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Qualcomm recently pulled the curtain back on its Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform series, designed for use in next-generation smartwatches. The series comprises two SoCs, the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and Snapdragon Wear 4100.
The Snapdragon Wear 4100+ is undoubtedly the hero product of the two, loaded with all the latest wearable features Qualcomm has to offer. Off the bat, the Wear 4100+ includes a new high-performance, 12nm SoC that encompasses the CPU, GPU, RAM, and Modem. Moreover, it also utilises a new Always On (AON) ultra-lower power co-processor that is designed to handle a wearable’s display, sensors, maps, and time.
Specs-wise, the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ houses a quad-core A53 CPU, Qualcomm’s Adreno 504 GPU, 750MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and dual ISPs with support for up to 16MP cameras. By comparison, Qualcomm says that it’s new wearable chipset is designed to deliver 85% more performance than its last-generation Wear 3100. That currently powers the Suunto 7. For connectivity, the SoC only supports up to 4G LTE and Cat 4/3/1 and up to dual antennas.
Qualcomm says that its new Snapdragon 4100 series SOCs are already available and is being shipped out to all the semiconductor maker’s partner. As always, the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 series supports both Android Open Source Platform (AOSP) and Google’s Wear OS platform.
Google has begun testing its Airdrop-like file sharing feature called Nearby Share, according to Android Police. The feature is now available along with the latest version of the Play Services beta that was recently released.
Based on the report, Nearby Share works similarly to Apple’s Airdrop function but with some minor differences. Users can use it to quickly transfer files wirelessly between several Android phones with the feature activated. Android Police’s hands-on with the new feature revealed that it supports various formats such as photos and videos, as well as links and tweets.
But aside from making their devices visible (ala Bluetooth), the receivers must manually confirm the file transfer process before receiving any files. This is to avoid major risks such as transferring or receiving explicit content or malware items to others.
Additionally, the site also discovered that Nearby Share had started showing up in the Canary build of Google’s Chrome OS earlier in June. This indicates that the feature will work on Chromebooks as well, and cross-compatibility with Android devices seems very likely.
On a somewhat related note, another Airdrop inspired feature called Quick Share by Samsung is also available – as previously reportedback in January. Unlike Nearby Share, the Korean company’s version could share files between first party devices only.
KUCHING: All registered societies (organisation, associations and political parties) in Sarawak can now hold conferences and general meetings starting today (July 1), but they must adhere strictly to the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) produced by the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
RoS Sarawak director Georgina Apphia Ngau said the department had come up with the SOP which specifies actions to be taken before, during and after a conference or general meeting, and also explains the activities which are allowed and disallowed.
According to Georgina, the conference or general meeting can take place if the number of attendees, including those in the secretariat, numbered not more than 250 people in the hall.
“Yes (the SOP is applicable in Sarawak), specifically applicable to societies registered with RoS,” she said when contacted today.
She also said societies who expect 250 people or more in attendance are required to write in to the RoS and send in an application and recommendations on how they will carry out the conference or general meeting.
“They need to explain how they are going to carry out the AGM with more than 250 people, such as using an online application. We will then bring it to MKN’s (National Security Council) attention for comments and approval,” she said, adding there have been enquiries by some societies on this matter.
Meanwhile, RoS headquarters in Putrajaya issued a statement yesterday evening regarding the SOP for conferences or general meetings which was approved by a special ministers’ meeting on June 22.
It also said the same SOP is also applicable for seminars, courses, workshops or training carried out by societies registered under the RoS.
“The RoS, a government department which regulates all registered societies in Malaysia, would like to inform that all registered societies can now hold conferences or general meetings as well as holding activities related to the management of the societies. All these activities must strictly adhere to the SOP,” it said.
It added the SOP can be found on the websites of MKN and RoS, as well as on the RoS’ official social media platforms.
The SOP, amongst others, stated that the holding of the conference or general meeting must be in accordance to the Societies Act 1966 (Act 335) and the societies’ respective constitution.
The society involved must set up a screening centre at the entrance of the venue, to check on number of attendees and to record body temperatures.
Those with body temperatures above 37.5 Celsius, or showing symptoms, must not be allowed in.
