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KUCHING (Jan 1): An increase of 20 to 25 per cent in motorcycle accidents was recorded in 2020 throughout Sarawak, says Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
He said Department of Statistics Malaysia shows 430 motorcycle accidents reported compared to 199 car accidents in 2020.
“It is undeniable that the use of motorcycles is very suitable and popular with many young people. But they also contribute the highest number of accidents here.
“Ministry of Transport (MoT) is very concerned about road users especially motorcyclists and pillion riders as we are not only a public transport provider but also take care of the safety of consumers,” he said when met by reporters after attending a Road Safety Awareness Programme in Siburan yesterday.
Therefore, MoT is collaborating with Road Transport Department (JPJ), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Serian District Office, State Public Transport Committee (STPC) to intensify awareness campaign throughout Sarawak.
A total of 350 helmets and safety jackets were distributed to motorcyclists at the Basketball Court, Siburan in conjunction with the campaign yesterday.
Dr Jerip, who is also Mambong assemblyman revealed that Siburan will soon become a district with a main highway.
He advised motorists to be alert and careful especially during the festive season especially not to drink and drive.
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MIRI (Jan 1): The implementation of Undi18, which is the constitutional amendment that lowers the voting age in Malaysia from 21 to 18, is set to bring different dynamics into politics, says a local Democratic Action Party (DAP) Youth man.
Peter Hee believes that those under this category of voters would be ‘courted’ by the political parties that want to remain relevant.
“Their (those aged of 18 who are eligible to vote) thinking is absolutely different from the political dynamics now,” said the DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak chairman in a statement issued in response to Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin’s remarks about the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) setting out to be ‘a tough rival’ in terms of capturing young voters.
Muda had just been officially registered as a political party, following its victory in the lawsuit against the government for rejecting its registration previously.
Khairy, who is formerly Umno Youth chief, said based on his personal observation, the young voters did not support Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno in the last general election due to the current issues at the time.
He also viewed Undi18 as ‘a very serious phenomenon that must be taken seriously, especially by the Youth and Puteri wings of Umno’.
In view of this, Hee said DAPSY would hit the ground running by organising youth-oriented activities and raising political awareness amongst these young people ‘who could be the kingmakers in the coming elections’, once their interests had been ‘kindled’.
Hee also expressed hope for Muda to ‘fire up’ the enthusiasm in the young people and attract more of them to join politics.
“DAPSY will be open to any cooperation in organising political lectures to encourage greater participation amongst youths.
“Based on the current situation, we can see that the young people are not keen on politics. This is something we must pay attention to,” said Hee, who was fielded by the DAP to contest in Piasau in the recent 12th state election.
Hee and three other candidates lost to Datuk Sebastian Ting, who secured the seat with a majority of 4,988 votes. For the record, Hee polled 1,802 votes.
On his expectations for 2022, Hee believed that it could the year for the 15th general election to be called.
He also hoped for the Covid-19 pandemic to be over.
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KUCHING (Jan 1): Newly-elected Dudong representative Dato Sri Tiong King Sing pledges to serve his constituents with all of his heart and dedication.
“To me, the Year 2022 carries a distinctive significance. Thanks to all your support I was able to win the Dudong state constituency despite contesting in the state election for the first time.
“While feeling overwhelmed with this new responsibility on my shoulders, I will dedicate all my effort to voyaging down this road full of unknowns and challenges.
“Even though I’m equipped with some past experience, I still consider myself a freshman as a member of State Legislative Assembly. I promise I would ensure my pragmatism and productivity throughout this journey in order to build a better tomorrow with everyone,” he said in his New Year message yesterday.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, hoped that people would not hesitate to provide him with their guidance and recommendations .
He said he would accept constructive feedback or criticisms to improve his performance.
“Today, you sow your trust and confidence in me; you will reap your fruits of development in the future.”
He hoped that all will continue to stay strong and persistent in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic particularly with the new Omicron variant.
He called for understanding from all if Malaysian government had any shortcomings needing improvements in managing the pandemic.
He also prayed for the flood victims and the needy and hoped the floods in Peninsular Malaysia would recede soon and everyone would be back on track with normal life.
“I would also like to pay my utmost respect and gratitude to all the volunteers and supply donors for the floods. It’s with your kind help and courage, regardless of the ruthless weather, that the victims can escape to the safe zone with shelter and avoid hunger.
