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Dr Sim charges the BMW iX at the BMW i DC fast-charging facility, with Wee (right) and Tay behind him showing thumbs up. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (March 1): Housing estates and condominiums here may soon be equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles (EV), says Deputy Chief Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
According to him, the Ministry for Public Health, Housing and Local Government would start looking into the installation of this facility to provide more convenience to EV drivers in the city.
“I will ask the ministry and the councils to start looking at infrastructures supporting the EVs.
“We want to see what are the things required between housing developers and councils so that we can facilitate the growth of the EV ecosystem,” he said when officiating at the opening of the new BMW i DC (Direct Current) fast-charging facility at Regas Premium Auto Kuching here yesterday, where Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng was also present.
Dr Sim, who is also the minister in charge of public health, housing and local governments in Sarawak, said there were only a few charging station facilities here at the moment.
“If we were to encourage more people to adopt EVs, then housing estates or condominiums would need to have this facility so that these vehicles could be charged,” he said.
In this regard, the minister commended BMW Group Malaysia and Regas Group for taking the initiative of setting up its fast-charging facility here.
“This development of better infrastructure to accelerate the uptake of electro-mobility amongst motorists in Sarawak is a move that we warmly welcome from all stakeholders in the industry.
“The confidence shown by BMW Group Malaysia and Regas Group over the viability of electrifying the automotive industry here aligns with our goals for sustainable mobility as well,” he said.
Dr Sim also expressed hope for more automakers to take inspiration from this initiative and would work collaboratively in bringing up the ecosystem for electro-mobility in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Regas Premium Auto marketing manager Jolene Tay described the BMW i DC fast-charging facility as one of only two DC fast-charging facilities currently available in Sarawak.
“As the sole authorised BMW dealer in Sarawak, Regas Premium Auto is honoured to be able to represent the future of electrified mobility here,” she said.
At the event, Dr Sim also unveiled the BMW iX – the first all-electric BMW sports activity vehicle.
The new range is available for viewing at Regas Premium Auto Kuching at No8, Jalan Tun Jugah here for a limited time only.
Ahsmon points at to one of 15 initiatives under IPD Kuching Blueprint 2022 during the press conference at the Kuching District police headquarters. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (March 1): The Kuching District police headquarters (IPD) have introduced a blueprint set to help guide members of the force towards achieving the best service delivery to the public.
Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said the IPD Kuching Blueprint 2022 was outlined in connection with the 215th Police Day celebration, set for this March 25.
According to him, the blueprint consists of 15 initiatives set to enhance the aspects of upholding law and order, governance and integrity within the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) force, curbing criminal activities such as online gambling and scams, patrolling and surveillance, handling complaints and public feedback, traffic control and monitoring including enforcement of traffic laws, disaster management, as well as investigating cases of missing persons and sudden death.
He also pointed out three focus areas as outlined by the Inspector General of Police (IGP): empowering integrity, empowering the delivery system, services and support policies, and continuing government’s efforts in maintaining the well-being of society.
“It is my responsibility to respond to the challenges placed by the IGP by mobilising all the expertise, energy resources and efforts available in IPD Kuching to ensure that these three focus areas could be achieved and implemented in this district.
“We, at IPD Kuching, have also introduced a motto, ‘Perkhidmatan Diterima dan Dirasai’ (Services Received and Felt), to signify our capability and readiness as a security force in providing our services to society wholeheartedly.
“This is significant as a new paradigm shift and also a holistic improvement for us to ensure that all the services we are rendering to the communities in Kuching District would get good response, and for everyone to feel the impact from all the efforts made,” Ahsmon told reporters after launching IPD Kuching Blueprint 2022 yesterday.
He also highlighted one of the 15 initiatives, the ‘Back to Basics’, which stressed on upholding the sanctity and enforcement of existing laws governing members of the police force, especially with regard to those found to be involved in crimes.
“We have no choice – we need the ‘Back to Basics’ in PDRM.
“IPD Kuching has received a total of 27 complaints over misconduct of police personnel, with nine disciplinary investigation papers having been opened.
“As cited in the Police Day 2021 motto ‘Integriti Amalan Kita’ (Integrity is Our Practice), this is the commitment of IPD Kuching – we never compromise with police personnel who are involved in crimes or having disciplinary problems,” he said.
On the ‘Face-to-Face Handling of Complaints’ initiative, Ahsmon highlighted the need to go back to this concept where police and the complainants could physically meet.
“This way, they (complainants) would be confident that the police are actually ready and willing to take action on their complaints, instead of only taking notes or putting the reports in writing, or responding to them via online,” he said.
On the ‘Zon Pemutihan 10’ initiative, he said it tagged 10 hotspots in Kuching that needed full and aggressive attention to eradicate the criminal activities there.
“The criminal activities include those related to narcotics, violation of traffic rules and any form of social crime – all should be given top priority.
