai state by-election is an opportunity for the people to signal that they do not want this situation to continue," she said.

On another matter, Shahrizat said the ministry would look into the plight of the inmates of the Taman Sinar Harapan in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Selangor, some of whom were reported to be living in deplorable conditions.

She said she would visit the centre soon and help to improve the conditions, especially for the old and handicapped.

Nomination is on Monday and polling on July 14 in the by-election, necessitated by the death of state assemblyman Ismail Yaakob of PAS on May 22.

-- BERNAMA

Mustapa Visits Poverty-stricken Village
July 05, 2009 22:40 PM

KUALA KRAI, July 5 (Bernama) -- Poverty forced Anas Bustari, 14, to stop schooling early this year to help supplement his family's income by plucking fruits.

Several weeks ago, Anas, who dropped out of Form Two, fell of a tree and fractured his left thigh.

The plight of his family caught the attention of Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, who visited them at Kampung Peria Lama here Sunday.

Mustapa promised to help Anas continue schooling and assist her sister, Siti Zulaikha, who achieved outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, to further her studies.

For Anas' mother, Jamilah Che Noh, 40, Mustapa's visit had brought joy to the family.

"We have been living from hand to mouth. Two of my children had to stop schooling and we could not afford to send their sister for higher studies," she said.

Another villager, Wan Zah Wan Ismail, 44, hoped the Federal government would improve the livelihood of the villagers.

"Two of our four children, who are staying at school hostels, cried whenever they returned home because their father could not afford to give them enough pocket money," she said.

Mustapa also visited a former lorry driver, Talib Awang, 60, who is paralysed since 10 years ago due to high blood pressure.

Talib lives with his wife, Wan Fatimah Wan Setapa, 60, and her mother, Mek Yam Ibrahim, 85.

A single mother, Che Minah Mat Hussin, 66, hoped the Manik Urai state by-election on July 14 would bring changes to the poverty-stricken village.

-- BERNAMA

S’wak, Sabah can expect more aid from federal govt
By Conny Banji
Monday, July 6th, 2009
Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=54347

SARIKEI: Sabah and Sarawak will enjoy even greater attention from the federal government for their developmental needs under the 1Malaysia concept of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Datuk Joseph Salang said that under the 1Malaysia concept where the priority was the people, the government would see to it that the people in both states were fairly and equally treated.

“This means that Sabahans and Sarawakians can expect more assistance from the federal government so that they can catch up with their counterparts in the peninsula.

“Obviously, we cannot have two Malaysias where one is a developed Malaysia in the peninsula and the other a less developed Malaysia in Sabah and Sarawak.

“I am confident our prime minister will give us more attention now because he acknowledges that the two states are the BN new power base.”

Salang who is also Julau member of parliament said this during his visit to several places in his constituency, which included the community broadband centres in Julau and Pakan.

Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission acting chairman Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi and a board member Datuk Idris Abdullah accompanied Salang during the visit.

RM13m allocated to rehabilitate heritage buildings in Kelantan
Monday July 06 2009
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/31506-rm13m-allocated-to-rehabilitate-heritage-buildings-in-kelantan

KOTA BARU, July 6 — Kelantan has been allocated with over RM13 million to rehabilitate old buildings of historical significance so as to preserve them as heritage buildings for future generations.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the buildings included the old building of the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maik), Mukim Mulung mosque here, Terbok Siamese temple in Tumpat and the Kampung Pulai Chinese temple in Gua Musang.

"All these buildings are over 300 years old and have historical significance, and we shall preserve them as heritage buildings for the benefit of future generations," he said after the official opening of the new building of the Ar-Rahman Mosque here last night.

The mosque, previously known as the Mukim Kedai Mulung Mosque and built more than 300 years ago, had been endowed to the residents by its founder, the late Haji Abdul Rahman.

"The government spent about RM800,000 to rehabilitate the mosque built along local architectural designs," Rais said.

Besides Kelantan, he said Malacca received a government allocation of RM12 million and Penang RM3.5 million for the rehabilitation of heritage buildings.

"The government has identified several other old buildings of historical significance to be restored," he added.

At the function, Rais also handed over a replica of the key to the Ar-Rahman Mosque to the mosque committee chairman Adnan Jusoh. — Bernama

Northern firms embrace solar
Saturday July 4, 2009
By DAVID TAN
Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/4/business/4218713&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/4/business/b_10solar%20copy.jpg

P’ng Soo Hong (inset) says the challenge is for SMEs to tap into
their 30 years of semiconductor experience to shorten the learning
curve of solar technology

GEORGE TOWN: Companies in the northern region are now making strategic moves to enter into the solar power business, as the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) has identified solar power sector as a new source of growth for the economy.

Three public-listed companies in Penang, P. I.E. Industrial Bhd, Ire-Tex Corp Bhd, and Pentamaster Corp Bhd, have recently invested to tap into the growing market demand for solar products in the country and in the world.

The global revenue from solar panels (known also as photovoltaic panels) is expected to rise to US$17.8bil in 2010, up 38.2% from 2009. Revenue will rise by another 11.1% in 2011 and by 29.1% in 2012, according to US-based market research company, iSuppli Corp.

Solar power, a green and renewable energy source, is the conversion of sunlight into electricity via the use of solar cells installed in a solar panel.

Ire-Tex managing director Datuk Dr Donald Yap Tatt Keat told StarBizWeek that the group had recently invested about RM3.5mil to acquire the know-how and technology to produce packaging materials for solar panels at its premise in Bukit Tengah Industrial Park.

The demand for packaging materials by the solar industry in the country was expected to grow to RM120mil in 2012, Yap added.

“This year the solar industry demand for special packaging materials is estimated to worth around RM50mil, and is expected to grow to RM80mil next year.

“We expect the solar packaging material business to generate some 40% of the group’s revenue this year. There are three to four companies in Malaysia capable of designing and manufacturing packaging materials for the solar industry.

“We work closely with our customers to design and manufacture their packaging materials,” Yap added.

Pentamaster Corp Bhd has also recently entered the solar power business by teaming with a US-based solar company to develop solar trackers at its plant in Bayan Lepas.

Pentamaster executive chairman C.B. Chuah said solar trackers traced the positioning of the sun to maximise heat reception for the solar panels, which would increase solar power generation from 20% to 40%.

He added that the group had so far spent RM1mil to acquire the technology to develop solar trackers.

“The global revenue from solar panel installation is expected to grow to US$23.5bil in 2010 from US$18bil in 2009. The revenue is forecast to increase to US$37bil in 2011 and US$59bil in 2012, hitting eventually US$90bil in 2013,” he added.

Chuah said the customers for the solar trackers would come from the local solar power industry and utility companies overseas that use solar energy.

P.I.E. Industrial Bhd has invested in a RM30mil facility in Seberang Jaya to make solar panel cables this year.

Group managing director Alvin Mui said it was now waiting for the relevant TUV certification from Germany to manufacture the solar panel cables.

“This move is to diversify further our manufacturing capability and mitigate the impact of the global recession. We look forward to supplying to the new multinational corporations (MNCs) in the country that are involved in the solar panel business.

“The use of solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as global warming is now a primary concern,” Mui said.

The market in the country which Ire-Tex and Pentamaster planned to tap into are five MNCs involved in the solar power generation business that have either started operations or are planning to start operations in Malaysia next year.

To date, Malaysia has attracted five foreign direct investments, worth up to RM13.8bil, to set up solar PV manufacturing facilities in Malaysia.

These include US-based companies First Solar Inc at the Kulim Hi Tech Park (KHTP) and US-based SunPower Corp in Malacca, the China-based ReneSola in Johor Baru, the German company Q-Cells in Selangor Science Park 2, and the Japanese firm Tokuyama Corp in Sarawak.

First Solar Inc started operations of its RM2bil at the KHTP last April, while Q-Cells is expected to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2009.

ReneSola, SunPower, and Tokuyama are scheduled to commence operations next year. Collectively, these companies are expected to provide 11,500 jobs by 2010.

It is learnt that another US solar company, Solar Tech, is currently negotiating with the state government to set up a production facility in Bukit Minyak Science Park.

Meanwhile, First Solar Malaysia managing director P’ng Soo Hong told StarBizWeek that the challenge was for small and medium0scale enterprises (SMEs) to tap into their 30 years of semiconductor experience to shorten the learning curve of solar technology.

“The SMEs in the country need to acquire the necessary solar panel technology if they want to become a part of the eco-system supplying to the growing solar industry in the country.

“They need to invest to acquire the necessary know-how and understand the needs of the solar panel industry before they can provide support for it,” he said.

P’ng said First Solar currently sourced certain components used in the solar panels from local SMEs.

“These are the few SMEs that First Solar has shared its needs and production requirements with, as they are among the handful in the country that understand and can manufacture the components according to our specifications,” he added.

P’ng said First Solar would like to see more SMEs equipped with solar module technology manufacturing know-how mushroom in the country.

“If we could source the necessary components locally, then we would not need to buy them from overseas. This would then position us to operate more cost effectively,” he said.

The present priority of First Solar is to train its 2,400 workforce based in KHTP on good solar module technology manufacturing.

“The staff, ranging from engineers to operators, are sent to the United States and Germany for training,” he said.

At its RM2bil plant in KHTP, First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor technology.

The advanced manufacturing process transforms a piece of glass into a complete solar module in less than 2.5 hours. The glass, equipped with semiconductor materials and processes, receives and stores the heat from the sun, before channelling the heat for conversion into electricity.

First Solar also assembles components that are sourced locally and from overseas for use in the solar panels.

Penang declares July 7 a public holiday from 2010
Published: Tuesday July 7, 2009 MYT 5:47:00 PM

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Government will declare July 7 as a state public holiday beginning next year in commemoration of the date George Town received the Unesco World Heritage Site status.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced this Tuesday when launching the month-long anniversary celebrations at the century-old Town Hall here.

“George Town and Malacca’s joint listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site not only brings honour to the state but also makes our city the heritage of all mankind.

“In the state’s commitment to preserve the listing, I have taken the suggestion of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and will declare July 7 as the George Town Unesco World Heritage Day as a public holiday to create awareness and education on heritage issues,” Lim said.

He added that the theme of this year’s anniversary celebrations was One Heritage to symbolise the importance of collective awareness to preserve, protect and promote George Town’s heritage.

On a related matter, Lim appealed to the Federal Government to release the state’s share of the RM50mil allocated to the Malacca and George Town in Budget 2009 for conservation work.

“Our plan for the types of conservation work to be undertaken has already been submitted by the Penang Municipal Council to the National Heritage Department in April.

“We hope the Federal Government will assure us of the RM25mil allocation that was promised,” he said.

Lim later launched the commemorative George Town Heritage Passport that features 26 significant heritage sites in the city.

The Penang Heritage Trust council member Timothy Tye said the dark brown souvenir booklet could be purchased at RM8 at the PHT office on Church Street.

He said during the state’s grand anniversary celebrations on July 25, passport holders could visit 12 of the sites in the passport to rubber stamp the booklet in unique stamps.

He said the stamps for the remaining sites could be obtained at the PHT office.

The participating sites are the Syed Alatas Mansion, Sun Yat Sen’s Penang Base, Meng Eng Soo Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Goddess of Mercy Temple, St George’s Church, Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Teochew Ancestral Temple, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, Cheah Kongsi, Acheen Street Mosque and Khoo Kongsi.

Melaka Will Remain A Heritage - Mohd Ali
July 08, 2009 00:13 AM

MELAKA, July 7 (Bernama) -- Melaka will remain a heritage via the restoration and conservation of historical buildings and cultures of races not present in other states.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state would continue efforts to restore and conserve historical buildings over 600 years as stated by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Culture Organisation (Unesco).

"Heritage is important to our future generations," he said at the first anniversary of Melaka's declaration as a world heritage site by Unesco at Bandar Hilir tonight.

The event attended by about 2,000 people was launched by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

Mohd Ali said Melaka would become a model of a multi-ethnic society and a sign of the people's unity.

Bandaraya Melaka and Georgetown, Penang were declared world heritage sites by Unesco on July 7 last year.

-- BERNAMA

Perak To Set Up Special Industrial Area For Shoemaking
July 07, 2009 19:09 PM

IPOH, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Perak government will set up a special industrial estate for shoe manufacturing in Kinta Valley to help the local shoemakers cope with the global economic uncertainties, state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said Tuesday.

Dr Mah, who is in charge of Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transportation and Non-Muslim Affairs, said it was also hoped that the special area would give them the opportunity to produce creative shoe designers capable of enhancing the industry.

"At present, the Perak Shoe Industry Association has about 500 members and 20 per cent of them are very skilful in shoemaking," he told reporters after visiting the Unico shoe factory, here.

Dr Mah said the special industrial estate would become the official channel for the local shoe manufacturers to communicate with the government about their problems.

Apart from the economic downturn uncertainty which had caused a decline in demand, competition from Chinese shoe manufacturers who offered their shoes at much lower prices, had also affected the shoe manufacturing activities in the state, he said.

-- BERNAMA

Vision to turn Penang into golfing haven
Tuesday July 7, 2009

THE Penang Government will look into ways to turn the state into a golfing haven in a move to further enhance its sports tourism.

The prospect was brought into focus by state Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang who said that Penang was blessed with both good weather almost year-round and had well-planned golf courses.

Currently, the state has four golf courses, namely the Bukit Jambul Golf and Country Club, Penang Golf and Country Club in Bertam, Bukit Jawi Golf Resort in Sungal Bakap and Penang Turf Club Golf Section.

He said many golf enthusiasts, especially the Koreans, had been going to Sabah for golfing sessions and Penang was losing out in this aspect.

“We hope to tap into the market since Penang too, is as an affordable golfing destination,” he said during a charity golf tournament held at Bukit Jambul Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

The tournament, which was organised in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas’ birthday, was one of many events held to celebrate George Town’s first anniversary as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The friendly tournament, jointly organised by the state government and Bukit Jambul Golf and Country Club, was also held to raise money for the TYT Fund and collect funds to organise the World Music Festival planned for the end of the year.

Law said a total of 128 participants, comprising mostly corporate leaders, civil servants and Bukit Jambul Golf and Country Club members, took part in the tournament.

“Judging by the overwhelming response, we hope to turn this into an annual event and open it to foreign golfers.

“Attractive hole-in-one prizes like a 103-inch full HD plasma television worth RM250,000 and a KTM motorcycle worth RM50,000 are up for grabs,” he added.

Participants also had the privilege to play golf with Abdul Rahman during the five-hour competition.

Power for 80 pct of rural Sarawak next year
By Jacob Ahchoi
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

SEBUYAU: More than 80 per cent of the state’s rural population will enjoy electricity supply by end of next year.

Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said this would be made possible with a government allocation of RM400 million to implement more power grid system under the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) projects under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (9MP).

“The allocation comprises RM150 million for 2008-2009 RES projects, and RM250 million for the 2009 and 2010 projects,” he said, pointing out that to date 66 per cent of the rural population had enjoyed electricity using the grid system.

“Efforts to provide water and electricity to rural areas have always been the government’s main objective.

“This has been carried out in stages,” Tengah told reporters yesterday.

Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management earlier officiated at the RM7.5 million RES project, covering Kampung Seruyuk, Sg Ladong, Sg Nibong, Pantu Plaie, Lubok Manta and Segali involving 503 households.

The function at Kampung Sg Ladong community hall was also held to mark the opening of the RM2.6 million water project for Kampung Seruyuk and Sg Ladong.

Meanwhile, Tengah who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president hoped that Barisan Nasional (BN) would win in the Manik Urai by-election in Kelantan.

According to him, BN can win particulary after people learnt about the split in Pakatan Rakyat (PR), which indicated that the opposition is weak.

Assistant Minister of Planning and Resource Management Naroden Majais, Assistant Minister of Water Supply Sylvester Entri, Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukri, assemblymen Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Asajaya), Julaihi Narawi (Sebuyau) and Snowdan Lawan (Balai Ringin) were among those present.

South American herb to be test-planted in Sabah
Thursday July 9, 2009

SANDAKAN: A South American plant used as a herbal tea and sweetener for hundreds of years is finding its way to Sabah where it is being planted by the state-owned Koperasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) in an exploratory project.

Its general manager Datu Basrun Datu Mansor said if the Stevia plant was found suitable for cultivation in Sabah, KPD would invest by opening a plantation and develop it jointly with the rural folk and investors.

He said though Stevia was new to Malaysia, it was already extensively cultivated in Canada, Australia, South America, China, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand.

Basrun said the demand for the crop was expected to increase with the United States leading the way.

According to him, the crop known as Stevia rebaudiana is an herb from Paraguay known for its sweet leaves.

The natives of Paraguay have been using it as a sweetener and herbal tea for the past two centuries.

Dried Stevia leaves are 40 times sweeter than sugar, while its extract is said to be 300 times sweeter than sugar, he said when briefing Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman on KPD’s operations in this Sabah east coast district recently.

It is also claimed to have vitamins and anti-fungal as well as anti-bacterial elements.

The main producers at the moment are China and India, while the major importer and user is Japan.

Earlier, Musa said plantation owners in Sabah should allocate 10% of their land for growing food crops thus enabling the state to reduce its food imports.

He noted that although Sabah had ample fertile land for crop cultivation, the state had yet to attain self-sufficiency in food production.

South Korea Expects More Partnerships With Sabah
July 08, 2009 18:14 PM

KOTA KINABALU, July 8 (Bernama) -- South Korea expects more partnerships would be forged with Sabah, especially in the area of biotechnology.

Its ambassador to Malaysia, Yang Bong Ryull said Sabah was becoming a favourite holiday destination among Koreans which led to the country exploring possibilities of forging cooperation with the state government in areas of its concerns.

"We see potential growth in the biotechnology industry in Sabah as the state has plenty of resources.

"We are very much interested in establishing cooperation with the Sabah state government as its efforts in establishing environment-friendly businesses are in line with South Korea's low carbon, green growth strategies," he said during his courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, who is also State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, here Wednesday.

Yang said the best way to protect the environment while being able to move industries was to expand international relationships.

Meanwhile, Yahya said South Korea's interest in partnering with the state government would further enhance consultation and cooperation that would serve to mutually benefit both sides.

-- BERNAMA

Sime Darby Plans RM100 Million Oil Palm Plantations In Sarawak's NCR Land
July 09, 2009 16:07 PM

SARIKEI, July 9 (Bernama) -- Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd is set to invest an initial RM100 million to develop oil palm plantations on Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands in Julau, about 55 kilometers from here.

Its Plantation Agency and Consultation head Mohd Helmy Othman Basha said the project would cover an area of about 20,000 hectares.

"This is is our first project in Sarawak and incidentally on the state's Native Customary Rights land.

"The project will be in a joint ventureship with landowners from 109 longhouses in three areas namely KJD/Lower Julau, Sungai Julau/Sungai Pitoh and Merurun/Meluan/Entabai," he told reporters on Thursday.

Representing the landowners at the joint venture agreement signing ceremony at a community hall here was the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA). Present was State Land Development Minister Datuk Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.

Helmy said the preparatory work would begin after Sime Darby had done and submitted the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment report to the authority concerned.

"We expect to begin in a month's time after this. However, we are very pleased that so far there have been very positive responses from the landowners concerned.

"But we will continue to explain the joint ventureship concept further and to more others. Let the people have very clear understanding for them to appreciate and accept, and for us to proceed smoothly," he said.

In the joint venture, Sime Darby will hold 60 percent equity while the landowners 30 percent and LCDA 10 percent.

Helmy said the target was for Sime Darby to develop around 50,000 hectares in Sarawak and another 50,000 hectares in Sabah.

In a speech earlier, Dr Masing told people in the area not to doubt Sime Darby's ability.

"We are looking at a very well established and leading multinational conglomerate which has about 100 years experience in developing not only oil palm but also rubber plantations in Sabah and the Peninsular.

"Sime Darby too has more than 560,000 hectares under oil palm plantations in the country and in Indonesia," he said.

"I am very optimistic of the success of this joint venture provided the landowners concerned give their fullest co-operation to Sime Darby and LCDA which is looking after their rights and interests," he added.

Dr Masing said a representative chosen from among the landowners would be appointed to sit on the joint venture's board of management to keep them informed on any latest developments.

He said the landowners would stand to gain as through the plantation they could find jobs and business oportunities and receive dividends and bonuses when the crop is harvested.

At the same time, he said, they could enjoy better infrastructure facilities like roads as the company would have to build more roads into the interiors affected.

"Best of all, each individual landowner will know the exact size and location of his or her land which will be officially recognised," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Airport-style screening at music festival: Geikie
By Nigel Edgar

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/000050182.jpg

Gracie Geikie

KUCHING: Health screening during the coming Rainforest World Musical Festival (http://www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com/web/en/chairman_message.html) (RWMF) will be similar to the ones used at airports, said Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer (CEO) Gracie Geikie.

She told The Borneo Post after the opening of the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) here yesterday that measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) by SCV in-house medical team and the Health Department.

“We are making sure that everyone knows what to expect. We will distribute pamphlets, and we want them (festival goers) to understand,” she said.

She revealed that the Health Department would set up a thermal sensor at the entrance of SCV as well as several doctor-run clinics today.

“There will be 58 medical teams comprising in-house personnel and those from the Health Department,” said Geikie.

When ask on procedures in case of an emergency or any suspected infection, she said: “The procedures have been set by the Health Department. Suspected cases will be isolated and must go through procedures just like those at airports.

“There will also be free screening at the 24-hour medical centres that will be set up here (SCV) and at Santubong Village Resort tomorrow,” she said.

Geikie also said that among other things, concertgoers would be given informative pamphlets and also briefed from the stage to raise their awareness.

“The stage briefings are for telling the festival goers about evacuation procedures; what to do in case of emergencies; and where the emergency exits are,” she said.

When asked if any of the foreign performers or journalists have pulled out, Geikie said that none has done so.

“The last batch of foreign bands and journalists will arrive tomorrow and we are very pleased that all arrangements are going smoothly,” she said.

Electricity to be exported to Brunei
Monday July 13, 2009

KUCHING: Sarawak will export 400MW of electricity to neighbouring oil-rich Brunei.

The first 200MW will come from the Bakun hydroelectric dam and the other 200MW sourced from hydro dams to be built in Limbang and Lawas in the northern region.

The Bakun dam, with the ability to generate up to 2,400MW, is expected to be ready late next year.

Sarawak and Brunei have signed a memorandum of understanding on the power deal.

State Second Planning and Re-sources Management Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said that Sarawak was carrying out a technical study on building transmission lines to supply the electricity to Brunei.

On Friday, Awang Tengah hosted a dinner reception for a Brunei delegation here.

Kelantan Declares Tomorrow Public Holiday
July 13, 2009 12:35 PM

KOTA BAHARU, July 13 (Bernama) -- Kelantan has declared tomorrow a public holiday for all state government staff and federal government employees working in the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the public holiday was regarded as an occasion holiday under the constitution and law.

At a specially held press conference at his office in Kota Darulnaim here Monday, he added that the decision was made after considering public interest in view of the Manik Urai state seat by-election Tuesday, which is a working day.

Asked whether the move would be a loss to employers in terms of paid salary and production at the manufacturing plants, he said employers must not just think of profit.

"This (declaring polling day public holiday) is not new as the Penang government had also done it for the Permatang Pauh by-election.

"I don't know why the Election Commission chose a working day for polling day, and not a weekend holiday or school holiday," he said and urged voters to come out and vote as "it is a responsibility".

-- BERNAMA

Sungai Labuk bridge cheer for villagers
14th July, 2009

SANDAKAN: The transportation woes of 500 villagers will be a thing of the past when a RM19mil bridge over Sungai Labuk in the Sapi water irrigation scheme, Beluran is completed by April 2011.

Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Micheal Asang said the bridge would make it easier for the villagers to do their daily chores and buy essential goods in Beluran

“Construction of the bridge is proof that the state government gives attention to problems faced by people in rural areas,” he told Bernama here yesterday.

Asang who is also Labuk state assemblyman said the bridge would benefit the padi and oil palm industry as it would make the marketing of products a lot easier.

The people of Kampung Tagas-Tagas, Bambangan and Salak had been depending on the ferry service to cross the river since 24 years ago.

UMB To Acquire Land In Sabah For RM240 Million
July 14, 2009 21:49 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- United Malacca Bhd (UMB) is acquiring two contiguous parcels of leasehold land in Sabah from Borneo Glow Sdn Bhd (BGSB) for RM240 million.

Measuring a total gross area of about 10,102 hectares, the land is located in Sungai Millian-Labau, Kinabatangan, Sabah, UMB said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

The proposed acquisition is aimed at further expanding the company's plantation operations and increasing the economies of scale in its plantation operations, UMB said.

Presently, UMB's plantation land totals 14,008 hectares including 11,860 hectares of mature planted area.

The acquisition would increase UMB's total plantation size to 24,110 hectares.

UMB said the land acquisition also represented a strategic investment and is expected to contribute positively to its future earnings and shareholders' value.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah to develop 4,000ha of state land
Wednesday July 15, 2009
By MUGUNTAN VANAR

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/15/southneast/se_03musa.jpg

Big crowd: Musa meeting well-wishers upon his arrival
to officiate at the Entrepreneurial Expo in Beluran.

BELURAN: Sabah will develop 4,000ha of state land in Ulu Lingkabau Sugut here under an agropolitan programme set to benefit some 1,000 hardcore poor families in this east coast plantation district.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said the state would be undertaking a rubber cultivation project to assist the landless, people with no source of income and those categorised as hardcore poor.

“This is the Government’s commitment through the ‘1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now” concept to help the people, especially in the rural areas, to get out of poverty.

“I don’t want to see people marginalised, not having land or a regular source of income, causing them to remain hardcore poor,” he said when launching the Entrepreneurial Expo here on Sunday.

Musa said the move was also to enable the landless to own land collectively, as the Government had stopped giving land to individuals. He said this was because many had been found to sell their land to a third party or big companies.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/15/southneast/se_03river.jpg

Vast: An aerial view of the stretch of land
set aside for conservation and reforestation.

He said under the collective land ownership, they could not sell the land to another party and the land was to be developed in collaboration with state government agencies or companies to generate income.

He said the initiative was among various measures taken by the state government to improve the people’s standard of living and eradicate poverty.

He said the Sabah Development Corridor was also an integrated effort by both state and Federal governments to bring rapid social and economic development to the people.

“There will be opportunities for everyone,” he said, stressing that development of human capital would be an integral part of achieving the Government’s aim.

RM13mil spent on development projects in Maran
Thursday July 16, 2009

MARAN: The Pahang government has spent some RM13mil on various infrastucture and development projects in the district here.

Among the projects are construction and rebuilding of houses for the poor and needy, Luit assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Munawar Abdul Jalil said.

A total of RM2mil had been allocated to build 202 units of low-cost houses in the district, he added.

“Another 207 units of such houses had been earmarked for refurbishment under the housing assistance programme.

“To-date, 54 of these houses in my constituency have been restored,” he said after presenting aid to the needy in Kampung Batu Sungai Chedung here recently.

Ahmad Munawar said the state government would continue to assist the needy and help them move out of the poverty bracket.

“However, rural folk must also take the initiative to work hard and not depend completely on government aid.

“They can reap good profits if they plant marketable crops on their land,” he added.

Ahmad Munawar said many rural folk had succeeded in becoming entrepreneurs by using abandoned land for agricultural crops and cattle-farming.

Merapoh to build RM36bil oil refinery in Kedah
Thursday July 16, 2009

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/16/business/p1-nazrii.JPG

Md Nazri Ramli (left) exchanging documents with SK Engineering and
Construction Ltd of South Korea vice-chairman and CEO Suk Kyong Yoon.
With them are Kedah state government secretary-general Datuk Wira Rasli
Nasir (left) and Kedah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak

Country’s biggest such facility to take shape in Yan by 2014

KUALA LUMPUR: Merapoh Resources Corp Sdn Bhd aims to complete the building of a US$10bil (RM35.7bil) oil refinery in Yan, Kedah, which will be the biggest in the country, by 2013 or early 2014, said executive chairman Md Nazri Ramli.

“We have appointed South Korea’s SK Group, which owns one of the world’s largest oil refineries and the third largest industrial group in South Korea, to do the engineering and construction of the project and the maintenance of the refinery,” he said at an agreement signing ceremony for the project here yesterday.

“Under the project, Merapoh will import crude oil from the Middle East, most probably from Saudi Arabia, process the crude into refined products and export them to China and other Asian nations,” he said.

The plant would produce naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, the company said.

Nazri said Merapoh had secured the US$10bil investment from two international investors for the refinery, which can produce 350,000 barrels per day when completed.

“Hong Kong Beijing Star Ltd and Winston Investment Ltd will each invest US$5bil and have 40% stake in this project. We will hold the remaining 20%,” he said.

Upon completion of the project, the two investors will find buyers for 150,000 barrels a day of the refinery’s output while China National Petroleum Co (CNPC) will buy the remaining 200,000 barrels a day for 20 years, according to Merapoh.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg quoted Hong Kong Beijing Star president Li Feng Yi as saying the company would like to sell its stake to CNPC once the refinery was completed.

Merapoh hopes to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the project next month which involves 850 acres of reclaimed land and another 100 acres on the mainland.

Merapoh said it would award 30% of the project’s contracts to domestic contractors, in compliance with Government regulation.

Malaysia’s biggest oil refinery is set to employ 500 engineers and professionals as well as 1,000 other employees when it takes off.

In another development, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak said the proposed US$7bil 300km oil pipeline project from Yan, Kedah to Bachok, Kelantan, was under review but didn’t give the reason for the review.

The project was announced in 2007 by Trans Peninsula Petroleum Sdn Bhd.

Sarawak To Ensure Najib's 100th Day Gift Is Well-spent
July 13, 2009 16:39 PM

MIRI, July 13 (Bernama) -- Any additional allocation received by Sarawak, following the 11 goodies announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Saturday, would be spent wisely.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state government was happy that Najib had placed the issue of expediting birth registration in Sabah and Sarawak as one of his priorities.

"This means that there would be more manpower (allocated to Sarawak to expedite the registration process)," he told a news conference Monday, after officiating the divisional-level launch of the state civil service's new mottos here.

He said the relevant government agencies in Sarawak should intensify their working network to overcome registration problems were mostly in the rural areas.

He hoped the educated among the rural folks would complement the government's efforts by stirring awareness in their communities on the importance of registration.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak Energy gets RM1.45b loan
Published: 2009/07/17

SARAWAK Energy Bhd has obtained a RM1.45 billion loan to part finance the construction of the 944MW Murum hydroelectric plant in Sarawak.

It consists of a RM1.15 billion Islamic loan under the Tawarruq concept and a syndicated term loan of RM300 million.

The two-year Islamic loan is being arranged by AmIslamic Bank Bhd, CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd, RHB Islamic Bank Bhd, and Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd.

They may rope in more banks.

The term loan is from AmBank (M) Bhd and other lenders that have yet to be identified.

Sarawak Energy is also arranging a long-term funding for the project, it told Bursa Malaysia.

Body of whale shark found off Penang coast
Published: Thursday July 16, 2009 MYT 6:12:00 PM
By M. SIVANANTHA SHARMA

BUTTERWORTH: Four fishermen on a deep sea fishing trip found a dead whale shark measuring 5.36m long entangled in their net some 50 nautical miles off the coast.

The fishermen, from Kuala Muda near here, made the discovery at about 1am Thursday.

Salleh Hussin, 48, said they tried to release the one-tonne creature -- also known as Rhicondon Typus -- back into the sea upon realising that it had died but failed to do so as it was too heavy.

He said they then towed the fish back to the Kuala Muda jetty and called the Penang Fisheries Department upon reaching there at about 7:15am.

Department deputy director Khairul Anwar Mohamad, who went to the scene with three staff members, said the department would take possession of the shark for research as the fish was a protected species.

“Our initial investigations showed the fishermen did not catch the fish intentionally but we will conduct further investigations,” he said.

It was the seocnd reported landing of a whale shark in Penang.

In Jan 2, four fishermen had a surprise catch when a whale shark got into their nets, 10 nautical miles off the coast of Teluk Bahang.

The whale shark, a filter-feeding shark, is the largest living fish.

The slow-moving creature is known for its playful character and poses no harm to humans.

Johor looks back for inspiration
Satiman Jamin
2009/07/15

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Thursday/Stories/2608500/insidepix1?display=small

The story of Johor’s development is told at a fast pace and with
beautifully-choreographed moves. — Pictures by Satiman Jamin

ISKANDAR Investment Bhd (IIB) will host a cultural extravaganza in its continuing efforts to promote Johor culture at the Sultan Iskandar RTM Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday.

Entitled "Gema Warisan", the event is a joint effort with Yayasan Warisan Johor, and part of IIB's Sustainable Urbanisation corporate responsibility programme, which aims to develop Iskandar Malaysia and bring progress while maintaining Johor's cultural heritage and way of life.

The extravaganza will culminate in a musical called Mutiara Medini on Sunday.

Tracing the history of Johor beginning from the downfall of the Malacca maritime empire, Mutiara Medini shows how the state has developed over the decades without losing its soul.

IIB chief executive officer, Arlida Ariff, said the extravaganza was the company's way of giving back to the state and the community in which it operates.

"We hope the performances and clinics held during 'Gema Warisan' will provide Johoreans and others with insight into the state's rich heritage," she said.

Arlida said the event will also help the public to better understand IIB's plan of sustainable development.

The idea for Mutiara Medini came from IIB assistant vice-president, Tunku Masera Sultan Iskandar, who is the project manager. She said the objective of the musical was to highlight Sultan Abu Bakar's vision and drive for a modern Johor.

"It was not because he was my great-great-grandfather, but because he was the genius behind the development of Johor," Tunku Masera said.

Directed and scripted by Othman Zainudin, an established name in the local theatre circle, Mutiara Medini is a fast-paced musical with beautifully-choreographed moves.

Othman said the production team had gone all out to capture the spirit of the story.

"It really is a beautiful story, which tells of the sacrifices, battles and political intrigue involved in the effort to develop Johor into what it is today," he said.

The show is at 1.30pm on Sunday. Tickets, priced at RM25 each for adults and RM5 each for students, are available at the JB Arts Festival counter at Plaza Kotaraya.

For details, call 019-713 9900 or visit www.jbartsfestival.org.

S’wakians may make a difference
By Samuel Aubrey
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=54898

Voters from the state staying in the peninsula could influence polls outcome there: PRS chief

KUCHIING: The next general election could be a time when the impact of Sarawakians voting in Peninsular Malaysia is strongly felt.

Their votes could be the deciding factor in the polls.

That is if the estimated 100,000 or so Sarawakians living or working in the peninsula, half of whom are believed to be eligible voters, were to cast their votes in their new places of domicile.

In this regard, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Dato Sri Dr James Masing yesterday called on fellow Barisan Nasional component parties to unite Sarawakians in the peninsula as one force.

He pointed out this was because many Sarawakians were pro-BN and their votes would be very important for the BN to win the seats in the peninsula.

“SPR (Election Commission) has said it allows Sarawakians to register and vote in places of their domicile. Therefore, Sarawakian voters in Peninsular Malaysia must stay united regardless of BN party affiliation.

“Only by doing so, would Sarawakians be able to make political impact in the peninsula. So, let’s work together to create that impact,” he said when contacted here.

Masing, who is Land Development Minister, was responding to SPR secretary Datuk Ngah Senik who had said on Tuesday that the commission encouraged and allowed eligible Sarawakians to cast their votes in constituencies in Peninsular Malaysia.

According to Ngah, SPR is not going to review its postal voting policy which is reserved only for members of the police and armed forces.

As such, Sarawakians residing in the peninsula were encouraged to register under polling districts there so that they could take part in the country’s election process, and not spend so much money just to return to Sarawak to cast votes, Ngah added.

Masing, who was in Johor Bahru to officiate at the ‘ngiling bidai’ (closing of Gawai) organised by Johor Bahru PRS Social Club last Saturday, said there were about 20,000 eligible voters from the Dayak community now working and residing in Johor.

This represented half of the 40,000 Dayaks who had made Johor their new home, and these included those who were working in neighbouring Singapore, he added.

Consisting mainly unskilled and semi-skilled workers, he said the Dayaks in Johor were pro-BN, but they did not vote in the last general election because their polling districts were still listed under constituencies in Sarawak.

To go home to vote, according to Masing, was very costly for the Dayaks because of the high airfare and other transportation costs to get to their longhouses or villages.

“Because of that, I really welcome the reassurance by SPR that Sarawakians can vote in their places of domicile there,” he said.

The Johor Bahru PRS Social Club is one of the three PRS Social Clubs outside Sarawak.

The other two are for Kuala Lumpur-Selangor and Labuan.

Perak Sets Three Year Target To Tackle Poor Housing Woes
July 16, 2009 20:33 PM

IPOH, July 16 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said the state government hopes to resolve the squatter and housing problem of the poor in three or four years.

He said although a survey found that there were about 14,000 hardcore poor families and squatters in Perak, the number could be higher as it did not include those occupying state land.

"The State Exco meeting yesterday formed a squatter and housing committee chaired by myself. We will conduct a new census on squatters occupying reserve or state land.

Zambry said it was the Perak government policy to ensure that all families own houses or land for housing.

"We will solve the housing problem of the poor before 2013," he told reporters after launching the Tunas Mekar programme here today.

Tunas Mekar is a retraining programme for graduates in cooperation with Universiti Teknologi Mara and several entrepreneurs aimed at creating young entrepreneurs.

-- BERNAMA

MADA To Increase Production Of "Kedah Rice"
July 17, 2009 20:29 PM

MELAKA, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) will increase the production of the MR219 high quality rice under the brand "Kedah Rice" for the local market.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Wira Mohd Johari Baharom said the quality of Kedah Rice was on par with imported rice.

"At the moment, Mada produces 5,000 tonnes of Kedah Rice a year," he told reporters after launching the Kedah Rice branding and several other events at the Mydin Mall in Ayer Keroh here Friday.

Mohd Johari said the Kedah Rice was produced from padi planted in Mada's semi-plantation project, utilising the latest planting technology.

He said Mada has 20,000ha of padi field and has high potentials to increase the production.

"The broken grain percentage is only five per cent and the price is RM26 for 10kg," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre To Be Built In Sepilok
July 17, 2009 20:17 PM

SANDAKAN, July 17 (Bernama) -- A Borneo sun bear conservation centre will be set up in Sepilok here in an effort to prevent the endangered animal from becoming extinct.

It will be next to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, and the ground-breaking ceremony for the project was officiated by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, here, Friday.

Director of the sun bear conservation centre, Cynthia Ong, said the centre, to be built in three phases, would have facilities including a home that could accommodate 43 sun bears, a visitors' area, a gallery for exhibits and a natural walkway.

She said two hectares of the centre were located in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve area, hence allowing the bears to live in a natural environment.

The first phase of the project involves building a home that can take in 27 sun bears and is expected to be ready in six months from now.

Ong said the RM1.3 million needed for the first phase came from the private sector and government agencies.

"We are now trying to raise RM600,000 needed for the second phase and RM900,000 for the third phase of the project," she added in her speech at the ground-breaking ceremony.

She also said that the setting up of the centre involved the cooperation of the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department and LEAP (Land Empowerment Animals People), a non-governmental organisation.

-- BERNAMA

Taib wants to see revival of theatre in Sarawak
By Lee Ya Yun & Zora Chan
Sunday, July 19th, 2009

KUCHING: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Friday night hoped to see a revival of theatre in Sarawak.

The chief minister believed performing arts could help create a healthy and balanced modern society.

He said gone were the days when people would flock to see plays and dramas such as in the 1960s.

“That generation is gone. We need to develop new talents and revive the interest so that we can create a market for this activity …We need to revive some drama activities in Sarawak.