“This definitely helps in the rebuilding work of people’s homes. Furthermore, your unity, spirit and selflessness are the rain after a drought, as well as the perfect example of national and racial unity, bringing hopes and expectations to the people.
“With the spirit of unity, we will be able to face all challenges and get through the ordeal without fear. It’s truly a pleasure and pride to have people like you, and I hereby send my utmost gratitude to you,” he said.
Tiong said while Malaysia’s future looks hazy as people ring in the New Year 2022, they should stay hopeful.
“Last but not least, I wish Malaysia would experience less turbulence in 2022, so let us sail smoothly through the year with abundance and happiness, yearning for serenity and prosperity to Malaysia and all,” he added.
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Lau hopes to give these certificates to former students of Miri Secondary School.
MIRI (Jan 1): Founder of the now defunct Miri Secondary School, Datuk Lau Siu Wai apologises to some 700 former students who did not get their public examination certificates for failure to clear outstanding school fees.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the executive chairman of Miri Housing Group revealed that recently he finally took the time to clear some documents given to him but left untouched for many years.
“From the documents, I found this pile of unclaimed certificates kept by the school including O Levels and SPM certificates for failure to clear outstanding school fees dating back to 1970s.
“Until recently, I was unaware of the matter and plan to contact these students or their next of kin to come and claim these certificates, probably next week,” said Lau.
The 92-year-old entrepreneur and educationist founded the private school in 1964 with nine other shareholders contributing RM5,000 each to offer affordable education to everyone.
With a bank loan of RM50,000, the school started with 230 students and eight classrooms which had increased to over 1,600 students and 32 classrooms.
Between 1964 and 1969, about 800 poor students were allowed to pay school fees at a discount each year depending on their parents’ financial situation.
His mission of offering affordable education was cut short after he was relieved of his position as second principal and shareholder of the school in 1969. The school finally shuttered in late 1980s.
“Until today, I am filled with regret that I wasn’t able to protect these students. Looking looking through these certificates held by the school for not being able to pay full amount of school fees breaks my heart,” said Lau.
The pioneer private housing developer in Miri who was born in Chaozhou province, China in 1931 arrived here July 2, 1953. In 1941, he studied Chinese classical literature at a private tutorial school before pursuing English at St Joseph’s College in 1947 in Hong Kong.
While working with Sarawak Shell Oil Field Limited in Miri, he self-studied in the evenings to obtain Cambridge Higher School Certificate in 1957.
He obtained PhD in Project Management from Inter-American University, New York in 2010 and received an honorary professorship (English award) from Hanshang Normal University in Chaozhou, China.
His passion for education had seen him going great lengths to help students facing financial difficulties even though it affected his business.
“No amount of housing estates or commercial estates that I have built could measure up to the satisfaction I get from establishing schools. I know how important education is and how affordable education could help change the lives of poor students,” said Lau.
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Yap (right) and counsel Ben Lau discuss the case at Yap’s office.
SIBU (Jan 1): A cheating case victim filed a motion at the High Court here on Thursday to order the police to return his mobile phone immediately, with the condition intact.
His counsel Yap Hoi Liong said his 19-year-old client, Law, had his phone seized by police unlawfully in a cheating case investigation.
However, Law was not the suspect in the case; instead, he was the complainant.
Law’s mobile phone has been registered as an exhibit for the case.
He said it was Law who lodged a police against his friend, Teo, who cheated the former in an investment scheme.
Yap also said the motion was to decide whether the police had the jurisdiction to seize anything from his client under Section 51(1) of Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) when he (Law) was not the suspect in the cheating case.
Yap said such unlawful seizure was a violation of rights to his client’s property under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution and an invasion of privacy of life.
“It was an unlawful seizure. They need to return the handphone as it is a personal property.
“As a result of wrongful detention of the property, we ask for damages from the respondent,” he said.
According to Yap, his client was contacted by Teo regarding an investment worth about RM100,000.
After a few months, Teo failed to return the investment upon demand; thus, on April 7 last year, Law lodged a police report calling for an investigation to be carried out as he felt cheated by his friend.
Then, Law had his statement recorded under Section 112 of the CPC, and rendered full cooperation to the police and produced all the documents and evidence, including all the messages with the suspect contained in his mobile phone, which were also printed out and handed over to the investigating officer in the course of police investigation.