“The enforcement should be overseen by the station chiefs throughout the city.
“In this regard, we hope to make some significant achievements,” said Ahsmon, listing Samariang, Samariang Batu, Bormill Estate, and Taman BDC as among the areas under their radar.
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KUCHING (March 1): A disabled boy reported missing in a jungle at Kampung Mongkos in Serian, near here around noon on Sunday was found at 3pm yesterday.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Operations Centre, rescuers with the help of villagers found the boy safe about one kilometre from his house.
The department spokesperson said a search and rescue was initiated after a police report was lodged Sunday.
“He was found safe about 1km from his house and later taken Bunan Gega Health Clinic for a checkup,” added the spokesperson.
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Juanda (centre) presents a token of appreciation to Uggah, as (from right) Azam, Julaihi, Sikie and others look on.
SIBU (March 1): Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is confident that Sarawak is on the right track when it comes to tackling corruption, in that it has built a strong foundation with clear objectives in addressing this issue, as well as governance and integrity.
“We have determined various initiatives that make Sarawak one step ahead compared with other states in Malaysia, by establishing the Ombudsman (Unit) as a check-and-balance mechanism, to ensure that public interest would be safeguarded,” he said in his speech for the ‘Majlis Amanat Perdana Integriti’ (Mapi) 2022 at a hotel here yesterday.
His text-of-speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented him to officiate at the event.
Adding on, Abang Johari said the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2021 released by Transparency International, ranked Malaysia at 62nd out of 180 countries in terms of the level of corruption in the public sector.
The latest data showed consecutive decline in CPI placing for Malaysia, which was at 57th in the 2020 data, and 51st in the 2019 list.
In this regard, the chief minister said such improvement should be given serious attention by the entire public sector in Malaysia.
“The Sarawak government has never been silent when it comes to efforts in curbing corruption and abuse of power in the public sector, and will intensify all efforts in cultivating integrity, improving governance and eradicating corruption.
“Perhaps, these could be worked out through the Integrity and Ombudsman Unit, the possibility to cooperate with the parties having the expertise for developing CPI measurement mechanism at state level,” he said.
Additionally, Abang Johari said the post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 would be the platform for the state government to steer Sarawak forward, aimed at turning it into a developed state with high income by 2030.
He elaborated that PCDS 2030 would be anchored on six economic sectors set to become its main engine of growth: manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining and social services.
“In essence, PCDS 2030 would gear Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a thriving society driven by data and innovation, (and able) to enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity and sustainable environment.”
Regarding the mandate to the state’s Integrity and Ombudsman Unit, he pointed out that all matters relating to the state civil service must be addressed holistically.
“I would give the mandate to the state Integrity and Ombudsman Unit, to be the central body tasked with overseeing, investigating and seeking resolutions on matters pertaining to maladministration, bureaucracies and red tapes in the public sector,” he said.
Meanwhile in his opening remarks, Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Juanda Jaya said since 2017, efforts to cultivate integrity, elevate governance and eradicate corruption had been implemented effectively.
Among those present at Mapi 2022 yesterday were Minister in Chief Minister’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, and Sarawak Federal Secretary Datuk Amir Omar.
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Mohd Idham holds up horseshoe crabs bred at the centre. —Bernama photo
KOTA TINGGI (March 1): Horseshoe crab, which is a popular seafood dish in the district, is also in high demand from seafood enthusiasts in neighbouring Thailand.
The supervisor of the Sedili Kecil Horseshoe Crab Hatchery and Breeding Centre, Mohd Khairul Idham Ahmad, said he estimated that 48,000 horseshoe crabs were exported to Thailand every year, making the country its main export destination.
“Horseshoe crab is also the main food of the Thai community, and we export it to customers in Bangkok who supply it to other places.
“Due to high demand, sometimes we don’t have enough for export,” he told Bernama when met recently.
Based on the current price in the local market, Mohd Khairul said, horseshoe crabs are sold between RM15 and RM40 each depending on the grade.
Following the high demand from Thailand, it is concentrating on meeting the demand from the neighbouring country.
“There is less demand from restaurants here and from the beginning, horseshoe crabs have been meant for export to Thailand.
“Due to the high demand, sometimes we don’t have enough to export but if people want to buy on a walk-in basis, they can do so,” he said.
The exported crabs, he said, were bought from fishermen as well as reared and hatched at hatcheries to be released back into the sea under a conservation project started in 2011.
An estimated 60,000 to 80,000 baby horseshoe crabs are released into the sea after reaching the age of one and two years.
“This hatchery is for conservation purposes to ensure that the horseshoe crab continues to breed. This is for fishermen in Sedili Kecil because horseshoe crabs are one of their main sources of income,” he said. — Bernama
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KUCHING (March 1): Activists Peter John Jaban and Bill Jugah hope Sarawak will have full autonomy over administrative requirements for citizenship now that state has regained its status as equal partner in the Federation of Malaysia.
