Sabah Forestry Dept’s plan to a better future for forest conservation
Friday October 30, 2009
By RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Forestry Department has concocted its own version of the “devil’s recipe” by striking a delicate balance between conservation and large-scale land development such as oil palm plantations in timber concessions.

Department director Datuk Sam Mannan said this was the approach taken in allowing state-owned Yayasan Sabah to use seven per cent or 70,000ha of its one million hectares concession for oil palm cultivation over the next 20 years.

He said revenue from the oil palm crop could sustain the foundation and the state government to a tune of up to RM700mil year, and some of the funds would be used to restore forests in other areas.

“With this arrangement, Yayasan Sabah will not need to fell timber in five years’ time because of the oil palm revenue,” Mannan said in his keynote address at a two-day forum on enhancing forest ecosystems and corridors within the Heart of Borneo in Sabah.

He said the affected area called Benta Wawasan had been earmarked as industrial tree plantation 10 years ago and forests there were cleared.

But the tree plantation project did not take off and the department subsequently allowed Yayasan Sabah to convert the area more than twice the size of Penang island into oil palm plantation, with a provision that the area would eventually be reforested.

Mannan said the choice of oil palm was because it was not as susceptible as pulpwood trees, while ensuring revenue for the foundation and the state through things like royalties and crude palm oil tax.

He said this unique approach in managing a timber concession could not be applied to all, noting that in the case of Benta Wawasan, the concession-holder was a government-linked organisation.

“This approach reflects the flexibility needed among authorities in managing areas designated as part of the 240,000sq km Heart of Borneo initiative aimed at establishing a network of protected areas and sustainably-managed forests encompassing Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and the Indonesian provinces of East, West and Central Kalimantan.”

Mannan said that based on the department’s experience, governments within the Heart of Borneo initiative would have to tackle numerous issues such as rural poverty through various approaches including community forestry programmes.

He added that promoting tourism within the Heart of Borneo could also spell economic benefit for communities in the area.

Sabah wants to be at forefront on HoB success concept
1st November, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wants to be at the forefront on the success of the Heart Of Borneo (HoB) concept.

State Forestry Department Director, Datuk Sam Mannan explained that the HoB is mainly about sustainable forest management, good governance, and good environmental management.

He was responding to reporters during the HoB exposition held at 1Borneo yesterday. “We are small in comparison with the rest so we cannot compete in the basis of size, but we want to compete in the basis of governance, quality products and high value. Quality – that is what we have,” he said. HoB is an initiative of three countries – Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, to sustain about 250 sq km of area situated at the heart of the Borneo Isle.

“We want to use the HoB as our brand name because it is something which is recognized internationally and is something that is highly regarded,” he said. Sam added that the State has garnered a lot of positive response from foreigners who attended the Regional Forum on enhancing forest ecosystem connectivity and corridors within the HoB held recently. “We had a few ambassadors and high commissioners here during the HoB forum recently – Among those who attended were the Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei, British High Commissioner to Brunei, the European Union (EU) ambassador to Malaysia and the Netherlands Ambassador to Malaysia. They were very impressed,” he said on Friday.

Also among the attendees were representatives from the WWF-Indonesia, WWF-International, UNDP and Asian Development Bank, he added.

“They are happy we are taking all the right steps and decisions to move forward,” he said. He added that the State still needs to fix the problem that has been created as a consequence of bad management in the past. “But all that is behind us,” he said. Sam also said that he is happy with the response and help the State is getting. The State Government through his department has already signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) which were important for the conservation of the State’s environment.

One of the MOUs is on the restoration of the Northern Ulu Segama, while the other is on the restoration of current reserves that has been damaged over the past 30 to 40 years by a palm oil company. “We can see that oil palm money is going back for responsible investment into the restoration of the environment which we want,” he said.

He added that as the department with the technical capability on forest management and restoration will give them all our help and we expect to have more such collaborative programs in time to come.

Sarawak keen to increase orangutan population
Updated: Monday November 2, 2009 MYT 3:25:12 PM
By SHARON LING

KUCHING: Sarawak hopes to gradually increase its wild orangutan population through various conservation efforts and with a balanced approach to development.

State forestry director Datuk Len Talif Salleh said there were currently about 2,500 orangutan in the wild in Sarawak.

“What is important is that the figure has been stable for a number of years. This means that our efforts have been successul in stabilising the orangutan population.

“In fact, we want to increase the population to three, four or even five thousand in the years to come,” he told reporters at a regional symposium on orangutan conservation here on Monday.

The three-day symposium is aimed at gathering views and recommendations from experts and stakeholders on developing an “orangutan strategic management plan” for Sarawak. It was opened by Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Len said greater public awareness on the need to protect orangutan had contributed to the state’s conservation efforts.

He cited the example of a member of the public who recently handed over a baby orangutan to the Matang Wildlife Centre after rescuing it from captivity as a pet.

In addition, he said that the Ibans considered it a taboo to kill orangutans.

This was because, according to Iban legend, the orangutan was the saviour of the community by helping the people chase away their enemies, he said.

Len also said orangutan were only found in Maludam, the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary and Batang Ai National Park and not throughout the whole state.

As such, he said the state practised a clear land-use policy whereby certain areas were earmarked for economic development and others for conservation.

“It doesn’t mean that in the pursuit of economic development, we are destroying the whole area of the state,” he said.

Meanwhile keynote speaker Dr Birute Mary Galdikas said deforestation and habitat destruction were the main threats facing the orangutan.

She said the clearing of jungle for oil palm plantations was the primary cause of habitat destruction in Kalimantan Tengah, which she described as the “orangutan capital of the world” and where she has studied and worked in for 38 years.

“There are approximately 30,000 orangutan in Kalimantan Tengah, including about 6,000 each in the Sebangau and Tanjung Puting national parks.

“Threats such as poaching and illegal logging are major problems, but nothing compares to oil palm.

“The main way to clear land for oil palm plantations is fire, which not only destroys habitat but messes up the fruiting cycle, so if the orangutans survive the fire they will have nothing to eat,” she said.

Dr Galdikas said oil palm developers should leave part of the forest untouched when clearing land for plantations, which would be sufficient for orangutan to live in.

“Don’t totally clear the forest. The orangutan can survive in fragments of forest, so leave them a bit of it.

“And secondly don’t kill the orangutan. If we eliminate these two things, the orangutans will survive,” she said.

Perhaps he will, perhaps he won't (survive ... the orangutan, that is).

And what do YOU think about all this, Nazrey? Who do you think is going to read all that stuff? All you do is bombard us with article after article from some news source or other. You even continue to do this in spite of the fact that the Moderator and several forumers have asked you to cease this practice.

Remember that thanks to you and your buddy Rizalhakim the survival of this forum is also at stake. I'm going to keep after you! :bash:

Work on Batang Samarahan bridge likely next year
Sunday, November 1st, 2009

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The construction of a bridge over Batang Samarahan here is likely to commence next year.Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday said the bridge which was proposed under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (9MP) had been carried forward to the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

“The bridge actually is proposed under the 9MP. The road that links to the river bank is ready. It is now waiting for the bridge to be built. If I’m not mistaken, the tender is already out, but I can’t say when (the exact date),” he said.

On whether the project would start early next year, Karim said: “Maybe, the possibility is high. However, early next year could be too early for projects under 10MP”.

A Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Karim pointed out that the bridge would definitely benefit the people and residents do not need to depend on ferry services solely after the completion of the project. However, he was not able to reveal much information about the project.

Motorists currently have to use a ferry to cross Batang Samarahan.

Karim was speaking to reporters after closing the ‘School Adoption Programme 2009 of Univeristi Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)’.

The programme was organised by the Information Technology Association (Pertekma) of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT).

SK Kampung Tambay here was adopted by Unimas since 2007. Forty-one pupils of the school were exposed to computer software such as Microsoft Office Word 2007, Microsoft Office Power Point 2007, Internet Explore and Paint on Oct 17 and Oct 31. The objective of the programme was to enhance the interaction and relation-ship between the university and the local communities. It also provided a platform for undergraduates students to involve in community services.

Earlier in his speech, Karim said the socio-economic development experienced by villages should not have negative impact on the residents especially the young.

“Parents should be aware of changes brought about by development that might transform the life of villagers. Parents should put more emphasis on their children especially their education.

“Being born poor is not a fate. It can be changed if we work hard. I believe education is a good way to improve one’s life,” he said.

He therefore urged higher learning institutions to play a greater role in taking an active approach to get closer to rural students.

He also appealed to the headmaster and teachers of SK Kampung Tambay to help the school achieve better academic results.

He said the school was no longer a poorly performing school since 2002 with the efforts of teachers, parents, and the parent-teacher association.

“I hope the school could achieve excellence in the coming UPSR examination,” he said.

Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (Students Affairs and Alumni) Associate Professor Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman, FCSIT dean Associate Professor Dr Narayanan Kulathuramaiyer and SK Kampung Tambay headmaster Mohd Kamal Radong were also present at the ceremony.

Sime to start supplying groundwater in 2013
From Chong Pooi Koon Published: 2009/11/04

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/korea1/pix_topleft

The appointment of contractors for the groundwater project in Batang Padang, Perak, is expected to take place next January

SEOUL: Conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd (4197) aims to complete infrastructure work for its groundwater project in Perak by end-2012 and start supplying 500 million litres a day (mld) to Selangor by January of the following year.

Dr Azuhan Mohamed, the head of water management at Sime Darby's energy and utilities division, said the appointment of contractors for the project in Batang Padang is expected to take place next January.

"The tender is not out yet. Most of the potential bidders are foreign players," he told reporters on a technical visit to South Korea on Monday.

Azuhan said the foreign technology providers are likely to tie up with local players to make the bid more competitive.
A South Korean company, Da Joo Construction Co Ltd, will bid for the consultant contract.

South Korea gets a fifth of its water needs from underground, while the rest is from surface water.

Sime Darby has been working on the groundwater project since 2006. A 50 mld pilot well field is expected to be completed by the year-end.

Its total investment in the project is estimated at around RM1.3 billion. The company is seeking a long-term supply contract of up to 60 years, Sime Darby chief executive officer Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid had previously told reporters.

Sime Darby decided on Batang Padang for the project after having scouted other states in Peninsular Malaysia.

Almost all of Malaysia's water needs, or 98 per cent, are from surface water, essentially water from rivers and dams which is processed and then supplied to homes.

The increasing demand for water in the country is outpacing supply.

Sime Darby is hoping to meet this need by drilling deep into the underground, at between 200 metres and 300 metres, for water.

Unlike surface water schemes, groundwater projects require high initial investment for the drilling, piping and treatment plants.

However, subsequent operational cost is relatively low because the raw water requires less treatment.

Programmes aim to help hardcore poor
By Edwin Raoh

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/0000506118.jpg

EMPOWERMENT: Tan (third left) presents a course item to
a participant while looking on from right are Nazib, Mujah and Azman.

SRI AMAN: The government will carry out various programmes to get the hardcore poor in Lubok Antu and Sri Aman out of the poverty trap.

Deputy Resident of Sri Aman (Social Development Unit) Felicia Tan disclosed that there were about 1,516 hardcore poor in the two areas and that the government would help them.

According to her, of the total, 1,223 are from Lubok Antu and 293 from Sri Aman.

“On our part, we will work with any agencies and government departments to address the issue (hardcore poor) to enable them to get out of the poverty trap,” said Tan.

She said this when closing the Income Generating Training Programme (Program Latihan Menjana Pendapatan- LMP), organised by Giatmara of Lubok Antu and Sri Aman yesterday.

The programme was one of the many programmes organised by government departments and agencies in the government’s effort to eradicate poverty. The programme hoped to enable the target group to stand on their own feet.

Tan pointed out that it was necessary to hold programmes for the hardcore poor, particularly when the governmment was targetting zero poverty by the end of next year.

In this connection, she hoped that more agencies could come forward to help address the issue.

She acknowledged the hard task ahead but at the same time believed that it could be achieved through the concerted effort of all relevant authorities.

According to Tan, the programme incurred a total cost of RM220,000 and was the 28th programme held throughout the state so far.

Tan also disclosed that some 60 hardcore poor in Sri Aman who had registered through the e-kasih had also attended courses aimed at making them skilled barbers and makers of ‘kek lapis’ (layered cakes) last month.

She advised the participants to really make use of the knowledge and skills they had acquired to have better income.

“What is important now is for you all (participants) to make full use of the knowledge in order to meet the objective of the programme and get out of the poverty zone,” she stressed.

At the function were Lubok Antu district officer Nelson Mujah Girie, Giatmara Sarawak manager Captain (Rtd) Azman Abdul Samad and Lubok Antu-Sri Aman Giatmara manager Mohammad Nazib Pabeli.

Eco Tower to invest US$80m in Pahang plant
By Zaidi Isham Ismail
Published: 2009/11/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/HANGIN/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/HANGIN/pix_topright

The Kuantan plant will be the state's first foreign direct investment since 2007 and will make 800 wind towers annually for the international market

Pahang has bagged a US$80 million (US$1 = RM3.42) investment from Singapore-based Eco Tower Sdn Bhd to set up a plant that will make wind towers, tall structures that produce electricity using the wind.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the plant, located in Kuantan's Gebeng industrial park, will be the state's first foreign direct investment since 2007.

Eco Tower chief executive officer Joseph Lim said the privately-held company will use Pahang as its base to make 800 wind towers annually for the international market which includes the US, Europe and China.

"We aim to generate US$37 million in revenue in the first year of operations and US$120 million in the second year and increase capacity at the Gebeng plant by fourfold in the future to meet international demand," Lim told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Lim had earlier inked a deal to buy 29.8ha of land in the industrial park from Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Pahang.

The land purchase is part of the US$80 million investment which will be spread out in two phases, of which phase one involves an investment of US$30 million while phase two an investment of US$50 million,

The plant is scheduled to start operations in the first quarter of 2011.

Eco Tower is owned jointly by private investors from Malaysia and Singapore and other foreign investors.

Eco Tower, which started its business in heavy steel manufacturing, will finance part of the project by seeking funds from venture capital firms that focus on renewable energy.

Adnan said the investment, which provides 500 jobs, will create an opportunity to spin off many local small and medium scale enterprises to invest in renewable energy.

RM87mln for multi-purpose courts
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/0000506114.JPG

NEW FACILITIES: Razali officiates at the earth-breaking ceremony.

MIRI: The Ministry of Youth and Sports has allocated RM87 million this year for the construction of multi-purpose courts in each of the country’s 580 state constituencies.

Its deputy minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim said the project was being implemented under Program Menabur Rakyat Rakan Masyarakat to encourage healthy lifestyles among the people.

“It is also to promote closer rapport especially among the youths so as to consolidate the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.

Each court costs between RM120,000 and RM160,000 and is equipped with facilities like multi-purpose courts for futsal, netball, volleyball and sepak takraw as well as toilets and bathrooms.

Razali said this yesterday after performing an earth-breaking ceremony for the Kampung Tunku Abdul Rahman multi-purpose court in the Lambir constituency.

Sibuti Member of Parliament Ahmad Lai Bujang, Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing and Sebastian Ting – political secretary to Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin, were among those present.

In his speech, Razali called on Sarawakians to uphold the 1Malaysia spirit at at all cost.

He said the spirit has always existed in the state, unlike in the peninsula where such unity was slowly vanishing.

“The National Ideology or Rukun Negara should continue to be made as the guiding factor in safeguarding the national sovereignty, so as to ensure Sarawak remains united and continues to prosper,” he added.

During the function, Razali also announced an additional RM50,000 to upgrade existing recreational facilities in Lambir, including the community hall.

Earlier, Ahmad Lai requested the ministry allocate more funds for youth-based projects and programmes in Sarawak.

“Sarawak still lags behind in such facilities, in particular Kampung Tunku Abdul Rahman, which requires high quality recreational facilities like football fields,” he said.

He added that the existing football field could only be used during dry weather as during wet weather, “it is just like a mud pool for buffaloes to take bath”.

Wild cats study in five Sabah areas
Published on: Thursday, November 05, 2009

Penampang: Bornean wild cats in Sabah might be difficult to track down but that has not stopped a group of scientists from spending three years studying the elusive felines.

Working in five areas across the State - Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Malua Forest Reserve, Tabin Wildlife reserve and an oil palm plantation - the Bornean Wild Cat and Clouded Leopard Project has gathered much information that would help them, and the public, better understand these animals and subsequently strategise proper conservation efforts.

After years of fieldwork and with more than 17,000 camera trap nights, the Bornean Wild Cat and Clouded Leopard Project shared their findings, albeit preliminary data, with various parties at an inaugural international workshop called the "First Steps Towards the Conservation of Wild Cats in Sabah" at the Lembah Impian Country Homes here, Wednesday.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, who opened the two-day event, said the conservation status of these cats was becoming critical and that people no longer have the luxury of time to observe the effects that landscape altercation will have on their populations.

"Sadly, we are still unaware of the population sizes of these cats and we are only now beginning to shed light on their ecology.

"This information is crucial for us to work together to help conserve them. This must change and I hope this workshop will help to pull together all the information known about these cats to help inform the Sabah Wildlife Department in its development of effective conservation strategies and to devise future steps to safeguard the persistence of this unique guild," he said.

The five species of wild cats in Borneo are the Sunda Clouded Leopard (only recently declared a new species apart from the mainland clouded leopard), Bay Cat, Flat Headed Cat, Marbled Cat and Leopard Cat.

"Despite their charismatic nature very little is known about any of the Bornean wild cats and they remain some of the least known of all the world's felids (derived from Felidae or family of wild cats)," Ellron said.

"They are highly secretive and elusive, and as top predators, often found at low densities, making them particularly difficult to study and rarely seen É nowhere is this more true than the mysterious wild cats hidden within the dense tropical forests of Borneo.

"It seems incredible to think that a live Bay Cat was not photographed until 1998 and was not photographed in the wild until 2002 in Mulu National Park in Sarawak (and) it was only photographed in the Danum Valley Conservation Area in 2006 by the Bornean Wild Cat and Clouded Leopard Project," he said.

The Bay Cat and Sunda Clouded Leopard are classified in the seven-tier UN Red Data List of Endangered Species as endangered and the Flat Headed Cat and Marbled Cat are vulnerable due to habitat loss caused by the development of plantations such as oil palm.

Preliminary data suggested that the four threatened Bornean felines do not utilise oil palm plantations and forest clearance was a major threat to their survival.

"The Bornean wild cat habitat is diminishing as the increasing growth of the human population places increasing demands on the remaining forests," Ellron said.

"Forests are logged, plantations such as tea, rubber, oil palm and coffee, are established, infrastructure and houses are constructed over crucial wild cat habitat, driving the animals into ever smaller fragmented spaces. Wild cat populations are inevitably becoming isolated so much so that the gene pool may be declining.

"We must try to work together to ensure no more forests are lost, to give these populations a chance. Although our generation will not witness the last of these creatures, ours will be the one to decide their fate," he said.

The workshop is hosted by the Sabah Wildlife Department in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and UK non-governmental organisation Global Canopy Programme's Bornean Wild Cat and Clouded Leopard Project.

The aim is to bring together stakeholders to discuss the conservation needs of the five Bornean wild cats species in Sabah, to identify current gaps in the knowledge base regarding the species, to formulate future strategies to address these gaps and identify steps required and to ensure continued presence of this unique guild.

The Bornean Wild Cat and Clouded Leopard Project is funded by the UK Government's Darwin Initiative and managed by the Global Canopy Programme with collaboration from Oxford University's (Department of Zoology) Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (known as the WildCRU) and the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), UMS.

Towards this end, Ellron said this workshop would be helping the Malaysian Government in meeting its obligations to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

"By coming together you will also be helping the Government determine the status and conservation needs of the cats which are endemic and threatened and the impact of current forest management practises on these species. It is hoped that this workshop will be the first step towards this goal for Bornean wild cats, which are vital flagship species for Sabah's biodiversity."

Director of WildCRU, Prof David Macdonald, who chaired the workshop, said Sabah's five species of wild cats are a special treasure, with this study being a tremendous contribution to knowledge about them.

"These wild cats, and especially the Sunda clouded leopard, are important emblems of Borneo's forests, and it is vital to conserve them as umbrella species which provide protection to forest wildlife in general."

Also present was Sabah Wildlife Deputy Director Augustine Tuuga.

Johor Looks Into Possibility Of Building New Dam
November 05, 2009 18:28 PM

PASIR GUDANG, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Johor is looking into the possibility of building a new dam for better water source for local consumption in the future.

State International Trade and Industry, Energy, Water, Communications and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said today the matter was discussed at the Integrated River Basin Water Management Committee meeting chaired by him on Wednesday and the area proposed for the new water catchment area was in Kahang.

"We'll be looking around for better source of water in the area," he told reporters after attending the BASF 10th anniversary of its engineering plastics plant here.

He said the committee, whose members included the Malaysian Nature Society and intellectuals from University Teknologi Malaysia at ad hoc level would make a thorough study and coordination to ensure sustainable raw water supply for the state in the future.

It would also view the project from the aspect of flood mitigation.

Tan also said that the water level at the Sembrong Dam in Batu Pahat had dropped to 7.71m on Wednesday, nearing its critical level of 7.4m, and could last about two months before reaching the lowest level.

He hoped that the monsoon rain, which came later than usual, could fill the dam to prevent a water supply problem.

Syarikat Air Johor Holding (SAJH) yesterday issued an advisory asking the people in Kluang to be thrifty in using the water.

The Sembrong Dam is a water catchment area that supplies water to the Sembrong Barat Water Plant which distributes treated water to 240,000 consumers in Kluang.

-- BERNAMA

RHB Islamic Bank opens first branch in Sabah
Published: Friday November 6, 2009 MYT 2:31:00 PM

KOTA KINABALU: RHB Islamic Bank has opened its first branch in Sabah here, while showing off a new image.

"RHB Islamic Bank is stepping up with a new, outstanding image, in line with our aspirations to give all our customers the best.

"RHB Islamic Bank which all the while used the blue colour, synonymous with the RHB Banking Group, has now migrated to light green in the hope of making it more easily recognised by the public," said its chairman, Datuk Faisal Siraj at a ceremony to launch the corporate identity as well as opening of the new Kota Kinabalu branch.

The Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, officiated the event.

According to Faisal, although the Islamic finance-based bank was just opened Friday, products and services founded on Syariah had already been on offer at the nine RHB Bank branches in the state.

"The encouraging response from customers in East Malaysia is what moved us to open a branch with full services," he added.

He also disclosed that public interest in Islamic banking was increasing.

Faisal said that RHB Islamic Bank which has been in operation over the past four years, had attracted non-Muslim customers.

According to him, 40 per cent of its retail and 60 per cent of commercial and corporate customers, were non-Muslims. - Bernama

PM To Make Important Announcement On Water, Electricity Woes In Sabah
November 07, 2009 17:11 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to make an important announcement to address the ongoing water and electricity supply woes in Sabah soon.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said Najib and Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor were working on finding a speedy solution to address problems affecting the state.

"There will be short-term and long-term solutions for Sabah's water and electricity supply problems which are getting critical.

"When the time comes, he (Najib) will make a favourable announcement," he told reporters after meeting members of the Federation of Chinese Associations in Sabah here on Saturday.

Koh said, while the majority of Sabah's community leaders were satisfied with the progress of the state's economic development under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, they felt the welfare of the people in terms of basic necessities, needed to be addressed first before other developments could be implemented.

He said the community leaders also wanted the government sector in the state to improve services, in terms of efficiency and courtesy.

"By using the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to drive the performance in the government sector, especially at the Federal level, the government will focus on improving efficiency, as well as courtesy in governemnt services.

"We will make sure that while there is speedy delivery in services, the staff at hand, should also be polite," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak To Accelerate Its Power Generation Expansion Plan
November 07, 2009 17:28 PM

KUCHING, Nov 7 (Bernama) - Sarawak is to accelerate its power generation expansion plan to meet the demand of local industries and also for sale to Peninsular Malaysia, the state Planning and Resource Management Minister II, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said.

He said the Bakun Hydroelectric dam to produce 2,400MW power by 2011 and the RM3 billion Murum dam project to generate 900MW by 2013, could not meet the demand in the energy-intensive industries planned for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) by 2015.

Cited an example, he said a smelter plant required minimum 776MW power and there would be four smelter plants in SCORE by 2015.

"Our priority is to meet the industry demand. With Bakun fully operational and the smelter plants coming in, we have no choice but to accelerate our power generation expansion plan.

"Hopefully, we can generate 3,000MW of power by 2015," he told reporters after the Barisan Nasional pre-state legislative assembly meeting here on Saturday.

Beside the demand of power in the energy intensive industries in the state, Awang Tengah said the state is to sell about 1,700 MW of power from Bakun to Peninsular Malaysia through submarine cables.

The Bakun Hydroelectricity dam project is expected to start generating 300MW electricity in October or November next year, when the first of its eight turbines is commissioned.

The dam will be fully operational by 2011 and the bulk of electricity will be exported to the Peninsula through undersea submarines cables,expected to be ready by 2016.

Apart from the hydroelectric dam projects, Awang Tengah said the state would expand its coal-fired plants.

"We will tap the coal resources, as we have a huge coal reserve," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak To Register 2.8 Per Cent GDP Growth Next Year
November 09, 2009 19:32 PM

KUCHING, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to register a growth of 2.8 per cent next year, with the expected slight improvement in the global economy and commodity prices, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said on Monday.

He said the positive growth was also due to the implementation of the accomodative fiscal and monetary policies at the national level while the state was also expected to achieve a comparatively healthy average annual economic growth of 3.9 per cent during the Ninth Malaysia Plan period.

"However the growth of the state economy is revised to 0.7 per cent in 2009 from two per cent estimated earlier against the current global economic scenario, which will have an impact on our economy as it is becoming more integrated with the rest of the world," said Taib, who is State Finance Minister, when tabling the Supply (2010) Bill 2009 at the state legislative assembly sitting here.

On the supply side, he said growth was expected to remain broad-based, led by the services sector, particularly the utilities, and wholesale and retail trade as well as transport and communications sub-sectors which were projected to register a more moderate growth of 3.3 per cent this year and 3.9 per cent respectively next year.

For the first half of this year, slower external trade had affected the cargo-related activities at ports, which dropped by six per cent compared to the second half of last year but is expected to improve in 2010 as the world trade volume is anticipated to expand slightly.

Taib said visitors arrivals in the state also declined by 13 per cent in the first half of 2009 as compared to the second half of last year mainly due to the impact of global economic crisis and Influenza A H1N1 on travelling frequencies worldwide.

However, the figures were expected to pick up next year while the start of operations at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching was anticipated to help spur the growth of tourism-related industries, particularly meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) activities in the state, he said.

For 2010, Taib said the growth of the manufacturing sector was expected to peform slightly better at 2.6 per cent compared to 0.3 per cent this year on the premise that export demand for manufactured products would improve as the world economy stablised.

The agriculture sector was estimated to grow at 1.7 per cent this year and 2.7 per cent next year as crude palm oil prices were expected to be slightly better next year and palm oil production anticipated to increase as matured areas expanded, he said.

Taib said the construction sector was expected to register a growth of 4.1 per cent this year despite the slower construction activities for residential sub-sector as the civil engineering works arising from the implementation of the two stimulus packages would greatly boost its growth.

"The implementation of more projects in the Ninth Malaysia Plan as well as projects supporting the development of the Sarawak Corridor on Renewable Energy (Score) will be crucial in supporting and sustaining the growth momentum of the economy in time of the current global economic uncertainties," he said.

-- BERNAMA

RM161 Mln Surplus For Sarawak's 2010 Development-Biased State Budget
November 09, 2009 19:14 PM

KUCHING, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's proposed 2010 state budget will be development-biased with an expected surplus of RM161 million, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said on Monday.

Taib, who is also State Finance Minister, said the need to continue with a balanced or surplus budget policy next year was on the basis of an estimated total revenue of RM3,579 million against an expenditure of RM3,418 million.

"We need to spend within our means to ensure we have sufficient financial reserves to meet future challenges and that the state's financial position remains strong and sustainable in the long run," he said when tabling the Supply (2010) Bill 2009 at the state legislative assembly sitting here.

Taib said the budget was formulated after having considered the strategies and provisions of the 2010 National Budget as well as the global, regional and national economic scenarios in 2010.

About 70 per cent or RM2,777 million would be used for development purposes and the remaining 30 per cent or RM1,318 million for operating expenditure, which was expected to generate a fairly high level of economic activities to sustain economic growth in the state, he said.

On the RM3,579 million revenue estimates, Taib said it represented a decrease of RM310 million or eight per cent as compared to RM3,889 million projected for this year.

He said the drop in revenue was mainly due to the expected lower revenue from oil and gas arising from anticipated lower prices of these commodities during the year while the forecast revenue by the various sources included a tax revenue of RM910 million.

Revenue from forestry would account for RM561 million or six per cent of the total expected revenue, including RM544 million derived from forest royalty and the balance of RM17 million to be contributed by timber premium, Taib said.

"Sales tax is expected to generate RM277 million, of which RM177 million is from crude palm oil while the balance of RM100 million is from lottery," he said, adding that non-tax revenue was expected to contribute about RM2.544 million or 71 per cent of total expected revenue, including compensation in lieu of oil and gas rights of RM1,220 million.

Federal grants and reimbursements will account for RM111 million or three per cent of the total expected revenue.

On expenditure estimates, Taib said the proposed RM1,318 million allocation for recurrent expenditure next year was lower by three per cent as compared to the estimates of RM1,357 million for 2009.

However, there was an increase in personal emoluments with a proposed expenditure amounting to RM479 million, mainly due to the increase in staff strength from new recruitments and absorption of daily paid staff into permanent posts, he said.

Others are for supplies and services (RM466 million) grants and fixed payments to be allocated to government agencies, including local authorities and statutory bodies (RM348 million), procurement of assets (RM20 million), and other operating expenses (RM5 million).

Major sectors that will receive the proposed allocations under the development expenditure included the commerce and industry sector accounting for RM1,271 million or 46 per cent for the implementation of various projects such as investments, development of industrial estates and tourism.

Another RM493 million or 18 per cent of the proposed development budget is for the expansion and upgrading of various public utilities, mainly water supplies in rural and urban areas, RM316 million or 11 per cent for general administration to further enhance the government's delivery system.

An allocation of RM213 million or eight per cent is for plantation development, drainage and irrigation, assistance to farmers, veterinaries, fisheries, agricultural research and forestry programmes while RM277 million or 10 per cent is for transport and communications, especially roads, bridges and ports, and RM207 million or seven per cent for the social and community development sector.

-- BERNAMA

13 Village Libraries In Sarawak Start Operation By Next Month
November 09, 2009 17:18 PM

KUCHING, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- A total of 13 village libraries will be in operation by end of next month to act as knowledge and social centres for the local communities, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said on Monday.

He said that under the federal government funding, the projects included new buildings or renovations, furniture and fittings, information communication technology (ICT) components, library collections and two staff to manage the libraries.

He added that 23 village libraries were established in Sarawak from 2005 to 2007, and they continuously received books from the National Library.

"Under the federal development grant, 11 village libraries with ICT facilities were established together with three units of Multimedia Mobile Library for Kuching, Sarikei and Lawas," he said when tabling the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2009 here at the state assembly here on Monday.

He said that over a hundred village libraries had benefited from enhanced ICT facilities under a Universal Service Provision (USP) programme financed by the federal government to bridge the digital divide between the urban and non-urban areas.

"The project was implemented in four phases, which began in 2003 until 2006. To date, there are 184 libraries in Sarawak which benefited from this programme."

Dr Chan said that as of Dec 31 last year, Sarawak had 247 static and nine mobile libraries.

He said that the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2009 would further strengthen and upgrade the management of the Sarawak State Library in its function as a state library and state depository.

It was deemed appropriate to amend the relevant provisions in the Sarawak State Library Ordinance 1999 to put in place specific procedures to ensure proper preservation of the archives, he said.

The bill was later passed.

-- BERNAMA

Selangor To Declassify Documents On Three Projects
November 10, 2009 20:42 PM

SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government is to declassify documents pertaining to reafforestation, a housing project for squatters in Bukit Botak and distribution of 800 hectares of land to settlers in Bukit Cerakah.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that though the information and government documents were subjected to the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and could not be made public, he would do so by using his right as the menteri besar as stipulated under Section 2C of the Act.

The declassification of the documents would begin tomorrow, he told a news conference after tabling the 2010 Budget for Selangor at the State Assembly here Tuesday.

Asked whether the declassification was a witch hunt of any kind, Abdul Khalid said he hoped that in the future, people who were entrusted with projects would be cautious and responsible.

Meanwhile, he said, the state government had also drafted the Freedom of Information bill, which would be tabled at the State Assembly sitting scheduled for March 2010 to encourage transparency in the state administration.

-- BERNAMA

Melaka CM Tables RM375 Million Surplus Budget For 2010
November 09, 2009 19:48 PM

MELAKA, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam today tabled a RM375 million surplus state budget for next year, up 20.1 per cent, from this year's RM312.3 million.

The 2010 Budget, with RM200,000 in excess, is the sixth consecutive surplus budget since 2005, he said when presenting the budget in the state assembly.

He the state government's revenue is expected to increase by 20.1 per cent to RM375.2 million as compared to RM312.4 million this year.

He attributed the surplus budget to the state government's prudent spending policy implemented carefully and efficiently to the extent of receiving a "no complaint certificate" from the Auditor-General on the public accounts for 2008.

Mohd Ali said the 2010 Budget will be implemented based on four main strategies -- improving people's standard of living by providing the best services and facilities and realising the vision and mission of Developed Melaka 2010 under the thrust of "People Come First, Achievement is a Priority".

Mohd Ali said concerted efforts will be made to enhance Melaka's image as the country's leading tourist spot and revolutionise the civil service administration to attain the performance of a high-integrity civil service.

Under the operational expenditure, RM68.9 million has been allocated for emoluments, services and supply (RM96.8 million); dividends and fixed payments (RM192.2 million); miscellanous expenditure (RM15.6 million); and asset procurement (RM1.5 million).

Of the RM127.4 million allotted for development, RM91.8 million will be spent for infrastructure development; housing (RM10.5 million); agriculture (RM4.6 million); social amenities (RM12.1 million); and community development programmes (RM8.4 million), he said.

On economic performance, Mohd Ali said Melaka was also affected by the global economic crisis, registering -6.2 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year.

Nonetheless, he said, several economic indicators showed positive growth for the period between January and June as compared to the same period last year.

For instance, he said, tourist arrivals picked up 24.6 per cent to 4.05 million in the first six months of this year vis-a-vis 3.26 million in the same period last year.

Melaka earned RM253 million from road tax in the Jan-June period as compared to RM153.6 million, up 64.7 per cent, last year, mainly from higher tourist arrivals.

Mohd Ali also said the federal government, under the first economic stimulus package, injected RM78.6 million to implement 1,526 projects and RM236.8 million under the second stimulus package to carry out 1,554 projects.

"These projects served as a catalyst to generate more private sector economic activities to ensure the people's well-being," he said.

For the 13th Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be hosted by Melaka from June 10 to 19 next year, the state government will spend RM105.7 million to build new and upgrade existing sports facilities for the biennial games.

-- BERNAMA

Most squatters are in Klang and Selayang
Wednesday November 11, 2009
Reports by ELAN PERUMMAL and JADE CHAN at the Selangor State Assembly

SQUATTERS in Klang and Selayang make up more than half of the total squatter population in the state.

The two areas covered about 60% of the total 3,964 families identified through a recent survey.

State Housing, Building Management and Squatter Committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad said Klang had the highest with 1,385 (34.9%) followed by Selayang with 1,075 (27.1%).

Iskandar said 2,707 of the families were residing on government land, including railway and Drainage and Irrigation Department reserves.

In his reply to a question from Datuk Satim Diman (BN-Sri Serdang), he said the state government would not be using the Emergency Act 1969 to evacuate squatters from government land.

However, he said it would be carrying out the evacuation exercise when necessary under Section 425 of the National Land Code.

“All the local authorities have been directed to closely monitor the existing squatter areas that are situated on government reserve land, including forest reserves.

“The state has also directed all the district offices not to issue any Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) to new applicants,’’ he said.

Iskandar said the squatter families would be offered low-cost houses at a subsidised price of RM35,000 and a maximum of RM2,000 as shifting allowance.

Dr Mahathir impressed with Sarawak’s growth
Thursday, November 12th, 2009

KUCHING: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is impressed with the pace of development in Sarawak, saying that the just-completed State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex is a testimony of the state’s progressiveness.“This shows that Sarawak is doing pretty well and it is one of the dynamic states in Malaysia.

“At the moment, none of the states in the country have built such a complex, probably because they do not have the money,” he said at a luncheon held in connection with the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co-operation between Malaysian and Bosnia and Herzegovina companies here yesterday.

Dr Mahathir, a speaker at the Malaysia Global Business Forum-Bosnia attended a gala dinner to welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina President Dr Haris Silajdzic at the new DUN Complex Tuesday.

The former premier congratulated the state government for its achievement and hoped that the forum that was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching would lead to closer ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Malaysia, particularly Sarawak.

Dr Haris, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and members of the state cabinet were also present.

Adopt tech platforms, Sabah ICT players told
Published: 2009/11/12
www.mimos.my/

The Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS), the country's leading applied research organisation in information and communications technology (ICT), wants to see more ICT community in Sabah adopting their technology platforms and solutions.

President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah said the government has invested substantially for the creation of technology platforms and it will be a waste not to use it.

"We don't want Sabah to be left behind on progress. We've about 21 technology platforms, we want to encourage local players in Sabah to pick up and use the applications and solutions to serve their customers," he told reporters after opening the Technology Sharing Forum today.

Abdul Wahab said MIMOS had conveyed the message to Sabah Minister for Resource Development and Information Technology Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai who was receptive to the idea.

He said Sabah was fortunate to have Universiti Malaysia Sabah recognised as one of the centres of excellence, an advantage as other states don't have such facility. -- BERNAMA

74 Complete Sabah Parole System
November 13, 2009 17:51 PM

SANDAKAN, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the parole system in Sabah has been deemed a success.

Of the 101 people involved in the system since July last year, 74 have completed their parole sentences.

Sabah Prisons Department (parole division) deputy director Onasis Abdul Husin said the state had the highest number of parolees in the country.

"Most of them immediately obtained employment, proving that the system gave confidence to parolees to return to the community.

"It also deleted all negative perception associated with parolees," he said at the Community Development Department's food donation ceremony to eight parolees here Friday.

Onasis said, as a rehabilitation centre, the department continued to implement various measures and promotions for government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the local community to increase their understanding and confidence on the parole system.

He noted that the parolees needed support from the government so that they could show that they were productive and useful citizens.

-- BERNAMA

Hajiji Calls On Town Planners To Adopt 1Malaysia Concept For Sustainable Development
November 10, 2009 13:20 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor has called on the town planners to adopt a people-centric approach in pursuing sustainable development.

He said this was in line with the concept of 1Malaysia which prioritised the interest of the people above all else.

"For example, open space in housing areas should be strategically located, accessible and useable.

It should be designed in a such a way to be able to accommodate sport and recreational facilities or activities and in a big housing development, there should be a community facility such as multipurpose hall," he said.

Hajiji said this when opening the World Town Planning Day Conference, themed Planning Quest For Sustainability and People Centric, here today.

On sustainable development, he said the impact of other development sectors, including agricultural development, on the environment must not be overlooked.

"I believe that to develop sustainably means to be unselfish, to think of others as we develop and use the resources nature has endowed to us.

"To think especially of the next generation who will either enjoy the fruit of our wise usage of our resourses or suffer the consequences of our inaction or our greed," he said.

In this respect, Hajiji said it was imperative that the Department of Town and Regional Planning in Sabah play a leading role to pursue sustainable development.

Therefore, he said, this conference was timely and appropriate, particularly in exploring new ideas.

"We should explore the Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS). If need be, challenge status quo. After all, the basic purpose of planning is to make our state a better place to live in," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Hajiji said the state government would monitor and set the maximum parking fees, especially in new private-owned car parks in the state capital, soon.

"We want to ensure that they do not charge exhorbitant parking fees," he said.

He said Kota Kinabalu City Hall was trying its level best to provide parking lots for cars, thereby minimising congestion.

-- BERNAMA

POIC Sabah urged to pursue tie-up with Rotterdam port 'aggressively'
By Joniston Bangkuai Published: 2009/11/16

THE Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM) expects the entry of the Netherlands' Port of Rotterdam (PoR) into Lahad Datu to mitigate some of the perennial problems behind the high cost of exports in Sabah.

FSM president Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau said PoR's post management expertise and global reputation will be able to attract major shippers to make Sabah their port of call.

Wong was among a 28-member Sabah delegation led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who attended the recent signing of a framework agreement between the state-owned Palm Oil Industrial Clusters Sabah Sdn Bhd (POIC) and PoR on the development of the Lahad Datu POIC port.

POIC has developed 465.75ha for the purpose of a palm oil industrial cluster in Lahad Datu, where the key thrust has been the development of the POIC port.

A strong advocate for the abolition of the cabotage policy, Wong said the high shipping cost is one of the stumbling blocks in Sabah's export trade and attributed the high cost to the fact that there has not been sufficient outgoing cargo to fill up vessels that call at Sabah ports.

"Ships come in full and leave empty. If we can export full, the shipping cost of exports should reduce considerably," Wong said, adding that he learnt from PoR officials that one of their targets is to fill outgoing cargo vessels with biomass material.

