Kelvin Yii heads Dapsy National

Dr Yii (seventh left, front row) with his executive committee (exco) and committee members after the election of excos and committee members at the National DAP headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

KUCHING (April 1): Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) has elected a new line-up of its leaders for the 2021-2023 term and drew up its plan and direction for the next term and beyond in a meeting conducted at the National DAP headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Its chief Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen said they had unanimously elected a new leadership committee comprising multi-racial and multi-religious members from all over the states and regions.

“We also care about women’s roles where more than 30 per cent of our leadership ranks are made up of young female leaders,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

He added, among the main focus for this term, is to emphasise on the issues faced by young people as well as Malaysians as a whole and bring about mature politics that emphasises policies and solutions to issues.

“Therefore, we have established special bureaus for such purposes such as the Public Policy Bureau, the Legal Bureau, the General Complaints Bureau and also the Social Development & Welfare Bureau.

“We are also ready to play our part in mobilising and empowering the party machinery in each state in preparation for the next general election,” he said.

He also said Dapsy National will continue to defend the principles of constitutional democracy and the ideology of social democracy that emphasise the principles of freedom, equality, justice, human rights and solidarity.

“We also hold firm to the Malaysian dream as well as the principles of Malaysia for all Malaysians.

“We are confident in the potential and ability of young people to make a better future for the country and believe Dapsy will continue to be a driving force and thinker who will bring creative, innovative solutions to the issues faced by young people and all Malaysians,” he said.

The meeting saw the appointment of Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen as Dapsy chief (Dr Yii won the post during Dapsy national congress on March 19), Young Syefura Othman as deputy Dapsy chief, Annun Nancy, Jason Raj a/l Kirupanantha, Keristinah a/p Phillip and The Swee Leong as vice Dapsy chiefs.

Others in the line-up are Wayne Ong Chun Wei (secretary), Ang Yien Meei (assistant secretary), Tan Kim Ping (treasurer), Cheong Rui Zhi (assistant treasurer), Derick Chong Wei Hoong (organising secretary), Kaven Lee Seng Vui (assistant organising secretary), Woo Kah Leong (publicity secretary), Tan How Yi (assistant publicity secretary), Lim Yi Wei (international secretary), Tan Tiong Yih (political education director) and Raymond Kwan Say Hong as vice political education director.

The Varsiti Affairs director post went to Ho Chi Yang, with Muhamad Danish Zainudin as the vice director.

The Legal Bureau will be under Quratulain Atiqah Norzahirul Anuar, Michelle Ng Mei Sze and Chen Yen Shan will lead the Public Policy Bureau, Lee Wen Bin and Aaron a/l Mayakrishnan will be in charge of Public Complaints Bureau while Welfare and Social Development will be under Rachel The Chuann Yien.

Edmund Lim Shu Chzen, Eric Fong Jiun Yeap, Cheng Chin Wai, Louis Lim Chung Weng, Fong Wai Yoke, Quah Boon Lim and Shan Mei Yen were elected as committee members.

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Hasbi : Allow more Ramadan bazaars to open

Deputy Minister of Rural Development Datuk Hasbi Habibollah

LAWAS (April 1): Federal Deputy Minister of Rural Development Datuk Hasbi Habibollah has called on relevant authorities to increase the number of Ramadan bazaars or mini Ramadan bazaars in Limbang to allow traders earn extra income post Covid-19.

Hasbi, who is also Limbang Member of Parliament (MP), said it is in line with the recovery concept that focuses on the 3Rs – that is to accelerate recovery, strengthen economic resilience and reform.

“If we can open more bazaars at several places, then it will definitely help the traders and hawkers earn more, especially post Covid-19.

“Just give them permission to do business during this Ramadan as long as the premises do not pose a risk to the public,” he told reporters in Limbang yesterday.

He also called for non-governmental organisations such as Limbang Malay Association to be given the green light to operate Ramadan bazaar throughout the fasting month.

Limbang District Council (LDC) previously set only three locations for Ramadan bazaars in the district; namely at Lot 777, Limbang Night Street Market and in front of Bank Rakyat Limbang.

The bazaars would be open to the public starting April 3 from 12.30pm until 7pm throughout the month of Ramadan.

On another note, Hasbi urged the traders and hawkers to prioritise safety and cleanliness when preparing food for their customers.

“If permissions are given, then please maintain cleanliness,” he said.

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MPKS approves six spots for Ramadan bazaars

Datuk Peter Minos

KOTA SAMARAHAN (April 1): Six locations under the jurisdiction of Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) have been approved for traders to operate during the Ramadan month, said MPKS chairman Datuk Peter Minos.