Hand sanitisers must be provided at the screening centres, while social distancing of one metre must be observed among those lining up to be screened.
The organisers must also make sure there is a QR Code for attendees to scan using the MySejahtera app, while those not using smartphones must be recorded manually.
Everyone in attendance including members of the organising committee and secretariat, speakers and attendees must always wear face masks during duration of the conference/ general meeting.
The hall or venue selected for that event must be cleaned and disinfected before and after the conference/ genera meeting, and it must also have good ventilation system.
The seating arrangement for attendees must be arranged according to social distancing norms of one metre, and the attendees must obey the 3Ws (wash hands, wearing face mask and warning adherence) and avoid the 3Cs (close conversation, confined spaces and crowded spaces).
Food at the venue must be prepared on separate plates or packed foods, or to be served by an assigned person during a buffet.
The number of attendees must be 250 people or less depending on the space capacity of the venue, and those who are categorised as patients-under-investigation (PUI) or patients-under-surveillance (PUS) are not allowed to attend.
(From left) Rosey, Fatimah and owner of Tadika Astana, June Abdullah, showing individually packed and tagged toys for the children. – Picture by Mohamad Norhadie Sahari
MIRI : Kindergartens and pre-schools in Sarawak that do not adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government will be ordered to close with immediate effect, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah warned.
The welfare, community wellbeing, women, family and childhood development minister today said this was vital in ensuring the safety and health of the children.
“If they (kindergarten and pre-schools) do not comply, they will be ordered to close. Because at the end of the day, it is the children who will be affected. The safety, health and security of our children is our first and foremost concern,” she told reporters after visiting Tadika Astana, a private kindergarten here today.
Fatimah disclosed that there were agencies monitoring all kindergartens and pre-schools to ensure that the SOP was adhered to although they were under different agencies.
She explained that Tadika Kemas is under the Ministry of Rural Development, pre-schools under the Education Department, Tadika Perpaduan under the Department of National Unity and Integration, and private kindergartens are monitored by the Education Department or her ministry.
Fatimah said based on surveys by herself and her the assistant minister, Rosey Yunus, earlier on as well as today, many were found to be in compliance with the guidelines given.
“Teachers and operators are working very hard to ensure that children under their care can fully comply with teachers’ order in terms of the SOP. So I must congratulate them for this.
“A lot of efforts were done to provide a healthy and safe environment not only for the children, but also the staff and parents when they come to the kindergarten,” she said.
Fatimah said there are 2,865 kindergartens in the state with a total of 78,225 pupils, 5,400 teachers and 3,758 assistant teachers.
However, she said only 2,385 or 83.4 per cent of the kindergartens resumed operation starting today.
“For private kindergartens that have not resumed operation, they will start on July 20. For government kindergartens, mostly Tadika Kemas, a total of 461 have not resumed operation and will only start on July 15,” disclosed Fatimah.
She added that for nurseries, all 236 of them in the state have resumed operation as they were given the greenlight to start from June 9.
Touching on her visit to Tadika Astana today, she said it was to personally see the operation of the kindergarten and the SOPs put in place by the operator. Prior to this, she had visited several other kindergartens in Miri as well as Bekenu withy Rosey.
“The opening of kindergartens and pre-schools are important because they are also a support system for working parents. Early childhood education is also vital as it prepares children for formal school,” she added.
Qualcomm recently pulled the curtain back on its Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform series, designed for use in next-generation smartwatches. The series comprises two SoCs, the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and Snapdragon Wear 4100.
The Snapdragon Wear 4100+ is undoubtedly the hero product of the two, loaded with all the latest wearable features Qualcomm has to offer. Off the bat, the Wear 4100+ includes a new high-performance, 12nm SoC that encompasses the CPU, GPU, RAM, and Modem. Moreover, it also utilises a new Always On (AON) ultra-lower power co-processor that is designed to handle a wearable’s display, sensors, maps, and time.
Specs-wise, the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ houses a quad-core A53 CPU, Qualcomm’s Adreno 504 GPU, 750MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and dual ISPs with support for up to 16MP cameras. By comparison, Qualcomm says that it’s new wearable chipset is designed to deliver 85% more performance than its last-generation Wear 3100. That currently powers the Suunto 7. For connectivity, the SoC only supports up to 4G LTE and Cat 4/3/1 and up to dual antennas.