“During investigation, the investigating officer upon instruction from the deputy public prosecutor, seized the complainant’s (Law’s) handphone.
“That is wrong in the law.
“If it’s a seizure, the seizure must be on the suspect, but in this case, it’s not. My client was not a suspect,” said Yap.
According to him, police had issued the order under Section 51(1) of the CPC for Law to deliver his mobile phone to the police, and the phone should be returned to Law after the investigation or after it was produced in court – if necessary.
However, the phone was seized by the police at Law’s house on the night of April 15 last year.
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KUCHING (Jan 1): Social activist Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soo believes the year 2022 will see continuing disruption of our lives by Covid-19 Delta and now the more contagious Omicron, with some 5 million deaths recorded worldwide already.
Despite that bleak outlook, he is cautiously optimistic this pandemic can be brought under some form of control if everyone follows the advice of scientists & medical experts, not otherwise.
Ang believed people have the intelligence to tell the difference between a sensible, logical and reasonable advice as compared with one that might be detrimentally fatal to our safety and well being.
“The jubilation over the virus vaccines and the success of some politicians to the sufferings and grief of the people worldwide, the year that was, has been, indeed, one more of anger and sorrows rather than of joys and happiness,” he said in his New Year message yesterday.
“I honestly believe there is no one in the entire universe who doesn’t want a return to pre-pandemic lifestyle.
“I venture to suggest that the pandemic teaches us an important lesson. We are part of nature. From this pandemic we have learned that we, as vulnerable species, are no different from any other species, many of which man has driven almost to extinction.
“Climate change brought about by exploitation of the world’s oceans, land, water and air is, in fact, sowing the seeds of our own self extinction. This should not be, and should never be. A New Year pledge must be to live in harmony and not to destroy it.”
Ang expressed profoundly sadness over the massive floods in the Peninsular States ,caused by climate change and human factors.
“Not only lives of human beings but also that of animals like dogs and cats, property and all personal belongings were destroyed. Many people were taken ill, and traumatised, adding to the untold sufferings caused by the various Covid variants.”
He noted that Sarawak and Sabah will be having their annual Monsoon wet spell, and in view of extreme weather conditions prevailing everywhere, these two states should be on alert for floods and strong winds.
“This unavoidable wet weather to add misery to the spike of coronavirus has overwhelmed the entire health care system. Ostensibly, all over the world authorities with less than desired planning in place should consider having a master plan to deal with recurring annual flooding problems.”
He proposed setting up an independent commission with only professional engineers and experts, in the government and universities, should do a study immediately and present recommendations for implementation.
“My thoughts and prayers are also with all those Medical personnel, from doctors , nurses to cleaners,essential services such as Police, Immigration, Fire & Rescue, Volunteers, Armed Forces, Mass Media , staff of eateries, pharmacies, grocers and dustmen for risking their lives to keep us safe.
“Do not overwhelm them. We must be considerate and think of their lives and loved ones as well.”
Ang also hoped the Federal and Sarawak Health ministers, and Education ministers would respond to his my campaign to have CPR (cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation)taught to the public with First Aid now to be officially implemented through the relevant Acts of Parliament.
“I look forward to 2022 with cautious optimism. Let’s look forward to a better and brighter tomorrow. God Bless Our Country. God Bless Our People. Happy New Year.”
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Jong (right) receives bread from The Twin Brothers Patisserie’s person in-charge Lee Jun Tak.
MIRI (Jan 1): Members of the public are urged to come forward to help maintain sufficient blood stock in Miri Hospital Blood Bank this festive season.
Miri Hospital Transfusion specialist Dr Norkhazarina Omar made the call yesterday during a courtesy visit by Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA).
“Ideally, the Blood Bank needs donors to come forward once every three months. Blood stock has been relatively low since early December while demand for emergency cases and surgery has increased from 150 to 190 bags every week since November 2021, sparking concern of low blood supply in the coming festivities from New Year to Chinese New Year, “ she said.
The Blood Bank is open Mondays to Thursdays 8am to 12.15pm; 2pm to 4.15pm and Fridays 8am to 11.15am; 2.15pm to 4.15pm.