According to the chairman, the two locations are at Desa Ilmu namely at DUBS Uptown and Kamek Miak Sarawak (KMS) bazaar, while the other four are at Doraemart bazaar in Taman Samarindah Baru, Stakan bazaar, RH Park Mile 9 and TTK Mart bazaar in Asajaya.

“MPKS only entertains requests from recognised bodies or responsible committees. This is to ensure public safety, hygiene, proper waste management and upkeep of each and every bazaar are met,” he said, adding that MPKS is expecting more requests for Ramadan bazaar from Asajaya and Sadong Jaya soon.

“MPKS is pleased that many small traders are participating in the Ramadan bazaars in Samarahan, adding to the merriment of Ramadan and this will also enable them to earn a bit more for Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

Meanwhile, on the Healthy City programme to be held on April 11 to 12 this year and tentatively to be officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minos said MPKS will soon organise a talk and workshop on how to make Kota Samarahan a safe, clean and greener place to live in.

“The workshop aims to inculcate good culture and self-discipline among the residents living in the district, especially on illegal dumping and littering. Indiscriminate waste disposal is unsightly and gives Kota Samarahan a bad image which will gradually pose health hazards. If Singaporeans and Japanese can do it, so can we. It is all in the mind,” he emphasized.

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Taylor’s College to reward outstanding teachers who pursue their passion for teaching beyond classroom environment

Contenders for the RISE Educator of the Year award will stand a chance to win RM5,000 in cash prize and an additional RM10,000 to their school

Josephine Tan

SUBANG JAYA (April 1): The RISE Educator Award by Taylor’s College and The Risers is back for a second year to celebrate and honour exceptional educators who have made an outstanding contribution to not only their students’ education in the classroom, but also their social development especially during the pandemic.

The second instalment of the award will see the RISE Educator of the Year winner and nominator bringing home RM5,000 and RM500 in cash prizes respectively. To raise the stakes, Taylor’s College will also sponsor RM10,000 to the school of the RISE Educator of the Year winner to enhance their facilities.

An acronym for Remarkable Impact in Student Education, the RISE Educator Award is open to students, or parents of students, in any governmental or private Malaysian preschool, primary school and secondary school. Students and parents may nominate their teacher of choice from April 1 to 22 by describing the teacher’s deeds that impacted them, or their children, in 100 words or less.

As students have never seen a launderette, Nazmi built one with cardboards.

Five finalists will be chosen from the entries and will have their stories posted up on Taylor’s College social media platforms, for the public to vote for the winner.

“Studies have shown that a positive relationship between teachers and young students will help those students to achieve better school grades and behavioural skills . This can be attested from our RISE Educator Award last year, as we received many inspiring tales of teachers going the extra mile to help their students with their education by creating new learning environments to ensure that their students are not missing out on their learning,” said Taylor’s College Campus Director Josephine Tan.

Nazmi and the school children having some water fun.

However, the prolonged effects of patchy education arrangement between online and offline learning due to the pandemic has exacerbated other areas of children’s progressive development specifically on their social and behavioural skills, as well as their enthusiasm to learn.

With textbooks and towels, students learn what to do in a swimming pool.

“The schooling years are transformative years for children and young adolescents as they learn how to navigate their emotions and behaviours in different social settings. Research have shown that a conducive and fun teaching and learning atmosphere would help students to develop positive relationships with regard to their studies as it improves their attention, reduces anxiety and even supports their emotional and behavioural regulations .

“If the RISE Educator Award last year have shown us anything, it is that there are many outstanding educators who are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that their students are able to thrive and succeed in many areas of their lives. It is for this reason that the RISE Educator Award this year is looking for passionate educators who pursue their passion beyond the classroom to inspire their student to achieve not only academic greatness, but also attain excellence outside the classroom.

“Whether it is establishing a community library for their students to benefit from, setting up tech infrastructures and projects for their pupils to learn coding and robotics, or building creative innovations to help their students win competitions, we want to know these educators and we want to reward them,” she further explained.

Nazmi and his students in SK Long Sukang

The RISE Educator Award will feature three categories namely RISE Educator of the Year, where the winner will be chosen from the five finalist stories by the award’s judging panel which also feature past year winner, Cikgu Nazmi – whose unconventional and innovative teaching methods to create the classroom swimming pool and laundry service has empowered his students to explore the limitless frontiers of the world; RISE Educator Award, where five finalists stories will be posted on Taylor’s College social media platform for public voting; and RISE Educator Award: Taylorian Edition, which will allow Taylor’s academics to contend.