Qualcomm says that its new Snapdragon 4100 series SOCs are already available and is being shipped out to all the semiconductor maker’s partner. As always, the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 series supports both Android Open Source Platform (AOSP) and Google’s Wear OS platform.
Google has begun testing its Airdrop-like file sharing feature called Nearby Share, according to Android Police. The feature is now available along with the latest version of the Play Services beta that was recently released.
Based on the report, Nearby Share works similarly to Apple’s Airdrop function but with some minor differences. Users can use it to quickly transfer files wirelessly between several Android phones with the feature activated. Android Police’s hands-on with the new feature revealed that it supports various formats such as photos and videos, as well as links and tweets.
But aside from making their devices visible (ala Bluetooth), the receivers must manually confirm the file transfer process before receiving any files. This is to avoid major risks such as transferring or receiving explicit content or malware items to others.
Additionally, the site also discovered that Nearby Share had started showing up in the Canary build of Google’s Chrome OS earlier in June. This indicates that the feature will work on Chromebooks as well, and cross-compatibility with Android devices seems very likely.
On a somewhat related note, another Airdrop inspired feature called Quick Share by Samsung is also available – as previously reportedback in January. Unlike Nearby Share, the Korean company’s version could share files between first party devices only.
The fissure measuring some 30m in front of the Long Lama clinic.
MIRI: The cracked ground in front of Long Lama Health Clinic could have been caused by land clearing nearby for the construction of the Long Lama Rural Growth Centre (RGC), said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
“Land clearing at the area near to the clinic for the purpose of developing our Long Lama RGC might have trigger land movement and caused the crack in front of the clinic.
“This is however my initial thought only, pending reply from the Public Works Department (PWD) which had carried out an investigation at the site on June 26,” said Ngau when contacted today.
He added that constant rainfall in the past weeks also contributed to the land slip.
Thus, Ngau suggested that a retention wall be built there to prevent further damage especially to the building’s structure.
“Having said that, we are still waiting for feedback from the experts on what should be done next,” he said.
Despite the cracked ground, the clinic, which is in Ngau’s constituency, remains open.
However, Ngau stressed that if the land slip worsens and pose a danger to those going for checkups, it should be temporarily closed.
“In the event that the clinic must be closed for the safety of our folk, I suggest we use the new Marudi District council office located nearby to be used as the temporary clinic,” he said.
The front entrance of the clinic has been sealed off due to the land slip, requiring visitirs to enter from the rear of the building.
The clinic receives about 100 patients daily from nearby villages and settlements.
Several videos went viral on social media yesterday, showing a fissure some 30m long in front of the clinic, leading many to believe that an earthquake had happened in the area.
Long Lama community leader, Penghulu Desmond Yap immediately responded to the video saying that it was not an earthquake, but a land slip instead.
Ngau also said that he has been in contact with the people in long Lama and he was monitoring the situation closely.
“I would like to urge the public especially those wanting to go to the clinic for checkup and also staff there to be extra careful when going there to avoid any untoward incident.
“Their safety is of paramount importance to me,” he said.
A young boy has his mouth checked by kindergarten staff before being allowed to enter the premises. Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Teachers and staff of St Faith Kindergarten are excited and looking forward to the first day of the reopening of kindergartens today since the Movement Control Order was introduced three months ago.
St Faith Kindergarten, Kenyalang Park principal Josephine Gawing said classes for students would be staggered, meaning six-year-olds would start first this week, followed by five-year-olds on July 6 and four-year-olds on July 13.
There are about 90 six-year-olds divided into four classes who attended lessons this morning
St Faith Kindergarten has about 300 students in total divided into ten classes.
Josephine Gawing
“Less is good for us for a start so that we can settle in slowly with staggered classes, and initial monitoring is much easier this week,” Gawing told The Borneo Post.
“We’re slowly gearing in for another batch of five year old students next week in anticipation of full operations as the month goes on.
“We are very excited because we have not met the children for three months and at the same time we are concerned how the parents responded to the opening of the kindergarten, but so far so good,” she said.