Wong noted that PoR has an impressive hinterland distribution network which included movement of goods by rail, barges and road.

"This is of significance to Sabah's manufactured exports, especially those destined for Europe because the more developed and efficient the hinterland distribution network, the lower is the distribution cost," he said.

Urging the Sabah state government, particularly POIC Sabah, to aggressively pursue the partnership with PoR, Wong said the potential for tripartite shipping agreements between PoR, POIC Sabah and the PoR-managed Sohar Port in Oman is potentially important to expanding Sabah's export trade.

Sohar Port aims to be the shipping gateway to the Middle East, offering a potential for Sabah to be the hub for Asia by exporting its palm oil and other products to Middle East as well as to import products from there to be re-exported to Asia.

Pahang opting for biotech
Monday November 16, 2009
By ROSLINA MOHAMAD

KUANTAN: Pahang has identified biotechnology as the next new source of state income, and will launch a strategic plan early next year.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said it was important to have a plan and build the necessary infrastructure first.

“It will involve a huge sum of money before any project kicks off. The various aspects of biotechnology must to be addressed properly,” he told reporters after opening a biotechnology seminar here recently.

Present were State Information, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin and State Economic Planning Unit director Datuk Mahadiah Mohamad.

Adnan said the plan would include guidelines or mechanisms governing the financial aspects of the industry.

“The strategic planning is about charting the future of Pahang’s biotechnology industry,” he said.

He noted that Pahang’s biggest potential was in medicine.

“The state is blessed with diverse plant life and there is bound to be some plants with medicinal properties that can be developed commercially,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Adnan said that biotechnology ventures would involve the biodiversity in the environment.

“By venturing into biotechnology, we have to ensure that the biodiversity is properly managed and protected because, without biodiversity, there will be no biotechnology,” he said.

Mohd Sharkar, in his speech, said the biotechnology industry was considered as profitable.

He cited a company in the United States which harvested and processed the fruit of the acai palm, a Amazon rainforest species rich in antioxidants, into drinks and registered revenue of US$1.5bil (RM5bil) last year.

“How could an American company with no palm trees in its country harvest the fruits from the Amazon rainforest and process them into a drink to make that much money?

“In Malaysia, we have mangosteen and lime that are rich in antioxidants, but we are yet to turn them into commercial products like acai,” he said, adding that it was time for Malaysia to look into producing similar products.

RM10b aluminium smelter proposed in Sabah
16th November, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7399/1611-smelt1.jpg?1258342138

A representative of the investors, Melvin Saw Khay Boon (left) hands over
the project proposal to Musa as Jhuvarri (second from left) looks on.

KOTA KINABALU: A foreign investor has proposed the setting up of an aluminium smelter complex in Sabah and is awaiting positive response from the State government, it was revealed here yesterday.

The project proposal documents, which have already been studied by relevant government agencies, were handed over to the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, when he toured the Sabah Development Corridor pavilion at the 2nd Borneo International Trade Fair at the Sports Complex here Saturday.

The project vendors hope to start the RM10.24 billion complex with an annual capacity of 620,000 tonnes per annum by June 2010 when all the necessary approvals are obtained.

The investors have been in discussion with Sabah Land Development Board for the last six months with regard to the project and are confident that the State can become the major aluminum player in the South East Asia region in particular.

SLDB Chief Executive Officer, Jhuvarri Majid, said the proposed aluminium smelter would be a huge shot-in-the-arm for the fledgling Sabah Development Corridor which was launched two years ago.

“We have a foreign investor who would be investing billions of ringgit in a single project that would bring numerous benefits to the State and country,” he said.

RM2.2 billion needed to upgrade sewerage system
16th November, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7400/1611-flood.jpg?1258342150

"TURUN PADANG" ... Mohd Johari Baharom (2nd left) with
farmers visiting the flooded padi field at Kampung Budi.

JITRA: The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) has requested for an allocation of RM2.2 billion to upgrade the infrastructure and sewerage system in its area of jurisdiction in the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Wira Mohd Johari Baharom said MADA would present the request to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) at the Prime Minister’s Department in December.

“This allocation is very critical because MADA farmers in Kedah and Perlis incur losses amounting to millions of ringgit each time it floods,” he told reporters after visiting a paddy field that was hit by floods in Kampung Budi and Kampung Teluk Malek, near here yesterday.

For example, he said floods had affected about 4,954 ha of paddy fields not under MADA, with losses of about RM2 million, while 4,500 ha under MADA were affected.

Mohd Johari said this time five per cent of the 96,000 ha of paddy fields under MADA were hit by the floods, but this had not affected rice production this season.

The MADA paddy fields seriously affected by the floods consisted of 866 ha in Territory I (Perlis), Territory II (Kubang Pasu) with 1,906 ha and 1,500 ha in Territory III (Pendang), he said.

He said MADA could not guarantee that floods would not recur during the next rainy season because the sewerage system was old and problematic.

“Previously the allocation was mostly given to other areas, and MADA was neglected and left behind in terms of infrastructure development. Now we are asking the government to revise and provide an allocation of RM2.2 billion in the 10MP,” he said.

Mohd Johari said that the infrastructure upgrading, sewerage, land leveling and flood mitigation projects would be carried out in stages.

He added that MADA was currently evaluating the losses incurred, and it was expected to be completed in two weeks, whereby those affected by the floods would be given aid based on last year’s figures.

Sarawak To Get 1,500 Kilometers Of New Rural Roads Next Year
November 17, 2009 11:49 AM

SIBU, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Contractors and suppliers in Sarawak have been told to be well prepared with funding, manpower, machinery and raw materials, as the Public Works Department (PWD) is to construct about 1,500 kilometers of new rural or village roads in the state next year.

Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor gave this advice at a dinner organised by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB)with local contractors here Monday night.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had stated that he wanted balanced development in all states in the country.

"He is also giving special attention to Sabah and Sarawak.Both states have been given a bigger allocation for infrastructure development under the 2010 budget.

Besides roads, there will be more water and power supply and housing projects for the poor.This will certaintly generate a great deal more opportunities and work for contractors as well as suppliers compared to previously," he said.

Shaziman said the contractors should use their respective associations to talk to the PWD on the available opportunities.

He however reminded them against not delivering on time or coming up with shoddy worksmanhip.

"My Ministry will not hesitate to blacklist errant contractors, who despite all the consideration given, still fail to buck up.

"When projects are not delivered on time or when the workmanship is very poor, it is the people who are let down,"he said.

He also disclosed that the government had terminated the services of 35 contractors in 2008 and 80 so far this year.

--BERNAMA

RM100m needed to upgrade landfills
By Lee Ya Yun Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

SANTUBONG: The state government will request for RM100 million under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) to upgrade landfills in Sarawak.Assistant Minister of Environment Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen yesterday said the state government would like to upgrade all landfills to at least level one according to world standards.

“In Sarawak, there are more than 30 landfills. Currently, many sites are at level zero. The sites must at least be at level one in order to treat black water and methane gas so that the impact of pollution could be minimised,” he said.

Rauf explained that landfills were divided into four levels and the difference in level was determined by the facilities of a landfill in treating solid waste.

An ideal landfill, he said, should have parameter fencing and an oxidation pond.

“The cost of a landfill at level one, which includes land, road and facilities is at the average of RM5 million. This is why we try to get a lot of money from the federal government,” he told a press conference after opening a state-level seminar on global warming and preservation of the ozone layer.

He said upgrading landfills would help the state to better preserve the environment and reduce pollution.

“We need more high level landfills in order to cater to the increase in population where we have to deal with a big volume of waste,” he said.

He pointed out that the state only had a level four landfill in Mambong, costing RM50 million, where the site had the facility to recycle methane gas and process toxic waste.

The landfills in Miri and Sibu were at level three, he said, adding that the cost for a level three site was between RM20 million and RM30 million.

He revealed his ministry had met with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to discuss the funding and a priority list would be submitted to the federal government next week.

“At the same time, we want all small councils to share their landfills especially those nearby. For instance, Betong could share with Saratok,” he said.

The one-day seminar themed ‘Global Warming: Act Now!’ was organised by the state Department of Environment (DOE) and attracted around 150 participants from local councils, government agencies, learning institutions and the private sector.

The objectives of the seminar were to educate participants on global warming issue and the importance of ozone layer as well as create awareness on activities or materials that contribute to global warming.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Rauf said members of the public could play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions which had contributed to climate change.

He said large amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide and methane in the air had increased world temperatures and caused many natural disasters.

Maintaining an environmentally friendly lifestyle such as practising the 5R concept – reduce, reuse, recycle, renew and respect – he said would help to mitigate global warming.

“I would like to urge consumers to use products that are free from Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Local industrial players should come out with products that are free from ODS as well, this is how you could compete with international players,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were state DOE director Ismail Ithin and the state Royal Customs Department deputy director Kamaruddin Ahmad.

Ismail said as global warming resulted mainly from human activities, maintaining good practices in daily life would help combat the problem.

from utusan.com.my

Kedah negeri kelima catat pelaburan tertinggi

ALOR SETAR 17 Nov. - Kelembapan ekonomi dunia tidak menghalang Kedah menarik banyak pelaburan sehingga menjadi negeri kelima mencatat jumlah pelaburan tertinggi selepas Sarawak, Selangor, Johor dan Pulau Pinang sehingga Ogos lalu.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak memberitahu, ia melibatkan pelaburan berjumlah RM837,345,329 selepas keadaan ekonomi dunia tidak menentu yang mengurangkan kemasukan pelaburan dalam bidang pembuatan.

"Dalam pelancongan, Kedah mencatat kemasukan 3.8 juta orang pada 2008 berbanding 3 juta pada 2006 dan kerajaan negeri berazam meningkatkan lagi jumlah itu kepada 4 juta orang pada 2010," kata beliau ketika menyampaikan ucapan Bajet 2010 di DUN Kedah di sini hari ini.

Sementara itu, katanya, sehingga Oktober 2009, kerajaan negeri berjaya mengutip hasil RM211.6 juta daripada anggaran hasil RM480 juta dan menyedari pengurangan kutipan hasil disebabkan pemberian rebat 50 peratus yang berkuat kuasa tahun ini.

"Pengurangan hasil tanah juga berjaya ditampung melalui peningkatan hasil melibatkan kenaikan kutipan royalti bahan batuan sebanyak RM19 juta tahun ini kerana usaha penguatkuasaan dan pengurusan rapi pejabat-pejabat tanah.

"Kenaikan hasil balak daripada RM8 juta setahun kepada RM35 juta pada 2009 kerana polisi atau dasar tender terbuka yang diamalkan kerajaan negeri," jelasnya.

Selain itu, kata Azizan, ia melibatkan dividen atas sumbangan daripada 11 buah syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) kepada kerajaan negeri sebanyak RM30 juta.

"Ia merupakan pembayaran pertama kali diterima selepas penyusunan semula GLC yang berjaya meningkatkan aktiviti dan keuntungan," kata beliau.
Mempunyai foto percutian yang hebat? Bolehkah ia memenangi pertandingan foto ini?

Azizan menjelaskan, Unit Perancang Ekonomi (EPU) Jabatan Perdana Menteri memperjelaskan bahawa dari 2004 sehingga 2009, kadar kemiskinan di Kedah berkurangan daripada tujuh peratus kepada tiga peratus.

"Kadar kemiskinan tegar berkurangan daripada 1.3 peratus kepada 0.3 peratus, pendapatan kasar bulanan isi rumah meningkat daripada RM2,126 kepada RM2,408, kadar pengangguran berkurangan daripada 3.8 peratus kepada 3.3 peratus," katanya.

Federal govt absorbs RM1.4 million monthly for low income power bills
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=62420

KUCHING: The federal government absorbs at least RM1.4 million per month in electricity bills so that about 70,000 households in Sarawak can enjoy free power supply.Second Planning and Resource Management Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan yesterday said the government introduced the policy about a year ago to reduce the financial burden of low income households.

“Under this policy, a household with a monthly electricity bill of less than RM20 will be paid by the federal government.

“In Sarawak, about 70,000 households enjoy free electricity and sometimes the beneficiaries fluctuate and reach more than 80,000 households. The federal government reimburses Syarikat Sesco Bhd (Sesco) about RM1.4 million a month,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.

Tengah, who is also the Public Utilities Minister, said the policy was meant to assist people who did not have a steady income and the less fortunate.

“We can’t subside all because electricity generation is not cheap,” he said.

On an issue brought up by Ting Tze Fui (Meradong-DAP) on Monday, Tengah said Sarawak still enjoyed lower electricity tariffs compared to other states and neighbouring countries.

Tengah said he had mentioned the average tariff that Sarawakians enjoy against the average tariff that others had to pay.

In a study by Tenaga National Bhd (TNB) on 10 utilities companies, the average tariff for the peninsula was 32 sen per kilowatt-hour (kwh), while in Sarawak it was 29 sen per kwh.

“I’m talking about average, so overall, we’re still lower than the peninsula,” he stressed.

Amanah Ikhtiar aims to give out RM1b loans next year
By June Ramlee Published: 2009/11/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jraim/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/jraim/pix_topright

Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, a non-profit organisation which gives out micro-credit loans to the hardcore poor, aims to disburse loans worth RM1 billion next year.

Its managing director Zabidah Ismail said to achieve this target, the organisation will increase its branches across Malaysia by another five to eight from 86 now.

To date, it has disbursed 80 per cent of the RM800 million worth of loans allocated for this year.

"We plan to open four branches each in Sarawak and Johor by the fourth quarter of next year," Zabidah told reporters after a MS ISO 9001:2000 certification ceremony in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"We manage to get funding from the government and hope to receive extra allocation under the 10th Malaysia Plan," she added.

Amanah Ikhtiar is modelled after Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. It helps the hardcore poor by helping them venture into businesses with its micro-credit loans. The body is monitored by the Finance Ministry and has 230,000 members to date.

Since its inception in 1986, Amanah Ikhtiar has disbursed nearly RM3.5 billion worth of loans.

"The smallest loan is RM500, while the highest that one can borrow is RM50,000," said finance and administration director Zalmah Mahusin.

"We plan to increase the membership to another 30,000 members by next year and we are looking for serious people who are below the poverty line to start businesses in anything," she said.

Zalmah added that through Amanah Ikhtiar, borrowers do not have to come with guarantee letters and the interest rates are nominal, at 1 per cent per month.

"For the urban poor they have to be below the household income bracket of RM2,000 per household per month and for those in rural areas they have to come under the the state poverty level, which differs from one state to another," she said.

Those who are 16 years old and above are eligible for the loan.

Interested applicants must form a group of five applicants before approaching Amanah Ikhtiar for loans, of which all five members will also be entitled for such loans to start their own businesses.

RM49bil boost for Johor
Friday November 20, 2009
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/20/nation/5151975&sec=nation

NUSAJAYA: The state’s foreign direct investment (FDI) is expected to get a huge boost with about RM49bil expected to be pumped into the oil and gas sector next year.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman in his Budget speech at the state assembly yesterday said that so far Johor had received RM2.6bil in FDI in the first half of the year.

“Right now, we are only second to Sarawak when it comes to foreign investments and this accounts for 16.3% of the country’s total investments.

“Our FDI for the first six months of this year has increased by 20.9% or RM45mil compared with the same period last year,” he said.

He added that the major investors were from Singapore, Japan, Korea, Austria and the United States.

He said that the major sectors were electrical and electronics, food manufacturing, textiles and textile products, non-metal products and the chemical and chemical products industry.

He also explained that 78.6% of the investments in the state were new.

As for the state Budget next year, he said the government would take measures to lower its deficit by about 45%.

According to Ghani, the projected deficit for next year would be RM1.5mil as compared to the 2009 budget deficit of RM2.75mil.

“The total expected revenue for next year will be RM784.15mil while expenses will be about RM785.65mil,” he said.

He also explained that the states management expenditure would be increased by 4.93% to RM785.65mil.

Of the management expenditure RM300.11 would be for emolument, RM228.57mil for development, RM36.51mil for agriculture and rural development and RM10.2mil for local government and housing, he said.

Pahang reports 2.22pc drop in crime
Friday November 20 2009

KUANTAN, Nov 20 – Pahang police have recorded a dip in the number of crime cases in the state in the first nine months of the year, as compared to the same period last year.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the crime index in the state had shown a decrease by 2.22 per cent.

He attributed the drop to the various anti-crime operations mounted by the police, including the ‘Ops Lejang’ and ‘Ops Rentap’, at both state and district levels.

Adnan said this in reply to Datuk Pang Tsu Ming (BN-Semambu) at the state assembly sitting here today. Pang had wanted to know about police efforts to reduce the crime index in the state. – Bernama

All Cosmos to invest RM50m in Sabah plant
By Ooi Tee Ching
Published: 2009/11/21

ALL Cosmos Industries Sdn Bhd is investing RM50 million in Sabah for a 200,000-tonne fertiliser plant, as its high organic content fertiliser is gaining popularity among oil palm planters.

Planters mainly use imported chemical fertiliser because it is proven to boost fruit production. However, it is also expensive and it could pollute rivers.

All Cosmos' value-added fertiliser contains a blend of organic ingredients that let trees absorb more nutrients. It currently offers more than 20 fertiliser variants formulated for oil palms, vegetables, fruits, flowers and rice.

Marketed under the "RealStrong" label, chief executive officer Datuk Tony Peng Shih Hao said this formula mix is able to improve crop yield, increase fruit size and the tree immune system against deadly diseases like basal stem rot.

"We're expanding. Our Pasir Gudang plant is running at full capacity," he said.

With RealStrong, planters use less fertiliser per tree, which also saves money for growers.

"The micro-organism in the biofertiliser also helps soften the soil in the oil palm estates and will improve yield over the long run," Peng told Business Times after sealing an agreement with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on a joint research into enhancing micro-organisms' efficiency in the production of value added-fertiliser.

Also present at the signing ceremony were UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zaini Ujang and Massachusett Institute of Technology (MIT) Biology and Health Sciences & Technology Department head Prof Anthony J. Sinskey.

The Johor-based All Cosmos had recently invested RM7 million to set up a research and development (R&D) centre in Pasir Gudang.

This will prove to be strategic for All Cosmos as it fits into the country's policy of boosting organic content, lowering risk of waterway pollution and reducing costly dependence on imported chemical fertiliser.

‘Police did a good job solving road crisis’
22nd November, 2009

LAHAD DATU: Police received commendation from the district office and the public for resolving the traffic congestion affecting several major roads including in the town area.

New district police chief Supt Shamsudin Mat who coincidentally is Klang’s former traffic chief said that when he took over duties on Nov 2, he received complaints from motorists about the severe traffic congestion in the district.

Shamsudin immediately checked on the problem travelling along the thoroughfares to identify the problem.

He then assigned traffic personnel to monitor traffic flows at strategic points and the problem was solved in two days.

At the height of the congestion, motorists took more than one hour to travel along the six-kilometer stretch of Jalan Silam to reach town.

Traffic crawls also occurred along Jalan Teck Guan heading towards town centre especially during peak hours.

“We resolved the problem in two days and reduced the congestion from one hour to 25 minutes to reach the town centre,” said Shamsudin.

Shamsudin said it is their duty to resolve traffic congestion and provide smooth traffic flow for public convenience.

“I discovered that a majority of the civil servants are driving along these roads to several offices located in town,” he said.

He advised motorists plying along these roads to follow instructions from traffic personnel assigned at several strategic points.

He said he wanted all the rank and file from various police units in the district to discharge their duty professionally and to render excellent service to the public.

Shamsudin said the traffic personnel were also ordered to act on errant motorists who double parked their vehicles and causing traffic obstruction.

“Majority of the roads in town are single lane and if a motorist double parked his vehicle, it would cause traffic congestion,” he added.

Among the busy thoroughfares are Lahad Datu-Tawau and Lahad Datu-Kinabatangan stretches.

Besides private motorists, vehicles plying along the roads consisted of public transport vehicles, commercial, trailers and lorry transporting cargo to and from various oil palm plantations.

Villagers want probe into road upgrading project
22nd November, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7430/2211_Board.jpg?1258858405

A signboard showing details of the project in Kg Kiukad which villagers claim
to have been moved and implemented to an uninhabited village.

KENINGAU: Some 500 villagers in Kg Kiukad/Tiga cry foul over a road upgrading project linking the two villages they claim to have been relocated and implemented in an uninhabited village instead.

They want the matter to be investigated.

“We want the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission to probe the matter,” said their spokesman, Vitalis Kurutuk, in a statement.

He claimed the project to upgrade the road from Kg Kiukad to Kg Tiga had already been approved but was later relocated.

“It’s being implemented in a new village called Kg Baru Bundu which is still uninhabited,” he told the New Sabah Times yesterday.

The paper reported three weeks ago about the bad condition of the road between the two villages that once turned to its worst leaving the villagers stranded for more than a month.

Vitalis said the project relocation has deprived the villagers of a better road and described the action as an abuse of power.

Bakelalan to get bridges and roads under Jiwa Murni project
Monday November 23, 2009

BAKELALAN: Bridges and access in the remote highlands of Sarawak here will be repaired and new ones built, under a tripartite venture involving the army and the federal and state governments.

The Prime Minister’s Department and the Defence Ministry, through their project Jiwa Murni, and the Army Corps have combined resources with the state government to construct bridges and repair rural roads in the rugged regions in the state.

A pioneer project in the highlands in northern Sarawak near Kalimantan is to build 10 steel bridges and repair a stretch of mountainous logging road that is the only access for over 5,000 highland folk.

The pioneer “Bailey Bridge” project in the highlands, some 400km from Miri, was inspected on Saturday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, Army chief General Tan Sri Mohd Ismail Jamaluddin, Army chief engineer Brigadier-General Datuk Abdul Nasser, Sarawak Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Bakelalan state assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining.

UNDP lauds Johor for creating jobs for disabled
Tuesday November 24, 2009
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has lauded Johor’s commitment to increase employability for the disabled by being the first state in the country to form a People with Disabilities Employment Unit.

UNDP Malaysia assistant resident representative James George Chacko said the state government was able to create a bridge between the disabled and employers by being the first state to form such a unit.

He added that the pilot project, which started last year, would be able to create more job opportunities for them in the public and private sectors.

“It has also broken down barriers for disabled people in seeking employment,” he told a press conference after the launch of the National Conference on Employment and Disability here yesterday.

Meanwhile, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, who launched the seminar, said the unit, had so far, managed to supply jobs to 11 disabled people in the Johor Baru City Council and for five people at the Carrefour hypermarket here.

“The unit is also working with other local councils towards creating employment for disabled people,” he said.

Abdul Ghani added that the unit has two job coaches, who were committed towards ensuring employability for the disabled.

Job coaches are those who assist the disabled in their job training and daily work.

He said it aimed to increase the number of job coaches and there were plans to place the disabled with jobs which were nearer to their homes to minimise inconvenience.

Abdul Ghani said tax incentives were also offered to private companies in order to encourage them to hire disabled individuals.

Penang to do more for the environ
Tuesday November 24, 2009

Although the level of environmental awareness in Penang at 15% was higher than the 5% national average, the state government is not happy.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said although Penang had a higher percentage, he considered it as a disappointment.

“This is because we should have achieved 95% as we are heading towards becoming a green state and we need our people to be more aware of the environment,” he said at the Khoo Kongsi Charity Food Fair 2009 at the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi on Saturday.

Also present was event organising chairman Datuk Seri Khoo Keat Siew

He said a resource centre had been set up in each of the state’s five districts to carry out environmental awareness programmes for the people.

“We are also working jointly with the Penang and Seberang Prai municipal councils to carry out environmental programmes at school-level.

“We have also invited relevant government agencies and even multi-national corporations to contribute their part,” he added.

RM250m for electricity in Sarawak
Wednesday November 25, 2009
By JACK WONG
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/11/25/southneast/5163804&sec=southneast

KUCHING: The Federal Government has approved RM250mil for projects to supply electricity to rural folks in Sarawak.

State Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said some 14,050 households would benefit from the 280 rural electrification grid extension projects for the 2009-2010 period.

“Three contractors have been appointed by the Federal Government to implement the projects and work is expected to start soon,” he told the State Assembly recently.

The implementation of 194 similar projects (2008-2009) costing RM150mil was nearly completed, he added.

About 7,800 households will get power supply when the projects are completed.

For the 2011-2012 period, Awang Tengah said a quantum leap was expected as the target was to increase coverage to 95% of the rural population, up from the present 64%.

He said that priority would be given to rural settlements with road access.

It would be a big challenge to achieve 95% coverage as authorities needed the consent of landowners for electricity lines to cross their land without compensation, if possible, he added.

About half of the state’s 2.4 million people live in some 5,000 rural settlements.

For isolated settlements, he said that alternative systems such as solar hybrid and micro hydro projects would be implemented.

On rural water supply, Awang Tengah said the Federal Government had approved RM215mil to fund 179 projects since 2006.

Among them were 61 alternative water supply schemes which had been completed, while 54 of 114 reticulation projects were ready. The remaining 60 projects were in various stages of completion, he said.

PROJECT TO COMPLETE BY MID-2014
27th November, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7461/2711-P2-B.jpg?1259296608

Musa marks the launch of the ground breaking
ceremony as Ariffin (second right) and others look

PAPAR: The Kimanis Power Plant project worth some RM900 million is targeted for completion by mid-2014, said NRG Consortium (Sabah) Sdn Bhd Dr Johan Ariffin Samad.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the project performed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman yesterday, he said the joint venture project between NRG Consortium, a business arm of Yayasan Sabah and Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB), a subsidiary of Petronas to develop a 300MW power plant is to meet the demand for power supply in the West Coast.

“This effort is also in response to the Sabah Halatuju development plan outlined in the state rapid economy plan under the Sabah Development Corridor programme,” he said.

He hoped that through this project more job opportunities would be created for locals in the oil and gas sector especially in power supply, which is still lacking.

Presently, Yayasan Sabah through NRG Consortium has recruited 10 staff comprising engineer, accountant and administrator to carry out the job together with staff of Petronas in Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd, he said.

“This joint effort will help improved the human resource skill, reduced unemployment rate and improved the State economy,” he said adding that it was also the first time Yayasan Sabah ventured in the power supply project to diversify its portfolio.

He hoped that the joint venture would enable Yayasan Sabah to learn something new from Petronas especially through the transfer of technology.

Upon completion, the plant which covers 16.89 hectares (41.74 acres) is expected to contribute approximately 45 per cent of the total electricity demand in Sabah.

The project will be developed based on Independent Power Producer (IPP) concept whereby the power purchase agreement will be signed between Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd, the joint venture company of Petronas Gas Berhad and NRG Consortium and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd for a concession period of 21 years.

The objectives of the plant is to provide modern, environmentally friendly, efficient and reliable power generation for Sabah; use a location that has existing nearby infrastructure and away from developed urban areas; capitalize on the close proximity to the Sabah Oil & Gas Terminal (SOGT) whereby supply of gas will be delivered to the plant with the available capacity to support the plant’s operation; develop a site consistent with the Sabah Industrial Zone as identified in the Sabah Development Corridor blueprint 2008-2015; and minimise impact to environmental resources.

Kimanis plant to meet rapid growth
27th November, 2009

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7460/2711-Front_C.jpg?1259296590

Musa (2nd left) listens to a briefing by Ali
while Ariffin (left) and Hassan (right) look on.

PAPAR: The Kimanis Power Plant will be able to meet the rapid development experienced by the State, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said.

Musa who performed the ground breaking ceremony of the plant project in Kimanis Bay yesterday said the project was an initiative that the people have been waiting for.

“This marks another milestone in the development of Sabah. We need a bigger power generation capacity that is efficient and reliable to meet the rapid growth of development from now and in the future.

“Hence, this project clearly shows that the government has a commitment to ensure efficient and stable power supply to implement the various policy and development programme in the pipeline in the whole state,” he said.

Musa who is also the Finance Minister said the proposed 300MW combined cycle plant is a joint venture between Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB) and NRG Consortium (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, a business arm of Yayasan Sabah.

“The project can be seen as a blessing for Sabah after Petronas has discovered the new oil and gas fields in the coastal area of Sabah,” he said.

He said the plant would be fired by natural gas obtained from the adjacent Sabah Oil & Gas Terminal (SOGT), separated by the existing Sungai Kelatuan.

The plant would be a spin-off activity for SOGT and it would give direct benefit to the people in Sabah because the power station has a capacity of 300MW to boost the power capacity in the whole state, beside the supplies provided by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and Independent Power Producer (IPP), he said.

The electricity produced by the plant would be incorporated into the State’s main grid before it is channeled to stimulate the economy and social activities in the whole state, he added.

Musa also expressed his appreciation for the efforts undertaken by Petronas through its subsidiary company of PGB which took the initiative and proactive steps to develop the project together with Sabah GLC of Kumpulan Yayasan Sabah through its subsidiary company of NRG Consortium (S) Sdn Bhd.

Beside that, he said the State Government believed that the joint venture would indirectly enable Kumpulan Yayasan Sabah as a State GLC to explore the strategic sector especially in the power sector to ensure a stable, efficient and reliable supply of power.

He hoped that the project would be carried out smoothly as it was one of the main development agendas that would benefit the people in line with the need of the rapid industry and growth of the state’s economy.

Present were NRG Consortium chairman Dr Johan Ariffin Samad, Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd managing director/CEO M Ali Hashim Mohd and Petronas president Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.

RM2 million allocated for Artificial Reef Project in Sabah
30th November, 2009

PUTATAN: The government has allocated nearly RM2 million to implement the Artificial Reef Project in seven districts in Sabah as one way of overcoming the decline of coastal fish resources.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said yesterday that Sabah is seeing a decline in the resources due to over-fishing and illegal fishing methods using bombs and poison.

“This artificial reef project is one of the strategies to restore our coastal fish resources which are declining,” he said during the project launch at Kg Pasir Putih here yesterday.

He said the districts involved are Putatan, Sipitang, Kuala Penyu, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.

Yahya, who is also Agriculture and Food Industry minister, said the declining resources have affected the livelihood of coastal fishermen.

He also said the artificial reefs are made of quality materials to last 50 years in salty water.

The Fisheries Department is looking into building more reefs in other suitable locations in the future, he added.

PM: RM7bil to benefit Kelantan people
Tuesday December 1, 2009

PORT OF SPAIN: The Federal Government has allocated more than RM7bil to Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan although the state is under opposition rule, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the Government had been channeling funds to the state which benefited the people of Kelantan.

“Regardless of whether the money is called oil royalty or wang ehsan (goodwill money), the people will receive it.

“We are not using the money for any other purpose,” the Prime Minister said at a press conference here on Sunday.

Asked about Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s call to the people of Kelantan to pray for the demise of the Prime Minister if there was bad intention to deny them oil royalty, Najib replied he did not understand why the spiritual leader made the call or his accusation that the Federal Government was being unfair to the state.

To a question on whether he thought the Mentri Besar’s remark was excessive, Najib replied: “I do not wish to make any statement. I hope he will realise it himself.”

Najib said many Muslims had felt that Nik Aziz’s words were too harsh and did not reflect the true spirit of Islam.

“Whaetever it is, we should discuss to seek a solution, not pick a fight,” he said.

Najib added that it was not acceptable in the religion to accuse others without basis.

Sabah needs RM1b irrigation system: Yahya
Published on: Tuesday, December 01, 2009

MEMBAKUT: The drainage and irrigation system in Sabah has reached a critical level and is in dire need of repair and upgrading to help Sabah achieve a higher self-sufficiency in rice.

State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said there is not enough government funding to further improve the system for padi cultivation in the State. He emphasised that Sabah needs a total of RM1 billion for better drainage and irrigation as well as to build more to produce 10 metric tonnes of rice per hectare.

"Sabah has the lowest density level of drainage and irrigation in the country, which is below the national standard measured at 30 metres of canal waterways per hectare.

"In fact, the level of our drainage and irrigation system is below 20 metres of canal waterways per hectare which affecting padi production in the State," he said.

Yahya said this in a press conference after launching the first harvest of a pioneer development project to develop idle padi land in the sub-district of Membakut at Kg Pimping, Monday.

The joint venture projects involves the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), Sabah Brunei Community Association (PMBS) and Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry.

The first harvest of padi was carried out on its first phase covering 85-acres of the 200-acre idle land in Kg Pimping and Kg Brunei that have been rehabilitated and toiled since the project was launched on June 20.

Among those present were SLDB Director Jhuvarri Majid, Sedco Chairman cum Membakut assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, PMBS President Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kassim, and other officials.

"If Sabah wants to produce seven to 10 metric tonnes per hectare, the density level of drainage and irrigation in the State has to be around 40 metres of canal waterways per hectare.

"Hence, we would need lots of funding from the Government to enhance our drainage and irrigation system in the State," he said.

According to Yahya, only 13,000ha out of 55,000ha of padi land in Sabah are connected with good drainage and irrigation while the rest are still using old equipment like old water pumps.

"Self-sufficiency of rice in Sabah is only at 30 per cent and we are still importing rice which accounts for 70 per cent of our food bill.

"Thus, efforts need to be doubled to raise padi production in Sabah to reduce our food import bill and one of its essential needs would be improving and upgrading the drainage and irrigation system in the State," he said.

Yahya said the State Drainage and Irrigation Department has applied for a total of RM20 million to complete its upgrading work on the drainage and irrigation system in the pioneer project of developing idle land in Kg.Pimping, Membakut by the end of this year.

Commenting on the first harvest of the project, he said the harvest of between 3.5 and 4 metric tonnes per hectare is a huge success although it did not reach its target of 6 metric tonnes per hectare.

"I was informed by Jhuvarri that he is not satisfied with the production of the first harvest that has not met its target production due to upgrading work on the drainage and irrigation on the land for one month. "And just for one month, the padi production was affected by 30 per cent.

Nonetheless, I consider the first harvest a big success because the land in Kg Pimping and Kg Brunei, Membakut have been idle and unproductive for more than 10 years," he said.

In fact, he said, the landowners involved in the project are also paid RM300 per acre per season for renting their idle land and each is eligible to receive 15 per cent of the nett profit derived from the project.

Earlier, Yahya called on other non-governmental organisations to emulate PMBS' effort to carry out joint economic projects in their respective areas.

He said such ventures could provide job opportunities to members especially jobless youths and indirectly contribute to development programmes in the State.

Melaka Aim To Achieve High Income Status Soon
December 02, 2009 18:24 PM

MELAKA, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Melaka hope to achieve state with high income status within the next decade, by using advancement in information technology and biotechnology, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

He urged the people of Melaka to increase productivity, be creative and focus on the economy, based on knowledge.

"For Melaka to advance and reach the high income status, we must venture deeply into information technology, biotechnology, halal industry and high end tourism," he told reporters at a ceremony that was held to commemorate his one decade leadership as Melaka Chief Minister.

Today, marked the 10th year since Mohd Ali took oath as the Melaka Menteri Besar from Datuk Abu Zahar Isnin, after the 1999 general election.

He added that Melaka must also emerge as an industrialized state with focus on manufacturing rather than being just consumers.

"Melaka has received 40.1 million tourist from 1999 to 2008, an increase of 20 percent every year with 73.3 percent being local tourist and the remaining 26.7 percent from abroad.

"Our hope is to attract 8.2 million tourists next year who stay on an average of 2.5 days, compared with 7.4 million tourists received this year," said Mohd Ali who also received an award from a local magazine for his contributions to the Tourism Industry in the country.

-- BERNAMA

RM500 Milion Development Projects Have Been Inditified For Kota Marudu Under 10MP
December 07, 2009 16:34 PM

KOTA MARUDU, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The Kota Marudu District Development and Action Committee has identified several development projects costing RM500 million for submission to the government for implementation under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said today the projects to provide public amenities and basic infrastructure were necessary for the district, which is one of the poorest in the country, to catch up in development as well as to uplift the living standard of the people.

One of the major projects was a RM200 million flood mitigation plan as floods were a perennial problem for Kota Marudu, he said after attending the committee meeting here.

Other crucial needs of the district were three secondary schools -- SMK Bandau, SMK Langkon and SMK Marak Parak --- a dual carriage road for Kota Marudu town, Jalan Samparita to connect 10 rural villages in the Sg Magandai area, an old folks home, a sports complex, a community college and district police headquarters.

"Kota Marudu needs these infrastructures and amenities to catch up with other districts.

"I hope the state and federal agencies, as well as the economic planning units at the federal and state levels, will support our request," said the science, technology and innovation minister, who will personally submit the proposal to the state government for consideration.

He said the committee was coordinating the identification and submission of the proposed development projects to the respective ministries.

-- BERNAMA

Kedah Needs Additional Allocation For Flood Mitigation Project
December 06, 2009 14:58 PM

ALOR SETAR, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- Member of Parliament for Alor Setar Datuk Chor Chee Heung hopes for additional allocation under the 10th Malaysia plan for engineering works to overcome the problem of perennial floods in Kedah.

He said the allocation was needed to complete phase four of the flood mitigation project in the state which started in 2003.

So far, RM20 million had been spent to build a pump house and the overall cost needed to complete phase four was RM60 million, Chor, who is deputy fiance minister, said after presenting flood aid to 108 families in the Alor Setar parliamentary constituency here on Sunday.

He said more pump houses needed to be built to pump out the water in the low-lying areas in the town during heavy rain.

He also hoped that the Drainage and Irrigation Department would deepen the waterways and clean up clogged drains more frequently to ensure fast water flow.

-- BERNAMA

French exploring fish farming in Bakun dam
By Samuel Aubrey Thursday, December 10th, 2009
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=64065

KUCHING: A France-based company is now looking into the possibility of fish farming in the margins of the Bakun hydroelectric dam.French ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Marc Barety said yesterday this was one of business ventures being looked into as part of initiatives to promote more French investment in Sarawak.

He said French companies are now starting to make their presence in Sarawak, including energy company Alstom which invest in the power generation sector and are involved with the Bakun Dam.

However, the fish farming project will most likely to be conducted under France’s Centre of Agriculture Research for Development (EIARD). According to Barety, this project is one of the prospects that could be developed by the French.

“We would love to propose this to the local authorities,” he told reporters after visiting the Sarawak Museum.

Barety, who was appointed as ambassador to this country last year, was in Kuching for a three-day visit to the state to learn more about Sarawak and the potential business opportunities. He was in Miri on Tuesday.

In Kuching, his itinerary included discussions with Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, State Secretary Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani and the State Planning Unit.

The visit was arranged by Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin.

According to Barety, the visit was to enable him to make contacts and to learn more about the economic climate in Sarawak before he relays the information to the French business community.

He pointed at the moment, only a few French companies are making their presence in the state. Apart from Alstom, he said the other major company was hotel chain Accor which operates Pullman Hotel in Kuching.

He also said that several French companies still see good prospects in Sarawak’s oil and gas sector.

“There are many business prospects in the state, like oil for instance. We have a number of oil companies interested in coming to Sarawak,” he said.

He added that French companies will also be encouraged to invest in the tourism sector in Sarawak to tap on its potential as an eco-tourism destination, as well as to pull in more tourists from France to the state.

Barety spent about an hour touring the Sarawak Museum. Briefing him during the tour was the state’s Museum Department deputy director Dr Charles Leh.

Also in the delegation were economic counselor Jean-Francois Bijon and honorary French consul in Sarawak, Datin Brigitte Wan Ullok.

Hybrid solar power stations for remote areas
By Samuel Aubrey Saturday, December 12th, 2009

http://www.theborneopost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/0000506375.jpg

CONNECTING SARAWAK’S ELECTRICITY: Taib looking at the cables produced
by Sarawak Cable Berhad at its new factory. Briefing him are SCB chairman
Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib (second right) and Toh (left).

KUCHING: Sarawak is now looking at solar power stations to solve the problem of supplying electricity to scattered settlements across the state, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said yesterday.

He said these stations could be operated by independent suppliers and linked to the state’s main electricity grid.

“Solar energy today is not very feasible in some places for the simple reason that you have to base on economies of scale to place solar stations in our remote areas.

“But if we can get some of these stations to be linked to the main grid, I think these people will find it worthwhile to have bigger and economic-size solar energy suppliers.

“I’m hoping they can sell the surplus energy into the main grid,” he said at the opening of Sarawak Cable Berhad’s (SCB) RM40 million factory for its subsidiary, Universal Cable (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd at Demak Laut Industrial Estate here.

He mentioned these when commenting on the plans announced by SCB chairman Dato Sri Morshidi Abdul Ghani, who in his speech earlier, said the group would venture into hybrid solar power systems for remote areas in Sarawak next year.

According to Taib, this is a good initiative as it is in line with applying more green energy or alternative energy technology in Sarawak.

“This needs to be looked at today. I think there will be more demand for green energy with the big debate going on today (on environmentally-friendly energy options),” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg were among those present.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Assistant Minister of Environment Datuk Peter Nansian, Assistant Minister of Industrial Development Larry Sng and Morshidi Abdul Ghani were among the other guests.

Taib and the guests also witnessed the handing over of donations by SCB to five charitable organisations.

The donations comprised RM100,000 to Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board, RM25,000 to Demak Laut Welfare Board, RM25,000 to Kidney Association Sarawak, RM25,000 to Lions Charity Home and RM25,000 to Kuching Autistic Association.

SCB managing director and chief executive officer Aaron Toh said SCB, through its subsidiary, Sarawak Power Solutions Sdn Bhd (SPS), is eyeing to secure solar hybrid power system projects in the state by the end of 2010.