Voting period will take place between May 2 –May 13 and the winners will be announced during Teacher’s Day on May 16. For more information, please visit the RISE Educator Award website here.

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See Hua Daily News marks Platinum Jubilee with host of activities

KUCHING (April 1): See Hua Daily News is turning 70 years old today, and to celebrate, a host of activities have been organised to thank the Chinese daily’s readers, advertisers and supporters for their unwavering support.

Starting today, new and existing annual subscribers of See Hua Daily News, The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo will receive a RM70 voucher upon payment of their annual subscription fee from today until December 31, 2022.

The voucher can be used as rebate for their subscription, or to redeem products from KTS Foodland or insurance services provided by KTS Insurance.

Other activities being held in Sarawak are a Photography Contest, Video Contest, a “You Are My Hero” Award, the Super K talent search and online talks.

All these are organised to thank See Hua Daily News supporters for their unwavering support through thick and thin, and during good and bad times.

The first copy of See Hua Daily News rolled out on April 1, 1952 in Sibu.

It has expanded over time to include two sister papers, The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo.

Distributed throughout Sarawak and Sabah, the newspapers are published and printed in Kuching, Miri, Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu, aside from Sibu.

See Hua Daily News also has an online presence, with the establishment of See Hua News Online and other social media pages.

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MySejahtera shares dispute: April 15 decision on P2 Asset Management’s application to amend statement of claim

Based on the statement of claim, circa April 2020, Entomo Malaysia had submitted a proposal for a mobile application based solution to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, using its software KPISOFT Software to develop a mobile application known as ‘MySejahtera’. ― Malay Mail photo

KUALA LUMPUR (March 31): The High Court here today fixed April 15 to deliver its decision on P2 Asset Management Sdn Bhd’s application to amend its statement of claim in its suit against Entomo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Revolusi Asia Sdn Bhd and MYSJ Sdn Bhd pertaining to a dispute over the share sale agreement.

Entomo Malaysia is a company that used its software, KPISOFT Software, to develop the mobile application “MySejahtera” on a corporate social responsibility basis.

Judge Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin set the date after hearing submissions from lawyer Nagarajah Muttiah, representing P2 Asset Management as the plaintiff and lawyer Ashok Kandiah representing Entomo Malaysia (formerly known as KPISOFT Malaysia Sdn Bhd) and Revolusi Asia as the first and second defendants.

Also participating in the online proceedings was lawyer Razlan Hadri Zulkifli, acting on behalf of MYSJ, named as the third defendant in the suit filed on November 2021.

Justice Ahmad Fairuz also set the same date (April 15) to deliver a decision on the applications by all of the defendants to strike out P2 Asset Management’s application to amend the statement of claim.

Based on the statement of claim, circa April 2020, Entomo Malaysia had submitted a proposal for a mobile application based solution to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, using its software KPISOFT Software to develop a mobile application known as “MySejahtera”.

The plaintiff said due to the success of the application, Entomo Malaysia no longer wants to offer the software and application on a CSR basis, and instead, it was determined to make business profits through the software and application.

P2 Asset Management claims that on September 20, 2020, Revolusi Asia entered into an agreement with Entomo Malaysia, under which Revolusi Asia will hold all shares in MYSJ as the nominee of Entomo Malaysia, which was not notified to the plaintiff at the time of the execution of the agreement.

The plaintiff said on October 6, 2020, MYSJ entered into an agreement with Entomo Malaysia, which among others stated that Entomo Malaysia is to transfer the intellectual property of the application to MYSJ, would grant MYSJ the license for the software and for MYSJ to pay Entomo Malaysia sums totalling RM 338.6 million, being the aggregate fees for the transfer of intellectual property of the app and the licensing fees for the software.

According to the plaintiff, circa November to December 2020, Entomo Malaysia had submitted a proposal and had written letters to the government, pleading the government to agree to a commercial model for the continued use of the app, by way of either a Public-Private partnership, or a service contract between the government and MYSJ.

The plaintiff added that at that material time, the government did not respond to the proposal and MYSJ would generate no income at all in the event that the government disagreed with the proposal.

“On December 31, 2020, Revolusi Asia entered into a share sale agreement (SSA) with the plaintiff where Revolusi would sell MYSJ shares to the plaintiff based on the terms of the agreement, among which the plaintiff has represented to Revolusi that it will facilitate to obtain a letter of award from the Government to MYSJ in respect of the Public-Private Partnership or the service contract commercial model for the continued use of the application.”