“People are getting very busy nowadays and we have to find out what are the popular versions of drama that young people will love,” he told reporters after closing the Chief Minister’s Challenge Trophy Inter-Teacher Training Institute Drama Competition for Sarawak Zone in Kota Samarahan.

Taib said for a start, trainee teachers needed to be exposed to all levels of drama production — from script writing to performing on stage.

With sufficient interest, training and experience, these teachers could then impart their skills and knowledge to their students and create a young generation who would be curious and attracted to drama, the chief minister said.

He said teachers could also work with the people on the ground where they were teaching like associations or villagers towards this end.

“When we have a state theatre (in the future), drama activities can be enjoyed by the younger generation,” he said, adding that Singapore was doing very well in drama.

Earlier in his speech, Taib said stage performances like drama could act as a communication tool to convey the message of change experienced by a country during the process of social and economic transformation.

He pointed out that conflicts could occur between rural and urban folks in their daily lives as presented in one of the dramas — ‘Wasiat’ — and therefore, it was essential to create an understanding between the people to reduce possible conflicts.

He said the development of a country should not only emphasise its growth in wealth or gross national product (GNP) while neglecting other areas such as arts.

“A nation’s economic development should be accompanied by development in the social and cultural fields as well. Everyone of us have a role in contributing towards social development.

“We could equip ourselves to become a cultural people, to become a member of the society to enjoy arts,” he said.

Taib suggested that teacher training institutes in Sarawak hold a symposium or seminar on drama next year in connection with the 10th anniversary of the competition.

“I hope the four institutes could organise something like a symposium or seminar about drama to celebrate the 10th anniversary. It would help to further promote arts in the state,” he said.

He also suggested that teacher training institutes in other parts of the state host future drama competitions.

Tun Abdul Razak Teachers’ Training Institute deputy director Mohd Lin said this year’s competition was themed on education, and the champion would represent Sarawak at the national-level competition next year.

He commended the participants, who came from different teaching courses, for pooling together their resources for the love of performing arts and their commitment to learn and impart whatever knowledge and experiences they had gained.

The drama entitled ‘Wasiat’, performed by Tun Abdul Razak Teachers’ Training Institute in Kota Samarahan emerged champion in the competition and took home the Chief Minister’s Challenge trophy as well as the champion’s trophy, RM1,500 and certificate of participation.

“Wasiat’ also earned Mohd Nur Asri Hamdan the Best Director Award; Jack Joannaes Limbing who played the leading role as Faruk and Jamal the Best Male Actor Award; and Zainal Abidin Abdul Wahab who played Tok Penghulu and Wak Leman the Best Supporting Male Actor Award.

Tun Abdul Razak Teachers’Training Institute also swept the Best Choreography and Best Script awards.

The first runners-up was Batu Lintang Teachers’ Training Institute of Kuching with the play entitled ‘Ilang’, while the two consolation prizes went to Rajang Teachers’ Training Institute in Bintangor with the play entitled ‘Sidak Mek Maseh Terit’ and Sarawak Teachers’ Training Institute in Miri with the play entitled ‘Satu Keluarga’.

The Best Female Actress Award went to Merina Akim from Rajang Teachers’Training Institute who played Cikgu Emon; Best Supporting Female Actress Award went to Rozana Ahmad from Sarawak Teachers’ Training Institute in Miri who played Dayang Sutinah; and Best Costume Award went to Batu Lintang Teachers’ Training Institute.

Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Dato Sri William Mawan, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Naroden Majais, Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Tun Abdul Razak Teachers’Training Institute director Datin Zahrah Bujang were also present.

Suhakam Forum On Impact Of Dam Projects
July 20, 2009 11:43 AM

MIRI, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Sarawak Branch is to organise a forum on the construction of dams and preservation of human rights and the environment, in Bintulu on Thursday.

Suhakam Sarawak Branch assistant secretary Sophian Osman told Bernama today the forum was aimed at ascertaining the hydro-electric and reservoir dam projects planned in Sarawak and getting the views of participants on the social and environmental impacts of the projects.

He said representatives of various government agencies, non-governmental organisations and individuals were invited to join the forum at which Mambong Member of Parliament Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit would be one of four people to present papers.

Further information on the forum can be obtained from Sophian at 082-234650 or sophian@suhakam.org.my. -- BERNAMA

Perlis To Enhance Stormwater Management
July 18, 2009 16:36 PM

KANGAR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The management of stormwater in Perlis will be enhanced so that more effective development processes could be implemented, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu said.

He said the stormwater management would also give a good balance between the social, economic and environment aspects to alleviate the public's worries on various problems which could possibly occur due to the stormwaters.

Md Isa said this when opening a workshop themed "The Role of the Public in Stormwater Management in Perlis", organised by the drainage and Irrigation Department here Saturday.

He also hoped that the public would inculcate the culture of appreciating water and rivers for the people's benefit.

Meanwhile, Perlis Drainage and Irrigation Department director, Nishad Mohamed Shaffy said over 100 of its technical staff as well as businessmen and local residents participated in the one-day workshop aimed at increasing the public awareness on stormwater management and the importance of water catchment areas.

He said the department had been conducting a study on the drainage and stormwater management masterplan for Kangar, Arau and Padang Besar with cooperation from consultants G&P Professionals.

The study which began on Oct 29 last year is expected to be completed by December.

Nishad said the study was aimed at maximising the effectiveness of the existing stormwater infrastructure network with regard to the environment and public expectation, besides controlling sediments in the drainage system and channeling the stormwater from the catchment areas to drainage without affecting the quality of the waters.

-- BERNAMA

Bajau Body Wants To Make A Success Of 1Malaysia
July 19, 2009 14:27 PM

KOTA KINABALU, July 19 (Bernama) -- The United Sabah Bajau Organisation (Usbo) will play an important role to make a success of the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Its president Datuk Salleh Said Keruak said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) would give undivided support to efforts aimed at promoting cultures and the love for unity and peace.

"Usbo will continue to support the government plan to create a united, dynamic and progressive race and make 1Malaysia a realisation," he told Bernama, here Sunday.

It would also increase programmes to upgrade understanding and bring the bajau culture to the national stage.

-- BERNAMA

RM64.6 Million For Rural Projects In Sarawak
July 20, 2009 16:17 PM

SIBU, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry and its agencies have allocated RM64.6 million to finance various entrepreneur development programmes in Sarawak since 2006.

The programmes targeted at 10,169 entrepreneurs will be implemented by end of this year, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

It said MARA disbursed the highest allocation of RM53.1 million to 7,835 people for training programmes, production facilities, marketing promotions and consultancy fees.

This is followed by RM9.57 million by the ministry's economic empowerment division to 2,180 entrepreneurs, it said.

Of the amount, RM4.1 million was spent for Village Economic Sponsorship Scheme and another RM2.41 million for commercial farming and rural tourism.

The ministry said FELCRA Bhd extended RM60,000 to train 60 settlers in packaging technology and product labelling programmes while the Community Development Department (KEMAS) issued RM1.9 million for village economic assistance to 94 villagers.

-- BERNAMA

More Rural Water Supply Projects Implemented With RM120 Million Fund Injection
July 19, 2009 22:22 PM

MIRI, July 19 (Bernama) -- Most of the approved rural water supply projects in Sarawak have kicked off following the RM120 million allocation received by the state Public Utilities Ministry under the federal government's first economic stimulus package.

Its minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the projects were being monitored by a committee chaired by his deputy in charge of water supply, Sylvester Entri Muran.

Awang Tengah who had earlier officiated at the anniversary celebration of the Subis branch of the National Kedayan Association at Kampung Pejuang Kelulit, about 50km from here, said the projects should be completed within two years.

He said this was keeping with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's directive when announcing the stimulus package last year.

He added that the tenders for projects which had not been implemented, had already been issued and the projects expected to commence this year.

-- BERNAMA

Borneo: World Music central
2009/07/20
SYED HUSNI

Sarawak’s Rainforest Music Festival has established itself as one of the more unique music festivals in the world, writes SYED HUSNI.

FOR 12 consecutive years now, musicians and music lovers from around the world have gathered in the lush rainforest of Santubong, Sarawak to experience one of the most unique and diverse music festivals in Asia, and possibly the world.

Organised by Sarawak Tourism Board, the recent Rainforest Music Festival 2009 continued its legacy of presenting a kaleidoscope of ethnic and contemporary music from the five continents.

Apart from performances by the artistes, there were also day workshops where the performers could connect with the audience on a more intimate level, explaining their music and the exotic instruments used, from gendang panjang ibu to the hurdy-gurdy.

This time around, 27 workshops were held in three locations within the Sarawak Cultural Village — the Theatre, Dewan Lagenda and Iban Longhouse — with distinctive themes and foci, combining musicians from different parts of the world on one stage.

Being a great preview for the full-fledged night performances, the workshops usually ended with impromptu jam sessions, in which the musicians engaged with their international comrades, spontaneously building on off each other’s rhythms and beats and organically producing an amalgamation of the sounds of the world.

The performances at night took place on two stages — the main stage and the smaller tree stage, where 17 music groups from Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, Poland, Finland, Chile, New Zealand, the United States, South Korea, China, Hungary, Morocco and Tanzania, opened gateways into their respective cultures, transporting the audience to exotic locales with their music alone.

Each day of the festival had its own vibe, shaped by the workshops and performances that took place.

The festival kicked off with three workshops. One of them, Bahasa Muzik, combined the traditional Malay sounds of Asika, the intense kechak chants and melodic flutes of Sekaa Jaya Jenggala, as well as the upbeat melodies from Kinabalu Merdu Sound.

Musicians from the respective bands explained how the various sounds were produced from the instruments they played, such as the gendang, Balinese bamboo flutes and bamboo drums.

At the end of this workshop, as with every other workshops, the musicians gave a mini show, much to the delight of the audience. Shamsul Zin from Asika, the leader of the workshop, guided the sounds of the bamboo kulintangan with the beat of his gendang ibu.

Other workshops that day were Fusionistas, an exploration of cultural mixes in music led by Akasha’s Jamie Wilson, and Groovin’, a gathering of drummers from Akasha, Oudaden (Morocco), Noreummachi (South Korea) and St Nicholas Orchestra (Poland).
These workshops, too, broke out into wild jam sessions.

The night opened with the bamboo-infused sounds of Kinabalu Merdu Sound, belting out crowd favourites such as Jambatan Tamparuli and Sayang Kinabalu. Appropriately, the classic Borneo rainforest vibe was kept going by Sarawak’s very own Lan-E Tuyang, with dreamy tunes played on the sape.
The Korean drums of Noreummachi, the gypsy-folk sounds of St Nicholas Orchestra, Sekaa Jaya Jenggala’s kecak and the traditional Chinese strings of Red Chamber took turns wowing the poncho-clad members of the crowd despite the rain.

The night ended with a tub-thumping show from France’s Poum Tchack, who played everything from swing to jazz, infused with a folk feel ... and they played it fast!

Day 2:
Among the interesting workshops were Free the Reed, featuring Sabah sempoton players and French accordionist. There was also the One-sided Percussion, which discussed frame drums from Morocco, the Andes, and Malaysia.

Another workshop, Trans-Afrique, combined the two African groups — Oudaden and Zawose Family on one stage, on which they communicated through their music.

At night, Asika opened the show with transcendental traditional sounds from mak yong and joget before Lan-E Tuyang once again played their sape for the crowd, which seemed much larger that evening thanks to the good weather.

Oudaden kept the momentum going with their Afro-Berber trance music, pausing only twice throughout their entire set to let the audience catch their breath.

Finnish string quartet Jouhiorkesteri projected the sounds of their jouhikkos, traditional bowed lyres from the tree stage, filling up the forest with their enchanting and ancient music.

Moana and the Tribe continued the enchanting spell with a mixture of smooth contemporary tunes rooted in Maori rhythms and chants. Next up was Jeff and the Vida, who brought the twangy sounds of bluegrass to the festival, all the way from Nashville, Tennessee.

Dazkarieh, all clad in black, concluded the night with traditional Portuguese music from the countryside, infused with rock and played with custom-made instruments, leaving the audience wanting more.

Day 3:
Entitled Voice of My People, the workshop held at the Iban Longhouse brought vocalists from diverse singing traditions — Kenyah, bluegrass, traditional Portuguese, Korean, Andean, Moroccan, Maori and Malay, among others — to share how the vocals are used as an instrument in their music.
The two sessions after that — Bamboozled (about bamboo instruments) and I’ve Got Rhythm held in the Theatre received overwhelming response from the crowd. They ended with explosive jam sessions, one of which got a standing ovation from the audience.

Bamboozled was almost a mini bamboo music festival, bringing together Balinese Sekaa Jaya Jenggala and Kinabalu Merdu Sound, by having their bamboo instruments interact with each other.
In I’ve Got Rhythm, the musicians spoke about the different types of beats and rhythms that drove the music they play, be it Polish folk or classical Indian.

One-year old Akasha showed the audience what dedicated and talented musicians the members are, with their impossible-to-resist fusion tunes such as Irish Joget and Brickfields Blues.

Their performances were full of unexpected twists and turns, like when the two traditional Indian percussionists picked up kompangs to play the catchy zapin and later transcended into Michael Jackson’s funky tune Beat It.

The tree stage became the site of one of the most remarkable collaborations between the Chinese strings of Red Chamber and the traditional Indian percussions from Akasha.

After that, Inti-Illimani filled up the forest with sounds from the Andes, singing both in Spanish and Aymara languages. Then, Muzsikas lived up to their name by playing traditional Hungarian and Transylvanian dance tunes with a passion that quickly infected the audience.

The baton was passed to the Zawose Family, who brought the legacy of Hukwe Zawose by playing traditional Tanzanian songs with thumb pianos, traditional African fiddle and percussions, clad in their traditional garb.
Intensely passionate and highly entertaining, their performance carried the audience to the grand finale, in which all the musicians got onstage to give the audience a whirlwind recap of the whole festival.

As with previous years, the musicians broke out into a massive jam session/party on stage, matching the audience in decibels and rowdiness, in a good way, of course!

Scheme to help hardcore poor get out of poverty
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

MIRI: Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) and the Agriculture Department here are collaborating to extend micro-credit to the hardcore poor in the division to enable them to start small businesses to break the poverty cycle.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Human Resource and Training) Datin Fatimah Abdullah said yesterday the assistance was extended to those who earned less than RM753 a month.

“AIM will provide the financial assistance to those who are eligible, while the department provides training to participants to start small businesses,” she said after chairing a meeting with AIM and the Agriculture Department here.

She said the scheme had so far benefited 2,150 participants, and the micro-credit ranged from RM 2,000 to RM50,000 for business start-ups.

According to Fatimah, Rabiutul Adwiyah Centre has the best record in terms of repayment of loans by participants who are in cake-making, handicraft weaving, traditional treatment and automobile workshop business.

The programme here would be adapted for Kuching in the near future to cater for the low-income group to raise their socio-economic status, she said.

The assistant minister urged those who come under the hardcore poor bracket to be determined to improve their living standard.

Asking the hardcore poor to seek help from the right channel, she stressed they should grab all the opportunities made available by the government.

“We are looking forward to progressively reduce hardcore poverty in Sarawak by coming up with various assistance programmes for this target group,” she said.

While conceding that financial constraints limited the amount of grant that could be disbursed by the government, she said the government would nevertheless give priority to efforts to help eradicate poverty.

“The government aspires to eradicate poverty, but it will not succeed without the response and efforts from the target group,” she emphasised.

Among those who attended the meeting were senior officers from AIM and Agriculture Department.

RM120 mln for rural water supply
By Jacqueline Raphael
Monday, July 20th, 2009

MIRI: The federal government is allocating RM120 million for the implementation of rural piped water supply for the whole of Sarawak under the Economic Stimulus Package.

This was disclosed by Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan yesterday.

According to Tengah, works to get piped water supply to rural villages are in various stages, with some projects still in the tender process while there are those already underway.

He added that Kampung Pejuang Kelulit, along with several other villages in the Sibuti area, was also included in the project.

“We are aware that there are still areas with no dependable clean water supply and for now the government has included Kampung Pejuang Kelulit and other nearby villages in the Economic Stimulus Package.

“The project will be fully implemented within two years starting from this year.

“Following that, we will set up two special committees, under the district office and the ministry, to monitor the development of projects as well as to ensure that the projects are completed within the time frame,” he said.

He was met after officiating at the leaders-with-the-people session cum Makan Taun Festival at Kampung Pejuang Kelulit in Sibuti yesterday.

Tengah also said the government would get the Public Works Department (PWD) to monitor the implementation of projects in all the areas involved.

Tengah also said that Kampung Pejuang Kelulit was expected to have electricity supply by this coming fasting month.

“The government is aware that the people here are badly in need of electricity supply. But just be patient as we are in the process of implementation and hope to get the supply in before Hari Raya,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Tengah said minority groups like the Kedayan must not be ashamed to join other races in grabbing opportunities created by developments being implemented by the government.

“Don’t just become spectators but participate in the development. The Kedayan must also be competitive and should have the desire to succeed like any other races here,” he said.

At the same function, he also announced a grant of RM20,000 for Sibuti Kedayan Association.

Meanwhile, the Makan Taun Festival was organised by Sibuti Kedayan Association in collaboration with Kampung Pejuang Kelulit Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

Also present were Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Development) Mohd Naroden Majais, Bekenu assemblywoman Rosey Yunus, Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok and a political secretary to the chief minister who is also the chairman of Sibuti Kedayan Association, Ripin Lamat.

Sime Darby Property invests RM15mil to enhance security
Wednesday July 22, 2009

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/22/business/p6-hishamuddin.JPG

From left: Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein,
Deputy IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid viewing
the closed circuit TV surveillance system after the launch of the Safe City
Initiative on Tuesday

PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Property Bhd wants to change the concept of developing properties by putting safety and security as the top criteria to gain buyers’ confidence.

President and group chief executive Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid said the group had so far invested about RM15mil to enhance the security and safety at its existing townships and would extend the concept to its other new township developments.

“Ara Damansara township will be the role model for this concept of security and safety and we plan to introduce this concept in our future developments,” he said yesterday at the launch of the Safe City Initiative and the launch of Ara Damansara police station.

Zubir said the group had invested about RM4mil alone for security and safety measures in Ara Damansara that included building the new police station, closed circuit television surveillance system, manned guard houses at each entry point and three cars for the police to do patrolling.

He added that in responding to the Government’s call to create a safer living environment for its citizens, Sime Darby Property was making an effort to transform Ara Damansara into one of the safest townships in the country.

On the group’s business performance this year, Zubir said it might not be as good as last year’s performance.

“Last year, the (high) price of crude palm oil (CPO) contributed strongly to the group. Nevertheless, this year, our other divisions will offset the low CPO price to achieve our expectation for this year,” he said.

On the group’s venture in Weifang prefecture in China, he said a team had been sent to do a study before drawing up a proper master plan.

“Initially, the size of this development project spanned about 700 sq km but our team found that it is actually about 100 sq km. It will be a mixed development project but we don’t know yet its gross development value at this moment,” he said.

It was reported last month that China had offered Sime Darby a multi-billion dollar property development project in the Weifang prefecture city in Shandong measuring 700 sq km.

Perlis negeri pertama bebas rokok
22 Julai 2009

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KUMPULAN Boria Dr. Muda dari Sekolah Kebangsaan Bintong, Kangar melaungkan slogan
'Tak Nak Merokok' selepas Majlis Hari Tanpa Tembakau di Dewan Warisan, Kangar semalam.

KANGAR - Perlis menjadi negeri pertama di Malaysia bebas rokok selepas mewarta dan melaksanakan undang-undang larangan merokok di seluruh kawasan awam di negeri ini tidak lama lagi.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr. Md. Isa Sabu (gambar) berkata, langkah tersebut diambil bagi membantu orang ramai membuang tabiat buruk merokok dan meningkatkan taraf kesihatan penduduk di negeri ini.

Selain itu, katanya, ia bertujuan mengawal gejala merokok yang makin berleluasa di kalangan golongan muda terutama remaja.

"Adalah menjadi hasrat peribadi saya mahu melihat Perlis menjadi negeri pertama bebas rokok di negara ini.

"Jika kita dapat melaksanakan larangan ini, sudah pasti ia membantu mereka yang tidak merokok daripada terkena tempiasnya," katanya kepada pemberita pada Majlis Hari Tanpa Tembakau di Dewan Warisan, Kangar semalam.

Perak bina kilang tenaga solar
Oleh KUMARA SABAPATTY

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Zambry (dua dari kanan) berbual dengan Siva Sivaram (kanan) dan Rais (dua
dari kiri) selepas menandatangani memorandum perjanjian di Ipoh, semalam.

IPOH - Kerajaan negeri Perak bakal menjadi pengeluar utama tenaga solar menggunakan teknologi fotovolteik (PV) menjelang 2011 setelah termeterai memorandum perjanjian (MoA) antara syarikat TCT Inc. (TCT) dari Lembah Silikon, Los Angeles dengan syarikat tempatan Red Solar (M) Sdn. Bhd., (Red Solar) dan Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP).

Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir berkata, melalui perjanjian tersebut, sebuah kilang pengeluaran tenaga solar akan dibina menjelang akhir tahun 2010 dengan membabitkan kos bernilai RM887 juta.

Katanya dua kawasan sudah dikenal pasti di daerah Manjung dan di Kanthan di sini bagi membina kilang pengeluaran tenaga solar PV itu,'' katanya selepas menyaksikan majlis menandatangani MoA di antara ketiga-tiga pihak tersebut di sini semalam.

Pada majlis menandatangani MoA ini, PKNP diwakili Ketua Eksekutifnya, Datuk Samsudin Hashim manakala Red Solar oleh Rais Hussin dan TCT diwakili oleh Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Siva Sivaram.

Kilang tersebut akan menghasilkan tenaga solar sebagai alternatif kepada tenaga elektrik yang kini digunakan sepenuhnya oleh rakyat negara ini yang menggunakan cahaya matahari sebagai bahan utamanya.

Empayar halal DagangAsia
Oleh AQMAR ALLADAD
22 Julai 2009

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Pemasaran Dagang Halal menerusi portal Internet tidak hanya membina peluang kerjasama perniagaan produk-produk halal berasaskan makanan, tetapi turut diperluaskan untuk prospek kepenggunaan berteraskan cara hidup Islam.

SEBAGAI seorang pengusaha francais makanan, Mohamad Helmi Mohamad tercari-cari apakah platform terbaik untuknya memperaku dan menyebarkan maklumat produk halalnya.

Hampir setahun mengusahakan francais Noodle Station, akhirnya Mohamad Helmi menemui portal DagangAsia dan tidak teragak-agak menjadi ahlinya.

Katanya, DagangAsia bukan sekadar menyediakan portal kepada ahlinya tetapi ia akan sentiasa memaklumkan setiap aktiviti yang dijalankannya. Boleh dikatakan setiap minggu beliau menerima panggilan daripada syarikat tersebut.

Kebiasaannya, mereka akan bertanyakan perkembangan berhubung perniagaan yang dijalankan. Dari situ Mohamad Helmi mendapat tahu DagangAsia memang cukup aktif dan bersedia menolong para peniaga.

"Saya rasa dengan bayaran yang dikenakan DagangAsia terhadap ahlinya, ia cukup berbaloi kerana bukan murah untuk mengiklankan perniagaan terutama dalam media massa.

"Jadi, saya menyarankan para peniaga agar meluangkan masa menyertai portal ini tidak kira sama ada anda mempunyai perniagaan yang besar atau sederhana," ujarnya yang mengusahakan perniagaan Noodle Station di Setapak, Kuala Lumpur sejak setahun lalu.

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LOGO halal yang dicetak di luar bungkusan
lebih meyakinkan pengguna Muslim.

Dengan sasaran untuk menjadikan negara sebagai destinasi Hab Halal Dunia menjelang tahun 2010, bukanlah menghairankan industri produk dan perkhidmatan halal di Malaysia semakin berkembang.

DagangAsia Net Sdn. Bhd. (DagangAsia) yang menubuhkan portal produk halal itu kini semakin mendapat pujian ramai. Kunjungan individu yang melayari portal tersebut semakin hari semakin bertambah.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Khairul Ismahafiz berkata, portal yang dilancarkan sejak empat tahun lalu itu bertujuan memberi nasihat dan khidmat kepada pengilang untuk memasarkan produk masing-masing menerusi Internet.

"Kami menerima kira-kira 67,000 pengunjung setiap hari dari seluruh dunia. Jumlah ini cukup membanggakan DagangAsia.

"Dengan melayari www.daganghalal.com, orang ramai boleh melihat produk yang telah menerima khidmat kami. Bukan itu sahaja, segala aktiviti ataupun pameran produk halal di seluruh dunia turut dilampirkan di portal Dagang Halal," katanya ketika ditemui Kosmo! di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

Selain dapat meyakinkan pihak luar untuk membawa masuk produk ahli Dagang Halal yang diiktiraf halal ke negara mereka, ia secara tidak langsung membuka peluang yang sangat luas kepada pengusaha produk halal terutama syarikat-syarikat tempatan untuk mencari peluang dan kerjasama perniagaan antarabangsa.

Usaha untuk meningkatkan penerimaan negara luar terhadap produk tempatan bukan hanya diletakkan di bahu kerajaan semata-mata, malah syarikat tempatan perlu mencari inisiatif membantu para peniaga.

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MOHAMAD HELMI menunjukkan sijil halal yang menjadi buruan
pengusaha produk makanan dan minuman di negara ini.

Sepanjang penubuhan laman web ini, portal Dagang Halal telah mempunyai 1,800 ahli dari pelbagai negara. Maklumat mengenai syarikat ahli akan dipaparkan dan sentiasa dikemaskini dalam laman web tersebut.

Ia bertujuan memudahkan apa sahaja urusan pemasaran dan transaksi di seluruh dunia.

Lebih menarik lagi, tanggungjawab yang dipikul oleh Dagang Halal bukan hanya untuk pengeluar Islam tetapi turut melibatkan pengeluar produk bukan Islam.

Dagang Halal sebelum ini pernah mengikuti beberapa pameran produk halal di serata dunia antaranya di Dubai, Jerman, Sepanyol, Indonesia, Brunei dan Thailand.

Dalam pada itu, dengan terhasilnya portal yang dibangunkan dengan kos RM1 juta itu, syarikat tersebut turut mempunyai rangkaian pasaran di Thailand, Filipina, Indonesia, Pakistan, China, India dan negara-negara Asia Barat.

Namun, bukan mudah untuk menjadi ahli portal ini memandangkan pemohon perlu menunjukkan profil syarikat masing-masing terlebih dahulu.

Antara peranan portal Dagang Halal adalah memastikan segala produk yang dikeluarkan pengilang benar-benar menepati ciri-ciri untuk pasaran halal dunia.

Khairul berkata, yuran keahlian didaftar berdasarkan kategori yang dipilih oleh peniaga ialah Gold (RM8,000), Silver (RM6,000) dan Trade (RM1,250). Kesemuanya mempunyai kelebihan tersendiri.

"Keahlian diperbaharui setiap tahun. Bagi peniaga yang mempunyai produk tidak melebihi 15 barangan, kami mencadangkan mereka memilih kategori Silver manakala kategori Trade untuk mereka yang sudah ada laman web sendiri tetapi memerlukan pembaharuan.

"Kategori Gold pula adalah untuk usahawan yang memasarkan banyak produk dan memerlukan halaman yang lebih banyak dalam laman web mereka.

"Kami akan sentiasa memperbaharui laman web mereka dan bertanggungjawab membawa produk masing-masing di peringkat yang lebih tinggi," jelasnya yang menjangka menerima sebanyak 3,000 ahli baru pada tahun 2010.

Sementara itu, industri halal pada dasarnya tidak hanya tertumpu kepada produk makanan halal seperti mana yang difahami sebelum ini. Ini kerana ia turut merangkumi sektor perkhidmatan seperti logistik, pembungkusan, penjenamaan dan pasaran.

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INDUSTRI halal pada dasarnya tidak hanya tertumpu kepada
produk makanan halal seperti yang difahami sebelum ini.

Aspek tersebut akan dinilai sepenuhnya oleh DagangAsia bagi memastikan penjenamaan yang lebih menarik terutama dalam kalangan pengusaha industri kecil dan sederhana (IKS).

"Dalam memilih ahli kami bukan 'main tangkap muat' sahaja. Ahli kami mestilah menitikberatkan semua aspek penjenamaan barangan jualan mereka.

"Sebab itulah kami bersedia memberi perkhidmatan kepada mereka untuk memastikan produk masing-masing menepati ciri yang diperlukan," jelas Khairil lagi.

Menceritakan kelebihan portal halal itu, Khairul memberitahu, pengusaha IKS sukar berkembang kerana menghadapi masalah pemasaran ke pasaran luar.

Menerusi portal tersebut usaha DagangAsia dapat dilakukan dengan lebih sempurna lagi. Menurut Khairul, portal tersebut tidak mengehadkan sesiapa untuk melayarinya dan membuka produk halal usahawan Malaysia ke pasaran antarabangsa.

Call To Upgrade Telupid To A District
July 22, 2009 16:44 PM

SANDAKAN, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Telupid sub-district ought to be upgraded to a district in an effort to improve its infrastructure, said Sabah Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Michael Asang.

He said projects like a hospital and other public amenities could not be built in Telupid as it did not have the criteria of a full district.

Telupid, whose mainstay of the economy is agriculture, needs a hospital as the health clinic there could not cater to the growing needs of the people, he told Bernama.

Michael, who is also Labuk assemblyman, said with a population of 31,800, Telupid qualified to be a district.

Set up 32 years ago, the 1,935 square km sub-district is under the jurisdiction of Beluran District.

-- BERNAMA

Perak MB Proposes CCTVs At Crime Areas
July 22, 2009 17:29 PM

IPOH, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir on Wednesday proposed to the federal government to install closed-circuit camera televisions (CCTVs) in areas that had a crime rate as an addition to the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras that will be installed beginning Sept 11 at 200 accident prone areas nationwide.

Zambry said the additional cameras would ensure a safe environment for the people.

Under the AES system all offences would be recorded on automatic cameras and summonses issued immediately through the Road Transport Department (RTD)'s computer system.

"So the Perak state government feels that besides the AES cameras, CCTVs to monitor crime are also important," Zambry told reporters after the state executive council meeting here.

-- BERNAMA

Poverty prevails with forest-dependent communities in Sarawak
Thursday July 23, 2009

KUCHING: There is still much to be done to help alleviate poverty among the forest-dependent communities in Sarawak.

State Planning and Resource Management Ministry deputy permanent secretary Datuk Len Talif Salleh said such assistance could include developing gravity-fed pipewater systems for rural settlements that did not have clean water sources.

“Another matter of concern is the high rate of school dropouts,” he said when launching a workshop on involving local community in forestry here yesterday.

Len Talif, who is also state forest director, said teachers quarters and classrooms in the interior could be improved and facilities enhanced as one way of overcoming students dropping out of school.

He said among the poor, their low-level education was a problem as without a good schooling, they were trapped with an inward-looking worldview.

The event – jointly organised by the state forest department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation – was to review projects implemented under community development programmes.

Len Talif said government agencies involved in poverty eradication programmes had to coordinate their efforts so as to get the best results from their limited funds.

“Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, we have come up with initiatives to integrate community involvement in forestry.

“These require the cooperation of other government agencies, forestry companies and community organisations,” he said, adding that the authorities had identified the communities and areas with a high poverty rate that called for greater attention.

Len Talif said the Sarawak Forestry Corporation had involved villagers in national park programmes, such as educating them not to use destructive fishing methods and teaching them sustainable fishing.

He said the corporation had also carried out a handicraft project for rural communities.

Sabah finds silver lining
Saturday July 25, 2009
BY RUBEN SARIO

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/25/southneast/se_01sipadan.jpg

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s international diving haven Pulau Sipadan has been dropped in the running for listing as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the concerted effort in promoting the island has created more awareness about the state and Malaysia.

Sipadan was initially nominated along with more than a dozen renowned islands, mountains, historical sites and hundreds of other attractions worldwide for listing as one of the seven new wonders, a global exercise conducted online by the new7wonders.com website.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/25/southneast/se_03clear.jpg

Crystal clear: The blue water of Pulau Sipadan. — By Philip Hii

The volcanic island off Sabah’s east coast Semporna district made it to the top four in the island category, by way of an online voting system, thanks to a campaign by the Sabah Tourism Board early this month.

However, Sipadan was absent when the website invited votes for the New Seven Wonders of the World from a list of 14 landmarks including the Statue of Liberty in New York, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

In a statement via SMS late Wednesday, Masidi said the state government accepted the website’s decision but noted that the selection of final 14 contenders was done by a panel of experts and not through global voting.

“Sipadan lost to equally worthy contenders that are unique in their own ways. Sipadan is a unique creation of God, but God also created other natural wonders,” he said.

Masidi said the fact that Sipadan had made it among the top four candidates in the island category showed international appreciation for its special features, which include being the country’s sole oceanic island rising some 600m from the seabed.

“The beauty of Sipadan has without doubt become more known, so has Sabah and Malaysia,” he added.

One District, One Consumer Association By 2012
July 26, 2009 00:08 AM

KUANTAN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The domestic trade cooperative and consumerism ministry wants a consumer association set up in every district nationwide by 2012.

Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move was aimed at creating awareness and educating the public on consumerism, especially those living in rural areas.

"The rural community and those in smaller towns are often exposed to scams as they are not aware of their rights.

"That's why we are focusing on the smaller districts, so as to create awareness on consumer rights.

"When there is awareness, there will be consumer associations," he told reporters when launching the Malaysian Consumer Day 2009 celebrations at the Kuantan Municipal Council field here Saturday.

Also present was his deputy, Datuk Tan Lian Hoe, and Pahang Human Resource and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Fong Koong Fuee.

Ismail Sabri noted that so far, no district consumer association had been formed, but there were 60 consumer association branches nationwide.

He said his ministry was also targeting for every public and private institution of higher learning to form its own consumerism club by 2012.

"Until now, only 10 public and private institutions of higher learning have their own consumerism clubs," he said, adding that only 983 of 2,181 secondary schools nationwide had formed their own consumerism club.

Meanwhile, the minister said the government would gazette the Children's Toy Safety Regulation 2009 by mid-August.

He said the gazetting was to ensure safety standards on local or imported children's toys.

"After the regulation is gazetted, any toy sold should have the approval of the Standards and Industrial Research of Malaysia (Sirim) and the ministry before it can be marketed," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Perak To Form Consortia To Improve Public Transportation
July 26, 2009 00:03 AM

IPOH, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Perak government will hold a discussion soon with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), State Economic Planning Unit and bus operators to upgrade public transportation in the state.

State Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transportation and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the discussion would be on finding solutions to the public transportation problem in the state, especially the lack of stage bus service.

"We are aware that bus operators in Perak are having problems like overlapping service areas and lack of passengers, hence they fail to provide good service besides incurring losses," he told reporters after his meeting with the Perak Road Transport Department, here, Saturday.

Dr Mah said the state government was studying the public transportation system in Singapore handled by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in order to adopt some suitable ideas for the system in Perak.

He said there were only two bus operators of stage bus service in Singapore and they replaced their buses every eight years although the LTA required them to do so every 16 years. Dr Mah said the bus services in Perak needed to be injected with fresh ideas to enable them to meet the demand of the public and tourists.

He said the services were far from satisfactory as 75 per cent of the over 700 buses operating were more than 15 years old.

On June 29, Dr Mah instructed all stage bus operators in Perak to merge and establish four consortia to provide quality service in four zones, namely Kinta Valley, Hulu Perak, Hilir Perak and Batang Padang.

He said the consortia were expected to be formed in three months' time, and the effort should in fact be sped up as Ipoh would be connected to Singapore via air service soon.

Dr Mah said four committees would be set up to thoroughly study and make suggestions on the formation of the four consortiums.

-- BERNAMA

Hardcore poor down to 14,000, says Ewon
Published on: Sunday, July 26, 2009
> http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=66599

Kota Kinabalu: About 14,000 people in Sabah are still living in hardcore poverty but the number has been decreasing yearly, said Rural Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Ebin.

This was due to the implementation of various poverty eradication programmes, including the Mini Estate Sejathera (Mesej), under the Ministry.

"At the moment we are trying our level best to achieve the target of zero poverty by 2010 É we will work hard to achieve it," he said.

The State Government has set a target to achieve zero poverty in Sabah by next year.

Currently five Mesej programmes have been implemented in the State, involving either oil palm or rubber cultivation as well as integrated development of housing, shoplots and other basic amenities.

It involves the participation of identified hardcore poor families with each allocated cultivated land to work on.

Ewon said this at the opening of Ekspo Desaneka 2009 organised by the Federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry, through Felcra Berhad at Padang Merdeka, Saturday. Some 80 entrepreneurs are taking part.

Commending the effort by Felcra in providing an avenue for entrepreneurs in the State to promote and market their products, Ewon hoped the expo would attract more people to venture into business, particularly those in the rural area.

"I welcome such contribution from Felcra Berhad which is helping the Government's effort to uplift the living conditions of the people in Sabah.

We hope this will continue," he said.

Felcra Berhad Regional General Manager, Haji Samian Mohd Ali, who was also present, said the expo was organised with the objective of promoting rural products.

He said some of the entrepreneurs had come up with much improved packaging for their products which are already being marketed in the supermarkets, while others have also penetrated overseas markets like in Saudi Arabia.

The expo is also a platform for the public to get to know the various locally-made products available out there, he said, adding it is also to enable the entrepreneurs to have more avenue to forge marketing links or networking. Meanwhile, Samian said Felcra is so far developing 20,000 hectares in many areas across the State.

In terms of participation, he said presently they have some 2,100 participants.

He said all their projects involve oil palm, except in Banggi where they are planting rubber for the first time. Through these projects those who are poor and landless can get land and work which can improve their living condition, he added.

On the performance of the oil palm projects, he said all its oil palm ventures are showing growth in terms of performance.

"Last year we gave out RM25million in dividend to all the land owners involved É this year the amount we will be giving out is RM27m, a bit of increment than previously."

On claims that their rubber project in Banggi Island has failed, Samian said: "Actually we cannot make any judgement as yet. It is still at an early stage.

"And because rubber is still new there (on the island), particularly with the condition of the soil there, the early stage of the project implementation was a bit of challenging.

"But when I went there I saw at one of the blocks (a section of area planted with a hundred or more rubber trees) already developed for two years and the trees are growing aggressively," he added.

On the problems affecting implementation, Samian cited the soil and weather conditions.

"The weather there is quite extreme, meaning when it rains it pours and during droughts it was too dry.

Also, the wind condition which is very strong and contains salty elements that can cause the young leaves to look as if they are burned.

"The rubber plantlets also cannot be planted during the rainy season because it can cause the tree roots to die," he said.

He said they have however come up with solutions to these and that this particular project is meant to assist 100 identified hardcore poor families there.

"I am confident with the project É what is important is that we work hard and have patience," he said.

Online rich fly; rural poor queue up
By Zora Chan Saturday, July 25th, 2009
> http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=55389

Rural S’wak has yet to enjoy convenient, cheaper Internet way of doing business

KUCHING: Shocking but true, rural folk in Sarawak are subsidising the rich to fly!

This was pointed out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan yesterday who said it was ironic and sad that the poor, particularly those living in rural areas, who needed the most out of ICT were the very people who were not able to take advantage of the Internet.

Citing an example, he said online booking and purchase of air travels was cheaper and more convenient than buying tickets over the counter.

“The rural people normally have to use the counter because they do not have Internet facilities, while urban people use the Internet to book low-cost flights.

“This actually means that the rural poor are subsidising the urban rich every time they buy their air tickets at the counter because they pay more than their urban counterparts for the same flights,” he said when opening the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Broadband Fair here.