From the observations of the arrival of students from 7am this morning, full Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were already in place such as temperature checks, hand and mouth screenings and hand sanitising before entering their classes.
Apart from that, parents were also asked to submit the Health Declaration Form to teachers upon arrival.
Kindergarten children observe social distancing before entering class.
The Health Declaration Form is given by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to all kindergartens to certify that their child is fit to go to school.
“Precautionary measures have been placed to adhere to the SOP such as temperature screenings, hands sanitising and submission of Health Declaration Forms. For the checking of hands and mouth, we have been doing that all along for all children.
“When children enter their classes, we ask them to put on face shields, compliments from the school,” she said.
Krystal Kho
Most parents met when sending their children to school put their trust in the school to monitor their children.
Banker Krystal Kho, 32, said that although she was still worried about the Covid-19 situation, she said she trusted that the kindergarten would take care of her son, Feyman Quek.
“Of course I am worried but I trust the kindergarten to monitor my son,” she said.
Jap Boon Chan
Jap Boon Chan, 38, said that he and his wife have prepared their son, Yap Jun, by giving him extra masks and hand sanitisers along with packed food.
“I am not that worried because I believe in this kindergarten who has been teaching and handling my son well,” the drafter said.
Bia Bakir, a 69-year-old grandmother said she was there this morning to accompany her grandson, Elijah Immanuel to the kindergarten as his father has been unwell after suffering from a stroke.
Bia, who was also accompanied by Elijah’s elder brother, Form Six student Azron Arnold, both expressed confidence in the kindergarten.
“We are not that worried because we trust the kindergarten, and my grandson is excited to come back to school,” said Bia.
Bia (left) helps her grandson, Elijah with his face mask.
Meanwhile, Kemas pre-school in Kampung Lintang only recorded two students in attendance out of 40 plus students for morning and afternoon sessions.
Schoolteachers Sharifah Norsiah Wan Abang and Dayang Siti Nurbaya Abang Saruji said there was only one student each for the morning and afternoon sessions, respectively.
There are currently four sessions in a day for the pre-school, two classes in the morning and two classes in the afternoon.
Both teachers said that even though the pre-school just opened today, most parents were still unwilling to send their children to school because of the uncertain situation surrounding the pandemic.
“That is why we have only two students coming in today, as most parents are still not willing to send their children to school.
Dayang Siti Nurbaya (left) with her student, Mohd Mustaqim Mohd Asri. Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
“We cannot force parents to send their children so at the moment all studying materials are sent via WhatsApp to students who are unable to attend,” said both teachers.
Kindergartens have been allowed to resume operations from today, subject to strict compliance with the SOP, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced recently.
He said the Education Ministry had tabled the SOP for this at the special Cabinet meeting recently on the opening of kindergartens during the ongoing Recovery Movement Control Order.
A kindergarten student gets a helping hand with his face shield.
Vivo Malaysia has officially announced that the latest X series smartphone, the Vivo X50, will launch locally sometime soon. Based on its launch in China earlier in June, the series consists of three devices: the standard X50, the X50 Pro, and the X50 Pro Plus.
Starting with the standard Vivo X50, the phone is equipped with a 6.56-inch Full HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 765 chipset, 8GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. It is powered by a 4,200mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging.
Camera-wise, the device sports a quad-camera setup on its back consisting of a Sony IMX598 48MP sensor with four-axis OIS, 13MP portrait, 8MP periscope, and a 8MP wide angle. Housed in a punch-hole cutout in the front display is a 32MP selfie camera.
The Pro variant offers mostly similar specifications, save for some minor differences. These include a slightly larger 4,315mAh battery and instead of a four-axis OIS, its 48MP camera utilises a gimbal-like technology that offers better stabilisation.
Lastly, the Vivo X50 Pro Plus comes with a 6.56-inch Full HD+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the phone features a higher-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, up to 12GB RAM, and a storage capacity of up to 256GB. It is powered by a 4,350mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging.
The Pro Plus also comes with an advanced quad-camera setup on its back, which consists of a main Samsung GN1 50MP shooter, a 32MP portrait, 13MP periscope, and a 13MP wide angle. Like the Pro version, its main camera features the gimbal technology for image stabilisation. In front is a 32MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout in its display.