On weekends or public holidays, donate at Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Training Institute (8am-1pm) or at any location announced by Miri Hospital Blood Bank on its Facebook page.
NSJA will be holding a blood donation campaign this Sunday (Jan 2) at MRC Miri Training Institute in the first mass blood donation drive of the year.
NSJA president Andy Jong said it is part of NSJA’s community service to increase awareness on the importance of donating blood.
Malaysia’s cumulative deaths from Covid-19 now stands at 31,462. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 31): Thirty-four more people have died in Malaysia from Covid-19, according to the Health Ministry’s (MoH) latest data updated at midnight.
With this, the country’s cumulative deaths from Covid-19 stand at 31,462.
Terengganu had the highest fatality rate with 29 deaths per one million people. This was followed by Perak with 22 deaths per one million people and Penang with 16 deaths per one million people.
The national average for deaths currently stands at 10 per one million people. Seven states recorded lower averages. They are Johor and Putrajaya (nine each), Selangor (seven), Sabah and Melaka (five each).
Labuan and Sarawak were the only states or federal territory that recorded zero deaths.
Almost three quarters of the latest deaths recorded (74.4 per cent) were those aged above 60. In comparison, 25.6 per cent involved those between the ages of 18 and 59.
New infections
The MoH also updated its data on daily Covid-19 cases by state.
Yesterday, Malaysia reported 3,997 new cases, with Selangor recording the highest daily infections with 910 cases.
This was followed by Johor with 397 new cases, Sabah (362), Penang (254), Melaka (246), Negeri Sembilan (229), Pahang (220), Terengganu (200), Kelantan (192), Perak (191), and Kuala Lumpur (148).
Kedah recorded 24 new cases, Perlis (21), Putrajaya (10) and Labuan (seven).
The total cumulative number of cases in Malaysia is now 2,746,555. — Malay Mail
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File photo shows former All Black captain Rodney So’oialo in action.
SIBU (Dec 31): Newly-appointed Malaysia 15s rugby head coach Rodney So’oialo will conduct a scouting programme here in search of potential players for the national team.
The 41-year-old former All Blacks captain will be joined by Malaysia Rugby director of coaching Lee Nyuk Fah in the talent search from Jan 14.
Sibu Division Rugby Union chief coach Michael Ting said this is a golden opportunity for Sarawakian players to be spotted and make their mark with the national squad.
“Indeed, this is a historic event as far as rugby sport is concerned. So get ready and be prepared,” he said.
Ting added that players from rugby clubs from throughout the state, especially top rugby playing divisions – Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Betong, and Mukah – are expected to converge here for the selection.
Ting said only five players from each club would be shortlisted for the selection process.
He said players must prove they deserve to don the national colours.
“The players will have to showcase their talents, prowess, endurance, and flexibility (during the selection) to impress the coaches,” he added.
Ting said Sibu is the gateway to the central region of Sarawak which makes it easier for the players to come and take part in the selection exercise.
The tentative programme for So’oialo’s four-day visit will include game formation (lineout, scrummage, breakdown, attack, and defence) at the Prison Field on Jan 14.
Fitness tests and 10-a-side game will be carried out at Stadium Tun Zaidi on Jan 15 and 16.
The programme also includes a workshop for coaches, scheduled to take place at RH Hotel.
Players aged 19 and above who stand at a height of at least 178cm are eligible to participate.
So’oialo is an accomplished rugby player and was most recently a coach and director of rugby at Trinity College Kandy, Sri Lanka, coach at Verona in Italy and a coach at Tawa Rugby Club in Wellington, New Zealand.
He played for the New Zealand Hurricanes in the Super Rugby competition and racked up 62 test appearances for the All Blacks between 2002 and 2009, mostly as an eighth man.
He also won the Commonwealth and World Cup Sevens for New Zealand.
He was appointed Malaysia 15s rugby head coach on Sept 23, replacing fellow countryman Brad Mika who was in charge since 2018.
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SIBU (Dec 31): Pelawan assemblyman Michael Tiang said his appointment as Assistant Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government will give him more resources to better serve his constituency and the people.
In a statement issued following the announcement of the new state Cabinet yesterday, Tiang said the new platform would help him fulfil his campaign manifesto to build a new Pelawan.
“I want to thank our Chief Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for putting his trust and confidence in me by appointing me as Assistant Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government II.