He said its inverted assembly facility for solar hybrid systems would be ready by early next year.

“We have already identified several locations in remote areas, villages, schools, clinics, police stations and army camps which are yet to be covered by the rural electrification scheme or power grid system,” he said.

According to Toh, SPS had vast experience in the implementation of solar hybrid power system projects and other specific renewable energy projects in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, United States and Europe.

“SPS is prepared to assemble, manufacture and provide proprietary power conversion and control systems which can coordinate and optimise photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, battery banks and diesel generators for cost effective electrification schemes.

“We are confident of emerging as the leading provider of technology, products and systems not only in the country but in the region’s renewable energy business,” he added.

RM20 mln on forest upkeep
By Jacob Achoi Friday, December 11th, 2009
http://www.mysarawak.org/2009/12/11/rm20-mln-on-forest-upkeep.html

No compromise on protecting forest and natural resources: Tengah

KUCHING: The state government will not compromise when it comes to the protection of the forest and natural resources.Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan stressed that the government had over the years taken steps to conserve the forest in a sustainable manner.

The government, he said, had spent about RM20 million annually towards forest rehabilitation, while at the same time had also installed a log tracking mechanism.

Other enforcement measures were also put in place to eliminate illegal logging and unlawful encroachment of totally protected areas (TPA) like national parks and nature reserves, he said.

“The government is determined to protect and safeguard our natural resources because it is always the policy of the government to manage these resources in a sustainable manner for posterity,” Tengah stressed.

He said this during a media appreciation night on Wednesday, hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Resource Management, Forest Department, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sarawak Timber Industry and Development Corporation (STIDC) and Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd.

The gathering was officiated at by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Tengah said the government’s conservation policies also included increasing the acreage of TPA and permanent forest estate.

According to him, the state aims to plant about one billion trees by 2020, to cover about one million hectares, under licensed planted forests. To date, about 350,000 ha have been planted by both private and public sectors.

On Native Customary Rights (NCR) land claims, Tengah said much publicity had been given to the issue, adding that some originated from foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) bent on creating a bad image of the state and stirring anger among the natives.

He called on the local media fraternity to counter such negative propaganda.

“I urge the media to help the government to counter such allegations because these negative publicity campaigns are designed to impede the use of our natural resources and retard our economic progress.

“I also urge the local media to tell the world that the government and our laws have always recognised and respected native customary rights over land,” said Tengah, who is also Public Utilities Minister.

He added that the government had gazetted the vast Mulu National Park for the nomadic Penans to continue their traditional way of life, and declared a Native Communal Reserve for the Penans in Ulu Suai.

DAULAT TUANKU!
Darshini Kandasamy Friday, December 11th, 2009 13:40:00
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/21640-daulat-tuanku

http://www.mmail.com.my/sites/default/files/imagecache/large/Daulat%20Tunku_0.jpg

DAULAT TUANKU: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (front row, eight from left) and runners hailing the Sultan of Selangor before flag off. Pic: Samsul Said

SHAH ALAM: Today Selangor got an early start in celebrating the 64th birthday of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, with its Charity Run called 'Larian Rakyat' at the new developed modern township i-City in Section 7, Shah Alam.

The Charity Run saw more than 1,500 eager runners from Selangor and the rest of Klang Valley participating in the eight categories -- two categories for the 10km run, four for the 7km run, and the 3km Family Run and 3km handicapped category.

Jointly organised by the Selangor State Government, Selangor Tourism, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the Selangor State Investment Centre, the Charity Run succeeded in amassing some RM12,000 to be distributed evenly between the Shah Alam Old Folks Home Association, Selangor Humanitarian Aid Mission (Pantas), Rumah Hope orphanage and Gombak abused women shelter.

Miri Bio-Park site works now on
By Lucas Jalong Bato Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

MIRI: Site works for the much-anticipated first phase of the Miri Bio-Park on a 10-acre site at the Curtin Sarawak Campus at Senadin here is underway.Work on the state-of-the-art bio-technology park commenced last week and its first phase comprising a research and development (R&D) complex and support infrastructure is expected to be completed by mid-2011.

The park is being set up to facilitate biotechnological research for industrial applications such as bio-fuels and renewable energy production, bio-medicine, pharmaceuticals and food products, as well as environmental biotechnology such as bio-remediation, detoxification and de-nitrification.

Developed by the state Ministry of Industrial Development in partnership with Curtin University of Technology, the park will be the first of its kind in northern Sarawak and is expected to provide a significant boost to R&D, knowledge accumulation and industrial development in Sarawak.

It will also contribute to the state government’s vision of making Miri a reputable centre of learning and research in the area of biotechnology.

It will be managed by Curtin Sarawak, which will provide the necessary expertise and a critical mass of researchers to conduct research projects funded by the government, Curtin University and other fund-providers, as well as ensure that the outcomes from the biotechnological research activities at the park are relevant to the state’s needs.

The R&D complex will feature a two-storey building with an inner courtyard and a total floor area of about 4,900 sq metres.

It will house research laboratories on the ground floor and administrative and support offices on the first floor.

The Miri Bio-Park was mooted by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who took a special interest in the project after reviewing an earlier concept for a technology park.

A few locations in Sarawak were considered for the project, and Miri was eventually chosen, given the presence of Curtin Sarawak and its proven track record in R&D.

Synergising the park with Curtin Sarawak and its parent campus in Perth, Western Australia, is considered a smart move as R&D requires readily available linkages and Curtin, a world-class university, can provide a ready pool of researchers and a wealth of knowledge.

In time, linkages will be established between the park and industries for commercialisation and patenting of findings.

An official ground-breaking ceremony for the project is scheduled to be held early next year.

Negeri Sembilan Government To Focus On People's Well-Being Next Year
December 16, 2009 12:13 PM

SEREMBAN, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government will focus on programmes to uplift the people's well-being next year, besides working hard to develop the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that while doing so, the government would not compromise on issues like environment and others which were detrimental to the public.

"We hope in 2010, we will be able to continue with the 'good feeling' sentiment which exist among the people this year so that we can achieve one success after another for the good of the people's well-being", he added.

On the state's progress this year, Mohamad said he was satisfied as it showed the state government was able to realise its objectives.

"Only in terms of investment, we have yet to meet the target. It is not because of our weakness, but due to the world investment climate.

"However, on the implementation of programmes under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, it is progressing well and we hope this will continue next year," he added.

Asked on the target for next year, Mohamad said the state government would continue to carry out programmes that had been planned.

"There will not be major changes in the policy, but in terms of implementation, we will be more focus. If there is any weaknesses in the implementation of policies, we will rectify them so that they will be more effective," he added.

He also said that the state government would not leave out constituencies under the opposition in the implementation of projects next year.

"We develop the state for the well-being of all the people. We want to see a balanced development in Negeri Sembilan," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Mt Kinabalu trail highest in the world
Wednesday December 16, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/16/nation/n_37climbers.jpg

Vertical challenge: Climbers going up the via ferrata on Mount Kinabalu.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah made it into the Guinness World Records with Mount Kinabalu now certified as having the world’s highest via ferrata or “mountain top trail”.

The highest of Mount Kinabalu’s via ferrata – iron road in Italian – is at an altitude of 3,776m, nearly 500m higher than the second highest track in the world at the Dolomites mountain in Italy.

Mountain Torq Sdn Bhd sales and marketing director Quek I-Gek said Guinness World Records officials issued the certification last July after a six-month effort that included survey work carried out by the state Land and Survey Department.

The certificate was presented to Sabah Parks deputy director Dr Jamili Nais here yesterday by Mountain Torq, the company that established the via ferrata trail on Mount Kinabalu.

The certificate was handed over by its executive director Wilfred Tok and witnessed by Sabah Tourism chairman Datuk Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mansor.

The via ferrata on Mount Kinabalu is a route using a series of steel rungs, rails and cables embedded into the mountain’s Panar Laban rockface.

More than 5,000 people have climbed the 1.2km-high via ferrata – which includes a 22m foot bridge suspended 3,600m above sea level – since it was opened to public use on Dec 15, 2007.

Quek said that although there were more than 300 via ferratas worldwide, the route on Mount Kinabalu was the only one in Asia.

Tengku Zainal Adlin said the Guinness certification would further establish Sabah among travellers, especially those keen on adventures and eco-tourism.

“We are proud of the fact that Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site.

“Now, Malaysians will be proud to identify themselves with a Guinness World Record,” he added.

1Malaysia Budget For Perlis
December 15, 2009 21:47 PM

KANGAR, Dec 15 (Bernama)-- Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu tabled the state's budget for next year which he described as being for all communities in the state in line with the 1Malaysia concept.

Tabling the budget in the state assembly sitting here, he said next year's budget of RM198.41 million was a 0.7 per cent increase over the 2009 budget and that RM142.70 million would be allocated for operating expenditure and RM55.71 million for development.

According to him, the state would experience a deficit of RM75.6 million next year.

The state assembly sitting which began Tuesday will end on Thursday.

-- BERNAMA

Census On Hardcore Poor Families In Penang To Be Ready Next Year
December 17, 2009 18:31 PM

BUTTERWORTH, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The result of the Statistics Department's census on the number of hardcore poor families in Penang will be known early next year, Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) chairman Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said on Thursday.

At present, he said, the department was in the midst of conducting the final house-to-house census, which started in September.

"The unofficial census revealed that the number of hardcore poor families in Penang has increased to 697 from 494 registered last year.

"I think when the final census is completed, the number will show a further increase. So, how can the state government say that the hardcore poverty has been eradicated?" he told reporters.

Azhar said the increase in the number of hardcore poor families was more obvious after the opposition pact took over the state in March 2008.

"When the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) was tabled, Penang registered the lowest number of hardcore poor as compared to other states, but right now, the number has increased," he said.

Meanwhile, Azhar said Perda had spent RM11.2 million under the 9MP for the implementation of numerous programmes to help the hardcore poor.

"Apart from giving them financial aid, Perda had also organised various programmes to enable the poor to be self-reliant and live a better life," he said.

In April, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that the opposition-led state government had managed to eradicate hardcore poverty in just one year of its administration.

-- BERNAMA

Sibu BN team helped rebuild 102 bridges
By Raymond Tan Friday, December 18th, 2009

SIBU: The Sibu BN Visionary Development Team has helped rebuild 102 bridges in front of houses in low-lying areas from Jalan Amoy to Brooke Drive.

These are bridges or culverts over monsoon drains that have either collapsed or caved-in due to sinking soil.

The situation has been tolerated by the residents for over two decades as the drains blocked by the sunken bridges have caused flooding after almost every downpour.

The project supervised by Councillor Chieng Buong Toon in collaboration with the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has facilitated the flow of water in time to avoid flash floods after each heavy rain.

Chieng, in an interview yesterday, said house owners had rebuilt the concrete culverts outside their houses every time an older bridge collapsed, and in the past two decades the collapsed bridges lay atop one another “making them look like kek lapis (layered cake)”.

He said there could be up to four or five bridges, one on top of the other.

“With the rebuilding, we noted from March when we kicked off the project, there was almost no more flash flood.

“The only notable flood was the one a few weeks ago when the water burst the river banks. But that was not a flash flood. It was the river overflowing.”

In other times, he said, the water would stay for not more than an hour after each heavy downpour.

“In the past each flash flood would last for days.”

Chieng said the flood in the low lying areas had always been a hindrance to town’s rebuilding efforts.

“More than two thirds of these residential areas are sitting on peat soil, meaning the bridges sink easily in just a few years.”

He said this was the situation in areas like Jalan Amoy, Jalan Kapor, Jalan Tong Sang, Jalan Langsat, Jalan Pedada, Jalan Ho Ping, Jalan Foochow, Jalan Tiong Hua, Jalan Hua Kiew, Jalan Merlin, Jalan Bellian, Jalan Rambutan, Jalan Punai, Jalan Lai Chee, Brooke Drive 6 and Jalan Oya.

He said SMC used to clear the blocked drain at a particular spot whenever there was a complaint, but the Sibu BN Visionary Development Team under Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh felt that this would never solve the problem in long run.

“Therefore, we looked for funds and through the collaboration of SMC and DID we started clearing the drains and the biggest obstacle we found was the collapsed bridges.”

He said they did not ask the house owners to pay for the rebuilding of the bridges.

Among them, he said, Jalan Bukit Assek and areas around the middle to the back portions of Jalan Hua Kiew and its surroundings needed the most rebuilding, as the land there is sinking badly.

“There are 52 rebuilt bridges in Bukit Assek and Jalan Tong Sang alone. In Jalan Hua Kiew and its surroundings, including Jalan Merlin, Brooke Drive 7, Jalan Punai, there are 34.”

He said there are more bridges to be rebuilt and more drains to be cleared.

“Give us time. In another three years, we believe the situation will improve further.”

Chieng thanked the residents for their understanding and cooperation.

“We received no complaints when we moved in with the project. The residents were happy. We were happy.”

He said after the Sibu BN Visionary Development Team, SMC and DID merged with the people in this project, there had been a better communication between the people and the Sibu BN Team.

“We have started to discuss and look for common solutions in problems that the people face. On my parts, I have received lots of calls from the residents. Our team will keep up with this goodwill with the people.”

Conference On Rural Infrastructure In Sabah And Sarawak Next Year
December 18, 2009 18:58 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=463241

PETALING JAYA, Dec 18 (Bernama) - A conference to discuss on upgrading rural infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak under the National Key Result Area (NKRA) of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development would be held in February next year, an official said on Friday.

Urban and Rural Planning Officer of the Sarawak Land and Survey Department Hashimi Alwi said the conference would focus on how to achieve adequate supplies for rural development in Sabah and Sarawak as targeted in the NKRA.

"Next year, conference will be held on this to ensure there is a sufficient supply of contractors, consultants, materials and machines towards implementing projects suggested by the NKRA's Rural Basic Infrastructure (RBI) Laboratory," he said in his presentation at the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Open Day here.

Hashimi, who is also a team member in the RBI Lab, also said that the projects on improving rural basic infrastructure, which had been decided by the government to be implemented next year, would be announced through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development's website on December 28.

-- BERNAMA

Rural NKRA: Sabah, Sarawak Main Target Areas
December 17, 2009 17:39 PM

PETALING JAYA, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Sabah and Sarawak will be the main targeted areas to upgrade rural basic infrastructures under the National Key Result Areas (Nkras) as there are many undeveloped rural areas.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal is the lead minister for the upgrading infrastructure in the rural and interior regions.

Reducing the delay in the delivery of basic infracture projects by 50 per cent is also one of the targets under the Nkras, said Rural Basic Infrastructure (RBI) Nkra Lab leader Ahmad Zubir Abdullah Ghani.

He said the team had identified such delay as the key problem which could cause delay in implementing projects to improve basic infrastructure.

"For example, land acquisition takes almost two years to complete and we are aiming to reduce the process of acquisition by 50 per cent," he told Bernama after the launching of Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Open Day here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, RBI Lab Principle Assistant Secretary Ramdan Baba said, the team aimed to improve the four basic areas of infrastructure including road, housing, electricity and water supply.

"We are aiming at building 7,000km of roads and 50,000 new houses at rural areas in three years, and complete 140,000 households in rural areas with electricity supply and 360,000 households with water supply," he said during a presentation session by the RBI Lab here.

-- BERNAMA

Government Will Resolve Labour Shortage In Sabah Soon - Dompok
December 19, 2009 14:36 PM
By P.Vijian

NEW DELHI, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The government has assured it will soon step in to address the labour shortage woes in the palm oil plantations in Sabah.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said only genuine foreign workers would be allowed to work, in facing the pressing labour shortage in the state.

"We have no problem getting plantations to recruit foreign workers, especially in Sabah.But they must come with proper documents.I don't want them to recruit illegal immigrants," Dompok told Bernama in Delhi.

The minister was responding to a recent media report in Malaysia that the palm oil industry in Sabah would lose billions, due to a large number of Indonesian workers returning to their homeland, as salaries are almost the same back home.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Association chief Datuk Mamat Salleh had told the media that revenue would be seriously affected due to the shrinking labour force.

"If foreign workers, comprising half of the 600,000 workforce in the palm oil industry, is reduced by 30 per cent, Malaysia's export earnings could shrink as much as RM10 billion a year," Mamat was quoted as saying.

Dompok said Malaysia was now facing competition from Indonesia.

"We also want to see how we can encourage locals to work in the plantation sector," he added.

According to the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in Sabah, the industry contributes about RM4 billion in state revenue and employs 130,00 workers.

Sabah is the largest palm oil producer in Malaysia and owns about 1.4 million hectares, producing 5.8 million tones of crude palm oil.

Malaysia is the world's second largest producer of palm oil after Indonesia.

Dompok was in Delhi to inaugurate the Malaysia-India Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar (POTS)2009 earlier this week.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak Housing to develop mixed project in Muara Tebas
By Sulok Tawie Published: 2009/12/22

SARAWAK Housing Development Corp (SHDC) plans to develop a 143.2ha state land at Muara Tebas, about 40km from Kuching, into a mixed project.

To be named "Bandar Baru Muara Tebas", the proposed development will feature residential units and a shopping area with 64 units of three-storey shophouses, restaurants and food courts.

It will also have community facilities such as a community centre, a primary school, a kindergarten and a mosque.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, who visited the site yesterday, said the residential portion will comprise 1,035 units of affordable houses, 449 units of two-storey terrace, 286 semi-detached houses and 64 two-storey bungalows.

"The attraction (of the property) is the lake, the size of four football fields, and a central park, both of which will serve as the focus of the scheme, aimed at enhancing the aesthetic value and environmental quality of the project," he said.

Abang Johari said the lake will have facilities for small craft like yacht and tourist boats to anchor.

Bandar Baru Muara Tebas will serve as an extension of Kuching city, with the characteristics of a resort town.

He added that Muara Tebas, which is presently a small village, is set to become an important residential suburb of Kuching over the next decade.

"The development project is expected to be completed under the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans," he said.

He said his ministry will seek federal funding for the project, but declined to reveal the cost.

Earthwork on the site, costing RM2.6 million, is expected to be completed by February next year.

"Once the earthwork is completed, we will start constructing 192 units of affordable houses under Phase One of the project," he said.

Dubai firm keen to invest US$500m in Melaka
Monday, 21 December 2009 23:33
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/business-news/156089-dubai-firm-keen-to-invest-us500m-in-melaka.html

MELAKA: Dubai-based Golden Crescent Group has expressed interest to invest US$500 million (RM1.72 billion) in Melaka, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said on Dec 21.

“They showed interest to invest in the state after seeing the development in Melaka,” he told reporters after opening the 34th general representative meeting of 4B Youth Movement in Ayer Keroh.

Mohd Ali said Golden Crescent was interested to invest in the hotel, manufacturing and recycling industries, and building a specialist hospital.

Representatives from the company — Dr Abdelrahman Mustafa Abdullah Al Jarrar, Mahomed Akbar Khan dan Dr Khalil AH Al Khalil — met Mohd Ali earlier on Dec 21.

During the meeting, Mohd Ali said he had also suggested that the company invest in animation films in the state. A memorandum of understanding would soon be signed between Chief Minister Incorporated and the company, he added.

He said among other factors that drew the interest of foreign investors to Melaka were the existence of various infrastructure, abundant skilled workforce, political stability and peace.

He said Melaka’s foreign investment target for next year was RM3 billion while this year’s achievement would be known at the end of the month. — Bernama

Investor confidence key to having more jobs in Sabah - CM
22nd December, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman believes the increasing confidence from the private sector and foreign investors will lead to more job opportunities in Sabah.

He said strong fundamentals in the domestic economy supported by efficient management and administration of finances have boosted the confidence of the private sector and investors.

“Even though the global economy is still unstable, as a government that cares, we will continue planning and implementing development programmes for the people,” he said.

Musa was speaking when officiating at the launch of the JobsMalaysia Centre here yesterday. The text of his speech was read by Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

He said projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Sabah Development Corridor and the 10th Malaysia Plan which begins in 2011, will generate plenty of job opportunities for locals.

The state government therefore lauded the setting up of JobsMalaysia in Sabah which is an automated online job-matching service that is free and available to everyone.

Musa stressed on the importance of ensuring the delivery system is efficient and continuously improved.

“It is important that the centre ensures the information provided is easily accessible and helpful for job seekers and employers,” he said.

So far 250,000 people are recorded with JobsMalaysia comprising 45 per cent graduates and the remainder non-graduates.

Each month between 20 to 50,000 vacancies are recorded with at least 30,000 placements every year.

CRIME DOWN 9pc
22nd December, 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/34851

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7610/2212-police_station2.jpg?1261452776

FOR YOU…Henry (centre) presenting a souvenir to Ab Razak

KOTA KINABALU: The overall crime rate in Sabah this year has dropped by nine per cent.

Sabah deputy police commissioner Datuk Ab Razak Ab Ghani said the nine per cent drop from 9,048 cases recorded last year, was largely due to public awareness and cooperation.

Speaking to reporters at the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation’s (MCPF) state level awards for Excellent Police Stations here yesterday, he said police have received good support from the public on crime prevention.

“We see the people of Sabah cooperating and working together with the police to rid their areas of crime,” he added.

Ab Razak also said the close rapport between the police and members of the public had effectively helped to reduce street crime, property crime as well as drug abuse.

And according to him, the MCPF would help police to distribute crime prevention pamphlets.

To a question, he said the security in the east coast of Sabah was under control and no kidnapping incident had been reported so far.

Meanwhile, Ab Razak warned villagers, especially farmers not to have in possession bakakuks (homemade guns).

“They must apply for a permit if they want to own a gun,” he said.

And, he also warned that stern action would be taken against licensed gun owners who sell ammunitions to bakakuk owners.

MCPF chairman Datuk Henry Chin said the objective of biennial awards was to recognise the efforts of police in providing excellent, efficient and friendly services to the people.

During the ceremony, the Penampang and Tanjung Aru police stations were presented awards for their efforts to reduce crime rates in their respective areas.

Social infrastructure can boost economy
Friday December 25, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: The development of infrastructure to meet the social needs of the people can boost the economic growth of Sabah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said.

“Sabah has many modern infrastructure which can be used to hold cultural and tourism activities, and for events to encourage a healthy lifestyle. It will also foster goodwill among the people,” he said when closing the Education Ministry sports and cultural festival here on Wednesday.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin.

He said efforts to create quality human capital could not be achieved without the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of Education Ministry staff, particularly those serving rural and remote areas.

“The state government has given a big allocation to develop the Sandakan Education Hub. This includes building institutions of higher learning as well as training and skills centres for public and private sectors,” he added. — Bernama

Kontraktor ceroboh rizab sungai
Oleh JUNHAIRI ALYASA 25 Disember 2009

Bangi is a small town situated on the south of the district of Hulu Langat, in Selangor

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/1225/Kosmo/Negara/ne_07.1.jpg

KERJA mengorek pasir di Sungai Langat mencetuskan kebimbangan
di kalangan penduduk Taman Bangi Perdana, Bangi.

BANGI - Penduduk di Taman Bangi Perdana di Bandar Baru Bangi di sini pernah diancam masalah mendapan yang serius sejak beberapa tahun lalu dan kini bakal berhadapan dengan bahaya yang lebih besar.

Masalah mendapan dan pencemaran lebih kronik dijangka berlaku apabila kerja-kerja tanah secara haram bagi projek perumahan baru berlaku di kawasan rizab sungai yang terletak hanya kira-kira 200 meter dari taman tersebut.

Rata-rata penduduk melahirkan rasa risau dan mempersoalkan kenapa rizab sungai yang sepatutnya menjadi zon hijau turut diceroboh atas nama pembangunan tanpa sebarang pemantauan.

Seorang penduduk, Marzuki Azhari, 48, berkata, aktiviti tersebut menimbulkan kebimbangan kerana ia dibuat di atas rizab tanah sungai yang mudah berlaku hakisan.

"Sebenarnya ketika saya dapat kunci rumah yang diduduki sekarang, rumah ini mengalami mendapan yang sangat serius, selepas tiga tahun baru selesai tapi tidak secara keseluruhan.

"Saya bimbang kegiatan korek tebing sungai ini boleh menyebabkan masalah mendapan ini berulang sesemula dan menghantui penduduk di sini," katanya ketika ditemui Kosmo! di sini semalam.

Ujar Marzuki lagi, sebelum ini kerajaan negeri telah menghentikan semua aktiviti mengorek pasir tetapi dia hairan kerana perkara tersebut masih berlaku secara terang-terangan.

RM383 million to bridge digital divide
29th December, 2009

KOTA KINABALU : Sabah has been allocated RM383 million under the Universal Service Provider (USP) Programme to bridge the digital divide.

The programmed will be implemented for five years starting in 2010 and will target the Undeserved Group and disabled at a cost of RM8 million, community broadband centre (RM55 million), 14 broadband libraries (RM22 million) and 212 towers for the expansion of cellular coverage (RM297 million).

“In order to ensure that the people in Sabah are not left behind, the addition of cellular towers will be done in stages by the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission,” said Minister of Information, Communication & Culture Datuk Seri Rais Yatim.

He was speaking at the launch of My1X and the state-level community broadband centre at the Sabah Trade Centre here yesterday.

Beginning February next year, there will be 60 towers built in order to widen the cellular coverage in the state which extends to only 75 per cent of inhabited areas.

It will ensure that more people in the rural areas will be able to enjoy cellular telephone services.

Boradband penetration in households at currently 30.8 per cent is expected to reach 31.4 per cent this month.

Dr Rais is confident that by the end of 2010, broadband penetration in Sabah will reach 50 per cent.

The launch of the My1X exchange in Sabah will improve internet accessability in terms of speed, quality of service and cost saving.

In Sabah, the other two Community Broadband Centres are in Bingkor managed by Celcom (M) Berhad and in Sukau operated by Telekom Malaysia.

Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan who represented the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli. – KAMARUDDIN LIUSIN

Sabah on track with 9MP spending
8th January, 2010

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7640/0801_2a.jpg?1262927290

Musa (centre) addressing the media with Sukarti (second left)
and Matusin (second right)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah spent RM12.43 billion or 62.8 per cent of the allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) as of 31 December 2009 and is confident it can use up 80 per cent of the total by the end of 2010.

The total allocated for the state is RM19.778 billion.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said the percentage of expenditure for 2009 is expected to increase even after the deadline for payment ends today as there are many other claims that have not been settled.

Speaking to the media after chairing the Sabah State Action Council meeting at Wisma Innoprise here yesterday, Musa said of the 3,599 development projects, at least 1,430 projects worth RM3.67 billion have been completed.

Another 1,946 projects costing some RM14.86 billion are in the implementation stage and while some are progressing according to schedule, quite a number are expected to be ahead of schedule.

He therefore urged all departments and agencies to double their efforts so that the remaining 37.2 per cent or RM7.36 billion of the 9MP allocation can be spent fully this year.

Musa who is also the Finance Minister was pleased to hear from the Sabah Development Office that the progress of projects under 9MP is running smoothly.

He reminded presidents of municipal councils and district officers to continue monitoring projects under the 9MP. Meanwhile, on another issue, Musa said there was no need for the state government to prepare a White Paper on Saham Amanah Sabah (SAS) as challenged by SAPP.

The Chief Minister said it was more important to work on increasing the share value of SAS.

Also present at the meeting were State Secretary, Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, Sabah Federal Secretary, Datuk Mohammad Hatta Ab Aziz, SDO director, Haji Matusin Sunsang and heads of departments.

5-Year Plan To Create Liveable City In Sarawak Major Towns
January 10, 2010 16:32 PM


KUCHING, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- The Housing and Urban Development Ministry has come up with a five-year urban development plan in the effort to create a liveable city environment in major towns and cities in the state, its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said among programmes under the plan was an activity called "renewal of city" which would be held in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri aimed at creating a resident and visitor-friendly atmosphere.

"The plan will run from 2010 to 2015 and will include upgrading of traffic and public transportation system apart from providing more parks and recreational facilities," he said at a media appreciation dinner organised by the Housing Development Corporation here Saturday night.

Abang Johari said the ministry would take a cue from Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority in managing its city renewal initiative.

"We will not follow 100 per cent but to translate certain of ideas into action," he said.

Abang Johari said the ministry would also develop a water taxi facility at the Sungai Sarawak as a tourism product and as a means to tackle traffic congestion around Kuching.

"Now, we have landmark buildings such as the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and the under-construction new Satok Market near the historical Satok Bridge. These will be tourist attractions in the future," he said.

Those who lived across the Sungai Sarawak could use water taxis to the city to save costs and time, he said.

On effort to upgrade traffic and public transportation, Abang Johari said the ministry would come up with a more holistic system using the latest technology to address the worsening situation.

"It is not the conventional way. I will only announce it when the time comes," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Lubukan Islanders To Enjoy Solar Energy Soon
January 12, 2010 18:36 PM

SANDAKAN, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Residents of Pulau Lubukan can breathe a sigh of relief as Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin has agreed to solve their problem that has prevented them from using the hybrid solar system.

During his visit to the village on Tuesday, he announced that he would fund the installation of meters for 33 houses there, which is a 30-minute boat ride from Sandakan town.

Bung Moktar, when met by reporters, said the RM1.97 million hybrid solar system which could provide 45kw of electricity was ready for use last December.

However, he said, electricity supply could not be connected to the homes yet because the residents had not installed the meters and internal wiring, which they had to pay for themselves.

"To solve their problem, the cost of installing the meters will be funded by the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency's office," he said.

He said the hybrid solar system installation work on the island began in 2007 and was a pilot project for the Kinabatangan constituency.

The system, meant mainly for remote villages, would be extended to Kampung Tanjung Batu, Kuamut, Tidong and Tundun Buangin.

Meanwhile, Kampung Pulau Lubukan chief Damit Nasir, when met by Bernama, said the island had about 350 inhabitants who made a living from fishing.

He said most of the villagers did not have a fixed income and had difficulty to pay for the electricity meters and wiring for their homes, thus help from the Kinabatangan parliamentary office was timely.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah To Set Up Task Force On State Integrity
January 13, 2010 14:17 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government will set up a task force to monitor the integrity of state civil servants in state programmes, especially in implementing development projects, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Wednesday.

He said the task force, which will be headed by the director of State Public Services Department (JPAN) Datuk Nordin Siman, will be known as the State Integrity Monitoring task Force and will start operating as soon as possible after identifying officers who will be on the task force.

"The state government is actively focussing on the state's development for the peace and prosperity of the people through, among others, the State Development and Progress Direction plan and various policies and development agenda, including the latest mechanisms which are the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

"As such, to ensure the success of each plan, implementation and development programmes, integrity values must include the actions of all public service personnel," Musa told reporters after chairing a meeting of the Committee on Total Management here.

According to Musa, the task fore was responsible for, among others, monitoring the effectiveness of integrity programmes' implementation and the delivery system of public services, making surprise checks or "Mystery Shopping" on all government agnecies and preparing immediate reports for the State Secretary, Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, or heads of related departments, and suggest improvement measures.

Besides JPAN, he said, the task force will have members from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the State Public Complaints Bureau, and the Integrity Unit of the Chief Minister's Department.

-- BERNAMA

Melaka BioTech in Indian foray
Published: 2010/01/14

THE Malacca state government, via Melaka BioTech Holdings Sdn Bhd and India's biotechnology company Vivo BioTech Ltd (India), is to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the opening of a RM500 million medical facility at the Bukit Rambai High-Tech Park in Malacca to produce vaccines for tropical ailments.

The MOU will pave the way for the setting up of a joint venture company, Vivo BioTech (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which has been accorded the BioNexus status by Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the MOU will be inked in New Delhi, India, next Wednesday and witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who will be on an official visit to India from Tuesday. - Bernama

Eco project at resort revives marine environment
By MUGUNTAN VANAR Thursday January 14, 2010

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/1/14/nation/n_33clam.jpg

Saved from extinction: A visitor taking a closer look at
one of the giant clam shells at Gayana Resort Wednesday.

KOTA KINABALU: Seven species of giant clams, including two which had been considered extinct in Malaysia, have been successfully revived at a resort’s research centre.

Reef restoration has also been successful at the Gayana Eco Resort located on Pulau Gaya, through its Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC).

MERC project director Alwin Wong said the move to rehabilitate the destroyed and damaged coral reefs was a small step towards reviving the country’s marine environment that has been lost or is in danger of being permanently lost.

The two clams said to be extinct are Tridacna Gigas and Tridacna Derasa. The others are Tridacna Squamosa, Tridacna Maxima, Tridacna Crocea, Hippopus Hippopus and Hippopus Porcellanus

MERC’s programmes have also caught the eye of Tourism Malaysia, which awarded it with the “Most Innovative Tourism Attraction-Eco Conservation Award 2008/09” at a recent ceremony in Putrajaya.

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Thriving species: One of the Marine Ecology Research
Centre staff with a live starfish at Gayana Resort Wednesday.

Wong said the award reassured them that they were heading in the right direction.

Today, visitors are allowed to plant coral fragments and sign up for a one-day experience to work alongside marine biologists.

He said such opportunities allowed visitors to understand reef restoration works and what it takes to produce clams.

Sarawak Wants To Achieve Zero Squatters Under 10MP
January 14, 2010 13:01 PM
By Amrizan Madian

In conjunction with the NKRA open day at the Sarawak state level.

KUCHING, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Squatter colonies may be a thing of the past in Sarawak, as the state gears up housing development under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

With the 'zero squatter' target being one of the National Key Target Areas (NKRA), Sarawak is embarking on grand plans to turn existing squatter colonies into occupant friendly housing areas and build affordable homes for hardcore poor and low income earners.

With 50,000 homes in the pipeline under 10MP, those living in squatter colonies, the hardcore poor, and low and medium wage earners can expect a better abode that comes complete with public amenities that these people previously could only dream of.

During an exclusive interview with Bernama, State Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that there were about 10,000 squatter homes all over Sarawak with most located in major towns like Miri (about 4,000), Bintulu (3,000), Kuching (1,800) while the rest in Sibu and several other cities and towns.

OF FRIENDLY HOMES AND MAINTAINING TRADITIONS

As many of the squatter colonies are very old and are considered traditional villages, Abang Johari pointed out that their traditions have to maintained while the colony is reorganised.

Thus the ministry has introduced the People Friendly Homes (RMR) programme that focuses on reorganising traditional villages without affecting their traditions.

At the same time those living there, especially with low income, will be given the opportunity to own better homes and live in an environment with complete amenities.

"Our RMR programme is to create a more people friendly traditional village environment by expanding the village systematically without affecting the traditions of the society residing there," he said.

The main focus for the RMR programme is in town areas and hitherto, the idea has been well received by the people especially when it helps low income earners to own better homes.

AFFORDABLE HOMES WITH NEW DESIGN

Abang Johari noted that the state Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has plans to increase the construction of new affordable homes in the state with the houses more appealing, spacious and occupant friendly.

At the same time those buying these houses need not spend extra in renovating them.

"We no longer want to see rows and rows of affordable houses that are cramped and not appealing in their design," he said.

HDC is looking into single and double-storey houses that are not only affordable for the masses but also complete with public amenities and greeneries around them.

Amenities like playground and place to hold functions or activities are high on the list.

Currently, HDC has identified several home designs that can be owned at affordable prices and its is hoped that they can be implemented under the 10MP.

FLATS AT MAIN TOWNS

The government also emphasizes on the development of flats to overcome shortage of houses in highly populated areas, especially in main towns and cities in the state.

Abang Johari noted that the HDC and private concerns have built several flats and they are increasingly gaining acceptance especially in big towns.

"The flats are earmarked for those earning below RM1,500 and they can rent them until they can afford to buy them," he said.

The migration of rural dwellers to towns has pushed up demand for homes in major towns and cities like Kuching.

"Most of these people neither have relatives in town nor permanent jobs and this makes it difficult for them to buy a home.

"I'm confident that through the concept of rent first buy later, low income earners and those without permanent jobs can still enjoy a comfortable abode," he said.

A TARGET OF 50,000 UNITS 10TH MP

Sarawak has set a target of 50,000 homes throughout the state with 20,000 of the total developed by the state government.

Abang Johari also pointed out that any housing development in the state covering more than 4.4 hectares had to allocate 30 percent of the development for affordable homes.

Sarawak has also set high hopes on the federal government regarding adequate allocation to build homes especially for the low income earners.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SISTEM TO BE REVAMPED

As good public housing is incomplete without good public transportation, Abang Johari said the state government has decided to overhaul the land transport system that is in a poor state. A better transport system is among the six NKRA.

"We not only plan to provide new buses but also integrate their routes using GPS to provide wider coverage," he said.

He said for start the public transportation amenities in Kuching is being upgraded with the construction of the Kuching Central terminal at Batu 6 Jalan Kuching-Serian.

Several mini hubs for public transportation will also be set up at several strategic areas at Kuching city.

Currently, the public don't rely much on public transport especially the bus system as the service is inconsistent and the buses are too old.

"I'm confident that after this many will return to the bus service, not only the low income earners but also the middle income earners and executives.

"We have a new approach that is never seen in any other towns or cities in the country including Kuala Lumpur," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah Coop Told To Produce World-Brand Products
January 16, 2010 16:31 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- State-owned Village Development Cooperative (VDC) has been told to aim at producing world-brand products that can penetrate the international market.

To achieve this, Deputy Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said, the cooperative should focus on adding value to its products which at the same time would enable it to maximise returns.

"What I see is that most products by VDC are still local and there is room for improvement," he said during the cooperative's annual dinner here on Friday's night.

Yahya, who is State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, also told the cooperative to participate in high-impact and export-oriented agriculture projects as part of its efforts to enhance performance.

Such projects could include big-scale goat breeding and mushroom cultivation that had the potential to be the state's export commodities, he said.

Projects such as these could be expanded because the demand was high and it could increase the income of contract farmers, he added.

Yahya said VDC, as an implementation agent, played an important role in supporting the state's efforts to achieve the goal of agriculture development.

He said the cooperative's peformance so far was very encouraging despite facing several problems that were inherited from the previous management.

"In a short time, VDC has shown a good performance and I believe this would not have been achieved without a team of committed officers and staff working towards enhancing the organisation's performance," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Enigma Interested To Open Production Facility In Penang
January 16, 2010 17:23 PM From Amer Hamzah Md Sap

LONDON, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Enigma Diagnostics Limited, manufacturer of a new H1N1 flu diagnostic system, is interested to open a production facility at the Penang Technology Park, possibly in September this year.

Chief Operating Officer Darren Hall said he would be going back to Malaysia next month and to have further discussions with the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA).

On the H1N1 flu diagnostic system, he said, it was expected to be launched out of United Kingdom in September and with a high volume capacity the company planned to build, "we would have a similar product for global launch in 2011".

Enigma had entered into a commercial partnership with Glaxo to launch the system with the Glaxo brand, he told reporters here.

Hall said his main concern about building the facility in Penang was the availability of talents because as a company involved in the production of medical devices and technologies, it needed talents such as laboratory technicians, scientists, production engineers, process engineers and manufacturing managers.

In the quest for the right talent, he said, he was happy to hear that there were about 11,000 Malaysian students studying in United Kingdom.

"It would be nice to have access to the students and start some kind of early engagement like industrial placement for some of the business the company are looking for," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Dyson Plans To Expand Facility In Malaysia
January 16, 2010 17:40 PM From Amer Hamzah Md Sap

LONDON, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Dyson Limited, the world's largest vacuum cleaner manufacturer, plans to expand its production facility in Malaysia, said its International and Commercial Director Sir Richard Needham.

Describing Malaysia as a good place to do business, he said the quality of Malaysian engineers working at its production facility "is excellent and is at the highest order."

On top of that, he said, the availability of engineers from the various racial group in the country presented a good cultural mix.

Sir Richard, who was British Trade Minister from 1992 to 1995, said Dyson had invested about RM500 million in its facility in Malaysia.

The company had just closed its manufacturing facility in China, and was taking steps to move them to Malaysia, particularly for its new products, he told reporters here.

The company also planned to move its engineering and design engineering to Malaysia, he said, adding that he would be travelling to Malaysia next week to to prepare for expansion plan.

He said the company had been manufacturing vacuum cleaners in Malaysia over the past 10 years through local sub-contractors.

Dyson controls 35 per cent of the world's vacuum cleaner market by value and is the number one seller in United States, Europe, Australasia and Russia and number two in Japan.

Besides vacuum cleaner, he said, Dyson also produced hand dryers which dry hands in just 10 seconds and its Malaysian facility in Johor also produced bladeless fan which had sold out its three month production in Australia in merely one week.

Sir Richard said Britain and Malaysia had very long cultural, political and "family" ties.

Malaysia was a good place to do business with the availability of infrastructure and easy-to-talk-to MIDA (Malaysian Industrial Development Authority) and decision makers, he said.

He would like to see the government remove the remaining controls on foreign exchange and felt that the court system in Malaysia which had about 60,000 outstanding cases, made it difficult to get judgement on certain issues.

He also suggested Malaysia, especially the southern states, and Singapore to lessen competition with each other and instead to cooperate with each other to attract investors.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak plans SMS flood alert system
By SHARON LING Published: Monday January 18, 2010 MYT 6:21:00 PM

KUCHING: Sarawak plans to introduce an SMS alert system to warn residents in low-lying areas of possible floods and rising river water levels.

The system is expected to be implemented in Kuching first before it is extended to other parts of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said groups of people in 14 zones in Kuching had been identified to receive the SMS.

