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Cheyenne reviews the programme for Mr Sarawak 2022, to be staged at Boulevard Shopping Mall Miri tomorrow. He is flanked by Martha and Abdul Muzafar.
MIRI (July 1): The Miri Division Bodybuilding Association (MDBBA) today welcomes athletes and officials from Kuching and Sibu, coming for the 56th Mr Sarawak Bodybuilding Championships, which will be staged at Boulevard Shopping Mall here tomorrow (July 2).
MDBBA president Cheyenne Muris said upon their arrival and checking-in at Ajang Hotel, the athletes would undergo the weigh-in and height-measuring session to reconfirm the placing of contestants for every category.
“After that, the Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) will call for our annual general meeting (AGM), which we have not had over the past two years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It will be an interesting meeting in that we have a new affiliate, Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBBA), which was just registered in March this year.
“So now, SBBA now oversees three affiliates – us (MDBBA), KDBBA and Sibu Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Association (SDBWA),” he told The Borneo Post yesterday after holding a Mr Sarawak 2022 preparatory briefing here yesterday, also attended by his secretary Martha Mervy and acting treasurer Abdul Muzafar Bujang Zainudin.
Miri is hosting Mr Sarawak this year, which will involve some 30 bodybuilders who are representing all three divisions.
For tomorrow’s event, Cheyenne said barring the outcome from the weigh-in session, everything else was ‘pretty much settled’.
“We have arranged for the gimmick launch, among other things.
“What’s also interesting this year is our collaboration with The Borneo Post, in which the latter will broadcast the whole competition live via its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/borneopost.online.
“This way, those outside Miri can also catch all the excitement, virtually,” he said.
SBBA president Dato Wee Hong Seng, who is Mayor of Kuching South, is expected to attend.
The event is scheduled to commence at 1pm tomorrow.
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Shankar Ram (right) and Russell Lim (left) representing Dr Sim.
KUCHING (July 1): In the trial of Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian’s defamation suit against Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, the Kuching High Court yesterday has disallowed Chong to ask a witness to check whether the audited accounts involving the Covid-19 food aid fund amounting to RM16.4 million had been raised in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN).
The defendant’s counsel Michael Kong said the witness is currently the director of the Sarawak Premier’s Administrative Unit, Nicholas Sia, whom the defendant asked to find such a report and submit to the court, if there is any.
Shankar Ram, the plaintiff’s counsel, however, said that that was not the issue of the trial.
Shankar: The libel in the first and second Facebook posts alleged that Dr Sim received the RM800,000 allocation meant for the opposition which is untrue, to go so far as to ask the witness to check and produce documents. The defendant himself is a DUN member.
Shankar: It is for the defendant to substantiate their case of Dr Sim getting the RM800,000. Other than that I leave it to the court to bear in mind this factor is the discovery stage.
Kong: We have always said that there is a lack of transparency and lack of accountability.
Kong: Exhibit P23 which is the direction clearly states at the paragraph that “The audited accounts shall then be laid on the table of the DUN”. The word ‘shall’ is mandatory in nature.
Kong: My instruction from the defendant is so far he has not received any payment in 2021 because in the said year, there was no sitting called by the secretary of DUN. I pray that both sides, the defendant and the witness, to check.
The court however did not allow the application.
Meanwhile, Sia told the court that his side had submitted the 2020 account statement audited by the Auditor General and was given a clean bill of health.
“At this point in time, I have no information whether the statement has been laid on the table of DUN,” said Sia.
The trial of the case will continue on Aug 22 to 25 this year.
In 2020, Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, filed the defamation suit against Chong for alleging that he (Dr Sim) had failed to manage the food aid of RM800,000 meant for four state constituencies, namely Padungan, Batu Lintang, Pending and Kota Sentosa.
Shankar was assisted by lawyers Russell Lim and Yu Ying Ying while Chong was represented by lawyers Kong, Chong Siew Chiang, Sim Kiat Leng and Brenda Chong.
The case was heard before Judge Dr Alwi Abdul Wahab.
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Len (left) shows a land owner her land title deeds. Also seen are Rubiah (third left) and Idris (at rear).
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The survey of native customary rights (NCR) land requires full support from all parties to ensure it is done smoothly until the issuance of title deeds.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the work had to be done in accordance with the laws and procedures.
“The survey work will also be carried out after obtaining consent and approval from the land claimants involved.
“For cases still in dispute and in the court, the (surveying) work will not be carried out,” he said at the presentation of land title deeds under Section 18 of the State Land Code (SLC) at the civic center here yesterday.
Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang, MuaraTuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang and Kota Samarahan Land and Survey Dept superintendant Monaliza Ismail were also present.
Len added that accusations, incitement and propaganda by ‘outsiders’ against the (perimeter survey) programme were only temporary.
“Many of these outsiders do not own any land but yet they talk about defending NCR lands.”