In a statement, they said an overhaul of the citizenship approval process in Sarawak is needed following the heartrending case of a 9-year-old girl in Lawas who was stopped from attending school due to her citizenship status.
Peter, a member of the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF), said he echoes the statement by Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah on how the long wait for citizenship approval causes great suffering for applicants.
He also said this situation can cause a great loss for the state in terms of human potential.
“I am deeply disappointed that this remains a problem in Sarawak or indeed in Malaysia. Personally, I have been campaigning on this particular issue for nearly a decade and many activists and civil society groups have been calling for change for many years.
“Yet, the federal government remains deaf and dumb to our demands. It is time the issue was taken out of their hands and into our own.
“Citizenship is set by the Federal Constitution. The guiding principle is that every person born within Malaysia of whose parents one at least is at the time of birth either a citizen or a permanent resident should be given citizenship and all the rights that this affords,” said Peter.
It was reported in The Borneo Post that the girl, Jeanny Lianna Ating, was born and raised in Sarawak but she and her four elder siblings were denied citizenship following complications due to their parents’ late marriage registration.
Her father Ating Agong, 55, said he and his wife had problems in registering their marriage both through Adat Lun Bawang (Lun Bawang customary laws) and at the National Registration Department (NRD) until the matter was properly materialised in 2016.
According to Peter, Sarawak natives have been particularly hard hit by administrative rigidity, particularly concerning registrations of marriage as a pre-requisite, but this inflexibility “or, frankly, lack of understanding of the local context” has impacted on all Sarawak communities and many Sarawak citizens.
He cited other cases such as a former border scout who was denied citizenship until his death as well as the so-called rainbow family in which seven siblings have identity cards ranging in colour from blue and green to red and that this case remained unresolved even after the deaths of their parents and one of the siblings.
As such, he called on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to bring the autonomy for the approval process back to the state in order to ease the “unbelievable” delays involved as well as allow for more appropriate administrative requirements to be drafted.
Bill Jugah
Meanwhile, Bill said the NRD needs to overhaul its policies in Sarawak in order to recognise the stateless situation of many natives.
“Otherwise, just give Sarawak the full autonomy on NRD,” he suggested.
Bill, who is also the founder and chief visionary officer for Independent Council of Natives (Icon), also opined rules set in Putrajaya which have no understanding of Sarawak’s context or the Adat (customary laws) cannot be allowed to continue as it has resulted in denial of Sarawak natives’ nationality, rights to healthcare and education and even their right to vote.
“We want the state government to take control of the registration of stateless people or even issue its own registration card,” he said.
He added an online portal https://bit.ly/BillJugah has been set up to receive such cases so that they can be organised and recorded properly.
“We are now entering the third decade of the 21st century. With all the increased technology and access of the modern world, it is unthinkable that so many citizens should simply drop out of the system.”
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MetMalaysia said however, rain and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoons to early evenings in certain parts of the country. — AFP photo
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): The monsoon rains that have hit the country is expected to taper off and weather conditions are expected to improve from March 1-7, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
In a statement today, MetMalaysia said that during the forecast period, rain is expected in only one or two areas in the East Coast of the Peninsula and east coast of Sabah.
“However, rain and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoons to early evenings in the west coast states of the Peninsula, north of Sarawak as well as in the east and west coast of Sabah,” said the statement.
MetMalaysia also issued first- and second-category warnings for strong winds and rough seas for shipping activities in the waters of the South China Sea until tomorrow (March 1).
It also advised the public to always refer to the website http://www.met.gov.my and all social media as well as to download the myCuaca application for the latest and authentic information. — Bernama
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She said that people who wanted to travel were also asked to be more sensitive to changes in weather conditions, based on the weather forecasts issued by the authorities. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Travel agencies, including resort operators, have been asked to be more vigilant in managing the movement of tourists, especially to the resort islands, due to the current uncertain weather conditions.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said that people who wanted to travel were also asked to be more sensitive to changes in weather conditions, based on the weather forecasts issued by the authorities.
“I hope travel agencies are more careful before bringing tourists because some of them are bringing small children.
“Look at what happened in Pulau Perhentian, I was worried last night; thankfully this morning they were all safely evacuated out of the island as the weather was getting better,” she told reporters after the launch of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) 2022 Calendar, and the World Arts, Education and Culture Events (WAVE) 2021 Festival Summit here, today.
She said this when asked to comment on the incident of 385 tourists stranded in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu since last Friday, due to rough seas and strong winds.
She added that her ministry is constantly monitoring the situation as well as working with the tourism committees at the state level, as the states do have authority, including to go to sea to provide assistance and so on.
Earlier, Nancy, in her speech, said that the strengthening of strategic cooperation networks in the tourism and culture sectors played an important role in boosting the country’s image and visibility on the international stage.