“They will mainly comprise the chairmen of village security and development committee, headmen and community leaders,” he told a press conference at the state operations room at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here Monday.

Those picked are expected to attend a briefing next week on what to do when they get the SMS.

Dr Chan said that five to 10 people would be appointed to receive the SMS in each zone and they would then pass on the alert to residents in their respective areas.

At the same time, he said those in charge would also be able to inform the state disaster relief and management committee of the situation on the ground.

Dr Chan added that dry weather was forecast for the next week as radar and rain clouds over the state were expected to move away over the next 24 hours.

“All indications are that after Monday the rain clouds will be blown away, so there should be no rain for a week or so,” he said.

He added that the disaster relief and management committees at division levels were on alert to changes in the weather.

The Welfare Department, he said, was preparing evacuation plans.

Expert on balanced inner city revival
Monday January 18, 2010

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/1/18/north/innercity.jpg

Hyslop giving a lecture on business-led
regeneration at the Wawasan Open University.

IN order for a city to be successful, there needs to be regeneration and added value to it, said an international expert.

London’s Better Bankside Improvement District chairman Donald Hyslop said there was a need to have new dynamic and creative partnerships to keep a balanced development in any city.

His example was Bankside, a district located at the south bank of London that used to be an industrial zone in the 1990s.

“In 1998, there were only about 2,800 residents living there,” he said during his talk entitled ‘Lessons from Better Bankside: Business-led Regeneration’ at the Wawasan Open University in Penang on Saturday.

“However, later when an electrical switch station was turned into a contemporary arts museum, we saw more businesses booming.

“The Tate Modern (museum) made a huge difference in the development of the area when it opened its doors in 2000, with five million visitors yearly.

“We even transformed the streets and alleys with sophisticated lighting together with contemporary designs and art works on buildings and walls,” he said.

The talk under the 2010 RE-George Town Lecture series was jointly organised by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the British Council.

The talk attracted members of the business community, heritage experts as well as state government officials.

Hyslop, who is also Tate Modern community partnerships and regeneration director, said he visited George Town, and thought there were several similarities with Bankside.

“There is a lot that still can be done within Penang’s jurisdiction to transform it into a vibrant city, despite it being granted the Unesco Heritage Site status,” he said.

“Creativity is a vital factor for regeneration in any city in the world, and there is a need to work with both the Government and local communities.

“There are challenges that we have to face but we must also learn how to be responsible in our own areas. We can maintain the city’s heritage touch but at the same time add value to it.”

World Heritage Office head Maimunah Mohd Sharif who was also present at the talk said she recently had a talk with officials from Tenaga Nasional Bhd, and told them to take the heritage trail in order to get a better understanding.

If the engineers take a short trip, they will understand the reality on the ground, she said.

Maimunah said they could work together to see how to improve the lighting at the heritage enclave.

Big wins at One District One Industry showcase in Malacca
Story and pictures by ALLISON LAI Tuesday January 19, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/1/19/southneast/5432366&sec=southneast

MALACCA: The recent One District One Industry (SDSI) showcase held at Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh proved to be a success with many participants giving their thumbs up.

They lauded the annual showcase as a good platform to introduce and market their products while expanding their business network.

Sarawak SMEs set to get boost from database link
Friday January 22, 2010 By Jack Wong

KUCHING: Investors in Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy (Score) will have direct access to the state’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) via a databank detailing their business activities to be set up soon.

Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Openg said the chamber was establishing the Score databank on SMEs with the help of the state Industrial Development Ministry.

“The proposed databank will provide a direct link between investors and the SMEs.

“Investors can go direct to the SMES for the services they require,’’ he told reporters after the opening of Matrade’s seminar on Optimising opportunities under Malaysia’s free trade agreements here yesterday.

The databank will initially focus on SMES licensed under the ministry’s industrial coordination committee.

Abang Karim said Score, which would drive the state’s second wave of economic development,was expected to attract huge foreign investments in mega projects that would benefit the SMEs in spin-off business activities.

He cited the recent formalisation of a deal between China and Malaysia to create projects with economic value of over US$11bil (RM36.7bil) in Score as an example of the size of foreign investments coming into the state’s economic development corriror.

China’s proposed investments are expected to be mainly in the development of hydroelectric dam projects and an aluminium smelter.

The state plans to develop a dozen hydro dams to also export the electricty to Peninsula Malaysia and Asean countries.

“Are we (SMEs) ready to engage ourselves in the many business opportunities in Score?’’ he asked.

Earlier at the seminar, Abang Karim urged Sarawak companies to exploit the big potential market in neighbouring Indonesia to expand their businesses.

“Indonesia is a sleeping giant, and it has a big domestic market. We should export not only our manufacturing products but services in the oil and gas as well as telecommunication industries.’’

He said local companies would find it difficult to grow if they confined themselves to the domestic market.

NKRAs to suit Sabah and Sarawak
Friday January 22, 2010

KOTA KINABALU: Certain initiatives under the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) will be amended to cater to the “peculiar” conditions of Sabah and Sarawak.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala said senior civil servants from both states would meet with their federal counterparts next month to look into the initiatives. The meetings or “labs” will be held over a six-week period.

“The labs will enable us to examine issues confronting the bumiputras of Sabah and Sarawak and how we can tailor the programmes.

“Both states have specific peculiarities which we cannot ignore,” said Jala, the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) chief executive after the opening of the Sabah-level Government Trans*formation Programme open day by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman here yesterday.

Earlier in his speech, Jala noted that many Penan youths are absent from school during the fruit harvesting season to help their parents.

“Perhaps school holidays should be in line with the fruit season to ensure they do not miss their studies,” he said.

CM: Offer views to help ensure success in NKRAs
22nd January, 2010

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Dr Koh (right) briefing Musa while Idris (second left) looks on

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman invites the people of Sabah to offer their feedback and views to help the government ensure success in the six National Key Result Areas (NKRAs).

He said their constructive comments would be able to provide the government a true picture of their needs before implementing a particular policy or programme.

Musa was speaking when launching the state-level Open Day on the Government Transformation Programme at the Magellan Sutera Harbour here yesterday.

“This initiative is in line with the Sabah state government’s commitment to realise the Halatuju Pembangunan & Kemajuan Negeri (Masterplan on the Development & Progress of Sabah) and the Sabah Development Corridor as well as the 10th Malaysia Plan and other development agendas for the benefit of the people.

“This GTP Open Day is the best platform to bring the government closer to the people. I therefore, call on all people in Sabah to make full use of this programme by giving ideas, views and input to the government on their true needs. This is important to enable the people to contribute more positively and significantly so that the government can fulfil their aspirations as the people desire more effectively and holistically,” he said.

Musa also expressed confidence that the “labs” set up by the GTP to expand access to quality and affordable education; improve living standards for the low-income group and to enhance basic infrastructure in the rural areas were all appropriate and relevant to the current needs in Sabah.

“The state government will give full co-operation and commitment to all federal departments and agencies such as the Ministry of Rural & Regional Development, Felda and Felcra to achieve the objectives of the GTP and therefore spur the momentum of development in the rural areas,” he stressed.

Earlier in his speech, he thanked the federal government for its commitment in providing basic rural infrastructure in Sabah to eradicate poverty.

“Making these basic infrastructures available would significantly help the state government’s efforts in reducing poverty, especially hardcore poverty, in line with the concept of 1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now,” he said.

For the duration of the NKRA the federal government allocated the construction of 916km of rural roads in Sabah, 90 per cent coverage of rural water supply and 95 per cent coverage of rural power supply by the year 2012.

“I thank the federal government for agreeing in principle to allocate RM2 billion each for the implementation of rural road and water supply projects from 2010-2012,” he said.

At a press conference later, Musa was pleased to note the GTP Open Day received tremendous response from all state ministers and assistant ministers as well as top state government officers who attended.

To a question, he said civil servants and leaders in Sabah accepted the implementation of the GTP and did not experience any cultural shock from the rapid transformation.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (National Integration & Performance Management) Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, said the civil service in Sabah under the leadership of the Chief Minister had already experience various stages of transformation and were therefore familiar with the concept and objectives under the GTP.

Sabah Ethnic Communities To Be Listed In Writings And Research
January 22, 2010 23:37 PM

TAWAU, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Information Communication and Culture Ministry has proposed to put on record the cultures of some 33 commumities in Sabah in the form of written works and research.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said whatever the diversity of the communities their identity needed to be recorded and researched.

"As an example we should identify the music and language of a community. We can then record and make that as a documentary or film. We can cooperate with the Discovery Channel or National Geographic and display our way of life.

"I believe that the concept of 1Malaysia as inspired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will serve to spur us to extract our joint treasures and struggles," Rais said when speaking at the 'Majlis Malam Mesra Budaya' function here Friday.

At the function, Rais also presented traditional musical instruments and compact disc equipment to six cultural associations while his wife Datin Seri Maznah Rais presented books from Perpustakaan Tawau to six schools here.

Rais said this was in line with efforts to make culture as a part of the struggle and life-style of society.

-- BERNAMA

RM2.1 Billion For Rural Basic Infrastructures In Sabah And Sarawak
January 22, 2010 18:01 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will spend about RM2.1 billion to provide rural basic infrastructures in Sabah and Sarawak under the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) this year.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said the allocation also involved the completion of last year's projects to build new roads and provide water and electricity supply.

Of the total, he said, about RM928 million would be allocated to Sabah and RM1.2 billion for rural areas in Sarawak.

"This is part of the government's efforts to intensify rural development in Sabah and Sarawak within the next three years in line with the Prime Minister's aspiration to see that the two states are moving forward."

He said this after meeting Sabah and Sarawak manufacturers and suppliers involved in the NKRA's infrastructural projects for rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak here Friday.

Mohd Shafie said for NKRA's rural road projects, Sabah was allocated RM134.9 million to complete 40 of last year's projects and another RM56.8 million to implement 36 new projects, while Sarawak was allocated RM146 million to complete 14 of the existing projects and RM352.3 million to implement 62 new ones.

For NKRA's rural electricity supply projects, Sabah would get RM332 million to complete 353 existing projects and RM81 million to implement nine new ones, while Sarawak would get RM236 million to complete 281 of last year's projects and RM56 million to implement 10 new projects, he said.

The minister said Sabah and Sarawak would also receive of RM183 million and RM211 million respectively, to implement rural water supply projects.

"Under the Housing Aid Programme, RM114 million was allocated to Sabah this year to build 2,853 new houses and RM25 million to repair 2,135 existing houses.

"As for Sarawak, we have set aside an allocation of RM133 million to build 3,328 new houses this year and RM29 million to repair 2,491 existing ones.

"Our target is to build 50,500 houses nationwide over the next three years under the programme," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Technical studies on Baleh hydroelectric dam still on
January 24, 2010, Sunday

KUCHING: The state government will continue its policy of decentralising development here to ease congestion as well as to pave the way for well-planned growth in the state capital.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said yesterday city dwellers here were facing one of the serious urbanisation problems, traffic congestion, and thus shifting development away from the city centre was imperative.

“To avoid traffic congestion in Kuching city, we have to expand roads and some roads are either impossible or very costly to expand.

“Therefore, the government will continue decentralisation in terms of development as this will allow well-planned development to spread out in Kuching,” he said when opening a gated apartment – The Arcardia – situated at Jalan Stampin Timur here.

Tengah pointed out that the government’s role was to provide infrastructure and planning while it appreciated complementary efforts from the private sector to provide value-added properties.

He said there would be more apartment development taking place not only here, but also other major towns throughout the state.

“That is why we see vast growth in Batu Kawah, Matang, BDC and Tabuan Jaya over the years and now development is expanding to other areas.

“Apartment offers an alternative lifestyle compared to landed properties. Apartment living is suitable for smaller families because larger property is becoming a financial burden,” he added.

The minister believed that apartment development would be able to keep land development cost low because of higher density and lower selling price.

Speaking at a news conference later, Tengah said he was pleased that some local developers had come up with creative design and quality apartments to meet the dynamic market.

“I can see the trend of more small families opting for apartment living.

“Unlike the time of our fathers and grandfathers, modern parents with one or two children tend to go for apartments, which make up the gated community.

“In view of the hectic life, apartment living is the choice of most people especially young couples,” he said, adding that developers should make their end products affordable to gain popularity.

During the function, Tengah launched another 72-unit apartment -The Ryegates – located opposite the Kuching International Airport.

The Arcadia has 64 units of three and four storey apartment.

All have been sold except for a few units of penthouse.

The Ryegates comes with three building blocks offering buyers a choice of design that befits their lifestyle and financial capabilities.

Featuring three and four storeys, the apartment offers a modern contemporary design with quality assurance.

Set in a garden setting, residents will have the luxury of a swimming pool and a gymnasium.

Gee Construction Development Sdn Bhd with Lee Onn Construction Co as contractor develops both apartments.

Construction of The Ryegates has commenced and it is expected to be handed over to the buyers by March next year.

To mark the opening of The Arcadia, Lee Onn Construction Co gave away donations amounting to RM200,000 to nine charitable organisations.

The recipients were Rurum Kelabit Sarawak and Haemodialysis Unit Hospital Lawas each receiving RM30,000 and Peryatim (RM25,000), Lembaga Amanah Khairat Islam Lawas, Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Islam Limbang, Kuching Autistic Association, Sabati and Perkim Lawas (RM20,000 each), and Stutong Market Community Project (RM15,000).

Assistant Minister for Planning and Resource Management Naroden Majais, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Assistant Minister for Land Development Sylvester Entri and Gee Construction Development Sdn Bhd director Tan Kun Gee were among those present.

Negri govt applies for RM16.8bil allocation
By SARBAN SINGH Tuesday January 26, 2010

THE Negri Sembilan government has applied for a RM16.8bil allocation from the federal government to enable it to carry out development projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the amount was needed to finance 1,031 projects in the state from 2011 to 2015. Of these, 642 were new projects.

“Our priority is to ensure projects planned during the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which could not be carried out due to unforeseen circumstances, be implemented within the next five years,” he said.

Mohamad was speaking to reporters after meeting Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop at Wisma Negri recently.

It is learnt that some of the projects include the construction of a new hospital in Rembau, a highway linking Seremban and the KL International Airport, the second phase of the Seremban Outer Ring Road and the construction of a new toll plaza along the North-South Expressway in Seremban.

“We are going to focus on three areas — infrastructure development, public transport and social security network. We have already identified the projects and these were based on the needs of the rakyat,” he said.

Later, Mohamad gave financial aid to 24 families in Taman Lily and Taman Sri Kasih in Senawang whose houses were damaged during a recent flash flood.

The state government allocated RM200,000 to the familes to enable them to repair their homes.

“Each family received between RM7,000 and RM8,000 to repair their houses and to buy electrical appliances.

Selangor Seeks More Investors From Green Technology Sector
January 26, 2010 16:30 PM

SHAH ALAM, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Selangor aims to attract more investors from the green technology and renewable energy technology sector this year, State Exco for Trade, Industry and Investment, Teresa Kok, said on Thuesday.

The Malaysian Budget for 2010 had outlined some incentives for investment in green and renewable energy, Kok said.

She said this after chairing a dialogue on "Licence Manufacturing, Warehouses, Services and Facilities provided by the Royal Malaysian Customs for Investors 2010" organised by SSIC Bhd here.

The state government planned to go to Germany and Holland this year to look for investors, especially those involved in solar energy and downstream manufacturing activities, Kok said.

Asked about the amount of investment received by Selangor last year, she said the state attracted RM3.9 billion worth of investments up to September last year and was waiting for the whole year figure from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

On the dialogue, Kok said it might suggest the economy was picking up based on the attendance of industrial representatives and the interest shown.

Among the issues brought up by the dialogue participants was the lack of facility for exporters to make tax payments to the customs department as they have to travel to the customs office in Pulau Indah WestPort to make payment.

They were hoping that the department could set up its tax payment collection offices, for example, in Shah Alam and Puchong to avoid delay in payment.

-- BERNAMA

Billions spent to protect eastern coast of Sabah
MARHALIM ABAS Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 11:01:00
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/25973-billions-spent-protect-eastern-coast-sabah

http://www.mmail.com.my/images/frontpage/25973-billions-spent-protect-eastern-coast-sabah.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR : The government forked out more than RM5 billion over the past nine years for security
operations in the eastern coast of Sabah.

The Malay Mail was informed that armed forces operations there alone, dubbed Ops Pasir, cost more than RM300 million annually.

Under the operation, members of the armed forces were deployed on 21 islands and five locations along the coast.

The cost of security operations in the area by the police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) was estimated at RM100 million annually.

A local defence source said apart from the annual allocation for the security forces stationed in the area for the last nine years, at least RM2 billion more was used to procure new facilities, assets and equipment to boost their capabilities.

"The figure could be even higher.

However, it is clear that security operations to prevent a repeat of the Sipadan hostage incident has taken a huge toll on our national security budget," the source said.

In the April 22, 2000 incident, Abu Sayyaf terrorists abducted 21 people, 10 of them foreign tourists, from Sipadan island. Despite negotiations and even ransom payments, more were kidnapped over the next few months and the saga ended with a rescue raid two years later.

Since then, among the new assets procured for Ops Pasir to prevent a recurrence of the Sipadan kidnappings included 17 Combat Boat 90 from Sweden, the construction of a new naval base in Semporna and the procurement of a new command and control system, besides desalination plants for troops stationed on islands off the coast.

"The foreign countries seem oblivious to our huge outlay for security when they issue travel advisories from time to time," said the source.

The Malay Mail reported last Friday that besides the United States Embassy in Malaysia, other foreign missions have also issued travel advisories to their citizens to avoid the eastern coast of Sabah, particularly Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan, due to possible threats from the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.
The alert was issued after ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions in Kuala Lumpur were briefed by the US Embassy on its advisory to Americans to avoid eastern Sabah because of possible threats from terrorist and criminal groups.

The US Embassy in KL issued the advisory on Jan 15 and on the same day, the US State Department’s Consular Affairs Bureau upgraded it to a travel alert. The alert expires on April 15.

The Foreign Ministry on Monday urged the US to review the travel alert for eastern Sabah in light of the “sound security arrangement” and assurances from Malaysian leaders.

Muhyiddin Launches 'Kedah Juara Rakyat' Programme Saturday
February 01, 2010 18:13 PM

ALOR SETAR, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- A packed schedule is nothing new for Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and this is especially true when he launches the state-level 'Juara Rakyat' programme on Saturday.

Muhyiddin, who is also Umno deputy president, will hold a closed-door meeting that morning with the Kedah Umno liaison body and the four Jerlun Umno wings at Wisma Umno Jerlun.

Following that, he will officiate the Juara Rakyat programme held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sanglang (SMKS), Air Hitam, 25 kilometres from here.

Speaking at a press conference Monday, Kedah Umno liaison secretary Datuk Nawawi Ahmad said the programme, which starts on Friday, will consist of various events such as telematches, competitions for women, 'marhaban' (songs in praise of Prophet Mohamad) and lullaby singing competition, while a Forum Perdana will be held there at night.

The two-day event will also see 30 stalls selling bumiputera products and an exhibition by government agencies.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, is scheduled to meet with teachers in Kubang Pasu at the SMKS in the evening and will meet with the Chinese and Siamese community at Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa, Kodiang, before heading back to the federal capital.

-- BERNAMA

RM12 Million Agro Resort Coming Up At Laguna Gong Batu
February 01, 2010 21:41 PM

SETIU, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- Peladang Setiu Agro Resort (PSAR) Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pertubuhan Peladang Setiu will invest RM12 million on six resorts at Laguna Gong Batu this year.

PSAR managing director Mohamad Saipuddin Abas said the company had applied to the state government for a 12 hectare site for the resort project which includes aquaculture farms.

"Six hectares will be used to develop the 100-room resort while the rest will be for breeding fish and crabs," he said after a tree planting programme and launch of Laguna Agro Resort here Monday.

Saipuddin said the resort slated for completion in 2012 could accommodate 250-300 visitors at any one time.

Built based on the environment friendly concept, the resort would be surrounded by wetland.

He said PSAR also planned to build six floating chalets and a floating restaurant costing about RM200,000 due for completion next year.

It also planned to build a turtle breeding centre and build ten fish breeding centres costing RM3 million.

-- BERNAMA

MACC's Investigation Into RM6 Million Project In Sarawak To Be Ready Next Month
January 29, 2010 16:36 PM

KUCHING, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission expects to complete its investigation into the alleged misappropriation in a federal government development project, costing RM6 million, in the state next month.

Its Sarawak director, Samsiah Abu Bakar, said they were waiting for the technical report from the expert to finalise the report to make it more comprehensive.

"We are still investigating, but it is now in the final stage," she said when contacted by Bernama.

On Dec 8 last year, then MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed, who is now chief commissioner, said that its investigation was focused on the government officers and contractors involved in the project.

He did not elaborate or identify the project, but said it was a project worth RM6 million in Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA

Samsung Opens First Digital Centre In East Malaysia
January 29, 2010 14:16 PM

KUCHING, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Samsung Malaysia Electronic Sdn Bhd (Samsung) has opened its first Digital Centre in East Malaysia here, to meet the growing demand from Sarawak consumers.

Samsung has picked CL Khoon Trading Sdn Bhd, a local electrical dealer,to promote the Digital Centre. It will showcase a complete range of products from mobile phones,audio visual,digital imaging,home appliances and Information Technology (IT) products.

Samsung Sales Vice-President Chan Lock said by having a number of the company's products under one-roof, customers need not drive to other places to find one that meets their needs.

"We believe a visit to the Samsung Digital Centre will be an eye opener," he said at the opening of the centre Friday.

The Samsung Digital Centre is located at Lot 202-204,Section 19,KTLD,Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce.It is open from 9am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday and on Sundays, from 9am to 5pm.

-- BERNAMA

Offshore Fishermen In Melaka To Be Equipped With GPS- MB
February 03, 2010 23:11 PM

MELAKA, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Offshore fishermen in the state will be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) sets to avoid them from losing their direction and encroaching into waters of neighbouring countries.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he had requested the Melaka Fishermen's Association to submit the required number of GPS sets.

"State rural development and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Hidhir Mohamad Abu Hassan will be asked to acquire the GPS equipment soon," he told reporters after welcoming six fishermen who were detained by Indonesian authorities.

The six fishermen who were detained 15 days ago on the island of Bengkalis, Riau after they had illegally entered Indonesian waters, arrived at the Shahbandar jetty here at about 1.30pm.

The six fishermen detained were Mohd Safar Muhammad, 40, Mahad Jantan, 52, Badiuszaman Ahmad, 31, Abu Bakar Gani, 54, Anwar Khamis, 27 and Abdullah Safri Abdul Ghani, 45.

Mohd Ali has been working on the release of the fishermen including visiting them and meeting the district officer of Bengkalis region, H. Syamsulrizal and Bengkalis police chief Marudut Hutabarat.

He urged the fishermen to know the limits of the international waters and Indonesian waters, to avoid a similar incident.

One of the fisherman detained, Abu Bakar was happy with the treatment given by the Indonesian authority.

"They treated us well and I am grateful that the Chief Minister visited us when we were under detention," said Abu Bakar who was greeted by his wife Rosnah Mohd Tamin.

-- BERNAMA

Southeast Johor gets RM46bil FDI boost
Monday February 8, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/business/5633564&sec=business

PASIR GUDANG: Johor’s plans to develop Southeast Johor as the new regional hub for oil and gas (O&G) are getting a RM46bil boost in foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the site in Teluk Rumania and Pengerang totalling 1,200ha has been identified and the area would be transformed into the O&G hub by 2013.

The hub will have facilities forprocessing, refinery, storage, fabrication, bunkering shipyard and marine related industries.

Two companies from Qatar and Iran have decided to invest RM16bil and RM30bil respectively to set up their operations at the area and are expected to put up their facilities there before 2013, Ghani said.

“They have submitted their applications to the Federal Government and MIDA and we are seriously looking into the plan,” Ghani told reporters on Saturday.

He was speaking at the opening of the RM250mil plant by EEW Malaysia Sdn Bhd which will produce speciality steel pipes for the O&G sector at Tanjung Langsat industrial park.

The company is a joint venture between Erndtebrucker Eisenwerk Co from Germany and Dynac Sdn Bhd and the plant would be former’s fifth plant worldwide.

Ghani said the Qatari and Iranian companies were involved in the mid-stream activities and each investment would create between 600 and 1,200 job opportunities.

He said apart from two companies from the Middle East, the Johor State Investment Centre (JSIC) was now close to clinching an additional RM5bil in FDI in the O&G sector.

RM41.4 Million To Be Spent On Orang Asli Villages This Year
February 16, 2010 22:41 PM

GUA MUSANG, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- The Orang Asli Department (JHEOA) will spend RM41.4 million this year to equip orang asli villages with basic facilities, director-general Datuk Mohd Sani Mistam said.

He said this was necessary to ensure that the orang asli community was not left out of development and remained in poverty.

"JHEOA may get a bigger allocation under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) which starts next year.

"We have shortlisted several projects for approval under 10MP," he said when opening a programme for university students at Pos Pulat, near here Tuesday.

The programme with the orang asli community involves 85 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students.

--BERNAMA

Housing project for the poor for 10MP
Wednesday February 17 2010

KOTA BAHARU, Feb 16 — The housing project for the poor in Kota Baharu will be put under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) as the PAS state government has failed to help the people.

Kelantan Development Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said over 50 per cent of the 100,000 people here were still renting premises as the state government did not provide a special allocation for housing the poor.

“While other states are facing lack of infrastructure, Kelantan is still grappling with house ownership in urban areas.

“The poor are still without homes after over 20 years of PAS rule,” he said after a meeting with Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders here today.

Mustapa who is also Kelantan Umno liaison chairman said the federal government would provide a special allocation under for housing the poor and aimed to eradicate poverty by year end. — Bernama

Johor To Set Up Online Public Complaints System
February 22, 2010 17:21 PM

JOHOR BAHARU, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- The Johor Government, through its Science, Techonology and ICT Unit, is in the process of developing an online public complaints system known as 'e-Jawab'.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the system, currently at beta or trial level, would allow the public to file complaints, questions and suggestions to state government departments and agencies.

"With this system and cooperation among the agencies, I believe the people's problems can be settled quickly," he said at an awards presentation ceremony for the state-level Best Website Competition 2009 here Monday.

Abdul Ghani said the 'e-Jawab' system would also be integrated with the Government SMS Gateway or My SMS 15888, with help from the Malaysian Administration Modernisation and Management Planning Unit.

On the competition which was divided into four categories, he said it was aimed at supporting the government's efforts at improving its online services.

The award recipients for the competition were the Land and Mineral Office, Johor Baharu Land Office, Johor Baharu City Council and the Johor Religious Council.

-- BERNAMA

Federal Government Compatible With Sarawak
February 22, 2010 13:25 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=476942&cat=sre

SARATOK, Feb 22 (Bernama)-- The high level of understanding between the federal and Sarawak governments has succeeded in further facilitating development in the state, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Monday.

The prime minister said that this understanding had enabled the federal government to focus on development issues faced by the people in Sarawak, unlike in several states in the peninsula where there was no focus.

"In the peninsula, there are states that are not in agreement with the federal government which are in chaos, unable to manage their own families and are quarrelling among themsleves," he said when launching the Rural Electricity Project at the Juliana Bedus longhouse here.

Najib, who is on a two-day visit to the state, said the people of Sarawak would continue to benefit from the close cooperation between the federal and state governments, including large allocations for development of its rural sector.

The rural folk in Sarawak would get to witness massive changes in terms of infrastructural development through an alloction of RM3.4 billion under the National Key Result Area (NKRA) for the sector from this year until 2012, he added.

He gave an assurance that the structure of the communities in the state would be respected and taken into account in all development projects planned by the government.

"Sarawak is eligible for all the facilities because of the confidence of its people in us and it is our (government's) duty to provide all these facilities," he added.

-- BERNAMA

RM137.2 mln for infrastructure, flood projects
by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith
February 23, 2010, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=12362

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/5/53/MalaysiaSarawak.png

Sarawak

SIMUNJAN: The visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak here brought joy and excitement to the people as not only did they get to see him in person; he also announced a total of RM137.2 million for the much-needed local infrastructure and flood mitigation projects.The projects, which have been approved by the federal government are the upgrading and widening of Gedong-Simunjan road (RM123 million); upgrading of the 8.5km Kampung Patung-Simunjan road (RM9 million); flood mitigation along Sungai Simunjan Lama (RM3 million), and RM2.2 million for the electricity supply to eight villages in Gedong-Simunjan area.

The funds for the flood mitigation project, however, would be channelled in two stages – RM2 million this year and RM1 million in 2011.

Speaking at a gathering near the town centre yesterday, Najib said the Barisan Nasional (BN) would always give priority to the welfare of the people under the ‘1Malaysia – People First, Performance Now’ concept.

“BN will always fight for the people. I can assure you that the future will only get better. For your support, you deserve all the development projects here.

“We will see big changes soon. I assure you that it is the BN’s vision that the rural areas in the state have proper infrastructural facilities and utilities,” he said.

Najib also assured them that with their continuous support, Malaysia would develop tremendously, especially the rural areas.

Amazed by the huge crowd that welcomed him, Najib said it showed that the BN government was close to the people’s heart.

“I am very grateful for the great response of the people today. I understand that some came as early as 11am and some came as far as Serian.

“The multi-racial crowd today shows that Sarawak is united in diversity.

“The people respect each other. No matter where we come from, we are bound by the 1Malaysia spirit. The state is a true reflection of it,” said Najib.

Simunjan assemblyman Mohd Naroden Majais, who spoke earlier, recalled that Najib visited Simunjan in 2006 as deputy prime minister during the then state general election.

When he proposed a few projects urgently needed here Najib approved them on the spot.

He also pointed out that about 200 houses had to be relocated to Kampung Baru due to the erosion of Sungai Simunjan Lama.

Hence, according to him, a channel project could help mitigate the problem.

Due to the severity and scale of the problem, Najib was taken to inspect the embankment and flood mitigation project site where he was also given a briefing.

Upon arriving here, Najib spent about 45 minutes greeting the people who thronged the town to see him.

Prior to coming here, he visited Saratok and Lachau.

After that, he proceeded to a dinner function at the State Legislative Assembly complex.

He was escorted by the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, and a number of federal and state cabinet ministers.

Five labs to address bumiputera issues in Sabah, Sarawak
25th February, 2010
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/36348

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7896/2502-P2A.jpg?1267067379

Musa (centre) addresses a press conference. From left to right are
Mohd Azharuddin, Ismail, Ose, Sukarti, Mohd Hasnol and Phillip.

KOTA KINABALU: A Performance Management & Delivery Unit (Pemandu) Committee for Sabah and Sarawak has been set up to address issues related to Bumiputera development in the two states.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman told reporters during a press conference held at Wisma Innoprise yesterday that Pemandu will come up with relevant findings that could be used to help address problems related to Bumiputeras.

“Pemandu has agreed, after consultation with stakeholders in Sabah and Sarawak, to facilitate five labs that cover education development, economic development, infrastructure development, social development and land and legal matters,” he said.

He was speaking after being briefed by the National Key Result Area (NKRA) Pemandu Committee on Government Transformation Programme for Sabah and Sarawak / Bumiputera Development Laboratory.

It will facilitate ideas and implement plans using the laboratory methodology to achieve the GTP according to the two states’ Bumiputera development agenda.

He added that education, economic and infrastructure development have direct links to NKRA and the labs are looking at implementing specific plans that take into account local challenges and dynamics.

At the same time, it will also be reviewing Price Equalisation between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia.

The labs were conducted in Kuching from February 3 and February 12. Similarly, labs have been set up here since February 22 which will end in March 5.

The labs, he said, aim to come up with a comprehensive strategy, action plan and develop resource requirement documents and syndication by relevant stakeholders.

On the progress of the unit and labs, Musa said they were running smoothly.

The GTP in Sabah and Sarawak is tailored to meet local requirements and stakeholders have been invited to participate in the process.

Upon completion of their tasks, the unit will present the findings to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The findings will become a reference for development in Sabah and Sarawak,” said Musa.

Also present at the event were State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, Deputy State Secretary of Sarawak Datuk Ose Murang, Institute for Development Studies (IDS) director Mohd Hasnol Ayub, Director of State Economic Planning Unit Datuk Ismail Abdullah, NKRA Associate Director Mohd Azharuddin and Political Secretary to the Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities Datuk Phillip Benedict Lasimbang.

nazrey ni memang rajin dan bagus la..i salute u..gud job..

Melaka offers collaboration with UniKL
March 6, 2010, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=14824

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2157.jpg

INTERESTING: Ali Rustam (left) looks at some of the sample products made
by UniKL while (from second left) Abdul Hakim and board of directors
chairman Datuk Dr Adham Baba explain on the varsity’s role.
— Bernama photo

ALOR GAJAH: The Melaka government is collaborating with Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the research and commercialisiation of the university’s high technology products.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the collaboration would be carried out by the Research and Development, Creativity and Commercial (RD-CnC) Unit of the Chief Minister’s department.

Among the high quality products for commercialisation were the treatment and cleaning up of rivers, production of plastic goods like bottles, pails, plates and clothes hangers and food technology, he told reporters after visiting the UniKL campus here Thursday.

He said he was interested in UniKL’s water processing method developed from German technology which involved eight filtrations using bunga raya leaves and proposed that it be used to clean up Sungai Melaka.

Meanwhile, chairman of UniKL’s board of directors Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Hakim Juri, said the food technology offered by the university included that for the production of food ingredients for ketchup and mayonnaise in powder form.

The Mara-owned UniKL has 10 campuses nationwide including the one here which was opened in 2003 and has 1,300 students. — Bernama

Melaka GDP Grows Six Pct
March 09, 2010 18:28 PM

MELAKA, March 9 (Bernama) -- Melaka's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew six per cent last year to RM15.9 billion from RM15 billion previously.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the services sector remained the biggest contributor to GDP, spurred by the tourism subsector.

This was followed by the manufacturing sector that recorded a 3.1 per cent growth, he told the Melaka State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negeri on Tuesday.

During the debate on the motion of thanks to the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, he said Melaka's economic performance was very encouraging while the world and country faced challenges brought about by the economic turmoil and slowdown.

"In the years ahead, the state government will continue to make sure the state's major sectors experience positive growth, particularly new growth with high added value," he said.

Ali said that in line with National Innovation Year 2010, the state government had established the Research and Development Department under the Chief Minister's Department.

"This department will be responsible for producing products from innovation and creativity that can bear fruit," he said.

He also said the state government had started the move to green the state beginning with green buildings including Seri Negeri.

"It will be followed by the Green Town development to be known as Hang Tuah Jaya Green Town covering 330 hectares," he said.

He said the town would serve as a model with characteristics such as reduced pollution, better air quality, use of environment-friendly energy source and transportation, and its population committed to preserving the environment.

-- BERNAMA

Pilot project to re-green Sarawak
By STEPHEN THEN Thursday March 11, 2010

MIRI: Watersheds, rivers and forests degraded by human activities in the state are to be “re-greened” and “nursed” back to their natural state via a serious, integrated and comprehensive effort.

The state government, realising the urgent need to restore these depleted natural eco assets, has roped in the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and the local native communities to jointly “repair” the natural environment through a series of “integrated water and forest conservation” projects.

The pioneer project began in Ulu Merario in Bario, adjacent to the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, some 400km inland from here. It was launched on Monday by Bakelalan state assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining.

Balang told The Star that the project involved the Ulu Merario River and its surrounding forests as well as the upper reaches that serve as a watershed from where many river tributaries channel water to villages and farmlands for human consumption and irrigation.

“This is the first time that we have embarked on such an integrated conservation project,” he said. “Before this, river protection projects were usually carried out separately from forests rehabilitation. We will replant trees in the forests near the river and clean up the river and shore up the quality of the water by rearing fish.”

Balang said, if successful, the Ulu Merario River project would serve as a model for the rehabilitation of other similar areas in the Bario highlands and the Bakelalan constituency.

He noted that some 40 years ago Ulu Merario was known for its big trees and crystal-clear rivers.

“However, since the original settlements in Bario Asal were relocated to the present Bario settlements by the British during the Malaysia-Indonesia confrontation (1962 to 1965), the environment has deteriorated to what it is today,” said Balang. “It is now even difficult to get any firewood from the forests.

“We want to replant the area with fast-growing trees and other plants. The local communities will be roped in to help replant these trees, maintain them and ensure they are protected,” headded.

Balang said the Ulu Merario River fed four other river tributaries, supplying water to dozens of settlements and longhouses.

The river runs through the Pulong Tau National Park as well, and is also the source of water that powers the turbines in micro-dams for the production of electricity for the minority Kelabits and Lun Bawangs.

The Transformation to 1Malaysia
People First, Performance Now

The Government Transformation Programme or GTP focuses on generating positive outcomes which are based on what the rakyat wants and needs ("People First") by ensuring fast delivery of results ("Performance Now") to contribute to 1Malaysia and Vision 2020.

The 6 National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) identified to spearhead the Government's transformation are:

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Must Watch!
http://www.transformation.gov.my/

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RM90m boost for K'batangan
Published on: Friday, March 12, 2010
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=71206

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/upload/dpm%20sabah2.jpg

Kota Kinabatangan: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced a special allocation of nearly RM90 million under the National Key Results Area (NKRA) to carry out socio-economy improvement projects here.

He said the projects included the construction of the 8km long Jalan Tundun Bohangin costing RM30.3 million, supplying of water to 13 villages costing RM17.6 million, solar hybrid projects for four villages requiring RM39.5 million and four jetties in the Sungai Kinabatangan river banks totalling RM400,000.

Speaking during his visit to SK Bukit Garam, which is part of his programmes during his three-day working visit to Sabah on Thursday, Muhyiddin who is also Education Minister said efforts have also been taken to relocate the 139 families living along Sungai Kinabatangan, the longest river in Sabah. While the government wanted to relocate them, he said also needed to be considered was the livelihood of the people who are mostly fishermen.

"What I mean is that we must think about the rakyat too not only building houses but nothing to eat as they cannot go to the river to fish.

That is why I decided just now that we must be sensitive to the people's need.

"What you all feel I also feel we all humans we all come from the village.

I too come from the village not city so I know the people's problem and we want to solve them," he said to applause from the villagers.

Earlier, Muhyiddin accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Rural and Regional Development Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Peter Pang and Kinabatangan MP, Datuk Bung Moktar Radin were given a closed-door briefing by the National Security Council and the State Education Department.

"If we want to solve the problems of the people we need to understand the problem. Not just by constructing a building everything is solved.

If we build more schools but submerge by waters, does this solve the problem?" he asked.

Kinabatangan MP, Datuk Bung Moktar Radin earlier in his welcoming speech told Muhyiddin that after three Education Ministers and ground-breaking ceremony to build SMK Kampung Paris but nothing has happened.

Muhyiddin said the Education Ministry had also listed down all schools, for relocations, always experiencing flooding in Sabah and Sarawak, some of which had already been earmarked since the Eighth Malaysia Plan.

But, since the numbers were quite substantial so it took a little bit time, he said, adding that the State Education Director had also briefed him that several hundreds of schools in Sabah are flood-prone.

Towards this end, he said that Sabah would be a main priority in the 10th Malaysia Plan, especially for relocating these schools to higher ground.

He noted that in comparison with Kuala Lumpur, Sabah's examination results were always lower and now he knows that it was not because Sabahans are not intelligent but because of inadequate education facility and environment.

"If it is flooding all the time it will be hard for teachers to go to school and for the school children they might not be able to come to school at all," he said, adding that he went to Sarawak a year ago to Tutoh Apuh and was told by the school principal that in 12 months the school was flooded 18 times.

"That is why I announced a RM54 million allocation then," he said, adding that such problem was also many in Sabah and as the Education Minister he felt sad.

"How to solve this problem? It requires a huge sum of allocation hundreds of schools need to be rebuilt. Nonetheless, part of these projects would be given priority in the 10th Malaysia Plan," he said.

As for the issue of teachers' quarters some of them in a condition worse than a chicken coop, he said it was another big problem that needed to be resolved by the Ministry.

"I have instructed the Education Director General to ensure the welfare of the teachers and students is not neglected," he said.

Earlier, Muhyiddin urged the people to use the empowerment of the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to face future challenges.

The people at all levels must fully accept and understand the concept to empower themselves and ensure the nation's growth.

"1Malaysia strongly emphasizes national unity, ethnic tolerance, and government efficiency. The eight values of 1Malaysia as articulated by the Prime Minister are perseverance, a culture of excellence, acceptance, loyalty, education, humility, integrity, and meritocracy.

"So, under the 1Malaysia concept we hope there will be better relationship among the races, unity and effort to develop the country in efforts to achieve the developed nation status by 2020," he said.

Muhyiddin said the 1Malaysia concept of People First, Performance Now, showed the government's continued commitment towards the welfare of the people and fulfil their expectations.

The Deputy Prime Minister said able leadership, quick remedial measures and support of the people has seen the country recovering rapidly from the effects of the global economic meltdown that had also affected Malaysia.

"We have also overcome adversity and attempts by some irresponsible people who purposefully try to create unrest to destroy unity, harmony and peace," he said.

However, there are many more challenges ahead that need to be managed with care by the leaders, especially to find ways and means to raise the living qualities and income of the people, he said.

Muhyiddin said there were many more demands put forward by the people that needed attention like infrastructure for water, electricity, roads and houses for the people.