“I also thank Pelawan voters. It is because of their mandate I now have this privilege and honour to serve on this new platform,” he said.
He described the assistant minister post as “a new mission, duty and responsibility” for him, and pledged to serve with full dedication.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) man added he was looking forward to serving under party president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister.
Dr Sim was also appointed as one of three deputy chief ministers in the new Cabinet.
“I welcome all constructive suggestions from members of the public which will help me learn and understand more on issues regarding the people.
“I also hope that as part of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government, more development will take place especially in Pelawan,” Tiang said.
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A photo from Sarawak Energy shows a fallen electrical pole.
KUCHING (Dec 31): Sarawak Energy is closely monitoring the current weather situation and will take the necessary measures to keep the public safe from electrical hazards.
The state-owned utility in a statement said the measures include switching off supply to substations and other facilities without prior notice during a flood or if rising waters cause a dangerous situation, adding that power supply will only be restored when it is safe to do so.
“Following the recent advisory from the Malaysian Meteorological Department on the possible occurrence of continuous heavy rainfall in the western parts of Sarawak, we have placed critical staff on standby to restore supply safely and quickly in the event of a supply disruption and provide the necessary technical support and advice,” Sarawak Energy vice-president for distribution Yusri Safri was quoted as saying in the statement.
He said bad weather conditions were also proving to be a challenge in efforts to restore supply safely and quickly during interruptions, especially in rural areas.
In some areas, repair and supply restoration works can only commence the day after an outage as muddy and slippery roads affect access to worksites, he added.
“We ask for the patience of the public and above all, to always take the necessary precautions and follow our electrical safety guidelines if you do come across damaged electrical facilities or if you are caught in a flood.
Electricity and water don’t mix so please prioritise safety first,” said Yusri.
He reminded the public to always assume fallen electrical poles and power lines are energised, and to alert Sarawak Energy immediately for assistance to rectify the situation.
“Never try to move the equipment and make sure not to touch or drive over fallen power lines, and to keep at least 10 metres away from the site,” he said.
In an event where power lines had fallen on a vehicle, Sarawak Energy advised those inside the vehicle to remain where they are until help arrives, and to alert others so as to keep clear and not touch the vehicle.
“If you must leave the vehicle due to other dangers such as fire, jump away from the vehicle so that you do not touch the vehicle and try to land with both feet on the ground at the same time.
“Continue to keep your feet together at all times on the ground and shuffle at least 10 metres away from the site. Do not to walk or run after exiting the vehicle.”
It said a downed line creates a voltage gradient on the ground surface, and that walking or running causes one’s legs to act as a bridge between two areas of different voltages, forming a circuit for electricity to travel.
“If you continue to keep your feet together, then a circuit can’t be formed for electricity from the ground to travel.”
In the event of a flood, Sarawak Energy advised residents to turn off the home supply at the main switchboard at the earliest sign of rising waters, and move electrical equipment to an elevated position or area above the anticipated flood level.
During the flood, residents should avoid using electrical appliances and not go near to submerged electrical installations such as poles, substations and transformers.
“If in a boat in a flooded area, be cautious of power lines. Swollen rivers may elevate the water level closer to high tension lines.
“After the flood, residents are advised to beware of fallen electrical poles and stay away from fallen electrical lines as they may still be live.
“Do not attempt to operate electrical appliances if these have been submerged in flood waters as this may cause electrocution or fire. Engage a qualified electrician to inspect home or building wirings before turning on the main supply,” said Sarawak Energy.
Sarawak Energy’s technical team can be alerted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialling 1-300-88-3111, or through the SEB Cares mobile app.
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Hasbi (third right) presents the certificate to one of the PJKM participants, as (from left) Sufian, Pulnama, Sebi and others look on.
LIMBANG (Dec 31): The Resident’s Office and District Office here have streamlined the flood disaster management for Limbang and Lawas areas.
Federal Deputy Minister of Rural Development Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said this was reached during a recent meeting involving teams from both offices.
According to him, the rescue agencies involved would be the Fire and Rescue Department, police and the Civil Defence Force.
“The teams would be augmented by non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The suppliers of essential good have also updated their preparations and are ready to face the possibility of floods,” he told reporters when met at the ‘Program Jualan Keluarga Malaysia’ (PJKM) event in Medan Selera yesterday.