Dr Chan said university and scholarship applications as well as job applications were done online these days, but without access to the Internet, rural people were losing out in these aspects.

This was a cause for concern, which was why the state government was stressing on having high broadband penetration in the state as well as equitable and even distribution.

“Otherwise, our efforts will only widen the existing socio-economic gap,” he said.

Dr Chan urged telecommunication companies to do all they could to develop ICT infrastructure in the remote areas of Sarawak.

“Use whatever technology it takes, be it fixed lines, fibre optics, wireless or satellite, or any combination of these.

“Consider various deployment models that work, for example, using telecentres instead of individual service subscriptions in the rural areas,” he said.

Companies could also help rural people develop businesses and improve their livelihood by using the Internet, he suggested.

“The industry must also make computers more affordable so that more people can buy and use them. The telecommunication companies must also introduce affordable broadband packages.”

According to Dr Chan, many people including those living in urban areas today feel that the present broadband services are too expensive.

“Broadband services should be affordable for every household much like electricity and water supply,” he added.

RM10m Raya allocation for Terengganu’s poor
Tuesday July 28, 2009

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Custom Council (Maidam) have allocated RM10mil for the poor in Terengganu to celebrate Hari Raya this year.

Maidam chief executive officer Wan Harujan Sulaiman said that each poor family would receive RM250 soon.

“A list of the recipients would be provided by the Village Development and Security Committee,” he said. In another development, Wan Harujan said that Maidam would spend RM47mil this year to build a hotel (RM39mil) here and a welfare hostel (RM8mil) for orphans in Kampung Gong Kepas, Jertih.

He said the three-star Hotel Wakaf would have 110 rooms while the hostel would accommodate 100 orphans.

Trusan Bridge may be ready ahead of schedule
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

No more long queues waiting for ferry once bridge is completed

LAWAS: The RM29.5 million Trusan bridge project, which is slightly behind schedule, may still be delivered earlier than its contract deadline of July next year.

Construction work is expected to pick up as the contractor has already completed the main structural construction challenge of the central beam in the Trusan River.

Limbang Public Works Department divisional engineer Rumai Galis said the contractor has recorded 56 per cent work progress.

“The difficult part is done, and work progress will pick up as the materials are on site, and there are still only a smaller beam and spans left,” he said.

At present, the project is about 10 per cent behind schedule according to its new completion date of July 2010, which was set following the automatic three-month extension given by the government following the economic downturn.

The prices of materials skyrocketed and the cash flow of some construction companies were badly affected, resulting in an overall slowdown of projects.

Rumai said if the progress of work accelerates, then the bridge may be ready by Gawai Dayak in June next year. The project includes the piling work of the two piers in the fast-flowing Trusan River.

Spanning 420 metres and a width of 10.2 metres, when completed the bridge will do away with the long queues endured by motorists waiting for the ferry, which runs from 6am to 10pm daily.

The Trusan bridge is the missing link in the Pan Borneo highway between Kuching in the south and Lawas in the north, which leads to Sabah.

Thousands cross the stretch during weekends, as well as public and school holidays. This has led to long hours of waiting on both sides of the river as only one of the two ferries is allowed by the Sarawak Rivers Board to operate daily.

KL sets aside RM4b for rural roads in East M’sia
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
> http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=55571

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/000050271.jpg

DISCUSSION: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussien (left)
talking to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz at
the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. At right is Transport Minister
Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: The government will start upgrading infrastructure in the rural and interior regions of Sarawak and Sabah by the end of next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced yesterday.

He said initially the government planned to build 750km of rural roads in Sarawak and Sabah by the end of next year, but this would be doubled to 1,500km.

“This will involve an allocation of RM4 billion and the project will be completed before the end of 2012.

“The roads to be built are of three categories, paved, gravel and laterite, which will provide communication facilities to almost two million rural people in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said when addressing members of the administration and civil service staff as well as staff of government-linked companies (GLCs) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here.

As for Peninsular Malaysia, during the same period, the rural road network would be upgraded to ensure that the furthest distance that anyone lived from a paved road was five kilometres.

“This will involve an allocation of RM1 billion, which means the total allocation necessary for the basic infrastructure up to 2012 is RM5 billion,” said Najib, who is also Finance Minister.

On the supply of clean water in Sarawak and Sabah, he said immediate action would be taken to raise piped water coverage to 90 per cent in both states by the end of 2012, and that for this purpose RM2 billion had been allocated and that the project was expected to benefit 60,000 households.

“In view of the low coverage of electricity supply in Sabah and Sarawak, 80 per cent respectively compared to 99 per cent in the peninsula, the government has targeted to raise the coverage in both the states to 95 per cent respectively by the end of 2012.

“A total of RM3.9 billion will be allocated for this purpose, and the project will benefit 80,000 dwellings,” he said. — Bernama

More Than 13,000 Houses Built Under PPRT
July 26, 2009 18:05 PM

PORT DICKSON, July 26(Bernama) -- More than 13,000 houses under the housing projects for the hardcore poor (PPRT) have been completed and while another 4,000 units are in the pipeline, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

"Our aim is to build 17,000 houses under the scheme nationwide this year. It will cost a total of RM500 million," he told reporter after opening a workshop on rural development here Sunday.

He said the cost of building a house under PPRT in the Peninsular was RM33,000 while in Sabah and Sarawak it cost RM40,000 a unit.

Mohd Shafie said the housing project was the government's effort to provide houses for the hardcore poor in the rural areas.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak Welcomes New Roads Under NKRA
July 28, 2009 19:54 PM

KUCHING, July 28 (Bernama) -- The state government welcomes allocations for new roads in the Sarawak as announced yesterday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak under the six National Key Result Areas (NKRA) to attain the Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said Najib, when unveiling the targets of the NKRA, announced the allocation of RM4 billion to build 1,500km of roads in Sabah and Sarawak.

"Priority of the allocation will be given to the development of infrastructure in rural areas, particularly village roads, longhouses and schools across the state," he told reporters at the Islam Information Centre here Tuesday.

Earlier, he accompanied the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and the Pahang Tengku Besar, Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah, to the centre.

Jabu who is also the state Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister, said the premier's announcement clearly showed the federal government was attuned to the problems faced by the people in Sabah and Sarawak, especially those in the rural areas.

-- BERNAMA

Japan Gives RM2.6 Mln Grant For Sabah Projects
July 27, 2009 19:35 PM

KOTA KINABALU, July 27 (Bernama) -- The Japanese Government has extended a RM2.6 million grant to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the state government under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The amount involved 23 small but socially and economically important projects in the state since 1989, said the Japanese Consulate-General in a statement here Monday.

The latest assistance under GGP was for a project to establish a gravity-flow water supply system in Kampung Bintasan near Kota Marudu, costing RM87,400.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency Sabah is in charge of implementing the project, and a handing-over ceremony was held last Friday.

It was attended by Consul-General of Japan Masashi Kono.

The GGP scheme extends financial assistance from the Japanese Government for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of the people in developing countries, and supports projects proposed by NGOs and the local government.

Johor close to eradicating hardcore poverty
Wednesday July 29, 2009 By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

MUAR: Johor is set to achieve its target of eradicating hardcore poverty by the end of the year, said State Welfare Department director Nik Omar Nik Ab. Rahman.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the group numbering about 1,500 families had been provided with assistance to improve their livelihoods.

The aid, including boats and engines for fishermen and agriculture-related aid for the others, had helped increase their monthly incomes, he said.

The hardcore poor with monthly incomes of below RM450 per family had registered with the department, he said after launching the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Day on Sunday.

Nik Omar said the department would continue to provide aid to those earning below RM720 a month and categorised as poor.

He also said the event was organised to bring the people, especially the needy and handicapped, closer to the department and other relevant state agencies.

He urged people to lend a helping hand to single mothers and the disabled.

“If you know of poor people who have not received aid or have information on abused children or adults, you can call our Talian Nur helpline at 15999 every day of the year,” he added.

These are very nice pics... it's a shame that some of the pics in the first page do not display.

Actually this thread not mention to the picture anymore..we just need to know what happen in the whole country!

Program konservasi Orang Utan
31 Julai 2009

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NEW Hope For Orang Utan School Programme
menyuntik kesedaran kepada warga muda.

MENYEDARI hakikat bahawa Orang Utan berada dalam golongan spesies terancam, ramai pihak tampil bagi membantu usaha memulihara haiwan tersebut.

Terbaru, jenama teh terkemuka Malaysia, BOH Plantations Sdn. Bhd. dengan kerjasama Tabung Hidupan Liar Sedunia (WWF-Malaysia) dan TV9 bertindak melancarkan program konservasi Orang Utan baru-baru ini.

Menerusi program ini, mereka akan berusaha meningkatkan kesedaran terhadap keadaan Orang Utan yang lebih dikenali sebagai Man of the Forest.

Program ini diisi dengan cadangan terhadap usaha berterusan untuk mencipta kesedaran terhadap kepupusan Orang Utan dalam kalangan generasi muda.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) BOH Plantations, Caroline Russell berkata, BOH sudah lama menyokong usaha pemuliharaan hidupan liar dan persekitaran.

"Kami percaya bahawa golongan muda di Malaysia boleh menjadi instrumental dalam mencipta perubahan dan menyediakan dorongan ke arah masa depan yang lebih baik. Justeru, kami berharap program ini akan berjaya mencapai matlamatnya," ujarnya.

New Hope For Orang Utan School Programme akan dipanjangkan menggunakan blog sebagai medium urusan dan membolehkan peserta melahirkan kreativiti mereka secara talian.

Program ini terbuka kepada semua pelajar yang berusia antara 14 hingga 17 tahun dari semua sekolah menengah kerajaan dan swasta. Untuk menyertainya, pelajar dikehendaki melengkapkan tiga ujian penting termasuklah mencipta kempen kesedaran terhadap isu survival Orang Utan.

Selain itu, pasukan Kawan 9 dari TV9 akan menjelajah ke 30 buah sekolah di sekitar Lembah Klang untuk mempromosikan program ini. Liputan terhadap jelajah itu akan disiarkan di saluran tersebut.

Pertandingan akan berlangsung hingga 31 Ogos ini. Mereka yang berminat, boleh layari laman web www.orangutan.com.my atau www.tv9.com.my. Untuk maklumat lanjut, hantarkan pertanyaan melalui e-mel di adikdi9@tv9.com.my.

Hardcore-poverty reduction project ready to take off
Friday July 31, 2009
By NIK NAIZI HUSIN

PEKAN: It’s all systems go for the first phase of a sheep farming project here with the arrival of a batch of 649 sheep from Australia.

This agropolitan project under the East Coast Economic Region (Ecer) development programme is aimed at reducing hardcore poverty.

Sheep rearing is one of the primary activities under the Ecer masterplan. The other is oil palm plantation. The RM90mil sheep husbandry project with 3,500 sheep is spread out over 2,000ha in Kampung Runchang, an orang asli resettlement area, and Batu 8 Mukim Bebar.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/31/southneast/ms_02sheeps1.jpg

Hardy animals: The herd of Dorper sheep at
the Ecer station in Kampung Runchang, Pekan.

Youths from the local communities are hired as general workers and trained in the day-to-day duties of sheep farming.

The newly-arrived herd of Dorper sheep made up of 28 rams and 621 ewes reached the Kampung Runchang station after a 24-hour journey by air and road that started in Melbourne.

Thirty villagers have been hired to care for the sheep housed in six production units.

Ecer social development division general manager Zulkifli Yaakob said the orang asli workers were paid RM500 monthly for a four-hour workday.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/31/southneast/ms_02sheeps.jpg

Heavy job: Workers carrying a sheep to its hut.

He said they would have the rest of the day free to take on other jobs such as collecting rattan in the forest and working on construction sites.

“With the project, they will have permanent jobs and a fixed income.

Worker Khairil Nizam Ali, 23, said he had been searching for a permanent job for some time and was glad to be offered the job at the farm.

He said he did not earn much previously at a fruit orchard nearby.

Khairil hoped the experience and knowledge gained from the project would enable him to start his own sheep farm.

Azian Semana, whose husband works on the farm, said she was happy her husband Rizal Manaf, 24, had a permanent job.

She said that Rizal had worked in Kluang, Johor, and she had been worried about him living away from the village.

“We have a daughter and she missed him a lot when he was away.

“It is good that my husband has a job here now,” she added.

The project in Kampung Runchang is the first of its kind in this country, with Felda being appointed as the implementing agency.

Felda subsidiaries will employ the workers, provide training and technical support, monitor product quality and operate a buy-back service.

The Dorper breed was chosen because it requires minimal input of labour and is considered an economical breed. It does not need shearing or crutching and is disease-resistant. It is a South African breed developed by crossing the Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian breeds.

The Dorper is the second-largest breed in South Africa with over 10 million head. In recent years, it has become popular in the Middle East, Canada, Australia, South America, Mexico and the United States.

In the Malaysian project, it is being reared for its meat.

Mohd Yusof said that pure-bred Dorper rams could reach 120kg while the ewes weighed about half of that.

“The Dorper can thrive in harsh conditions. They are a fertile breed with the potential for lambing every eight months,” he said, adding that the second phase of the project involving Mukim Bebar was expected to start in September.

50 CCTVs To Help Curb Crime In Melaka Tengah
July 29, 2009 19:49 PM

ALOR GAJAH, July 29 (Bernama) -- Fifty closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) will serve as the eyes of the police to curb crimes at 'hot' areas in the Melaka Tengah district.

Already, 25 CCTVs have been installed while the rest are expected to be set up by Aug 31.

The 50 CCTVs, worth about RM9.4 million, are funded by the Meleka Historical City Council (MBMB)

"Through the CCTVs, we will be able to monitor the public and tourists in the said areas to prevent crime," Melaka police chief Datuk Mazlan Mansor told reporters after launching the Simpang Empat police station here Wednesday.

He said a CCTV unit would be set up at the Melaka police headquarters in Bukit Beruang to facilitate 24-hour surveillance.

"We also plan to install an additional 24 cameras to monitor traffic in various areas," he said.

The new Simpang Ampat police station, worth RM6.3 million, began operations on March 30.

Mazlan said the public could also report on crime by contacting the police hotline at 06-2851999.

Up to RM12bil set aside to develop rural areas
Monday August 3, 2009

PORT KLANG: Between RM8bil and RM12bil have been allocated to develop rural infrastructure which includes installing water and power supply.

Rural and Regional Develop-ment Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said the allocation would include the building of 1,500km of roads and 50,000 houses for the hardcore poor until 2012.

Of the amount, RM4bil was for building and upgrading of roads in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

“Some 13,000 houses for the hardcore poor have been built so far.

“We are targeting 17,000 houses by the end of the year,” he told reporters after opening the Klang Umno division delegates’ meeting here yesterday.

Shafie, who is also an Umno vice-president, said the party was working on ways to attract more people to join as Umno members, and get its members to register as voters.

In another development, Shafie condemned anti-ISA protesters for taking their frustration to the streets.

“Businesses and the public are the ones to suffer from the protest,” he said.

Shafie said the ISA remained an important legislation but agreed it must be reviewed.

“The bombings in Indonesia are a clear example of why the ISA remains relevant.”

On Umno and PAS unity talks, Shafie said Umno welcomed discussions that would unite the Malays, adding that Malay unity was vital for the good of the nation.

PAS must show sincerity in seeking such talks, he added.

These are very nice pics... it's a shame that some of the pics in the first page do not display.

Welcom to Malaysia again :lol:
> http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=896744

Sthdb Built 15,721 Affordable Homes For Sabahans Since 1991
August 04, 2009 22:32 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Town and Housing Development Board (STHDB) built 15,721 units of affordable homes between 1991 and 2008.

State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the ministry through the board acting as the implementing agency for the projects, regularly monitored applications from individuals via the open registration system.

"To ensure that an applicant is eligible for the home, the application will be screened at the meeting of the Affordable Homes Selection Committee chaired by my ministry.

"According to the guidelines under the Low-Cost Housing Allocation Policy, only the target and low-income groups are eligible to own the affordable homes," he added in reply to a question from Datuk Hamisa Samat (BN-Tanjong Batu) at the state assembly sitting, here, today.

To a question from Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail (BN-Pantai Manis), Hajiji said the applicants must be Malaysian citizens.

He said a 70-per cent quota had been allocated for Bumiputeras and the rest for non-Bumiputeras.

State Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Pang Nyuk Min said the state government had approved the development scheme to relocate the remaining settlers from the Milau dam project site in Kudat.

He said contruction of the houses would start this month and some were expected to be ready by September, and the relocation to be completed by the year end.

Pang said the water treatment plant was expected to provide clean water supply by early next year.

-- BERNAMA

Lee: Hardcore poor, less fortunate not forgotten
By Jacqueline Raphael Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

MIRI: Helping the hardcore poor and the less fortunate is the main agenda of the government, in line with the 1Malaysia concept, Infrastructure Development and Communication Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said yesterday.

He said the government’s concern in helping the needy was reflected in the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme (PPKB) which was implemented under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), involving 145 local authorities (PBT) across the country.

“By helping those in need, we also show that we are concerned and caring towards them. This is the 1Malaysia spirit of not wanting to let the people suffer and always wanting to help,” he added.

Lee made the remarks when launching the PPKB programme for Miri at the clubhouse of Miri City Council (MCC).

According to him, PPKB is an effort of the federal government to eradicate hardcore poverty in major cities and towns and to upgrade the economy of the low income group.

“The main objective of PPKB is to improve the people’s living standard, boost their income and support members of the community in the urban areas who are hardcore poor.

“This programme is in line with the government’s vision for zero hardcore poor level as well as to reduce the poverty rate to 2.8 per cent only by the year 2010,” he said.

According to him, the programme is designed for those with total household income of RM830 a month.

“Those with higher household income should not apply or cheat their way into obtaining the financial aid,” he said.

He urged government agencies like MCC as well as community leaders and village chiefs to work together with the government to trace down the targeted group for the programme.

Miri Deputy Mayor Mohd Chee Kadir, MCC secretary Antonio Kahti Galis and the organising chairlady of the programme Councillor Khatijah Datuk Muip were among those present.

70 pct Miri commercial crimes solved
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

MIRI: The Commercial Crime Investigation Department here has successfully solved 70 per cent of its cases this year.

Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department head Superintendent Mohd Firdaus Abdullah said yesterday during a press conference at the Miri Police Headquarters that for the first six months of this year, 100 cases were reported involving over RM2.23 million.

In the same period last year, 64 cases were reported involving over RM450,000.

“Those detained for being involved in scam activities or syndicates would be charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries an imprisonment term of not less than one year and not exceeding 10 years, whipping and fine,” Firdaus said.

He disclosed that their investigation into a scam syndicate involving 200 investors cheated of RM1.38 million investments in chalets by a fraudulent overseas company is almost complete.

“Our investigations are almost complete. Once completed, we will trace and arrest suspects,” he said.

Police believe that two suspects involved in the syndicate are in Peninsular Malaysia.

Thirty-five victims had paid the full amount of RM26,800 per unit, while the rest had paid 10 per cent - RM2,680.

“Do proper checking with relevant authorities such as Bank Negara to determine an investment company’s legitimacy,” Firdaus advised.

State defers Pulau Upeh redevelopment
Friday August 7, 2009

MALACCA: The state government has defer-red plans to redevelop Pulau Upeh, one of the country’s top Hawksbill turtle nesting sites, pending the outcome of environmental and fisheries impact assessment (EIA and FIA) reports.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the studies would be carried out to determine if the proposed project by a private company would pose a threat to the turtles’ landing and nesting patterns.

He said if the studies showed that the project could be harmful to the turtles, it would scrapped.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Mohd Ali said that everything involving the proposed project to revive an abandoned resort and chalets on the island which was scheduled to begin this month, would hinge on the outcome of the studies.

Located off the reclaimed land in Limbongan, the 2.5ha island has a 100m stretch of beach which is home to an estimated 100 turtle nests, representing more than 20% of the entire estimate of 350 nests in Peninsular Malaysia.

In the late 1980s, the state Economic Development Corporation developed a resort and 120 chalets on the island.

However, it was abandoned in the mid-1990s and in 2003 it was sold to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for RM10.4mil as a training centre.

This year the state bought it back from TNB for RM6.5mil.

An earlier proposal to the Fisheries Department to convert the island into a turtle-nesting centre fell through due to lack of federal funds.

On July 15, Mohd Ali announced plans to revive the island’s chalets including building 80 additional units in a move to tap the eco-tourism market.

His announcement had caused an outcry from members of the public, including WWF-Malaysia, that the project would adversely affect the turtles.

Affordable homes for Sabahans
Friday August 7, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Town and Housing Development Board built 15,721 units of affordable homes from 1991 to 2008, said State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor.

He said the ministry, with the board acting as implementing agency for projects, regularly monitored applications from individuals via an open registration system.

“To ensure an applicant is eligible for a home, the application is screened at a meeting of the Affordable Homes Selection Committee chaired by my ministry.

“According to guidelines under the Low-Cost Housing Allocation Policy, only the target and low-income groups are eligible for the affordable homes,“ he said in reply to a question from Datuk Hamisa Samat (BN - Tanjong Batu) at the State Assembly sitting here recently.

To a question from Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail (BN - Pantai Manis), Hajiji said the applicants must be Malaysian citizens.

He said that a 70% quota had been allocated for bumiputras and the rest for non-bumiputras.

Meanwhile, State Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Pang Nyuk Min said the state had approved a development scheme to relocate remaining settlers from the Milau dam project site in Kudat.

He said the house construction would start this month and some were expected to be ready by September, adding that the relocation would be completed by the year end.

Pang said that a water treatment plant was expected to provide clean water by early next year. — Bernama

Seoul bank may lend US$50m for Sabah project
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2009/08/08

South Korea's state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) may lend as much as US$50 million (US$175 million) to investors of a US$80 million (RM280 million) combined heat and power (CHP) project in Sabah.

KDB, which has ambitions to become Asia's top investor in carbon emission reduction projects, will likely seal the loan deal with the investors by as early as next year.

The project, which is being lined up to qualify for the United Nations (UN) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) carbon offsetting scheme, is expected to yield 300,000 UN carbon offsets per year. It aims to use wastes from oil palm plantations to fuel a biomass plant, which will be capable of producing an estimated 23 megawatts of electricity.

A bank spokesman told Business Times that KDB will not be investing US$50 million in the Malaysian project, but will merely act as the financial arranger.

"We will provide the loan. The US$50 million is not the total amount of equity but it is a loan. So far, this is the only project related to CDM that we are working in Malaysia. Our target is to close the deal for this project by early next year," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said KDB may also be expanding its financing activities to similar projects in Malaysia.

"We are keen on Malaysia. Malaysia has a sound credit rating and abundance of biomass resources. After we close (the deal for) this (CHP) project, we will keep on working with Malaysia," the spokesman said.

Eco-frontier, a technology company from South Korea, and POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd have teamed up with several strategic partners to establish this biomass plant project since late 2007.

Eco-frontier project development team/climate change business division head Cha Young-Rae confirmed the company's involvement in the biomass plant project and the loan amounting to US$50 million provided by KDB to develop the project.

He said the loan will be used to pay the cost of the biomass plant, such as equipment procurement, construction and acquisition of land for the project.

He added that the company and POIC Sabah have mooted the CHP project and have developed the network with related project parties, including Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority as well as attracted investors from Malaysia and South Korea.

Eco-frontier is investing in the biomass plant project to qualify it for the CDM offsetting scheme.

Cha said the company believes that it can contribute to the emission reduction of green house gases in two ways through the project.

Firstly, the CHP plant will generate electricity and steam from biomass, which is clean and carbon neutral, as an alternative to using fossil fuels to generate electricity.

Secondly, the CHP plant uses palm wastes as fuel and in most cases, palm wastes are dumped and being left to decay in the open field.

Growth in Sarawak investment portfolios tops expectations: CIMB
By Sulok Tawie Published: 2009/08/08

CIMB Private Banking said it sees Sarawak as an interesting market, but the phenomenal growth in the investment portfolios of high-net-worth individuals in Sibu was beyond its expectation.

"We saw an annual growth rate of 25 to 30 per cent in Sarawak, above our annual national average of 20 per cent," CIMB Private Banking co-head Carolyn Leng told a media briefing in Kuching yesterday.

"We recorded an annual growth rate of 100 per cent in Sibu alone. We have more portfolios in Sibu than what we have in the whole of Kuala Lumpur," she added.

CIMB Private Banking opened its satellite office in Sibu last year, and the volume of portfolios from high-net-worth individuals in the town had been rising.

"One reason for the high amount of portfolios is that Sibu has a lot of people with huge savings," Leng said.

She said CIMB Private Banking, since its opening in Kuching in 2005, has been offering a complete range of tailored private banking services, extending from investments to securities to trust services.

Leng said cross border equities is one of the new investment services available to the Sarawak clients.

"This is one of our efforts to regionalise our clients' portfolios and provide them foreign exposure to other bourses in Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK," she said.

On the company's commitment to Sarawak, Leng said the state is an important market for CIMB Private Banking and that its operations have thrived since its introduction to the local market four years ago.

"Sarawak is a high growth area for CIMB Private Banking as it is home to many of the country's successful professionals and entrepreneurs.

"This, coupled with the state's healthy rate of economic growth rate, (mean that) we are here to stay. In fact, we are working towards strengthening our presence," she said.

Leng also advised potential investors to be cautious when buying shares as regional markets as a whole are "not that good".

"You have to wait until September when companies release their next third-quarter results. Even then, you have to wait some months for signs when to put your money," she said.

Leng forecast that regional markets will recover by the second half of next year.

Malacca resort to use home-made green batteries for golf carts
Published: 2009/08/08

A RENOWNED resort in Malacca is taking the government's call to migrate to green technology seriously.

A' Famosa Resort Hotel Sdn Bhd yesterday said all golf carts used on its 27-hole championship golf course will soon be powered by the Green Golf Cart batteries developed by ETI Tech (M) Sdn Bhd.

The A' Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah, Malacca, has a full range of recreation facilities including an exclusive 326-room hotel, golf course, water theme park, equestrian, clubhouse, fishing pond, archery, cycling and jogging paths, animal world Safari, swimming pool and health centre.

The resort's director Datuk Kevin Lau said it has tested ETI's green battery over the last 8 months and was pleased with its performance and lower operating costs.

"This is the first green golf cart battery that is lead-free and environmental friendly, developed and manufactured by a Malaysian company. We are proud to announce that our golf course is the first in Malaysia to switch to green battery," Lau said.

A' Famosa Resort has more than 100 golf carts and all these golf carts will be converted to use ETI's Green Battery starting this month.

Lau said as a family oriented resort, it is essential to ensure that the resort is free from pollution and contaminants such as lead and toxic fumes released by lead acid batteries.

ETI Tech, a MSC-status company, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETI Tech Corp Bhd, which is an investment holding company listed on the ACE market of Bursa Malaysia.

ETI is principally involved in the research and development of intelligent battery management systems for rechargeable energy storage solutions using polymer lithium-ion based energy cells.

ETI Tech chief technology officer Y. K. Khor said the company completed development of GGC battery early last year.

He said not only were GGC batteries smaller and lighter, they also deliver longer range than the lead batteries previously used by the resort.

Rural Development Department For Each State Soon
August 07, 2009 17:30 PM

KOTA MARUDU, Aug 7 (Bernama) - The rural and regional development ministry will create a rural development department in each state to ensure that rural projects are carried out according to government standards.

The implementation would be carried out soon, said the minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, adding that the chief secretary had been informed and a presentation carried out for the National Economic Advisory Council (MPEN).

He said, as a ministry which managed allocation and finances of almost RM14 billion annually, it did not have a technical unit which was a structural change that was needed.

"We are confident that this state-level technical unit will ensure that projects under the ministry go smoothly, which until now, has no infrastructure or network like other ministries with departments.

"Through the department, we will have a technical unit with an engineer and accountant to filter project implementation," he told reporters after presenting mock keys to 10 recipients under the Housing Assistance Programme in Kota Marudu here.

Meanwhile, Shafie said the ministry would delay payment to contractors until they completed half-done projects or improved projects found to be below standard.

"I'm confident that this is a good move for the ministry in our efforts to implement projects targeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak," he said, adding that they included road construction in Sabah and Sarawak's rural areas worth RM4 billion, a power supply project and the construction of 50,000 units of houses under the housing programme for the hardcore poor.

-- BERNAMA

Cooperatives may achieve RM10 bln turnover by 2012
By Lim How Pim Sunday, August 9th, 2009

KUCHING: Cooperatives in Malaysia have so far recorded a turnover of RM7.7 billion and they are expected to increase the figure to RM10 billion by 2012.

To achieve the target (of RM10 billion) in three years’ time, cooperatives nationwide must go the extra mile to enhance commercial standard and services to keep abreast with world best cooperatives like those in Europe.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Farmers Organisation and Cooperative) Datuk Peter Nyarok Entrie believes that excellent cooperatives can effectively help to contribute towards the nation’s economy.

Opening ‘Coop Fest Sarawak 2009’ organised by Malaysian Cooperatives Commission (SKM) at Kuching Waterfront here yesterday, he said cooperatives in the country contributed one per cent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP), to date.

“Cooperatives not only contribute to the GDP but also play roles in social welfare through various industries. While they indirectly increase the people’s purchasing power, they are also helping the government to control prices of goods.”

Nyarok was hopeful that cooperatives movement in Malaysia would increase its GDP contribution given that many of their counterparts across the globe contributed at least 10 per cent towards their respective GDP.

Citing as examples, he said cooperatives in New Zealand contributed 22 per cent to its GDP while Finland registered 21.2 per cent, Switzerland (16.4 pct), Sweden (13 pct), and Netherlands (12 pct).

To excel in cooperatives, he said industry players should merge or cooperate with one another to enjoy the advantage of big-scale economy.

He added it was imperative for them to be engaged in modern economic sectors of high values as well as being professional in their management.

He said the government was ready to support cooperatives through development grants as well as Tabung Modal Pusingan (TMP - Capital Turnover Fund, a type of financial loan) to the eligible entities.

As of June this year, he said SKM had given out RM1.4 million in assistance and TMP worth RM5.4 million to eligible cooperatives throughout the state.

Despite the fact that cooperatives are business entities, Nyarok said they should not compromise on the principles just for the sake of making profits.

“Cooperatives mean nothing much if they fail to provide returns and quality services for members. However, they should not overlook the existing principles in running businesses.”

He thus encouraged Sarawakians to start cooperatives in major economic sectors namely agriculture, manufacturing and services to enhance their performance as well as to cultivate the practice of cooperating in the society.

At the function, Nyarok presented cheques including grants and loans to eligible cooperatives.

Four cooperatives in the state received a total of RM451,000 from SKM while Koperasi Anib Berhad was given TMP worth RM5 million.

The three-day festival was one of the activities SKM organised nation-wide. In October, similar event will be held in Kuala Terengganu and Sabah. The series of activities started in Johor in June, followed by Kuala Lumpur (July) and Kedah (August).

Among those present were SKM deputy executive chairman Mohd Yusof Samsudin and Koperasi Anib Berhad chairman Wan Ali Tuanku Madhi.

RM1 Million Fund To Help Orang Asli Cooperatives
August 09, 2009 20:53 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM1 million to help enhance the capabilities of Orang Asli cooperatives, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

He said that with the fund, they would be able to expand their businesses to be on par with some of the most profitable cooperatives in the country.

The government would continue to help the Orang Asli, including through entrepreneurship programmes and participation in overseas trade events, he said in his speech at the Orang Asli cultural and entrepreneurship carnival here today.

His text of speech was read out by his deputy Datuk Hassan Malek.

Meanwhile, Hassan told reporters that there were six Orang Asli cooperatives at the moment.

He also said that an Orang Asli craft centre would also be set up in Pulau Carey soon to help the Orang Asli enhance the quality of their craft.

-- BERNAMA

Temporary Ciq Complex To Be Built In Semporna
August 09, 2009 20:54 PM

TAWAU, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The government will built a temporary customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex in Semporna to monitor the entry of visitors thorough the sea, especially from the Philippines.

Deputy Home Minister Jelaing Mersat said the CIQ would be built as soon as possible.

"(We) will speed up the project and will have a further discussion regarding the need to have a permanent CIQ complex in Semporna," he told reporters at the end of his three-day visit to Sabah.

He said the temporary CIQ complex would be built near the Semporna Customs building and expected to be completed within a year.

-- BERNAMA

Crime Rate In Hot Spot Areas Drops
August 09, 2009 20:40 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Operations conducted by the Kuala Lumpur police to reduce crime, especially in 11 hot spots which were favourite haunts of criminals, since Wednesday have yielded positive impact.

Within three days of the operation, there was a drop in the number of crime cases reported in the affected areas, from 24 on Thursday, 20 cases on Friday and only 14 cases yesterday, city police deputy chief Datuk Abu Samah Mat told a press conference here Sunday.

He said street crimes, like snatch theft and robbery, also dropped since the operation was conducted.

Police have identified the hotspots as the Bukit Bintang and Jalan Pudu areas, which are under the jurisdiction of the Dang Wangi police; Brickfields and Kuchai Park (Brickfields police) Taman Midah, Taman Connaught, Alam Damai (Cheras), and Jinjang North, Metro Prima Kepong, Danau Kota (Sentul).

The operations involved 500 members of the General Operations Force and 333 police personnel, who were placed in the affected areas to carry out patrol beats.

The operation by the Kuala Lumpur was welcomed by the public who regarded the move as important to safeguard public order and safety.

The setting up of mobile police stations, as well as more frequent patrols in hot spot areas, facilitated swift action by the police.

Australia tourist, Richard Lee, 50, who was with his wife, Kim, 48, said the situation in Malaysia was peaceful.

"We have been here for two weeks and we are not afraid to walk here and there as the police are always around doing their patrols," he added.

Meanwhile, a civil servant from Ipoh, Perak, Ahmad Zubir Kamarudin, 54, said the crime situation in the city would be under control with systematic monitoring and patrolling by the authorities.

College student Nurain Zulbakar, 23, said she was afraid to walk alone in the streets before as she always had her lap top with her and was afraid that it would be snatched.

"But now, the fear is less when I can see policemen always patrolling the streets," she added.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah Local Companies Urged To Look At Foreign Markets
August 10, 2009 19:01 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman Monday called on local companies to give serious attention to the potential in external trade or the global market by identifying competitive marketing strategies.

He said the world market presented a tremendous opportunity, where Sabah's external trade value was RM63.75 billion last year, with RM37.22 billion from exports and RM25.03 billion from imports.

"This trade capacity can be further strengthened with Sabah's strategic location in the Asian region, the expansion of its Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the Sepanggar Port which is the main gateway to Sabah.

"I am confident that it is not only an important platform for local companies to penetrate foreign markets but will also be a catalyst for foreign investments into Sabah, more so with the many attractive incentives offered by the state government to investors," he said at the launch of Borneo International Trade Fair (BITF) 2009 here today.

His text speech was read by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Musa said Sabah's economy was also expected to see a positive impact as the country practised an open economy and furthermore the federal government had recently liberalised several sectors including the financial and services sector.

Against such backdrop, international trade fairs like the BITF will contribute towards increased trade activities in the state, besides providing an ideal opportunity for local entrepreneurs to promote their products and services to foreign countries.

"Even then, products and services from local entrepreneurs must have a high competitive edge and a global appeal in order to fully penetrate the global market.

"The world market now is already filled with the idea of globalisation and a world without borders which makes it possible for various products and services to compete and enter any market in selected countries," Musa said.

Sabah Launches State-level 1Malaysia Campaign
August 09, 2009 15:44 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Sabah, which has over 30 ethnic groups, on Sunday launched the state-level 1Malaysia campaign to further strengthen unity among the people.

The campaign was launched by Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang at Teluk Dumpil, in Putatan, near here.

Among the programmes held in conjunction with the campaign was an exhibition participated by various departments and agencies including the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

In his speech, Salang said, national unity was crucial in creating a resilient Malaysian race.

It was therefore important, he said, for every strata of the Malaysian society to safeguard peace and harmony.

"Sabah is indeed a blessed state for having all the 1Malaysia characteristics. The people in the state is solidly united and this should be maintained," he said.

He also said that the people of Malaysia should be thankful as they were able to live in peace without having to face political turmoil as seen in other countries.

On the 1Malaysia concept, Salang said it was to internalise unity among the people.

-- BERNAMA

CIMB Private Banking Achieves Impressive Growth In Sarawak
August 07, 2009 18:25 PM

KUCHING, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- CIMB Private Banking, Malaysia's first full service private bank, recorded a year-on-year growth of 25 to 30 percent in Sarawak since its introduction here in 2005, said its co-head Carolyn Leng.

She said the satellite office in Sibu alone achieved 100 percent growth last year with "very substantial amounts coming in" compared with the average national growth of 20 percent.

"Sarawak is an important market to CIMB Private Banking, and its operations have thrived since its introduction to the local market four years ago. We see a lot of long term potential in Sarawak.

"Sarawak is a high growth area for CIMB Private Banking as it is home to many of the country's successful professionals and entrepreneurs.

"This, together with the state's healthy rate of economic growth which is expected to continue over the coming years with the execution of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score), CIMB Private Banking is committed to work towards further strengthening our presence in Sarawak," she told a media briefing here today.

Score is expected to increase the state's gross domestic product (GDP) by five times from RM23 billion in 2006 to RM118 billion in 2030 when it is fully realised while GDP per capita is expected to increase from RM23,193 to RM84,077.

Since its started operations here in 2005, CIMB Private Banking's financial advisors have doubled, and to expand its presence in the state, two satellite offices -- one in Miri and another in Sibu -- were set up last year.

Leng said CIMB Private Banking, the wealth management arm of the country's second largest financial services provider CIMB Group, had expanded its services here to further cater for Sarawak's affluent or high net worth individuals.

She said CIMB Private Banking had taken a step forward and introduced several new investment services and product offerings to its clients in Sarawak which included cross border equities, alternative investments that are non-correlated, foreign exchange forward contracts and Syariah-compliant products.

To expand its retail services, she said, CIMB Private Banking had set up a one-stop financial centre here to offer clients both retail banking and institutional investment services under one roof.

She said CIMB Private Banking had also established a credit unit to offer clients customised credit facilities including a flexible overdraft secured against fixed deposits which allows clients access to a loan to the full amount of fixed deposits they hold with CIMB Private Banking.

"The expansion of our investment services, products offering and new retail banking services will benefit our high net worth individual clients and Sarawak investors as a whole as internal research shows that there is demand for such tailored financial services in the state," she said.

-- BERNAMA

Rural and Regional Development Dept to be set up soon
Tuesday August 11, 2009
By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA MARUDU: The new Department of Rural and Regional Development will be set up in each state soon to monitor and speed up implementation of rural projects.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal, in announcing this on Friday, said a proposal to set up the department had been given the go-ahead by the Government.

Shafie, who was on a two-day working visit to Pulau Banggi, Kota Marudu and Papar, said the proposal would be implemented in stages, with priority being given to Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the department would allow the ministry to effectively monitor the implementation of projects to ensure they were carried out efficiently and brought changes to the rural community.

“It is an important structural improvement that we need at the ministry. Other ministries have their own departments, but we don’t.

“We were allocated RM14bil for our programmes but we do not even have a technical unit to monitor our projects.

“We will have engineers and accountants in the department to screen problematic projects,” he said.

There had been projects completed not according to the required quality due to weaknesses in monitoring. Some roads were only half completed but the payments were made.

“If the work does not meet our standards, we should not pay.

“If roads are not good for use, they should be improved before payment is made,” he said.