“The organisation of WAVE 2021, which is another success of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through ASWARA, is the impetus for us to redouble our commitment towards a more progressive year in 2022.
“WAVE 2021, an online international event, has carved Malaysia’s name at the international level; among the successful programmes under WAVE is the ‘Main Zapin ASWARA 2021’ (ASEAN) which involved the participation of five countries, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and Singapore, with Malaysia as the host,” she said.
She said that this year, a total of 162 programmes had been planned and lined up, physically as well as online.
Also at the same event, Nancy witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between ASWARA and the Sabah Institute of Islamic Studies and Dakwah (Ipdas), as well as a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between ASWARA and the Central Band of the Royal Malay Army Regiment. — Bernama
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The letter of demand among others demanded that the two leaders stop making the remarks and remove the published statements within seven days. — Bernama photo
JOHOR BAHRU (Feb 27): Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has issued letters of demand to former Prime Ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over defamatory statements made against him.
Messrs. Shahrul Hamidi and Haziq, representing Ahmad Zahid issued two separate media statements on the matter.
According to the statement, Dr Mahathir was alleged to have issued the statement during a question and answer session after the launch of Aspirasi Pejuang for the Johor State Election in Putrajaya on Feb 23 while Muhyiddin, in his speech at Felda Tenggaroh, Johor on Feb 16.
Following that, a letter of demand was issued and served on Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin on Feb 25 and Feb 23 respectively.
“To date we have not received any response from them,” read the statement.
The letter of demand among others demanded that the two leaders stop making the remarks and remove the published statements within seven days.
In addition, the notice demands that a written open apology be issued to Ahmad Zahid with a promise that they would not repeat the same statement again. — Bernama
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KUCHING: Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd (Syarikat Takaful) is expected to see continued recovery ahead with the resumption of face-to-face activities and recovery in banks’ loan growth, analysts observed.
In a report, the research team at Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga Research) said: “Looking ahead, we believe the recovery in banks’ loan growth will continue to fuel growth in its credit-related products.
“The resumption of face-to-face activities should also drive sales of its other products, as seen in the fourth quarter of the financial year 2021 (4QFY21).”
It also pointed out that its continued digital efforts should allow Syarikat Takaful to reach under-served segments while simplifying its go-to-market strategy.
“We understand that, currently, management is in discussions with banks for additional bancassurance partnerships (on top of its existing 17 partnerships).
“Of its four key partners – Affin, RHB, BIMB and Bank Rakyat – Affin and Bank Rakyat’s agreements are due to expire in 2023, but Syarikat Takaful expects the partnerships to be extended, due to high switching costs,” the research team said.
On its 4QFY21 results, Kenanga Research said Syarikat Takaful’s FY21 beat estimates with its 4QFY21 core net profit (CNP) of RM157 million which brought its FY21 CNP to RM411 million.
“The deviation was due to higher-than-expected GEP from General Takaful, lower-than-expected Claims Ratio, and lower-than-expected effective tax rate, as Syarikat Takaful was required to provide for deferred tax benefits,” it said.
On a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, Syarikat Takfaul’s gross earned premium (GEP) rose 10 per cent from its stronger family takaful (up seven per cent) and general takaful (up 16 per cent).
“However, a higher Combined Ratio weighed at 68.1 per cent (1.8ppt), and PBT rose by only three per cent.
“However, due to a provision for deferred tax benefits, effective tax fell by 8.8ppt to a mere six per cent, bringing CNP up by 14 per cent,” it said.
On a quarterly basis, Syarikat Takaful’s 4QFY21 GEP rose 25 per cent, driven by higher GEP in Family Fund (up 28 per cent) and General Fund (up 30 per cent).
“The spike in GEP is due to backlog of loans that couldn’t be approved in 3QFY21 due to FMCO, loans growth in 4QFY21 on the resumption of economic activity, and resumption of face-to-face activities, which boosted sales. Thanks to the aforementioned provision for deferred tax benefits, CNP jumped 115 per cent to RM157 million,” it said.
Post results, Kenanga Research said after revising itd FY22 ETR to account for the one-off prosperity tax, and tax on Wakalah income effective YA 2022, we lower our FY22E CNP by 10 per cent.
“We introduce FY23E CNP of RM363 million, implying a circa five per cent growth, fuelled by normalisation of tax rate (from the prosperity tax) and continued growth in GEP,” it said.
All in, it maintained an ‘outperform’ rating on the stock.
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GDEX in recent years has adopted a M&A strategy to grow; first in 2018 to penetrate the Indonesia market with a 44.5 per cent stake in SAP Express, then in 2019 taking a 50 per cent stake in Netco to enter the Vietnam market.
SELANGOR: GDEX Bhd (GDEX) aims to leverage its core competency in digital innovation and technology to drive its growth going forward.