Longhouse first to use solar hybrid system
by Samuel Aubrey March 13, 2010, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=16508

KUCHING: Kerapa Spak longhouse, located in the interiors of Betong Division, will soon make history as the first in the country to use a solar hybrid system.

Peninsula-based IBC Solar Teknik Sdn Bhd donated the RM4.5 million solar hybrid system (SHS) to light up the 43-door longhouse last July.

According to IBC Solar chief executive officer Ahmad Nazri Ibrahim, the project has made tremendous progress and is scheduled for completion and commissioning in about a month.

In a statement issued from Kuala Lumpur, he said the project is now 70 per cent completed.

Once operational, he said it would greatly benefit some 250 villagers who deal mainly with smallholdings growing pepper, rubber and hill rice.

“Everything is in place for works to proceed as scheduled in realising a mission which would have a large impact on the prospects of a solar hybrid system complementing the existing grid system in the state of Sarawak,” said Nazri.

SHS boasts a low maintenance and easy operating system, as well as long-term cost advantage, he said.

As such, he said, SHS seems to be the perfect answer especially to the needs of longhouses and populations nestled in the interiors of Sarawak.

“These systems such as SHS are usually installed in remote areas with no road access and the communities there need to take care of the systems and carry out the necessary routine inspections.

“And our SHS has met the requirements enabling such communities to use the SHS with ease,” he said.

IBS’ move, he said, was in line with the stand taken by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who announced an RM3.4 billion allocation to improve Sarawak’s rural infrastructure with a target to cover 95 per cent of populated Sarawak with electricity supply and 90 per cent of the population with treated water by 2012.

“The SHS features a water supply system offering filtered drinking water from available natural water sources as well as a telecommunications linkage, with Internet access no longer being an impossibility.

“The federal government has also, as part of its National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) set its eyes to focus on speeding up infrastructure development projects in rural Sabah and Sarawak,” said Nazri.

RM800m for devt projects for Orang Asli
15th March, 2010
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/36806

GUA MUSANG: The Orang Asli Affairs Department has asked for a RM800 million allocation from the federal government for development projects to improve the lot of the Orang Asli nationwide in the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP).

The department’s deputy director-general (Development) Nisra Nisran Asra Ramlan said a large portion of the allocation would be used for the educational development of Orang Asli children, besides providing basic facilities to 869 villages to benefit 13,000 families.

He said with the educational assistance, 112 Orang Asli students were targeted to pursue their studies at the higher learning institutions.

“More Orang Asli parents are keen to put their children in school as they realise the lack of education has left the community behind in terms of development,” he said after the launching of the 1Malaysia Assistance Fund for the community’s educational development at Kampung Kuala Betis, here, yesterday.

It was launched by Nenggiri assemblyman Md Yusoff Ab Ghani. Nisra Nisran said the Orang Asli youths who managed to obtain tertiary education now had good jobs in the public and private sectors.

“We don’t want the Orang Asli to continue to be dependent on jungle produce for a living as such produce were depleting as more forest land were being cleared for development,” he added.

http://www.travelplus.com.my/images/Sarawak/SARAWAKMAP_Master.jpg

Lawas is a small town and the capital of the Lawas District in Limbang Division of northern Sarawak

Over RM18m for Lawas roads: Awg Tengah
March 15, 2010, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=16896

LAWAS: A road will soon link Mengkalap to Sina Puan here which should be welcomed by villages along the way while several other roads will be upgraded this year.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the Mengkalap-Sina Puan stretch had been approved but the allocation of RM15 million may have to be revised upwards.

He said a revised amount was necessary because the RM15 million already approved was not enough.

According to him, also earmarked for upgrading are the Kampung Aru-Sundar road (RM1.5 million) and Kampung Luagan (RM1 million) while the 0.4km stretch known as Jalan Choo Lin would be allocated RM0.5 million.

Awang Tengah said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of Kemas’ 1Malaysia Community Sports Carnival at Kampung Aru in Sundar yesterday.

Also present were Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Kemas Lawas senior supervisor Kadir Tusin, Temengong Sabli Hamid and Temengong Paris Kaya.

Awang Tengah called on the people to assess their economic potentials including the commercial potential of their land in view of the coming road projects and accessibility.

“The road linkages are not just about communication but they must be seen as opening up opportunities for you to commercialise your agricultural activities such as padi doublecropping and livestock rearing.

“He pointed out the various government agencies were always ready to provide them with advice and expertise.

“On the carnival, he said the government was supportive of any activity that could help nurture rapport and friendship.

“Do not allow disunity to set in due to petty issues but be focused on meeting the challenges of the k-society ahead where everything is knowledge driven and education is the key to improving the family institution,” Awang Tengah said.

Sarawak To Get Fire And Rescue Airbase
March 16, 2010 12:38 PM

KUCHING, March 16 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department will build an airbase in Sarawak under the 10th Malaysia Plan to step up search and rescue efficiency in East Malaysia.

Its director-general, Datuk Hamzah Abu Bakar, said on Tuesday the airbase was proposed for construction under the Ninth Malaysia Plan but was shelved due to lack of funds.

The airbase would facilitate helicopter search and rescue operations not only in Sarawak but also in Sabah, he told reporters after closing a training course on fire and rescue science here.

-- BERNAMA

Selangor To Launch Micro-Credit Scheme To Help Poor, Low-Income Group
March 08, 2010 20:16 PM

SHAH ALAM, March 8 (Bernama) -- The Selangor state government will set up a micro-credit scheme to help the poor and those in the low-income group increase their earnings and break the poverty cycle.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the initial fund to start the scheme would come from the RM392 million debt payment by Talam Corp Bhd and from the state-owned companies.

"The micro-credit scheme will be based on the Islamic banking concept of 'Qardhul Hassan'.

"Bangladesh's Grameen Bank uses this concept and they have have been successful in helping the poor," he said at a ceremony to present appointment letters to 368 village heads here on Monday.

Abdul Khalid said a special committee would be set up to decide on the process and workings of the scheme.

It would be headed by executive councillor in charge of Islamic Affairs, Malay Culture, Infrastructure and Public Amenities, Datuk Dr Hassan Mohamed Ali, he said.

He said initially, the scheme would be introduced in the rural areas before extending it to the urban poor.

"Those earning RM1,500 and below are classified as poor and eligible to apply for the loan," he said.

On when the scheme would be implemented, he said: "The money is there. In a month or two it will be launched."

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid said members of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) would receive a 10 per cent bonus this year.

He said the bonus would come from the profits of the sale of sand by the state company, Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd.

"Kumpulan Semesta's accounts were closed in December and the audit will take from two to three months. After that the bonus will be paid," he said.

Abdul Khalid said this was one of the ways the state used the profits to reward the grassroot leaders who worked for an allowance of RM450 a month.

He said bonus would benefit 6,705 JKKK members.

-- BERNAMA

Greater exposure to remote sensing tech needed
March 20, 2010, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=18095

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2457.jpg

WHAT’S THAT?: Yee asking Darus (right) about something after the former
officiated an awareness seminar on remote sensing technology and related
technologies. — Bernama photo

KOTA KINABALU: The people in Sabah need more exposure on the benefits of remote sensing technology, said State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai yesterday.

He said a large state like Sabah required technology that was fast and effective for a wide range of fields such as agriculture, the environment, land development and security.

“There must be optimum usage of remote sensing technology to ensure its benefits reach its end-users and the people, and at the same time, spur the country’s development.

“Therefore, there is a need for ongoing efforts to provide exposure, awareness and knowledge on the benefits it brings to the people,” he said when officiating an awareness seminar on remote sensing technology and related technologies organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry here.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency Director-General Datuk Darus Ahmad said the Sabah Forestry Department was one of the state departments to fully utilise remote sensing technology to manage forest resources in Sabah.

“They (the Forestry Department) use it to monitor logging and other activities in the forests regularly,” he told reporters.

He also said the technology could take fast and accurate aerial photographs via satellite compared to traditional methods of using aircraft. — Bernama

Government Implored To Supply New Generators To Sabah
March 23, 2010 20:47 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=484783

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- A lawmaker from Sabah on Tuesday urged the government to supply new generators to the state to solve the problem of serious electricity supply disruption.

Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) said Tenaga Nasional Berhad's supplying of used generators to Sabah made it appear that Sabahans were being treated like second-class citizens.

"I had said it before not to treat the people of Sabah as second-class citizens. They are BN's 'fixed deposit'...but by admittedly giving them second-hand generators, it's like regarding them as second-class citizens," he said when debating on the motion of thanks for the royal address at the opening of the parliament session.

He urged the ministry concerned to return the used generators to Sime Darby and supply new ones to Sabah. "Otherwise, I will make noise again at the next parliament sitting," he said.

Abdul Ghapur said the people of Sabah were disappointed as they had to face power supply disruption up to 15 times in a day.

He noted that when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak visited Tawau in September last year, he assured that new generators would be purchased and supplied to Sabah with an allocation set aside for the purpose.

"At first, the people did not know that TNB, when given the allocation, bought several second-hand generators from Sime Darby and sent them to Sabah.

"I knew about this and voiced it out in the newspapers. I want the MAAC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) to investigate this," he said.

Abdul Ghafur said the statements by the TNB general manager and the relevant minister also mentioned that the generators bought for Sabah were used ones.

On another matter, he urged that the charge for Muslim couples to undergo the marriage course be standardised nationwide.

"I don't know whether the Sabah Islamic Religious Council or Religious Department is out to make money from this. But it's causing problems for those who want to get married as a couple may have to pay up to RM400 to attend the course," he said.

Abdul Ghafur also complained that the Home Ministry had not taken any positive step to reduce crime in the state's hot spots.

-- BERNAMA

New townships through rural devt centres
by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith March 31, 2010, Wednesday

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2656.jpg

URBAN CARE SYSTEM: Taib (third left) receives the special award from Zaidi
(second right) witnessed by Abang Johari (second left) and Sheda committee members.

KUCHING: The state government is looking at establishing rural development centres (RDC) as an initiative to bring the urban development concept to secondary towns across the state, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said yesterday.

He said it was part of the government’s new township planning under the urban care system.

Taib said the concept would focus on the potential in areas such as Sarikei, Serian, Mukah and Betong, depending on their ability to attract investors and increase the population.

Speaking to the media after a courtesy call by Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) officials at Menara Pelita here, Taib said the urban care system previously focused on the establishment of new townships primary in areas such as Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

“Now, the government wants to focus on the ‘up and coming towns’ such as Serian, Betong, Sarikei and Mukah.

“I don’t want to talk ambitiously, but whatever potential that presented itself, we will develop,” he said, adding that the priority of the RDCs were to bring urban development concept to small towns that had the potential.

Most importantly, he said, such towns must grow in population and attract investors for their growth.

Taib, who is Planning and Resource Management Minister, said after the implementation of the RDCs, the government would study how the projects developed.

“The main problem is would such areas be able to group more people? Will such towns manage to increase their population?

“I would even consider Kapit and Baram as potential investment for good urban development is there. Now we just have to see the population growth of these areas,” he added.

Taib stressed that the development in the RDC areas must be in line with the modernisation that was more suitable for Vision 2020.

The chief minister said he preferred to see RDCs having a mixture of traditional shops and new shopping centres to cater for the taste of the old and younger generations.

Taib also said the government had already prepared a master plan for all the secondary towns, including the ones earmarked to be RDCs.

The visit by Sheda officials yesterday was to present Taib with a special ‘Speech Award’ to honour his outstanding contribution to the development of the housing and property industry in the state.

His development plans and polices have brought the state’s new township projects such as the New Batu Kawah Township (MJC), Bandar Baru Samariang, Permyjaya in Miri and Sibujaya (Sibu).

The award is the first to be presented by Sheda as a symbol of appreciation by developers to the chief minister for his vision and planning in the industry.

The award was presented by Sheda president Zaidi Ahmad and was witnessed by Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Sheda advisor Alex Ting, secretary general Sim Kiang Chiok , assistant secretary general Iskandar Sharkawi and treasurer general Dr Richard Tan were also present.

Sarawak's Land Information System Interests Australia And Morocco
April 06, 2010 17:16 PM

MUKAH, April 6 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's Land and Survey Information System (LASIS) has attracted the interest of authorities in Australia and Morroco.

Land and Survey Department's director Datuk Sudarsono Osman said he would be going to Sydney in Australia soon and Morroco by next year to give briefings on the integrated and comprhensive land administration system developed in the state.

"The briefings are at their invitations," he said at the launch of the system for the Mukah Division by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud here Tuesday.

The system has been continuously enhanced since it was jointly developed 25 years ago at a cost of RM2.56 million.

The developers are the Land and Survey Department, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), and the Information and Communication Unit of the Chief Minister's Department.

Leveraging on technology, it has improved the department's service delivery to a new level and transformed some of its working culture.

It now allows one-day registration of land instruments with automated e-mail notification to inform legal firms instantly upon their registration.

The system allows online payment of land rent and premium and also enables landowners to view the rent record prior to the payment.

LASIS provides title search facility to the public for them to search land titles at any land and survey divisional offices at a nominal fee.

Online submission and approval of land applications between the department headquarters and the divisional offices can be done without physical documents.

The system allows digital submission of survey jobs by private surveyors.

The fully integrated datasets permit the information to be made available on demand to facilitate intelligent analysis and reliable decision-making.

To date, the system implemented in two phases too has designed and developed over 200 different software solutions.

But they are yet to be widely used by the state government's ministeries and departments, statutory bodies, federal agencies and the corporate sector.

Among the solutions are a number of applications that have won the highest recognitions and awards internationally and locally.

These include the United Nations World Summit Award, the Prime Minister's ICT Quality Award and the Malaysia MSC APICTA Award.

For the Land and Survey Department, LASIS facilitates land planning, survey computation, cadastral mapping, land alienation and land valuation.

It has recorded 102,000 cases of land transactions worth over RM13.3 billion, according to Sudarsono.

He said the time was right to look into data sharing between government agencies at reasonable costs to avoid duplication and cost.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah to nominate Maliau Basin as World Heritage Site
Friday April 9, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/4/9/southneast/6012376&sec=southneast

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/4/9/southneast/se_03waterfalls.jpg

Beautiful: One of the waterfalls that can be found at the Maliau Basin.

KOTA KINABALU: The state cabinet has agreed to nominate the Maliau Basin in the south central part of Sabah as a World Heritage Site, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

He said the move was a reflection of the state government’s commitment to preserve the Maliau Basin conservation area, which he described as a source of pride for the people of Sabah.

“This will ultimately dismiss allegations that the proposal to build a coal-fired power plant in Lahad Datu is connected to attempts to exploit Maliau Basin’s coal resources.

“The state government will not compromise on its effort to conserve its forest reserves and we will make sure that the Maliau Basin, which is a renowned research area, is safeguarded at all times,” he told reporters after opening a scientific seminar on Mount Tambuyukon on Tuesday.

The Maliau Basin, known as Sabah’s Lost World, was declared a Sabah Foundation conservation area in 1981.

In 1997, the state cabinet agreed to gazette the area as a Protection Forest Reserve (Class 1), covering an area of 588sq km.

Masidi said there were also suggestions to nominate Danum Valley in the east coast of Sabah as a World Heritage Site but the matter was still being looked into by the ministry.

Sabah currently has a World Heritage Site, namely the Kinabalu Park, where the 4,092-metre Mount Kinabalu is located.

Meanwhile, Masidi has requested that the Sabah Parks explore the possibilities of promoting Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon as a tourism package.

“Climbing Mount Kinabalu is relatively easy and more of a recreational activity. I think it is good to incorporate new and more adventurous elements.

“I was told that the route to the peak of Mount Tambuyukon is much more challenging and requires a high degree of physical fitness.

“Sabah Parks can introduce a gold certificate to tourists who manage to reach the peaks of both mountains,” he said, adding that there were also flora and fauna species in Mount Tambuyukon which were not found in Mount Kinabalu.

Masidi said such a package would also educate the public that apart from Mount Kinabalu, they could also explore the 2,580-metre Mount Tambuyukon within the Kinabalu Park.

He added that in view of the limit of 192 climbers imposed at Mount Kinabalu, any additional number of tourists could be redirected to Mount Tambuyukon, the third highest mountain in Sabah after Mount Kinabalu and Mount Trusmadi. — Bernama

Government To Announce Decision On Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera Development Lab Report
May 09, 2010 21:27 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=496757

SIBU, May 9 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government will announce several decisions that it would take from the findings by the Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera Development Laboratory set up under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP).

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili, one of the ministers involved in the programme, said today Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak might announce these decisions when he visits Sibu this May 13.

"The lab had been discussing not less than seven major issues that among others include land, employment, socio-economic development, education and entrepreneurship involving our community in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.

He was speaking to reporters after launching a solar technology energy supply project for the computer laboratory of Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Tutus, about an hour journey on express boat from here.

He said the Cabinet had received a report on the lab committee findings about three weeks ago.

The Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera Development Laboratory was set up in February this year as a move to tailor the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) programmes to meet the needs of the Bumiputeras in the two states.

Maximus said the efforts under the GTP and emphasis on the NKRAs reflected the commitment of the government under Najib's leadership to see that people in Sabah and Sarawak would have equal opportunities to enjoy greater development.

"Never in the past had the Federal government given such a commitment and greater attention to the basic needs of our community especially those staying in remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.

Speaking at the project launching ceremony earlier, Maximus said the implementation of the project was in line with the government's move to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

The introduction of the solar-powered computer laboratory would create a great impact to the rural children's learning experience, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Petra Energy Plans To Strengthen Presence In Sabah's Oil And Gas Business
May 06, 2010 14:58 PM

KOTA KINABALU, May 6 (Bernama) -- Integrated oil and gas brownfield services provider, Petra Energy Berhad, plans to strengthen its presence in Sabah's oil and gas business.

Chief Executive Officer, Kamarul Baharin Albakri said Petra Energy was currently involved in offshore brownfield operations in the state through its RM1.1 billion Sarawak-Sabah Shell project.

But he added, concerted efforts would be made, to ensure the company's strong presence in the state.

This he added, is especially since, there was an overall improvement in market conditions and increasing prospects in the brownfield sector of the business.

"We plan to reassess our support level in key growth markets in East Malaysia, especially in Sabah and, if required, establish a new support and logistics onshore facility," he said in a statement here Thursday.

However, by strengthening its presence in Sabah, Kamarul Baharin said Petra Energy would need to depend on job markets and project requirements for deep field and brownfield operations.

"This will serve to ensure timely and round-the-clock deployment of integrated services for oil majors in the state and region," he stated.

He also said Sabah had shown strong potential in the oil and gas business in recent years with discoveries in Gumusut/Kakap, Malikai, Jangas, Ubah Crest, Pisangan and Kamunsu deepwater fields, which are being developed and expected to commence production between next year and 2015.

He said with the Kebabangan Cluster gas fields, sizeable ultra-deepwater blocks offshore, the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal and the Sarawak-Sabah gas pipeline projects underway, these developments would position Sabah as one of the leading oil and gas hub in the country and possibly in the region.

"We view this as an opportune moment for us to leverage on new growth markets and for Petra Energy to strengthen its presence in Sabah.

"As we move into more sophisticated line of work involving deepwater operations, the company will also look at further enhancing its operational capabilities, to fulfil new work requirements with the possibility of setting up a support and logistics facility," he explained.

Meanwhile, Kamarul Baharin said Petra Energy would be participating in the First Borneo International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (BOGCE) 2010 here tomorrow.

The event will showcase and create an awareness of the company's core competencies in the brownfield sector of the upstream oil and gas industry.

"This is our competitive edge and based on our credentials, I am optimistic we can make positive inroads in Sabah's oil and gas business," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Kimanis To Be New Oil Town With Sabah Oil And Gas Terminal
May 07, 2010 15:47 PM

KOTA KINABALU, May 7 (Bernama) -- The state government hopes to see Kimanis becoming a new oil town similar to Miri, Bintulu and Kerteh with the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) being constructed there.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said while this may not happen immediately, the terminal will provide a boost to the sector's development and expansion of oil production in the coming years.

Naim, Cahya Mata in RM1.5b project
By Desmond DavidsonPublished: 2010/05/11
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/samjuk8/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/samjuk8/pix_topright

Naim Holdings and Cahya Mata Sarawak will develop a township in Samalaju, Sarawak, to cater for an estimated 50,000 workers and their families.

Naim Holdings Bhd (5073) plans to partner Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMS) and a local government agency to build a RM1.5 billion township in Samalaju, Sarawak, which will cater for the expected boom in the working population.

The Samalaju Industrial Park is located 80km north of Bintulu and the proposed township will be home to those who will work at a giant aluminium smelter and other high-technology industries.

The new township, covering an area in excess of 2,200ha a few kilometres from the Samalaju Industrial Park, will cater for the estimated 50,000 workers and their families.

Construction will start next year and the township will be developed over 10 years.
"The township is really required there. It won't work to have the workers commute between Bintulu and Samalaju," Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager Datuk Mohidin Ishak said in Kuching.

The state government has approved the town's master plan, he said.

Yesterday, BDA signed a memorandum of understanding with Naim and CMS to form a joint-venture company. Naim will hold 60 per cent of the tie-up, with CMS having 30 per cent and BDA the balance.

Naim was represented by executive director Datuk William Wei, and CMS by group managing director Datuk Richard Curtis.

Mohidin said that their first priority would be the construction of "world-class standard" temporary camps for the 3,000 to 5,000 workers involved in building the town and those whose companies would be relocating to the industrial park.

Construction of the camps just a kilometre from the park will start very soon and is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of next year, Wei said.

The camps will be converted into storage facilities when the construction frenzy is over.

Construction of the township will only start next year.

Wei said that it would have all the amenities of a modern township.

"There will be schools, a police station, medical facilities, commercial centres and recreational facilities."

The Samalaju Industrial Park is an integral part of the state's industrial development corridor, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.

At least two smelting plants, including the proposed Sarawak Aluminium Co - a joint venture between mining giant Rio Tinto and CMS - will be sited in the area.

There will also be a plant from Japan's Tokuyama Corp that will make solar panels and a new deepwater port.

Naim, CMS and BDA to develop RM1.5bil new township
Tuesday May 11, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/11/business/6229889&sec=business
http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/5/11/business/p7-naim.JPG

From left: Datuk William Wei, Datuk Mohidin Ishak and CMS group managing director Datuk Richard Curtis exchanging documents at the MoU signing ceremony on Monday.

Mustapa: Investors have confidence in Sarawak
by Franklin Ngieng May 11, 2010, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=29294

SIBU: Sarawak can be the top state in drawing investments approved by Malaysian Industrial development Authority (Mida) (www.mida.gov.my/) for the third consecutive year this year.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said judging by the meeting with the investors in Kuching on Sunday, investor confidence in the state was very high.

“They are happy with the investment condition here,” he said at the closing of a seminar about the opportunity to expand businesses at MUC Hall here yesterday.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Fadillah Yusuf and Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur Development Mohd Naroden Majais.

According to Mustapa, last year, Sarawak recorded domestic and international investments amounting to RM8.5 billion out of RM32.6 billion investments approved by Mida, followed by Selangor and Sabah.

In 2008, out of RM62.8 billion of approved investments, Sarawak took the share of RM15.2 billion.

He said some of the companies investing in Sarawak were expected to create more job opportunities this year.

“We have discussed with Hitachi Global that took over Western Digital. They have plans to increase their staff strength in Samajaya,” he said.

He said the major investments in Sarawak were in the silicon industry, electronic, halal food, ship building and natural liquified gas.

Tokoyama company from Japan has invested RM5 billion in polysilicon industry.

Last year, he said, Sarawak, Sibu in particular, exported ships worth about RM500 million including tug boats and gas and oil supporting ships.

“This shows Sarawak has a good leadership which successfully developed industrial estates like in Samajaya and Samalaju,” he said.

Proposal For Bernama To Set Up Copy Editing Unit In Sabah/sarawak
May 19, 2010 17:38 PM

KOTA KINABALU, May 19 (Bernama) -- State Information Committee Chairman for information Datuk Sapawi Ahmad has suggested that the National News Agency (Bernama) looks at the possibility of creating a copy editing unit based in Sabah and Sarawak to handle local news.

He said this was a logical move as the two states had many local newspapers besides national newspapers based in the peninsula which also provided several pages on Sabah and Sarawak news.

"To save cost, it's sufficient to assign a sub-editor proficient in both the Malay language and English language each in the Sabah and Sarawak bureaus.

"I find many local issues which can be highlighted through Bernama which may possibly be carried by the local papers as well as national papers which now produce local editions," he said in a statement, here Wednesday.

Sapawi, who is also the member of parliament (MP) for Sipitang, said this when commenting on the opinion of the Daily Express editor-in-chief, James Sarda yesterday, which among others suggested that Bernama strengthened its position and increased the number of its staff in Sabah and Sarawak to realise the 1Malaysia concept.

In supporting the suggestion, Sapawi said the strengthening of Bernama's role in the two states was important in view of their vast area as well as the need to speed up the news processing to meet the needs of the local media.

-- BERNAMA

‘Melaka Sultanate’s new establishment date needs international ratification’
June 4, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=34092

PETALING JAYA: Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said 1262 as the new establishment date for the Melaka Sultanate, as opposed to 1400 previously recorded, must be internationally ratified.In these matter, it is the ministry’s opinion that such dates must be ratified internationally and if there was any artifacts found, it must also be ratified by international experts in the presence of local ones, said Rais.

“We cannot be lauding such findings by ourselves… it needs the ratification of the international bodies and if any artifact was found, it must be determined by the radio carbon dating method and witnessed by all.

“For example, any new finding must be ratified by the World Archeology and until such time, there will be no ratification,” he told reporters when asked of the new findings which claimed that the Melaka Sultanate was established in 1262 and not 1400, after new evidence of Malay settlement was found in Sungai Batu of Lembah Bujang, through archeological research carried out by a group of experts organised by the Malaysian

Institute of Historical and Patriotism Studies.

Rais who had earlier presented Diplomas and certificates to 165 recipients at the Subang Jaya campus of the Institutes of Teachers Education Convocation said he had asked National Heritage Commissioner Prof Emeritus Datin Paduka Zuraina Majid to carry out further studies on the matter.

On May 31, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam announced a nine-members team, comprising historians from local universities, was chaired by Melaka Islamic University College vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Yusoff Hashim, while the research team was headed by Prof Dr Abdullah Zakaria Ghazali from Universiti Malaya’s History Department had carried out research and found new evidence which claimed that the Melaka Sultanate was established in 1262 and not 1278 as announced earlier or 1400 as recorded in the history of Melaka.

Mohd Ali said the team had chosen 1262, based on the Raja Bongsu version of the Malay Annals, or Sulalatus al-Salatin.

He had said that the team had conducted research and field work in various locations in Malaysia and Indonesia such as Pulau Bentan, Pulau Penyengat, Pulau Singkep, Pulau Lingga, Palembang, Jambi, Padang and Batu Sangkar. — Bernama

Camera design centre in Penang
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2010/06/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/vista8/Article/#ixzz0q8oI2teX

MALAYSIA'S first camera design centre is expected to be set up in Penang by year-end.

The 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility will be set up at the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone by Vista Point Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd, a business division of Flextronics International Ltd, one of the world's Electronics Manufacturing Services providers.

Vista Point vice-president for design and engineering Vijay Albuquerque told Business Times that the company has identified land in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

"We are currently in talks with the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority in seeking a matching grant for the setting up of this advanced process development facility in Malaysia," he said in Penang.

Vista Point Technologies, headquartered in California, now operates from rented premises at the Bukit Jambul area in Penang where it develops camera modules and finger navigation tools for mobile phones which are exported.

The company's manufacturing facility here is located at Bukit Raja in Selangor.

Albuquerque did not disclose the new Vista Point investment, except to say that it will include the procurement of machinery and equipment which will be significant.

The company's started investing in 2005 with cumulative investments in excess of RM250 million. Vista Point currently employs 130 people in Penang.

Albuquerque said with the proposed expansion plans, the company is expected to create some 50 high-value jobs by year-end.

"We hope to grow our engineering team by 50 per cent a year from now," he added.

Albuquerque said about 85 per cent of new Vista Point designs are developed at its Penang Design Centre, from where it leverages on the engineering talent, together with the pool of equipment and tooling suppliers in the state.

The Penang Design Centre was opened in 2006 with a staff of 20.

Micro Hydro Dams Option For Power In Remote Longhouses
June 06, 2010 16:13 PM

SIBU, June 6 (Bernama) -- Micro hydro-electric dams may well be the answer to providing a sustainable source of power for many of the longhouses deep in the Sarawak interior, Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang said on Sunday.

He said that as long as such longhouses had suitable rivers and topography, this method of power supply should be considered.

"We already have a few of these micro dams initiated by Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (UNIMAS) operating in the Sri Aman Division.

"They are cheaper than the popular diesel generators. Another plus factor is that they are comparatively maintenance-free," he told Bernama on his return here after visiting several longhouses in his Julau parliamentary constituency.

He said it was impossible for the government to try to bring power supply from the state grid to such longhouses because of the prohibitive cost.

Salang also said that he had written to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for a pilot project to be considered in Nanga Sengaih in his constituency.

"If it is viable, we may consider extending it to some of the most remote of the over 500 longhouses in Julau," he said.

He said many of the longhouse residents were still relying on diesel-powered generators to light up and watch television.

"This has been and will be an expensive option for them. It is not cheap bringing regular supply of diesel into the remote interior," he said.

Salang said that for the time being it was impractical to suggest to them to use solar energy as photovoltaic cells used in such applications were still very expensive.

-- BERNAMA

New roads and better basic amenities planned for Sabah and Sarawak
Friday June 11, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/11/nation/6450714&sec=nation

SABAH and Sarawak will get more new roads and basic amenities under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Under the five-year blueprint, a total of 2,540km of roads will be built in Sabah and 2,819km in Sarawak.

“This will help ensure mobility of goods and people from rural areas to urban markets and beyond,” said the 10th Plan report.

Also, 98% of those in Sabah and 95% of people in Sarawak will have access to clean water with supply reaching an additional 112,700 houses in Sabah and 87,000 houses in Sarawak.

The states will also enjoy 99% electricity coverage with supply in the rural areas to be extended to 59,000 houses in Sabah and 76,000 houses in Sarawak by 2015.

In Sabah, three new power plants will be commissioned with a combined capacity of 700MW. Two are gas-based plants in the west coast and one coal-based in the east coast using clean coal technology.

In Sarawak, the 2,400 MW Bakun hydroelectricity project will be commissioned in stages.

Air and water transportation will also be improved to increase connectivity and accessibility in rural areas and this includes upgrading the short take off landing (STOL) airstrips.

River transportation will be enhanced as a mode of public transport particularly in Sarawak and promoted as a tourism product.

The Government will also review the possibility of expanding the scope of the newly-established Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to the two states pending its implementation in the peninsula.

With the Government’s focus on helping the bottom 40% of households throughout the country, bumiputra in Sabah and Sarawak will be eligible for support and resources.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said the state had much to gain under the 10th Plan, saying he was heartened that it made provisions for 2,540km of road that would improve the people’s connectivity.

“This will ensure the people in all corners of the state enjoy the fruits of development,” Musa said.

Miri MP Datuk Peter Chin said the planned projects for Sarawak were good, lauding the announcement for the construction of schools near longhouse.

He also said the investment of two aluminium smelters in Sarawak worth RM18bil would be the catalyst for development in areas in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Kampung Sibulung to be powered up soon
June 20, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=39315

KUCHING: Villagers of Kampung Sibulung in Bau need not fret and worry anymore because the government has given the go-ahead for the village to be connected to the state power grid.
“I can assure the villagers that they will get their electricity,” said Deputy Tourism Minister and Mambong MP Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit after officiating at the opening of the new Kampung Giam suspension bridge yesterday.

He urged them to be patient because the contractor had to consider numerous technical details like specifications of the power cables and poles and whether to use belian wood or steel poles.

“I’ve talked with the contractor and all these needed to be done before they can actually connect electricity into the village,” he said.

“I can’t say when, it could be end of this year or even next year, but I can assure the villagers that they will get their 24-hour electricity supply because it has been approved,” stressed Dawos.

Last week, Kampung Sibulung village chief Johed Alen told The Borneo Post that he had been requesting the elected representative to provide the village with continuous power supply, but was kept waiting.

“Why is it like that? Kampung Podan which is nearby, as well as a few other villages here are connected with electricity, but not our village,” Johed had queried.

Kampung Sibulung is about four kilometres from Bau town, and is located near one of the tourist attractions, the Paku Hot Spring.

It has about 250 villagers in 26 houses, all without proper electricity.

They all had to use generator sets to power their general electricity appliances, which would be turned on from 6pm to 10pm.

Not all families can afford a generator set, so some had to share a unit between up to five houses. They will share in buying diesel to fuel the generator.

Meanwhile, Dawos said that about 70 per cent of Mambong is connected to the state power grid. However, it is not so with treated water supply.

“Treated water supply …, I think about 40 per cent of Mambong is connected,” he said but disclosed that his request for treated water to the constituency has been approved.

“As you can see, along the road from Kota Padawan to here (Jalan Borneo Heights) you can see big pipes stacked by the roadside.

That means project is being implemented,” he said.

Dawos revealed that when he first submitted the proposal for the treated water project, his allocation request was RM65 million.

“But looking at the pipes and the extent of the project, I think it would cost much more,” he said. Dawos also pointed out that even with the pipes all connected, it would not guarantee steady supply of treated water as certain areas in Padawan often faces low water pressure and interrupted supply.

“This is difficult for the people and their daily lives.

The reason for the low water pressure is because the water reservoir is slowly being polluted and reduced due to forest clearing and logging.

“That is why the government has to build the Bengoh Dam to supply enough water to the reservoir, not only for hydroelectricity,” explained Dawos.

Kelantan Needs Public Contribution To Build Mosques, Bridges
June 21, 2010 12:44 PM

KOTA BAHARU, June 21 (Bernama) -- The PAS-led state government conceded that it has to rely on public contribution to implement development projects in the state especially in the construction of mosques and bridges.

The Chairman of the State Committee on Economic Planning, Finance and Welfare, Datuk Husam Musa said the state government would provide the allocation but the government depended on public contributions to pay part of the cost of construction for the bridges and mosques.

He said this when responding to a question from Azami Mohd Nor (PAS-Kadok) at the third term of the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday.

Azami wanted to know the number of projects implemented by the state government between 1990 and 2009 as well as the value of these projects.

However, Husam did not explain the type of development projects implemented by the state government.

He said if he were to list down the development projects carried out by the state government, it would take more than one day as the list was too long.

-- BERNAMA

10MP Road Construction Framework In Sarawak To Be Known By End August
June 20, 2010 18:44 PM

KUCHING, June 20 (Bernama) -- Details of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) framework on the construction of 2,819km of new roads in Sarawak, including project costs, locations and length, will be known by the end August, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said.

He said additional roads would provide connectivity between towns and accessibility to rural areas, including areas under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) and Kapit.

"The opening up of rural areas will promote economic growth that brings benefits to the rural people, once these roads are ready," he told reporters after attending Father's Day celebration, organised by the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Batu Lintang branch, Indian Affairs Bureau here.

Besides Sarawak, the construction of 2,540km in Sarawak and 6,312km in Peninsular Malaysia is expected to benefit 3.3 million people nationwide.

In terms of allocation, he said, Sarawak and Sabah received a substantial amount for the provision of basic infrastructure as well as clean water and electricity supplies, especially for rural areas, in the five-year plan starting from next year.

He said the details were being worked out but Sarawak was expected to get a bigger allocation, compared with RM2.3 billion, allocated for road projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

-- BERNAMA

Marudu Needs Comprehensive Development Plan To Compete With Other Districts - Ongkili
June 21, 2010 18:54 PM

KOTA MARUDU, June 21 (Bernama) -- Marudu needs a comprehensive and concrete development plan to ensure it can compete with other districts, said Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

In his opening speech at the full council meeting of the Kota Marudu District Council, here today, Ongkili called on the council to plan and position Kota Marudu as an attractive place for business by boosting economic activities and developing infrastructure.

"We need to look at new sources of growth based on existing strengths and opportunities. We need to identify and map out commercial activities to promote the local economy, and one way to do this is to capitalise on our tourism sector," he said.

Ongkili, who is also federal Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, pointed out that the lack of facilities such as hotels and meeting venues could make businesses bypass Kota Marudu, thus hindering economic progress in the district.

He also suggested a retreat be held for the councillors and heads of departments and agencies to discuss specific development programmes for Kota Marudu.

The retreat would be to ensure the proposed measures could be incorporated into detailed programmes for Kota Marudu under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, before the tabling of the 2011 Budget in parliament, he said.

-- BERNAMA

RM5.2 bln for Sarawak
by Samuel Aubrey June 28, 2010, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=42000

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/4305.jpg

LET’S CELEBRATE: Muhyiddin (left) gets ready to hit the drum to launch
Gawai Carnival Redeems 2010. Applauding him are (from right) Land
Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Masing, Dawos, Taib and Nansian.

Allocation to build more roads and expand electricity, water supplies — DPM

BAU: Sarawak will be given a total of RM5.2 billion for roads, electricity and water under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Of that RM2 billion will be to upgrade rural roads and build 906km of new roads by 2012.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who stated this on Saturday night, said the total length of roads in the state would increase from 20,333km to 21,239km in the next two years.

He added that RM1.7 billion had also been allocated to increase electricity supply from 66 per cent to 95 per cent by 2012, so that 77,788 households throughout the state would enjoy power supply.

Another RM1.5 billion would be spent to provide clean water to 95 per cent of rural households, also by 2012.

At present, only 59 per cent of rural households have access to clean water.

“In the context of Sarawak, the most relevant National Key Result Area (NKRA) is to improve the rural basic infrastructure, particularly the road network, treated water supply and electricity,” he said when opening the Gawai Carnival Redeems 2010 at Apar near here.

He said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as prime minister would pay more attention to the needs of the people in Sarawak.

“There is still a lot more that needs to be done in Sarawak in our efforts to fulfil our responsibility as the government that look after the people.

“And I believe, with the mandate given by the people to BN, we will be able to fulfil our responsibility to ensure Sarawakians can live in prosperity. We do not want Sarawakians to be left behind from the development process and economic progress in this country,” he said.

Muhyddin was accompanied by his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.

Also present were Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, federal and state ministers and Redeems president Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie.

Fed govt supports Bau becoming tourist spot
by Samuel Aubrey June 28, 2010, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=42015

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T01656.jpg

THIS IS NICE: Muhyiddin (second right) admires a Bidayuh traditional bamboo
handicraft while touring the exhibition booths at the Redeems Centre. Also in
the photo are his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman (right) and Nansian (centre).

BAU: The federal government supports Sarawak’s effort to turn Bau district into a tourist destination, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Saturday.

He said this initiative would stimulate the local economy and provide many opportunities for the people to earn better income.

Speaking at the opening of Gawai Carnival Redeems 2010 at Apar, near Bau, he noted that Bau possessed a huge tourism potential, what with its rich history and slew of cultural attractions.

“This is my first visit to Bau district, which is a Bidayuh majority area, and I am delighted with the reception given to me and the delegation.

“This district has a rich history because in the 19th century, it was a gold and antimony mining town, and also popular for birds’ nest (swiftlet) due to its extensive list of caves. It has huge potential to become a tourist destination because its social, tradition, cultural uniqueness and beautiful natural setting can attract many tourists,” he said.

He was accompanied by his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.

Also present were Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, federal and state ministers and Redeems president Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie.

Muhyiddin is the first federal minister from Peninsular Malaysia to officiate at the GCR which was organised by the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai, Sarawak (Redeems) since its inception five years ago.

He also took the opportunity to thank the Bidayuh community for their continuous support for the Barisan Nasional (BN).

“The BN government will ensure that the Bidayuh and other races will continue to progress and advance in every field,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit, who was also present, said his ministry fully supported the efforts of non-government organisations (NGOs) such as Redeems to organise tourism-related activities.

“It is our hope that with activities such as this (GCR), and aided with aggressive promotions, we will be able to attract more tourists, especially from outside the country, to come and experience our multi-cultural diversity,” he said.

The theme for GCR 2010 is ‘Indi Malaysia, Bogo Adat’ (1Malaysia, Multi Cultures).

The three-day event, which started last Friday, comprised cultural performances, concerts and also a beauty pageant called ‘Dayung Skora’ (beautiful lady).

Its main attraction is the 12-door longhouse where each door represents the 12 Singai villages.

Another attraction is the 200 feet long and 100 feet wide ‘tanju’ (open space in front of longhouse) which is believed to be the biggest in the country.

Pulau Sebatik oil palm mini estate to start operation soon
Thursday July 8, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/8/southneast/6611242&sec=southneast

TAWAU: The 323ha Sejahtera mini oil palm estate (Mesej) project for hardcore poor in Kampung Sungai Laba, Pulau Sebatik here is ready to receive participants.

Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin said the construction of basic infrastructure at the mini estate such as roads and houses had been completed.

“We expect to receive the participants in one or two months’ time before Mesej is officially opened by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman either before or after Hari Raya Puasa,” he told Bernama.

Thirty-three participants from hardcore poor households have been selected for the Pulau Sebatik Mesej project, the first of 15 such projects earmarked for Sabah in efforts to eradicate poverty in the state.

Ewon said some oil palm trees in the Pulau Sebatik Mesej project had started to produce fruits and had been harvested since September last year.