Shafie said the ministry’s structural expansion plan was in line with efforts to boost rural development with the construction and repair of 1,500km of roads, provision of water and electricity supplies and construction of 50,000 houses for the hardcore poor, as set by the Prime Minister.

He said the ministry would enhance cooperation with other agencies to ensure meaningful development for the people.

Earlier, Shafie handed over a low-cost house to one of 34 recipients in the hardcore-poor category.

Tokuyama ups investment in Sarawak
Published: 2009/08/12

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/TOKUYA/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/silicon.jpg

Japan's Tokuyama Corp, a silicon maker, will invest about 30 per cent more than planned in a Sarawak plant that will make silicon for solar power panels.

It plans to spend 65 billion yen or about RM2.36 billion, an increase from its initial investment plan of 50 billion yen (RM1.8 billion) announced last November.

The new factory will be built at the Samalaju Industrial Park in Sarawak, the company said in a statement to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and another statement to the media yesterday.

"Construction of the new factory is scheduled to commence early in 2011 and the beginning of operations is scheduled for spring 2013," it said.

The factory, sited on a 200ha site, will have an annual production capacity of 6,000 tonnes. Tokuyama plans to produce polycrystalline silicon for solar cells. Solar cells transform sunlight into electric power.

The group expects strong demand for polycrystalline silicon for solar cells in the long term although it is weak now due to the global recession.

As preparation, it will set up Tokuyama Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Sarawak this month. Tokuyama Malaysia will have about 300 people for a start, 280 of them Malaysians.

So far, Tokuyama has manufactured and sold polycrystalline silicon mainly for semiconductors and the Tokuyama Factory (Shunan City, Yamaguchi) has been its only manufacturing base.

"By mass-producing polycrystalline silicon at the two manufacturing bases of the Tokuyama Factory and the Malaysian facility, Tokuyama will maintain its presence in the industry by focusing on getting new customers in addition to retaining existing ones," it added.

It chose Sarawak because the making of polycrystalline silicon needs a lot of electricity, water, quality workers, and other resources.

Such resources are available at the Samalaju Industrial Park.

The industrial park also offers preferential tax treatment, support for acquisition of permits and licences provided by the federal and state government.

T'ganu State Govt Unit's Profit Jumps To RM100 Mln
August 12, 2009 20:56 PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- TDM Bhd, a unit of Terengganu State Government, recorded history reaping a post tax profit of RM100.3 million for financial year 2008.

The profit was a 149.4 percent increase from the RM40.2 million seen in the previous financial year.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said attributed the higher income to a rise in the production and average price of crude palm oil under its plantation business, and its growing health care business.

Its livestock business, which recorded a reduced loss, also recorded an increase in revenue.

The plantation sector recorded a profit of RM114.5 million on the back of a stronger revenue of RM275.9 million compared with a profit of RM45.6 million a year before.

Ahmad Said said this during a ceremony where TDM's Chairman Datuk Roslan Awang Chik presented the company's dividend amounting to RM16.3 million to the state government here, Wednesday.

Roslan also presented the company's 2008 business zakat to the state Islamic religious and council of Malay traditions, Maidam, amounting to RM2.7 million.

Ahmad said a good harvest of fresh fruit bunches and higher CPO prices contributed to the significant rise in profit.

TDM manages 12 oil palm plantations totalling 37,000 hectares in Terengganu and is also looking to expanding its plantations in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

As for the health care division, earnings rose 37 percent to RM58 million from RM42.4 million previously.

All three medical centres, namely Kelana Jaya Medical Centre, Kuantan Medical Centre and Kuala Terengganu Specialist Hospital saw a rise in the number of patients.

As for its livestock business, TDM recorded a 22 percent increase in revenue to RM23.2 million following a rise in the average chicken meat price.

With the higher poultry price, the division brought down its losses to RM1.9 million from a loss of RM3.2 million the previous financial year.

"Further measures are being taken to ensure that the division is able to reach profit," Ahmad added.

--BERNAMA

Sabah Local Companies Urged To Look At Foreign Markets
August 10, 2009 19:01 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman Monday called on local companies to give serious attention to the potential in external trade or the global market by identifying competitive marketing strategies.

He said the world market presented a tremendous opportunity, where Sabah's external trade value was RM63.75 billion last year, with RM37.22 billion from exports and RM25.03 billion from imports.

"This trade capacity can be further strengthened with Sabah's strategic location in the Asian region, the expansion of its Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the Sepanggar Port which is the main gateway to Sabah.

"I am confident that it is not only an important platform for local companies to penetrate foreign markets but will also be a catalyst for foreign investments into Sabah, more so with the many attractive incentives offered by the state government to investors," he said at the launch of Borneo International Trade Fair (BITF) 2009 here today.

His text speech was read by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Musa said Sabah's economy was also expected to see a positive impact as the country practised an open economy and furthermore the federal government had recently liberalised several sectors including the financial and services sector.

Against such backdrop, international trade fairs like the BITF will contribute towards increased trade activities in the state, besides providing an ideal opportunity for local entrepreneurs to promote their products and services to foreign countries.

"Even then, products and services from local entrepreneurs must have a high competitive edge and a global appeal in order to fully penetrate the global market.

"The world market now is already filled with the idea of globalisation and a world without borders which makes it possible for various products and services to compete and enter any market in selected countries," Musa said.

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sarawak/SARAWAKMAP_master.jpg

Bau is a gold mining town in the Kuching Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. Smuggling with Kalimantan is also important to the local economy.

Heritage centre gets KL nod
Thursday, August 13th, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=56496

Construction of Bung Bratak Heritage Centre to commence within five-year period

KUCHING: Bau District will soon have a landmark following a federal government approval of the proposed construction of Bung Bratak Heritage Centre.

Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the centre had been approved by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture under the coming 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

The ministry informed the association of the approval in a letter issued to them recently, he said, adding that the construction of the centre was expected to commence within that five-year period (2010 to 2014).

He also revealed that once completed, the centre would consist of one big Baruk (traditional roundhouse) and two longhouses.

One of these longhouses would be for accommodation of up to 50 persons, while the other would be divided into conference or seminar room, a museum, canteen and a kasah (traditional mat) making place.

He went on to reveal that the centre would stand atop the Bung Bratak hill; a historical site and original home of the Bidayuhs of the Jagoi-Bratak group.

The Bung Bratak Day is celebrated there every May 1 since 1988.

According to Minos, works will also commence to upgrade the footpaths and to build parking bays as well as to beautify the two natural spring waterholes and two waterfalls atop Bung Bratak.

“We are most happy with and grateful to the government for its approval for the setting up of the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre, and our association will make the centre worthy of its name and establishment.

“We shall make Bung Bratak not only a historical and cultural centre but also a place for visitors who love nature and who like good exercise through climbing … and jungle-fresh air, fresh water and beautiful scenery,” he said in a press release issued yesterday.

The proposed construction of the centre was first mooted by Minos at this year’s Bung Bratak Day.

A formal letter to inform the government of this proposal was eventually sent on May 4.

Minos said a dinner to formally launch the centre would be held on December 5 at the Civic Centre in Bau.

To be themed Bung Bratak Nite, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu has been invited to officiate at the dinner.

“During the dinner, a Bidayuh beauty pageant contest called Dayung Sangon will be organised. It will also raise funds for education purposes,” he said.

Minos said Bung Bratak Heritage Association, which represents 32 villages comprising 30,000 people in Bau and Lundu districts, held a special meeting in Bau last Sunday.

“All the Jagoi-Bratak community leaders attended the meeting,” he said.

Sabah keen on Halal Park
Monday August 17, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Entrepreneurs may soon have another avenue to invest in Sabah should a proposed Halal Park near the city become a reality.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said that the Sabah government was looking at establishing the Halal Park to be sited near the Sepanggar Bay port.

“The proximity to the port will enable easier exports of products from the Halal Park, especially to nearby countries making up the East Asean Growth Area,” he said when opening the Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM) office building at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, near here, recently.

Earlier in his speech, Musa called on FSM to collaborate with the State Industrial Development Ministry to make the Halal Park a success.

He said FSM and the ministry could form a collaboration to identify the right training courses to efficiently and effectively manage the Halal Park.

Musa said FSM should look into opportunities in research and focus on training youths in specialised skills needed for the manufacturing sector.

Earlier, FSM president Datuk Wong Khen Thau said the federation would be setting up an Institute of Technology to complement the state government’s efforts in human resource training and development.

“In the pipeline also is an initiative to train and groom small- and medium-scale entreprises to adopt the modern approach of entrepreneurship in line with globalisation and to enhance their potential to expand and compete in the international market,” he said.

Wong said FSM would work closely with the Industrial Development Ministry to develop and promote the Halal Park in the state.

Sabah To Receive 300 Tonnes Of Sugar From Mainland
August 17, 2009 16:25 PM

SANDAKAN, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Sugar shortage in Sabah is expected to be overcome with the arrival of 300 tonnes of sugar from peninsula Malaysia through the Sepanggar port in Kota Kinabalu tomorrow.

State Consumer Affairs and Community Development Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said once the sugar consignment arrives tomorrow, it would be distributed to the various districts that are experiencing sugar shortage.

"Bringing in sugar from West Malaysia is part of the government's efforts to overcome a shortage of sugar here," she said after visiting a home for less fortunate children here on Monday.

She urged the public to remain calm and not panic as the government would do everything to ensure enough supply as the ministry would constantly monitor the situation.

However, the people must also cooperate by reducing the intake of sugar and prevent any wastage.

Azizah said, as a temporary measure to overcome shortage, the government had enforced a ruling that each family can only buy 2kg of sugar.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ministry enforcement division director Che Halim Abd Rahman said the state was also experiencing a shortage in sugar due to repeated purchases made by users.

Che Halim said business premises must be monitored to curb such activities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, as Muslims would be celebrating Hari Raya Puasa.

He added that the state would receive 4,950 tonnes of sugar to cater for the increasing need and demand throughout the month of Ramadan.

"As of yesterday, 2,647 tonnes were received and distributed to business premises and supermarkets throughout the state and we expect an additional 2,000 tonnes soon," he told reporters at Pasar Siti Khadijah here today.

Che Halim added that panic buying had also attributed to a shortage of sugar.

-- BERNAMA

GUH to pump RM12m into Penang facility
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/08/19

PENANG is set to be the beneficiary of a bulk of GUH Holdings Bhd's (3247) RM15 million reinvestment this year, which is aimed at boosting the company's printed circuit board (PCB) operations.

Managing director Datuk Kenneth H'ng said GUH is expecting its PCB division to remain the key income driver for the group, and will make capital investments in Malaysia and China.

"We will pump RM11.7 million into GUH's Penang facility, which will see a new building ready by the first quarter of next year," he said when announcing GUH's second-quarter 2009 results in Penang yesterday.

"The remaining funds will go towards upgrading our machines for our PCB operations at Suzhou in China," he added.
GUH's principal activity lies in manufacturing printed circuit boards. Other activities include manufacturing and trading electrical appliances, property development and investment holding.

H'ng said the PCB division is set to contribute between 85 per cent and 90 per cent of group revenue in the second half of this year.

"We have been able to sustain sales due to an expansion in the range of our PCB products and services and by venturing into niche PCB products such as in the motor industry and high-yielding margin consumer electronics products as opposed to our previous portfolio which comprised mainly audio video items.

"There has also been sustainable demand for PCBs from GUH's plant in China," he added.

On the property development front, the company will launch 30 commercial units and 22 residential units at its Taman Bukit Kepayang development in Seremban by the end of this year.

"The new units will carry a gross development value of RM37.42 million and the new launches will boast security features like gated and guarded facilities," H'ng said.

"The sale of our properties will be aided by the impending opening of the Tesco hypermarket closeby," he said.

For its fiscal second-quarter ended June 30, GUH posted a net profit of RM19.09 million on revenue of RM74.09 million.

This compared with the preceeding year's corresponding quarter's net loss of RM410,000 and RM69.9 million revenue.

For the first half of 2009, GUH's net profit was RM23.43 million on the back of RM127.26 million revenue. Its net profit for the same period last year stood at RM790,000 and revenue of RM132.90 million.

Perak plans to attract Korean expertise and cash
Wednesday August 19, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/19/nation/n_28zambry.jpg

Channelling growth: Alfie Gan of Gentro Tech Co Ltd briefing Dr Zambry on
the company’s corrugated optical cable ducts as Nur Mohd Ezan Taib looks
on at Hotel Impiana Casuarina in Ipoh Tuesday.

IPOH: Perak plans to set up a Malaysia-Korea Technology Centre to get some RM1bil worth of investments over the next three years.

Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the project, to begin in six months, would involve the construction of 101 Korean high-technology factories engaging in 100% technology transfer and using Malaysia as a springboard to the Asean-Gulf market.

“This will also create at least 10,000 jobs for the people of Perak,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a joint venture agreement between Korea’s Gentro Tech Co Ltd and Perak Multimedia Dotcom Sdn Bhd and Virtual Bridge Sdn Bhd to produce corrugated optical cable ducts yesterday.

Perak Multimedia Dotcom is a subsidiary of the state’s Perak Development Corporation.

A 28.3ha site in Pengkalan has been identified for the project while another 20.2ha at the Perak Hi-Tech Park in Meru Raya is being reserved for the R&D centre.

Dr Zambry said the initiative would be the catalyst to help Perak achieve its goals.

“It will help strengthen and reposition Perak as a central market for high technology, not only in the local arena but also in Asia and the Middle East,” he said.

Virtual Bridge executive chairman Nur Mohd Ezan Taib said the joint venture would provide the state with an average annual revenue of RM35.42mil.

Sabah records drop in crime
Wednesday August 19, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: The number of crime cases reported in Sabah from January to July this year dropped by 7.74% compared to the corresponding period last year, said State Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

He said a total of 4,776 cases were recorded this year compared to 5,179 last year.

“In terms of case classification, violent crimes dropped from 834 last year to 732 this year, while property crime dropped to 301 this year from 4,345 last year.

“Cases involving juveniles dropped from 238 last year to 82 this year,” he said at the launch of the state-level Crime Prevention Month here recently.

Noor Rashid attributed the drop to public cooperation.

Out of the 4,776 cases recorded this year, police solved 38.13% or 1,821 cases, he said.

In another development, Noor Rashid urged elected representatives to actively participate in community security programmes in their respective constituencies in the state.

“Such programme can also be carried out in schools ,” he added. — Bernama

State’s rural devt gets RM3.7 billion boost
By Samuel Aubrey Friday, August 21st, 2009

ASAJAYA: Sarawak has been allocated RM3.7 billion by the federal government for various rural development projects from this year until 2012.

Of that figure, RM500 million would be spent this year with half of it going to the implementation of power supply projects, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

“For 2009 alone, my ministry was allocated RM103 million for housing assistance schemes in Sarawak. For power supply in rural areas, we will implement projects worth RM250 million.

“RM91 million will be for village roads, RM5 million for road lighting and RM90 million for water supply. All in all, my ministry is allocated almost RM500 million for projects in Sarawak,” he said.

He made the remarks at the handing over of houses under the ministry’s Skim Pembangunan Kesejah-teraan Rakyat (housing assistance programme) for 55 recipients in Asajaya. The handing over ceremony was held at Kampung Sambir community hall on Wednesday night.

On the RM3.7 billion allocated to Sarawak, Shafie said it included funds of RM2 billion for more rural projects in the state.

According to Shafie, the RM3.7 billion is from the allocation of RM4 billion announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on July 27 to double the rural roads planned for Sarawak and Sabah from 750km to 1,500km, he added.

He said Sarawak was also allocated RM900 million for rural electrification projects and RM750 million for rural water supply.

“All these projects are to be completed by the year 2012…We will ensure that the projects will be expedited and not slowed down by the contractors, so that the people in need of better infrastructure and amenities can get to enjoy them,” he said.

During the function, Shafie had a ‘feel’ of how much Sarawak needed funds for better amenities in rural areas when the power supply was suddenly cut off while Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang was addressing the crowd.

Having been informed that it was due to inadequate power supply, he thus called on Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to formally write to his ministry for more funds to complete the three-phase electrification project in that area.

Shafie, who is also Umno vice president, also told the people that Sarawak’s well-established political stability must be maintained.

“Do not be easily swayed by promises made by the opposition, who claimed that they could do better in governing the state.

“Just look at the states now governed by the opposition. Economically, they are not doing well while their political scenario is very chaotic.

“If not for assistance rendered by the BN federal government, Kelantan could be very backward….And in the constituency of Permatang Pauh (held by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) there is not much development there. Even Asajaya is better than Permatang Pauh,” he said.

Present at the function were Jabu, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Joseph Entulu, Assistant Minister of Rural Development Datuk Gramong Juna and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Ambrose Blikau.

Karim, Muara Tuang assemblyman Mohd Ali Mahmud and Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan, as well as senior government officers from Shafie’s ministry were also present.

Later yesterday, Shafie flew to Miri for a working visit to Kampung Usaha Jaya in Batu Lapan, Lambir and Tiris in Bekenu.

Among those accom-panying him were Assistant Minister of Rural Development Datuk Gramong Juna, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, political secretary to the Chief Minister Ripin Lamat, Bekenu assemblywoman Rosey Yunus, Miri Resident Dr Ngenang Jangu and Miri District Officer Boniface Intang Apat.

Speaking to reporters after the working visit, he stressed that not all areas throughout the country could be included in the allocation due to limited funds.

He said projects covered by the allocation were prioritised ones.

“Nonetheless, our government is still capable of bringing development to the people and our country is standing on the same level with many well-developed countries because the government cares about the people’s welfare,” he said.

Sarawak, Sabah need RM5.9 billion: Chin
By Lim How Pim
Friday, August 21st, 2009

That’s the amount needed to bring power, water to some 90 pct of East Malaysians by 2012

KUCHING: A total of RM5.9 billion is required to achieve 95 per cent electricity supply and 90 per cent water supply in Sarawak and Sabah by 2012.

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Peter Chin said the 95 per cent electricity supply would cover some 80,000 households while the 90 per cent of water supply would cater for 60,000 households in the two states.

“To achieve the 95 per cent of electricity supply, RM3.9 billion is needed and to realise the 90 per cent of water supply, RM2 billion will be required,” he told journalists when met at the SUPP headquarters here yesterday.

On electricity supply, Chin said it would be 24-hours though the power might not necessarily be from the current main grid system.

“Our standard is 24 hours supply but this does not mean we have to bring the grid to small settlements. If the grid is too far from the settlement, we will have to devise a system whereby we will ensure it is working 24 hours.

“The 24 hours working will be achieved if we use alternative energies such as hydro, solar, wind or a combination of these rather than from the main grid.

“Under the national key performance index (KPI), my ministry is working closely with Rural and Regional Development Ministry to ensure that we will be able to achieve the 24- hour electricity supply,” he said

He believes that the targets would be further enhanced with more efforts chipped in under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

He pointed out that more funds would be required if Sarawak were to bridge the “big gap” in terms of infrastructure development compared to that in Peninsular Malaysia.

“We have no option. If we want to develop Sarawak, we need more funds coming in while looking for sources of fund, not just from the federal government.

“For example, those doing logging and plantation should be roped in to help us and it is possible to achieve a higher target. And we have to look at our development programmes innovatively to see how pockets of population can be consolidated,” he said.

On the installation of undersea cable for the Bakun hydroelectric project, Chin said the tendering process would commence beginning next year.

He was confident that such project would benefit the whole nation in long-term development although it might require enormous cost.

“Contractors are all big foreign manufacturers of cable. The cable itself is more complicated than one can imagine because we are talking about 600 over kilometres.

“One spool of cable is one kilometre and it is big. The project cost can be huge but in the long run, it is cheaper than burning fossil fuel like gas, coal. That is why we want to build it,” he said.

As a Sarawakian minister serving the federal government for 23 years, he said he promised that he would coordinate with the Ministry of Public Utilities to bid for more development fund.

“At federal level, I will do my best to do a good job so that people in Sarawak will feel proud. Whenever we discuss projects in Sarawak, automatically our reaction is we should fight for more,” he said.

RM870,000 for projects in 3 villages
By Margaret Ringgit Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=56986

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/000050378.jpg

FOR DEVELOPMENT: Lee (third right) hands over details on a development
project to be implemented at Kampung Sungai Adong to village chief
Abdullah Yusuf.

MIRI: Three villages in Miri received grants totalling RM870,000 for drainage and roads.

Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday handed over the grants to each chief and Penghulu during his visit to the kampungs.

Accompanying him were Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia; Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin’s Political secretary, Sebastian Ting; Miri District Officer Boniface Intang Apat and Miri Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) divisional officers.

Yesterday Lee visited Kampung Pangkalan Lutong where he was briefed by Penghulu Ahmad Rahman on the poor drainage in the village which had faced flooding problems over the years.

The building of a proper drainage system for the village will commence soon, due for completion by end of this year.

Kampung Pangkalan Lutong received a grant of RM150,000, Kampung Sungai Adong RM200,000 and Pujut Tanjung Batu RM520,000.

Lee later inspected roads and other facilities in Kampung Sungai Adong.

His last call was at Kampung Pujut Tanjung Batu where he met some of the villagers.

Sarawak To Get Environment-friendly Market
August 22, 2009 20:25 PM

KUCHING, Aug 22 (Bernama) - Sarawak is to get a new environmentally-friendly 'green market' which will be ready in two years and be located here.

State Housing Minister Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg said the two-storey market costing RM40 million will be equipped with various high-technology facilities including those to manage and treat waste.

"The new market is based on the markets concept in Singapore and Australia. It will be a 'green market' where priority will be on cleanliness and it being a dry market," he told reporters after visiting the Satok Ramadan Bazaar here today.

Abang Johari, who is also Satok state assemblyman, said the market will be at Kubah Ria (near the Suspension Bridge on the Sarawak River) will have both wet and dry areas as well as food and drinks stalls.

He said traders and stallholders from Pasar Satok, Pasar Minggu Satok and Pasar Kubah Ria will be housed at the new market.

-- BERNAMA

S’wakians among highest offenders
By Nigel Edgar
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=56961

2,051 summonses issued to seat belt offenders in state from January to July this year: Hamed

KUCHING: Many Sarawakian motorists are stubborn when it comes to wearing seat belts while on the road.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) yesterday revealed that the state has one of the highest number of summonses issued for seat belt offences.

Does this mean that Sarawakians have low awareness of the matter?

State JPJ director Abdul Hamed Akob did not think so.

Talking to the press at the JPJ Complex here yesterday, he said: “I think many of them realise the need and importance of wearing seat belts when on the road. It’s just that they ignore it.

“From January to July this year, 2,051 summonses were issued to seat belt offenders. This figure is one of the highest nation-wide,” he lamented.

He pointed out that various awareness campaigns were done within six months prior to the rear seat belt enforcement on Jan 1.

“We (JPJ) hope that the media can help us convey our awareness messages to the people so that we can reduce the number of deaths due to road accidents,” said Hamed.

He further revealed that JPJ had issued a total of 36,840 summonses for various offences from January to July and had collected RM3.4 million in compounds.

On another note, Hamed said as of June 1 this year, JPJ Sarawak had given an allowance of less than 10 per cent on overload.

“This means we have given an additional five per cent on overload compared to other states. There are only three weighing stations in the state - Serian, Stapang and Skaloh,” he said.

These stations, Hamed said, were quite a distance from each other and when caught, offenders were required to go to the nearest station immediately

for their vehicle to be weighed.

“This would create too much trouble for them (offenders). We are giving some more allowance because there are a lot of development projects in the state and they have to carry their load efficiently,” he explained.

Hamed also reminded the lorry drivers and operators, especially the ones carrying raw materials, to cover their loads so that they would not spill over on the road, creating hazards to other road users.

Meanwhile, Hamed told those who had yet to pay their JPJ summonses do so within a given period of time so as not to get their vehicle or driving licence blacklisted.

“The police are issuing arrest warrants, we (JPJ) will blacklist your vehicle or driving licence. When you are blacklisted, it would hamper your renewal of road tax, driving licence and ownership change as well as acquiring vehicle ownership document or the ‘Green Card’,” he said.

From January to July this year, JPJ blacklisted 2,786 vehicles and 1,884 driving licences in the state.

The general public can check their vehicle registration number or driving licence status by going to the JPJ Portal at www.jpj.gov.my or by calling 082-628716 or 082-628725 until Aug 25.

From Aug 26, the numbers will be changed to 082-628900.

The public can also email their complaints or suggestions directly to the director at p.sarawak@jpj.gov.my.

Centre to promote creativity in Sabah to be proposed
23rd August, 2009

MIRI: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) will propose to the Cabinet the setting up of six national innovation centres in the country before the end of this year, Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said yesterday.

He said the idea for such centres, with the aim of promoting creativity and innovation among Malaysians, was conceived by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

It was originally proposed that one innovation centre be set up but the ministry felt that more centres would provide a greater impact to the idea, he told reporters after attending a briefing at Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Curtin Sarawak) at Senadin, about 30 km from here.

Dr Ongkili said four of the centres would be established in Peninsular Malaysia and one each in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the centres, to be operated by MOSTI, would be located at selected campuses of institutions of higher learning, closely linked to their centres of research and excellence as well as to the public and private sectors.

Dr Ongkili also said that the ministry would allocate RM2 million to fund Curtin Sarawak’s research and development activities under the ongoing Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010).

He said that so far RM1.4 million had been disbursed to fund seven research projects by the university in the state.

He also announced the offer of six places for suitable nominees from Curtin Sarawak to pursue masters or doctorate degrees through the ministry’s National Science Fellowship programme.

High cost of materials and land value blamed for city’s expensive properties
23rd August, 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/31353

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7073/2308-mahalo.jpg?1251001044

The detached show house is one of
Wah Mie Group’s build-and-sell project.

SEPANGGAR: The costs of properties in Sabah and particularly within the city capital area are expensive due to the high cost of materials and land values.

The price of a semi-detached house located within 5km radius from the city centre can easily fetch a price of between RM700,000 and RM1.2 million, said Wah Mie Group managing director, Kong Kwok Wah yesterday.

He said when speaking to reporters after the launch of the Taman Sepanggar build-and-sell detached showhouse unit that they were also facing sand shortage.

“The last time, we faced shortage in cement supply. I hope it will be resolved, but as it is now, we are constantly facing such problems,” he said.

But aside from that, he promised that Wah Mie Group would continually upgrade the quality of their properties.

“We are aiming towards zero defects as much as possible. Of course, in some areas, our hands are tight because much of our materials are bought from the mass market such as bricks and sand, but in areas where we can control, we will upgrade,” he said.

He added that in some of their newer build-and-sell concept detached single and double storey houses they have even incorporated the use of shingle roofs, which are produced only in US.

“The roof material is expensive, but it carries with it 30 years warranty,” he said.

In his speech earlier, Kong said that most of the units in Taman Sepanggar were already sold.

He added that they were launching 32 units of semi-detached houses yesterday.

Wah Mie Group will be launching the sales of another 100 units of terraced houses possibly by October this year, he said.

He said that the Taman Bukit Sepanggar consists of 380 acres, where approximately 40 percent of the area was kept as green lung.

“That is why Taman Sepanggar stands out as a unique development with plenty of greens and natural landscape,” he said.

Repairs at Sabah hydro station to be completed this week
Monday August 24, 2009
By RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: People in Sabah can expect some reprieve from the frequent power blackouts when power supply reaches 696 megawatt (MW), up from the current 620MW.

This is because repairs to the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) hydro station in the interior Tenom district are expected to be completed this week, company managing director Baharin Din said.

He said the amount, however, still fell far short of the 730MW needed to ensure sufficient supply for Sabah.

“This increase in generating capacity will hold true if we do not encounter major breakdowns,” he said in a briefing for Sabah MPs and state assemblymen here last week.

He said the acute power shortage in the state over the past several months was due to a sharp increase in demand for electricity.

Baharin said SESB had anticipated the growth in power demand due to population increases and development trends but some of the major projects planned by the company had yet to get off ground.

“The delay in implementing these projects forced us to overstretch the capacity of our ageing machines and as a result, most of the generators broke down one after another in the past few months.

“Just in the past week alone, 15 sets were down due to overstretched capacities,” he said, adding that the situation had been compounded by breakdowns at the ARL independent power producer (IPP) plant.

He said as a rapid remedial measure, SESB spent some RM60mil to repair and upgrade its equipment while acquiring an additional 20 generators with a capacity of 1MW each at a cost of RM48mil.

These were in addition to an earlier acquisition of 20 generators with similar capacities last April, Bahari added.

Over the immediate term, Baharin said SESB was banking on the completion of the IPP Powertron’s second phase with a total capacity of 190MW, with 65MW each by January and April next year and 60MW by September 2010.

RM12bil set aside for rural areas
Monday August 24, 2009

KUCHING: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects in rural Sarawak, particularly roads, housing, water and power supply.

“Priority is to be given to areas where the population is big,” said Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal after he had called on Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at his residence, here recently.

He said the Federal Government had allocated RM12bil for road construction, housing, water and power supply projects in the rural areas of Sarawak, Sabah and the peninsula.

Sarawak and Sabah would each receive RM2bil for road construction, he added. — BERNAMA

RM3b steel factory takes shape in Kemaman
Published: 2009/08/25

A PROPOSED RM3 billion steel factory to be build in Telok Kalong, Kemaman, will become Terengganu's third major steel factory once completed on a 400ha site.

State Industrial, Trade and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said the construction of the factory would be the third in Kemaman after Perwaja Steel Sdn Bhd and Lion Plate.

"With the new steel factory in place, the government expects Teluk Kalong to become a steel industrial centre in the future," he said after attending the Bandar state constituency's Ihya Ramadan programme at Abidin Mosque, in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.

Toh, who is also Bandar assemblyman, said the investors in the consortium comprise companies from Malaysia, China and Australia.

He said clearing works at the factory site was ongoing and the factory was expected to provide over 2,000 jobs for local workers once completed and operational in two or three years.

Toh also reiterated that Terengganu, with its various facilities, had received tremendous attention from foreign investors.

"These include those from Iran, China, Taiwan, Australia and the Middle East.

"We are in the midst of luring them to come and invest here," he said, adding that the state government would also offer various incentives to investors, including tax exemptions. - Bernama

Sabah looking at harnessing geothermal energy from a hot spring
Wednesday August 26, 2009
By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is studying the possibility of harnessing geothermal energy from a hot spring in the east coast Tawau district.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Peter Pang said the idea was to tap hot springs in the Adrassy forest in Tawau to generate some 100MW of electricity.

“It is still under study,” he told reporters after the joint opening of four Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) division annual meeting here.

Pang, who is also deputy chairman of Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia), said that among the aspects to be considered was how to channel the steam out with minimal damage to the forest.

However, Pang declined to give further details on the plan.

This latest proposal comes amid strong opposition to the setting up of a 300MW coal-fired power plant in the state’s east coast.

Earlier in his speech, Pang told delegates that LDP would be seeking at least one of the two state seats held by Sabah Progressive Party that left Barisan Nasional in September last year.

He said that they would also be seeking the Sepanggar parliamentary seat held by SAPP. “We will make our representation to Barisan,” he said.
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SABAH, S’WAK LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO GET FEDERAL GRANTS FROM 2010
26th August 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/31455

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7092/2608_2A.jpg?1251258153

PUTRAJAYA: The federal government has agreed to extend annual grants to local authorities in Sabah and Sarawak beginning 2010.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this would involve an additional allocation of RM62.8 million as presently, such grants were given only to local authorities in Peninsula Malaysia.

“It is hoped that with the grant, this will enhance the quality of service provided to the people by the local authorities in Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters after chairing the National Finance Council meeting here yesterday.

Najib said the government had also agreed to increase the service payment to state governments for handling development projects on its behalf from five percent of the total value to 10 percent for states in Peninsula Malaysia and 12 percent for Sabah and Sawarak.

“This is because of the involvement of state government employees in implementing federal government projects in the states,” he said.

“This decision means that the federal government’s contribution to state governments will increase from RM75 million to RM150 million,” he said.

Najib also said that all state governments received the Audit Certificate Without Reprimand for 2008 from the National Audit Department.

Nevertheless, he said, the state governments should take follow-up actions on the audit recommendations so that deficiency would not recur and performance could be enhanced.

“Generally, several principles were stressed during the meeting; including all expenditures by state governments must not only follow rules but also be based on the principle of value for money,” he said.

“It is hoped that all debts borne by state governments with the federal government can be settled according to schedule. Nevertheless, we will take into consideration the contraints faced by the state governments,” he said.

Najib said the federal government was always aware of the financial needs of state governments.

He said that for projects handled by state governments that did not bring receipts like water supply in rural areas, the loans had been converted into grants.

The federal government was also ready to help state governments in meeting their management expenses no matter whether the states were governed by Barisan Nasional (BN) or not, he said.

“It means that when it comes to interest of the people, we do not treat differently the states governed by BN from those ruled by the opposition,” he said.

RES in all Serian villages by 2015, says MP
By Jacob Achoi Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

SERIAN: All villages in the parliamentary constituency of Serian will be covered by the rural electrification scheme (RES) by 2015 if its MP’s plans fall into places.

Speaking to reporters after presenting compassionate money to flood victims from the state constituency of Kedup yesterday, Serian MP Datuk Richard Riot said bringing electricity to all villages is one his two main targets for infrastructure development in his constituency.

His other target, he said, was to ensure that 65 per cent of his constituents would enjoy treated water supply, also by that year.

Riot pointed out that at the moment about 38 per cent of the people in the area are enjoying treated water supply and about 70 per cent covered by RES.

“I have submitted a development proposal for Serian constituency to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and I believe the constituency will have a fair share of development,” Riot said.

For tar-sealing of roads, the MP said he would ensure that 80 per cent of the rural roads would be tar-sealed under the proposal he had submitted.

Present at the function, which was held at Dewan Masyarakat Serian here, was Frederick Bayoi, the assemblyman for Kedup, one of two state seats making up Serian parliamentary constituency.

The other state seat is Tebedu which is held by Minister of Urban Development and Tourism Datuk Michael Manyin.

There are about 238 villages in the district and Riot stressed that he would strive to bring basic amenities like water, electricity and roads to these villages. The MP also said that the tar-sealing of the remaining 17km of the 35km Mentung-Krait road would be his top priority, besides bringing electricity to Kampung Mebui-Junggu Mawang-Linsat (Batu Kudi) area, an Iban majority area.

“Providing electricity to this area will also be my priority because we don’t want our Iban friends to say and think that they are being neglected,” Riot said, adding that the Ibans were not being neglected when it came to development.

Ministry To Intensify Rural Development In 10MP - Shafie
August 28, 2009 21:08 PM

TUARAN, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will intensify efforts to provide rural infrastructure, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, in the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015).

Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said infrastructure such electricity and water supplies, and roads should be enhanced in those areas to reflect the government's commitment to help the people under the 1Malaysia concept.

"This is the main agenda of the government, to accord first priority to the people irrespective of who they are," he said at the breaking of fast attended by Sabah Umno division leaders at the An-Nur Mosque here.

Shafie, who is Umno vice-president, said the ministry was currently identifying areas in need of infrastructure.

This was to ensure that the facilities could be implemented speedily in line with the government's efforts to eradicate poverty, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Rumah Dayak ready for use by mid next year: SDNU
Sunday, August 30th, 2009
By Jacob Achoi

KUCHING: The long-awaited Rumah Dayak here is expected to open its doors by the middle of next year.

Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) publicity chief, Dr John Brian Anthony, told reporters yesterday that the construction of the first phase of the project was progressing well.

“It will be ready for occupation by June next year,” he said after a meeting between SDNU committee members and the Fire Prevention Council Malaysia (FIPCOM).

He said the first phase of the project, which comprised a block of shophouses, was about 80 per cent completed and they would be fully operational by June.

The second phase is what he said is the “main tower” is also progressing very well.

According to him, the construction of the new Rumah Dayak started since 1997, but was delayed due to “documentation gap” which had been sorted out.

The total cost of Rumah Dayak is believed to be around RM10 million and SDNU still needs about RM6 million to complete it.

John also said SDNU would develop its land in Sibu for the construction of 24 shophouses.

The piece of land in Bintangor, Sarikei and Sri Aman would also be developed for similar purpose, he added.

As a result of the briefing yesterday, SDNU is considering undertaking a fire safety promotion programme for longhouses in rural areas.

The idea came about following several fire incidents in longhouses, where mostly Ibans are living.

“We (SDNU) are seriously thinking of having fire safety promotion programme in rural areas in view of the many incidents of fire in longhouses.”

“And we will work with FIPCOM and Bomba to work out more details,” said John after the briefing.

John added that there were many issues that needed to be taken into consideration before the Union can start the programme.

SDNU also congratulated the appointment of Datuk Seri Idris Jala as minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, while at the same time supported Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, to bring more infrastructure development to Sabah and Sarawak in the next Malaysian Plan.

The Union strongly hoped that the provision of water and electricity supply will be intensified to rural areas in the coming Malaysian Plan.

John also told reporters that SDNU will have its triennial delegates’ assembly (TGA) in December to elect the office bearers for a three-year term.

No date was fixed, but John said it will be before Christmas.

He also said the union was still calling for interested people to join the Borneo safari slotted on Sept 19 and ends at Pontianak on Sept 23.

Entry for the safari is RM1,000.

Database On Rural Projects
August 29, 2009 22:44 PM

SEMPORNA, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will set up a database on rural projects to ensure effectiveness of their implementation.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the database was important to improve the ministry's delivery system as the projects were important for rural people.

"We do not want unnecessary delays in implementing projects planned for rural folk," he told reporters after a breaking of the fast gatherinh here Saturday.

He said setting up the database was also in line with national key result areas (NKRAs) and national key performance indicators (NKPIs) announced by the government recently.

Shafie also said bonus for members of Felcra and Risda would be paid out before Aidilfitri.

On the proposed merger of Felcra, Risda and Felda, he clarified that it was not a merger but a proposal on collaboration between the three entities.

--BERNAMA

Security needs to be beefed up at Sabah, Sarawak borders
Published: Sunday August 30, 2009 MYT 12:46:00 PM

KUCHING: Security at the Sarawak-Kalimantan and Sabah-Philippines-Kalimantan borders needs to be beefed up to prevent smuggling and other criminal activities, said Deputy Home Affairs Minister Jelaing Mersat.

He said existing security personnel were not enough to do monitoring and surveillance of these borders.

"The borders of Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimatan are too wide and long to fence up, like at the Tebedu border post.

"We need to have more armed forces personnel to ensure effective border security," he told reporters here on Sunday.

Jelaing said there were many illegal access roads in strategic areas in Biawak, Serikin in Sarawak and Semporna in Sabah, that were used for criminal and smuggling activities.

He proposed that these areas be fenced up and guarded at all times. - Bernama

Road to be upgraded: Yong
August 30, 2009

Another stretch of Kuching-Serian Road to be dual carriageway too

KUCHING: The stretch of Kuching-Serian Road from Mile 10 to 15 is expected to be upgraded from single to dual carriageway under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said yesterday a study was being carried out as there was a need for extra land to expand the road which required an allocation of at least RM20 million.

“We are actually studying that now. The five miles of road, we will try to improve it by acquiring additional land. At the moment, we try to improve the surface first.

“Road users can see that it is improved all the time. It will most likely be scheduled for implementation under 10MP. I think it will cost more than RM20 or RM30 million,” he told reporters after presenting MP grants worth RM1 million to a total of 104 organisations during a ceremony held at the SUPP headquarters here yesterday.

Yong, who is Stampin MP, believed that more development allocations were on the way to help enhance infrastructure and public utilities in the state.

On the prime minister’s recent pledge that RM62.8 million would be extended to Sarawak and Sabah for the two states’ local authorities in 2010, he said: “It is an assistance for all the councils to do very basic infrastructure like council roads.”