“Revolusi Asia will also transfer an additional 3,579,237 units of MYSJ ordinary shares, representing a 10 per cent equity interest in MYSJ in favour of the plaintiff provided the plaintiff is not in material breach of any of the terms and conditions.

“In the event that the LOA (Letter of Award) by the Government of Malaysia is awarded and received by MYSJ within sixty (60) days from the date of this agreement or within the extended period, the defendant shall within seven days from the date of receipt of the LOA transfer 3,569,139 MYSJ ordinary shares, representing ten per cent equity interest in MYSJ to the plaintiff to be held in trust for or to be transferred to a nominee to be identified by the plaintiff,” the statement of claim read.

However, the plaintiff claimed that Entomo Malaysia and Revolusi Asia had wrongfully and with intent to injure the plaintiff by unlawful means, conspired and combined together to cause Revolusi’s breach of the SSA to the plaintiff’s detriment.

As such, the plaintiff, among others, is seeking a declaration that Entomo Malaysia and Revolusi Asia have committed a breach of contract, in particular the SSA against the plaintiff, a declaration that the SSA is valid, subsisting, binding and in full force besides seeking that Entomo Malaysia and/or Revolusi immediately take steps to transfer the 10 per cent of the shares to the plaintiff.

According to the plaintiff, Entomo Malaysia and/or Revolusi are jointly and/or severally liable to pay to the plaintiff a global sum of RM5 million as special, aggravated and/or exemplary damages, general damages to be assessed, interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. – Bernama

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Airports nationwide set for safe and seamless border reopening

Travellers seen with their luggage at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct 17, 2021. – Malay Mail photo

KUALA LUMPUR (March 31): Airports nationwide are ready to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all airport users once borders reopen tomorrow after two years of border closure since March 2020.

Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, in a statement today, said the group was committed to ensuring that standards at the airports are consistently high.

“For the past several weeks, we have held daily engagements with various airport stakeholders to ensure that airport operations run like clockwork. No detail is too small for our attention. Not only do we look at all aspects of the passenger journey, we are also ensuring compliance with all aviation regulatory matters,” he said.

He explained that among the improvements made included shortening the documentation process upon arrival by having passengers complete them on the MySejahtera app before departing from their country of origin.

Queueing areas at the Immigration counters have been made more spacious for the comfort of passengers, he added.

He said for passengers’ further convenience, private health screening facilities would be readily available at the international airports and will serve as one-stop centres, with easy pre-booking services via online portals.

Based on flight schedules that have been filed, airports nationwide are expected to receive 119 flights on the first day of the country’s border reopening.

Malaysia Airports also expects about 20,900 international passenger movements on April 1, which is about six times more than the average daily international passenger movement in 2021.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) chief executive officer Datuk Capt Chester Voo said CAAM has carried out effective safety oversight on airport and airline operators in Malaysia and is satisfied with the level of compliance with regulations and the new norms.

“This is encouraging as the aviation industry is poised for a safe and secure restart. CAAM would like to applaud Malaysia Airports, and airline operators for taking this compliance seriously in the interest of public safety,” he said. – Bernama

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‘Boutique airline a boon for Sarawak’s many sectors’

Dr Hii Sui Cheng

SIBU (March 31): Sarawak, with its own airline, can develop the business, health and sports tourism sectors by flying travellers direct from cities and major towns in the state to neighbouring countries, and vice versa, says Dr Hii Sui Cheng.

Local entrepreneurs said the sooner Sarawak has its boutique airline, the better it would be as there were immense benefits to be gained.

“Yes, let’s have a boutique airline. The sooner the better. Thanks to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“With our own airline we can fly directly from Kuching, Miri and Sibu to Kalimantan’s commercial centres including Indonesia’s new capital, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand. The benefits are immense.

“We can also serve our rural population centres which are currently underserved,” said Hii, adding the boutique airline would also augur well for educational and cultural sectors.

During a networking dinner of Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM) in Kuching on Monday, Abang Johari said advanced discussions were ongoing with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for Sarawak to set up its own boutique airline to directly bring international travellers here.

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HONOR X9/X8/X7 comes with EXCLUSIVE warranty – showcasing confidence of its premium quality

KUALA LUMPUR (March 31): HONOR keeps on its promises to wow Malaysians with its “Ready To Go Beyond” tagline, launching five products including the HONOR X9 5G, HONOR X9, HONOR X8, and HONOR X7 with premium quality. Besides smartphones, HONOR has also launched the powerfully compact laptop, HONOR MagicBook 16 for Malaysian users.