He said besides earning dividend from the harvest, the participants could also get salaries if they chose to work in the mini estate.

Ewon said Pulau Sebatik residents would also benefit from the socio-economic spin-off from the project and its infrastructure. — Bernama

Two companies hope to get Sarawak govt to help out in Solar Hybrid project
Story and photo by VANES DEVINDRAN Friday July 9, 2010

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/9/sarawak/p6solar.jpg

How it looks: Ahmad Nazri (right) and Carbon Capital Corporation Sdn Bhd
group managing director William Kho looking at the model unit of Kerapa Spak longhouse

IBC Solar Teknik Sdn Bhd and Carbon Capital Corporation Sdn Bhd hope to get the Sarawak government on board to complete phase two of their Solar Hybrid System (SHS) project at Kerapa Spak longhouse in Betong.

IBC Solar Teknik chief executive officer Ahmad Nazri Ibrahim said phase two of the project would encompass the installation of dedicated power points for the individual “pintu” to enable longhouse folk to draw power for their individual household needs.

With this comes clean and filtered drinking water with the installation of a membrane pump system powered by the SHS and an elevated water tank equipped with filtration system, he said.

“I’m hoping the State government would agree to come on board with us to complete the project. We are facing budget constraints because the materials and the logistics are very costly,” he said during a media briefing on the SHS project in Kuching yesterday.

Ahmad said the completion of the project’s second phase would give the longhouse folk an opportunity to dabble in cottage industries thus, making them more independent and developed.

He said should the state give the nod, phase two of the project could be completed in six months.

Phase one of the project concentrates on installing the SHS, a reputed German solar technology. The installation features the construction of a solar house, putting up of the solar modules, inverter, load and battery banks which take up about 40% of the cost. It is capable of lighting up the longhouse, its surrounding areas, the community area and the church.

The project also saw the installation of a VSAT telecommunication system which had provided basic telephony and internet system to the residents.

The 20kWp SHS cost RM4.5mil and was borne and executed by both companies through their joint venture company, IBC Solar Teknik Sarawak Sdn Bhd, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the official handing over of the phase one project at the longhouse on July 13.

Ahmad said with the project, the longhouse had already bridged the digital divide as envisioned by Taib.

He said the project was the first SHS in Sarawak and the fastest power plant of such kind to be completed at a speed of less than six months.

“The SHS is also the first in Malaysia with remote monitoring system whereby our engineer can monitor the system’s health from offices in Kuching and Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

He said the longhouse folk would only need to pay a small token which would go towards maintaining the system.

Bahrain Keen To Learn Sarawak's Experience In Renewable Energy
July 09, 2010 18:05 PM

KUCHING, July 9 (Bernama) -- Bahrain is keen to learn from Sarawak's experience in developing renewable energy, especially in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Bahrain's Minister of Works and Minister in charge of the Electricity and Water Authority, Fahmi Ali al-Jowder, said the potential for renewable energy development in Sarawak was experiencing an increase in attention globally.

"The meeting today with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu here was to explore the opportunities to cooperate with Sarawak in different fields. One of the areas we discussed was renewable energy," he told reporters after paying a courtesy call to Jabu at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here Friday.

"We would like to further explore areas that we can further strengthen the relationship between Bahrain and Malaysia such as in the areas of economy, investment and exchange of knowledge," he said.

Fahmi, who is impressed with Sarawak's tremendous development, praised the state in developing SCORE, which would set a good example to the world in developing renewable energy.

"I'm looking forward to come here in near future to see what you do on the renewable energy," he said.

"Sarawak will showcase to the world on renewable energy, which is affordable and environment-friendly. It will be an attraction of investment in future."

Beside renewable energy, Fahmi who is on two-day visit to Sarawak since yesterday, said there was much to learn from Sarawak, including agriculture and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

He said Bahrain was also keen to explore trade opportunities in Sarawak.

"However, we have not spoken about investment yet. We are looking into the opportunities available whether it is feasible for us," he aded.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawakians invited to invest in Bangladesh
by Wilfred Pilo July 14, 2010, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=48113

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APPRECIATION: Rahman (left) presents a gift to Chua (right).

KUCHING: The Bangladesh government has extended an invitation to the local business community to invest in their country which they said has favourable and congenial business environment.

They can either do business directly or jointly with Bangladeshi companies.

High Commissioner for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh AKM Atiqur Rahman disclosed this to the media during a meeting with Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) representatives led by their executive secretary John Chua yesterday.

Sarawak, known for its strong timber-based industry, could open furniture factories in Bangladesh and take advantage of the cheap labour, he said, adding that with a huge population of 160 million people, Bangladesh is a huge market for their products besides exporting to other countries.

He also invited the local business community to invest in their power and energy sector, especially in green technology, construction and highways, in particular the Dhaka monorail, tourism industry and real estate.

Elaborating on the tourism sector, Rahman disclosed that the country has a beautiful 200-km unbroken stretch of beach, which is very popular with foreign tourists.

Incentives in the form of priority, banking facilities and other benefits are available for foreign investors, he said.

Regarding rental of land and properties, he said that Bangladesh is rated as the 12th out of 87 countries in the world to provide the strongest rent rights to foreign investors, as surveyed by the World Bank.

In terms of taxation, the government provides tax exemption to companies investing in the power sector up to a period of 15 years. After that, companies would be charged between 27 and 45 per cent corporate tax.

In this connection, Rahman invited members of the business community in Sarawak to organise a trade mission to Dhakka to see for themselves the business potentials there in view of the very strong economic ties between the two countries.

On another note, he advised Sarawakians who would like to visit Bangladesh to come between the months of October and March when the weather is cool.

Two New Townships To Be Developed In Sarawak
July 17, 2010 18:13 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=514387

KUCHING, July 17 (Bernama) -- Two new townships will be developed along Sarawak's coast to increase the state's tourism potental.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said Opar and Sematan would be developed to become towns over the next five years because of their ideal location along the coast.

He said this when launching the "Pesta Lundu" in Sematan", about 110 kilometres from here, Saturday.

He said the local culture and food at the two places made them atractive tourist destinations to foreigners.

Developing Opar and Sematan into townships would also have huge spinoffs in terms of job and business opportunities, he added.

-- BERNAMA

Pulapol centres in all states planned
July 18, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=49835

LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Police will open its training centres (Pulapol) in all states to enable officers and men to attend promotion courses without having to wait up to two years for their turn.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said this was in line efforts to empower the police by ensuring that officers and men attend courses at least twice a year.

He said currently there were seven Pulapol, namely in Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, Johor, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Negeri Sembilan.

Six more Pulapol will be built in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perlis, Penang and Melaka, he told reporters after the launch of Sekolah Menengah Teknik Langkawi’s DWI-Tech Appreciation 2010 here yesterday.

Musa said with the setting up of Pulapol in all states, it would enable officers and men to attend courses at their work place without having to go to Kuala Lumpur.

On Langkawi Pulapol, he said it was ready and scheduled to open in September and could accommodate 700 police personnel.

Musa said the police would propose to the government to scrap interview as part of the promotion exercise and instead officers and men could be appraised by a panel after attending courses.

He said the proposal was submitted to the Royal Police Commission for review before it would be tabled to the government.

In another development, he said the police would seek approval for the recruitment of 60,000 officers and men and set up more cadet corps in schools.

“We also encourage university students to join police volunteers,” he said, adding that those with experience in police duties would be given priority when applying to join the police. — Bernama

Rosmah proposes Wisma Wanita in every state as catalyst to step up women’s devt
19th July, 2010
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/40633

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/8847/1907-P2A.jpg?1279508597

Musa signing on a plaque to mark the opening of the Sabah Tshung Tsin
Secondary School new campus at the Tuaran By-Pass on Sunday.

KOTA KINABALU: The wife of the Prime Minister, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, yesterday opened the Sabah Wisma Wanita here and asked the Finance Ministry to consider allocating funds for a similar building in every state.

She said such buildings could be the launch pad for development and welfare programmes for women in the states.

“The Wisma Wanita can be a catalyst to step up women’s development and progress because women play an important role in society and nation-building as the wife, mother and child and, as such, they must be accorded appreciation,” she said when opening the building.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also the Finance Minister, was present at the event.

Rosmah said the Wisma Wanita could function as a one-stop centre for women in need of aid in various fields, such as training in entrepreneurship and matters associated with marriage, divorce, alimony and custody rights.

On the Sabah Wisma Wanita, she said it was hoped that the five-storey building, standing on two hectares, could also be made a tourist destination as it housed quality handicraft, produced by Sabah women, which the tourists could buy as souvenirs.

“This will spur the local women to produce more products of quality which can be marketed at reasonable prices,” she said.

She also said that the Women’s Gallery section exhibiting the development and achievements of Sabah women was an added attraction.

The Sabah Wisma Wanita was built at a cost of RM18.7 million provided by the State government.

S'wak team probing alleged dumping of plywood in S. Korea
By JACK WONG Tuesday July 20, 2010
Sarawak probe team in S. Korea

KUCHING: Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corp (STIDC) officers are now in South Korea to gather more information in the probe into accusations that nine Malaysian plywood exporters, including eight from Sarawak, were dumping their products in South Korea.

STIDC general manager Datuk Sarudu Hoklai said its officers would meet the Korean Trade Commission (KTC) officials for more details on the allegations made by the Korean Wood Panel Association four months ago.

In its petition to the KTC, the association had accused Malaysian plywood suppliers of selling their products at about 88% below the local market value.

Sarudu said meeting the Korean authorities was part of the investigation launched jointly by the STIDC and the Sarawak Timber Association (STA).

More http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/20/business/6694651&sec=business

Wa-ter perfect gift for orang asli
By LEE YEN MUN Friday July 23, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/23/nation/6719168&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/23/nation/GTP_150.jpg

Government Transformation Programme
http://www.transformation.gov.my/

BATANG KALI: The orang asli community at the Songkok settlement here have received their perfect gift – clean water – something they had been yearning for a long time.

They are grateful for the newly installed treated water system that filters and treats raw water from springs and rivers for their household needs.

Single mother Khatey Osman, 27, said they used to drink waterwhich was collected from the hill and sometimes hard to endure stomachaches.

The system was implemented as part of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s RM200*mil project to provide clean treated water to orang asli villages in the peninsula by the end of the year.

Deputy minister Datuk Hasan Malek, who launched the system here yesterday, said it would be installed in 209 villages and estimated to benefit over 5,000 orang asli households.

The project, which started in August last year, was targeted at villages in four states; Kelantan, Perak, Selangor, and Pahang.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/23/nation/n_pg21songkok.jpg

Gift of water: Children of Kampung Orang Asli Songkok (from left) Sharuk
Wadi Indra Wadi, Siti Norhazura Indra Wadi and Zaleha Husin enjoying the
water after the launching by Deputy Minister of Rural and Development Datuk
Hasan Malek in Batang Kali Thursday.

“Of the 209 villages identified by the ministry, 170 received temporary supply of water while work is underway in another 38,” Hasan said.

The RM200mil allocation will be used in the first phase of the ministry’s initiative to provide clean water to the orang asli community.

The second phase of the ministry’s initiative, expected to take place next year, will see another RM63mil spent for 1,500 indigenous households.

Each household, said Hasan, was expected to pay between RM3 and RM5 per month according to their water usage.

He also promised the orang asli electricity supply at their homes by 2012.

Amnah Amat, who came from the neighbouring Ulu Tamu settlement, said she could not wait for electricity to be available.

“We light our homes with oil lamp and if we cannot afford one, we use candles.

“It is very difficult for the children to do their schoolwork,” the 26-year-old mother of three said.

SIG to invest RM11m in Sarawak plant
Friday July 23, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/23/business/6718534&sec=business

KUALA LUMPUR: Industrial gases manufacturer SIG Gases Bhd will invest RM11mil to set up a production-cum-refilling plant in Sarawak, said executive chairman Peh Lam Hoh said.

He said RM9.74mil would be via proceeds from its initial public offering (IPO) while the balance from internally-generated funds.

“Our new facility (in Sarawak) will produce acetylene and carbon dioxide as well as refill nitrogen and oxygen,” he said at the launch of SIG prospectus in conjunction with its listing on the main board of Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

SIG currently has one production-cum-refilling plants each in Senai, Johor, and Nilai, Negri Sembilan.

The new plant in Sarawak will be the group’s third plant and will also enable it to explore opportunities in Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“We opine the new plant would be aptly-positioned to cater to the anticipated growth in demand for industrial gases, propelled by the implementation of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy,” Peh said.

To a question, executive director Stanley Lau said the construction was expected to begin in mid-2011 and would be built in the Similaju Industrial Park, some 60km from Bintulu, Sarawak.

Lau said SIG currently held a 27% market share of acetylene gas in Malaysia, 7% for oxygen and 2% for nitrogen.

On SIG’s IPO, 49.2 million and three million offer-for-sale shares of 50 sen each will be made available for subscription at an issue price of 58 sen.

SIG is expected to raise RM28.54mil from its IPO.

Lau said the group would utilise RM4.2mil from the proceeds to repay its term loan. As at April 30, SIG had total bank borrowings of about RM19.43mil.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2009 (FY09), SIG posted a net profit of RM7.1mil on revenue of RM54.6mil. Its net profit margin for FY09 fell slightly to 13.03% from 15.23% in FY08.

For the first four months to April 30, SIG achieved a net profit of RM1.33mil against RM1.35mil in the previous corresponding period. Revenue stood at RM18.6mil for the period.

Despite the relatively flat performance, Peh said the group was confident of maintaining its net profit margin going forward.

RM100 mln for Beluru-Lapok Road
by Philip Kiew July 23, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=51560

PM also announces RM6m for mini-hydro project, RM1m for airfield road and RM0.5m for mobile clinic

LONG BANGA: The long-suffering people of Baram heaved a huge sigh of relief when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak flew in a Black Hawk helicopter to their village yesterday and declared: “I will ensure that the RM100 million Beluru-Lapok Road is implemented.”His assurance earned a thunderous applause from the appreciative 3,000-strong crowd at Long Banga, which is is very close to the Sarawak-Indonesia border.

It requires an eight to 10-hour drive from Miri, or one hour by helicopter.

The 42-km-long bone-jarring road has for decades been the subject of colourful expletives among many road users travelling between Baram and Miri.

The road condition is so bad that motorists have to dig deep into their pockets for regular vehicle maintenance.

Najib’s assurance in his first visit to the Orang Ulu heartland raised the people’s confidence that the road would finally be built.

After all, there have been so many unfulfilled promises that the road has become the butt of local jokes.

The people applauded some more when Najib, who is also Finance Minister, announced a RM6 million allocation for the Long Banga mini-hydro project, RM1 million for the airfield access road and RM0.5 million for the Long Jekitan Mobile Clinic project.

But more was to come from Najib.

He announced that the financial aid under Rubber Replanting Scheme in Sarawak would be raised from RM10,000 to RM14,000.

All these measures, he said, formed part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the rural areas would not be left out from the mainstream of development.

The prime minister was given a rousing welcome by the Orang Ulu communities, who were decked in their traditional costume, when his helicopter landed.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang led the welcoming party for the high-powered entourage.

Soon after arriving, Najib proceeded to declared open the bridge across Sungai Puak.

Meanwhile, Jabu, in his speech, praised Najib for having a heart for the rural folk in Sarawak.

He pointed out to the crowd present that Najib had a packed schedule and shouldered very heavy responsibilities, but he still found time to be with the people who were living in a remote part of the state.

Jabu then slammed the opposition for running down the government on the Penan issues.

“The government has succeeded in producing 26 Penan university graduates, and I challenge the critics to do it by helping to finance the studies of Penan students,” he said.

To bridge the digital divide in Baram, Jabu urged the authorities concerned to undertake more multimedia-related projects to achieve this objective.

Baram MP and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, in his speech, said the Orang Ulu in Baram were still lagging far behind in terms of basic infrastructures and amenities.

He hoped the implementation of development projects could be accelerated.

“Baram also need more mobile clinics to raise the standard of health care of the people,” he said.

Long Banga, despite having a rural airport, is typical of the remote rural settlements in the interior of Sarawak.

It lacks proper electricity and water supplies, has a poor road network, problem of locals without identity cards, and an expensive transportation system.

It is divided into two villages, and the main Orang Ulu tribes living here are the Sabans and Kenyah Leppo’ Ke.

Among those present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas and Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

The Sarawak delegation included Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, DUN Speaker Dato Sri Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Social Development Minister Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom and Assistant Minister of Land Development Sylvester Entri Muran.

‘Rural areas important asset to the country’July 25, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=52058

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SYMBOLIC: Muhyiddin (centre) cutting the Pahang royal cloth craft after
launching the 2010 Rural Entrepreneurs’ Carnival organised by the Rural
and Regional Development Ministry at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
— Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ensure that the rural areas are not left out of the country’s development programme because these areas are an important asset to the country, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said the government would continue to give attention to uplifting the socio-economic well-being of the rural people and intensifying rural development.

The government would also continue to assist entrepreneurs and encourage rural enterprises through the provision of infrastructure, training, capital assistance, loan and so on, he said.

The government, he said, would bring development programme closer to the rural people so that they need not migrate out in search of livelihood and economic opportunities.

“That is why we need to care for this asset. We should regard each area as an economic unit, meaning it can generate its own income and able to support its own programme in collaboration with government agencies,” he told reporters after launching the 2010 Rural Entrepreneurs’ Carnival organised by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, here yesterday.

Muhyiddin said the government had been focusing its attention on the rural areas, saying they were home to a large section of the Malaysian population.

In the past 10 to 15 years, the government had successfully enhanced the economic activities in these areas, resulting in a drop in poverty rate, increase in per capita income and more value-added economic activities, he said.

Earlier in his speech, Muhyiddin said rural poverty had declined from 11.9 per cent in 2004 to 8.4 per cent last year, while the average rural household income had increased from RM1,875 a month in 2004 to RM2,545 a month last year.

“The government is committed to continuously improving the quality of life of the rural people,” he said.

He also said that the agricultural sector should not be seen as an ordinary activity but one that had high commercial value.

The process would require quality agro-based products not only for the local but also for the import market, he said.

He added that there were vast opportunities for Malaysian products at the international market especially in the halal sector.

The four-day carnival is attended by about 500 entrepreneurs. — Bernama

100 senior officers plan devt for S’wak, Sabah
July 25, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=52083

BETONG: Fifty senior officers each from Sarawak and Sabah have been assigned to plan and identify development that needs to be done in both states.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang said this initiative was meant to create a balance between development in Peninsular Malaysia and those in East Malaysia.

“The study results and development plans from these officers will be sent to the federal government for reference and to get approval before it is put into the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) and 11MP,” he said.

“With that the government will be able to close the development gap for Sabah and Sarawak, as we are far behind Peninsular Malaysia.”

Jabu, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture Minister, was officiating at ‘Majlis Sejiwa Senada 2010’ on behalf of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at Dewan Panglima Rentap, Betong, yesterday.

On another matter, Jabu said the state government was also working on getting the people, regardless of race, out of hardcore poverty by making sure every family makes at least RM1,200 a month within the next 10 years.

Various efforts are being made by the government, including encouraging participation in commercial agricultural projects, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and other ventures to achieve this goal, he said.

Also present at the ceremony was Natural Resource and Environment Minister Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Betong MP.

Jabu also officiated at the exhibition area outside Dewan Panglima Rentap.

A total of 118 government and private agencies are taking part in the programme which ends today.

RM29.5 million Trusan bridge likely to be ready this Raya
July 30, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=53701

Lawas: The much awaited RM29.5 million Trusan bridge project may be opened in time for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri rush this year after delays again derailed the re-scheduled July completion date.

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong said the contractor had pledged that it would be completed to motorable standard this Raya season.

He was asked on the actual date of completion of this vital infrastructure in the Pan Borneo link following complaints by locals and travellers over the delays.

The people of Limbang, Lawas and Sabah, with many having relatives on both sides of the border, making exchanging Raya visits an age-old tradition, are putting the date of bridge completion under close scrutiny.

According to state Public Works Department (JKR) director Datuk Herbert Thian, the main works of the bridge was expected to be completed by this Raya season but the department would make sure it is safe before it is opened to the public.

The initial completion date of Trusan bridge was December last year.

It was re-scheduled to this month after an automatic three-month extension given by the government to assist contractors badly affected by the economic downturn.

The government assistance was to cushion the impact of the economic downturn on projects such as a surge in prices of materials and cash flow problem for construction companies.

The perennial long queues of vehicles on both banks of the Trusan River at the ferry point would be a scene of the past if the bridge opens this Raya season as travellers had to wait for as long as four hours to cross the river by ferry in the past.

The scope of works for the bridge project included piling for two piers in the fast-flowing Trusan River, where the contractors faced the fickle river conditions of low and high water level, including the major flood which hit Lawas last year.

Spanning 420 metres and 10.2 m wide, the completed bridge is the missing link of the Pan Borneo route in Sarawak, connecting the state to Sabah.

21 students from Cardiff University go on a research study to Kinabatangan
Saturday July 31, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/31/southneast/6739221&sec=southneast

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/31/southneast/ms_pg08bill.jpg

Close inspection: Professor Bill Symondson, entomologist at Cardiff University,
observing a praying mantis that landed on his arm.

KINABATANGAN: Sabah Wildlife Department’s field centre at the lower Kinabatangan flood plains is shaping up to become a major international centre for field research and learning.

“Danau Girang is the first field centre set up by the Sabah Wildlife Department with support from Cardiff University and it has started attracting more attention from overseas academic institutions,” said state Wildlife Department director Dr Laurentius Ambu.

He said the third batch of Cardiff university students completed their two-week field course focusing on primate communities, bird ringing, butterfly ecology, amphibian and small mammal diversity and forest ecology.

“Twenty-one second year biology students thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they learned about the various species ranging from birds to primates in the rainforest,” he said.

One of the highlights of the field course was the bird ringing activity led by Dr Ian Vaughan, a lecturer and ornithologist at Cardiff University.

Since 2008, 167 understorey birds were captured and 131 individuals from 30 different species were ringed.

“The main aim is to reveal the assemblage of bird species that use the forest floor and understorey to provide some information about their relative densities and movements within the forest,” said Vaughan.

“During the second week of the field course, the students designed their own project and worked in pairs or trios in the forest, looking at butterfly density, comparing density of small mammals in riparian forest, semi-inundated forest and oil palm plantation, looking at abundance and species richness of lizards and amphibians in riparian and semi-inundated forest.

They also investigated distribution of primates along the river in relation to the proximity of oil palm plantations,” said Danau Girang Field Centre director Dr Benoit Goossens who is one of the lecturers involved in the field course.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/31/southneast/ms_pg08kingfisher.jpg

Radiant: Oriental Dwarf kingfisher after a ring
was set up on one of its legs by the students.

“A troop of 50 to 60 elephants which stayed in the vicinity of the field centre for several days were the cherry on the cake for the students”, added Goossens.

“The Cardiff students were so lucky to visit Danau Girang as part of their degree, they loved all the different activities - bird ringing, primate survey, frogging, - even facing their fears on the new canopy viewing platform.

“They were treated with many incredible wildlife sightings – from tarsiers to elephants – and I thoroughly enjoyed showing off this amazing place to them,” said Jennifer Shepperson, a Cardiff University student and volunteer at DGFC.

“These field courses aim at providing yearly assessment on biodiversity present in the highly degraded forests of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and help the Sabah Wildlife Department to manage it,” concluded Goossens.

Govt allocates RM1bil to turn Kota Belud into major paddy growing area
Wednesday August 4, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/4/southneast/6780031&sec=southneast

KOTA BELUD: The Government has allocated over RM1bil to turn Kota Belud into a major paddy growing area.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said 60% of the first phase involving irrigation project costing RM100mil was completed.

He said phase two involving the building of a dam costing RM450mil would be completed next year.

“Elected representatives should brief the people on why this dam is needed,” he said after the ministry’s meet-the-people session here.

Noh said the Government hopes to turn Kota Belud into a major producer of agriculture produce and livestock by 2015.

The projects lined-up include cultivation of 10,000 hectares of padi and rearing of 1,000 heads of dairy cattle. – Bernama

Terengganu govt allocates RM2mil to fund research on ubi gadung
Wednesday August 4, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/4/southneast/6778053&sec=southneast

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government is allocating RM2mil to fund research on ubi gadung – a type of tuber believed to have medicinal properties.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the research on ubi gadung (Dioscorea daemona) would be conducted by Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).

The tuber that largely grew wild in the jungles is not only a food product but also as a traditional remedy among the villagers in rural areas. In traditional medicine, ubi gadung is believed to contain breast enlargement properties.

“Ubi gadung can also be used to kill worms and insects, and can easily be grown as animals don’t feed on it,” he said after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Ubi Gadung Agriculture Research Programme between the state government and UniSZA here.

The Terengganu government was represented by State Secretary Datuk Mazlah Ngah and UniSZA, by its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Alias Daud.

Ahmad said the research would enable the state to think seriously about systematic cultivation of the tuber plant, and for the long term, to grow the crop on a plantation scale with the cooperation of the Agriculture Department.

He said besides Malaysia, ubi gadung was also grown in 150 other countries.

Alias said UniSZA would engage in 10 research projects on ubi gadung covering aspects such as agronomy, ethnobotany, morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, germplasm, phytochemical screening, biopesticide, in-vitro technology, anti-bacteria and anti-inflammation, post-harvesting handling, engineering and commercialisation.

He said the research findings would benefit the crop growers and provide support information to the state in further developing its cultivation and production. – Bernama

MOX-Linde to set up CO2 plant in Terengganu
Published: 2010/08/04
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100804150958/Article/index_html#ixzz0vccU18AW

MOX-Linde, a member of The Linde Group, will invest RM60 million to install a carbon dioxide (CO2) plant in Terengganu.

Scheduled to come on-stream by the end of 2011, the new plant would be the largest high purity liquid CO2 plant in Malaysia with a production capacity of 200 tonnes per day, the company said.

Purified CO2 is widely used in the food and beverage industries.

"MOX-Linde is already the largest industrial gas producer in Malaysia.

"Once commissioned, our new plant in Terengganu will significantly increase MOX-Linde's CO2 production capacity to 450 tonnes per day," MOX-Linde Managing Director Wong Siew Yap said in a statement today.

He said the new plant would add 60 per cent to Malaysia's total CO2 production and this would substantially enhance the supply and service reliability to the market.

Recently, MOX-Linde announced a RM200 investment to build an air separation plant in Pasir Gudang which is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end.

Last year, it brought on-stream three major plants costing RM75 million in Banting, Kulim and Kuantan. The company is also installing a new CO2 refilling station in Kota Kinabalu. -- Bernama

Pahang to develop Chereh Dam as recreational spot
Thursday August 5, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/5/nation/6790632&sec=nation

KUANTAN: The Chereh Dam near Sungai Lembing town here will be turned into a tourist destination for fishing and recreational enthusiasts next year.

Pahang State Secretary Datuk Muhammad Safian Ismail said the dam would be opened to the public once the construction of new tourism infrastructure was completed.

He added illegal fishing activities had been carried out in the dam before. he said such activities could be regulated under state supervision.

“The dam has a number of fish species including sebarau, kelah, and baung which are popular with fishing enthusiasts. But we need to control the fishing activity or else the number of fish in the dam will be depleted,” he said after releasing some 475 million litres of water from the dam yesterday.

The Chereh dam, located 20km from Sungai Lembing, supplies water to consumers in the Kuantan district.

Muhammad Safian said the dam would be included in the Sungai Lembing tourist destination package. The area has a disused tin mine which is popular with local and foreign tourists alike.

He added the surrounding areas also had the picturesque Pelangi waterfalls, Gunung Tapis mountain, scenic Bukit Panaroma and hot springs.

Muhammad Safian said a fishing carnival would be held next year after road upgrading works to the site were completed.

A second access route to Sungai Lembing would also be constructed from Jerantut, he added.

On another matter, Muhammad Safian said the release of 475 million litres of water from the dam was done to prevent the dam overflowing due to the coming monsoon season.

He said that the dam’s water level would be reduced from 74m to 70m over the next two months during the rainy period, in which the heavy rainfall was expected to persist from August to December.

Dual carriageway linking Kemaman and Besut to be built
Friday August 6, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/6/southneast/6797786&sec=southneast

BESUT: The Terengganu government will build a network of dual-carriageway linking Kemaman to Besut to ease the traffic congestion in the state especially during festive seasons, said Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said.

He said the project was being carried out in stages beginning early last year.

The first sector began from Jerteh to Bukit Yong on the border with Kelantan, Sungai Tong-Bukit Gemuruh stretch in Kuala Trengganu, Kuala Terengganu-Ajil-Marang portion and Kemasek to Kerteh in Kemaman.

“If the economy permits, construction of the dual-lane road will continue in stages,” he said after officiating a RM3mil food court in Jerteh.

Ahmad reminded all heads of departments in the state to make wise decisions when implementing any development project to satisfy all parties.

On the unfinished RM70mil Jerteh Souq project in Jerteh, he said it would be resumed by a new contractor appointed two months ago. – Bernama

Penang urged to be more aggressive in wooing FDI
By Shahrum SayuthiPublished: 2010/08/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pindi/Article/#ixzz0vu1JsGDm

THE Penang government has been told to be more aggresssive in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), following the downward trend in the state this year.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said similar advice was given to other state governments as they could not just rely on the federal government for investments.

He said the DAP-led Penang government, in particular, needs to take stock of the downward trend of FDI to the state this year and work hard to check the slide.

"The federal government is promoting FDI flow to all states irrespective of who led them, but they themselves also need to make the effort to do the same," Mustapa said after visiting port facilities at Tanjung Langsat in Pasir Gudang, Johor, yesterday.

He stressed that the government has never discriminated against any of the states administered by DAP and its allies in FDI promotional efforts.

Penang recorded less than RM200 million in FDI so far this year compared with the Iskandar Malaysia development corridor in Johor, which chalked over RM1.4 billion in the first six months of the year.

Malaysia continues to be a favourite investment destination for countries in Asia Pacific. region.

Mustapa said strong interests are coming from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and India, aside from traditional FDI sources - European countries, Japan and the US.

"Our priority now is to translate these interests into actual investments," he said.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority's statistics recorded investments of more than RM14 billion in manufacturing and manufacturing-related sectors for the first six months of this year.

Villagers demand full compensation from the state before being resettled
Story and photos by KERNI PUAH Tuesday August 10, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/10/sarawak/6826876&sec=sarawak

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/8/10/sarawak/swk_pg04dambgh.jpg

Nearing completion: A view of the Bengoh Dam project site.
— By KERNI PUAH / THE STAR

RESIDENTS of four villages affected by the construction of Bengoh Dam in Penrissen will not heed the state’s directive to be resettled until it pays full compensation for their houses, crops, land and other property.

The state has so far compensated them for only their houses and land that will be inundated, but not for their farm land and native customary rights (NCR) land.

The 359 villages demanded that the state pay everything before they agree to move to the resettlement area near Kampung Semadang.

Construction of the RM310mil Bengoh Dam began in August 2007. It is slightly behind schedule and set for completion in December this year.

Bengoh Dam Resettlement Committee coordinator Pemanca Austin Dimin, when queried on the villagers’ claims, said there were several matters which needed to be addressed.

He said that a total of 1,600 people from Kampung Taba Sait, Kampung Rejoi, Kampung Bojong and Kampung Semban were affected by the project.

“The villagers insist on not paying for the houses which the state will build for them at the resettlement site,” he added.

Dimin said: “There are 155 families squatting in their parent’s houses and demanding that the state give them free houses at the resettlement area if they need to move there.”

The state planned to build 204 houses costing RM48,000 each to be purchased by the resettlers, he said.

Syarikat Perumahan National Bhd (SPNB) will provide an allocation to build the houses. As at yesterday, however, work at the site was still at clearing stage.

Earlier this year, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin said he would talk to SPNB to speed up the allocation so that the affected families could move to their houses in June next year.

Dimin believed the unsettled matters could have cropped up due to the absence of studies on the social aspects prior to the project’s implementation.

In view of this, he said the state was looking into these aspects to help resolve the issues.

The dam was proposed to meet an increasing demand for treated water in the Kuching and Samarahan divisions.

Based on studies, raw water from the dam when completed would meet the demand from Kuching and Samarahan until 2030.

The dam will have the capacity to store 144.1mil cubic metres of water and increase raw water production at the Batu Kitang treatment plant from the present 786 to 2,047 mega litres per day (MLD).

Presently, the reservoir at Batu Kitang, which provides most of the domestic and industrial water supply in Kuching, has a capacity for only 786 MLD while demand in Kuching alone stands at 635 MLD.

The Bengoh Dam project uses latest technology that is recognised worldwide. Its construction involves the use of roller compacted concrete (RCC) technology which is proven in developed countries and will ensure a good and lasting dam.

It is the second dam in Malaysia to use RCC technology after the Kinta Dam in Perak which was completed three years ago.

Naim Holdings Bhd is the main contractor for the dam.

The company is also responsible for the construction of a road linking Kampung Semadang and the resettlement area leading to the main road of Jalan Puncak Borneo. This project which began early this year is 70% completed.

On the project’s delay, StarMetro was told that multiple factors including heavy rain at the end of last year and early this year were the reason.

Penduduk enggan pindah
August 22, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=60403

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BAKAL TENGGELAM: Kampung Taba Sait yang bakal ditenggelami air apabila
Empangan Bengoh siap, sementara gambar kanan menunjukkan kawasan
penempatan baru yang dibina sendiri oleh para penduduk kampung tersebut

Jumlah pampasan tidak memuaskan hati penduduk Kampung Taba Sait

KUCHING: Ramai penduduk Kampung Taba Sait dekat sini yang terjejas ekoran pembinaan Empangan Bengoh enggan berpindah ke kawasan penempatan disediakan kerajaan.

Mereka enggan berbuat demikian meskipun dibayar pampasan, diberi rumah dan setiap keluarga disediakan sebidang tanah untuk aktiviti pertanian.

Majoriti penduduk yang ditemui memberi alasan mereka tidak puas hati dengan jumlah wang pampasan.

Justeru, para penduduk terbabit berpindah ke kawasan tinggi berhampiran kampung mereka sekarang.

Tanah yang mereka duduki sejak tahun lepas dikatakan berstatus tanah Hak Adat Bumiputera (NCR).

Seorang penduduk Kampung Taba Sait, yang terletak kira-kira tiga jam berjalan kaki dari tapak pembinaan empangan, berkata para penduduk di situ akan mengalami kemusnahan rumah dan kebun apabila empangan beroperasi.

“Kami kebanyakannya petani. Tidak ada pekerjaan lain yang dapat kami lakukan untuk hidup kecuali bercucuk tanam.

“Jika berpindah sudah pasti kami hilang punca pendapatan. Kami juga akan hilang leluhur dan tanah NCR, iaitu lebih daripada pampasan,” kata wanita berusia 43 tahun yang enggan disiarkan namanya.

Menurut beliau keluarga-keluarga yang sedia berpindah terdiri daripada kakitangan awam.

“Terdapat 50 keluarga di sini. Hanya 10 keluarga yang setuju untuk berpindah.

“Memanglah rumah diberi percuma menerusi Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT) dan tiga ekar tanah untuk pertanian, tetapi kami masih perlu membayar bil elektrik, air dan perbelanjaan lain,” kata seorang penduduk.

Katanya, sebelum kerja-kerja pembinaan Empangan Bengoh bermula, para penduduk mengemukakan memorandum kepada pihak berkuasa mengenai jenis pampasan yang dikehendaki dan cadangan kawasan penempatan semula.

Bagaimanapun syor mereka tidak diluluskan.

“Pada awalnya mereka (pihak berkuasa) memberitahu kami tidak akan dipindahkan. Mereka kata apabila empangan siap, kami disediakan lebih banyak kemudahan seperti jalan raya, elektrik dan NCR serta diberi jaminan untuk aktiviti pertanian,” katanya.

Maja, 38, berkata penyediaan kawasan penempatan baru untuk penduduk Kampung Taba Sait bermula tahun lepas, membabitkan 49 penduduk berpindah.

“Kami belum pindah sebab rumah masih dalam proses pembinaan,” katanya.

Turut terjejas, Kampung Semban, Rejoi dan Kiding.

Empangan Bengoh mula dibina pada 2007 di kawasan seluas kira-kira 50 kilometer dari pusat bandar raya.

Apabila siap, empangan tersebut akan membekalkan air bersih mencukupi kepada penduduk Kuching yang dijangka semakin bertambah bilangannya.

RBI projects on target
Monday August 23, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/23/nation/6879652&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: The Regional and Rural Development Ministry has warned contractors that do not meet the deadlines of the ministry’s projects that they would risk being blacklisted for future jobs.

Regional and Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the ministry was on schedule in achieving its rural basic infrastructure (RBI) NKRA targets for the construction of roads, affordable housing as well as the supply of power and water for rural areas.

As of June 30, 2010, delivery is on target with 477.8km of roads completed – 289.7km in Peninsular Malaysia and 171.0km in Sabah and 17.1km in Sarawak.

For electricity, as of June 30, 2010, delivery is above target with 2,691 households with power supply – 125 households in Peninsular Malaysia, 1,476 in Sabah and 1,090 in Sarawak.

For clean and treated water, as of June 30, 2010, delivery is on target with 10,524 households connected with treated/clean water – 3,639 in Peninsular Malaysia, 5,789 in Sabah and 1,096 in Sarawak.

And as of June 30, 2010, delivery of houses is above target with 2,496 built or restored – 950 in Peninsular Malaysia, 109 in Sabah and 1,437 houses in Sarawak.

Pea-sized frog found in Borneo
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/26/tiny-frog-found-in-borneo

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Environment/Pix/columnists/2010/8/26/1282822759821/mini-frog-Microhyla-nepen-007.jpg

The frog species Microhyla nepenthicola, discovered in Borneo.
Photograph: Indraneil Das/AFP/Getty Images

One of the world's tiniest species of frogs is discovered living in and around Borneo's carnivorous plants

One of the world's tiniest frogs – barely larger than a pea – has been found living in and around carnivorous plants in Borneo, one of the scientists who made the accidental discovery said today.

Indraneil Das, a scientist at University Malaysia Sarawak, and another scientist from Germany were researching frogs in Malaysia's Sarawak state on Borneo island when they chanced upon the tiny species on a mountain road in the Kubah National Park in 2006.

"For biologists, this is a curiosity," Das told Associated Press.

The frogs were named Microhyla nepenthicola after the pitcher plant species where they live, said Das. A Malaysian museum had listed the species but misidentified it as a juvenile of another frog species, he said.

The tubular plants are carnivorous, killing insects such as ants, but do not harm the frogs. Tadpoles grow in the liquid inside the plants.

Adult males of the amphibians range in size between 10.6mm and 12.8mm, said Das.

The findings were published (pdf) by Das and Alexander Haas of the Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum of Hamburg, Germany in the journal Zootaxa last week.

Because the frogs were so small, Das and his colleague only found them by tracking their singing of "harsh rasping notes" at dusk. They caught them by making them jump on a white cloth near the pitcher plants.

The discovery should encourage efforts to protect the biological diversity in Borneo's rainforests.

Das said the tiniest known frog – at 9.8mm – found was in Cuba.

Street crime less 13%
By CALVIN YEO Monday August 30, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/30/sarawak/6943874&sec=sarawak

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/8/30/sarawak/swk_pg02goodies.jpg

Festive delights: Fatimah (centre) presenting the Raya goodies to Hamza
Taib while (from left) special branch head Datuk Alladdin Kassim, Perkep
vice-president Datin Alauyah Mohamed and Sarawak Women’s Bureau director
Norjanah Razali look on.

STREET crime in Sarawak has been reduced by 13% this year, says State Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib.

He said the police hoped to reduce it to 15% by the end of the year.

“As for the crime index, we managed to reduce it by 1% in the first eight months of this year,” he said, adding that they hoped to reduce it to 5% by the end of the year.

However, he did not release the number of cases.

On the coming Hari Raya celebration, he advised the public to take extra precautionary measures in regard to house theft.

“Do not leave it to the police to curb the menace as it is everyone’s responsibility to keep their homes safe,” he said after receiving Hari Raya goodies from Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah at the police headquarters in Kuching yesterday morning.

The goodies were made by Sarawak Women’s Bureau, Perkep, Sarawak Women Federation, Sarawak Women Cooperatives and Bumiputera Chambers of Commerce Women Section.

On the alleged existence of a baby-trafficking syndicate in Kuching, Hamza said the police had completed its investigation and would leave it to the Attorney General’s Chamber to decide on the next course of action.

More than a month ago, the police rescued eight children and remanded 17 people. So far, no one has been charged.

Samsung, NCSB win RM2.4bil oil terminal job
By JACK WONG Thursday September 2, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/2/business/6962568&sec=business

It involves building petrochem plant in Sabah

KUCHING: Samsung Engineering Co and its Malaysian partner, NCSB Engineering Sdn Bhd, have won the contract for the proposed US$776mil (RM2.42bil) Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal.

NCSB Engineering is the wholly-owned construction arm of Naim Holdings Bhd.

Naim told Bursa Malaysia yesterday that it and its partner had secured the contract from Petronas Carigali.

Samsung Engineering, South Korea’s largest industrial plant builder, announced in Seoul on Monday that the project involved the construction of a petrochemical plant, which is expected to yield 300,000 barrels of oil and 1.25 billion cu ft of natural gas per day.