Keep in mind that the specs for all three phones in the X50 series listed above are based on its Chinese release. Vivo Malaysia has not revealed the full spec sheets, and we have yet to see if the phones will have different configurations when released locally.
The exact launch date and pricing for the new X50 series have not been announced as well. But for your reference, the Vivo X50 Pro Plus with 8GB + 128GB retails at CNY4,998 (~RM3,015) in China. While the the X50 Pro with 8GB + 128GB is priced at CNY4,298 (~RM2,592), and the base X50 comes in at CNY3,498 (~RM2,110) for the 8GB + 128GB model.
Vivo Malaysia has officially announced that the latest X series smartphone, the Vivo X50, will launch locally sometime soon. Based on its launch in China earlier in June, the series consists of three devices: the standard X50, the X50 Pro, and the X50 Pro Plus.
Starting with the standard Vivo X50, the phone is equipped with a 6.56-inch Full HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 765 chipset, 8GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. It is powered by a 4,200mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging.
Camera-wise, the device sports a quad-camera setup on its back consisting of a Sony IMX598 48MP sensor with four-axis OIS, 13MP portrait, 8MP periscope, and a 8MP wide angle. Housed in a punch-hole cutout in the front display is a 32MP selfie camera.
The Pro variant offers mostly similar specifications, save for some minor differences. These include a slightly larger 4,315mAh battery and instead of a four-axis OIS, its 48MP camera utilises a gimbal-like technology that offers better stabilisation.
Lastly, the Vivo X50 Pro Plus comes with a 6.56-inch Full HD+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the phone features a higher-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, up to 12GB RAM, and a storage capacity of up to 256GB. It is powered by a 4,350mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging.
The Pro Plus also comes with an advanced quad-camera setup on its back, which consists of a main Samsung GN1 50MP shooter, a 32MP portrait, 13MP periscope, and a 13MP wide angle. Like the Pro version, its main camera features the gimbal technology for image stabilisation. In front is a 32MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout in its display.
Keep in mind that the specs for all three phones in the X50 series listed above are based on its Chinese release. Vivo Malaysia has not revealed the full spec sheets, and we have yet to see if the phones will have different configurations when released locally.
The exact launch date and pricing for the new X50 series have not been announced as well. But for your reference, the Vivo X50 Pro Plus with 8GB + 128GB retails at CNY4,998 (~RM3,015) in China. While the the X50 Pro with 8GB + 128GB is priced at CNY4,298 (~RM2,592), and the base X50 comes in at CNY3,498 (~RM2,110) for the 8GB + 128GB model.
Apart from its effectiveness in destroying SARS-COV-2 virus (COVID-19 source) up to 99.99 per cent, the study also found that the virus could be eliminated within 15 to 30 seconds due to the PVP-I content. File Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: A study conducted by a group of experts from Malaysia in collaboration with pharmaceutical company Mundipharma recently, found the efficacy of povidone iodine (PVP-I) mouthwash products in curbing Covid-19 spread.
Apart from its effectiveness in destroying SARS-COV-2 virus (Covid-19 source) up to 99.99 per cent, the study also found that the virus could be eliminated within 15 to 30 seconds due to the PVP-I content.
One of the experts involved in the study, Assoc Prof Dr Nurul Azmawati Mohamed from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Medical Faculty, when contacted by Bernama said, earlier, various articles published in international journals which touched on the efficacy of PVP-I and hydrogen peroxide had recommended that health professionals use the gargle before seeing patients.
“Patients too should rinse their mouth before treatment (especially in dental clinics) and the Health Ministry (MOH) too had started providing PVP-I or hydrogen peroxide to patients in need of dental treatment.
“The use of mouthwash products with PVP-I, such as Betadine Gargle and Mouth Wash is more for prevention because the SARS-COV-2 virus enters through the mouth and nose. Gargling the antiseptic fluid will kill the virus found in the throat area. As such the spread of the virus can be reduced because we are aware that the virus is spread through respiratory fluid from the throat and nose,” she said.
Meanwhile Dr Nurul Azmawati said, oral hygiene routine with the use of PVP-I mouthwash should not be limited to health personnel only as the public could also practice it as a precautionary measure.