Hasbi, who is Limbang MP, also wanted the relevant agencies to ensure that the drainage would function well and the necessary clearing works would be done as soon as possible to avoid any blockage during raining season.
Moreover, he reminded the residents in flood-prone areas, particular those along the Limbang River, to always be alert and ready to move to the temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in view of the current unpredictable weather.
On the PJKM, Hasbi expressed hope for such programme to help ease the people’s burden during these challenging times.
“The programme offers consumers various basic and daily necessities such as sugar, flour, rice, cooking oil, processed food, vegetables, and chicken eggs at lower prices,” he said.
Accompanying the deputy minister at the event were Deputy Limbang Resident Sebi Abang, Limbang District Council chairman Sufian Mohat and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Limbang Division head Pulnama Tarah.
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Yii (centre), flanked by Lee on his right and Julaihi, and others jointly cut a cake to officiate the awards ceremony.
MIRI (Dec 31): Miri City Council’s (MCC) vision for a greater Miri will require the full support of all stakeholders if it is to become a reality, said Mayor Adam Yii.
He said the council aims to bring further development to both Miri District and the adjacent sub-districts, along with more benefits to Miri city folk.
“MCC is geared up to take on more challenges to bring in more development, stimulate economic vibrancy, as well as build a safe, environmentally-friendly and conducive living environment for Miri city.
“What I want to emphasise here is that while we may have a great plan and mission, we equally need the support and contribution of the stakeholders in Miri,” he said in his address when officiating at the Miri City Mayor’s Awards 2020 presentation ceremony here on Wednesday.
In this respect, Yii – also Pujut assemblyman – said he was grateful to see many organisations, associations and individuals subscribing to the same vision and mission as MCC, while noting that many of them were the recipients of the Miri City Mayor’s Awards.
Thus, he hoped to see more partners and contributors working with the council to realise the vision for a greater Miri in the near future.
Present at the awards ceremony were Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Mayor Julaihi Mohamad and MCC councillors.
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According to Moh, oil palm growers had many times pleaded to the government to assist in alleviating their plight but that government officials had their hands tied as understandably, the border matters of other countries were beyond their control.
KUCHING (Dec 31): Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) is hoping the recruitment of foreign workers for the state’s oil palm growers will resume in the coming year.
In expressing the association’s wish for 2022, Soppoa chief executive officer Dr Felix Moh said the closure of international borders to curb the spread of the coronavirus had made it impossible for oil palm growers to recruit foreign workers to operate and manage their plantations for the past two years.
“There was basically no new recruitment of foreign workers taking place for the past years and at the same time, many workers had flown back to their home country.
“This had created a huge job vacuum and millions of tonnes of palm fruits were left unharvested and rotten,” he said.
According to Moh, oil palm growers had many times pleaded to the government to assist in alleviating their plight but that government officials had their hands tied as understandably, the border matters of other countries were beyond their control.
He said in light of the dramatic drop in new Covid-19 cases recently, both Malaysia and Indonesia had consecutively announced the opening of their borders to international travel back in October.
“Despite some hiccups, it seemed that the Indonesian government was going to allow its citizens to resume employment in Malaysia with certain recruitment conditions.
“However, with 2021 coming to an end, oil palm growers are still anxious as they are still unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of new incoming of foreign workers as promised.”
Moh said the state’s oil palm growers are suffering from 20 per cent to 30 per cent loss of total crop production as a result of the shortage of about 45,000 foreign workers for 2021 alone.
“It is anticipated that 2022 will remain challenging as the foreign worker shortage is only getting worse, especially as more are expected to be repatriated when their contracts or permits expire,” he added.
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Chong and Dr Yii (right) talking to a LHDN officer during their visit.
KUCHING (Dec 31): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen calls on the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to improve its efficiency in registering business trade licenses.
Chong said he, together with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, paid a visit to the LHDN yesterday morning to follow up on a complaint of a member of the public on the difficulties in registering for business trade license.
“Despite days of waiting, calling, and trying, she could not even get an appointment with an officer of the LHDN to attend to her application for a new business trade licence,” said Chong in a statement.
The Stampin MP said he was informed the LHDN office here could at most handle up to about 80 applications a day due to the standard operating procedures under Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan.