Describing the grant as “very helpful”, he said almost every council spent millions of ringgit to build and maintain council roads and to beautify recreational parks and other facilities.

“At the moment, the councils are short of money, so the federal government is coming up with RM62.8 million for both states of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Asked to comment on the appointment of Datuk Seri Idris Jala as a minister without portfolio in the Prime Minister’s Department, Yong said Idris had his own experience after being in the corporate sector.

“He (Idris) was with Shell MDS (Malaysia) before, and he was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Malaysia Airlines where he turned things around well. I think he has his own way of doing things.

“I have confidence that he’ll be able to contribute. That is all I can say,” Yong added.

On Aug 27, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the appointment.

Idris is the first Orang Ulu appointed minister in the federal cabinet.

Idris was also appointed CEO of Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) to implement the government’s Key Performance Index (KPI) initiatives.

Investments into Penang shrink to RM1.3b in Jan-June
Written by Regina William
Tuesday, 01 September 2009 16:05

GEORGE TOWN: Penang recorded inflow of investments of only RM1.3 billion in the January-June period this year, as investors turned cautious about the fallout of the global financial crisis.

This was a stark contrast to the RM10.3 billion recorded for the 12 months in 2008.

InvestinPenang Bhd chairman of the executive committee Datuk Lee Kah Choon said on Sept 1 the plunge in investments had to be viewed in a wider perspective and the flow of investments in other countries.

Lee said there were investors still adopting a wait-and-see attitude as it was unclear if the financial meltdown was finally over.

Transport Ministry To Identify Roads In Sabah And Sarawak For Extension Of The 53 Ton Laden Weight Limit
September 01, 2009 12:34 PM

SIBU, Sept 1(Bernama) -- A study will start this month to identify roads in Sabah and Sarawak which can withstand weight of 53 tonnes to extend the 53 tonne laden weight limit for six-axle lorries, now applicable only in the peninsula, to the two states.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said that currently lorry operators in Sabah and Sarawak could only carry a maximum weight of 38 tonnes.

During the study period, which was expected to take eight months, lorry operators in the two states could apply to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) headquarters for exemption of the current limit, he said in a statement here on Tuesday.

However, any decision was restricted to certain roads and for specific good only, he said.

He also said that there was an agreement between the JPJ and the lorry associations in Sabah and Sarawak not issue any summonses for lorries that carry excess weight of up to 10 per cent.

Those caught carrying weight in excess of 35 per cent of the 38 tonne limit would be charged in court, he said, calling on the lorry operators to cooperate with the JPJ, police and other relevant agencies to ensure the safety of other road users.

-- BERNAMA

Kg Seri Bangsawan to get devt allocation under 10MP
2nd September, 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/31666

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sabah/SABAHMAP_Master.jpg

Ranau is a town as well as a district in the West Coast Division of Sabah,
east Malaysia on the island of Borneo

RANAU: Kg Seri Bangsawan, a remote village here that has yet to enjoy development, will receive development allocation under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) to build basic amenities.

Although there are only about 50 people residing in the village, they live in impoverished conditions and deserve to be included in the Hardcore Poor Development Programme (PPRT).

Minister of Rural Development Datuk Ewon Ebin said this when declaring open the village’s new community hall which was built from his state constituency allocation.

He said the federal government had also allocated a large amount of money to build a Bailey bridge and an access road to the village under the national development plan, which upon completion, would improve the economy and living standards of the people.

It would generate in particular, agricultural activities, as the village had high potential for commercial cultivation of rubber and oil palm.

During the event, Ewon approved an allocation to buy 40 chairs for the community hall, a grass cutter machine and a chainsaw as well as rubber seedlings for a two-acre land to each of the 10 families in the village.

He also urged the People Development Leader Unit to shortlist any assistance and to make an estimate the cost to repair an old suspension bridge.

In order to reach the village about 75 kilometres from Ranau town, one has to travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle but only for a distance of 72 kilometres. The rest of the journey is on foot with no proper access road or bridge to get across the Liwagu River.

The residents survive from their meagre means by planting padi, fruits and rubber on small plots of land.

According to its Village Security and Development Committee chairman Jikun Sinteh, the newly opened community hall was the first facility they ever had in the village, other than a rice mill and a set of gongs.

He said the children had to travel six kilometres, every day to and from school at Sekolah Kebangsaan Minuru. Their daily trip also meant having to dice with danger whenever they used the old suspension bridge.

RM20 mln for projects of three orphanages: Daud
Monday, September 7th, 2009

SIBU: The State Orphans’ Welfare Organisation Board (Peryatim) is spending RM20 million for its three projects in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

The projects were the construction of RM12 million new orphanage at Kemuyang in Sibu, two additional hostels at the cost of RM3 million in Miri and another RM5 million for upgrading of Laila Taib Welfare Complex in Kuching.

State Peryatim chairman Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said construction works on the 15-acre site in Sibu and Complex Hamidah in Miri commenced last month.

“The new complex in Sibu will house orphans from the central region of the state and it is expected to be completed in 2011,” he said.

He added that it would be able to accommodate up to 300 people upon completion.

When completed, the complex will house, among others, administrative offices, dining hall, multipurpose hall, surau and dormitory rooms for boys and girls.

On the extension project in Miri, it was to accommodate the increasing number of orphans in the northern region of Sarawak, he said.

According to Daud, as of now the number of orphans with the Miri centre is 115 while the Kuching centre has 160 residents.

Need for recovery facility to dispose of e-waste
By Peter Boon
Monday, September 7th, 2009

SIBU: A partial recovery facility is needed here to manage the disposal of electrical and electronic parts or e-waste, which are toxic to health and environment in the long-term.

Head of Department of Environment (DOE) Sibu branch Julaidi Rasidi said as more computers and electronics are replaced, e-waste dumping may soon turn into a serious problem here.

Compounding this is the lack of awareness among the local populace on how to dispose of e-waste safely, Julaidi added.

He was worried that e-waste could be dumped into the Kemuyang landfill since there is no facility here to provide for their safe disposal.

This could be hazardous to the people’s health and the environment in the long run.

“A single computer for example contains lead, mercury, gold and nickel among others. And if improperly disposed of, toxic substances such as lead, mercury and other harmful materials in e-waste can leak from the landfill,” he cautioned.

“So you see, if not properly dealt with, their long-term effects on health and environment can be detrimental,” Julaidi said when asked how e-waste was disposed of here.

Given that e-waste is categorised as scheduled wastes under the code ‘SW 110’, First Schedule, Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005, they must be disposed of at prescribed premises licensed by DOE.

According to the DOE officer, the setting up of a partial recovery facility will help mitigate the problem of e-waste dumping.

Asked the function of such facility, he explained that it dismantles and segregates materials that can be processed.

Those that cannot be processed would be sent to a full recovery facility in Peninsular Malaysia for final disposal.

There are few partial recovery facilities in Kuching with e-waste collected from recycling centres.

The setting up of such facility would help prevent illegal processing of e-waste to extract components such as gold from the used motherboard.

He warned that offenders could be slapped with a hefty fine and imprisonment if found guilty of illegal processing.

The penalty was necessary as a deterrent as illegal processing of the precious metal was immensely hazardous to the environment and health.

He hoped that the business community can help set up a partial recovery facility to help the public dispose of their e-waste properly.

Alternatively, he proposed a collection centre to help manage the disposal of e-waste.

The centre need to be a joint effort between DOE and local council.

The collection centre, he said would merely collect and store the used electrical and electronic parts.

When they have reached a certain volume, they will be sent to a partial recovery facility in Kuching.

To a question, he believed that commercial sectors such as banking institutions generate more e-waste compared to households.

Hence the focus was more on the commercial sector.

Asked the compliance level here, Julaidi said they are more into creating awareness.

He found public awareness of e-waste was relatively low, so they hope to incorporate e-waste as part of their public awareness programme.

Meanwhile, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) secretary Hii Chang Kee said the concept of collection centre need to be studied further and its feasibility looked at.

Hii said the council occasionally carried out joint campaigns with Computer Sales & Services Association Sarawak (CSSAS), Sibu branch to collect and recycle used computers.

He said people should refrain from disposing of e-waste into waste bins.

They can bring their used computers to the campaign, not simply dump them.

On the list of e-waste are used items such as television, computer, mother board, hard disk drive and ink cartridges.

Govt okays RM1.5 mln for projects in Spaoh
By Edwin Raoh Monday, September 7th, 2009

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/000050449.jpg

SHOW OF UNITY: Uggah (second left) visiting the compound of the mosque
with the mosque management committee. Also seen are Lawson
(second right) and Sigan (right).

BETONG: The government has approved RM1.5 million under the minor rural project (MRP) fund to bring infrastructure projects to Kampung Spaoh.

Announcing this, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Douglas Uggah said the project would include road improvement, culvert, drainage and houses for the poor.

He pointed out that the allocation was a government gesture to enable the people who had been strong supporters of the Barisan Nasional (BN) to enjoy a better living environment.

Uggah said this when joining Muslims in Spaoh for the breaking of fast organised by Masjid Darul Syifa management committee and Spaoh Smart Community.

It was held at the mosque here on Saturday.

He hoped the village development and security committees (JKKK) and other associations in villages would work together to ensure that the projects implemented by the government were carried out smoothly.

“All projects meant for the benefit of the people can be carried out smoothly if the people and political leaders work together,” Uggah stressed, adding that the people should not listen to the opposition.

He hoped the people in the area would continue to work together to ensure a smooth development process, adding that there were still many longhouses and villages without good roads and water and electricity supply.

As such, the federal and state governments needed the support of the people, he pointed out.

At the function, Uggah, who is also Betong MP, announced a grant of RM35,000 for the mosque, while Bukit Saban assemblyman Robert Lawson, who was also present pledged RM6,000 for the mosque and RM5,000 each for the nine suraus in Spaoh area.

Betong Resident Romie Sigan was also present.

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sarawak/SARAWAKMAP_master.jpg

Spaoh is a small town and district in the Betong Division in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, formerly known as Saribas District.

RM76 Mln Stimulus Package For Kelantan Proof Of Federal Government's Sincerity
September 07, 2009 22:29 PM

KUALA KRAI, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The federal government's channelling of a RM76 million stimulus package to Kelantan is proof of its concern over the well-being of the people of the state.

Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said the stimulus package was in line with the federal government's concept of '1Malaysia, People First, Performance Now'.

He was speaking at a gathering and breaking of fast with the local community at the Mara Junior Science College hall here Monday with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak officiating in conjunction with his one-day visit to Kelantan.

Mustapa said the federal government's concern for the welfare of the Kelantanese was also reflected in its approval of RM11.5 million to assist the rural folk in the state.

He said in line with the government's plan to eradicate hardcore poverty among 45,000 families in the country, the allocation would increase the number of those to be taken out of hardcore poverty.

He added that the allocation had already been given to Kelantan and various programmes were being carried out to assist this group.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah racing to complete 9MP projects
Tuesday September 8, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah ministers and senior civil servants have been directed to deal directly with the Federal Government as the state rushes against time to complete projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said he had asked the ministers and senior civil servants to contact their counterparts in Kuala Lumpur to iron out any problem causing delays in the implementation of the projects.

He said direct contact was necessary in order to speed up the development efforts with the 9MP ending in 16 months.

To date, more than RM11bil of the nearly RM20bil allocated to Sabah has been utilised with 1,380 projects – nearly 39% of the total – completed, said Musa after chairing the State Action Council meeting here yesterday.

However, he said projects under the privately funded initiatives (PFIs) were slow to take off, with only 16.17% or RM275mil of the RM1.7bil set aside for Sabah having been used up so far.

“The message to the ministers and our civil servants is that we must accelerate these planned development schemes. The people are counting on them and any problem must be sorted out as quickly as possible,” Musa added.

KL okays RM4.7 mln to remedy landslip-hit Kpg Gumbang road
By Samuel Aubrey Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sarawak/SARAWAKMAP_master.jpg

Bau is a gold mining town in the Kuching Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. Smuggling with Kalimantan is also important to the local economy.
KUCHING: Finally, help is on its way to the 500 residents in Kampung Gumbang in Bau who had been praying and hoping for the government to repair and reconstruct the 22 km access road that has been damaged by landslips since February.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu flew by helicopter to the village yesterday, and later announced that a sum of RM4.725 million had been approved by the federal government for the road repair work.

During a dialogue with the residents, he also promised that the government would soon implement the rural electrification scheme (RES) in the village.

Jabu also spent more than an hour inspecting the road and damages caused by the landslips.

His visit to the village was in response to the front page story in yesterday’s The Borneo Post on the plight of the Kampung Gumbang residents, who risk being cut off from the outside world.

Jabu was accompanied by Mambong Member of Parliament Datuk Dr James Dawos, Bengoh assembly-man Dr Jerip Susil and senior officers from the Public Works Department (JKR).

Dawos, when contacted yesterday, confirmed that Jabu had made a surprise visit to the village to personally assess the damage caused by the landslips.

He said the RM4.7 million to repair and reconstruct the road would come from the federal government and channelled to the JKR, which would then call for tenders.

Adding that there were now about seven landslips along the road, he said the road repairs would probably start next month.

“We have actually planned to repair the road since the landslips happened (in February), but we did not have the funds. Now, the plans can be realised.

“Datuk Patinggi (Jabu) personally went to the village to see for himself the damages, and this initiative of his is very much appreciated by the kampung people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Gumbang village chief Keelim Nilam said he was pleasantly surprised to receive the visit of Jabu and officers from JKR.

“I was doing my daily chores in Bau, when I received a call informing me that Datuk Patinggi (Jabu) is on his way to my village.

“So I rushed back, and I found Jabu and his entourage were already here,” he said, adding that the helicopter which ferried Jabu landed on the village’s football field.

He was overjoyed that the efforts by him and other villagers to publicise the landslips along the access road were being taken note of by the government.

“We are very happy because Datuk Patinggi Jabu also spent some time to have a dialogue with us,” he said.

On the government’s promise to implement RES in his village, he hoped it could be expedited so that the villagers could enjoy 24-hour electricity supply.

Although there was electricity supply in his village, he said only the primary school was connected to the power grid, but other houses were dependent on generators.

“At the moment, we depend on generators for our electricity, to power our electrical appliances including television for a few hours a day,” said Keelim, who had been the headman there since 1995.

Development, a ‘double-edged sword’ for wetlands of Bako-Buntal Bay
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

KUCHING: Located about 40 km northeast of Kuching City is the Bako-Buntal Bay, an expanse of inter-tidal mudflats fringed by mangrove forest with Gunung Santubong lying to the west and Bako National Park on the east.

Residents in the two Malay villages in the area, Kampung Bako and Kampung Buntal, derived their primary income from fishing with increasing participation in tourism activities.

However the proximity of the Bako-Buntal Bay, one of only two project sites in the country undertaken to support the implementation of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in four Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, to the capital city is like a double-edged sword.

(The other project site considered of global importance as a wintering site for waterbirds is the north central Selangor coast).

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Kuching branch chairperson Rebecca D’Cruz said the bay has enormous potential for ecotourism, but the human population and infrastructure development in the area applied a constant stress on the site and its natural resources.

“Kampung Bako is the only entry point to the (Bako) National Park and villagers gain significant income from ferrying visitors to and from while several tour companies provide wildlife cruises in the bay area, which offer close-up views of proboscis monkeys, dolphins, crocodiles, fireflies and many bird species.”

She told Bernama this when highlighting the Bako-Buntal Conservation Study, a collaborative effort between the Sarawak State Planning Unit and MNS Kuching.

The cruises covered the nearby Kuching Wetlands National Park, which is Sarawak’s first and only Ramsar Site and the popular sea food destination of Kampung Buntal, with its restaurants lining the sandbar, which is also the high tide roost for shorebirds.

Bird enthusiasts from MNS Kuching frequently go for bird-watching excursions at the bay, where 32 shorebird species have been recorded so far, with an estimated 15,000 waterbirds escaping from winter there.

The most significant are the Spotted Greenshank, Asian Dowitcher and Far-eastern Curlew while the numbers of Red Knot and Great Knot are among the highest for any site in Malaysia.

“Of particular note in recent years is the 31 Chinese Egrets counted in the bay in 2003, accounting for one per cent of the global population and may be the largest number recorded to date in Borneo,” said D’Cruz.

She said the previous record number of 13 was charted in Brunei in December 1984 and between 15-25 in April 1986, which reinforced the global conservation importance of the bay.

Interestingly with continuous observations dating back to the early 1900s it was noted from historical records that even back in February 1913 Spotted Greenshanks were seen at Buntal while in 1935, Far-eastern Curlews were described as ‘swarming’ at the same bay, she said.

The area also supported a steadily increasing population of proboscis monkey initially confined to the park, but protection has increased the numbers beyond its carrying capacity and the excess is spreading across the bay and into Santubong.

She said dolphin and crocodile-watching activities were rising in popularity as the waters within the bay supported at least three species of dolphins; the Irrawaddy Dolphin, Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin and the Finless Porpoise while its delta has a healthy population of estuarine crocodiles.

“The larger crocodiles can be seen basking along the exposed mudbanks and may constitute one of the most important populations of crocodiles in the state,” she said, adding that the study’s objective was to improve the conservation status of the bay through the establishment of a local conservation group.

In promoting the approach as an effective contribution to the implementation of the Ramsar convention on wetlands in Malaysia, she said, the LCG as an effective community-based organ-isation worked to find solutions for nature conservation issues of concern.

“The success of such an approach depends a great deal on the awareness level of these stakeholders,” she said of the project to promote sustainable wetland-based livelihood especially for the people in Bako and Buntal villages.

Besides Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are participating in the project to strengthen government-civil society partnerships funded by the Darwin Initiative (United Kingdom), Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund, (Japan) and the Ministry of Environment Japan.

The project received the nod from Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, which serves as the administrative authority for the convention on wetlands in Malaysia and will run for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of an extension for a third year.

“South-East Asia’s wetlands are very important for biodiversity, national economies and the well-being of local communities but unfortunately, the same wetlands have frequently been viewed as unproductive areas and converted to other land-uses,” she noted.

D’Cruz said South-East Asia’s remaining natural and semi-natural wetlands supported tremendous biodiversity wealth, including many threatened and endemic species, which were of vital importance in terms of the ecosystem services provided, particularly to local communities . There are six Ramsar sites nationwide - Tasek Bera,Pahang (1994), Pulau Kukup, Sungai Pulai, and Tanjung Piai in Johor (2003), Kuching Wetlands National Park, Sarawak (2005), and the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands, Sabah (2008), covering a total area of 134,158 hectares.

Rajang Regatta to be held March next year
By Conny Banji Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

SIBU: The dream of making Sibu an international-level water sports hub is getting nearer with the Rajang River Regatta scheduled for March next year.

The event will be held by Rejang Port Authority (RPA) in the Rajang and Igan rivers and Sibu Town Square Phase 2 from March 12 to 14.

RPA chairman Vincent Goh told a press conference here yesterday that the event is expected to pull in many water sports enthusiasts from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore and West Malaysia.

Goh said the main event would be Kenyalang Boat Challenge, and there would also be Rejang Powerboat Challenge.

To complement the regatta, there will also be a carnival comprising contests, concerts by local entertainers, funfair, sales of food and drinks, and exhibition will at Sibu Town Square Phase 2.

Goh said those who want to take part in the Kenyalang Boat Challenge do not need to bring their own boats.

“We are getting 10 to 15 Kenyalang boats (the front part of the boat will be designed based on a hornbill head) with international standard.

“Each one will have 18 paddlers, one steersman and one drummer,” he said, adding that five more boats will be on standby if the response is good, and the regatta would be made into an annual event.

Entry details and prizes for the events would be announced next month.

Second Minister of Finance and Minister of Environment and Public Health Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh who also attended

the press conference said they had actually planned the regatta for this coming November to coincide with Visit Sibu Year.

“But due to certain reasons, we have to postpone it to March next year,” he said.

Wong said the postponement was due to the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and current weather condition.

“H1N1 would prevent people from coming. Also, the Natural Resource and Environmental Board detected 396 hotspots in Kalimantan on Sept 3, over 300 on Sept 4, and 115 on Sept 5,” he said.

Mary Ngu Kee Chui from McEvents Management and Rajang River Regatta technical advisor Edmund Jugah and working committee members were also present at the press conference.

RM11.6b spent under 9MP as of August: Musa
Published on: Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is confident of accomplishing all development projects as planned under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) for Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, here.

He said they are left with 16 months to complete all those projects promised since 2006.

"Based on information from the Project Monitoring System II (SPPII), of RM19.45 billion allocated for Sabah under the 9MP, a total of RM11.67 billion or equivalent to 60 per cent has been spent up to Aug 31, this year.

"In terms of work progress on the 9MP projects for Sabah, a total of 1,380 projects or 38.6 per cent have been completed and there are still several projects that are delayed and yet to commence," Musa said.

Up to now, he said about 252 projects was delayed and four projects have yet to begin under the 9MP.

Musa, who is also the State Finance Minister, disclosed this in a press conference after chairing a meeting of State Action Committee at Wisma Innoprise here on Monday.

On Private Fund Initiatives (PFI) progress, he said, a total of RM275 million or equal to 16.17 per cent has been spent out of total PFI funds for Sabah, which is RM1.70 billion.

Musa said there are 14 PFI projects that have delayed status while one project has yet to start.

According to him, the State Government has taken various measures to enhance implementation of projects under the 9MP for Sabah including the special funds like the RM1 billion fund, the first National Economy Stimulus Package and second National Economy Stimulus Package.

He also wants every agency and department at State and Federal level involved to ensure implementation of the development projects is carried out smoothly and within the schedule.

"I have also asked the relevant authorities at State and Federal level to expedite implementation of the projects and any issues arise during implementation of the work must be reported to the State Secretary and to me.

"We will monitor all the projects regularly from time to time.

And I have even asked all relevant ministries including the ministers and permanent secretaries to directly contact their respective counterparts at the central government for any work that may delay due to issuance of funding from the concerned ministries," he said.

Road upgrading will be ready on time: Contractor
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

KUCHING: The upgrading of the 52km road to Mukah, from the Sibu-Bintulu junction at Selangau to Matadeng junction, will be completed on time, said the main contractor, Naim Cendera Sdn Bhd.

Though the work, which commenced in July 2007, was scheduled for completion at the end of 2010, the completed stretches will be handed over in stages.

Some 5km are expected to be handed over before Hari Raya Puasa.

The assurance was given by Naim’s executive director Suyanto Osman in a press statement yesterday following a report in The Borneo Post last Friday about complaints of motorists on the road.

“The first stretch of about 5km from Matadeng junction will be completed and opened to the public by the middle of this month.

“Naim is targeting to complete and handover at least another five kilometres towards the end of this year,” said Suyanto.

He also called for patience and understanding from road users, adding that as a responsible contractor, Naim was doing its best to keep the road in good condition under the circumstances.

“The continuous flow of traffic makes work difficult, especially when the road is frequently used by heavy vehicles.

“The existing road is an oil palm plantation road with steep slopes, very winding alignment, and very thin asphalt surface intended for light vehicles and occasional heavy vehicles,” explained Suyanto.

However, more heavy vehicles of various types have been travelling to Mukah due to increased development after it became a state division, he said, adding that with the mining of coal at several locations along the road, the road is now probably the most frequently used road by extremely heavy vehicles in Sarawak.

The scope of the upgrading work involves cutting down hills and filling up valleys as well as widening and straightening the road to ‘R3’ standard.

Once completed, the road will be quite similar to the main trunk road and would cut travel time between Sibu and Mukah to less than two hours.

Naim is mindful of the need for continuous road maintenance, so together with the Public Works Department (JKR) it has done continuous expensive repairs.

However, the temporary roads were quickly damaged due to the passage by trucks which were often overloaded.

Nevertheless, Naim and JKR would attempt to keep the roads in serviceable condition until the upgrading work is completed, said Suyanto.

He said they also had to contend with land issues at certain sections of the road which had held up work at times.

Suyanto thanked the authorities for their understanding and cooperation in helping to resolve problems that they encountered.

SARAWAK and SABAH :okay:

Terengganu To Export Rice By 2013
September 08, 2009 16:28 PM

SETIU, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- By 2013, Terengganu will be ready to export rice when its padi fields measure 26,276 hectares.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said that with such hectarage, the state would be able to produce 113,490 metric tonnes of padi or 76,330 metric tonnes of rice worth RM214 million, to cater to 85 per cent of its people by 2011, as compared to the current 46 per cent.

"We hope to export rice in the near future," he told reporters after officiating a harvest ceremony at Kampung Jelapang here Tuesday.

Also present was state agricultural industry commitee chairman Rozi Mamat.

-- BERNAMA

World War II Bomb Found In Lutong
September 07, 2009 13:06 PM

MIRI, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- A Second World War bomb that was found buried at Kampung Pasir Lutong, about 12 kilometres from here yesterday had been detonated by the Police Bomb Disposal Unit on Monday.

Miri Police Chief ACP Jamaludin Ibrahim told Bernama today that the unit detonated the 18-inch long bomb at about 9.00am today in a clearance area near the abandoned Lutong airstrip.

Confirming that the bomb was from the 1940s war, he said it was found by a 45-year-old welder who was in the midst of clearing the compound of his house at the village at about 6.30pm Sunday.

While trying to dig out the roots of a tree, the welder felt the hoe he was using had struck on a rusty metal before realising that it was a bomb.

Police who were immediately informed of the finding had cordoned off the area upon arrival before their Bomb Disposal Unit extracted the explosive away for safe detonation.

Meanwhile, Jamaludin advised residents in Lutong to be extra careful when doing their gardening or digging around their compound.

He added that there could be more of the war bombs scattered around the area as Lutong had come under heavy bombings during the war.

Anyone who found such bombs or came across any kind of iron material that raised their suspicion should contact the police immediately for the sake of their own safety, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Najib Expected To Attend Iftar With The People In Tawau
September 07, 2009 16:45 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will make a one-day visit to Tawau in the east coast of Sabah on Sunday.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Najib was expected to attend a breaking of the fast or iftar with the people at Masjid Al-Kauthar, Tawau.

"The event was arranged in conjunction with the traditional programme of the Prime Minister to break fast once in Sabah (every year)," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the State Action Council at Wisma Innoprise, near here on Monday.

It is learnt that the Prime Minister would also visit the Permanent Site for Food Production at Batu 15, Jalan Apas before the breaking of the fast.

Musa said Najib was expected to return to Kuala Lumpur on the same night.

-- BERNAMA

SAFE way to protect forests in Sabah
Wednesday September 9, 2009
By RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: One of the biggest tropical forest research projects in the world is set to take off in Sabah next year.

The project, Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems (SAFE), would be jointly carried out with Britain’s Royal Society and the state Forestry Department.

It would, among others, look at the ecological stability of fragmented forests of different sizes and their suitability to support various types of wildlife.

“This is among the elements of professionalism being introduced in the management of forests, including those under Yayasan Sabah,” department director Datuk Sam Mannan said yesterday.

He added that other efforts included imposing reduced impact logging (RIL) for all timber harvesting in natural forest management areas beginning next year.

Mannan said the department was also introducing a high-tech approach in keeping track of log movements from the jungle to the processing mills by using the radio frequency identification system.

Under the present state government, more Yayasan Sabah concession areas had been set aside for conservation efforts including 241,000ha, about 10 times the size of Penang island, he said.

Mannan said the state government was progressively increasing its totally protected forests beginning with the Danum Valley covering an area of nearly 44,000ha in 1995 to the Maliau Basin, in- volving an area of nearly 59,000ha in 1997.

Other Yayasan Sabah areas that are protected from this year are Nurod Urod in Kalabakan totalling 1,705ha and Imbak Canyon covering an area of some 16,750ha.

Ex-PM on Sabah's potential
Published on: Friday, July 24, 2009

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Tawau: Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Sabah has huge potential which could be developed to spur the economy.

He said Sabah's rich natural resources including its flora and fauna has made the State attractive for economic development activities.

"I have faith in the Sabah Cabinet. Plans can be implemented provided there is cooperation and unity," he said at a dinner to honour him and wife Tun Jeane Abdullah here, Thursday.

Abdullah who is Adviser to the National Development Corridor said everyone should work hard and play their role to make their wish a realisation.

He said to realise this, focus should be made on developing human capital just like when he was the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman paid respects to Abdullah who helped Sabah a lot when he was the PM, particularly in implementing the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

"He (Abdullah) is a leader concerned with development of human capital, poverty eradication and strengthening the agriculture sector," he said.

Aye to sports school in S’wak
Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Officials say high time to press for federal assistance to realise dream

KUCHING: Is there a need for Sarawak to have a national-type sports school to keep up with the times and meet the state’s aspiration to become a sports powerhouse?

Several sports officials said it was high time to press for federal assistance to set up a sports school here.

Bukit Jalil is the first sports school in the country while Bukit Penawar in Johor is the second.

Sabah is going to have one but for Sarawak, there is still no official word on setting up one so far.

By definition, a sports school is a multi-million-ringgit entity funded by the federal government that provides facilities such as rubberised tracks, football fields, astroturf hockey pitches and even swimming pools within the school or its vicinity like Bukit Jalil which is situated near National Sports Complex.

More > http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=58005

Marine patrols to be stepped up in hotspots
By Nigel Edgar Friday, September 11th, 2009

KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) 11th Division (Kuching) will intensify patrols of several hotspots in the South China Sea throughout the festive season.

MMEA Sarawak chief First Admiral Muhamad Basar Abdul Taji said the agency will continue its security sweep right up to the Indonesian border to detect any illegal entry, smuggling or illegal fishing during the festive holidays.

“These illegal activities are expected to increase during the festive season in the belief that enforcement would slow down.

“But (MMEA) will instead step up its patrol 24-7 throughout the festive season,” he disclosed.

MMEA will deploy three boats - Kapal Maritim (KM) Bijak, KM Cekal and KM Semilang. A patrol boat will patrol the waters of the South China Sea 11th Division (Kuching). About 100 personnel will be deployed throughout the festive season.

“We believe that during the festive season, the inflow of illegal immigrants, smuggling and illegal fishing will increase, so we will tighten the monitoring,” said Basar.

A special operation ‘Ops Jerung Hitam’ with the media on Tuesday and Wednesday saw an Indonesian fishing boat with its skipper and two crews detained for allegedly entering the border, and fishing in a no-fishing zone, 12 miles off Tanjung Datu.

The men were detained in a detention centre while their fishing boat and about three tonnes of catch were towed to Muara Tebas jetty for investigation.

If convicted, the skipper can be charged up to RM1 million while the crew RM500,000 each.

Basar revealed that MMEA is also doing a ‘Gerak Saraf’ programme, where the agency will establish rapport with local fishermen and merchant ships.

“We are going to establish close relations with members of the public and regular users of the water to be our eyes and ears,” he said.

Apart from that, Basar said the agency would convey the maritime rules and regulations to increase the safety and get the compliance of local fishermen and merchant ships.

Maritime 11th Division (Kuching) Operations director Commander Roslan Othman said ‘Ops Jerung Hitam’ started on Tuesday carry on until Thursday (yesterday) to cover up to 20 miles off the coast of Tanjung Datu.

“This area is a hot spot for illegal fishing, especially by foreign fishermen,” he said.

Several other operations were also being carried out.

From January to August this year, APMM collected more than RM6.5 million from compounds, fines and confiscated items, revealed Roslan.

He said there were 117 arrests of 64 local fishermen, 11 foreign fishermen, 13 merchant cargo ships, 26 tug boats, and three small cargo boats.

Tambalang course is 80pc ready
Published on: Saturday, September 12, 2009

Kota Kinabalu: Renovation works on the Tambalang Racecourse in Tuaran are already 80 per cent complete and has so far cost some RM10 million.

Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) treasurer-cum-chief information officer, Aven Lim, said the club management committee was given the update during the ground committee meeting at the course earlier this week.

"Diriwan Corporation General Manager, Joseph K.C Lin, briefed the ground committee that they had already spent about RM10 million on the renovation works," he said, Friday.

At the same time, Lim said Tuaran District Officer Awang Shamsi who chaired the work progress and ground committee meeting was informed by Diriwan Corporation's engineers that the renovation works were already 80 per cent complete.

Also at the meeting were the district executive officer, representatives from the Water Department, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, engineers, contractors and representatives from RSTC Ground Committee, Michael Yap Chee Ming, Aven Lim, Tiu Fui Khiong, Chaw Khing Hong, Terence Lee and Annuar Latif.

Lim said RSTC hoped the works could be completed as scheduled since Diriwan is expected to hand over the course to the RSTC on Sept. 19. "But we still need to do a lot of preparations before the first race can be run there," he said.

RSTC would end its 100 years of pony/horse racing activities in Tanjung Aru on Sept. 27 and Lim had said before that racing would be temporarily halted, the latest for two months, as the club had to make preparations at Tambalang.

The club had agreed to shift its activities to Tuaran to pave the way for the Kota Kinabalu International Airport expansion project.

Diriwan, which had been renting the Tambalang Racecourse from the State Government as part of its conditions to run its gaming operation in Sabah, is expected to continue the development of the racecourse under the second phase.

Among these works are the upgrading of certain parts of the stables as well as renovating the jockey mash and racing rail.

Turn Tambalang into among Asia's best circuits: Masidi
Published on: Saturday, September 12, 2009

Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun hoped the revival of racing activities in Tambalang would also see an improvement to the standard of equine sports in Sabah.

"We hope the Tambalang Racecourse can be developed according to international standards where we can see real horses racing and not merely ponies," he said.

Met after breaking fast with the Sabah UiTM alumni at Le Meridien here, Masidi said raising the standards was important in order to attract people, especially tourists.

Furthermore, he said the Tambalang Racecourse had initially been developed for international horse racing.

"The operator from time to time needs to boost the facilities and turn Tambalang into one of the horse racing circuits in Asia that is at par with Hong Kong, Ipoh, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, among others," he said.

Masidi said at the same time, the establishment of a jockey training centre would be in order to produce international-class jockeys.

"The training centre can cater to those from Kota Belud, Tuaran and surrounding areas. In turn they could consider it a career for them and go international," he said.

Asked if his Ministry might consider putting special races in the Sabah tourism calendar, he said at the moment, horse/pony racing is basically viewed as a recreational activity.

But looking further ahead, he said perhaps Tambalang's future development could include something for the whole family to enjoy like a theme park and hotel complexes.

"Of course, there are a lot of different views on horse racing É it is sad it is always connected with gambling.

"But, I would rather see the development of the non-gambling side of it. If this happens obviously it will be easier for use to market Tambalang as another tourism product," he said.

1,251 Bumiputera Trained By Sabah Entreprenuer Development Centre Last Year
September 12, 2009 14:18 PM

KOTA KINABALU, 12 Sept (Bernama) -- Youths, especially jobless graduates, should not rely on the government or the private sector to find employment.

"They should become self-reliant and use their university education to become successful entreprenuers," said the Cultural and Training Manager,

Sabah Entreprenuer Development Centre, Jusli Potoh here.

Last year, the centre trained 1,251 Bumiputera entreprenuers, 836 of them women, on how to run and manage food catering, child nurseries, beauty saloons, tailoring, entreprenuership and contract businesses.

"We will continue with these programmes for the benefit of Bumiputeras entreprenuers in Sabah. Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, an allocation of RM3 million was approved and for 2009 the state government allocated RM1.5 million for similar courses," he said.

Previously, Jusli said the Sabah Entreprenuer Development Centre only received RM47,000, annually, from the state government.

The Ministry of Entreprenuer Development and Cooperative, before it was abolished this year, also allocated RM250,000 to the centre to carry out its activities.

Jusli was speaking to reporters here after briefing 48 participants of a three-day workshop on perfecting production and marketing techniques for honey, chilly padi and lemon grass.

He also asked state district offices to inform the centre if there are Bumiputeras in rural areas who wanted to undergo similar courses in order to become successful entreprenuers.

"We are prepared to go to the ground and help them become self-employed,"Jusli added.

Bukit Bunga RSA Project Under 10MP
September 12, 2009 17:49 PM

JELI, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The project to build the Bukit Bunga Rest and Service Area (RSA), here is expected to begin during the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) after being postponed for the past several years.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the project, which was planned in 2006, had to be postponed temporarily due to several problems including the acquisition of land belonging to the residents.

He said the project, which originally involved an allocation of RM10 million, should have been implemented under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) but a significant increase in cost resulted in its temporary postponement.

"The objective of the project is to provide a more comfortable business area because the existing stalls in Bukit Bunga are made of wood and temporary in nature. They also do not reflect the Jeli identity.

"Insya-Allah (God willing), we will get the allocation under the 10MP so that we can relace the original stalls. In fact, we will expand the business here on a 4-acre plot of land which had just been acquired," he told reporters after presenting cheques as compensation for the land acquisition for the project, here today.

Currently, there are two RSA's in Jeli namely in Gemang and Kuala Balah.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sarawak/SARAWAKMAP_master.jpg

Miri and Bintulu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia.

Three New Townships For Miri-Bintulu Coastal Areas In 10 Years' Time
September 13, 2009 23:42 PM

MIRI, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Three new townships would be developed in the coastal areas of Miri and Bintulu divisions in the next 10 years, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said.

He said the creation of townships in the outskirts of Bekenu, Niah and Nyalau in the two divisions was part of efforts under the second wave of politics of development in the state.

Speaking at the opening of the Al-Jabbar Mosque in Sepupok, Niah, about 115km from here, tonight, Taib said the new township development would greatly change the landscape of the coastal areas involved within the next decade.

"Nyalau in the northern part of Bintulu Division has been identified as one of the sites for this development as it is close to the proposed Samalaju Industrial Area in Similajau, which has already attracted foreign investments.

"All these projects are planned to mobilise the people in the state to progress together into realising Vision 2020," he added.

-- BERNAMA

10-year rural development road map for Sarawak
Sunday, September 13th, 2009

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A SOUVENIR: Bada (left) presents a souvenir to
Jabu as Dr Rundi (second right) and Ngenang look on.

BATU NIAH: The state government is to put up a 10-year development road map to accelerate the progress of rural and coastal Sarawak, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said yesterday.

He said the effort among other things would entail consolidating data from all state assemblymen and members of parliament.

Jabu said this when launching the Suai Tuai Rumah Association at the Niah National Park headquarters.

“We are putting together a 10-year rural development agenda towards Vision 2020, and the list would be submitted to Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafiee Apdal and our chief minister who wants to see it speeded up,” he said.

Jabu, who is Rural Development Minister, said he would be calling all assemblymen and MPs to compile a list of government programmes including e-Kasih and e-Cari.

He added that road, water and electricity needs in their respective areas would also be in the list. The representatives’ list would be compared with that in the resident and district offices and it would be completed by the end of this year, Jabu said, advising longhouse chiefs to be actively involved. The deputy chief minister said outsiders did not understand the realities in Sarawak, including requesting Sarawak to take a leaf from Penang on rural development.

“Penang’s budget is RM600 million a year, while Sarawak needs over RM3 billion,” he said.

On the association, he said it was a channel for the village development and security committees to forward issues and plans to the government, and village chiefs.

“Headmen, as chairman of village committees, must look at how SCORE will benefit those under the charge,” he said, adding that among other things they should also come up with good ideas.

Jabu also advised longhouse communities against instigations from outsiders which could destroy the prevailing peace and harmony in the multi-racial society.

He also stressed all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should refrain from attacking each other.

“Unity is the key for us to implement policies and programmes to assist the people,” he added.

Earlier, association chairman Boniface Bada, in his speech called for unity and support, while urging the state government to consider abolishing the oil palm sales tax which was a burden to smallholders.

Kemena assemblyman Dr Stephen Rundi, who is also state BN secretary general, as advisor to the association urged members to strive for a cohesive and dynamic spirit in line with its objectives.