Based on the research findings, she hopes to collaborate with MOH by testing the products on Covid-19 patients.
Another expert involved in the research Dr Pouya Hassandarvish said products containing PVP-I are available in both liquid and spray form.
According to Hassandarvish, so far the World Health Organisation and other governments have been advising society to use alcohol-based solution like hand sanitisers, which were effective.
“But as you know Covid-19 infects through the mouth and nose, the gargle and mouthwash can be a good solution if you use them to disinfect your mouth as our findings show this product can kill the virus within 15 seconds,” he said in a Skype interview with Bernama TV earlier today.
When asked how far away the world is from a vaccine for Covid-19, he said right now scientists and researchers have been working hard to come out with a vaccine to end the pandemic.
“To develop a vaccine, it will take time, because anytime you find something, you have to go through the trial period, and it takes time whether you will receive positive result or no result. If there is no result, you have to try it again from the beginning,” said the Iranian post doctoral fellow researcher at University Malaya’s Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre. – Bernama
Ewon (second left) inspecting repair works being done at Jalan Melangkap, where a slope collapse rendered a 200-metre stretch of the road impassable to vehicles.
KOTA BELUD: Minister of Rural Development Datuk Ewon Benedick said he has inspected the roads damaged by landslides due to heavy rain which began Saturday evening.
Among the badly affected roads were Jalan Melangkap, Jalan Purak Ogis, Jalan Bongol, Jalan Tambatuon and Jalan Pompod, as well as some damage to other roads leading to villages in the Kadamaian area.
“The Public Works Department (JKR) as well as appointed concession companies are in works to repair and clean up traces of erosion on the roads. As of now, Jalan Melangkap is still inaccessible by all vehicles, however cleaning works are in progress. Other roads are now accessible,” said Ewon, after surveying the affected areas.
According to him, Jalan Melangkap experienced the most severe damage.
The slope which collapsed caused a 200-metre stretch of the road to be buried in eroded soil, which requires time to clean up.
The damage to Jalan Melangkap cut off link to seven villages, namely Kampung Melangkap Baru, Kampung Melangkap Tomis, Kampung Melangkap Tiong, Kampung Melangkap Kapa, Kampung Melangkap Noriou, Kampung Tinata and Kampung Gonsurai.
Access to two schools, SK Melangkap and SK Gonsurai, were also cut off, in addition to a few community eco-tourism centres.
“Villagers affected were forced to use an alternative route, which is Jalan Melangkap-Podos-Taginambur.
“Jalan Pompod, on the other hand, is still submerged and is only accessible by heavy vehicles. I have instructed JKR Kota Belud to raise the level of the road along the 200-metre Jalan Pompod,” the minister said.
Ewon, who is also Kadamaian assemblyman, said the landslide also buried the main drainage line, and some villages experienced power outage as well as water supply disruption.
He said the number of villages and people affected in Kota Belud were still being recorded.
“In Kadamaian, the Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) are also helping to identify families affected, especially those in need of aid and food,” he added.
Food aid had been distributed to those in Kampung Pituru, Kampung Pompod, Kampung Rangalau, Kampung Ratau and Kampung Pangi, while pipes were given to Kampung Bundu Paka to repair the water gravity supply.
Ewon had also pledged to use his assemblyman allocations to repair some areas outside the jurisdiction of JKR and its concession companies.
Nolokman (seated, second left) with other Warisan Branch Chiefs have announced quitting the party immediately.
SANDAKAN: A total of 1,320 members of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) from 12 branches in Libaran Parliament have announced quitting the party immediately, yesterday.
Out of the 12 branches, 11 branches are under Sungai Sibuga State Seat while one branch is under Gum-Gum State Seat.
Kampung Seri Ujung 2 Branch Chief, Nolokman Tamal represented all the 12 branches and said that they unanimously decided to quit Warisan after they have lost trust in the party’s leadership.
They also said that they unanimously supported Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Sungai Sibuga assemblyman Tan Sri Musa Aman.
“Our issue is the same as the issue faced by other branches – we have lost the trust in the party’s leadership. Other than that, all our branches are not registered under the Registry of Societies (ROS) Malaysia, when we have already submitted the forms before the last General Election,” he said.