Meanwhile, 353 people from Kpg Endap, Kpg Pinang and Kpg Tanah Putih received their land title deeds yesterday. The total acreage was 295.8 hectares.
Land title deeds under Section 18 of State Land Code (Kediaman bagi Kampung Tradisi Kpg Endap) were also issued to 147 individuals, involving 12.96 hectares.
For the record, the land surveying programme in the state started in 2010, involving two stages.
The first involves the perimeter survey and gazetting under Section 6 of the SLC under Bumiputera Communal reserve (Agriculture), and the second involves individual lot survey and issuance of land title deeds under Section 18 of the SLC.
As of May 31, 2022, the Land and Survey Department has surveyed 2.55 million acres of NCR land throughout the state with 1.96 million acres having been gazetted.
Also, 54,551 individual lots have been surveyed under Section 10 of SLC, involving an area of 67,783 hectares.
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Those met believe that the food and beverage industry will be affected most by the price hike of chicken. – Bernama photo
KUCHING (July 1): Consumers fear that the hike in the price of chicken will have a knock-on effect on prices of other goods and services because chicken is an essential food item.
Those met believe that the food and beverage industry will be affected most by the price hike of chicken.
However, they were silent on the ceiling price of chicken which differs according to zones in the country, but they acknowledged that a hike in the ceiling price of chicken would definitely affect the daily life of consumers, especially in Sarawak.
For food and beverage industry worker Desmond Mitchell Hill, 42, food and beverage operators will have no choice but to hike the price of their food items which contain chicken meat following the spike in chicken prices.
Desmond Mitchell Hill
“Chicken meat is already costly for food and beverage operators these days and if there is more hike in the price of chicken meat, then the food and beverage industry in the country will suffer,” he added.
For Palima Ngadan, 34, who works as a barbecue food stall operator, he said he had no plans to omit chicken from his menu at the moment, though the price does give him a little bit of concern.
Palima Ngadan
“If there is demand for them, I will however continue to sell food with chicken as its ingredient,” said Palima.
As for others, they said they will eat less chicken if the price of chicken meat continues to increase but suggested that the government come up with a better plan to control the price of chicken meat.
This is evident with the comments from consumers such as car dealership outlet manager Maria Krizelda Chan, 33, and administrative officer Philomena Dexclyn Siar, 39, who said that chicken seems to be a luxury item for people nowadays.
Philomena Dexclyn Siar
“I have to look for other sources of protein since the price hike has really disturbed my overall expenses and financial planning. When things are getting more expensive, I just choose not to buy them anymore,” said Philomena.
Chan, on the other hand, opined that as the cost of living in the country is getting higher while the minimum salary stays low, the government should consider putting in subsidies even if it is a small amount.
Maria Krizelda Chan
“Price of chicken meat can affect a lot of things, especially the food and beverage industry,” said Chan.
As for Noreen Abideen, 42, who works as an assistant manager for a local company, chicken meat will be food only for the rich if its price continues to increase.
“The challenge for Sarawakians specifically is not how to reduce the price because (I believe) it won’t, but to maintain it at least for a much longer period in sync with the people’s living standard.
“The government should look into things such as finding more ways to create more chicken farms in the country to solve the problem,” said Noreen.
Noreen Abideen
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) revealed that the retail prices of standard chicken in Sarawak have been capped from RM9.80 to RM12.90 per kg depending on district, effective July 1 to August 31.
On June 23, the Sarawak Livestock Breeders Association said that the price of whole chicken in Sarawak would not go above RM11 per kg when the ceiling price control for chicken is discontinued in July.
Association advisor Lee Jin Chiaw said there is a silent pact with the KPDNHEP not to review the price in a drastic manner.
“The ceiling price of whole chicken is RM9.10 and once the ceiling price control is no longer enforced, we will not sell above RM11. This is what we have agreed with KPDNHEP, which says action will be taken against us if the price is too high,” said Lee.
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Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government had approved the project to construct and operate fiber optic cables along highways, to MSA Resources Sdn Bhd, under the supervision of the Malaysian Highway Authority. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (June 30): The RM300 million Highway Digital Network project, which is expected to be fully completed in 2025, will make Malaysia a strategic big data hub in the Asean region.
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government had approved the project to construct and operate fiber optic cables along highways, to MSA Resources Sdn Bhd (MSAR), under the supervision of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
“This new telecommunications infrastructure, with low latency technology along the country’s major highways, will be able to provide users with seamless access to broadband traffic, at both the domestic and international levels.
“Cities and rural areas will be connected with a total of 4,000 Points of Interconnect (POI) which will enable high broadband coverage and will also contribute to the improved delivery of online public services, such as public health facilities, open access to education, and an improved transportation system,” he said at the launching of the project here today.
He said the availability of this digital network infrastructure, broadband network coverage, open access and competitive pricing gained by all telecommunications providers would benefit not only the local community but also small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other service sectors.