“Don’t allow cracks and leaks to set in as disunity is like cancer which will eventually lead to the death of an organisation or community,” Dr Rundi added. Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, Miri Resident Dr Ngenang Jangu, Miri District Officer Boniface Intang, a political secretary to the chief minister Watson Bangau and a successful Penan entrepreneur Datuk Hasan Sui were among those present.

During the function, Jabu pledged a RM10,000 grant for the association for next year in addition to Dr Rundi and Aidan’s approval of minor rural project (MRP) grants of RM5,000 each.

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4 acres for the Mazu
Published on: Sunday, September 13, 2009

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Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has, in principle, approved a four-acre site along Pantai Bak-Bak, about eight kilometres from Kudat town, to Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Hainan Sabah & Labuan for the construction of a Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) statue.

State Land and Survey Department Director, Datuk Osman Jamal, handed over the letter of approval to the association's President, John Lim, witnessed by State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, at a ceremony at Le Meridien, Saturday.

It stated that the letter of offer for the transfer of land to the association would be issued once the cancellation of that piece of Pantai Bak-Bak land reserve had already been implemented and gazetted.

The association is, nevertheless, permitted to enter the land and start the initial development of the project.

Thanking the State Government for the approval, Lim said the association would soon set up a fund-raising sub-committee and proposed that it be headed by Datuk Albert Lim.

He also hoped the State Government would be able to contribute to the association financially to ease its burden. The association would require an initial funding of more than RM1million to kick-start the project.

Efforts by the Thean Hou Charitable Foundation to set up the initial Mazu statue project near the Golf Course were dealt a blow when the State Government stopped the project when the statue was about to go up following objections from the Muslim community there.

Foundation Chairman and ex-Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat then pursued the matter through the court but faced another stumbling block when the court deemed that his Foundation was not registered with the Registrar of Societies. The Foundation has filed an appeal.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman then offered an alternative site for the project which was taken up by the Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Hainan Sabah & Labuan.

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Semporna is a town located in Tawau Division, in the east coast of Sabah,


Semporna's first residential pre-school soon
Published on: Sunday, September 13, 2009

Semporna: A boarding school for pre-schoolers worth RM2 million will be built next year for poor children from the islands around Semporna, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

He said upon completion, the first-of-its-kind boarding school in this country would be able to take in 80 children at a time.

The boarding school, he said, was an effort to provide education opportunities to island children like those enjoyed by their urban counterparts.

"We know how difficult it is for most of the parents to send their children to pre-school because some islands are very far and require a long journey by boat. To facilitate pre-school education for their children, we are building a RM2 million hostel.

We feel there is a need for it here and we will set up more should it be required in other places, depending on our financial capacity," he said.

Shafie said the hostel was like any other, offering food, learning facilities and tuition to its boarders, adding that parents were welcome to visit their children weekly to find out their progress.

MLabs in Sabah bioethanol venture
Published: 2009/09/15

MLABS Systems Bhd (0085) inked a deal yesterday with Next Gen Biosciences Sdn Bhd and Grand Inizio Sdn Bhd to build a bioethanol processing and production plant in Sabah, and cultivate suitable crops to provide supply to the plant.

The plant will have a capacity to produce bioethanol of 100,000 tonnes per year.

Under the memorandum of agreement, the three companies will form a joint-venture (JV) company held in such proportions as may be agreed.

"The three companies have agreed and accepted that investors from China will be introduced and will enter into off-take agreements with the JV company to be formed," said MLabs, adding that it is in advanced talks with a Chinese government-linked company to sell shares in the JV company.
In its filing to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, MLabs said it will identify the suitable location for the building of the bioethanol plant and to cultivate suitable crops, estimated to measure some 10,000ha.

The company will also help in finding the funds to buy the land for the proposed plant and will take the lead in all discussions and negotiations with all investors from China.

Next Gen, meanwhile, will contribute its expertise and input in the production and processing of bioethanol and to ensure the bioethanol produced meets the standards, quality and specifications required.

It will source and procure the supply of raw materials including off-takes required for the production of bioethanol including to identify the ideal crop(s) and to acquire the supply of the same.

Grand Inizio will be responsible for the technology and technical matters of the proposed bioethanol plant.

Sabah's Poverty Index Dips Significantly After Formation Of Malaysia
September 14, 2009 10:49 AM By Newmond Tibin

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- People in Sabah have experienced marked progress in terms of development and life quality after the state gained independence by joining the Federation to form Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

Before, many in the state were living below the poverty line but now the situation has significantly changed with those categorised as poor and hardcore poor have been drastically reduced in their number.

Based on the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), the poverty rate in Sabah has dropped to 16 per cent as compared to 23.0 per cent in 2004. As for the hardcore poor in the state, their number has declined significantly to 3.7 per cent in 2007 as against 6.5 per cent in 2004.

This marked drop in the poverty rate showed the state government's efforts and determination to resolve issues faced by the people particularly the lower income group who live in the rural areas and interiors of the state.

Hence, it is no surpsrise that the Sabah government expected to completely eradicate the harcore poverty issue by the year 2020.

Sabah Minister for Rural Development Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin talked about this issue in an interview with Bernama journalist Newmond Tibin.

The following is the interview.
More> http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=440217&cat=sbe

PM: Government on track to eradicate hardcore poverty
Monday September 14, 2009
By SIMON KHOO

PEKAN: The Government is committed and on track to eradicate hardcore poverty in the country by 2010, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Najib said many policies and programmes to help the poor and needy such as e-kasih, involving some 45,000 poor households, had been put in place and implemented.

“We are moving towards the target and are confident of achieving our long-term objectives.

“The only setback perhaps is the emergence of new poor families but the situation will be reviewed and updated in our records from time to time,” he said when met after handing out aid to several old and underprivileged people in Kampung Padang Jaya, Kampung Seri Damai and Kampung Bentan near here recently.

Najib, who is also Pekan MP, later visited occupants of houses that were damaged in a freak storm.

There were 28 houses in Kampung Panchor, Kampung Pulau Enjin, Kampung Pahang Tua, Kampung Pulau Jawa and Pekan Lama affecting 84 residents and involving losses estimated at RM44,434.

Besides the houses, several buildings such as the Saadah palace, royal mausoleum, a mosque, a surau and SM Agama Tengku Ampuan Fatimah were also damaged, resulting in losses valued at RM240,000.

“We will make sure those in need receive assistance from the Welfare Department and Yayasan Rahah,” said Najib.

He said visiting constituents was the best way to interact with the people, find out their problems and how to help them.

Meanwhile, storm victim Mohd Sabri Osman, 42, said when the incident occurred, he was away at work.

“My wife was alone in the house when suddenly water started to seep into the living room.

“Within minutes, our roof was blown 50m away by strong wind,” he said, adding that their two children, aged 15 and 14, were residing at their school’s hostel.

Mohd Sabri said he was grateful that his predicament attracted the attention of Najib and the contribution would help lessen his family’s burden.

Pirate taxis identified in six towns in Sarawak
Monday September 14, 2009

KUCHING: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has identified six towns in Sarawak with pirate taxis operating rampantly, including those that offer transport to Brunei and Kalimantan.

Its director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said the towns were Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

He said the department and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) would take action against the pirate taxis in these towns as a start.

The steps to be taken would include enforcement officers going undercover and posing as passegers to nab the owners of the illegal taxis, he told a news conference at the department’s state headquarters here

He said JPJ and CVLB would also hold dialogues with such operators to encourage them to turn legitimate.

“From our investigations and monitoring, we have identified 723 pirate taxis in 12 towns in Sarawak,” he said.

Pirate taxis are vehicles registered as private vehicles but used to ferry passengers for a fare.

Meanwhile, CVLB is instructing all metered taxis in Sarawak to comply with the new fare rate enforced since Aug 1 although they have submitted a memorandum asking for a revision of the rates.

Sarawak CVLB director Wan Samsulri Wan Hasbi said CVLB was open to suggestions but the new fare rates had been agreed upon by the taxi assocations before being implemented.

“We had a meeting with various taxi assocations and we advised them to comply with the new rates before making assumptions or jumping to conclusions that the new rate would cause them to incur losses,” he said.

He added that CVLB would hold a meeting with taxi owners after Hari Raya Aidilfitri to resolve the matter.

In Sarawak, there are about 900 metered taxis but the new rates are only implemented in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

The rest of the state is not bound by it.

Last Tuesday, Solah was reported as saying that metered taxi owners in Sarawak, Sabah and Penang had yet to modify their meters to reflect the new fare rates for fear of incurring losses. — Bernama

Identify hardcore poor in respective areas, leaders told
By Othman Ishak Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

SIBU: Community leaders such as penghulus and village headmen as well as Barisan Nasional leaders have been strongly urged to identify hardcore poor families and individuals in their respective areas.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, stressed that only through concerted efforts by all parties at all levels could these poor people be known by the authorities and given help accordingly.

He was speaking at ‘Majlis Sambutan Rahmat Ramadan Peringkat Majlis Kebajikan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat (Mayang)’ for Sibu parliamentary constituency held at MUC Hall by Jasmine Road, recently.

A total of 100 persons which included handicapped, orphans, single mothers, senior citizens, Muslim converts, and hardcore poor received Ramadan donations from Mayang at the function.

He explained that if they found any family with income less than RM830 a month, they ought to submit the name and other details to the authority concerned so that measures could be taken to assistance for them from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

Lau said this is in line with efforts of the government to make sure that the hardcore poor could benefit from the country’s development.

On the contributions from Mayang, he hoped that they could bring cheer and joy to the recipients during the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Nangka assemblyman Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah was among those present at the function.

Sabah still needs extra RM10b for new roads
15th September, 2009

RANAU: Sabah is still in need of an additional RM10 billion to upgrade and construct new roads, said Rural Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Ebin.

He said although the federal government had approved RM4 billion for road construction and repairs in Sabah and Sarawak, the amount is far from sufficient.

“This is still not enough to meet the demand”, he said while acknowledging however that both the state and federal governments are committed in wanting to meet the people’s needs.

Speaking during a meeting with villagers of Kg Mansalu and Kg Tundagon here yesterday, Ewon stressed the need for better roads in the state for they form the basic channel for other types of development to be distributed particularly in the rural areas.

Also present were Ranau MP Datuk Siringan Gubat, Kundasang assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunsalam as well as state and federal government officers.

Earlier, Siringan approved an allocation of 50 chairs to Kg Mansalu community hall. The leaders also presented two pesticide sprayers and a grass-cutter each to the villages.

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Sibu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia.

State Government To Replace 37 Aging Bridges In Sibu
September 14, 2009 16:23 PM

SIBU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Thirty-seven aging bridges in the Sibu Division will be replaced with permanent structures in the next three years.

State environment and public health minister Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh said some of the bridges were either built by the Sibu Municipal Council or the Sibu Rural District Council, about two decades ago.

"We need to replace them for public safety. The move (to replace the bridges) will cost the government between RM2.5 million and RM3 million a bridge, inclusive of, in some cases, private land compensation," he said.

Wong was speaking to reporters after an inspection tour of some of the bridges Monday.

He said the replacement project would be done in two phases and seven bridges, all in the Sibu district, would be replaced under the first phase.

On the 82km trunk road connecting the town to Tanjung Manis, the site of, among others, the country's largest halal food hub, Wong said it was now 90 per cent completed.

It would be ready by February 23, next year, he added.

On roads, Wong said the government would spend about RM20 million to upgrade several roads here, right up to the Tanjung Manis Road, over a distance of about 8.6km by next year.

He said, this was necessary in view of the increasing traffic volume and the advent of new residential areas.

Proposed Mada plan for canal to cost RM1bil
Wednesday September 16, 2009 By EMBUN MAJID
Photo by G.C. TAN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/16/north/kilangver.jpg

RM6.3m for Mada farmers: (Front, from second left) Mahdzir, Mohd Johari and
Abdul Rahim together with recipients of the flood aid holding their respective
mock cheques at Mada Kepala Batas in Alor Setar yesterday.

THE Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) is preparing a working paper for the construction of northern and southern diversions of the Mada water canal to allow easy access of water for the farmers and to control floods.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said the project would cover all Mada areas in Perlis and Kedah.

“The project will cost about RM1bil.

“Mada is still compiling data for the working paper,” he told newsmen after presenting aid totalling RM6.3mil to 5,821 Mada farmers who suffered losses due to floods in October last year.

He hoped the project would be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Among those present at the function were Mada chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Mada general manager Datuk Abdul Rahim Salleh.

Mada paid RM573 for each hectare of damage plot.

Mohd Johari said Mada areas had been hit by floods six times between 2003 and this year.

He said as short-term measure to reduce the flood impact, Mada had been deepening its water canals.

Mohd Johari said Mada needed to have its own rice mill to strengthen the agency as the major rice producer in the country.

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Sibu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia.

RM78m for flood mitigation
Wednesday September 16, 2009

SIBU: The drainage system here is set for upgrading under five projects in a comprehensive plan to alleviate the flood problem.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said the upgrading involved Sungai Antu, Sungai Nangka and the Loba Lembangan-Oya road, along with the construction of two pumping stations, a water retention pond and river dredging works at Ang Chui Kow and Loba Lembangan.

“The projects are intended to reduce floods in the town before the building of flood bunds under the 10th Malaysia Plan,” he said.

He said the five projects were provided for through an allocation of RM78mil under the Second Economic Stimulus Package.

On the Sibu Town Flood Mitigation Project, Uggah said the first phase involved the raising of Upper Lanang and Alan roads, the construction of two pumping stations and upgrading of culverts.

Work started in February this year and is scheduled to be completed in February 2012.

RM137mil was allocated for the project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Uggah said the setting up of a telemetry system for flood monitoring of Rajang River and Sarawak River in Kuching, among the projects under a RM215mil flood-mitigation allocation for the state, should be completed by January next year. — Bernama

Road link soon: Blikau
Wednesday 16 Sep, 2009

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Deserted street of Song after 4 pm.

SONG will definitely be linked with Kanowit and Sibu once there is enough fund to start building the road, says Katibas State Assemblyman Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan.

"At the moment, there is a 10 km road linking this town with Takan. Plans are underway to extend the road to Ng Musang and Ulu Katibas," he told 'ET in Travel' team yesterday.

He said the government already had a plan to build a road linking Song to Kanowit and Sibu since the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP), and assured the people that he and Kapit Member of Parliament Alexander Nanta Linggi had, and would always voice out their requests to the government during each Parliamentary and State Assembly sitting.

"However, we leave this issue to the top leaders to decide when they want to implement the final linkage between Song, Kanowit and Sibu," he said.
On another subject, Blikau, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities, said he had brought in electricity through Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) to his constituents living along roads leading to Song.

Schools and other basic necessities were also under construction in his constituency, he added.

Nanta, when contacted for his comments, shared the same view as Blikau's, saying there were many other important infrastructure facilities to do and improve upon here apart from the road link.

He said that Song would soon be connected to Kapit by a high tension grid system to be implemented by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), which would be completed in 20 months' time.

"Once implemented, power interruption in Song and Kapit, which now use generators, would be a thing of the past. Power can also be extended to wider areas," he said.

Meanwhile, the womenfolk who were also interviewed yesterday, were all craving for a road link from here (Song) to Kanowit and Sibu.

They all hoped the road could be built as soon as possible for they had been 'isolated' for far too long.

The wife of the late headman of Ng Spadi, Bangi ak Muyang said the government had promised to build the road even when her husband was still alive. �

"I am already very old, and my wish is to see the road built before I too die," she said.

The wife of the present headman, Ngawan ak Ladi, shared Bangi's view, saying that living in an isolated place like theirs was tough.

"Anything can happen during the night and there is not much we can do if someone were in need of medical attention. The nearest health clinic is miles away, and is made worse by the absence of road," she said.

Song is currently served by a government clinic manned by adequate staff but their major problem is lack of medical facilities.

The town is totally cut off after 4.00 pm everyday when the last express boat leaves for Sibu or Kapit.

Grand 46th Malaysia Day do slated for Oct 10
Thursday, September 17th, 2009

KUCHING: A grand national-level 46th Malaysia Day celebration is being planned for October 10 here.

The celebration, according to government sources, was postponed from Sept 16 to Oct 10 because of the fasting month.

The Malaysia Day has been made an issue by the opposition in Sarawak in previous years, primarily because the event appeared to be taking a backseat to the Merdeka Day on Aug 31.

A lot of political rhetoric and legal theories have been churned out by both sides of the political divide on why there should or should not be a celebration and just how big a celebration it should be.

Yesterday, a state Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Dominique Ng, who is also Padungan assemblyman, appeared to have jumped the gun when he said the federal and state governments did not care about Malaysia Day.

Ng claimed that a ‘private’ reason why the federal government had skipped yesterday as Malaysia Day was because Sept 16 is the birthday of former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew “whom many wanted to forget”.

“There may be private reasons (for the federal government) for not wanting to give due recognition to Sept 16. I was told that Sept 16 is the birthday of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the man they want to forget,” claimed Ng after the State PKR organised its version of Malaysia Day at the Central Padang here yesterday.

“But whatever it is, we should be proud of what Malaysia has achieved since 46 years ago and despite what transpired between the country and Lee Kuan Yew and what happened in Singapore,” he stressed.

State BN Backbenchers chairman Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah described Ng’s statement as “both silly and over reactive”.

Karim, who is also chief political secretary to the Chief Minister and Asajaya assemblyman, said Ng was also being childish when he uttered the remark.

“What is important to all Malaysians is that we are all able to live in harmony by respecting each other’s religion and culture. We are free and able to lead a decent life. No point being an independent nation if the people are living in poverty and the country is unstable,” Karim pointed out when lashing out at Ng.

Deputy Parliament Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who is Santubong MP, said Ng’s remark was “silly and childish”.

“One can attribute any date to any thing — good, bad and ugly. But I do not know why Aug 31 was chosen. It dates back to Aug 31 1957. Even that also is not the real date of agreed date of Independence of Malaya. The Agreement for Independence of Malaya is Aug 5 1957. That is the date all Sultans agreed to and signed the agreement,” he said.

In the case of Malaysia, he said the consensus was reached in July or thereabout on its formation.

“That is why the bill for the constitutional amendment named Act of Malaysia was tabled in Dewan Rakyat of Malaya on Aug 16 1957 and the bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) on Aug 18 1957.

“I have not checked why the agreement was signed on Sept 16 1963. It could be due to the long process of the bill into becoming law. It also has to go through the Dewan Negara, Royal Assent and promulgation in the gazette,” he said.

“But one also has to take note of American Independence on July 4 1776 which was the day the American Congress declared Independence and not any date of any agreement with Britain,” he stressed.

“So I think I leave it to the people to reflect on this rather than making an issue out of it. Please note that, unlike the independence of Malaya on Aug 31, 1957, there was no declaration of independence and enforcement of the Constitution of Tanah Melayu. Whereas the Constitution of Malaysia became law when the Act of Malaysia, tabled on Aug 16 1963, became law,”

“When Hawaii and Alaska joined the United States of America (USA), there was no latter declaration”, he stressed. He said one could of course argue that the situation in the USA was different because she never changed name while Malaya changed hers to Malaysia.

“True, but each state in Tanah Melayu had long been recognised as separate legal entity whereas Sarawak had no such long legal history of recognition. Sarawak was recognised only upon the Brookes’ setting in while Sabah was recognised very much latter,” he said.

“So the spirit of Malaysia is that all states are equal under the Malaysian Constitution except that there are special safeguards entrenched in parts of the Constitution and in part remained as historical reminder in the Agreement of Sept 16. That is also one good reason as to why the Agreement was signed after the Malaysian Constitution became enforceable – so that the Agreement could operate outside the Constitution like a Treaty,” he pointed out.

“So in the final analysis, there is no strong justification to demand for National Day to be celebrated on Sept 16,” he said.

But Sarawak and Sabah may by themselves declare holiday on that date and celebrate it, he added.

Ng, meanwhile, claimed that somebody told him that 1963 is also a day which the nation had wanted to forget because of some internal clashes as well as confrontations with the Philippines and Indonesia.

“But whatever happened back then, we should be proud of where we are now, and this we should do by giving due recognition to Malaysia Day and the date Sept 16,” he said.

“I have declared my official office holiday on Sept 16 and this has gone on for three years. I hope the state will declare it a holiday next year onward,” he said.

Ng said he hoped Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would declare Sept 16 a holiday from next year onwards.

He pointed out that Selangor and Penang were celebrating the Malaysia Day while Sabah was observing it by having a public holiday yesterday.

On the small turnout at the PKR-organised Malaysia Day event at Padang Merdeka here yesterday, Ng said: “We hope this would be the last year that we celebrate on small scale.

“As we speak, Penang and Selangor are now commemorating Malaysia Day on their own,” he said adding that state PKR leadership council members Baru Bian was in Selangor while Ngemah assemblyman Gabriel Adit was in Penang.

Ng said the small number of people turning out for the PKR’s Malaysia Day for five years in a row was just a “birth pang”.

He said when they first started “the number of people was only 12 while yesterday, 60”.

Despite the small turn out, the event was still a symbolic one, he said.

“When Malaysia was formed there were 6,000 people here (Central Padang) because it was official. Just because there are 60 people here today, that does not mean it is less symbolic,” he insisted.

He said until the late 1975, Malaysia Day had been a public holiday and this fact was gazetted in the State Labour Ordinance.

“Until 1975, Malaysia Day was a public holiday in Sarawak. I have proof of that. But I do not know what had happened after 1975. Why was it taken away?” he asked.

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Beaufort is a town and a district located in Interior Division of Sabah

Plans to build 2nd bridge connecting south Beaufort
17th September, 2009

BEAUFORT: People can look forward to less traffic congestion in Beaufort with plans to build a second bridge connecting the town to south Beaufort.

A contractor has already been appointed to start work soon on the RM28 million bridge, said Beaufort member of parliament Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin.

Lajim, the Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government was speaking when distributing alms to the elderly and single mothers at the Kabatu Mosque on Tuesday.

The second bridge will be built at the site of the old hospital spanning across Padas River to Taman Melati.

It will lead on to a road that will be constructed leading to Taman Fo Sang and then towards the old Beaufort-Weston road.

There is often traffic congestion on the existing Beaufort bridge during peak hours in the morning and late afternoon especially on Saturdays during the weekly tamu.

Lajim said the second bridge is particularly necessary due to Beaufort’s location midway between Kota Kinabalu to Sarawak and Brunei as well as to Tenom and Keningau.

PM assures Sarawak of higher priority for infrastructure development
Friday September 18 2009
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/37986-pm-assures-sarawak-of-higher-priority-for-infrastructure-development-

KUCHING, Sept 17 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said tonight the federal government would give higher priority in terms of allocation for infrastructure development in Sarawak currently and under the 10th Malaysia Plan period (2011 to 2015).

He said the government wanted infrastructure such as roads and electricity and water supply to be implemented more extensively so as to bridge the gap in the facilities between Peninsular Malaysia and the state.

“In observing the Malaysia Day celebration, I once again stand before you as the head of government to say that we will bring more progress to Sarawak, in a fair and just manner,” he said in his address at a breaking of the fast at the Jamek Mosque in Petra Jaya, here.

Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, joined about 5,000 people of various communities at the function.

Najib said the government would continue to step up efforts to uplift from poverty 45,000 hardcore poor nationwide on the E-Kasih list of the Prime Minister’s Office.

“We also want to implement a major change so that Malaysians, regardless of whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, are able to enjoy development. In this present age, poverty is not seen in terms of income only but also in the context of technology, skills and spirit,” he said.

“The government will continue to champion all these,” he said, adding that Islam demanded fairness, which was the basis of the 1 Malaysia concept, not only among Muslims but also for non-Muslims as that was the true Islam.

Najib said the people should be thankful because in the history of the country Muslims had been able to perform deeds to God because of the prevailing peace and their strong faith compared to those in countries without peace such as Iraq where mosques, markets and settlements were often the scenes of bomb explosions.

The prime minister thanked the non-Muslim leaders of Sarawak for having attended the function, saying it reflected the 1 Malaysia concept and helped to strengthen solidarity among the people.

“This is what will help make the concept a success in the effort to realise the objective of one dream, one people and one nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg recorded the state’s appreciation to the federal government for the allocation under the economic stimulus package to improve the infrastructure in the state.

“Under the leadership of Najib, Sarawak will continue to contribute towards making the country more prosperous, peaceful and progressive,” said Abang Johari, who represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the event. – Bernama

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Sibu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia.

New bridges for Sibu division
Friday September 18, 2009

SIBU: Thirty-seven aging bridges in Sibu Division will be replaced with permanent structures in the next three years.

State Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said some of the bridges were built by Sibu Municipal Council or Sibu Rural District Council about two decades ago.

“We need to replace them for public safety. The move will cost the state between RM2.5mil and RM3mil per bridge, including compensation for private land in some cases,” he said.

Wong was speaking to reporters after an inspection tour of some of the bridges.

He said the replacements would be carried out in two phases and seven bridges, all in Sibu district, would be replaced under the first phase.

On the 82km trunk road connecting Sibu to Tanjung Manis, the site of Malaysia’s largest halal food hub, Wong said it was 90% completed.

It would be ready by Feb 23 next year, he added.

Wong said the state would spend RM20mil by next year to upgrade several roads from Sibu to the Tanjung Manis road, a distance of 8.6km.

This was necessary in view of rising traffic and the opening of new residential areas, he said.

More money for S’wak, Najib assures
Friday, September 18th, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=58394

KUCHING: The federal government last night pledged that Sarawak will receive more for money its infrastructure development now and also in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he wanted to see greater development happening in Sarawak as a means to narrow the economic gap between East Malaysia and the peninsula.

“We want to lessen the gap between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia through such efforts and by providing more allocations to ensure that amenities like electricity and building of roads is given more priority now and in the 10th MP. Definitely, Sarawak will receive more allocations in this way because this is one of the top agenda of the government,” he said during the ‘Breaking of Fast with the Prime Minister’ at Masjid Jamek in Petra Jaya here.

Najib said the nation was also working towards eradicating poverty and was pleased to note that by the end of next year, the livelihood of 45,000 people who had been listed in the ‘E-Kasih’ programme would improve and they would no longer be labelled as hardcore poor.

He said this was being done through providing a good social safety net that covers all Malaysians, be they in the peninsula or in East Malaysia.

He stressed that the government wanted to bring about a positive change capable of benefiting both the Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia in concurrent with these changing times.

He said government efforts were not only about improving the income level but also the people’s ability to absorb new technology, knowledge and skills.

Najib said for all this to happen, each and everyone needed to have an inner strength to be able to come together, unite and cooperate for the betterment of the nation.

He said Malaysians should be grateful that they were able to live in harmony and have the freedom to practise their respective religion without fear of discrimination.

He said some countries like Iraq for instance did not have the luxury to do so and the people there had to endure rampant bombings even during happy occasions like weddings, he said.

On Ramadan, the premier said this was an opportunity for all Muslims to turn over a new leaf and improve themselves as this holy month instilled positive values.

He said Ramadan was not just about fasting but was also to train them to improve their physical and mental being so that they would have a healthy mindset to face any form of challenges.

“I stand here before you as the leader of this government to tell you that we will have more progress for Sarawak and we will ensure that all will be carried out fairly because that is what Islam teaches us.

“To be fair to both Muslims and non-Muslims, and this is what our 1Malaysia concept is all about…to strengthen unity among Malaysians by being fair,” he said.

Earlier, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, who was representing Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, assured that Sarawak would continue to contribute to the progress of Malaysia.

He said while the state was grateful to receive more allocations under the various economic packages, and also projects, Sarawak still required more assistance to develop its infrastructure to be at par with the rest of the Malaysian states.

He said he was proud to say that despite the disparity, Sarawakians had never failed to practise the 1Malaysia concept and that there had always been good cooperation between all the various races in the state.

“In fact in Sarawak Muslims and non-Muslims work as a family. Just recently, a mosque in Batu Niah was built through the cooperation of both the Muslims and non-Muslims and even the building committee chairman was a non-Muslim,” he revealed.

He said this was how the people of Sarawak, who cherished unity, went about their lives.

Johari also conveyed Taib’s appreciation to the federal government under Najib’s leadership for its constant support in the development of the state.

He said Najib’s presence here last night showed how much the premier cared for Sarawak and that he was indeed a leader who had the people at heart.

Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor broke fast with some 5,000 people at Masjid Jamek and also performed the evening prayers with them.

Also present were both Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Masing and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman.

Sarawak Requests More Funds To Complete RM3 Billion Centralized Sewerage System
September 18, 2009 17:14 PM

KUCHING, September 18 (Bernama) - Sarawak is requesting additional funds from the federal government to complete the RM3 billion Centralized Sewerage System for Kuching City to treat household wastewater in the city.

Sarawak Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Michael Manyin said the project with three major components namely the wastewater treatment plant, sewer network and property connection would cover areas which are fully developed and densely populated.

"The Centralized Sewerage System for Kuching City project is divided into four packages and it costs RM3 billion.

"I hope the project could be completed soon. However, it all depends on the availability of the money. Therefore, I'm going to fight for additional funds to implement the other three packages," he told reporters after visiting the Sg. Padungan flood mitigation project here Friday.

Sarawak Sewerage Service Department (SSD), responsible for implementing all sewerage-related projects in the state, has been entrusted by the government to implement the centralized sewerage system for Kuching City.

Kumpulan-Nishimatsu-Hock Seng Lee Consortium is the turnkey contractor while the consultants involved are Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and CH2M Hill, a US-based company with a branch in Singapore.

Manyin said Package One of the project, costing RM530 million and covering five major areas in the city, had started in October last year and was scheduled for completion in 2012.

The Package One is 9.35 per cent completed as of August this year.

Presently, wastewater from all individual houses and major institutions in and around the city is discharged directly into drains and eventually the Sarawak River, resulting in environmental pollution.

However, the Centralized Sewerage System for Kuching City will discharge Standard A effluent, which is clean, deemed safe for all water-based activities and meets the Department of Environment (DOE) standards for water discharge into the Sarawak River.

On the RM20 million Sungai Padungan (Phase II) project, Manyin said the project will be completed in August next year and will alleviate flash flooding faced by city residents in several areas.

"The Sungai Padungan phase II project will improve the trunk drainage system and alleviate the flash floods in the low-lying areas along Jalan Mendu, Jalan Ellis, Jalan Pinang and Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan.

"The scope of works involves the construction of around 1,100 metres of concrete drain of six metre to nine metre width, box culverts, reinstatement of carriageway, road kerbs and footpaths," he said.

Manyin said the Phase 1 of the flood mitigation project along Jalan Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui and Jalan Central here had been completed in 2001.

-- BERNAMA

From Malaya to Malaysia
Wednesday September 23, 2009 REFLECTING ON THE LAW
By SHAD SALEEM FARUQI

Sabah and Sarawak brought much land and natural resources with them when joining then Malaya and Singapore to form Malaysia, thus the special privileges they are entitled to.

SEPTEMBER 16 was hardly noticed by Malaysians in the peninsula. It was Malaysia Day – the day in 1963 when the Federation of Malaya joined destinies with North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore to constitute the enlarged Federation of Malaysia.

Evolution: The process of conversion from Malaya to Malaysia was by no means trouble-free. The general election held in North Borneo in 1962 and in Sarawak in 1963, pointed to the desire of the people of the Borneo states to join Malaysia on the condition that their special interests were safeguarded in the new federation.

The governments of the Phili-ppines and Indonesia were vehemently opposed to Malaya’s reconstitution.

They rejected the legitimacy of the above self determination processes. A Tripartite Summit was, therefore, held in Manila which invited the UN Secretary-General to ascertain the wishes of the peoples of North Borneo and Sarawak.

The Secretary-General’s mission spent three weeks in Borneo to conduct a survey and released its finding on Sept 15, 1963, that the Malaysia proposal had the wide backing of the peoples of the Borneo states.

Still, the Indonesian and Philippines governments were not appeased. Indonesia resorted to an undeclared war dubbed “the Confrontation”. The Philippines laid an international law claim to Sabah.

Within the country, Kelantan commenced proceedings in the High Court to declare the Malaysia Agreement null and void. A few days before Malaysia Day, it laid two arguments before the court.

First, it argued that it was a founding member of the Federation of Malaya and as such its consent must be obtained before any changes are made that alter drastically the character of the Federation.

The court rejected this argument. Kelantan had agreed to the 1957 Constitution and in that basic charter, the power to amend the Constitution to bring new states into the Federation was a federal power that did not require the consent of the states.

Kelantan’s second contention was that there was a binding constitutional custom that any major amendment requires the consent of the states. The Court ruled that customs are not laws and are not enforceable in the courts.

Basis for special treatment: In 1963 the Inter-Governmental Com-mittee headed by Lord Lansdowne with then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak as the deputy chairman worked out several constitutional arrangements to guarantee the special position of the Borneo states.

This was deemed justifiable due to a number of socio-political, economic, geographical and legal factors.

> Sabah and Sarawak were culturally and religiously distinct from peninsular Malaysia.

> They were bringing huge territories into the federation. Their combined area of 198,069 sq km exceeded peninsular Malaysia’s 131,681 sq km. Their combined coastline was 2,607 km compared with the Peninsula’s 2,068km.

> They had massive potential resources in fisheries, ports, forests, timber, petroleum, river waters, hydroelectric power and tourism.

> Despite these resources they had serious problems of poverty, illiteracy, lack of infrastructure and under-development.

> The 1963 pact between the Federation of Malaya, the UK, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore was not merely an internal arrangement but an international treaty.

More autonomy: Malaysia’s federal model provides for a heavy central bias. But in relation to Sabah and Sarawak the Federal Government’s powers are not so pronounced.

For example, Sabah and Sarawak are excluded from Parliament’s power to pass uniform laws about land and local government: Article 95D. Sabah and Sarawak are also excluded from national plans for land utilisation, local government and development: Article 95E.

There are special rules about audits in Sabah and Sarawak (Article 112A).

The power of amending the Constitution which belongs to the federal Parliament is not as extensive in relation to Sabah and Sarawak as it is in relation to the peninsular states.

Under Article 161E constitutional amendments affecting the specified rights of the East Malaysian states cannot become law without the consent of the governors of these states.

The legislative competence of the various states is elaborated in the Federal Constitution’s Schedule 9 Lists II and III. Sabah and Sarawak have a Supplementary State List and a Supplementary Concurrent List conferring on them many legislative powers not allocated to the peninsular states.

Financial powers: The Federal Government’s stranglehold over most of the lucrative sources of revenue is not as strong in relation to Sabah and Sarawak as it is in relation to other states.

In three areas Sabah and Sarawak enjoy fiscal privileges that are not available to the peninsular states:

> Under Article 112B, these states are allowed to raise loans for their purposes with the consent of Bank Negara.

> These states are allocated special grants to meet their needs above and beyond what other states receive: Article 112C and 112D.

> Sabah and Sarawak are assigned eight sources of revenue not permitted to other states. These include import and excise duty on petroleum products, export duty on timber and forest produce and, subject to a ceiling, export duty on minerals.

> Sabah and Sarawak are also entitled to earnings from ports and harbours and state sales tax: Article 112C & Schedule 10, Pt. V.

Other privileges: The Federal Constitution is replete with many other provisions for the special position of Sabah and Sarawak.

> Under Article 153, the natives of Sabah and Sarawak enjoy a special position similar to that of the Malays.

> Customary courts and native law are given special protection.

> The High Court has a special wing for Sabah and Sarawak presided over by a Chief Judge for the region.

> In the Dewan Rakyat there are 28 MPs from Sarawak and 20 from Sabah. On a population basis this is very favourable.

> These states enjoy special protection in relation to the use of English and native languages: Article 161.

> The law on Malay Reserve Land does not apply to these states: Article 161A(5).

> The Borneo states have a special right to regulate immigration.

> Sabah and Sarawak lawyers have exclusive right to practise law in these states and in relation to cases originating there.

Forty-six years down the road, not all is well with the Borneo states’ relationship with the centre.

The influx of illegal immigrants and the alleged “naturalisation” of thousands of them are being regarded as violations of Sabah and Sarawak’s rights over immigration.

There are murmurs of discontent about Barisan Nasional’s choice of MBs and governors. Labuan’s federalisation is a sore point.

In the peninsula, there are concerns that integration is being hindered because of restrictions on freedom of movement and the requirement of work permits in one’s own land.

These are legitimate concerns. But one must also remember that in 1963 some concessions were awarded. They must be honoured.

Unity and integration, while laudable goals, must not be forced. They must be achieved within, and not outside, the solemn pact of 1963.

> Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi is Emeritus Professor at UiTM and Visiting Professor at USM.

RM30 mln to upgrade Selangau water supply
By Conny Banji Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

SIBU: The government has allocated a total of RM30 million to upgrade the water supply in Selangau.

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun who brought this good news said the water and electricity supply woes in the area would be resolved as soon as possible.

“This project will benefit the people in and around Selangau,” he said when launching a meet-the-people session at Rumah Mawar Bajut in Kemena on Saturday.

The programme was organised by the Special Affairs Department (Jasa).

Earlier on, Entulu, who is Selangau MP, launched Rumah Mawar Bajut’s road project.

On the Hardcore Poor Development Programme (Program Pembangunan Rakyat Termiskin - PPRT), Entulu said it was only for those listed in the ‘e-kasih’ programme and receive RM60 monthly from the Welfare Department.

He pointed out that the PPRT has two categories.

“The first category is for new house building project that measure 20ft x 30ft costing between RM40,000 and RM44,000.

“The second category involves the repair of houses of the hardcore poor,” he said.

Also present at the function were Kakus assemblyman John Sikie Tayai, Tamin assemblyman Joseph Mauh Ikeh, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Selangau branch manager Dali Merawing, state Jasa operation branch chief Petter George Sigie and Penghulu Thomas Jawa.

More flood mitigation projects in 10MP
Wednesday September 23, 2009

KUCHING: Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) will be working on more flood mitigation projects for its area of jurisdiction under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

DBKU Mayor Mohamad Atei Abang Medaan said these flood mitigation projects were greatly needed especially for the low-lying areas of DBKU which were constantly affected by flooding during the rainy season.

He said DBKU had been allocated RM37 million by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to do projects meant to counter flooding, like widening drains and deepening rivers.

“I met with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas yesterday and he assured that DBKU will receive more for flood mitigation projects.

“I believe that in the 10MP, DBKU will be allocated a bigger allocation although I would not know how much exactly,” he said when met at DBKU Hari Raya Aidlifitri open house at his residence at Jalan Astana here yesterday.

The flood prone areas under the jurisdiction of DBKU include Gambier Street, India Street, Main Bazaar, Temple Street, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Power Street, Wawasan 2020 Street, Carpenter Street, Bishop Street, China Street, Wayang Street and Courthouse Street.

Atei said DBKU also hoped that the government would provide more allocation for building alternative routes to lessen traffic congestion.

He said the present town roads could not accommodate the rising number of vehicles especially during peak hours.

Meanwhile, on poverty rate, he said DBKU had been given the responsibility by the Housing and Local Government Ministry to conduct the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme to help the city’s poor.

Before this, he said, there were other efforts and assistance but they focussed on those outside the city.

“But now, after much study, we know for sure that there are poor people living in the city and what we now plan to do is to help them in a more sustainable manner,” he said.

The programme, according to him, will focus on those residing in squatter areas, low-cost housing projects and villages in the city.

More than 2,000 visitors came to the DBKU open house yesterday and among the notable visitors were the Chinese Consul-General to Sarawak Xie Fugen and Kuching South City Council mayor James Chan.

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sabah/SABAHMAP_Master.jpg

Pitas is a town and a district in the Kudat Division of Sabah

Agropolitan Project To Help Free Pitas From Poverty
September 21, 2009 11:39 AM

PITAS, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Pitas, a district in the northern part of Sabah, is determined to shake off the infamous tag of being among the poorest districts in the state through the agropolitan project, which commenced this year.