In a press statement, GDEX managing director Teong Teck Lean said: “The last 18 months during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic proved to us that our time-tested business model was still able to generate more than RM100 million in revenue every quarter with healthy profitability.
“Yet, the pandemic also pointed to us that the business landscape continues to change and we cannot be complacent with our entrenched position, but must aim to leverage our core competency in digital innovation and technology to create our next growth story.”
Aside from that, it pointed out that the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in recent years position group as prominent regional express delivery service.
GDEX in recent years has adopted a M&A strategy to grow; first in 2018 to penetrate the Indonesia market with a 44.5 per cent stake in PT Satria Antaran Prima Tbk (SAP Express), then in 2019 taking a 50 per cent stake in Noi Bai Express and Trading Joint Stock Company (Netco) to enter the Vietnam market.
The group had also, earlier in 2016, acquired a 30 per cent stake in software solutions provider Web Bytes Sdn Bhd which co-developed its logistics technology platforms.
The regional acquisitions not only diversified the group’s revenue base, but also positioned GDEX to be a regional player.
Geographically, revenue from Malaysia amounted to RM544.8 million or 85.4 per cent of the group’s 18m21 revenue.
Foreign revenue contribution from Vietnam stood at RM89.9 million or 14.1 per cent, while Singapore made up the balance RM3.4 million or 0.5 per cent of 18m21 revenue. Meanwhile, the Indonesia operations under SAP Express, contributed share of profit of associate amounting to RM7.9 million in 18m21.
The group’s express delivery segment contributed RM580.4 million or 91.0 per cent of 18M21 revenue, the logistics segment made up RM57.3 million or nine per cent, while the balance RM0.3 million was contributed by the property investment segment.
Meanwhile, GDEX said it reported net profit of RM43.0 million for the 18-month financial period ended December 31, 2021 (18M21) on revenue of RM638.1 million.
There are no comparative financials due to the change in the group’s financial year end from June 30 to December 31.
In the preceding financial period of twelve months ended 30 June 2020, the group recorded net profit of RM18.5 million on revenue of RM364.0 million.
Meanwhile, for the three months and sixth quarter ended December 31, 2021 (6Q21), the group registered net profit of RM7.4 million on revenue of RM104.7 million. Compared to the corresponding three months ended December 31, 2020, net profit rose 7.5 per cent from RM6.9 million, despite a slight moderation in revenue by 4.3 per cent from RM109.4 million.
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Western allies agreed on a new volley of financial sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including taking the key step of banishing a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system. — AFP photo
WASHINGTON: Western allies agreed on a new volley of financial sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including taking the key step of banishing a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system.
In a joint statement, the White House said the group of world powers were “resolved to continue imposing costs on Russia that will further isolate Russia from the international financial system and our economies.”
With Ukrainian forces resisting the Russian advance, Western officials say there is a genuine interest in ensuring President Vladimir Putin pays the maximum price for the invasion.
Chief among steps to do so was “ensuring that selected Russian banks are removed from the SWIFT messaging system,” the White House said in the joint statement, which also included the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Canada.
SWIFT’s messaging system allows banks to communicate rapidly and securely about transactions, and cutting Russia off would cripple its trade with most of the world.
The move comes after embattled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday once again asked European nations to sever Russia from the SWIFT system.
Banks hit by the new measures are “all those already sanctioned by the international community, as well as other institutions, if necessary,” said the German government’s spokesman in a statement.
“This is intended to cut off these institutions from international financial flows, which will massively restrict their global operations,” he added.
The allies also agreed to impose restrictive measures to prevent the Russian central bank “from deploying its international reserves in ways that undermine the impact of our sanctions,” the joint statement said.
A US official said the move on Russia’s central bank meant Moscow “can’t support the ruble” and that the measures would make the country “a global economic and financial pariah.”
Wealthy Russians connected to Putin’s government will also no longer be allowed to use the so-called golden passport system to obtain European citizenship for themselves and their family members.
A working group will be set up between the United States and the EU to ensure “the effective implementation of our financial sanctions by identifying and freezing the assets of sanctioned individuals and companies that exist within our jurisdictions,” the joint statement added.
The group said it planned to additionally coordinate against disinformation and other forms of “hybrid warfare.”
The Kremlin has so far brushed off sanctions already imposed by Western powers, including those targeting Putin personally, as a sign of Western impotence. — AFP
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Press Metal says it is currently evaluating several initiatives that will steer it towards its net zero emission ambition and reducing its climate footprint across the value chain.
KUCHING: Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd (Press Metal) announced its fourth quarter financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2021 (4Q21), with its revenue for FY21 up by 47.1 per cent to RM10.99 billion compared to RM7.48 billion while its profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATNCI) for FY21 closed at RM1.03 billion.