The all-new HONOR X Series runs on Android 11 with Google Mobile Services (GMS), is packaged with a one- year extended warranty and six-month screen crack protection for purchases during the pre-order period. HONOR Malaysia is also giving the one-year extended warranty for redemption till the end of June, further proving HONOR’s confidence in its quality – echoing its “Lagi Tahan Lagi Best” slogan.

HONOR X Series – Quality that won the market’s confidence

The launch yesterday showed HONOR’s confidence on tackling the market with its remarkable HONOR X Series quality, seen with with the HONOR X9 5G falling from one metre high. The HONOR X9 was put to the test and passed tremendously with only a 3.8 per cent ageing rate after three years of usage. The 36-month period has stood the test of time – showing no signs of lagging and assuring users a quality like never before.

With 600 different quality standards covering every aspect from the product design, development, materials, manufacturing and other qualities, HONOR believes its standards are to be parallel with the consumer experience. Users can be further assured by HONOR Lab’s vigorous tests, including test of soft pressure up to 2,000 times, a touchpad test of 800,000 times, and a 24-Hour Continuous Salt Spray Corrosion Test – just to ensure each has passed its production challenge before it reaches customers’ hands.

HONOR sets the standards high for technology aesthetics and premium quality

HONOR does not hold back when it comes to quality, with its technology aesthetics, quality genes and competitiveness specs, HONOR setting the standards high on the release of the HONOR X9, HONOR X8, HONOR X7, and HONOR MagicBook 16 with competitive prices. The ambition train rides further, the recent HONOR Magic4 series launched in MWC 2022 was awarded as one of Android’s Best Flagship Smartphone of the year and taking top sales in China. HONOR Malaysia has confirmed earlier that it will be coming to Malaysia soon.

After a two-year hiatus, HONOR’s beloved model – the X Series finally returns to Malaysian soil. The pursuit of quality is now not a foreign challenge, given HONOR’s adaptability and current strength in cutting-edge technology. The best reward will always be the users, taking the best experience that HONOR is aiming for, for its high quality demand all embedded in the X Series to an almost flagship-level-like smartphone.

HONOR always believes in adopting the “two-wheel approach” to remain consumers-centric. One wheel revolves around understanding the trends and observing feedback of consumers, and the other builds on a vision to lead consumers’ needs while integrating cutting-edge technology.

Pre-order now to grab free gifts worth up to RM1,585

Pre-order for the all-new HONOR X9 5G, HONOR X8, and HONOR MagicBook 16 starts now. Fans who pre-order the HONOR X9 5G can get free gifts worth up to RM516, while the powerfully compact HONOR MagicBook 16 is offering free gifts worth up to RM1,585. The HONOR MagicBook 16 is also available for 24 months 0 per cent interest installments from as low as RM5.88 per day.

HONOR X9 and HONOR X7 are available for purchase from April 14. Remember to grab them before the end of June to be entitled for a one-year extended warranty.

For more information, visit the HONOR Official Website: https://bit.ly/HONORXBorneoPost.

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PN Youth chief says Masir made the Right move but too late

Alexander Frusis

KUCHING (March 31): The step taken by Sri Aman MP Datuk Masir Kujat to quit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) was right but a bit too late, said Perikanan Nasional (PN) Sarawak Youth chief Alexander Frusis.

Alexander claimed the people of Sri Aman have been left behind in development and at the losing end for almost five years after Masir decided to join PSB in 2019 and not to be with the government.

He said that Masir should have continued to be with the government instead of going against it and against the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) led by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who was the Prime Minister at that time.

“I see the action of this Sri Aman MP as merely to save himself before the anti-party hopping act is fully enforced. I also see that PSB does not have a clear direction of purpose to fight for the people especially in the Sri Aman parliamentary constituency,” Alexander, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sarawak Youth chief, said in a statement.

He also opined that the constituents in Sri Aman can evaluate the elected representatives who really work for the people.

“Sri Aman needs elected representatives who can stand firm so that Sri Aman gets the same development progress and allocation as other parliamentary constituencies.

“I would also like to call on the people of Sri Aman to remain steadfast in supporting the GPS government led by Premier Abang Johari and the current federal government,” he said.