Commenting further, Nolokman said that the decision to quit the party was not driven by any other parties, but it is their own will.
He said that all the members and himself will choose to be independent after they leave Warisan.
Last Friday, over 1,000 Warisan members from 11 branches in Airport and Sibugal District Voting Centre in Libaran had also announced quitting the party.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah registered one new Covid-19 case yesterday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 372.
State Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung said that the case was detected in Kote Belud.
The case was transmitted locally and detected through a pre-referral screening at the district’s hospital.
Sabah also registered one new recovery in Tuaran yesterday, bringing the total number of recoveries in the state to 353.
There are now 12 remaining active cases in the state, three in Tuaran, two each in Tawau and Kota Kinabalu and one each in Sandakan, Penampang, Kota Belud, Papar and Nabawan.
KOTA KINABALU: Strict precautions or standard operating procedures (SOPs) inspire confidence among parents to allow their children to return to taska (childcare centre or preschool). Taska Jolly Learners and Tadika Jati principal Creena Alison Wong said her taska received approximately 20 percent of returning students, who had initially pulled out during the Movement Control Order.
She attributed this to tight SOPs, which she was told were stricter than that prescribed by the authorities.
“A team from the State Health Department inspected the taska yesterday and they said our SOP was even stricter than what was required of us. For example, we would be taking students’ temperature five times a day instead of three times daily. Students would also be required to wash their hands every 30 minutes.
“In the event of a Covid-19 case, we would close the school for 14 days instead of the five days instructed by authorities, following the Covid-19 incubation period,” said Alison. She shared that her teachers and parents alike were very happy about the impending reopening of the taska, and the strict SOP provided an extra incentive for parents.
Alison assured operators that a tight SOP would not scare parents away, as in her case, it encouraged parents to allow their children to return to the school.
Alison further emphasised the importance of parents and schools working together, as strict SOPs would enable them to fight the virus.
“Another SOP we would implement is taking the parents’ temperature when they send their children to school. If the parents have a temperature of above 37.5 celsius, we would not allow the child to enter the school.
“Some parents may argue and say their child is not sick, but we do not want to take any risks. Therefore, we really need parents to cooperate with the school. Working together, we can fight this (virus),” she said.
Alison also revealed that parents would be able to monitor their child from home or work, thanks to the web-based application BridgED, which records the students’ temperature and keeps the parents updated.
The application acts as a one-stop system for pre-school centres, comprising features such as e-registration, e-portfolio, e-communication and an alert system, as well as other daily school affairs that allows teachers to be dedicated to teaching and learning in classrooms with a more centralised system.
With the small number of students currently registered to attend physical classes once the school reopens, Alison said it was easy to observe social distancing, by creating “social bubbles in school,” minimising the movement of subject teachers and assigning a small number of children to a fixed area, while maintaining a fun and loving environment for children despite the physical distancing.
She added that for now, physical classes could be carried out five days a week. However, if the number of students increase, Alison said the school would opt for two days of physical classes and three days of online classes via the online platform, Zoom.
She said parents would be required to update the school monthly on their child’s attendance, so as to assist the school in planning for lessons.
“To be fair to everyone, we are planning it month by month. If parents do not wish to send their children to taska, the children will have lessons via Zoom. We don’t want to be indefinite and in order to help the school plan, especially with social distancing in effect, parents need to inform the school on a month-to-month basis on their child’s attendance,” said Alison.
She also thanked the State Health Department for dispatching teams to inspect taska in Kota Kinabalu so as to expedite reopening, as each premises was required to undergo inspection so as to ensure SOPs were in place.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded one new case of cholera on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 17.
State Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said the case was detected in Sipitang.
She also said that one of the previous cholera cases in Semporna had now been transferred to Kinabatangan.
She further warned that two out of the 17 cases showed no symptoms at all.
Separately, she reminded parents as well as the operators of nurseries and kindergartens to practise all existing Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in light of the re-opening of nurseries and kindergartens on July 1.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the seizure took place after an investigation found that 1,000 copies of the book had been printed prior to this. Bernama Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 313 copies of a book allegedly insulting the Coat of Arms of Malaysia were seized by police in a raid on a printing company in Petaling Jaya, Selangor yesterday evening.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the seizure took place after an investigation found that 1,000 copies of the book had been printed prior to this.