In a press statement, it explained that its revenue in 4QFY21 increased by 63.9 per cent to RM3.37 billion as compared to RM2.05 billion in the same quarter of the preceding year (4QFY20).
Revenue for this quarter was supported by higher average aluminium prices and increased production output from the Phase 3 Samalaju Smelter which achieved full commissioning in October 2021.
PATNCI increased by 96.8 per cent to RM285.82 million in 4QFY21 compared to RM145.25 million in 4QFY20, bolstered by higher revenue and contribution from associate companies.
This was partially offset by rising operating costs and annual accrual for state sales tax amounting to RM50.0 million which was recorded in 4QFY21.
The company also declared a fourth interim dividend of 1.0 sen per share payable on 31 March 2022, bringing the total amount of dividend declared in respect of FY2021 to RM302.86 million or approximately 30 per cent of PATNCI.
Commenting on the results, group chief executive officer Tan Sri Paul Koon stated: “In the last quarter of 2021, we witnessed higher aluminium prices compared to preceding quarters as a result of supply constraints and dwindling inventories. Energy crises have forced smelter closures across Europe and production curtailments in China which limits new supply.
“On the other hand, demand for low carbon aluminium in modern applications is expected to rise in industries such as automotive to solar energy.
“Press Metal is in a favourable position as ESG adoption across industries is tilting demand towards such low carbon aluminium.
“Like most businesses in 2021, the group was not spared the challenges from the pandemic and lockdowns.
“Operations were pressured by extreme logistic costs, increasing material prices and higher human capital expenses.
“Supply chain disruptions has inevitably inflated direct and indirect operational expenditures on numerous fronts.
“To safeguard the welfare of our workers, we also undertook additional expenses to ensure operational health and safety at our plants. It is anticipated that these challenges will persist in the near term.”
He added, “With the full commissioning of our Phase 3 Samalaju smelter (P3) in 4QFY21, we moved into 2022 with higher production volume.
“We are working towards further enhancing value added capabilities and our extrusion product portfolio with the aim of increasing the group’s presence in consumer product related sectors.
“Sustainability is of utmost importance within Press Metal, and we want to entrench this culture into our people in becoming an increasingly ESG-compliant company.
“We are currently evaluating several initiatives that will steer us towards our net zero emission ambition and reducing our climate footprint across the value chain.”
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CRUDE prices took a hit from the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Earlier last week, Russian forces entered Ukraine territory and European allies have condemned this as an act of ‘invasion’.
Crude prices receded from US$100 per barrel and back to US$92 per barrel before last week’s close. Gold prices also sank back to below US$1,900 per ounce after reaching US$1,974 per ounce the previous day. Dow market recovered 934 points on Friday’s close for the weekend.
Earlier, Russia President Vladimir Putin signed the pact to recognise the new independence and sovereignty of Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic, hence sending Russian troops into these two states to maintain military order.
Ukraine defence system was mobilised within two hours after Russian military entered into Ukraine from the South through Black sea, East and Down from North on land. NATO nations vowed to impose hard sanctions on President Putin and other Kremlin aides.
US economy grew seven per cent in GDP in 4Q21, matching the forecast. Jobless claims for the week ended February 19 gained 232,000 versus revised 249,000 in the previous week.
Technical forecast
US dollar/Japanese yen traded from 114.50 to 116 last week while prone to be firm. We project the range will remain the same but subject to a weaker dollar. Despite our expectations of a weaker trend, be cautious of the prices moving above 116 resistance.
Euro/US dollar bounced back into a recovery after sinking below 1.115. We foresee the market might be contained from 1.12 to 1.14. The overall trend is subject to high volatility and uncertainties due to the conflict in Ukraine. Traders are advised to be prudent and wait for a clear breakout trend.
British pound/US dollar turned down from 1.355 and will likely move into a new bear trend. The selling pressure could emerge at 1.35 in case of a recovery. We project the range will be contained from 1.33 to 1.35 but proned to slide further in March.
WTI Crude prices hit US$102 per barrel last week that was last seen in July 2014. However, the trend settled lower at US$92 per barrel. We reckoned the range could move from US$92 to US$98 per barrel in sideways consolidation. Market is prone to whipsaw for a while but we foresee it might still climb up in March.
Crude Palm Oil (FCPO) Futures on Bursa Derivatives reached RM6,465 per metric tonne at all-time-high last Thursday after war broke out in Ukraine. The market fell the following day after warfare simmered down and NATO allied forces reiterated its intention to send troops to aid to Ukraine. May Futures contract settled at RM5,984 per metric tonne on Friday. We predict the trend will whipsaw amidst the uncertainties. Support could emerge at RM5,750 per metric tonne. Topside resistance is identified at RM6,250 per metric tonne but will surge into higher prices if the conflict intensifies.