Pitas district officer Sapdin Ibrahim said the project involved an integrated rubber plantation on a 10,000ha area in Bengkoka peninsula.

"If previously, assistance was given to plant rubber, with each participant allocated four hectares, now they are also given a unit of house each," he told Bernama.

Sapdin said this year alone, the government allocated RM72 million to provide infrastructure such as houses, road and electricity and water supplies under the project.

Twenty coastal villagers would also be turned into an aquaculture centre involving 260 participants, he said.

He said that there were signs of improvement as the number of hardcore poor households in the district had declined from 2,381 two years ago to 1,491 at the moment.

Pitas, which is about three hours by road from Kota Kinabalu, has 194 villagers and a population of 40,000.

-- BERNAMA

Longhouses to have Internet access soon
Friday, September 25th, 2009

ENGKILILI: Broadband Internet services will be available in several longhouses in Lubok Antu and Engkilili once the Community Broadband project is completed.

Lubok Antu MP William Nyallau Badak said the project was being funded by the federal government through the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry.

Once completed, he said, this facility would enable the longhouses to be connected to the rest of the world.

He therefore hoped that the people in this area would not misuse the Internet.

“The younger generation, especially university graduates, can look for jobs through the Internet. They can also look for opportunities to further their studies as well as to do research on subjects of interest.

“The Internet is also a good way to promote the longhouse to people in other parts of the world,” he said at the Info Bestari programme jointly organised by Information Department and Komuniti Bestari Nanga Bunu at Rumah Empading, Skrang yesterday.

Also present were Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnnical Rayong Ngipa, Sri Aman-Betong information officer Charles Sigat Ason as well as staff from the Information Department and Special Affairs Department.

Nyallau, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) supreme council member, also said he would look into the ugrading of the compounds around the Rumah Empading longhouse.

He hoped he could find a solution towards funding a cement-laying works for the compounds next year.

He also announced grants of RM10,000 and RM3,000 to Nanga Busu’s village development and security committee (JKKK) and its women’s bureau.

Dr Rayong also pledged minor rural project (MRP) grants of RM7,000 and RM3,000 for Nanga Busu.

Keeping the Bidayuh spirit alive
Saturday September 26, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/26/southneast/ms_pg03lavish.jpg

LAVISH: Bidayuh women attired in traditional finery
waiting to receive guests with food and drink.

KUCHING: The Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Ministry has approved the setting up of the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre in Bau near here under the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

It is part of efforts to showcase the Bidayuh history and culture, especially from the Jagoi Bratak area, said Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Datuk Peter Minos.

He said the ministry had responded positively and agreed to help the association with funding to set up the centre in Bung Bratak, originally a hilltop ancestral settlement of 31 Bidayuh villages in the Lundu and Bau districts in Sarawak and Seluas-Singkawang in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“The project is expected to commence under the plan which will start next year, thanks to the interest of Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, whose positive response is very much appreciated,” added Minos.

He said the centre was expected to have a museum, two longhouses and a baruk or traditional roundhouse to accommodate a 100-capacity seminar-cum-conference hall and homestay facilities.

Apart from organising conferences and talks on all aspects of Bidayuh history and culture, the association would promote tourism as well as Bidayuh food, drinks and handicraft, including the traditional kasah mat-weaving, he said.

For the health-conscious, outdoor activities like excursions and walks would be conducted in the area that boasts of two waterfalls and water springs.

He said a number of well-educated people had been born in Bung Bratak, but the area lagged in modern commerce and industry.

“Efforts are being made to remedy this situation and the association will do its part by organising business talks and seminars at the centre,” said Minos, a former president of Dayak Bidayuh National Association.

He said the people had co-operated fully with the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority to develop over 20,000ha of their native customary rights land in Bau and Lundu.

Minos said, with commercial land development, the Bau Palm Oil Mill was established, and this helped uplift the socio-economic status of people who chose to remain in their villages. — Bernama

RM1.5 Million To Repair Houses Of Hardcore Poor In Manik Urai
September 27, 2009 18:49 PM

KUALA KRAI, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the federal government has allocated RM1.5 million to repair houses of hardcore poor in Manik Urai.

He said the allocation made via the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) would be spent on repairing 500 houses.

Each house had been allocated RM3,000 for repairs.

"The repairs to be completed by year end will include roofing and flooring," he said when giving house keys under the Hardcore Poor Housing Programme (PPRT) at Kampung Manik Urai here on Sunday.

Mustapa who is also Kelantan Umno chairman said 45 houses had been built under PPRT to lessen the burden faced by hardcore poor.

Salleh Mohamed, 51, said he was thankful to the federal government for giving him a comfortable house to live in.

"Finally, I get to own a house after 21 years of marriage. I consider this as an Aidilfitri gift to my family."

The rubber tapper with four children said he had waited in vain for 15 years for help from the Kelantan state government.

"Thankfully, my application made in 2004 was approved by the federal government," Salleh said.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak To Focus On Middle East Market
September 27, 2009 15:09 PM

KUCHING, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Sarawak will focus on the Middle East market for its future timber exports, especially as the global economy is expected to pick up by the second or third quarter of next year, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) General Manager Datuk Len Talif Salleh said on Sunday.

He said a delegation from STIDC would be going on a trade mission to Jeddah, Dubai and Oman next month to promote the state's timber products, especially plywood and sawn timber.

"We are confident the economy will pick up (in the second or third quarter of next year) so we must prepare our groundwork so that we are are ready," he told reporters at his Hari Raya open house at Jalan Bako, here.

In terms of value, he said, the Middle East market had steadily increased, registering around RM150 million yearly, but the volume was not big compared to the demand for Sarawak semi-finished timber products.

He said the export markets of India, China and, to a certain extent, Japan comprised 60 percent of the total worth of RM7 billion last year while exports to Europe and the United States were minimal.

"However there was a 25 percent decrease in export value and volume in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year due to the global recession but India, China and Japan sustained us over this period," he said.

As plywood product was the most affected, he said, flexibility, in terms of policy, on cash flow provision was given to local companies so that they could sustain over that period.

-- BERNAMA

Recently The Sarawak State has been divided into 11 administrative divisions: Kuching Division, Samarahan Division, Sri Aman Division, Betong Division, Sarikei Division, Sibu Division, Mukah Division, Kapit Division, Bintulu Division, Miri Division and Limbang Division.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7430/sarawak.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/sarawak.jpg/)
^^Imagine, the size of Sarawak is almost as big as the whole Malaysia peninsula while Limbang division alone is already larger than Perlis, Melaka or Pulau Pinang :ohno:

I just wonder... why there's no such idea to divide the "Giant" States of Sarawak into some smaller Malaysia's states instead of just current adm.divisions?

Ideally it can be divided into 2 or 3 states: :)
1. West Sarawak (capital : Kuching or Samarahan)
2. East Sarawak (capital: Miri or Limbang)
...or with a future additional state
3. Central Sarawak (capital : Sibu or Bintulu)

...anyway it's just an idea, for the better developments of future Malaysia :okay:

Sabah to name islands to prevent claims, says CM
Monday, 28 September 2009 22:49

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will ensure all islands within the state’s territory be named to prevent countries from laying claims over unnamed islands, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said on Sept 28.

“We will make sure that every island in our territory is named. I am sure there will not be any problem as long as the islands are within our territory,” he told reporters after launching the 4th Tourism Promotion Organisation for Asia-Pacific cities (TPO).

Musa was asked to comment on Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s findings that many islands off Sabah have yet to be named.

“There are more than 500 islands in Sabah, mostly small ones, but not all are inhabited. For example, in Semporna, there are 49 islands, but 17 are inhabited,” said state tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

“What we do is use the names given by the village people. For example, Pulau Mantanani has its own occupants. The smallest island near to it is simply called Pulau Mantanani Kecil.”

Meanwhile, the outbreak of Influenza A(H1N1) is not seen as a major threat to the global tourism industry, as compared to the economic crisis, said TPO president Nam-sik Hur.

However, Hur, who is also mayor of Busan Metropolitan in South Korea, urged TPO members to jointly deal with challenges affecting the tourism industry, hence, showing confidence to the world that TPO could emerge as a global tourism organisation.

The biennial TPO began on Sept 28 and will end on Sept 30. — Bernama

Recently The Sarawak State has been divided into 11 administrative divisions: Kuching Division, Samarahan Division, Sri Aman Division, Betong Division, Sarikei Division, Sibu Division, Mukah Division, Kapit Division, Bintulu Division, Miri Division and Limbang Division.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7430/sarawak.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/sarawak.jpg/)
^^Imagine, the size of Sarawak is almost as big as the whole Malaysia peninsula while Limbang division alone is already larger than Perlis, Melaka or Pulau Pinang :ohno:

I just wonder... why there's no such idea to divide the "Giant" States of Sarawak into some smaller Malaysia's states instead of just current adm.divisions?

Ideally it can be divided into 2 or 3 states: :)
1. West Sarawak (capital : Kuching or Samarahan)
2. East Sarawak (capital: Miri or Limbang)
...or with a future additional state
3. Central Sarawak (capital : Sibu or Bintulu)

...anyway it's just an idea, for the better developments of future Malaysia :okay:



^^ no need, despite the size is big, the population is still small and scattered away....

our political structure is different from Indonesia. for Sabah and Sarawak, the state government is much independent and autonomous than state government in the peninsular.

lagipun, setiap daerah kecil sudah ada authority nya sendiri...

^^ no need, despite the size is big, the population is still small and scattered away....

our political structure is different from Indonesia. for Sabah and Sarawak, the state government is much independent and autonomous than state government in the peninsular.

lagipun, setiap daerah kecil sudah ada authority nya sendiri...

^^Thanks for the info. :) I heard that before.

I also experienced some immigration checks -regarding passport matters- when traveling from Sarawak, crossing border to enter Sabah territory (via Lawas). My passport must be stamped though we still traveled inside one country, Malaysia. It happened again when traveling from KL to Miri by MAS. ...Uniquely Malaysia! :)

Get ready for economic boom, Telaga Air folk told
Monday, September 28th, 2009

KUCHING: Villagers in Telaga Air were told to brace themselves for the economic boom in the area with the completion of the esplanade and the federal highway.

Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said both projects were expected to bring in many people to the area, thus providing plenty of economic activities for locals.

He suggested that the locals prepare themselves to engage in activities like selling local products and participating in eco-tourism in the area to increase their household income.

“Here, I would like to advise the people in the area (Telaga Air) to prepare themselves for the economic activities because many people will flock to the area with the completion of both projects,” Dr Rahman said yesterday.

The RM5.2 million esplanade project is expected to complete within this year, while the 31.3km stretch of the federal road at a cost of RM350 million is scheduled for completion at the end of next year.

Dr Rahman said this at a Hari Raya gathering, organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) sub-branch of Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa (PPD) Telaga Air, near here.

Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who is also Santubong MP, was also present.

Dr Rahman also said that it was always the government’s intention to bring infrastructure projects to the people as these would result in many economic spin-offs.

“While, the government is always trying to help the people, the people themselves must act to grab the opportunities,” the assemblyman stressed.

He also said that BN government was mindful of its obligation to help the people who had been supporting the government.

Twenty-eight artificial reefs placed off Pulau Besar in Malacca to boost fish stocks
Tuesday September 29, 2009
By CHEN PELF YEEN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/29/southneast/ms_pg03pbesar.jpg

Ongoing effort: The 28 artificial reefs being
prepared for placement at the no fishing zone.

MALACCA: The Malacca Fisheries Department has built and placed 28 artificial reefs off Pulau Besar at a cost of RM360,000 to increase the state’s fish stock.

The department’s director Rosmawati Ghazali said the 28 soft-bed reefs were specifically designed by its engineering division to suit the local seabed conditions.

“The reefs are scattered over a no-fishing zone off Pulau Besar and are part of the department’s programme to increase fish stock,” she said when launching the programme in Klebang Besar recently.

The department initiated the programme last year when 14 similar reefs were placed in waters off the island about 5km from the Umbai coast, she added.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/homepage/2009/9/29/spotlight_pulaubesar2909.jpg

Man-made reef

Rosmawati said that each square-shaped perforated concrete reef weighed 18 tonnes and stood 3.6m high on a 3m x 3m base.

Meanwhile, State Rural and Agriculture Development Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Hidhir Abu Hasan said the reefs would increase fish spawning by at least 30%.

There are about 143 fishermen who cast their nets off the coast here and they stand get better catches, he said, adding that similar programmes could be found in Terengganu, Perak and Penang.

The move to increase fish stock here was in line with the aim to boost the national annual harvest.

Currently, he said that deep sea fishing contributed 380,000 tonnes, aquaculture 508,000 tonnes and coastal fishermen 938,000 tonnes.

Private Varsities Capable Of Developing Sarawak
Thursday, 01 October 2009

KUCHING, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government is confident that private institutions of higher learning (IPTS) are capable of improving the quality of education in the state as well as producing skilled human capital in various fields.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the education sector, especially in techonology, was one of Sarawak's priorities in achieving developed status.

"Our priority for education is high and I'm satisfied with the private universities in improving the quality of education in Sarawak," he told reporters after a convocation ceremony at the Swinburne University of Technology here today.

The contributions of the Swinburne University of Technology could become an example of how to produce knowledgeable and skilled human capital in Sarawak, he said, adding that Sarawak hoped to expand the university's campus in Kuching with plans to build an additional campus in Kota Samarahan.

Taib, who is also the university's Pro-Chancellor, said the university now had 3,000 students, 18 per cent of whom are international students from 40 countries, and the enrolment was expected to increase to 5,000 in the coming years.

Besides the Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Sarawak also houses another private university, Curtin University's Sarawak campus, in Miri and two public universities -- University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan -- in Kota Samarahan.

Meanwhile, 208 graduates from the Swinburne University of Technology received their degrees and diplomas at the convocation at the old state assembly complex.

(Article abstracted from BERNAMA.)

Sabah

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sabah/SABAHMAP_Master.jpg

http://www.sabahtravelguide.com/images/mapguide/sukau/sukau.gif

Sukau needs RM60m for development
1st October, 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/32303

KOTA KINABALU: An allocation of RM60 million is required to implement several development projects in the Sukau area within the next three years.

Sukau assemblyman Saddi Abdul Rahman said details of the planned projects had been submitted to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for approval.

“I have listed the projects to be implemented in Sukau including electricity and clean water supply, village roads, bridges, community halls and mosques.

“We estimate the projects to cost around RM60 million and we hope the ministry will approve them for implementation,” he told reporters at an Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Putatan yesterday.

Saddi said Sukau residents living along the coastal areas and inland craved for development, especially basic facilities.

“That’s why I’m appealing to the ministry concerned to give priority to these projects to benefit the thousands of constituents in Sukau.”

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal had before announced a RM2 billion allocation for various rural development projects in Sabah within the next three years.

Saddi also hoped that the proposal to turn Sukau into a small township could be realised by 2012.

He said with development in Sukau, the people’s standard of living would improve, hence reducing poverty in the state.

Kedah

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Kedah/MAP---KEDAH.gif

Kulim district is in Kedah

Sungai Karangan Bridge Will Be Repaired Soon
September 28, 2009 16:42 PM

KULIM, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The Kulim district office will soon repair the collapsed Sungai Karangan bridge which connected Mukim Padang Meha and Mukim Sidam Kanan.

Strong currents caused erosion of the river bank which in turn, led to the collapse of the 12-metre long concrete bridge last week.

About 2,000 residents of 20 villages, including Kampung Batu Chong, Kampung Permatang Berangan, Kampung Merbau Pulas, Kampung Kuala Sedim, Kampung Bukit Sidam, Kampung Lesung Tujuh and Kampung Sidam Kanan, use the bridge as a quick route to Pekan Sungai Karangan and Kuala Ketil.

District officer Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad said the natural disaster fund would be used to construct a temporary route this week to assist users who were mainly students.

"Construction works for the temporary road will start tomorrow while repair works will begin, once we have obtained sufficient funds from the state government within the month," Abdul Rahman told reporters after visiting the bridge in Kampung Batu Chong Monday.

The bridge was built with funds from the Kulim District Office in 2003 to make it easier for residents, especially students, to travel.

-- BERNAMA

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Sabah to talk to plantation firms on riverbank reserves
Friday October 2, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Land and Survey Department intends to take a “soft approach” in dealing with errant plantation companies which plant crops right up to the riverbank that are meant as reserves.

Department director Datuk Osman Jamal said enforcement teams would be sent out next year to identify landowners who had ignored riparian reserve requirements and planted trees right to the river edge.

“We will talk to the companies to convince them to roll back and reforest areas along the riverbank so that these could be used by wildlife,” Osman said yesterday after opening a colloquium at the orang utan conservation in Tuaran, some 45km from here, yesterday.

The two-day event to develop conservation models for orang utan within fragmented eco-systems saw the participation by 150 wildlife researchers and plantation company representatives.

He said the soft approach could be more effective than prosecuting errant land owners as one case could take years before it was concluded.

Osman added that the department could only turn its attention on errant plantation companies by next year due to its limited manpower that was now focused on curbing offences like illegal sand extraction and quarrying.

These riparian reserves also figure prominently in a plan to establish “green corridors” to enable wildlife such as orang utan and Borneo pygmy elephants to move between fragmented forests in the Kina-batangan area.

Wildlife researchers have warned that Sabah’s isolated orang utan population in lower Kinabatangan could go extinct in 50 years unless steps are taken to set up the wildlife corridors to link forests fragmented by development.

Plantation Industries and Com-modities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, who earlier launched the colloquium, said his ministry was willing to assist state authorities to work with plantation companies in getting the corridors off the ground.

State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun said a conceptual plan for the wildlife corridor encompassing some 180,000ha of land was submitted to the state cabinet last month.

1.5 million jobs in Sarawak by 2030
Friday October 2, 2009

KUCHING: Sarawak’s second wave of development will create 1.5 million new jobs, said State Secretary Datuk Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

He said this would be made possible through huge investments in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

“Of the estimated RM334bil investments in SCORE by 2030, a lot will come from the private sector.

“The government will also invest significantly in infrastructure development,’’ he said in his lecture at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak’s vice-chancellor and deans awards’ presentation here yesterday.

Morshidi said the state gross domestic product (GDP) was expected to soar to RM74bil by 2020 and RM118bil by 2030 from the present RM23bil.

He added that some 1.5 million jobs would be created by the various industries — like aluminium smelter, steel, glass, oil palm, aquaculture, livestock and tourism.

“You do not have to worry about job opportunities.

“There are many jobs available for you and your children,’’ he told the university’s undergraduates present at the ceremony.

He said they should consider it an “honour to serve” the country and community no matter what type of jobs they would take up.

Morshidi also said graduates during his time found it difficult to get suitable jobs.

He said SCORE’s development would exploit the state’s vast hydro power potential estimated at 20,000MW and coal reserves of 1.4bil tonnes. The electricity generated by hydroelectric dams will be used by the heavy industries in SCORE and for export to the peninsula and neighbouring countries.

The state, he said, now consumed only about 1,000MW of electricity.

Earlier in his speech, UiTM Sarawak campus director Dr Jamil Hamali said the number of recipients for the VC and deans awards had been increasing yearly.

The eights recipients of the VC’s awards (April 2009 examination) were Sharifah Shaneela Wan Achmed Razali, Alesia Sigang Gugkang, Fau-ziah Salleh, Randy Raymond, Awang Dasuki Awang Dol, Azimah Abu Bakar, Christy Elderlyn Libon and Setra Ginsim.

S’wak – land of opportunities
By Puvaneswary Devindran Friday, October 2nd, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=59046

State adopts tagline made famous by USA in line with state’s rich resources

KUCHING: Graduates in Sarawak need not worry about job availability in the near future as the state is carrying the tagline, ‘land of opportunities’, said State Secretary Datuk Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani.Morshidi said the United State’s of America is carrying a similar tagline whose profile fits Sarawak which has abundant resources and is enjoying rapid development.

“America has been known to be the land of opportunities. Well, today I say Sarawak is the land of opportunities. This is clear by looking at our rate of progress and our wealth in natural resources.

“So graduates should not be worried about availability of jobs because by the year 2030, or even earlier than that, we will provide jobs in various sectors particularly through the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE),” he said at the presentation of the University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Dean’s List and Vice-Chancellor Award and Certificates here yesterday.

He said the state government had long before planned a structure of economy that would make jobs available to its people and that SCORE was part of that plan.

Expected to attract an investment totalling RM334 billion, SCORE would open up jobs in various sectors like aluminium smelting, glass, oil and gas, steel, palm oil, eco-culture, marine and service industry, he said.

In terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said SCORE would bring the state’s GDP to as much at RM118 billion compared to RM33 billion now.

He said this clearly showed that employment opportunities would rise from the present 900,000 to 2.5 million by 2030 relative to the current state’s population of 2.4 million and what it was expected to grow to in 2030, which was 4.6 million.

Morshidi pointed out that opportunities in the state were abundant and this was evident if one were to study how much the state had progressed in every term since it helped to form Malaysia.

For example, he said, aside from being wealthy in natural resources, Sarawak’s income per capita is now at RM10,500 compared to just RM660 in 1963.

Even its economy was diversified from just agriculture to manufacturing services, he said.

Having achieved all this in the first wave of development, he said the state government was still not satisfied and this had resulted in bringing on the second wave of development with SCORE included.

He assured that the second wave of development would certainly provide various employment and even business opportunities in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Morshidi advised UiTM students to be an all-rounder instead of just being good in academics only.

Sharing his personal experience as a student and as a working professional, he said it was important to dabble in sports and other co-curricular activities too as doing so would certainly instil useful positive qualities upon a person.

He also said that future graduates might not realise this now but they would soon find out job satisfaction is attained when they contribute towards bring development to the country and people.

“I can tell you that what satisfies and makes you feel good is when you find that your contributions make a difference in the country and the people’s lives,” he added.

Earlier on, UiTM Sarawak campus director Associate Professor Dr Jamil Hamali said that the university had come up with several programmes that would assist the different level of achievers.

He explained that the university had the ‘already there’ for those who excelled, the ‘almost there’ programme for those scoring 3.5 pointers and above, the ‘not there yet’ programme for those below 3.5 point and the ‘new arrival’ programme.

Each level, he said, had a specialised way of dealing with the students to help them achieve better and move up the ladder.

He was happy to note this year’s recipients totalled 551 comprising 533 in the Dean’s List and 18 for the Vice-Chancellor Award. Last year, UiTM had 530 recipients with 512 in the Dean’s List and 18 for the Vice-Chancellor Award.

“We hope that UiTM can contribute to the workforce that’s needed by the state,” he added.

Also present were deputy director (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Dr Fatimah Bujang, deputy director (Research and Industry Network) Associate Professor Dr Rosita Suhaimi and deputy director (Student Affairs) Associate Professor Dr Wan Akil Tuanku Abdullah.

S’wak launches tour package for students in Singapore
Thursday, October 1st, 2009

KUCHING: Sarawak is looking forward to more student tourists from Singapore after the launching of the ‘Breakthrough-Intercultural Communication Enrichment Package’ in the republic recently.The package is a four-day three-night stay in Kuching and the tour itinerary is specially designed with educational elements to enrich the students’ holiday experience.

The tour programme can also be tailored to suit students’ ages.

Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Michael Manyin Jawong, who launched the package at the Singpost Building in Singapore, was optimistic that it would attract students aged 12 to 18.

“We are very enthusiastic about this package programme,” said Manyin, adding that some travel agents and media representatives from Singapore had the chance to experience the package’s itinerary when they came for a familiarisation trip a few months earlier.

The launching ceremony was also attended by Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore Datuk Ahmad Anwar Adnan, Assistant Minister of Tourism Hamden Ahmad, students and representatives from various Parent-Teacher Associations in the republic.

An extensive promotional programme has been planned to promote the package in various schools in Singapore.

AGGRESSIVE CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN OIL PALM PLANTATIONS: DOMPOK
2nd October, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7182/0210_2A.jpg?1254456191

Dompok receives a memento from Borneo Conservation Trust CEO Cyril Pinso
(second left) after opening the Orang Utan Conservation Colloquium 2009
yesterday.

TUARAN: Malaysia has taken a comprehensive approach in developing its palm oil industry by giving focus to the need to conserve the environment despite allegations to the contrary, said Plantation Industries & Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

“As the minister responsible for the palm oil development, I am equally concerned about unfounded allegations that are made by among others, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), regarding palm oil development and deforestation.

“In addition, palm oil is also singled out as one of the primary causes of deforestation, depletion of biodiversity and the displacement of endangered species such as the orang utan.

“In this context, I wish to stress that all the allegations are unjustified,” Dompok said when opening the Orang Utan Conservation Colloquium 2009, jointly organised by the Borneo Conservation Trust, Sabah Wildlife Department, the NGO Hutan, Land & Survey Department and Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) here, yesterday.

Dompok said Malaysia has a very large land area gazetted as forest reserves comprising 56 per cent or more than half of the land area.

“This is a very high percentage compared to other developed countries such as the United Kingdom, which only has 11.8 per cent of land area under primary forest, the United States with 33 per cent and Germany with 31.7 per cent,” he said.

MPOC chairman Datuk Lee Yeow Chor said the palm oil industry in Malaysia had always been a responsible industry, and were constantly policed by a battery of state and federal legislations.

Sabah, with 1.3 million hectares planted with oil palm or 30 per cent of the total oil palm area in Malaysia, is also home to 11,000 orang utans, making it a major stronghold for this species, he added.

As such, Lee said, it was a huge responsibility for Sabah to ensure a healthy co-existence between the industry and the state’s wildlife.

Speaking at a news conference later, Dompok said among the ongoing conservation efforts was to connect forest areas through corridors so that wildlife could go from one forested area to another, thus striking a balance between conservation and land development.

For years, NGOs and the state government have been toying with the idea of a forest corridor that will allow wildlife to move freely from one point to another, notably through riparian areas which is along the river banks.

Dompok went further and said that he would not object if the state government would want to acquire land to allow this to happen, but acknowledged that it might be a complicated matter as Sabah is a huge state.

Lee said that on the planters’ part, they had been maintaining forest sanctuaries within their plantations; so it was just a matter of coordination between plantations and companies to make it work.

Land & Survey Department Director Datuk Osman Jamal said under the Sabah Land Ordinance 1930 and Forest Enactment of Sabah, 25 per cent of plantation areas should be set aside for environmental purposes while the rest would be for plantation.

This showed that the state government had all the while thought of the need to look after the environment, he said.

“The only thing is, the government did not anticipate the movement of rhinos and orang utans, so these (legislations) have not been geared towards that kind of wildlife corridors as mentioned today.

“And we cannot enforce them (planters) to work on (the environmental portion of a plantation) because we are talking about business; what we should do is to come up with a plan to show the movement of the wildlife.

“This way we don’t penalise planters who breach the terms by planting towards the river banks or riparian area but ask them to fund and rehabilitate the place,” he said.

Sarawak to replant land to cut logging in natural forests
Published: Friday October 2, 2009 MYT 6:02:00 PM

KUCHING: Sarawak is planning to replant one million hectares of forest by 2020 to cut the need to log in natural tropical rainforests.

State forest department director Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the state currently had 350,000ha of forest planted with quick growing species like acacia and rubber.

The plantations, he said, were in areas which had been logged in the past, including some denuded areas which have to be replaced with fast-growing tree species.

“By replanting forests, we will reduce the need to log in tropical rainforests.

“The productivity of a plantation is 20 to 30 times more than the natural forest, so in the next 10 years less of the tropical rainforest will be cut by the timber industry,” he told reporters at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) here on Friday.

Len said the state was presently harvesting timber from only 100,000ha of its replanted forests.

This could produce between 20mil and 25mil cubic metres of log for the timber industry, he said, adding that acacia was the most successful species as it could be harvested for the pulp and paper industry in seven years and for sawn timber and plywood in 10 years.

“For pulp and paper, we are looking at a yield of 180 cubic metres per hectare after seven years while the yield for sawn timber and plywood is about 300 cubic metres per hectare after 10 years,” he said, adding that it cost between RM6,000 and 7,000 per hectare to plant the species.

West-East Coast Grid Link-Up Crucial For Power Supply In Sabah
October 02, 2009 10:43 AM
By Haslin Gaffor

SANDAKAN, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The link-up of power grids between the Sabah west and east coasts is crucial for 410,610 electricity users in the state.

Stretching over a distance of 247 km, the power grid line is the longest in Malaysia.

The grid line channels 275 Kilovolt (KV) electricity from the West Coast Grid via the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) substation at Kolopis, Penampang to the East Coast Grid through the substation at Segaliud here.

Since the grid link-up was operational in July 2007, SESB aims to boost power supply in Sabah as the electricity generators in the state can now complement and support each other.

There are five power generators in the state that supply electricity to the grids in the west and east coasts -- the power generating station at Patau-Patau in Labuan, Melawa (Kota Kinabalu), Tenom Pangi (Tenom), Sandakan and Tawau.

SHORTAGE OF POWER SUPPLY

SESB chief engineer Mohd Yaakob Jaafar said the power channelled to the east coast from the west coast via the grid was 50-100 Megawatts (MW).

He said the state's east coast that covers the districts of Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan needed 229.6 MW daily but the power supply generated for the whole of east coast was short of this mark, only at 181.64 MW.

"To meet demand of users, the shortage of some 20 per cent of electricity is met by power supplied from the west coast grid," he told reporters during a recent media visit to the Sandakan power generating station.

He said the grid is automatically controlled at the main intake stations at Kolopis in Penampang and Segaliud at Sandakan. Both of these main intake stations are crucial for the distribution of power in he state's grid system.

Mohd Yaakob said the grid system was fully dependent on the power generated by the five power generating stations and if there was any fault or tripping at any of these stations, then the situation would affect electricity supply in the state.

OTHER FACTORS

He said among the other factors that could affect the grid system were the collapse of any tower used to distribute electricity as well as faults and severance of the major power cables.

"This forced the SESB to impose load-shedding to districts that are supplied with electricity from the grid while repair work on the generator, tower and cable is carried out," he said.

Mohd Yaakob said most of the engines at the power generating stations were old and this was a major factor that caused power disruptions in Sabah.

"We are forced to impose load-shedding when work is carried out to repair the generators as there is no other alternative due to the shortage of other power resources in the state," he said.

He said during the critical periods the load-shedding of electricity was carried out based on a schedule.

OLD AND FAULTY ENGINES

SESB senior general manager (operations) Peter Lajumin said the old and faulty engines at the power generating stations in the state have contributed to shortage of power supply in Sabah.

He said SESB was in the midst of acquiring 40 mobile generators with each unit capable of generating one MW of electricity.

"The generators will be deployed in areas facing critical supply of electricity, mainly in the east coast of Sabah.

"This measure is the short-term approach by SESB to deal with power shortage in Sabah that has forced the utility agency to impose load-shedding exercise," he said.

Peter said currently SESB has 20 mobile generators at its disposal and these generators have been stationed at several districts that are facing critical power situation.

For the long-term approach, an Independent Power Producer (IPP), the Ranhill Powertron 2 is being constructed in Kota Kinabalu. When fully operational the gas-powered station is capable of generating 190 MW of electricity.

He said the IPP was due to be fully operational next year and would add more electricity supplied by west and east coast power grids.

Peter said the government had given the nod for the construction of two IPPs at Kimanis and Papar capable of generating 100 MW and 300 MW of electricity respectively.

Construction is expected to begin in 2013.

OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH

Meanwhile, the effort to generate more electricity in Sabah also focuses on environmental-friendly resources and the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) has been used for this purpose.

In Sabah, there are five biomass plants that proces EFB for power generation. Only three of these plants sell the electricity to SESB under the Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement (REPPA) in a contract for 21 years.

The three plants are Kina Biopower Sdn Bhd and Seguntor Bioenergy Sdn Bhd, both located in Sandakan as well as TSH Bioenergy Sdn Bhd in Tawau.

The three plants provided SESB with a total of 10 MW electricity. The power generated is distributed to the grid to boost supply.

As for the other two biomass plants, IOI and IJM are plantation-owned and generated electricity for their own use.

COAL-POWERED PLANT

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, during his visit to Tawau last Sept 13, announced that the government was willing to turn Felda Sahabat in Lahad Datu as the site for the construction of a coal-powered power generating plant.

Dent Peninsula located near Felda Sahabat has been identified as a suitable site for the construction of Sabah's first coal-powered power generating plant, expected to produce up to 300 MW of electricity when fully operational.

-- BERNAMA

Felcra enhancing steps to develop state's idle land
5th October, 2009

SANDAKAN: Felcra Berhad will step up efforts to develop idle land in Sabah to help address hardcore poverty in the rural areas, its chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nasir Baba said.

He said so far Felcra had developed 9,000ha of land in the state involving 2,015 participants.

“We have planned several land development programmes in Sabah and we hope to get cooperation from the people to take part in these programmes,” said Mohd Nasir.

He was speaking to reporters at a Hari Raya get-together yesterday.

Felcra would launch a new agropolitan project involving the development of two pieces of idle land of about 150ha in Semporna which will be planted with suitable crops.

The project would be implemented this month in line with Felcra’s social responsibility in helping the government achieve its poverty eradication objective.

The first agropolitan project in Pulau Banggi, off Kudat, which was launched in 2007 has started to give returns to the local people, he added.

Mohd Nasir said that public amenities on the island had also improved in tandem with the progress of the project.

Malaysia will protect her bio-diversity: DPM
Published: Monday October 5, 2009 MYT 10:08:00 AM
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: The Government will continue to implement programmes to protect the country’s rich bio-diversity and conserve the environment, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government was also committed to addressing environment-related problems, particularly garbage and solid waste disposal.

“We want to manage these issues well ... . It is still not too late for us to conserve the environment.

“We need to preserve God’s gift to mankind and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate nature,” he said when addressing staff of the Prime Minister’s Department at its monthly gathering Monday.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that greed was also a “great destroyer” of the environment as hills were cut while rivers and lakes were polluted, all in the name of wealth.

He said as one of the top 10 countries in the world rich with bio-diversity, Malaysia was aware of the crucial need to protect its natural heritage.

Muhyiddin also said Putrajaya could be an example to local authorities on how a city can be developed with minimal damage to its surroundings, adding that the federal administrative capital was also a fine example on how to keep the place “clean and green.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said civil servants could also play their part in saving the environment by conserving energy.

“Energy conservation is important not only because of the environment but also to reduce government expenditure.

“The Government is trying to reduce its deficit and we would appreciate it if everyone takes steps to make this happen. Even conserving energy would help,” he said.

Heart of Borneo project beginning to take shape
Updated: Monday October 5, 2009 MYT 1:33:50 PM
By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA KINABALU: The ambitious tri-nation rainforest conservation initiative is taking shape two years after Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei signed a declaration for the “Heart of Borneo” project.

The three nations are now discussing possible common positions as they propose to take another step forward towards institutionalising protection and conservation arrangements in the 220 sq km area that covers nearly a third of Borneo island.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said there was a need for officials of the three nations to revise possible approaches and mechanisms.

Kurup, who opened the Third Trilateral Heart of Borneo meeting here on Monday, said that Malaysia remained committed to the project that would not only benefit the three participating countries, but also the world at large.

“Forests are like the proverbial goose that lays the gold eggs and we must therefore ... protect them,” he said in reference to Borneo’s rich biodiversity.

He said the Federal Government had allocated RM10.8mil to Sabah and Sarawak to implement various projects, including inventories and a survey of baseline information, in Heart of Borneo areas.

He said that Malaysia was also strengthening its existing transboundary conservation efforts with neighbouring countries under the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) in ensuring the protection and conservation of highland forests.

Representatives from Indonesia and Brunei also spoke of action plans taken in their respective areas towards the Heart of Borneo project.

All three countries have worked out their strategic plans of action in the core areas in Borneo, the third largest island in the world.

The trilateral meeting here will be a platform for officials and experts to discuss and exchange information on the management and biological conservation of natural resources.

Terengganu buys SMI products to boost GDP
Tuesday October 6, 2009

KEMAMAN: The Terengganu government is buying products made by small and medium industries (SMI) to increase the sector’s contribution to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

State Rural, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the state would buy all the products of the 2,000 SMI entrepreneurs in the state and sell them at T’shoppe chain stores and other shops.

“We will set up a collection and marketing centre in every district for the entrepreneurs to bring their products for sale to us.

“Products like kerepek (chips), batik and other handicraft will be packed, rebranded and sold at our T’shoppe franchise shops and selected supermarkets,” he said at his open house here recently.

So far, T’shoppe had opened two outlets in Kuala Terengganu and one in Kuala Berang, he added.

Mohamed said that more would be opened soon including one each in Kemaman, Paka (both in Terengganu) and Malacca, as well as five in the Klang Valley and Johor.

He said the move would encourage SMI entrepreneurs to make more products that would subsequently boost the state’s GDP. — Bernama

Sabah gets attention of French, EU businessmen
1st October, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7172/0110_French.jpg?1254371269

Managing director of MFCCI Michel Lozac’H and
Feona Jinu, Honorary French Consul in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is finally in the radar screen of the French and EU business communities in Malaysia when their respective chambers of commerce and industry jointly held a networking session with local business executives at the state capital Tuesday night.

The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MFCCI) has already set up a Sabah chapter since April this year and is headed by Jacques Les Leizerovici, the general manager of Novotel 1Borneo, and the Malaysian EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MEUCCI) to follow suit soon.

Leizerovici told the New Sabah Times that the French business community in Malaysia is taking note of Sabah for its economic stability and political leadership under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman.

With the state’s rich natural resources and fast pace of development, he hoped that the setting up of the Sabah chapter would be a catalyst for the economy, benefiting all parties.

“There is a lot that can be exchanged with Sabah’s raw material and French technology,” he said of the MFCCI as the bridge to match business compatibility. For example, Sabah’s biodiversity and French biotechnology, he said.

He further said that French civil engineering could spur the state to greater heights in infrastructure development.

The MFCCI also helped the French nationals to adapt to life in Sabah, who are growing in numbers, especially submarine experts and technicians based in the state.

Addressing the get-together, Michel Lozac’H, the managing director of MFCCI, highlighted Foreign Direct Investment from France to Malaysia topped RM473 million last year.

The MFCCI assists, advises and serves French companies operating in Malaysia as well as Malaysian companies with intention to expand their businesses in France.

It’s affiliated to UCCIFE (Union of French Chambers of Commerce Abroad) and ACCFI (Association of Chambers of Commerce in France).

The Honorary Consul for France in Sabah, Feona Jinu was among the guests. She was appointed to take over the post from her father the late Datuk Seri Panglima Fred Jin, in recognition of her involvement leading to the release of French nationals in the Sipadan kidnapping episode.

Cyril Tam Hung Wei of TC Capital Resources, a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motors Holdings, was also there to explore business opportunities. Tan Chong Motors is synonymous with Nissan which in turn has French interests through Renault.

Discovery Tours (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, which is controlled by the Tan Chong group, is looking west to expand its business portfolio.

EU-Malaysia Chamber mulls setting up office in KK
5th October, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Impressed with the uniqueness of Sabah from the Peninsular Malaysian states, the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI) is seriously looking into setting up an office here.

“It’s time to address the oversight of the past,” said the EUMCCI deputy chairman, Jean-Francois Jadin, “because Sabah cannot be lumped together with the whole of Malaysia.”

Whilst certain characteristics are national in nature, there are certain issues that are peculiar only to Sabah, and it’s only apt to understand local affairs, especially pertaining to economics and investments, by being close to the ground.

“Sabah has a lot of potential for EU companies but the picture is sketchy as the reality is complex,” he said, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local authorities and interested parties.

By initiating conversations and engagement, only then can the EUMCCI be effective in assisting and facilitating bilateral trade. Through information gathering, it hopes to serve member companies better in providing market statistics and data.