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PBDS condemns proposal by PAS for only Muslims to be prime minister

Andrew Bugie

KUCHING (March 31): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Baru is alarmed that PAS is seeking a constitutional amendment to make it a prerequisite for the Prime Minister to be a Muslim, said its information chief Andrew Bugie.

In a statement yesterday, Andrew said PBDS joins the chorus of criticisms against the proposal made by PAS Senator and information chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin, as this would deny the rights of non-Muslim Malaysians.

He pointed out that in any country practising the principles of democracy, the concept of ‘commanding the support of the majority’ is the basis in appointing the president or a prime minister.

“In making such a call, not only is Khairil ignorant of the multiracial make-up of the country but he and his party is exhibiting intolerance for non-Muslim Malaysians,” said Andrew in the statement.

He added PBDS also views the proposal by the PAS senator as against the spirit of the formation of Malaysia and the freedom of religion, which was one of the guarantees given to Sarawakians by Malaysia’s founding prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.

“PBDS wishes to remind Khairil Nizam that the sanctity of Islam is protected by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. PBDS is questioning that in making such a proposal, is Khairil suggesting that the Agong and other Islamic bodies are not sufficient in protecting the sanctity of Islam?

“PBDS wishes to remind Khairil and PAS that there is no provision in the Federal Constitution that says race and religion is a qualification to assume the Prime Minister post,” he said.

He pointed out PBDS opined that Malaysia’s parliamentary system would be severely compromised if the proposal was implemented.

“Khairil and PAS are riding on religion to win the votes of the Malay Muslims.

“As it is now, the factors of race, religion and regionalism are divisive enough for this country,” he said.

If PAS and its extremist leaders have no respect at all on the very foundation upon which this country was formed, he said there is no more valid reason for Sabah and Sarawak to remain as part of the Malaysian Federation.

In a Facebook post last week, Khairil said his suggestion was made to protect and preserve the sanctity of Islam as the religion of the federation.

He said the state constitutions of Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang also stipulated that only a Muslim could hold the post of menteri besar.

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Bukit Assek redevelopment: Local GPS reps should consult local experts, says Soon Koh

Wong (right) and Hie Ping hold up an old poster of the then Sibu BN Development Vision Team. – Photo by Peter Boon

SIBU (March 31): Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives here should consult local experts with good understanding of local conditions with regard to the Bukit Assek redevelopment plan, opined Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

The Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president named US-trained Alex Ngu, who had come up with a detailed redevelopment plan of Bukit Assek, as one of the experts.

Wong also mentioned Dato Sri John Lau Kah Sieng of Kumpulan Design as another local expert who could be consulted for Bukit Assek redevelopment.

“These two had come up with a very detailed redevelopment plan (for Bukit Assek).

“I suppose Joseph Chieng (Bukit Assek assemblyman), Michael Tiang (Pelawan assemblyman) and Dato Chieng Buong Toon (Sibu Urban Renewal Committee chairman) can consult them.

“They have designed it (Bukit Assek redevelopment plan) in detail and so on.

“Can consult them and see how it can be redeveloped particularly, Alex Ngu – he is US-trained, very experienced and came up with a very detailed redevelopment plan of Bukit Assek,” he told reporters here recently.

According to Wong, he had learned that Tiang and Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian had gone to Adelaide, Australia for a study.

“Why do you have to go to Adelaide for that study, when local experts knowing local conditions have come up with all the designs?

“I don’t know. Why won’t you consult these people first? Local experts are available, should consult them first.

“Of course, you can go overseas for more consultation. But then, you should consult local experts, more important,” he said.

The Bawang Assan assemblyman also touched on elevation of Sibu to city status, flood mitigation and solving traffic congestion in Sibu.

PSB Dudong branch chairperson, Wong Hie Ping, was also present.

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PBK president cautions companies would struggle under new minimum wage

Voon Lee Shan

KUCHING (March 31): The government should make a careful study before implementing the minimum wage of RM1,500 from May 1 this year, said Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan.

While most people in the employment sector would no doubt be very happy with the implementation of this minimum wage policy, he cautioned the new minimum wage could have adverse effects as it could lead to bankruptcies and rising unemployment if companies could not sustain the rise in cost of operations.

“There is no reason politicians would not support this minimum wage increase at the moment because the 15th General Elections are around the corner now.

“Politicians who support this wage increase would find themselves popular among the voters and they would be assured of much support from the workers because most voters are working people earning wages.

“(But) there could also be rioting, perhaps looting and increase in crimes if things could not be under control if the policy leads to poor economy and unemployment like what in some foreign countries,” he added in a statement yesterday.