Gold prices remain uncertain this week in view of the Ukraine-Russian conflict. We predict the range might be trapped between US$1,880 to US$1,920 per ounce but prone to surge again if the sanctions on Russian government stiffens. Generally, traders are keen to pick bottoms but remain cautious on wild swings.
Silver prices topped US$25.50 per ounce last week but fell quickly, trailing the gold market. We target the support to emerge at US$24 per ounce and the market could be trading in a very tight range from US$24 to US$25 per ounce. Fundamentally, there are many traders still keen to pick bottom for silver while waiting to see future rise. Observe the gold trend as a lead to the silver.
Dar Wong has more than 30 years of trading and hedging experiences in global financial markets. The opinion is solely his own. He can be reached at dar@alaa.sg.
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The concert involves a total of 257 sape players. — Photo by Roysten Emmor
KUCHING (Feb 27): The sape concert staged to mark the closing of Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia 2022 at Kuching Waterfront last night, made it to the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for having the ‘Most Number of Sape Players in a Performance’.
The show, themed ‘Rentak Kamek Urang’ (Our Rhythm), gathered a total of 257 sape players.
This record-entering feat was confirmed by MBOR chief operating officer Christoper Wong Hong Wai, who then handed over the certificate of recognition to Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture deputy secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi, who represented the minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
(From left) Wong presents the MBOR certificate of recognition to Suraya, witnessed by Abdul Karim and others. — Photo by Roysten Emmor
The presentation was witnessed by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Arts under the ‘Merakyatkan Seni Budaya’ programme, the concert had the sape players assigned to several locations, including a large group of them being placed on the grand stage, and some of them at the Darul Hana Bridge across the Sarawak River.
Abdul Karim presents contributions to a representative of a sape players association. — Photo by Roysten Emmor
At the event, Abdul Karim also presented some contributions to several sape players associations.
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Kenyah sun hat remains among few traditional crafts of Sarawak that have maintained practical usage in modern era
Sandra at her worktable, where a couple of beaded panels for sun hats can be seen.
IT is good that some Kenyah and Kayan womenfolk in the Baram and Belaga regions continue to make sun hats, called the ‘saung’, well into the 21st century, but there is also a concern about the number of makers from these communities becoming smaller as time goes by.
According to Sandra Ahie, there are not that many sun hat artisans among the Kenyahs nowadays, ‘to a level of being rare’.
Operating a booth featuring Kenyah traditional items at the Miri Handicraft Centre, Sandra sells sun hats made by Kenyah villagers, apart from marketing her own collection.
“Our sun hats are loved and are amongst the iconic symbols of Baram.
“They are amongst the traditional items that remain practical in the modern day – to give the wearer some coverage from the hot sun or the rain.
“And the usage is not exclusive to the Kenyahs. Our sun hats are also worn by the men and women of other communities such as the Ibans and the Chinese in Baram.
“Some pieces are beautifully decorated with beads – perfect as gifts for visitors and friends,” she told thesundaypost.
Family legacy
According to Sandra, the heirloom sun hats are highly exquisite, and are handed down from one generation to the next.
“This legacy has been around for hundreds of years.
“Also, sun hats are essential in any traditional Kenyah weddings. One ceremony may require the making of up to eight new hats, each embellished with beads and other decorations.”
The structure of a Kenyah sun hat consists of the under-cap called ‘ulu saung’ that is made from ‘daun palas (leaves from a type of palm – in the Kenyah language, it is called ‘liad’), the brim and a sturdy rattan frame called the ‘ue kusah’ that holds everything together.
It would take between 10 and 14 days to sew the leaves together for the under-cap, before fitting it into the frame and under the brim, underneath of which also consists of skilfully-layered-and-stitched leaves.
Pieces of colourful cloths would then be sewn onto the top side of the brim, which has a central beaded panel.
This panel, with its elaborate beadwork, is amongst many produced by Sandra.
Occasionally, the maker would attach straws to the piece – in the past, hornbill feathers were also added, which is an impossible thing to do today.
A simple sun hat, without much decoration and measuring about two feet (slightly over half-metre) in diameter, would be priced around RM50.
A piece embellished with beads is at least RM700 – it may cost even more if it was ordered for a specific ceremony.
Sandra said the most elaborate one that she had ever made was a custom-made piece in 2020.
“It took me around two month to finish this order.
“The hat measured 32 inches (in diameter), and it sold for RM700,” she added.
She said the more intricate the designs on the hat, the longer it would take to finish it.
“Some heavily-beaded orders can take up to six months to make – some customers are just very particular in choosing their own colours, designs and even the type of beads, to be used.
“The size of a sun hat depends on the length and the width of the ‘daun palas’.
“Nevertheless, it is very satisfying to see many people love my collection. Many of my sun hats have been brought to the US by the tourists who just love Kenyah arts.”
Maker’s profile
Sandra, now in her 70s, had worked as an assistant librarian at Lutong Public Library until her retirement in 2006.