The plant is expected to be completed by December 2013.

Samsung Engineering said it would lead the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) work, and would form an EPCC alliance integrated team with the client.

Samsung Engineering has completed an ethylene project in Malaysia, gas plants in Thailand’s Songkola and a polyvynil chloride plant in Vietnam.

Sources told StarBiz yesterday that the Samsung Engineering-NCSB Engineering consortium beat five other bidders to win the contract in an open tender. The bid was submitted a month ago.

“Details on how Samsung Engineering and NCSB Engineering would jointly implement the project have yet to be worked out,” they said.

The proposed oil and gas terminal will receive crude oil from offshore Sabah, process and distribute it via the proposed 500km on-shore gasline linking Sabah and Bintulu.

NCSB Engineering has completed some RM2.2bil worth of projects, including the new Sarawak State Legislative Complex and phase one of the Kuching flood mitigation scheme. Its on-going projects are the Bengoh dam near here and other infrastructure projects.

Naim corporate services and human resource senior director Ricky Kho had said the company was actively seeking a bumiputera partner in Sabah where it planned to expand its construction and property development businesses.

RM33b diperlukan atasi masalah banjir seluruh negara
03/09/2010 11:38am
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0903&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_07.htm

SIBU 3 Sept. - Sebanyak RM33 bilion diperlukan untuk mengatasi masalah banjir yang berlaku di seluruh negara, satu jumlah yang diakui oleh Menteri Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar, Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas, sebagai sukar untuk disediakan secara serentak.

Namun katanya, semua projek tebatan banjir akan dijalankan secara berperingkat berdasarkan kepada kemampuan kewangan kerajaan.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita di pejabat Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran di sini selepas menunggu ketibaan pengerusi DAP negeri Wong Ho Leong yang dilaporkan mahu menyerahkan bukti mengenai kejayaan program tebatan banjir yang kononnya diperoleh dari China dan Amerika Syarikat oleh perunding beliau sendiri.

Ho Leong yang juga Ahli Parlimen Sibu, bagaimanapun tidak datang.

Uggah berkata, berdasarkan satu kajian, sebanyak sembilan peratus dari kawasan di seluruh negara mudah dilanda banjir dan melibatkan lima juta penduduk.

"Strategi kita ialah melakukan apa yang terdaya berdasarkan kemampuan kewangan. Kita tidak berjanji apa yang kita tidak dapat tunaikan,” katanya.

Mengenai kegagalan Ho Leong untuk hadir, Uggah menasihatkan Pengerusi DAP Sarawak itu supaya tidak memberi harapan palsu kepada penduduk Sibu kononnya rancangan yang beliau ada boleh menyelesaikan masalah banjir di Sibu dalam tempoh dua tahun.

"Ini hanya satu gimik politik,” katanya. - Bernama

New Taman Kingfisher bridge ready by 2012
September 9, 2010, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=65282

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PREPARATION FOR NEW BRIDGE:
The contractor is preparing the land for piling works.

KOTA KINABALU: Construction work of the long-awaited bridge at Taman Kingfisher has commenced and is expected to complete in 18 months, on February 1, 2012.

The second bridge is estimated to be 120 metres in length and costs around RM10 million.

Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development Pang Yuk Ming confirmed the project yesterday, and revealed that the contractor has begun initial work since August 2, including clearing the land on both of the river banks.

The new bridge will be situated next to the existing bridge and has been named “Likas Women and Children Hospital Bridge” project.

Pang said the Public Works Department has set up a notice board on the location, while the contractor has also placed notice boards beside the existing bridge and on the road side to caution road users.

Simultaneously, the contractor has started laying soil to prepare for piling works.

Pang pointed out that the volume of traffic on Kingfisher bridge could reach up to 2,000 units an hour, particularly during peak hours. The contractor for the project hoped that road users would be patient and the cooperative during the construction period, as the new bridge would hugely benefit the residents and drivers once completed.

On the other hand, Kingfisher residents vented their dissatisfaction towards the traffic congestion they have to put up with for years.

Despite the increasing housing and residents in Taman Kingfisher, as well as having primary and secondary schools and Likas Women and Children Hospital in the residential area, the only way out is the existing single-lane bridge.

This has caused serious traffic congestion on the bridge around 6am and 1pm daily.

Although the government has opened up a detour from Kingfisher Ujana to Tuaran by pass, the traffic congestion at the main bridge is still persistent.

Home Ministry refutes ‘interference’ allegation
September 9, 2010, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=65279

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OVER TO YOU: Musa (left) hands over documents to his
successor Ismail as Mahmood looks on. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry yesterday refuted the claim by outgoing Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan on alleged “third party interference” in police work.

Home Ministry secretarygeneral Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam said the claims could have stemmed from the fact that not all of the force’s recommendations were considered by the ministry.

“The issue of meddling in the running of the force does not arise at all,” he told a news conference after the handing over of duty between Musa and incoming IGP, Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

Musa claimed on Monday that there were excessive “third party interference” in police work and named the ministry, outsiders and those with vested interest as among the parties concerned.

Mahmood said the ministry held police management meetings every Wednesday where they discussed matters concerning the force’s human resources, management and supply requirement.

He said the meetings were to ensure police requirements were given attention in line with the move to improve the force but said that not all recommendations could be fulfilled. “Each request and plan is subjected to government policy, financial procedures and other regulations,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said, although the expiry of Musa’s tenure was not conveyed to him in writing, it had been told to him verbally a week before the announcement and again on the day the announcement was made.

“The appointment and termination of service for senior police officers are made at the meeting of the Police Service Commission chaired by the Home Ministry.

“It will then be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister,” he said. — Bernama

New concept pioneering longhouses ready to roll
by Philip Kiew September 9, 2010, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=65272

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EQUIPMENT READY: Entri (fourth left) checks out the theodolite equipment
used by the Land and Survey Department for the survey work at Rumah Collin
site in Mallang Sanin in Bakong, accompanied by Marudi assistant district
officer Hajah Hamidiah Bakir (fifth left).

BELURU: The two pioneering new concept longhouses are ready to take off with Land and Survey Department surveys expected to be completed this month, paving the way for issuance of titles and construction work to start.

Survey work of the first longhouse, Rumah Chabu, in Lepong Ajai was completed over a week ago. Meanwhile, the work for Rumah Collin Sait at Sungai Mallang Sanin in Bakong sub-district of Baram has already started.

Assistant Minister of Land Development Sylvester Entri Muran gave the thumbs-up after visiting the proposed longhouse site of Rumah Collin Sait where the Land and Survey Department team was nearing completion of the survey.

Locals also gave their co-operation and support to the surveyors.

Entri, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities said he look forward to the project to take off either by end of this year or next year.

This will enable the state Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to proceed after field survey work and documentation are in place.

The 58-door Chabu Makum longhouse at Lepong Ajai would be the first in the state for this new concept longhouse when completed. The project is expected to take off latest by November this year.

It is the first modern concept longhouse here in Sarawak, undertaken by HDC, and the government will be extending it to Rumah Collin next year.

Rumah Chabu will go in the annals of history as the first modern longhouse with safety, cultural and other aspects. Meanwhile, the owners will be the first in the state to have longhouse insurance coverage and individual land title which could be accepted as bank collateral.

The old 57-door longhouse was burnt down in a fire on April 29 last year.

This was followed by a visit by the State Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to both sites in May last year and said that he had agreed to their request for new concept longhouse.

Addressing concerns of land titles issued falling into the hands of outsiders, Assistant Minister of Housing and Urban Development Abdul Wahab Aziz said security safeguards in issuance of individual land titles is necessary in retaining control and harmony by the longhouse.

Issuance of individual land titles to owners will be made with conditions to ensure that it remains within the family or community. Titles could also be issued to land reserves for public amenities such as car parks, recreational facilities, church and other facilities for the benefit of the longhouse residents.

Longhouse chiefs in Miri, Limbang, Bintulu, Sibu and Kuching divisions had generally welcomed the new concept to be implemented in their respective areas.

Adding that the design was done by an Iban architect, he said the longhouse would not lose traditional features such as a common veranda for communal activities.

According to Abang Johari, the aim is to modernise the longhouse without losing its cultural values. Through this concept, each door will have individual strata title instead of communal title. With an individual title, the family can apply for loans by using the title as collateral.

RM1 bln stimulus projects on track – Awg Tengah
September 12, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=65716

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FORGING BILATERAL TIES: (From left) Kamani shares
a point with Henry Sum and Awang Tengah.

LAWAS: All approved projects under the RM1 billion special federal allocation for Sarawak as part of the economic stimulus are expected to be completed on schedule, except for a few facing technical problems.

Projects under the national key results areas (NKRAs) funded by over RM 4 billion federal allocation for the period 2010-2012 will be buzzing from next year although some projects had already taken off this year.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said these at his Hari Raya Open house here yesterday.

He said the state government is closely monitoring implementation of all the projects under the special stimulus allocation which must be spent by this year end for improvement of basic infrastructure and amenities throughout the state.

“I am happy with the progress as most are on track and only a few are delayed due to technical problems faced, and we are working towards continuing them next year,” he said.

The funds were already allocated to the state.

This category caters for projects already ear-marked for implementation by the state government such as rural village roads, alternative water supply and others amenities. Most are already in different stages of completion.

Awang Tengah said deadline for NKRAs projects is 2012, and the preliminaries involving planning and tenders for these projects were already in earnest, with some being implemented.

Under the (NKRAs) outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Sarawak was allocated RM 1.76 billion for rural electrification scheme, (RES), RM 2 billion for rural roads and RM 1.5 billion for rural water supply.

These projects will be on a roll from now towards the end of 2012 as implementation picks up steam in the next two years.

“Some are already implemented and I am confident that we could implement them all by 2012,” he said.

On Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in northern Sarawak, he said it was a celebration of all communities, irrespective of whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, which further strengthened the social fabric and harmony.

The Iban and Chinese communities were among the thousands who came to his Raya Open House, adding ngajat and lion dance performances, with Raya songs filling the air.

The visitors included Consul General of Brunei Darussalam to Sarawak Kamani Noordin, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong and his Limbang counterpart Hasbi Habibolah, assemblymen Nelson Balang Rining ( Ba Kelalan), Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail (Bukit Kota) and Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau), Temengong Ang Kheng Su, Temengong Paris Kaya and Temengong Sabli Hamid.

“This spirit of harmony, solidarity, co-operation and unity must remain strong for us in Malaysia to move forward,” he said.

The Transformation to 1Malaysia
People First, Performance Now

The Government Transformation Programme or GTP focuses on generating positive outcomes which are based on what the rakyat wants and needs ("People First") by ensuring fast delivery of results ("Performance Now") to contribute to 1Malaysia and Vision 2020.

The 6 National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) identified to spearhead the Government's transformation are:

Must Watch!
http://www.transformation.gov.my/

KU7zHwhzZUI

Pulau Bruit development set to be major tourist destination
Monday September 13, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/13/nation/6997219&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has announced plans to develop Pulau Bruit in Sarawak into a major tourist destination.

The island covers an area of 530 sq km. Pulau Bruit is the second largest island in Malaysia after Pulau Langkawi.

The development of the island will also benefit the nearby Kampung Penipah and Kampung Tekajong along Sungai Rajang.

On April 28, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said a RM28mil infrastructure project to transform the island into an agropolitan centre.

Pulau Bruit was prioritised for development by the state for its strategic location in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.

The government will look into areas of urgency such as the construction of roads connecting the villagers of the island to the district of Sibu where it will enable them to transport their produce to sell at a lower delivery cost.

Kampung Penipah also requires a clinic of its own as patients currently have to travel for 40 minutes by longboat to the Tekajong Health Clinic and this can only be done during high tide.

Food and cash for 32 Orang Asli families
2010/09/15 Syed Abdullah Syed Mohamed
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Foodandcashfor32OrangAslifamilies/Article/

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Pulai Umno Youth division members helping out in the gotong-royong

THE Support Group of the Bandar Baru Uda Mosque recently offered contributions presented gifts to the Orang Asli living at the Kampung Bakar Batu settlement in Taman Perling, Johor Baru.

It also held a gotong royong programme, children’s quiz competition, healthcare exhibition and free medical check-up.

The event kicked off at 8am with started with 150 people taking part in a the gotong-royong to clean up the village.

Among them were the support group committee members, Johor BahruBaru central municipal council staff, Pulai Umno Youth division members and students of the Lincoln Nursing College.

The programme was a success due to the full commitment and cooperation from the participants,” said the gSupport Group’s secretary, Abdul Wahid Mohamad.

Eleven-year-old Osman Usop was delighted to be given first place in win the children’s quiz competition.


The SK Perling pupil answered correctly all the five questions on general knowledge and moral education.

Rice, sugar, condensed milk and flour, as well as cash were presented to each of the 32 families in the village.

Proud of development and unity in Sarawak
By VANES DEVINDRAN Thursday September 16, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/16/nation/6894476&sec=nation

EX-ARMED forces personnel Devindran Ponniah (pic) has seen major development in Sarawak since he arrived in the state in the 1960s. He is particularly pleased with the way the roads have been developed.

Devindran, who hails from Johor, was posted to the third brigade in Sarawak during the communist confrontation. After leaving the army, he worked in neighbouring Brunei as a lecturer and used to travel across the border to Kuching during semester breaks.

At that time, the means of travel was either by air or by cargo ships.

“With seat limitations on the aeroplane, I, along with a few Sarawakian colleagues and our families, drove to Kuching during semester breaks. There were no roads then, just muddy trails and the journey took at least two days.

“Throughout the years, I witnessed the change from dirt trail to gravel and eventually the roads were tarred,” says Devindran, 66, who is married to a Sarawakian and now lives in Kuching.

Besides the roads, he says, the health sector in the state has also improved so much that the Sarawak General Hospital has earned quite a reputation in other countries.

“I have friends going back to the peninsula praising the hospital, especially its cardiac centre,” he says.

“The state now needs to build up on its expertise and emphasise more on education, be it academically or in the technical field so that the youths can meet global demand.”

Ex-Armed Forces Corporation State Director Major (R) Ibrahim Omar, who heads the Veteran Cooperatives in Kuching, says what amazed him about Sarawak was the level of tolerance among the many ethnic groups.

“They accommodate each other and the State government should be lauded for being able to maintain this and also to satisfy the request of the many races in the state,” he says.

Ibrahim, who is from Kedah, says Sarawak also had the advantage of having a certain autonomy.

But he hopes the state would relax its ruling on temporary visit permits for ex-servicemen who have set up home in Sarawak.

“These security personnel served to contribute to the peace in the state and country and they should be allowed permanent residence status in the spirit of Malaysia Day,” he says.

M. C. Kon, a frequent visitor to Sarawak where he conducts church volunteer works in the rural areas, believes the state has more potential to progress given its abundant natural resources.

“Sarawak could do with more attention since there are still areas without basic amenities like electricity and infrastructure like roads,” says the businessman from Selangor.

Kelantan prince at home in Sabah
By RUBEN SARIO Thursday September 16, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/16/nation/6971020&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/16/nation/md_pg11adlin.jpg

Tengku Adlin with his favourite picture of Mount Kinabalu.

A FRAMED photograph of Mount Kinabalu’s peaks dominates a wall in the office of Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahamood in Kota Kinabalu.

The picture showing the mountain bathed in a golden hue at sunrise was taken by Tengku Adlin.

It remains one of his favourites, and it is easy to understand why. When the Kelantan-born former civil servant and pilot by training, who is now Sabah Tourism chairman, first arrived in Sabah, it was the sight of the mountain that struck him.

“Seeing the mountain and turquoise waters off Kota Kinabalu, I had this feeling that I would probably be staying on for some time though I did not know a soul here then,” recalls Tengku Adlin, who revels in outdoor activities from mountaineering to skydiving.

And stay in Sabah he did. In fact, he has called it home for the last 42 years.

It began with a stint at the Sabah Housing Commission as its first chief executive.

While at the Sabah Housing Commission, Tengku Adlin met Kedah-born lawyer Tan Sri Syed Kechik Syed Mohamed Al-Bukhary.

Syed Kechik was then the Yayasan Sabah chief and in 1974, Tengku Adlin was made the foundation’s Projects Development Manager to oversee the works that have changed Kota Kinabalu’s skyline.

Since he first landed in the state more than four decades ago, he has seen a lot of physical changes in Sabah, says Tengku Adlin.

One thing that has remained constant is the friendliness of Sabahans, he says. “Sabahans are generally nice people, hospitable and a genuine lot.

“I’m really glad to see that despite all the developments the state has experienced, the culture and values of Sabahans have remained intact.

“This state has much potential for growth and I have faith that the people can live up to this.”

East and West – where the twain meet
Thursday September 16, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/16/nation/6715851&sec=nation

MERDEKA! MALAYSIA!”

Those were the first two words Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra uttered in his opening speech when he declared the birth of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

In his speech, Tunku Abdul Rahman also said: “The Federation of Malaya now passes into history. Let us always remember that the Malaysian nation was formed after many difficulties during a long period of national Emergency, yet its multi-racial society emerged, endured and survived as a successful and progressive nation, a true democracy and an example to the world of harmony and tolerance"

“As it was with Malaya, so it can be with Malaysia. With trust in Almighty God, unity of purpose and faith in ourselves, we can make Malaysia a land of prosperity and peace.”

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/16/nation/md_pg02salute.jpg

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong taking the salute at the march past at Merdeka Stadium on Sept 16, 1963.
The KL proclamation of Malaysia was held in the evening under floodlights to enable the
dignitaries from Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore to attend the celebrations.

Why was Malaysia created?

“It’s a question we don’t ask often enough,” says Tunku Abidin Muhriz, founder president of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas).

Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi agrees. The grandson of the Temenggong Jugah Barieng, who played a fundamental role in bringing Sarawak into Malaysia, writes that the younger generation needs to understand the history of the formation of Malaysia.

Another pertinent question is what have we achieved since then?

Becoming part of the federation, for Sabahan Datuk Richard Bainon, chairman of NWP Holdings Berhad, was a positive move for Sabah as it has developed a lot since then.

But Faridah Stephens, the daughter of Sabah’s first Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens, begs to differ, pointing out that, among others, Sabah has the highest number of households below the poverty line.

In Sarawak, the largest state in the federation, the people are generally happy with the roads and other infrastructure and services that have been developed to make their lives easier.

With the Malaysian land mass separated by the South China Sea, most of us, unless we have the means to travel, would live out our lives not knowing about the other if not for the print and electronic media, and now the Internet.

Despite this, there are still Malaysians who are strangers (and even alien) to other Malaysians.

“West Malaysians thought we were aliens,” writes Prof Danny Wong Tze Ken, a Sabahan who is a history lecturer at Universiti Malaya.

In Sarawak and Sabah, the population of Indians is very low, so when Diana Rose, a journalist, visited the peninsula for the first time, she felt “like a foreigner seeing so many Indians”. Being asked “How’s Malaysia, your first time here, ah?” all the time did not help either, she recalls.

“How many Peninsular Malaysians know about tuak and Sarawak pepper?” muses Sharyn Shufiyan, a great-grand-daughter of Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Transplants

Those who are able to move across state boundaries, as evident in the hundreds of thousands of “transplants” about, whether to study, work or due to marriage, are the more fortunate ones: their lives are richer from their experience of existing within the larger Malaysian community.

KL-born journalist V.P. Sujata, whose family moved to Kota Kinabalu when she was three years old, grew up in a town with “less than 50 Indian families” around.

“I was always the only Indian girl in my class from Standard One up to Form Five at St Francis’ Convent. This was not a problem for me as I was not treated differently,” she writes.

Malaysia Day is being celebrated nationwide as a national holiday this year for the first time since the historic proclamation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

This “Malaysia Day Special” pull-out is The Star’s way to commemorate this occasion. The stories here are written by Malaysians for Malaysians. They are about our unique experiences as people who were brought together for political expediency but are now trying our best to carve a 1Malaysia identity despite our geographical and other differences.

Well-known Malaysians like Datuk Seri Idris Jala and Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes also share their thoughts here.

“Having experienced ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ aspects of living abroad, I have learned to appreciate how much Malaysia has become a homely refuge,” writes Idris.

Reflecting upon the state of the nation 47 years on, former Inspector General of Police Tun Hanif Omar feels that Malaysia has done reasonably well despite the threats and turmoil that have besieged it even before it came into being.

Hanif was in the thick of action as Tunku declared “Merdeka! Malaysia!” amid threats of war from Indonesia. The threats are still out there, but with capable leaders we can manage them, Hanif assures.

Happy Malaysia Day!

Staying in touch the digital way
By JO TIMBUONG Thursday September 16, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/16/nation/6950250&sec=nation

BUDGET airlines have made it easier for Malaysians, whether in the peninsula, Sabah or Sarawak to meet with families, friends and relatives more often. But although “now everyone can fly”, they can’t do it as often as they want to.

Though it’s somewhat less painful to book a ticket home (for me, it’s Kota Kinabalu) these days, it can still burn a huge hole in the pocket.

But thank goodness for technology advancements.

Even if you lack the funds to buy the cheapest flight ticket home to attend your niece’s birthday party, you at least managed to send her a picture of her gift via MMS (multimedia messaging services).

Besides the weekly phone calls (which some may call weekly reports), texts and MMSes home, another way to keep in touch is by adding a favourite relative or five onto your social media account.

It doesn’t cost a sen to start a Facebook or Twitter account, but some may think it’s just not right to add their family members on Facebook.

After all, do you really want your mother living across the South China Sea to know what you get up to on a Saturday night?

However, Jessiena Joseph, 27, an IT administrator, has no qualms about adding her relatives on Facebook.

She says many of them are on the popular social networking site where they go down memory lane or share the latest family gossip despite being miles apart.

“I often catch up with family members in the peninsula or Australia when I see them on Facebook. At least we know what’s going on with each other’s lives.”

She adds that just because sites like Facebook allow you to share everything and anything with the world, you don’t have to take up that offer.

“It shouldn’t be a problem for anyone if they know what pictures to put up and who to share them with. And don’t forget to tweak your privacy settings too.”

Social media not only helps us keep in touch, it also helps us spread the news and our opinions faster.

For example, microblogging site Twitter is more than a place where people go to share what they had for breakfast.

When I log on to it, I’m sometimes overwhelmed by the number of newspieces that greet me. Some of which, I think, don’t even deserve to be regarded as news.

It was here that I learnt about the UFO sighting in Sabah, which, of course, attracted some funny comments from fellow tweeples.

Social media can also play a part in helping Malaysians learn about each other’s cultures.

In fact, it was Facebook that provided me some insight into a Kenyah wedding ceremony.

Last year, a Kenyah friend posted pictures of her traditional wedding ceremony on Facebook and an image of a popular chocolate wafer stick snack hanging from an effigy of a horn bill caught my interest.

“What’s with the snacks?” I asked, and she explained that it was a little something for the kids.

This single picture led to a quest to find out what happens during the ceremony and, again, thanks to technology, it wasn’t hard at all.

Type in “Kenyah wedding” into the Google search bar and you’ll get pictures and even blogs that explain the details of the event.

Bet you can’t find this in any text book.

Big plans for Kuala Besut
2010/09/17
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/24sut/Article/

BESUT: Kuala Besut, which is known as a fishing village, will be developed into a tourist town under a special programme by 2015.

Kuala Besut assemblyman Dr A. Rahman Mokhtar said Kuala Besut was a popular destination among anglers and also served as a stop for those heading towards Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang.

He said that based on statistics, Kuala Besut attracted between 70,000 and 80,000 foreigners every year.

"Now, Kuala Besut is being developed in stages by several government agencies. Mara, the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board and the Besut district council have been spearheading development in the last few years," he said after flagging off a convoy of 53 taxis participating in a Malaysia Day parade here yesterday.

Rahman, who is the state Health, Consumer Affairs and Unity Committee chairman, said programmes were also being carried out to encourage tourism industry players to be conversant in English.

"So far, about 80 per cent of them are able to converse in basic English." -- Bernama

Sarawak Welcomes Federal Government's Commitment To State's ICT Development
September 18, 2010 18:28 PM

KANOWIT (Sarawak), Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Sarawak has welcomed the federal government's commitment to develop the state's information and communication technology infrastructure, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said on Saturday.

He said this would certainly augur well for the young generation as they would become computer savvy besides being more knowledgeable.

Abang Johari was here to accompany Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in launching a two-day regatta and power boat race at the Rajang River in conjunction with the annual Kanowit festival and the Merdeka month celebration.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim had said yesterday that 500 Kampung WiFi and another 100 Kampung WiFi centre projects would be opened statewide beginning next month.

He had also said that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission(MCMC) would erect 231 new communications towers to complement the 161 in place and owned by communications companies.

Dr Rais, when launching the state's second Kampung WiFi project at Rh Guntol in Nanga Bekiok, Merurun, in the interior of the Julau District, had said that in about two years from now, the state would have one of the best and fastest systems in the country.

Abang Johari, when asked if the absence of a stable power supply, especially in the state's rural areas, would pose a problem, said the government was now studying the usage of solar energy as an alternative source.

"We are doing this with experts from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, UiTM, Unimas and others. We hope to produce a suitable solar cell model in five to 10 years time from now," he said.

Abang Johari, who is also president of Saberkas, the state's premier youth organisation with over 130,000 members, said Saberkas was encouraging its members to be computer savvy.

He said it would start its technology-driven greenhouse agriculture project in Paloh, Samarahan, next year.

-- BERNAMA

Long House Residents At Julau To Get Wireless Internet Service
September 14, 2010 15:22 PM

KUCHING, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Residents of a longhouse at Nanga Bekiok, Merurun, will get to enjoy wireless internet service with the launch of a Wifi Village at Rh. Guntol by Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim this Friday.

A statement issued by the Sarawak Information Department stated that Rais, accompanied by wife, Datin Seri Masnah Rais, would also hand over 10 computers to the longhouse and 10 laptops to students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Julau at the function.

Rais will also hold Skype conferencing between the longhouse at Nanga Bekiok and Rh.Changgan at Ijit, Julau, which is the venue of a function to be opened by his deputy, Datuk Joseph Salang, who is also Julau Member of Parliament, on the same day.

The Rh.Changgan longhouse will also be getting 10 computers.

The programme, carried out with the cooperation of the National Cultural and Arts Department, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and the Julau district office, also include cultural performances and performances by local artists.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22275416@N04/4138669018/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/22275416@N04/4139325419/
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Hock Seng Lee secures RM98m road project in Sarawak
Written by Joseph Chin Tuesday, 21 September 2010 14:18
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/business-news/173813-hock-seng-lee-secures-rm98m-road-project-in-sarawak.html

KUALA LUMPUR: HOCK SENG LEE BHD [] has secured a RM98.72 million contract to build the Gedong-Simunjan Road in Samarahan, Sarawak.

It said on Tuesday, Sept 21 the project was awarded by AF CONSTRUCTION [] Sdn Bhd.

“The scope of works includes earthworks, road, drainage, bridges and other related works. The works of the project will be due to be completed by March 2013,” it said.

Hock Seng Lee said the contract was expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and net assets for the financial years ending 2010 to 2013.

Implementation Of NCR Land Initiative In Full Swing
September 21, 2010 18:02 PM

http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/newspic/ge/SK04SURVEYNCR.jpg

Surveyors begin work before a piece of land
can be granted under the NCR Initiative. Pic: Anuar Isman

MIRI, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the new initiative of the federal and Sarawak governments to provide security of ownership to Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners in the state is in full swing.

Dialogues are being held with the landowners as the Land and Survey Department moves in to conduct perimeter surveys of the NCR land.

In Sibuti, a dialogue was held with landowners in Kampung Terahad Jaya, about 50km from here on Tuesday.

Miri Division Land and Survey Superintendent Rozlan Putit said Kampung Terahad Jaya, being the first area to be surveyed in Miri under the new initiative, would be a test case for the department in handling land boundary disputes.

He said boundary disputes among neighbouring landowners could delay the perimeter surveys, but added that the department had pre-empted the problem and would carry out more dialogues with the landowners concerned.

"We don't foresee the problem occurring during the en-bloc perimeter survey but anticipate it during the survey for individual lots," he told Bernama.

"We advise the landowners concerned to be present during the survey and inform our surveyors of the exact boundary of their lots and have them verified by their village headmen," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the new initiative to survey NCR land in Sarawak on July 22 and allocated RM20 million for the work which would continue into the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015).

Najib had said that the federal and state governments agreed to come up with the new initiative to provide security of ownership for NCR landowners with the hope of increasing the income and ensuring the well-being of the people.

"The reason for the survey is to alienate NCR land from state land," he had said. The NCR land will be gazetted as Native Communal Reserve under Section 6 of Sarawak Land Code.

Rozlan said requests from 12 other communal areas in Niah, Sibuti and Baram had been submitted to the state government for survey approval under the initiative.

"If the requests are approved, we expect the work to begin by next year," he added.

The perimeter survey at Kampung Terahad Jaya involved an area of about 250 hectares claimed as NCR land by some 500 residents.

The survey, which will commence Wednesday, is expected to be completed in two weeks.

Speaking at the dialogue, Sibuti Member of Parliament Ahmad Lai Bujang said it would take time to resolve problems faced by the people and that no government in the world had the proverbial Aladdin's lamp to meet all the requests of the people in the wink of an eye.

He also spoke of the presence of representatives of opposition parties from the peninsula in Sibuti and said they were there for their own political gain and not to bring any benefit to the people.

In SERIAN, Sarawak Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong addressed the people at a similar dialogue, and said it was not necessary for the Barisan Nasional (BN) government to promise the moon and the stars to garner the people's support.

All it had to do was to implement what had been planned for the benefit of the people to maintain their support, he said, adding that the land issue was intentionally raised by the opposition parties to confuse the people.

Manyin said about 800 people in Kampung Skuduk and Kampung Pisa near Serian would receive titles to their NCR land, most probably before Christmas.

"I advise the people who will be getting titles to use their land wisely and not sell it to others for a quick gain," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Kelantan palace: It's Sultan Muhammad V
Thursday September 23, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/23/nation/7084084&sec=nation

KOTA BARU: The new sultan of Kelantan, Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra, is to be officially addressed as Sultan Muhammad V.

The Comptroller of the Kelantan Royal Household, Datuk Abdul Halim Hamad, announced yesterday that the use of the name had been in force since the proclamation of the new sultan on Sept 13.

“The sultan has instructed the use of the name for official matters pertaining to the palace and state government and by the media to avert the use of various names,” he told reporters here.

Abdul Halim also said that the name had been gazetted for official use.

He said the sultan wished to use the name Sultan Muhammad because it had been used by his ancestors.

The name Sultan Muhammad I was used by the Kelantan sultan, who ruled from 1800 to 1835, whose original name was Sultan Long Muhammad, Abdul Halim said, adding that he was the eldest prince of Sultan Long Yunus who had ruled the state from 1765 to 1795.

He said Sultan Long Senik Long Tan had used the title Sultan Muhammad II (Sultan Muhammad Mulut Merah) when he ruled from 1836 to 1886, while Sultan Long Kundor, the eldest prince of Sultan Ahmad, had used the title Sultan Muhammad III during his rule from 1890 to 1891.

The title Sultan Muhammad IV was used by Sultan Tuan Long Senik who ruled Kelantan from 1900 to 1920, he said.

Abdul Halim also said that the matter of the petition against the proclamation of the new sultan would be referred to legal experts and the secretary of the Kelantan Council of Succession and that the palace would respond to the petition in accordance with court procedures.

The petition was filed by the former sultan, Tuanku Ismail Petra Ibni Sultan Yahya Petra, on Monday at the Federal Court registry in Putrajaya, seeking to declare the proclamation of his eldest prince, Tuanku Muhammad, as the new sultan unconstitutional.

On a police report lodged on Tuesday by the office of the Sultan of Kelantan on the offer of Kelantan state honours purportedly by the office, Abdul Halim said those concerned had forged his name and signature apparently to collect money from their victims.

“I did not do so (make any such offer) and I do not have the authority to confer awards,” he said.

He said the office of the sultan was informed by the police of a letter received by a victim. — Bernama

RM6.5mil for 26 orang asli families
Friday October 1, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/1/nation/7140843&sec=nation

SHAH ALAM: Twenty-six orang asli families from the Temuan tribe in Bukit Tampoi, Dengkil, near here whose customary land was acquired to build the Nilai-Banting highway to the KL International Airport 15 years ago, have received RM6.5mil in compensation.

High Court judge Datuk Nurchaya Arshad ordered that RM5,956,600 of the sum be deposited with Amanah Saham Nasional Bumiputera and distributed to the families involved.

The balance, he said, would be given to the Bukit Tampoi Temuan community to, among others, build a community hall, set up a trust fund and for village committee use.

The matter was decided after all the families agreed with Nurchaya’s advice on the best way to manage the compensation due to them.

Also present were lawyers Jerald Gomez and Valerie Chong who assisted the court in the proceedings, non-governmental group Pusat Keprihatinan Orang Asli coordinator Dr Colin Nicholas and Shah Alam ASNB head Razali Mohd Zain.

On May 26, after a long legal battle, the Federal Court recorded a consent judgement whereby the Federal Government, Lembaga : Lebuhraya Malaysia and contractor, United Engineers (M) Bhd (UEM), agreed that LLM would pay the families RM6.5 million as full compensation for their land.

In April 1996, seven members of the community filed the compensation suit against the defendants after 15.2 acres of their land was taken to build the highway in 1995.

They were Sagong Tasi, Kachut Tunchit, Dabat Chabat, Kepal Kepong, Sani Saken, Ilas Senin, and Tok Batin Tukas anak Siam. However, Tunchit, Senin, Kachut and Tukas Siam have since died.

Sagong, 79, when met by reporters afterwards, said: “After 15 long years our ordeal is finally over. We are very thankful to our lawyers.” – Bernama

Fewer squatters, but Johor is still wary
Friday October 1, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/1/nation/7137739&sec=nation

JOHOR BARU: Johor has managed to reduce the number of squatters by 71%, or 28,486 families, in 14 years but continues to be wary of new squatter areas popping up, the state assembly heard yesterday.

State Local Government, Housing, Art, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil said from 40,000 squatter families in 1996, the number dropped to 11,532 this year.

“The remaining squatter families will be tackled under the 2010-2020 state squatter management action plan that is being prepared by the state economic planning unit,” he said in reply to Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh (BN - Jorak).

Zahri said the squatter problem was prevalent in urban areas due to the arrival of people from other states seeking jobs to improve their livelihood.

Johor Baru has the highest number with 9,951 families (86%), followed by Batu Pahat (561), Kluang (441), Pontian (318), Kota Tinggi (98), Kulaijaya (88), Segamat (51) and Muar (24).

“We will be relocating these families to proper homes and although we know that there have been new squatter areas popping up, we are constantly monitoring the situation,” said Zahri.

Zahri also told Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai) that a public housing project at Lima Kedai, near Pontian, that is being developed by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority would be completed early next year.

The RM200mil project comprises 1,500 units in four-storey flats and 12 shophouses.

5,000 Low-cost Houses To Be Built In Sabah Annually Under 10th MP
September 26, 2010 19:48 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Sabah's Housing and Town Development Board will construct 5,000 units of low-cost and middle-cost houses in Sabah each year under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Its general manager Jenar Lamdah said the houses costing between RM42,000 and RM78,000 will be built in Tawau, Tungku, Lahad Datu, Pitas and Sook.

He was confident that the project would be able to meet the increasing demand for housing from among those in the low and middle income groups.

So far 40,000 applicants had been registered with the board for the houses, he told reporters at the Aidilfitri open house function here Sunday.

Jenar said the implementation of the project was in line with the state government's target to build 30,000 units of low-cost and middle-cost houses under the plan.

-- BERNAMA

Felcra To Help Raise Income Of The Poor In Sabah
September 28, 2010 16:13 PM

LAHAD DATU, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Felcra Bhd is giving focus to its oil palm planting and livestock breeding projects in the state which are intended to help raise the income of the poor in the rural areas of Sabah, its Chief Executive Officer Juzilman Basir said.

He said the two projects had been identified to help the folks as they were suited for implementation in the rural areas and could be easily undertaken by the selected participants.

Along this line, an oil palm planting project was also recently implemented involving a 100-hectare area in the Keningau district.

He said the existing livestock breeding project will be expanded to several districts in the state through a programme to help increase the income of the poor.

"We will continue our efforts in the direction to help increase the income of the rural folks in the state and enable them to enjoy a better quality of life," Juzilman told Bernama on Tuesday.

He said the projects will not be given directly but instead Felcra will help the participants run the projects to ensure their success while the profits will be distributed.

Felcra, an agency under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, also holds the role of implementing the housing project for the hardcore poor (PPRT) in the state.

Under the PPRT, 600 houses are being built in the Tuaran district with 400 already completed while another 40 houses are being built in Semporna.

-- BERNAMA

RELATED LINK: www.felcra.com.my/

Sarawak not left out of mainstream development
Monday October 4, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/4/nation/7127246&sec=nation

KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said recently that new schools would be constructed to increase the quality education in areas such as the Bau District in Sarawak. Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister said the government would provide allocations to implement various projects in the rural areas to ensure that the people there would not be left out of mainstream development.

Sarawak was granted RM2bil to build 906 km of rural roads which are expected to be completed by 2012.

Another RM1.5 billion will be spent to increase water supply coverage from 59% to 90% by the end of this year and this initiative would benefit over 91,000 households.

Also RM1.7bil will go to providing electricity supply for over 77,000 rural households by 2012.

To date, 30.85 km of roads have been completed and efforts are expected to be intensified in order to achieve the rural basic infrastructure (RBI) NKRA’s target by 2012.

Last month, Sarawak saw 1,097 households connected to clean and treated water and 3,271 households connected to electricity – an encouraging sign of the various initiatives tracking well towards the delivery of their 2010 commitments.

RM120 million Project To Reduce Traffic Congestion At Bandar Baru Permyjaya
October 04, 2010 15:55 PM

MIRI, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry has allocated RM120mil for a road project that will help reduce traffic congestion between Jalan Pujut and Bandar Baru Permyjaya.

Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said the project involves upgrading Jalan Pujut and Kuala Baram into two lanes, installing traffic lights and expanding the bridge.

"Some RM30mil will be spent this year while the remaining next year. The project will start in November and scheduled for completion in two years," he told reporters after visiting the project site here Monday.

The project is important to the Sarawak economy as it links Curtin University Sarawak Campus and several heavy industry training institutions in Kuala Baram.

Shaziman said discussions were underway to get allocation for a project linking Miri Airport to Kuala Baram industrial area thus bypassing the city centre.

Bandar Baru Permyjaya located 15km from Miri city centre had undergone rapid development since over ten years ago which saw the population reaching about 100,000.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak needs development manifesto – CM
by Georgette Tan. Posted on October 6, 2010, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=67116

KUCHING: Sarawak needs a manifesto to make it easier for the people to understand the wave of development happening in the next five years.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the manifesto would re-emphasise the country’s desire to be great by making sure that the state has a solid foundation in a stable government and the people’s unity. It will also include Sarawak’s shift to a different kind of economic model.

“One thing people don’t understand is that to develop a country when you have limited resources such as money, manpower, ability to think, and conquer problems, not everything can be done in one go,” he said.

Taib added that he did not want to promise anything that he could not do or implement something the people can’t respond to.

He said this after attending a graduation and award presentation ceremony of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak campus at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.

Taib added that Sarawak would also be building a website to provide information about the government and help dispel any wrong perceptions people might have.

On the next election, he stressed that it was not easy for one person to make a decision that would affect some two million people.

On the chances of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Taib said that they needed a definite proposal, even in bare outlines, before they can talk about forming the government.

Plans to further develop main and secondary towns in Sarawak
By RINTOS MAIL Thursday October 7, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/7/sarawak/7174880&sec=sarawak

HOUSING and Urban Development Ministry will adopt a more inclusive approach to develop the major and secondary towns in Sarawak.

The major towns are Kuching (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=971360&page=53), Sibu (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=817652&page=14), Miri (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=184040&page=22) and Bintulu (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=200366&page=10) while the secondary towns include Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit, Lawas, Lundu and Betong.

Its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had got a “shadow plan” to transform these towns to be conducive for living not only by so-called urbanites but also to attract investment and long-term-economic growth.

He said Kuching’s growing profile as a “an economically vibrant city” has enriched many, but it has also threatened to cause hardships to the masses.

Given the scenario, Abang Johari said his new urban transformation plan would start from Kuching.

“I have got a 10-year plan proposed for Kuching which is scheduled to be implemented starting this year. I am looking at a pragmatic and practical approach to the issues of the development that can make Kuching both people and business-friendly city,” he said at the Kuching North City Commission raya gathering in Kuching yesterday.

The minister said urgent measures were needed to tackle the increasing traffic congestion and also housing problems affecting the people in Kuching.

“Some people say that apart from having to grapple with traffic problem on the road daily they also have to endure heavy congestion in their housing estates; the houses are too close to one another especially at the villages,” he said.

Poor public transport service was also another problem that needed urgent attention, he added.

He said the ministry was looking at developing a neighbour-friendly residential areas throughout the state.

Bario Rice Among The Popular Souvenir For Tourists In Sarawak
October 07, 2010 17:49 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=533374&cat=sre

http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/newspic/ge/SK01BARIOBAHARU.jpg

Mohd Kamaluddin, showing the Bario
Rice in new packages. Pic: Anuar Isman

KUCHING, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The highland rice or more popularly referred to as Bario rice from the "Adan" version is among the rice which is frequently sought after as souvenirs by tourists visiting Sarawak from within and outside the country.