“For a city of the scale of Kuching such capacity falls way short of the needs of the people. During this time of pandemic, businesses are already very difficult. LHDN should facilitate businesses and not making it more difficult for businesses.”
However, Chong said he was grateful the LHDN officer-in-charge had taken immediate step to assist the member of the public concerned in her application to apply for a new business trade license.
He added a long-term solution was needed in addressing the root of the problem and the current system need to be improved to cater to the needs of the public.
“We were also informed that the LHDN will implement registration online in the next few months, which, if properly implemented, will help to resolve the long backlog of applications caused by the current reduced work capacity.”
Chong said he and Dr Yii will continue to monitor the progress of the online registration to ensure the issue at hand can be resolved.
“Meanwhile, any person having problem with the LHDN in terms of the business registration can contact either YB Kelvin or me for assistance,” said Chong.
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MIRI (Dec 31): Ripin Lamat’s appointment as Assistant Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development II (Entrepreneur Development) will boost the development of youths and enhance their involvement in entrepreneurism, said Miri Youth Association (PBM) chairman Matassan Rohani.
He said the association has a number of plans and suggestions such as the setting up of a youth hub and entrepreneur hub, which have yet to be realised.
“With Ripin’s new appointment specifically to look after entrepreneur development, I hope he will guide the association through programmes that focus on youth entrepreneurship and other related activities,” he said in a statement.
“I believe Ripin has many plans for the youths and the plans must be able to meet the needs of local youth.”
Matassan said this following the announcement of the new state Cabinet lineup by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday.
Adding on, he said the Sarawak government under the leadership of Abang Johari made the right decision in empowering youth development in the state.
He expressed hope the Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Ministry will carry out comprehensive planning for youth development including in rural areas.
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Voon, flanked by Peter and Awang Badele (third left), joins others in a photo-call taken during the press conference.
KUCHING (Dec 31): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) contemplates taking legal action against those said to be using police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to harass and cause inconvenience to the party’s leaders and candidates before and during the just-concluded 12th state election.
PBK president Voon Lee Shan said there had been several police reports lodged and also harassments conducted against party leaders for raising the subject of the rights to independence.
“I was detained and harassed by MACC for several hours during the election campaign on Dec 12.
“Some have even hurled at us, especially me, derogatory remarks on social media.
“The founders of the party were also not spared – they’re branded as anti-nationalists.
“Our secretary-general Priscilla Lau will be facing the police in the next few days over a report that we deem malicious, lodged against her over a video said to have been circulated during the elections concerning independence,” he told reporters in a press conference here yesterday.
According to Voon, some quarters have even raised ‘alarm about bloodshed’ if PBK continued to seek or pursue independence for Sarawak.
He said this caused the voters to fear coming out on polling day to exercise their rights.
He said for now, PBK had not lodged any police report against those who were making these police reports out of malice and were out to harass the party leaders and election candidates at the time.
“We’d forgive those causing harm to us, but there’s a limit to our tolerance.
“I wish to tell them that they must not take our tolerance and silence as signs of weakness, as we may take legal action against those out to cause fear amongst our supporters.
“We may wish to take legal action against those using the police and the MACC to cause inconvenience to us,” said Voon.
Accompanying him at the press conference yesterday were PBK vice-presidents Peter Asut and Awang Badele Awang Ali, as well as the party’s candidates for the recent polls: Wong Tun Teck (Batu Kitang), Raymond Thong (Padungan), Baharuddin Abdullah (Simunjan) and Lim Lian Hun (Bukit Kota).
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Abang Johari speaks at the anniversary celebration.
BAU (Dec 31): The Sarawak government has approved funds for the construction of a Gold Mining Museum and Park here.
In announcing this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the museum and park will serve to honour Bau’s two centuries of gold mining history.
“The state government has approved a sum for the proposed Gold Mining Museum and Park as Bau town has a history of gold mining activities since the 1800s,” he said when officiating at Bau District Council’s 65th anniversary celebration at Tasik Biru Food Village yesterday.
The state government in December 2020 had approved a sum of RM1.5 million for a team of researchers to carry out a feasibility study on the proposed Gold Mining Museum and Park.
Meanwhile, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who was present at the event, said the cost to construct the Gold Mining Museum and Park is about RM15 million.
“We want to remember the 200 years of gold mining (in Bau). This is something we cannot do the second time.