In Voon’s opinion, the increase in minimum wage would benefit foreign workers more as they are paid much lower than the locals.

With the increase of wages benefitting foreign workers, billions of ringgit earned by these foreign workers will be sent back to their countries of origin from Malaysia each year to help the economy of their countries.

“The locals who are already paid wages higher than RM1,500 and they will not find salary adjustment because entrepreneurs and employers may wish to control their operation cost and they will be demotivated to work and this can affect production.

“A decrease in production may find them an exit from employment. School leavers and fresh graduates may not easily get employment because entrepreneurs and employers may wish not to employ new workers in order to keep operation costs low,” he said.

Voon that the difference in wages between local workers and foreign workers should be based on certified skills.

With certified skills and higher wages, locals would be attracted to perform the re-branded dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs while skilled certifications for jobs should also be implemented be it for local or foreign workers.

“Any stigma that is perceived by society in relation to these jobs would be removed by the re-branding of jobs that must be supplemented with a clear career progression plan like done in developed countries such as in the UK and Japan, where locals take pride in performing such jobs,” he said.

Voon said these jobs should be re-branded to make them more attractive to locals, as for example, a rubbish collector should be rebranded as “hygiene attendant” and gardener be rebranded as “landscape artist”.

He also noted that jobs currently performed by foreign workers, which are generally shunned by locals are considered dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D jobs) because of the perception that they are demeaning and socially unacceptable.

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Trainee pilot suffers light injuries as plane skids upon landing in Langkawi

A training plane skidded off the runway while landing at the Langkawi International Airport, March 30, 2022. – Photo from Twitter/BombaJBPM via Bernama

LANGKAWI (March 30): A female trainee pilot was slightly injured when the training plane she was handling skidded off the runway while landing at the Langkawi International Airport, tonight.

Kedah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Sayani Saidon said they received an emergency call regarding the incident at 8.15pm before a team from the Langkawi Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was rushed to the scene.

“The incident involved a Diamond-14 commercial training aircraft that skidded off the runway and caused the 28-year-old victim to suffer minor injuries to the waist and knees on both legs.

“The victim was removed by the fire brigade and was sent to the Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi,” he said in a statement tonight.

Meanwhile, Langkawi District Police chief ACP Shariman Ashari when contacted confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, at least two flights were stranded due to the incident and among the passengers involved were media practitioners who were on their way home after attending a programme there.

According to Putrajaya Media Club secretary Samantha Tan, who is also a Bernama staff at the Putrajaya Bureau, she and other passengers who were supposed to depart at 8.10pm for the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) were still on board the plane on the runway as of 10.30pm.

“The situation in the plane is still under control although there are children crying, and the plane crew is distributing food to passengers. It is still unsure when the plane can continue with the journey,” she said. – Bernama

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Malaysia border reopening: Foreign travellers reminded to follow rules, health protocols, says Immigration D-G

Visitors are also reminded to adhere to the health protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health including downloading the MySejahtera application, taking a professional RTK-Antigen test either at a private health facility at an international gateway or outside an international gateway within 24 hours. – Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA (March 30): Foreign travellers who wish to enter Malaysia when the border reopens on April 1 must comply with regulations set by the Immigration Department, its director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said.

Among them is to have sufficient financial or credit facilities to cover expenses in Malaysia, have a return ticket to the country of origin, have a residence in Malaysia that has been booked and a passport that must be valid for more than six months.

“For (travellers) countries that require a visa, they must apply for a visa. Now visas can be applied through eVisa online, all payments ie visa and processing fees can be made online,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Visitors are also reminded to adhere to the health protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health (MOH) including downloading the MySejahtera application, taking a professional RTK-Antigen (Ag) test either at a private health facility at an international gateway or outside an international gateway within 24 hours.

“The most important thing in the reopening of the borders is rules. There are two types of rules that must be adhered to by visitors that is the Health Ministry (MOH) protocols and Immigration rules,” he said.

On March 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the country’s borders would be reopened on April 1 as Malaysia enters the Transition to Endemic Phase.

In terms of personnel, Khairul Dzaimee said the Immigration Department has sufficient manpower at the country’s borders.

“Some 5,000 Immigration personnel were stationed at all entry points in the country before the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, some of them were given other tasks, namely managing temporary depots that had to be opened to manage the increasing number of illegal immigrants entering the country.

“Now, they have been brought back to take care of the counters in stages,” he said.