“Through the initial investigation, it was found that 1,000 copies have been printed but 687 copies were sold online.
“A team of officers and members from the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (UJST) of Bukit Aman were deployed there since 3 pm to seize the remaining 313 copies from the company,” he said at a special media conference in Bukit Aman here today.
He said police were currently in the process of reviewing the book and had identified the individual involved in drawing the cover of the book.
Commenting further, Huzir said arrests on individuals linked to the production of the book would be made if there was a need.
Police at the same time received 32 reports on the case.
“The case is being investigated under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Preventing Unlawful Use) (Amendment) Act 2016, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 8 (1) of the Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984,’’he said.
Yesterday, social media published a book titled ‘Rebirth: Reform, Resistance, And Hope In New Malaysia’ which featured a logo similar to the Coat of Arms of Malaysia that was modified to decorate the front page. – Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sabah Division has called on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal to seriously look into the problems at the University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) which is reducing its staff salaries by half.
Its secretary, Catherine Jikunan, said the administration staff and lecturers had met with MTUC to discuss their predicament and suffering before the UCSF issued a memo informing them on the cost-cutting measure on June 23.
She said the memo mentioned that all the staff had agreed to accept 50 per cent deduction of their gross salary for four months.
“There was no agreement given by the staff to allow UCSF to cut their gross salary to 50%. It was delibrately decided by the management itself without prior consultation with all the staff. All staff were only given the memo after they made the decision,” said Jikunan in a statement yesterday.
Jikunan said the staff also informed her that UCSF is taking opportunity of the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out salary deduction and failed to fulfil their obligation towards the staff since 2017.
“As we are all aware, the government has announced a wage subsidy for another three months in order for the employers to retain their staff. Why UCSF did not take this subsidy? Most of the staff are B40 wage earners,” she said.
The staff also claimed that they did not receive their annual increment and they have been receiving their salary late since February 2019, and the May 2020 salary was only paid half.
UCSF, owned by the Sabah Foundation, is looking to slash staff salaries by half and possibly laying off hundreds as it struggles to deal with a sharp drop in student intake due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its vice-chancellor, Mohamed Haleem Mohamed Razi, said in the memo that these were part of cost-cutting measures in light of a plunge in intake for the April semester.
Under the cost-cutting scheme, staff will be subject to a 50% pay cut with working hours reduced to 20 per week.
If by September there has been no improvement in the university’s financial status, the number of active staff will be reduced to a minimum in order for it to stay afloat.
“A portion of the staff will be placed on unpaid leave from October onwards. They are allowed to find work elsewhere,?Haleem added in the memo.
UCSF, which was established in 2013, is a subsidiary of Sabah Foundation, a state government-linked company. It has close to 200 staff with 400 students presently enrolled. Shafie is the chancellor of the university.
Sandakan Health Office personnel putting up a notice to inform the public about the closure of Sandakan Central Market from 5pm on June 30 until July 7.
SANDAKAN: Following the detection of one positive Covid-19 case at Sandakan Central Market (fish market) here, last Monday, the Health Ministry has ordered for the market to close for seven days.
The closure involves the whole market, including the first and second floors.
According to Sandakan Health Office’s Environmental Health Officer, Sundusin Nganro, the closure was to make way for disinfection process in the market which would take about three days.
“The closure is also to reduce the number of crowds coming to the market. We also found a large number of hawkers in the market have not been obeying the Standard Operating Procedure set by the ministry.
“We may allow the market to reopen after three days, if the disinfection process is completed,” he said.
Sundusin reminded the local community in Sandakan to always adhere to SOP, avoid going to crowded areas; practise safe social distancing and wear face masks when they are outside.
“Sandakan has become a yellow zone. However, God’s willing, with the collaboration from all parties, we will be able to stop the spread of Covid-19 here,” he said.
Sundusin said that there is no need to close other markets in Sandakan for the time being, however, they would refer to Sandakan Health Office for further action to be taken in the effort to stop the spread of Covid-19.