She enjoyed living in Miri so much that she decided to not go back to her village in Long Tungan to settle; instead, she went ahead to sell Kenyah handicrafts in Miri.
However, she would return home periodically where apart from catching up with her relatives and other villagers, she would also take the opportunity to gather ‘daun palas’ and other raw materials to make hats.
“I like doing this myself as I would know the exact size of ‘daun palas’ that I need for my work,” she said.
It has been close to 16 years since Sandra first opened her booth at the centre, and her enthusiasm for the art has grown even stronger than before.
It has been a successful endeavour, which can be attributed to her craftsmanship and also her fluency in English, which helps a lot in explaining the traditional items to the tourists.
Sandra never stops picking up more skills and also experimenting – she now incorporates manufactured materials like packing strips and plastic recyclables in making items like baskets.
Still, her passion is in making Kenyah sun hats.
Sandra would go for geometric shapes in making her sun hats and for the colours, she would follow customers’ requirements.
Her home village of Long Tungan is nestled in one of the remote pockets along the Baram River, between Lio Mato and Long Semiyang.
A long list of arrangements must be made just for a homecoming trip.
“It is not easy to go back as viable transport is not readily available.
“I have to close my booth at least for a week whenever I plan a trip back to Long Tungan.
“The logging or oil palm roads are very rough; furthermore, the whole journey is very costly.”
Nonetheless, Sandra insists on getting the ‘daun palas’ from her village because it is too expensive to buy even one bundle at the market.
“Moreover, it is not easy to find the right kind of ‘daun palas’; I especially look for the broader and longer variety,” she said.
After collecting these leaves, she would leave them out in the open to dry under the sun, in order to produce highly-durable hats.
“Sun hats made from well dried-out ‘daun palas’ can last up to 70 years, if not more.
“These dried leaves themselves can keep for a long time, you don’t need refrigeration; thus, facilitating storage during the long journey to Miri,” she said, while lamenting about the difficulty in finding jungle rattan in Baram.
This beautiful piece is one of many Kenyah sun hats for sale at Sandra Handicrafts.
Motifs and symbolism
Asked about the motifs, Sandra said some sun hat makers would make the arrangements of beads to depict ‘the faces of the divine deities’.
For her, however, she would rather go for geometric shapes and for the colours, she would follow customers’ requirements.
Visitors to her booth at Miri Handicraft Centre could request for hands-on demonstrations on making a sun hat.
Photo shows Sandra’s booth at Miri Handicraft Centre.
“In the past, scraps and leftover pieces from homemade clothing would be saved to decorate the hats. In a way, every strip represented a memory for each family – how the grandmothers would use the cotton threads bought in Marudi to stitch cloths onto the hats; how the womenfolk would gather to finish the pieces meant for a wedding; how the stories would be told to the children by the elders during their gatherings on the veranda.
“I love every sun hat that I have made, and I appreciate all my customers for wearing my hats.
“Each is special, each has a story behind its origin and perhaps, the owners now – or going to – have their own stories as well,” said Sandra.
Trends
Priscilla shows a ‘saung’ with a strap, used to hang it on the wall, made from beads.
Another Kenyah sun hat maker Priscilla Aping operates a kiosk at the Borneo Heritage Centre, located at High Street in Miri.
She regards sun hats as among the ‘prerequisite decorative items adorning the walls of many Kenyah households all over Sarawak’.
“A customer from Kuching, who bought two hats from me, had requested for each to have a hanging strap made from beads instead of the usual rattan.
“It seems to be a trend now. You can request for an all-beaded strap, and I’ll be happy to make it for you,” said Priscilla, who hails from Long Moh – another Kenyah village in rural Baram.
“I’m glad that Long Moh still has a lush jungle, where my mother can still harvest bundles of ‘daun palas’.
One can see the geometrically-neat layering and stitching of ‘daun palas’ on the underside of the brim.
“Should this plant no longer exist in the future, we’d no longer be able to make our ‘saung’. “Even now, rattan is already very difficult to find. Only a traditional hat maker would know the plight of fellow hat makers,” she said.
Sonia J Lahung, who is a Kayan from Marudi, said she learned to make Kenyah sun hats when she was first stationed at a school in Lio Mato.
“It was in the 1990s. I was taught by the Kenyah womenfolk there.
“The place was so remote, so I thought it would be best to fill my free time with learning a new craft,” she said.
Now, Sonia can make not only sun hats, but can also weave Kenyah traditional baskets and mats.
Her woven items now adorn the walls of her house in Marudi.
“They are my pride. They’d have plenty of stories to tell, if only they could talk.”
However, the hats not only serve as decorative items in her household.
“My family members and I would wear sun hats whenever we do some farming during the weekends and the holidays.
“I’m looking forward to my retirement, so that I could make more sun hats,” she smiled.
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