In view of its popularity, Padi Beras Nasional (Bernas), through its subsidiary Beras Corporation Sdn Bhd, had marketed the Bario rice on a commercial basis under the brand name Bario O' Grain since 2001, said its chief executive officer, Mohd Kamaluddin Mohd Effendie here.

"Bernas has spent RM5 million since 2001 to promote the Bario O' Grain rice and of the amount, half (RM2.5 million) was spent on the cost of transportation from Bario to Miri city," he said during the launch of the new packaging for the Bario O' Grain rice, here Thursday.

-- BERNAMA

Sabah Seeks Help To Facilitate Infrastructure For Sipitang Project
October 07, 2010 16:33 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=533326&cat=sbe

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government will submit a proposal to the federal government soon to seek its help to get the private sector, particularly Petronas, in facilitating infrastructure for the Sipitang oil and gas industrial park project.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, said the infrastructure would help kick-start the project but the costs would likely run into millions.

"That's why we need help from the private sector. We will submit the proposal to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, for further action," he told reporters after launching the Economic Transformation Programme Open Day here Thursday.

The state government had recently approved the project to develop the 1,600-hectare site in Mengalong, Sipitang.

A Chief Minister's Inc company would implement the Sipitang oil and gas industrial park project.

Musa said he hoped to see more private sector involvement in providing the necessary infrastructure and the state government would in return consider giving incentives to the investors.

Meanwhile, Idris said the Federal government would cooperate with the Sabah government to make project a reality to benefit the people and the state.

He said he would get a fast-track approval at the federal level, especially with regard to the participation of private sector in the oil and gas project in Sipitang.

"This is only one proposal, and we expect more to come. On our part, we will try to deliver for the common good of the people," he said.

Idris said the country was now beginning to reduce subsidy but in small dosage.

"With the combined things that we are doing we will increase our revenue and I'm confident we will achieve our target of becoming a high-income economy by 2020," he said.

On the opposition's claim the planned development for Sabah would see the establishment of a casino in Karambunai, near here, Idris said there was no plan.

-- BERNAMA

RM5.3 Million Federal Fund To Carry Out Study On Proposed Baram River Channel
October 05, 2010 18:13 PM

MIRI, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government has approved a fund of RM5.3 million for a study to be carried out on the proposed development of a channel at the mouth of the Baram River, here, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Tuesday.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is also the Finance Minister had approved the amount recently to fund the study.

"A consultant has been identified to carry out the study. It should be completed by this year or early next year," he told reporters at the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Miri headquarters here. Dr Chan is also the SUPP president.

He said the study would look into the feasibility of digging a channel of between six metres and eight metres in depth to solve the problem for larger vessels to navigate into the Baram river where the Miri Port is located.

He added that a sum of RM200 million had been approved by the Parliament last year to be allocated for the channel project but an indepth study had to be conducted first before the amount could be disbursed.

The channel had been proposed as the solution to the problem of siltation which had shallowed the mouth of the Baram River and deterred vessels of larger sizes to berth at the Miri Port.

Dr Chan said Najib had acknowledged the urgency of the project after considering the role of the Miri Port in stirring economic activities.

He said the visit by Works Minister, Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor, here yesterday was also a follow-up to the request that had been submitted to the Prime Minister.

During the visit, Shaziman announced an allocation of RM120 million for a road project to ease traffic congestion between Jalan Pujut and Bandar Baru Permyjaya here.

-- BERNAMA

RM100 mln under 10MP for fast lanes
by Jacob Achoi. Posted on October 7, 2010, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=67216

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T03036.jpg

THANKS FOR COMING: (From left) Goh
presenting a souvenir to Manyin as Ismail looks on.

BINTULU: The state government has approved a sum of RM100 million to construct overtaking lanes between Miri and Serian, said Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin.

He said the works would be done under the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

Speaking at a media conference at Public Works Department (JKR) office here yesterday, Manyin also disclosed that another RM70 million was also allocated for road upgrading between Bintulu and Miri.

Manyin was on a working visit to Bintulu, Sibu and Miri together with JKR staff to get a first-hand look at accident-prone areas and find ways to rectify the problems.

“The visit will help the ministry find the best possible ways to reduce road accidents,” he said, assuring that the government would always try to improve road conditions in Sibu, Bintulu and Miri for the safety of motorists.

While pointing out human error as one of the factors that cause road accidents, Manyin advised motorists to be considerate and obey traffic rules and regulations.

He also said that the government would ensure that all areas be connected by roads by 2020.

Present at the conference were Bintulu Resident Ismail Mohd Hanis, deputy resident (development) Sirai Daha and Bintulu divisional engineer Goh Soon Boon.

Green status to boost Malacca
2010/10/08 By Sean Augustin
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/13se/Article/

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5628/122sr.jpg

Badrul Hisham Mahzan (second from left) exchanging MoUs with Datuk Omar
Kaseh at Sri Pentas in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With them are (from left)
Datuk Seri Farid Ridzuan, Datuk Ahmad A. Talib and Datuk Seri Mohd Ali
Rustam. — NST picture by Hasriyasyah Sabudin

KUALA LUMPUR: Malacca is expecting more investments once it earns the title of Green Technology State City, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said yesterday.

Ali said the state would pursue this after it was officially declared as a city state on Oct 20.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is scheduled to make the declaration on that night, after Malacca had met the criteria set by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).

Malacca has achieved 90.6 per cent of the standards set by OECD by fulfilling the 29 indicators, which covers areas such as health, unemployment level, per capita income and clean water supply.

Green technology refers to environmentally-friendly infrastructure used in developing Malacca.

To date, the state is using 10 garbage cleaning cars designed based on green technology while it plans to harness renewable energy from a windmill in Pulau Besar.

A RM3.2 billion factory to produce solar panels is being constructed and these will be supplied to the "Malacca World Solar Valley" in Alor Gajah.

It is also seeking help from the Federal Government to build an incinerator either in Alor Gajah or Jasin.

"The trend these days is towards green technology. Most developed nations apply this technology as it allows for development without comprising the environment.

"We can attract up to RM1 billion a year if we are awarded this status," he said after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malacca government, Media Prima and the New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad at Seri Pentas here yesterday.

The MoU will see Media Prima as the organisers and the official media for "Melaka Maju", a state government initiative to showcase its development.

State Secretary Datuk Omar Kaseh represented Malacca, while Media Prima was represented by its Group chief executive officer of television networks Datuk Seri Farid Ridzuan.

The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad was represented by its advertising and sales director Badrul Hisham Mahzan.

Also present was Media Prima Berhad news and editorial operations executive director Datuk Ahmad A. Talib

Malacca to be ‘developed state’ Oct 20
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/PMtobe__8216_developedstate__8217_Oct20/Article/

OECD is a grouping of the world's 33 richest countries with the highest per GDP. The country with the lowest per capita GNP in the OECD is Turkey at US$13,000 while that of Melaka had already reached US$14,261.
Proud day for Malacca
By MARTIN CARVALHO and ALLISON LAI Thursday October 21, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/21/nation/7269662&sec=nation

MALACCA: Ten years of hard work paid off when this historical state was officially declared a “developed state” yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made the declaration via tele-conferencing from Kuala Lumpur to thousands of Malaccans gathered at a grand ceremony in Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong last night.

The crowd cheered and clapped when Najib made the declaration at the auspicious time and date of 2010 hours on 20.10.2010.

The event was themed “Developed Malacca 2010: Green Technology State City.”

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/21/nation/n_pg02fireworks.jpg

Exciting display: Fireworks being set off during the “Developed Malacca 2010:
Green Technology State City” declaration ceremony at Stadium Hang Jebat in
Krubong Wednesday night.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said it was a truly proud day for Malaccans as the state was finally recognised as a developed state by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

He added that the state would have a special one-off holiday today. Jon Hall, who has been leading the OECD’s Global Project on Measuring the Progress of Societies, said Malaccans had higher than the OECD’s minimum levels in virtually all indicators.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/21/nation/n_01malacca.jpg

Rail progress: A monorail travelling along the Malacca River during its
inaugural trip after the launching by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam
Wednesday. Mohd Ali said the monorail would start operations after
obtaining approval from the relevant authorities. The 24-passenger monorail
runs from Taman Rempah in Pengkalan Rama to Kampung Bunga Raya Pantai
in the heart of the historic city. The RM15.9mil project is part of the state’s
aim to further tap the potential of the Malacca River as a tourist attraction.
— A. MALEX YAHAYA / The Star

In Kuala Lumpur, Najib who made the announcement from the Putra World Trade Centre where the Umno general assembly is being held – said the Federal Government would give full support to Malacca.

“The people of Malacca should be proud that they have a hard-working and visionary leader,” he added.

Najib then made the official declaration and signed an electronic plaque declaring Malacca a developed state. This was sent to Mohd Ali via an electronic capsule.

Separately, Mohd Ali also launched the RM15.9mil monorail with an inaugural ride at Spice Garden yesterday afternoon.

The monorail service starts operations today.

Economic Transformation Programme takes off with nine early wins
Updated: 10:28PM Mon, 25 Oct 2010
http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=53306

KUALA LUMPUR: The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) has gotten off to a strong start with nine early wins announced at its roadmap launch yesterday.

"The ETP is already delivering results. These early wins show that by focusing on action, results will flow," said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. He said confirmed investments will be announced over the next few months.

"Based on our tracking, 53 ‘Entry Point Projects’ (EPPs) with a total investment value of US$97 billion (RM300.7 billion), almost 45% of the total investment targeted, are already in various active stages of engagement," he said.

The nine early wins are:

>> an initial investment of RM214 million by German firm LFoundry to relocate and set up a wafer fabrication plant in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah. The company plans to invest a total of RM1.9 billion in five plants over the next five years.

>> a commitment by Mydin, a large local wholesale and retail player, to invest about RM1 billion in 14 new branches over the next three years and to also assist the small sundry shops via "Project Tukar".

>> a RM1.2 billion investment in a 208-room hotel and 160-unit residence, to be managed by St Regis, an international six-star hospitality brand at KL Sentral.

>> the opening of an Eastern Hemisphere Global Financial Services Hub by Schlumberger, a renowned oilfield services player, in Bandar Utama. (This is part of the Greater KL/Klang Valley initiative to attract 100 new MNCs to relocate its operations in Kuala Lumpur by 2020).

>> a 25-year concession to WCT Berhad by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to build and operate a RM486-million transport hub for taxis and buses, and a block of retail mall and car parks at KLIA2.

>> five bio-oil plants to be built by Premium Renewable Energy over the next five years. The first plant costing RM124 million will be located in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

>> RM26 billion development by Mubadala in collaboration with 1MDB to develop the KL International Financial District (KLIFD) on a 34ha site located near Jalan Tun Razak.

>> the selection of Asia e-University by the Higher Education Ministry as the gateway university for international education for distance and online learning. It is expected to generate a GNI of RM100 million.

>> a RM150 million investment by Johor Premium Outlets in Genting Indahpura, Johor, to offer a wide selection of designer fashions at substantial savings off regular retail prices. (This project which will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, falls within the Tourism NKEA).

Najib also announced that a four-tier ETP governance structure has been activated to ensure the timely execution and monitor the progress of the initial 131 EPPs and conversion of the 60 business opportunities into new projects.

"A clear governance structure is absolutely critical for the success of the ETP, said Najib.

"On my part, I will personally ensure that my ministers monitor the performance of their Entry Point Projects and investments, and this is part of their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)," he said, adding that the ETP is an unprecedented initiative with six unique features.

"This is a programme, not a plan. It has specific projects and action items, complete with timelines, project owners and targets. It is not merely a strategic intent, document or blueprint.

"It contains 131 Entry Point Projects, 12 lab reports, 60 Business Opportunities, all aimed to create 3.3 million incremental jobs. It is ready for action," he said.

"The ETP is for all Malaysians," said Najib, adding that the 131 EPPs are spread all across the country, with 68 for Sarawak and 71 for Sabah," he said, adding that a total of 106 of them benefit mainly the urban communities while 25 benefit the rural communities with 323,596 new jobs.

"It will also benefit the Native Customary Rights land owners, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak," Najib added.

The prime minister said that to achieve high-income nation status, Malaysia needs to grow its Gross Domestic Product by no less than 6% per annum over the next 10 years.

"For several years now, the government has been the main driver of the economy, (but) this is neither prudent nor sustainable and the private sector has to reclaim their effective role as the main engine of growth for the economy, in line with the strategy of the 10th Malaysia Plan," he added.

"We must grow the economic pie substantially. However, Malaysia can no longer be driven by past strategies based on labour intensive models," he said.

"We need to take the high-skill, high-income route quickly to become and remain competitive in the global economy. Transformation is critical. Failure is not an option," added Najib.

No plastic bags for Penangites from January
Published: Tuesday November 2, 2010 MYT 4:39:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/2/nation/20101102164643&sec=nation

GEORGE TOWN: All hypermarkets, supermarkets, departmental stores, pharmacies, fast food restaurants, nasi kandar restaurants and convenience stores (including those at petrol stations) in the state will be asked to stop providing plastic shopping bags to customers from Jan 1 next year, the Penang State Assembly was told Tuesday.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the step was being taken to make Penang the first "green" state in the country.

"Feedback obtained from 73 players in the retail industry who took part in the state's 'no plastic bags' campaign from July 1, 2009, to Oct 26, 2010, showed a savings of 32,508,418 plastic shopping bags," he said when tabling the state's budget for next year.

He added that mini-markets and sole proprietorships would also be asked to enforce the ruling but for three days a week - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. - Bernama

Raja Muda Calls For Priority In Flood Mitigation Projects
November 09, 2010 18:26 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=541896&cat=nt

KANGAR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail wants flood mitigation projects in the state to be given priority.

Among the projects, he said, was the second phase of the Timah Tasoh dam.

Speaking at a Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) corporate social responsibility programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sena flood relief centre here, he said without the second phase of the project, the dam would only have a limited capacity in containing flood water.

The first phase, costing RM86.9, involved among others, works to increase the height of the dam's bank by 3.5 metre.

At the event, some 200 UniMAP staff held a "gotong-royong" to help clean up the school. The Raja Muda also presented 10,000 bottles of mineral water to the flood victims.

-- BERNAMA

Sungai Sarawak To Be Cleaned Under 10th Malaysia Plan
November 06, 2010 17:16 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=541242&cat=sbe

KUCHING, Nov 6 (Bernama) - A project to clean Sungai Sawarak will be carried out by the federal government, through the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, Sarawak Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said Saturday.

He said that a committee, jointly chaired by him and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, had been set up to monitor the work progress and control the water quality of the river.

"One of the factors which make Sungai Sarawak dirty is because of the dirty condition of its tributaries, like Sungai Padungan, Sungai Gersik, Sungai Bedil, Sungai Maong, Sungai Kudei and ," he told reporters after opening the RM960,000 Darul Ibadah Mosque at Kampung Kudei here.

He hoped that the relocation of the Satok Market would make work to clean Sungai Sarawak and its tributaries easier.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari, who is Satok Assemblyman, said his ministry was working with the relevant ministries, agencies and corporations to gather the data of housing applicants in the state.

He said that there was sharp increase in the number of new housing applicants in Sarawak, especially in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.

The increase could be due to those in rural areas migrating to the towns, he added.

-- BERNAMA

MEMC Sama Jaya Facility To Be Operational By January Next Year
November 09, 2010 18:01 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=541875&cat=sre

KUCHING, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- MEMC Electronic Materials Inc's solar wafering manufacturing facility at Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone here is expected to be operational by January next year, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Tuesday.

Dr Chan, who is also the state Industrial Development Minister, said the US-based company already had their equipment in place at the 20-hectare facility with an initial investment of about RM1 billion for the first phase.

"They (MEMC) are very optimistic as far as investment here is concerned besides being in the forefront of the solar energy industry and have the technology that nobody else has," he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from MEMC Solar Materials president Ken Hannah here.

The Kuching facility is expected to have an initial annual production of 600 megawatts equivalent of solar energy.

Dr Chan said the company had also sent its local employees for training in the United States and were happy that the workforce was good in terms of skills in the electrical and electronic industry.

About 90 per cent of the current manpower, which would eventually expand to 2,500, are Sarawakians at present, he said.

MEMC is expected to need about 800 engineers, to be filled by the locals in the state.

-- BERNAMA

Sarawak's Export Of Timber Products To Hit RM7 Billion This Year
November 08, 2010 18:04 PM

KUCHING, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's export of timber products is expected to hit RM7 billion this year if the recovery in demand for wood products remains stable till end of the year, says Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said the state's value of timber exports recorded an increase of 15.6 per cent with exports amounting to RM5.49 billion by the third quarter of this year compared with RM4.75 billion seen in the corresponding period of last year.

"During the period, the value of major wood products from Sarawak such as logs, plywood and sawn timber rose by 20 per cent from RM4.15 billion worth in 2009 to RM4.98 billion this year.

"This improved performance was contributed by a rise in demand from the main traditional markets like Japan, China, Taiwan, India, United States and Middle East," he said during the winding up speech for his ministry at the State Assembly meeting here Monday.

He said the government would continue to take proactive measures to handle issues related to compliance with trade regulations, export procedures and product standards in line with efforts to strengthen the international market for local timber products.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said the state government had set up forest plantations to reduce the dependency on produce from natural forests.

Todate, 45 licenses for forest plantations have been approved covering a 2.8 million-hectare area and of that, only one million hectares have been planted with fast growing species with production expected to amount to 15 million cubic metres a year.

The remaining area is for recovery purposes, covering sensitive, hilly and steep areas, he said.

"The government expects the production of timber from the forest plantations to start in the next few years.

"That is why the government is actively promoting direct investments from local and foreign companies in the industry of processing wood species from the forest to beef up the wood based industry in Sarawak," he said.

Among the industries that can be developed include the pulp and paper industry, furniture, fiber board and chipboard.

Awang Tengah said the initiative to develop the forest plantation was aimed at contributing to the state's economy.

He also said a major portion of Sarawak's timber produce in the future would come from these forest plantations.

Presently, the wood processing industry of Sarawak uses raw materials taken completely from natural forests, Awang Tengah said.

-- BERNAMA

RM5.68 Billion Approved For Rural Development In Sarawak
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=542255

Lundu, Sematan to be developed — Abg Jo
by Rusnan Mustafa. Posted on November 10, 2010, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=74122

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T03447.jpg

THANK YOU: Abang Johari (left) hands over a souvenir to
Dr A Rahman as Daud (second left) and Delin (right) look on.

KUCHING: Lundu and Sematan will be developed because of their tourism potential, said Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.

He explained that this was because of the proximity of the two small towns to beaches, which provide uniqueness.

“From the RM4 billion allocated for development, RM3 billion will be allocated to develop rural areas including Lundu and Sematan,” he said when meeting a Neighbourhood Watch Committee (KRT) from Terengganu here.

On another matter, he pointed out that the development enjoyed by the society today was due to the close relationship and cooperation among many parties.

“Here in Sarawak we have about 28 ethnic groups but because of the cooperation and harmony in the society, we were able to develop the state well,” he said.

Commenting on the visit by 40 members of KRT Terengganu, he hoped it would help foster closer relationship between the people of Terengganu and Sarawak.

The programme, Abang Johari said, should be continuously organised so that people in West Malaysia would understand and know the traditions and heritage of the people here.

“With that we would realise the 1Malaysia vision,” he said.

Also present at the programme was the group leader Dr A Rahman Mokhtar.

The visit was the third made by the committee to the state.

Ricoh views Penang as hot growth market
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2010/11/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/riko/Article/

IMAGING and printing firm Ricoh Malaysia is looking to triple its sales output in Penang over the next three years by leveraging on the island state's still-growing electrical and electronics sector.

Ricoh Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Lim Eng Weng said its sales growth in the state had now been projected to 15 per cent, from 5 per cent currently, buoyed by a slew of multi-sectored customers.

"As one of the hottest areas of growth in the country, we feel Penang deserves more attention and we are now set to put in place the necessary infrastructure to fuel our growth," he told Business Times in Penang recently.

With a current headcount of 15 people at its Penang office, Ricoh is looking to grow this number by 10 more hirings as well as upgrading its presence from a state office to one of a regional office.

Ricoh's current base of close to 10,000 customers has about 80 per cent of these in the Klang Valley.

Lim said apart from focusing on the electrical and electronic (E&E) sector to a bigger slice of business in the north, Ricoh Malaysia had begun the process of defining clear markets with the potential for highest growth.

These, he said, included the services sector such as hotels, legal firms and education institutions.

"We are already servicing some of the top consumer goods firms in Penang, along with medical centres and logistics companies.

"We are now looking to tap into the government sector, in addition to enlarging our small and medium-sized enterprise business," he added.

Stating that Malaysia's future competitiveness must be anchored on information technology, Lim said Ricoh's product expansion one year from now will include items like Wi-Fi projectors, teleconferencing for business applications, along with an electronic-writer which is similar to the popular iPad.

Total-ly committed to Malaysia
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2010/11/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/totawakf/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/totawakf/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/SK317B.jpg

Total has signed an agreement with Petronas to buy a 85 per cent interest in Block SK317B, located about 100km offshore Sarawak.

French oil and gas company Total is expanding its presence in Malaysia's exploration and production sector with the acquisition of a substantial working interest in Block SK317B field, offshore Sarawak.

]Total said in a statement that it has signed an agreement with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to acquire a 85 per cent interest in Block SK317B, located about 100km offshore Sarawak.

Under the agreement, Total will operate the block, with partner Petronas Carigali holding the remaining 15 per cent interest.

Covering an area of more than 700 sq km, Block SK317B is located in water depths of 200 to 1,000 metres.

The work commitments during the exploration period encompass seismic data acquisition and deep offshore exploring drilling, an area which Total enjoys a recognised expertise.

Total's senior vice president for exploration and production Asia Pacific Jean-Marie Guillermou said in the statement that the acquisition reflects the group's strategy to expand its exploration acreage in new areas or on new themes while developing partnerships with the national oil groups such as Petronas.

Total is not a new player in Malaysia as it has a 70 per cent interest in a production sharing agreement signed with Petronas Carigali in 2008, which covers Block PM303 and PM324, located offshore Pe-nisular Malaysia.

The French group operates these two blocks where a seismic campaign was shot in 2009. A high-pressure and high-temperature exploration drilling campaign in these two blocks is expected to start in 2011.

Total said its share of production in the Asia-Pacific region averages 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2009, accounting for 11 per cent of the group's total output and more than 50 per cent of its liquefied natural gas output.

Its biggest presence is in Indonesia, where it has been operating the Mahakam Block since 1970 and is one of the country's leading producers of natural gas. The group also produces gas in Thailand, Myanmar and Brunei.

Total diversified its exploration assets with the acquisition of interests in Australia, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

In addition, it has a 24 per cent interest in Ichthys LNG project in Australia, in partnership with Inpex. It also recently acquired a 20 per cent interest in Gladstone LNG project in partnership with Santos and Petronas.

In China, Total has signed a production sharing contract with China National Petroleum Corporation to study the natural gas resources of the South Sulige Block.

kedah..green city
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Steady progress in rural development
Wednesday November 24, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/24/nation/7464722&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: As of Oct 31, statistics provided by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) on the National Key Results Area (NKRA) has shown steady progress in the development of rural basic infrastructure.

For the building of roads, delivery is on target with 591.7km (out of 7000km) completed, out of which 317.61km have been paved in Peninsular Malaysia, 213.5km in Sabah and 60.59km in Sarawak.

By 2012, 7,249km of roads will be paved under the NKRA initiative around the country.

Meanwhile, 19,401 households have been connected with 24-hour electricity supply, which Pemandu says is “delivery above target” to achieve the target of households with access to electricity in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak to 99.6%, 81% and 73% respectively by the end of the year.

From the number, 705 households in Peninsular Malaysia, 10,694 households in Sabah and 8,002 households in Sarawak have been equipped with electricity supply to date.

Delivery of access to clean or treated water had a minor setback on achieving its monthly targets.

But, overall 20,929 households have been connected with supply; 8,858 households in Peninsular Malaysia, 9,474 households in Sabah and 2,597 households in Sarawak.

By 2012, 360,000 additional households will have access to water supply.

As for houses, 9,431 have been built or restored for the rural poor and hardcore poor; 3,769 houses in Peninsular Malaysia, 688 houses in Sabah and 4,974 houses in Sarawak.

According to the RBI NKRA, 16,000 houses are to be provided in 2010 under the Housing Assistance Programme.

Facelift for rural settlements
By JOSHUA FOONG Wednesday November 24, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/24/nation/7480517&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/11/24/nation/n_15kglupak.jpg

Redefining villages: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launching
the ground breaking ceremony of a community housing project at Kampung
Lupak Meluas in Sandakan, Sabah. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal reiterated the Government’s stance that initiatives and projects under the Government Transformation Programme’s (GTP) National Key Results Areas (NKRAs) are not empty promises.

He said under the Rural Basic Infrastructure (RBI) NKRA, the development of rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak are top priorities.

The Government has spent almost RM1bil since 2006 to ensure that the Orang Asli community can compete with other races.

Shafie said the allocation covered the Seventh to Ninth Malaysia plans, as well as the first and second economic stimulus packages.

“Almost half a billion ringgit was provided for the Orang Asli during the five-year period from 2006 to 2010, with the aim of making them more competitive and help change their nomadic lifestyle to a more permanent one.”

In Sabah, Shafie said focus will be given to the Program Pembangunan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT) through the construction of roads, supply of electricity as well as clean and treated water. Over 247km of roads have been built in Sabah so far this year.

The construction of treated water lodges in Tawau is also underway. Shafie added that nationwide, 16,000 PPRT houses would be built this year and up to 14,000 have been completed.

Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Bumburing recently said that as a result of the initiatives under the RBI NKRA of GTP, an estimated 90% of the Tuaran district in Sabah would enjoy access to electricity supply by 2015.

Currently only 67% of the district has electricity.

Meanwhile, construction of three concrete bridges costing RM56mil over Sungai Tuaran between Tuaran town and Kampung Sungai Damit, Kiulu town and Kampung Bayag, and Kampung Mangakaladom and Polod is also in the pipeline.

For Sarawak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said recently the Government would provide allocations to implement various projects in rural areas to ensure that the people there would not be left out.

Sarawak was granted RM2bil to build 906km of rural roads which are expected to be completed by 2012. Another RM1.5bil will be spent to increase water supply coverage from 59% to 90% by end of this year and this initiative would benefit over 91,000 households.

Also RM1.7bil will be set aside to provide electricity supply for over 77,000 rural households by 2012.

As of Oct 31, 60.59km of roads have been completed and efforts are expected to be intensified in order to achieve the RBI NKRA’s target by 2012.

Last month, Sarawak saw 1,097 households connected to clean and treated water and 3,271 households connected to electricity.

Development in rural areas progressing well
Monday December 6, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/6/nation/7537864&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Progress made in the development of rural areas in the country under the GTP’s NKRA to improve rural basic infrastructure is on track according to recent reports obtained from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

The construction of roads is expected to exceed the initial target of 7,000km, with a forecast of 7,249km in total length of road completed by 2012.

Delivery is currently on target with 317.61km paved in Peninsular Malaysia, 213.5km in Sabah and 60.59km in Sarawak.

Some 19,401 households have been connected with permanent electricity supply.

To date, households provided with access to electricity is 99.6% of designated rural households in Peninsular Malaysia, 81% in Sabah and 73% in Sarawak.

This translates to 705 households in Peninsular Malaysia, 10,694 in Sabah and 8,002 in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, access to clean or treated water has been provided to 8,858 households in Peninsular Malaysia, 688 in Sabah and 2,597 in Sarawak. An additional 360,000 households are expected to have access to clean water supply by 2012.

Terengganu Tables RM1.887 Billion Budget For 2011
December 13, 2010 17:56 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=549664&cat=et

KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu government has allocated RM1.887 billion for its 2011 Budget, an increase of RM6.04 million or 0.32 per cent from the RM1.881 billion in the actual 2010 Budget.

Of the total, RM1.699 billion is derived from the federal government's fund, including petroleum royalties which represents 90 per cent of the budget, while the remaining RM188 million or 10 per cent comes from the state government.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, however, said the 2011 Budget had actually dropped by RM57.18 million or 2.94 per cent compared with the revised 2010 Budget.

When tabling the budget at the state assembly sitting here today, Ahmad said the state government would strive to generate development and ensure the well-being of the people.

"At the same time, the state government will also ensure wise and prudent spending without affecting its performance, productivity and quality of service," he said.

"The impact of the economic recovery has affected the economic scenario in Terengganu, with the unemployment rate expected to decline to 3.5 per cent in 2010 from 3.9 per cent in 2009."

Ahmad said the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was expected to grow positively to six per cent in 2010 compared to -1.5 per cent in 2009.

In fact, he said, for 2011, economic growth was expected to reach 6.5 per cent to seven per cent.

Ahmad said the objective of the Terengganu State Development Plan 2009-2013 was to give special focus on sectors that could help boost economic growth and eradicate poverty.

The sectors are education and human resource development, agriculture and agro-based industry, tourism, and industrial, commercial, services and information technology.

"This Budget will focus on four main strategies, namely ensuring the people's well-being, boosting human capital development, increasing the state's competitiveness and improving public service delivery," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Negeri Sembilan Attracts RM3.94 Billion In New Investments Up To October
December 06, 2010 16:59 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=548101&cat=st

SEREMBAN, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan attracted RM3.94 billion in new investments up to October this year, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

However, the amount did not include new investments of RM561 million recorded in the manufacturing sector.

"Our annual target for new investments is RM1 billion. This means we have surpassed our target," he told reporters after opening Tesco Extra Seremban here Monday.

"When we declare new investments for the state we tend to only focus on the manufacturing sector.

"But, we do not report new investments in the services and retail sector.

"Beginning this year, we have seen a lot of new investments in Negeri Sembilan and it is not confined to the manufacturing sector alone," he said.

Mohamad said this was a clear indication that Negeri Sembilan availed good opportunities to investors and offered job prospects to its people.

-- BERNAMA

PM: Federal govt to make Penang preferred regional hub
Published: Monday December 20, 2010 MYT 1:22:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/20/nation/20101220133004&sec=nation

GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government is to make Penang the preferred hub in the region, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said several development strategies designed to stimulate the state's economy and provide jobs were driving the federal government towards that goal.

The development in Penang would result in encouraging economic growth in the national interest, he said at the ground-breaking for an extension project at the Bayan Lepas International Airport here.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was present at the ceremony.

Najib said 10 infrastructure projects had been identified for implementation, including the expansion of the airport, Penang Port and the Penang Bridge, construction of the second bridge and the creation of a multimedia super corridor in the state.

"These initiatives will not only facilitate economic activities but also support our nation's objective to increase tourism revenue from the RM53bil in 2009 to RM168bil by 2020," he said.

He said that following the example of successful airline hubs around the world, Malaysia envisioned its airports as a platform to drive commercial business.

In today's interconnected world, the abilities to offer high quality reliable air travel services and facilities served as a catalyst to attract trade and investment into any country, he said.

He added that this directly supported employment and wealth generation which in turn would help Malaysia's drive to become a high-income nation.

Najib said Penang's international airport had seen encouraging traffic growth, receiving more than 3.4 million passengers this year up to September, up by 30.5 per cent from the corresponding period last year.

"As such, I am sure the expansion of the airport will enable Penang to achieve greater economic growth," he said. - Bernama

Kelantan To Build RM20 Million Waste Disposal Plant
December 23, 2010 15:32 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=552114&cat=et

KOTA BAHARU, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan government is to build a RM20 million solid waste disposal plant in a joint venture with a foreign company.

Chairman of the State Local Government, Culture and Tourism Committee Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the plant using Taiwanese technology will be built at the waste disposal site at Kampung Telong in Kandis near Bachok.

"We will start construction work with a company from China on four hectares of land next year," he told reporters here.

About sixty per cent of the waste collected by the local authorities will be sent to the plant, Takiyuddin said.

"What is so special about the plat is that it will be able to process organic waste into fertiliser," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Plans for big projects in Tg Penasu, Batu Burak
by Othman Ishak. Posted on January 1, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=83727

SIBU: Tanjung Penasu and Batu Burak in the state seat of Bawang Assan can expect bigger development projects in the next five years.

These projects include better infrastructure facilities and public utilities such as electricity, water and telecommunication service.

Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said this was because the Barisan Nasional government was committed to bringing greater development to the people, particularly in rural areas.

Wong, who is Second Finance Minister and Minister of Environment and Public Health, said there were in fact major plans to develop the rural areas in the state.

“But for the smooth implementation of all these projects, we need the support of the people,” he said.

The people, he said, must help the government to ensure the continuation of the present racial harmony and political stability which were prerequisites for progress.

“Our BN government is a government of vision. And we carry out our development programmes according to plans.

“Our aim is to ensure economic prosperity for our nation,” he said, adding that sound economy would bring along better education opportunities for the children and more jobs for the people.

Wong, speaking at a new year dinner at SK Tanjung Penasu on Thursday, assured the people that the BN was never one that provided lip-services to the people.

“We’re a caring government that toes the line of ‘people first, performance now’,” he said.

The dinner was jointly organised by the Tanjung Penasu/Batu Burak Smart Community and the Information Department.

Also at the function were the smart community chairman Andrew Shilling Banggit, dinner organising chairman Penghulu Jeffery Sut and Penghulu James Semilan.

RM144m allocated for Kelantan infrastructure this year
2011/01/02
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/RM144mallocatedforKelantaninfrastructurethisyear/Article/

KOTA BARU: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated RM144 million to provide infrastructure facilities in Kelantan this year, Deputy Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said today.

He said the projects included the provision of water and electricity supply, construction of roads, and building of houses for the poor.

"We expect more infrastructure projects to be implemented this year and the big allocation is being channelled to the state to ensure that all the people benefit," he told reporters after a school opening day function organised by the Kubang Kerian Umno here.

At the event, 70 primary pupils and secondary students in the Kubang Kerian parliamentary constituency received schooling paraphernalia including uniforms and school bags. - BERNAMA

TNB awards RM2.15bil jobs for Ulu Jelai project
Thursday January 13, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/13/business/7788257&sec=business

PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has signed two agreements worth some RM2.15bil for its Ulu Jelai hydroelectric project.

The company said the first agreement was with SMEC International Pty Ltd and SMEC (M) Sdn Bhd consortium, which would provide detailed engineering design for the main civil works, engineering design review for electrical and mechanical works, project management and site supervision.

The contract value was A$22.1mil and RM31.1mil, which was equivalent to RM99.6mil at the prevailing exchange rates, it told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

The second agreement is with Tindakan Mewah Sdn Bhd and Salini Costruttori SpA consortium. Under this contract, the consortium will be responsible for the main civil, electrical and mechanical works.

The main civil works consist of the construction of a dam, two water-transfer tunnels and an underground power house.

TNB said the electrical and mechanical works involved the design, manufacture, erection, testing and commissioning of two power generation plant, each with a capacity of 186MW, and the associated electrical and mechanical equipment.

It said the value of the second contract was 307 million euros and RM818.1mil, which was equivalent to RM2.05bil at the prevailing exchange rates.

The company said the contract period for the development of the Ulu Jelai hydroelectric project was five years, during which the payment to the contractors would be made in accordance with the progress.

The project cost will potentially result in an increase in TNB's net assets by about 7.1%.

TNB said the project was expected to be completed by July 2016.

Suria Capital unit and partners bag RM1bil job
Friday January 14, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/14/business/7794705&sec=business

It’s a contract for a power plant project in Sabah

PETALING JAYA: Suria Capital Holdings Bhd's wholly owned subsidiary SCHB Engineering Services Sdn Bhd and its consortium partners have been awarded a RM1bil engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contract for a power plant project in Sabah.

The contract from Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd involves the construction of a 300MW combined-cycle gas turbine gas-fired power plant project in Kimanis, Sabah, Suria Capital told Bursa Malaysia yesterday. The construction period is three years. SCHB's consortium partners include CTCI Corp, CTCI Overseas Corp Ltd, CTCI Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Steamline (M) Sdn Bhd.

It was reported early last year that 12 companies, including Muhibbah Engineering Bhd, Gadang Holdings Bhd and Zelan Bhd, had been shortlisted to make a bid for the project.

Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd is a 60:40 joint venture between Petronas Gas Bhd (PetGas) and NRG Consortium Sdn Bhd, the business arm of Yayasan Sabah Group.

PetGas signed a shareholders' agreement with Yayasan Sabah in late 2008 to develop the plant, which was expected to meet 45% of the total electricity demand in Sabah.

“Other than Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, who is a director of Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd, none of the other directors and/or shareholders and persons connected with such directors and/or substantial shareholders of Suria and SCHB Engineering has any interest, direct or indirect, in the contract,” Suria Capital said.

The company said the contract was expected to contribute positively to the earnings of SCHB Engineering for this financial year ending Dec 31.

The 300MW power plant project was mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his Budget 2011 speech as one of the public-private sector initiatives.

First power line from Bakun to Bintulu completed
By JACK WONG Saturday January 15, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/15/business/7801343&sec=business

KUCHING: The first line to transmit power from Bakun dam to Similajau, Bintulu, has been completed while Sarawak Energy Bhd's (SEB) Similajau power sub-station in Bintulu is expected to be ready by March.

Works are now underway to construct a power sub-station within the proposed Samalaju Industrial Park to supply electricity to energy-intensive industries like the aluminium smelting and solar panel plants.

Naim Holdings Bhd corporate services and human resource senior director Ricky Kho said the first 118km long Bakun-Similajau transmission line under Package A was completed six months ago.

“We are now constructing the second parallel transmission line under Package B. This new line is expected to be ready in January next year,” he told StarBizWeek yesterday.

The transmission lines will be linked to the Bakun switch yard, which is connected to the Bakun power house.

The RM209mil Bakun-Similajau transmission line project is undertaken by a joint-venture between China's Sinohydro Corp and Naim Holdings.

According to Bakun dam developer, Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd, the Bakun dam is expected to produce its first 300MW in six months.

Sarawak Hidro managing director Zulkifle Osman had said wet testing of the first of the eight turbines was expected to be carried out in April when the water level reached between 185m and 190m.

The water level at the dam had now risen to more than 160m since the impoundment started about three months ago.

SEB transmission general manager Victor Wong said the Similajau sub-station project was more than 80% completed, and it would be operational in April.

“All the main structures of the sub-station have been put up, and the contractor is now doing the control wiring,” he added.

The equipment for the sub-station is supplied by Siemens and Areva.

Wong said the Similajau sub-station was designed to handle more than 4,000MW, including all the power produced by the Bakun dam (2,400MW) and Murum dam (944MW ), which is now being built by SEB.

“The Similajau sub-station is part of the state grid, and the bulk of its power will be for use of energy-intensive industries in the Samalaju Industrial Park,” he added.

Wong said these industries would get their power supply from the proposed Samalaju sub-station, expected to be completed next year. SEB plans to develop a 500kV transmission system in stages, in co-ordination with the development of several hydro electric dams in the state.

The current 275kV network will be expanded to tap the 500kV backbone, and to connect all the dams into the state grid system.

Sarawak Hidro is now in advanced negotiations with SEB, which is majority-owned by the Sarawak government, to sell the power from Bakun to the latter.

SEB's wholly-owned Syarikat SESCo generates, transmits, distributes and supplies power to the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors statewide.

On the state's plan to purchase the Bakun Dam, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud had said the state government was willing to raise its bid for the dam ownership to RM7bil, from an initial RM6bil, if the federal government could offer flexi payment modes such as in the form of a bridging loan.

Kelantan received RM144mil from ministry for rural basic infrastructure
Monday January 17, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/17/nation/7785088&sec=nation

KOTA BHARU: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated RM144mil to the state of Kelantan this year to construct rural basic infrastructure.

Deputy Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said RM14mil of the allocation would go into the works for clean water supply, while the remaining funds will be used to provide electricity, construct roads and houses for the poor.

“We are expecting more infrastructure development this year,” Hasan said. He said that RM120mil was allocated to the state in 2010 with RM78mil from the total being used for setting up infrastructures such as roads, electricity and water.

“The state government needs to be responsible in constructing roads for the state. It should not expect the federal government to solely implement projects here,” said Hasan.

Source: MIDA
http://www.mida.gov.my/en_v2/index.php?page=projects-approved-by-major-location

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Tsunami alert system in Sabah, Sarawak ready
Posted on January 27, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=89960

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A00454.jpg

KOTA KINABALU: The government has completed implementation of the National Early Tsunami Warning System that also covers the coastal regions of Sabah and Sarawak, at a total cost of RM34 million.

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A00455.jpg

EARLY DETECTION: A tsunami buoy installed at Sipadan, off Semporna town on the east coast of Sabah.

Diabetes Also Afflicts Rural People, Says Mahathir
February 20, 2011 18:55 PM

http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/newspic/ge/KL07SIMEDARBY.jpg

Dr Mahathir Mohamad (centre), visiting the replica house of Orang Asli.
Accompanying him is Musa Hitam (right). Pic: Dayana Nabila Shaipul Anuar

HULU LANGAT, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad advised rural people and the Orang Asli to reduce their intake of sugar, saying the incidence of diabetes was also afflicting more people in the rural areas.

He attributed the trend to an unhealthy lifestyle and the consumption of food and drinks w