“If you miss this, you cannot do it anymore. It must have a significant value to us,” he said.
Henry said gold mining activities are still being carried out in Bau today using valid mining leases, some of which are valid until 2033.
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Bonnie is the first Sarawakian and Malaysian para powerlifter to bag a paralympic gold at the Tokyo Paralympics. – Bernama photo
KUCHING (Dec 31): The year 2021 could have been a lacklustre year for Malaysian sports if not for the sensational performance of the country’s para athletes at the Tokyo Paralympics who brought home three gold and two silver medals.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarawak athletes made some major strides this year and among them are national para powerlifters Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and Jong Yee Khie, and national diving queen Dato Pandelela Rinong Pamg.
Bonnie, 22, not only made a major breakthrough in his sporting career but also created history to became the first Sarawakian and Malaysian to bag a paralympic gold at the Tokyo Paralympics in August when he lifted 228kg in the men’s 72kg.
He beat Egyptian Mahmoud Attia (191kg) and Great Britain’s Micky Yule (182kg) into second and third place and rewrote the old record of 227kg set by Rasool Mohsin of Iraq at Rio Paralympics in 2016.
Bonnie capped a sterling 2021 in early December when he won his third gold of the year in Tibilisi, Georgia after beating China’s Peng Hu (196kg) and Egypt’s Ibrahim Shabban (195kg).
Competing in the men’s 76kg, Bonnie lifted 210kg to win back-to-back World Championship titles.
He had won the gold at the 11th Fazza Dubai Powerlifting World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in June, breaking the world record of 231kg.
For his stellar performance, Bonnie is rated as one of the favourite nominees to win the National Paralympic Sportsman award 2019-2020.
Jong Yee Khie wins a silver medal for Malaysia at the Tokyo Paralympics. – Bernama photo
Jong made a name for himself when he won the silver in the men’s 107kg in his debut paralympics appearance in Tokyo Paralympics.
He also bagged the silver in the men’s 107kg at the 11th Fazza Dubai Powerlifting World Cup.
While Bonnie and Jong shone at the World Championships and Tokyo Paralympics, two other para athletes from Sarawak also put up encouraging performances at the Asian Youth Para Games in Menama, Bahrain early this month.
Gloria Gracia Wong Sze bagged the gold in the women’s table tennis singles in the TT10 while Nur Rohadatul Syuhada Yunus collected a silver in the women’s shotput for the T41 category to contribute to the national team’s total medal haul of three golds, five silvers and five bronzes.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Dato Pandelela Rinong Pamg was in a class of her own when she clinched Malaysia’s first ever gold at the FINA World Diving World Cup 2021 in the women’s individual 10m platform in Japan on May 5 after collecting 355.70 points.
She was also the only diver from the Malaysian contingent to win a medal in the five-day meet.
Pandelela wins the women’s individual 10m platform gold at FINA Diving World Cup in Tokyo, Japan. – AFP photo
Matsuri Arai of Japan captured the silver with 342.00 points while Canada’s Caeli Mckay took home the bronze medal after garnering 338.55 points.
However, Pandelela and partner Leong Mun Yee failed to win Malaysia’s first gold at the Tokyo Olympics after they finished last in the eight-pair finals in the women’s synchronised 10m platform, garnering only 277.98 points
Chen Yuxi-Zhang Jiaqi led from start to finish to claim the gold with 363.78 points, followed by Jessica Parrato-Delaney Schnell of the US (310.80 points) and Gabriela Garcia-Alejandra Orozco Loza of Mexico (299.70 points).
Pandelela, who won the National Sportswoman of the Year award three times, has again been nominated for the 2019-2020 award.
Meanwhile, rowing himself into history is Joshua Flood when he became the first Malaysian to win a gold medal at the Mizuno British Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships on Dec 4, 2021.
Joshua is the first Sarawakian to win a race in the Mizuno British Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships.
The 37-year old former rugby player posted the fastest time of 01:18.2s to beat 19 other rivals in the Men’s M30 500m.
In second place was Stuart Elvin of Great Britain with the time of 01:18.9s while France’s Julien Barbeau was third on 01:19.1s.
This was a major breakthrough for the Sarawak rower after he ended up 10th in the men’s Open 500m in the virtual World Rowing Indoor Championship in March this year.
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