Khairul Dzaimee added that the autogate system at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has been activated since a month ago and is functioning well. – Bernama

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Piasau man arrested for allegedly abusing his wife

The suspect (middle) was arrested by the police in the wee hours of yesterday for further investigation.

MIRI (March 30): A 31-year-old male suspect was arrested by the police for allegedly abusing his wife at their home in Piasau Utara on Monday (March 28) night.

District police chief ACP Hakemal Hawari said preliminary investigation found that the incident occurred because the 39-year-old victim suspected her husband of having an affair with another woman.

He said that a police team from the Criminal Investigation Department of Miri district police headquarters arrested the suspect at his residence in the wee hours, around 1.30am, yesterday.

It is learned that the suspect had earlier gone on a rampage upon feeling upset after he was asked by the victim about his relationship with another woman.

Hakemal added that the victim claimed that she suffered injuries to her body and face during the incident.

The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code/Section 18 of the Domestic Violence Act for voluntarily causing hurt to the victim, which provides for up to one year in prison, or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction.

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PSB willing to share its traffic congestion study with GPS, says Wong

Wong (right) shows the traffic study for six intersections in Sibu town, while Hie Ping looks on. – Photo by Peter Boon

SIBU (March 30): Parti Sarawak Bersatu president Dato Sri Wong Soon Kai said his party had carried out a detailed study on traffic congestion in Sibu using well-known consultants.

He added the study, commissioned by his son the late Dato Andrew Wong, included the necessary budget worked out for its implementation and his party is willing to share the traffic study with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives here, subject to consent from the consultant.

“The late Dato Andrew Wong had engaged well-known consultants to do detailed (traffic) study and had come up with a detailed plan, drawing and worked out the necessary budget for implementation.

“There are eight congestion points in Sibu and six new roads have to be built to divert traffic away.

“The present (Sibu) team – GPS YB (elected representatives), if they like to have access to it (the traffic study), I can share with them with the permission from the consultant, of course,” Wong, who is Bawang Assan assemblyman told a press conference yesterday.

The eight congestion areas are Ulu Sungai Merah Road to Ling Kai Cheng roundabout; Deshon Road-Pedada Road-Ling Kai Cheng Road junction; Deshon Road-Persiaran Brooke-Teng Chin Hua Road; Wawasan Road-Teng Chin Hua Road (University Technology Sarawak); Permai Jaya junction with Tuanku Abdul Rahman Road junction; Pedada Road (now Dr Wong Soon Kai Road)-Oya Road-Wong King Huo Road junction; Tong Sang Road-Wong King Huo Road junction; and Sibu Old Airport Road-Sungai Teku linking Pasai Siong Road.

The six new roads proposed to be built to divert traffic and their estimated costs  are the new road from Aman Roundabout to Sibu Airport Road, stretching 4.5 km, costing RM37.250 million; a new road from Aman Roundabout to Sibu Ulu Oya Road meeting at Pahlawan traffic light junction, stretching 1.5 km, costing RM11.84 million; a road from Teku Road to Ulu Sungai Merah, involving 3 km, costing RM29.152 million; a road from Sungai Merah Road to Tuanku Abdul Rahman Road, stretching 4.5 km at RM52.870 million, a road from Teku-Pasai Siong Road to Kemuyang, stretching 6 km, at RM51.784 million and another road from Ulu Sungai Merah to Kemuyang, stretching 12.5 km, costing RM147.308 million.

PSB Dudong branch chairperson, Wong Hie Ping, was also present at the press conference.

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Entry to Brunei: Travellers only need to take Antigen test, no more self-isolation upon arrival

The infographic shared by Ukas states the announcement regarding travellers’ entry to Brunei, this April 1.

MIRI (March 30): Travellers, including Sarawakians, who have recovered from Covid-19 within 90 days, are only required to undergo Antigen Rapid Test (ART) upon arrival in Brunei, effective this April 1.

The Ministry of Health Brunei, in a statement, said besides the exemption from taking the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) swab before leaving their countries of origin, there would be no need for the travellers to undergo mandatory self-isolation upon arrival in the sultanate.

“They are only required to undergo ART upon arrival in Brunei Darussalam, where the cost of the test upon arrival is B$20 per person,” it said.

In an infographic shared by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the Ministry of Health Brunei conveyed the statement much clearer: “Any individual who enters Brunei Darussalam and has been infected with Covid-19, as well as has evidence of infection such as a ‘Recovery Certificate’ where the validity period of the evidence of infection is not more than 90 days, therefore these  individuals are exempted from being required to undergo RT-PCR swab-test before leaving the country of origin.”

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