From his experience in dealing with governments, Jadin remarked that Malaysian authorities are generally more business friendly and pro-active in solving problems than the western regimes.

The EUMCCI acts as a facilitator between the European and Malaysian business communities as well as relevant ministries, official representations and other Chambers of Commerce in Asia.

From time to time, it holds regular dialogues with relevant government agencies and key officials to gather and disseminate information to member companies which come from a cross section of industries, representing both Malaysian and European companies.

As the biggest bilateral business association in Malaysia with more than one thousand members in strength, EUMCCI’s mission is to promote, support and develop EU business interests in Malaysia as well as to build trade, commerce and investments between the 27 member countries of the European Union and Malaysia.

Malaysian exports to the European Union amounted to RM16 billion with imports of RM10 billion last year. Being one of the largest economic and political blocs in the world, the EU making up of 27 countries and gross population of 499 million, it’s Malaysia’s third largest trading partner.

The EU is the largest foreign investor in the Malaysian manufacturing and related services sectors for the past eight years. With value of RM41 million to date of accumulated investments in projects, it has accounted for 26 per cent of the total value of approved projects with foreign participation.

Over 70 per cent of Malaysian products enter the EU market at either zero or reduced tariff. It’s a single market with common customs tariff for goods imported into EU. Its combined GDP is approximately 58 trillion in Malaysian Ringgit and expected to grow by 0.5 per cent 2010.

Training centre for engineers soon
Published on: Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Kota Kinabalu: The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) hopes to train young engineers to be better equipped to meet the challenges of the construction world with the setting up of its training centre, near here.

Its Sabah Branch Chairman, Datuk John ST Chee, said the proposed two-acre centre, to be made a value engineering smart building with green engineering characteristics, would be a complex comprising three blocks at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. Green technology will be adopted to make the centre a green building based on several of the six criterion of the Green Building Index (GBI).

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman is scheduled to officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony of the training centre (IEMTC) at 10am on Saturday.

In a statement, Monday, Chee said the centre "also provides us with a bigger place to conduct courses and seminars for our professional engineers.

"Ultimately the proposed IEMTC will be for the training of sub-professionals such as Clerk-of-Works and site supervisors with the intention of raising the bar for these groups to bring about a positive impact on the construction industries especially in terms of quality and workmanship."

The Clerk-of-Works and site supervisors would be issued a certificate to reflect their level of training and competency to be recognised and to be regulated by the local authorities, after the training, he added.

Meanwhile, Chee said the IEMTC has been carefully designed as a showcase of green technology, using environment-friendly building materials and sustainable site methods in accordance with the criteria set out in the GBI.

He urged interested building material suppliers, with modern materials that are environment-friendly with high-energy efficiency, to contact the IEM Sabah Secretariat at 088-259122.

S’wak assured of ‘special attention’ in 10MP
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday assured Sarawakians that their state will be given special attention under the coming 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).“The people here have requested for development because we know that it has not been enough. We will do what we have promised and bring development to the people of the state,” he said.

Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri here, Muhyiddin assured that every infrastructure in the state would be developed and given special attention with bigger allocation.

“It is clear that the commitment shown by our Prime Minister is not only rhetoric, but is also being done as promised. What is said must be done. It is a commitment with a risk, but a risk our Prime Minister is willing to take. That shows how committed we (government) are,” he added.

Muhyiddin, meanwhile, hoped that the Barisan Nasional (BN) in Sarawak would continue to strive to maintain the relationship with the federal leadership.

“Sarawak is an important state in Malaysia. BN Sarawak is an important asset for BN as a whole, and in BN Sarawak, PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) is an important asset for us,” he said.

Muhyiddin said the sacrifices and strong leadership of PBB leaders were proof that they were more than capable in maintaining political stability in the state as well as gaining support from the people.

“This is not a small feat for the PBB leaders but the concept and policies as well as unity among members have proven to be a success,” he said.

Cloud-computing to reduce state’s ICT costs
Saturday, October 10th, 2009 By Lee Ya Yun
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=59602

KUCHING: The state government plans to use cloud-computing to reduce information and communication technology (ICT) cost and attract investors to the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Information Technology) Bolhassan Di said the advantage of cloud-computing is that it will provide companies in Sarawak with a platform to get software at relatively low cost.

“You don’t need to buy software, use the source of software somewhere else in the ‘cloud’, which is owned and managed by somebody else,” he explained during a recent interview.

However, he pointed out that Sarawak would need very advanced broadband infrastructure and a licence to piggyback with international operators.

The licence, according to Bolhassan, who is also Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, would help businesses in the state connect with global players at a lower cost.

It is learnt that the state government is currently negotiating with the federal government to get the licence.

Cloud-computing enables convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

Bolhassan said reducing ICT costs would help to create a competitive environment in the state to attract more investment to SCORE.

He said the basic requirements of any company to invest in an area was low and competitive costs, with SCORE being no exception.

Although Sarawak has tremendous advantages to develop SCORE, he said, the high cost in ICT could be an obstacle.

“The advantage of SCORE is it is supported by the federal and state governments with all the legal infrastructure. We have abundant and cheap power. This is our advantage which the peninsula, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore do not have,” he said.

He explained that with the advantages, SCORE could attract big investors that are hungry for energy.

“What do those companies need? They need cheaper computing cost. However, the current computing platform requires you to buy various software licences such as Windows, which are very expensive,” he said.

He said data warehousing could be a new opportunity to be further developed by businesses in the state with competitive ICT costs.

“You can do data warehousing. For instance, if we have cheap broadband in Kuching, Sains (Sarawak Information System Sdn Bhd) could be a data warehouser, to store or house the data of big companies like Shell,” he said.

The state, he said, had invested more than RM100 million in fibre optics on shore and submarine for the state to be ready for an optical network.

“Only Sarawak has the infrastructure, other states don’t have the kind of network we have. They don’t have the infrastructure ready. We are ready for it and the state government is pushing for it.

“We must move fast to make investors feel comfortable that we have provided the right spot,” he stressed. Sacofa Sdn Bhd is developing the East-West Submarine Cable System linking Mersing in Johor to Sarawak.

Sacofa general manager (tower services) Ahmad Fuad Abdul Kadir said the company is working closely with Syarikat Sesco Bhd to develop fibre optic lines in the state.

“We have a unique arrangement with Sesco. In areas where Sesco has fibre optics, Sacofa will utilise it, while in areas where Sacofa has fibre optics, Sesco will use it. We are sharing infrastructure with Sesco,” he said.

He cited Mukah as an example where Sacofa could use the fibre optic lines installed by Sesco. The line was installed for the development of a coal power station in Matadeng, Mukah.

“Last time, the cost of bringing in fibre optics to Mukah was expensive and not viable. However, with the development of Matadeng substation there, Sesco has put up a transmission line. Along the power line, Sesco also installs fibre optic lines. Mukah now has a fibre optic network. In order for Sacofa to serve the area, we can take from Sesco,” he explained.

He pointed out that the company is proposing that Samalaju in Bintulu would have common trenching so that different operators could share the same infrastructure.

“Common trenching is a term referred to sharing of infrastructure for laying of fibre optic and cables. With common trenching ready, operators like Telekom Malaysia ™ and Sacofa can just use it. All operators can share the same line to serve their customers.

“Samalaju is the area we propose to have common trenching. We proposed to the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to put out common trenching, which would be shaped by operators who wish to lay their fibre in to serve the area,” he explained.

He said Sacofa had submitted an application to the State Planning Authority to build five communication towers within the Samalaju area for the purpose of providing Internet service to its industrial, residential and settlement areas.

On the difficulties faced by Sacofa, Fuad replied: “In terms of obstacles of the construction of towers, land and power supply are the two main issues.”

However, he said with support from the Land and Survey Department and State Planning Authority, the process of getting the land had been simplified.

“Without the power supply, we can’t operate. In certain areas the cost of bringing in power supply by Sesco is very expensive, which has become an issue for the authorities,” he said.

On issues such as radiation, Fuad said according to studies from an international body, the impact of radiation from communication towers was relatively low compared to devices like radio and handphones.

Unsafe Sabah RTD complex may be relocated
Monday October 12, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: The Transport Ministry may relocate the unsafe Sabah Road Transport Department complex which is frequently hit by floods.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Rahim Ismail said the relocation was among the measures being considered as the complex has been declared unsafe.

“An immediate measure that is also being considered is to rent a temporary location for the RTD headquarters,’’ Rahim said after launching a road safety programme at the SK Mutiara primary school here yesterday.

He said funding for a new complex would come under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

In a visit to the state RTD headquarters last April, Rahim was visibly appalled when he saw one of the three buildings sinking while parts of the 5ha site were prone to flooding.

The Malaysian Public Works Insti-tute (Ikram) inspected the buildings, which had never been issued occupation certificates and recommended that the RTD headquarters to be relocated.

The Sabah RTD headquarters is among the three government buildings in the state which have been declared unsafe.

The others were the Queen Elizabeth Hospital main tower and the State Archives building here.

Sarawak Mulls Fresh Look For Its Traditional Longhouse
October 09, 2009 15:58 PM

KUCHING, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is planning to give a new look to its longhouses by incorporating new features that will "add value" to it.

State Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said a seminar would be held soon to gather feedback and ideas from the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu community leaders on the new design of longhouses without sacrificing its cultural value and architecture.

"One of the new approaches we are considering now is the possibility of issuing a strata title for every room so that the owner can use it as collateral when applying for a loan," he told reporters after attending the Sarawak Housing Development (HDC) Aidilfitri gathering, here on Friday.

The present traditional longhouses in Sarawak normally have between 10 and 20 rooms each and these longhouses are usually found in the rural and interior areas in the state.

One common feature of Sarawak longhouses is the "ruai", that is, a common room located in the front portion of the longhouse where most of the activities are being held.

Abang Johari said with the strata title, the owners could get insurance coverage to insure their longhouses.

He said an Iban architect had been given the task to propose the longhouse design and it would be discussed during the seminar.

In addition, he said the new design would not erode the right of "tuai rumah" who is the head of each longhouse.

"Their administrative right will be retained," he said adding that it was just like in the Malay traditional villages where the Ketua Kampung was the head of the village.

-- BERNAMA

S’wak to have first JobsMalaysia centre by next year
Monday, October 12th, 2009

SIBU: The state’s first JobsMalaysia centre in Kuching will be up and running by next year to better cater for the needs of job seekers in finding employment.This was disclosed yesterday by deputy director of the state Labour Department August Buma, who added that it would be manned by at least seven staff.

The centre which also complements the online JobsMalaysia portal is entrusted to handle duties such as organising job fair, providing job and career counselling, said August at the officiating of the Job Placement Programme at the Civic Centre here.

“This will be the human touch of JobsMalaysia as we strive to provide better service to job seekers,” he added.

There are six such centres in Peninsular Malaysia and one in Sabah, he said.

“If everything goes well, there will be one here,” he said.

On the programme, he assured that it would be organised yearly, adding that this year it was organised at a grand scale.

He pointed out that RM4.25 million had been allocated from the second financial stimulus package for the JobsMalaysia project in the state.

Turning to the two-day job fair, he said there were 25 employers participating, and they registered 1,377 visitors on Saturday.

He added 529 applications had been received, while 56 applicants were offered employment on the spot.

Meanwhile, they will organise a similar programme in Kota Samarahan, Marudi, Kuching and Sungai Asap.

Earlier, August likened the placement programme as a meeting place for prospective employers and employees.

He added that this was the right place for those unemployed or seeking greener pastures to obtain information.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Human Resource and Training) Datin Fatimah Abdullah officiated at the ceremony.

RM110 million in subsistence allowance paid to 55,000 fishermen
12th October, 2009

ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) has paid out RM110 million in subsistence allowance or RM200 each to 55,000 fishermen throughout the country up to last month, its chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said.

He said the amount was from the RM180 million allocated this year for 70,000 fishermen who were entitled for the payment.

“The cash payment will go a long way in helping the fishermen. Before the money is paid, we give them motivational talks,” he told reporters when met at an Aidilfitri gathering at the Kedah LKIM here yesterday.

He said there were still many fishermen who were living in poverty, hence the LKIM’s assistance.

Meanwhile, the LKIM complex in Kampung Kuala Kelonchor, Kuala Kedah, which was completed three years ago, will be issued with a certificate of fitness (CF) by the Alor Setar City Council end of this month.

Kedah LKIM director Mohd Noor Had said the RM50 million complex, on a 14-hectare site, would replace the jetty at the Kuala Kedah river mouth as a disembarkation centre.

He said various facilities would be set up at the complex upon the issuance of the CF, including a smaller jetty costing RM2.5 million about 200 meters from the complex.

“With the new complex in operation, all dealings with fishermen, including the supply of subsidised diesel and petrol, will be made available here,” Mohd Noor added.

Rural development main focus of Selangor 2010 budget
2009/10/12

The Selangor government is looking at ways to come up with a balanced budget for 2010, with rural development among its top priorities.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government would push for stable rural development implementation as part of its effort to have all the districts of Selangor to be fully urbanised in 30 years.

"Rural development in Selangor is vital for the future, and as such, various preparations have to be made from now to raise the quality of life in those areas," Khalid told reporters after opening a two-day state Budget 2010 dialogue session organised by the Selangor Treasury, near here, today.

Khalid said the state government was in the midst of holding talks with several relevant parties, namely state assemblymen, local councils, financial institutions, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations to work out a balanced income-expenditure budget for next year.

The Selangor 2010 Budget will be tabled by Khalid at the state assembly sitting in November.

Khalid also said that the state government did not plan to review the state alllocations received by elected representatives for the moment, and would instead find the best way to use the allocations effectively.
- Bernama

Pulau Libaran waters ideal for artificial reefs
Tuesday October 13, 2009

SANDAKAN: The Fisheries Department has identified the waters off Pulau Libaran as a suitable site for concrete artificial reef cuboids to boost Sabah’s fish stock.

Sandakan Fisheries enforcement officer Awang Pakar said that Pulau Libaran was among seven locations in Sabah selected for the programme.

The other areas were Kota Belud, Tuaran, Putatan, Kuala Penyu, Papar and Lahad Datu.

“These high-tech artificial reef cuboids can last for 50 years and boost marine breeding while conserving marine resources for the future generation,” he said here recently.

Awang said that 20 units were placed in Pulau Libaran waters on Saturday. — Bernama

Mysterious Borneo adds attraction to international yachting challenge
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

MIRI: The name Borneo will lure the yachting community to participate in the Borneo International Yachting Challenge (BIYC).“Borneo has a mystical and adventurous image to the outside world particularly westerners. That’s why we are using Borneo in this yachting challenge as the name is known to the world,” said sixth BIYC joint main organising committee co-chairman Datuk Lee Kim Shin on Sunday.

The yachting race has promoted Miri in particular and Sarawak in general as well as Labuan and Sabah to the international yachting community. The number of participating yachts from different parts of the world has been increasing steadily in the last five years, he said.

In the 5th BIYC, over 40 yachts from 13 different countries took part. It is evident that BIYC has a great potential to grow into a truly renowned international yachting event in Asia, if organisers put in more concerted effort to publicise and promote it.

According to Lee, since the introduction of the race, Miri has become increasingly known to the international yachting community. The participants of the past five years have helped promote Miri through their own yachting network.

“I have in fact received a number of e-mails from previous participants, helping promote the event to their friends,” Lee said.

He was confident that BIYC had potential to expand and grow with the inclusion of Kota Kinabalu, a well-known tourist destination.

“Therefore it is imperative that BIYC be made a prestigious signature event and be given due support and assistance by all concerned especially tourism boards and related agencies. It is a significant event that can help promote the tourism industry and bring about economic spin-offs for tourism players,” said Lee who is also Senadin assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication.

Earlier Lee flagged off the participants on the 100 nautical mile Miri to Labuan Passage Race. A total of 27 yachts from 10 countries including Malaysia are taking part in this year’s edition of BIYC. The boats are expected to reach Labuan on Monday.

According to Lee, initially a total of 32 yachts registered to take part in the race. However due to the world financial crisis and other reasons such as H1N1 and weather, some pulled out from the race.

Present were Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai and BIYC working committee chairman Troy Yaw.

PolymerLatex opens RM250m plant in Johor
By Ahmad Fairuz Othman Published: 2009/10/14

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/latex13-2/pix_topright

Germany's PolymerLatex GmbH, a maker of synthetic rubber, has opened its largest and first plant outside of Europe in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

The RM250 million plant is expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of nitrile latex a year and to have estimated annual turnover of US$110 million (RM373 million).

PolymerLatex Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer R. Vinny Bhalla said the company has transferred its overall operation from Germany to the new plant.

Synthetic latex is used to make anything from rubber gloves to tyres and carpets.

PolymerLatex's existing plants are in Germany, Italy and Finland. It closed a plant in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, in the UK earlier this year.

"We will be transferring our global research and development (R&D) for dipping and application development lab from Germany to Malaysia," Bhalla said after the plant's launch by Johor International Trade and Industry, Energy, Water, Communications and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong.

The plant has 84 employees, but the number will increase to 96 once the dipping R&D division opens in Malaysia. Bhalla said that more than 90 of them will be locals.

Malaysia was chosen as it is the largest producer and exporter of rubber gloves, both natural and synthetic. Last year, the country earned RM7 billion from rubber glove exports.

PolymerLatex GmbH managing director and chief operating officer Dr Dieter Hesterwerth said that Pasir Gudang's advantages included the availability of a ready supply of butadiene gas, a crucial ingredient for synthetic rubber.

Among PolymerLatex's top clients in the country are Smart Glove Corp Sdn Bhd, Top Glove Corp Bhd and Seal Polymer Industries Bhd.

Regional clients include Kimberly-Clark Corp, SGMP Co Ltd and Ansell.

Eurocopter Malaysia Plans Aggressive Expansion
October 14, 2009 16:19 PM
http://www.eurocopter.com/

http://www.eurocopter.com/site/res/img/eurocopter-an-EADS-company.png

PETALING JAYA, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Eurocopter Malaysia will aggressively expand its operations and inject additional investments into its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, president Pierre Nardelli said Wednesday.

He said that so far, the company had invested more than RM40 million for its facilities in Malaysia.

"We do not see any impact from the global economic slowdown for our operations in Malaysia, and we will be aggressively expanding our operations in Malaysia," he said.

Earlier, he attended the graduation ceremony of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)'s first batch of 10 pilots and aircrew who had completed Night Search and Rescue training at Eurocopter Malaysia's facility in Subang.

Eurocopter Malaysia presently has facilities in Subang, Miri and Kerteh, and provides a broad spectrum of services, ranging from scheduled and unscheduled maintenance to aircraft modifications (retrofits, painting, interior refurbishment and customisation) as well as logistics support (spare parts, repairs and overhaul).

Nardelli said Eurocopter Malaysia planned to open new facilities in Sabah and Perak in the next two years.

"We are also planning a simulator centre in Malaysia mainly to train pilots for the EC225 helicopter. Malaysia will be the third base for the EC225 simulator centre after Europe and Brazil," he said.

Plans were also underway to further develop Eurocopter Malaysia's operations by setting up a new maintenance centre with local partners by 2011, he said.

On the company's business outlook for this year, Nardelli said Eurocopter Malaysia was confident of recording a higher revenue of RM300 million compared with RM240 million last year.

Eurocopter Malaysia had an order book totalling RM500 million that would last until 2011, he said.

-- BERNAMA

Master plan to modernise Sri Aman
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 By Edward Raoh

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/0000505948.JPG

SRI AMAN AWAKENS: Simoi (left) and Shamshuddin hold the souvenir that
was given to Taib (second left) as (from third left) Sng, Chuat
(partly hidden), Rohani and Snowdan look on.

SRI AMAN: Sri Aman town will enjoy massive change with the master plan for its transformation into a modern township having been approved.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said with the approval, new and modern buildings would be constructed along with modern facilities and infrastructure.

He said the establishment of the modern township sited at the old government quarters’ area had started and that implementation would be in stages.

“The master plan to turn the town (Sri Aman) into a new and modern township has already been approved, and once the project is fully completed, I believe that the town will become more attractive,” Taib pointed out.

Taib, who is also Minister of Planning and Resource Management, said this at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering at the Civic Centre here yesterday.

He said the modern township would be based on the design of the master plan, which should erase the perception that Sri Aman was a ‘sleepy town’.

Taib said Sri Aman had, in fact, developed so much over the years that today it should not be regarded as a rural town but a major urban area by itself.

“If before, the government servants were reluctant to be posted to Lubok Antu for fear that they would ‘live in a prison’, the situation has now changed because of the development taking place in Sri Aman,” he said.

Taib said that Sri Aman had been listed under the government plan for the development of commercial agriculture and tourism to attract more people coming to the area.

While the tidal bore was an asset to developing the tourism industry, the large agriculture land had prompted the government to develop the two sectors, he added.

The chief minister disclosed that another 100,000 hectares of land in the area would be developed for oil palm plantations soon, in addition to the 100,000 hectares of NCR land that had already been developed by Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) for the same purpose.

He said RM300 million was allocated to develop the existing 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations.

Taib also said that modern machinery was being used for the commercial padi project in Stumbin-Bijat, Lingga and that this would definitely uplift the living standard of the local farmers.

He advised the local farmers to grab the opportunities to venture into commercial farming and discard the old and traditional ways, adding that the people were fortunate to have a local (Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim) as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry.

“Rohani’s appointment as the deputy minister will indirectly provide opportunity and advantage to the local farmers,” Taib said.

Among those present at the gathering were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Senator Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, Rohani, Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Larry Sng, members of the state legislative assembly Simoi Peri (Lingga), Snowdan Lawan (Balai Ringin), Mong Dagang (Bukit Begunan), Malcom Mussen Lamoh (Batang Ai), Robert Lawson Chuat (Bukit Saban) and Resident of Sri Aman Abang Shamsuddin Abang Seruji.

S’wakian architects receive top prizes
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=59773

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/0000505947.JPG

KUCHING: Sarawakian firms received top prizes at the recent Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) 2009 awards.

Design Network Architects Sdn Bhd emerged the winner in both the single-residential building category and the commercial building category.

The winning entries were the Chew House and the Ark Cafe & Gallery.

This is the fourth year in a row that Design Network Architects has won prizes at the annual event.

Sarawakian architect, Mike Boon, received an honorary mention for the M&M House in Kuching; while Gordon Architect’s entry – Sarawak Rainforest & SFM Discovery Centre in Bintulu – made it to the list of shortlisted entries.

The Chew House was commended for being “an unpretentious scheme that displays a high level of craft in its planning and response to its climatic and physical context”.

This residential house is located on a piece of land adjacent to an old family house at Central Road, Kuching and continues the generational thread of the clan’s foothold in this old pre-war residential precinct.

While the house seeks to reflect the owner’s contemporary lifestyle, it is mindful of the precinct’s history.

The Ark Cafe & Gallery is conceived as part tree house, part cafe, viewing platform and urban landmark in Sibu.

The catalyst for this project grew from two mature rain trees on the riverside esplanade.

These trees provide a quiet backdrop and act as a lush green wallpaper that changes hues and characters throughout the day to all the dining spaces.

The jury commended it for being “a well articulated and yet unintrusive landmark at the riverine esplanade”.

The annual PAM Awards recognise Malaysian architects who pursue excellence in design.

The award promotes the advancement of quality built environment that has beneficial, social, physical and cultural impact in Malaysia and recognises the diversity of Malaysian architecture.

The awards programme is arranged so that the selection and recognition of winners serve two purposes – PAM benefits from an information archive on important projects by Malaysian Architects; and the public promotion of local architects, quality architecture as well as the recognition of the informed client.

Hitachi GST to expand Sarawak plant
Published: 2009/10/15

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/hitot/pix_topright

CALIFORNIA-BASED Hitachi Global Storage Technologies plans to expand its Sarawak plant, which was poised to reach maximum capacity early next year.

It bought the plant, which produces aluminium substrates, from Western Digital as the latter was hurt by the global recession.

Aluminium substrates are used to make the magnetic disk in a computer's hard drive.

"We have plans to expand our Sarawak facility when the time comes," Hitachi GST president Stephen Milligan said on Tuesday. This will involve the ability to produce glass substrates.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Sarawak facility by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone, near Kuching on Tuesday.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd took over the plant from Western Digital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (WD) which ended operations early this year.

WD had taken over that plant from Komag (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in September 2007.

Apart from Sarawak, other Hitachi GST facilities are in Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

Milligan, who flew all the way from San Jose for the opening ceremony, said a primary goal of the Sarawak acquisition was to be able to serve customers faster and better.

"Sarawak is located in close proximity to existing Hitachi GST suppliers and drive assembly operations, which will increase operational efficiency and provide other long-term benefits.

"Thus, the Sarawak facility is expected to produce the majority of the company's aluminium substrate requirements," Milligan said.

Since its operation in July, Hitachi has employed about 900 employees, most of whom have been working with Western Digital and are Sarawakians.

Hitachi GST is expected to employ 1,000 employees by the end of the year.

So many foreign investments in East Malaysia from now on :cheers:

MMEA plans air base in Sarawak
Thursday, October 15th, 2009

KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is planning to set up an air base in Sarawak under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) to beef up its enforcement, search and rescue capability.

MMEA Sarawak Region Chief First Admiral (Maritime) Muhammad Abdul Basar Taji said Kuching had been proposed for the MMEA air base location in Sarawak.

“With the proposed air base, it will further strengthen our assets and ability either on air, land or water,” he told reporters after attending the MMEA Sarawak Region Aidilfitri gathering, here yesterday In addition Muhammad said in the 10MP MMEA was planning to construct a total of five new bases in Sarawak.

Muhammad said the location that had been identified were Kuching, Tanjung Manis, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.

“The implementation will be in stages and now we are the midst of looking for suitable sites,” he said.

Muhammad said the Kuching base it would also act as the new headquarters for MMEA Sarawak Region.

On the problem of encroachment by foreign boats in the Sarawak waters, he said although the number of cases for this year had risen it was not an indication that the problem was serious. — Bernama

Orang Asli to get clean water
2009/10/16 By M. Hamzah Jamaludin

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/16clea/pix_topright

Orang Asli children playing with the underground water extracted
by Rossington Consolidated Sdn Bhd in Pekan yesterday.

PEKAN: By February next year, 3,450 Orang Asli families from 82 villages in Pahang will enjoy clean water supply under a Federal Government project.

The RM113 million project mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is carried out by local company Rossington Consolidated Sdn Bhd (RCSB).

The company is also expected to be involved in a similar project to provide water supply to 133 rural schools in the peninsular and more than 400 schools in Sabah and Sarawak, under the Education and Rural and Regional Development ministries.

RCSB president and chief executive officer Kamar Ismail said the company would use a special method developed to extract underground water or from other sources including streams and rain.

Known as "Water Buss", the method uses a mechanical treatment technology that can also filter suspended and dissolved solids.

"The project here started in August and is almost complete. Similar projects in four other areas, namely Rompin, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh/Bera and Cameron Highlands will begin on Oct 22," he said after opening the RCSB office in Peramu near here yesterday.

Also present was RCSB executive director Lyna Aziz.

The project is the second for RCSB. It was also tasked with providing water supply to 3.000 Orang Asli in Runchang and Api Larat Orang Asli settlement near here and Kampung Chegar Perah in Kuala Lipis in 2003.

Kamar said the company, set up in 2003, is known for its expertise in industrial waste treatment.

Lyna said the project in Pahang would involve a total of 303km of piping system connecting the main water tanks to all the houses.

"We will also install a 1,000-litre tank in each home."

She said the project in Pahang was much cheaper than the current conventional method of piping the sup-ply from the Pahang Waterworks Department's main pipes.

"We hope to interest the government in installing the system in rural areas where it is hard to connect homes to the main water mains," said Kamar.

Mount Kinabalu, Home Of The World's Highest Via Ferrata
October 19, 2009 13:55 PM
By Sakina Mohamed

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Ask the man on the street on whether he knows what is 'via ferrata' and it is highly likely that he would return a blank look and say "sorry, no idea".

Repeat the same question to a mountaineer or rock climber, you may get a passionate reply with some glowing experience on it thrown in.

The via ferrata, or 'iron road' in Italian, is a mountain path that consists of a series of steel rungs, rails and cables embedded into the rock face on a mountain slope. It opens up routes for the average hiker that were previously only accessible to experience rock climbers and mountaineers with specialised equipment.

This leisure mountaineering sport had its roots in World War I. The first via ferrata was constructed and used by the Italian military to move troops and equipment across the Italian Dolomites into to Austria.

Climbers can follow the via ferrata without needing to use their own ropes and belays, and without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing.

The via ferrata are found in a number of European countries, including Italy, Germany, England, France, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Poland as well as a few places in the United States, Canada and Malaysia.

Mount Kinabalu in Sabah has the first via ferrata, not only in Malaysia but also in Asia. Opened in December 2007, it is an alternative route to the top of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres above sea level.

Located at Mount Kinabalu's Panar Laban rock face, the via ferrata is also the world's highest. It begins at 3,411 metres and ends at 3,776 metres above sea level. This was certified by the Guinness World Records.

The via ferrata is a four to six-hour hike from the Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters.

The company responsible for bringing via ferrata to Mount Kinabalu is Mountain Torq Sdn Bhd, a Kota Kinabalu-based entity that promotes adventure and mountaineering activities in Asia.

MOUNTAIN TORQ'S VIA FERRATA

Mountain Torq's via ferrata is approximately 1.2 km long and traverses routes of varying difficulties. It thus caters to all levels of experience, from beginners to intermediate hikers and climbers.

The company's sales and marketing director Quek I-Gek said that this 'iron road' on Mount Kinabalu is suitable for almost all ages, from 10 years old and above.

"The via ferrata is devised to give people with little or no climbing experience the excitement of being above the clouds. You don't even need to be a seasoned or experienced rock climber or mountaineer," she said.

Families, school children and climbers of general fitness levels are particularly fond of one of the activities called 'Walk The Torq'. Measuring 430m long, participants can witness the beautiful natural scenery of Borneo and capture breathtaking shots during the two to three hours walk.

But adventure-loving mountaineering enthusiasts who are craving an exhilarating, adrenalin-charged experience should opt for the hike up to Low's Peak, Mount Kinabalu's highest point at 4,095m.

This is a four to five-hour programme, with a length of 763m, designed for those with above average fitness levels.

Other highlights include walking on a 22m footbridge suspended at about 3,600m above sea level.

"As long as you know how to climb a ladder and are still able to do so, you will be able to negotiate the via ferrata. All that is needed is a spirit of adventure, the average fitness level of a normal mountain hiker and no fear of heights," Quek said.

SAFETY STANDARDS

When it comes to enjoying extreme sports like this, safety standards are normally the prime concerns.

However, Quek said that it is the safest of all mountaineering sports including hiking, scrambling, abseiling, rock climbing and alpine mountaineering.

Mountain Torq's via ferrata enables climbers and non-climbers to experience the thrill of mountain climbing in complete safety as it conforms to the highest international safety standards.

The via ferrata is able to withstand up to three tonnes of weight. It was constructed by a team of preeminent via ferrata builders from Europe.

Safety practices developed and prescribed by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) for mountaineering sports are also adhered to strictly.

All equipment used in the sport is UIAA-certified and participants are guided at all times by trainers who have undergone rigorous training, with regular skills upgrading based on a syllabus endorsed by UIAA.

In addition to that, a continuous belay system is employed throughout the via ferrata route where climbers are hooked up to a guideline, making any deviation from the route virtually impossible.

OTHER SERVICES

Besides operating the via ferrata, Mountain Torq is also South East Asia's first mountaineering training centre, offering other mountaineering activities like sports climbing, rappelling and alpine rock climbing.

Mountain Torq's alpine-style accommodation at Pendant Hut, located at 3,270m above sea level on Mount Kinabalu Laban Rata rock slab, offers its guests a cosy, eco-friendly hut with a combination of dormitory, VIP and private rooms.

From this location, it is a mere 15-20 minutes walk to the start of the via ferrata.

Needless to say, Mountain Torq's via ferrata has played a major role in raising awareness on Mount Kinabalu among mountain climbers around the world.

With the availability of this mountaineering activity, one can confidently say that Sabah is now a world-class adventure destination with a myriad of ocean and mountain activities.

More information on Mountain Torq's via ferrata is available at http://www.mountaintorq.com.

-- BERNAMA

Over RM1 Bln Allocated For Forest Plantation Programmes
October 16, 2009 18:59 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The government, committed to supporting the expansion of forest plantation and reducing the extraction of timber from natural forests, has allocated RM1.065 billion in the form of soft loans to finance forest plantation programmes.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said that to date, about 14 loan agreements worth RM232.549 million had been signed to fund the development of 52,435 hectares of forest plantation.

Today, programme facilitator Forest Plantation Development Sdn Bhd formalised a RM13.5 million deal with the Sabah Forestry Development Authority here for the planting of about 2,500 hectares of rubber wood of the timber latex clone beginning next year.

Dompok said he hoped more companies would apply for the soft loan so that the ministry's target of planting 375,000 hectares of forest plantation could be achieved.

"The timber industry is a very significant industry in Malaysia.

"Last year, the industry contributed RM22.79 billion to Malaysia's export earnings," he said.

Forest Plantation Development is wholly-owned by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board, an agency under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry.

Its functions among others are to promote the establishment of forest plantations for future sustainability of timber supply, obtain enough funds either locally or internationally to support the establishment of commercial forest plantations and provide soft loans to state government agencies and private companies interested in the development of forest plantations.

-- BERNAMA

Govt to evict illegal squatters in Sarawak
Friday October 16, 2009

SIBU: Illegal occupants of state land in Sarawak will be evicted, said Second Planning and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said that those claiming Native Customary Rights (NCR) status over the land would not be entertained.

Awang said, before 1958, only temuda land (land cleared, farmed and occupied by natives in virgin jungle) was recognised by the courts and native communities as NCR land.

The Iban communal law system or Tusun Tunggu passed by Iban leaders in 1951 precisely stated what constituted NCR land, he said at a two-day NCR land seminar attended by about 400 community leaders and civil servants.

The participants were from Sibu, Sarikei, Kapit and Mukah divisions.

“The Government’s definition of NCR land is guided by the law which was in force before Jan 1, 1958, and NCR land cannot be created after 1958, except with a permit issued by the superintendent of the Land and Survey Department,” he said.

He said that some non-governmental organisations and politicians had created confusion over the definition of NCR land.

Disputes in regard to such land should be resolved through the civil or native courts instead of the owners resorting to demonstrations, blockades or intimidation, added Awang.

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sarawak/SARAWAKMAP_master.jpg

Sarawak, Malaysia.

Aggressive devt for Mukah, Betong and Limbang: Abg Jo
By Puvaneswary Devindran Friday, October 16th, 2009

KUCHING: Aggressive development plans are being mapped out for towns like Mukah, Betong and Limbang in order to bring them on par with the state’s cities and major towns.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed this on Wednesday night, under a week after it was announced that the Urban Development portfolio would merge with his ministry in next month’s minor cabinet reshuffle.

“The state government plans to add on the facilities in the existing cities and major towns namely Kuching, Miri, Bintulu and Sibu.

“But at the same time, paying attention on development plans for the towns like Mukah, Betong and Limbang,” he said at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) Kampung Bandarsah and Hj Mataim sub-branch youth section Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri.

He explained that Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud decided to merge both ministries because he foresaw that both would go hand in hand to play a pivotal role in Sarawak’s development in preparation for the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Taib on Oct 12 said he believed the emphasis in the 10MP would be revising urban development plans, given that a lot of urban migration was taking place.

He also said that an executive programme for the state’s urban development to make the town and cities here more liveable should be drawn up to enable the people to continue to benefit from development projects.

Earlier Johari, who is PBB deputy president and also Satok assemblyman, said in order to realise these plans, there should be stability and unity among those at the administration and community level, as well as the grassroots.

He said that apart from infrastructure development, human capital was another important element to improve on.

As the younger generation are future leaders, he urged the youths and new graduates of Kampung Bandarsah and Hj Mataim to contribute to society by being actively involved in numerous development programmes.

He said it was important to have young blood sharing their ideas to further prosper the community, as this was equally as important as improving on infrastructure.

Johari added that leadership qualities did not come from books alone but through wisdom gained from going to the ground for first-hand experience.

Kampung Bandarsah and Hj Mataim PBB youth chief Abdul Malek Torzen, who was organising chairman, also spoke.

Over RM1 Bln Allocated For Forest Plantation Programmes
October 16, 2009 18:59 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The government, committed to supporting the expansion of forest plantation and reducing the extraction of timber from natural forests, has allocated RM1.065 billion in the form of soft loans to finance forest plantation programmes.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said that to date, about 14 loan agreements worth RM232.549 million had been signed to fund the development of 52,435 hectares of forest plantation........."The timber industry is a very significant industry in Malaysia.

"Last year, the industry contributed RM22.79 billion to Malaysia's export earnings," he said.

Forest Plantation Development is wholly-owned by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board, an agency under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry.

Its functions among others are to promote the establishment of forest plantations for future sustainability of timber supply, obtain enough funds either locally or internationally to support the establishment of commercial forest plantations and provide soft loans to state government agencies and private companies interested in the development of forest plantations.

-- BERNAMA

1)"about 14 loan agreements worth RM232.549 million had been signed." Who are they???? With that kind of $$$$, I want to have a career change.
2)"52,435 hectares" is a lot of land by any standard. Where in Sabah are they going to do this ????? How long will it take to finish the plantation????

Sabah, Sarawak planters may recruit more foreign workers
Published: 2009/10/21

OIL palm planters in Sabah and Sarawak may soon recruit workers from China, Bangla-desh and the Philippines.

"This is our effort to ensure sufficient workers in addition to those from Indonesia," the East Malaysia Planters' Association (EMPA) chairman Othman Walat told reporters during a dinner in Sibu last night to recruit more members in the state for the association.

Othman said although the Chinese workers were an untested group, historically they had been employed in the country's tin mining industry in the early 1900s, while some Filipinos including graduates were already employed in mills in Sabah.

Sabah and Sarawak now account for 40 per cent of the plantations in the country.

Meanwhile, figures from the Statistics Department revealed that last year, the industry had employed 369,290 foreign and 196,480 locals workers.

In 2007, there were 186,110 locals and 348,272 foreigners.

The country is projected to produce 18.4 million tonnes of crude palm oil this year, while for 2010, the target is 19.69 million tonnes.

In 2008, Malaysia produced 17.73 million tonnes worth RM65.20 billion in export value (inclusive of its related products) as against the RM45.17 billion in 2007.

Othman said most locals shunned jobs in the industry because of the preceived low pay.

"But plantations these days are offering productivity-based renumerations.

"A harvestor, for instance, can earn between RM1,500 and RM2,000 per month, depending on the quantity of bunches he can harvest.

"A family of three working together may earn up to RM3,000," he explained.

He also said Sarawak would be the new growth area although at a slower pace for oil palm as suitable land was dwindling in Sabah.

He highlighted that by the end of last year, Sabah had about 1.3 million hectares under oil palm while Sarawak had 744,372ha.

On the recent attempt by a certain western organisation to stop the planting of oil palm on peat soil in the two states, Othman said this was motivated more by economic factors rather than genuine concern for the environment.

"Have those people concerned done enough studies to come to the conclusion that planting oil palm on peat area is harmful to the environment due to the gas emission problem?

"This problem is also caused by the rearing of cattle in western countries and similarly, should the practice be stopped?" he asked.

On another issue, he hoped Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would consider lowering the various taxes on the industry when presenting Budget 2010 on October 23.

Othman called on more planters, especially the small holders in the state, to join the association to enable it to help look after their inte