Fadillah said the project would also enable a shift for businesses to transform from face-to-face transactions to digital-platform businesses and reduce business boundaries from one place to another.
“Indirectly, the people will benefit by having a wider selection of goods and services at optimal prices and higher quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, MSAR managing director Saiful Husni Samak said the project would be built along the highway in Peninsular Malaysia in stages, through three phases of construction.
“The Phase 1 network is the installation of fiber optic cables from Johor Baru to Bukit Kayu Hitam. The Phase 2 network will involve highways in the Klang Valley while the Phase 3 network will connect the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia.
“Once these secured networks have been developed, Malaysian ministries and departments, such as the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police will be provided access while the LLM and concession companies under LLM will also benefit from the improved highway network services, such as free wi-fi facilities for their R&R areas and along the highway,” he said. – Bernama
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Unimas graduates on their special day. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 30): The three-day Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Commemorative Convocation ceremony held at Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall (DeTAR PUTRA) concluded yesterday with a total of 3,695 graduates receiving their scrolls from newly-appointed Pro-Chancellor Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier commended the graduates for their effort and hard work, while at the same time extended his due recognition to all parents and family members for their care and support.
“Nothing is more beautiful and meaningful than to see their achievement here today. Education is the only thing that no one can take away from you,” he said in his address.
Uggah, alongside Unimas Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi had on Tuesday presented scrolls to 581 graduates from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEP); 155 from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK); and 575 from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK).
Mohamad Kadim meanwhile urged the scholars to make good use of the knowledge, skills and experience gained from their university life for their next journey.
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Irene (right, back row) during DumoWongi’s first training session with the first batch of herb growers from Kampung Bundu Tuhan Ranau.
KOTA KINABALU (June 30): Her background in plantation management led 31-year old entrepreneur Irene Mositol from Kampung Wassai Kiulu to form DumoWongi, a social enterprise based in Kampung Bundu Tuhan, Ranau in Sabah.
The enterprise produces herbs, superfoods and edible flowers using natural farming practices. Their products include fresh herbs and flowers, potted herbs and flowers, dried herbs, superfood powders and herb salts.
“We were founded in 2018 but registered DumoWongi in 2019 after joining the Shell liveWIRE programme,” she told The Borneo Post, noting that DumoWongi in the Dusun language means “fragrant farm”.
“Our business model revolves around the community. DumoWongi provides training on natural herb farming methods. DumoWongi recruits growers who plant these herbs.
“We then buy back all the harvests which are sold to hotels, small businesses, restaurants as well as individual consumers. DumoWongi does the marketing and processing, so the farmers are pretty much guaranteed returns.
“The team has grown tremendously from when we first started. The core team consists of 7 people. 39 women have joined us as herb growers. 5 of our team members are also herb growers.”
A sample of DumoWongi products.
Prior to starting this business, Irene was with a non-government organisation that works with the indigenous people in Sabah, giving community training to raise awareness of natural farming practices and food processing techniques.
On challenges for this business, Irene said that the was not being able to meet consumer demands.
“This is mainly due to the inconsistent supply of our yield. Because our products are all organic, a lot of care is required for our yield which means zero pesticides and chemicals,” she explained.
“This makes our yield prone to diseases. Our herbs are prone to be attacked by downy mildew which is very hard to get rid of. This is honestly something we are still struggling with today.
“We are working closely with universities and the agricultural department to identify ways to combat this.”
Blossoming business
Irene shows visitors the proper method to propagate rosemary from fresh cuttings.
Since then, Irene’s business has come a long way.
“When I look back and compare it to where we are now, I can see we have come a long, long way. Something that I am quite proud of,” she enthused.
“In 2019, we started searching around for herb seedlings. We bought potted herbs and sold them. We decided then to start growing our very own hers and scouted for potential customers who were interested in fresh and potted herbs.
“In 2020, with a small food dehydrator, we started producing dried herbs and herb salts. This year, we are looking to venture into superfoods and edible flowers that we sell fresh and dried.”
DumoWongi’s farm is 100 per cent chemical free. The enterprise processes its own organic fertilizer, insect repellent and potting soil mix. It also has its own processing house.
“For drying, we use a food dehydrator. All of our dried products are dried at low temperatures to ensure the nutrition is not lost,” Irene said.
“Some parts of the process are still done manually, such as mixing, filling into the packaging and sealing because we just don’t have sufficient machines yet.
To date, this enterprise has sold more than five thousand bottles of dried herbs and over one thousand potted herbs and edible flowers.
And a major part of the community-based social enterprise revolves around empowering the community in some way.
“Our 39 herb growers now have an income of up to RM365 per month. Eight of them are also giving organic farming training with the DumoWongi team,” Irene added.
Her Shell experience
Irene (fourth left) during her win at the 2018 Sabah Shell LiveWIRE programme.
Irene credited her experience from the Shell LiveWIRE programme as to what lent to her business’ success.
“I love the camaraderie of the programme. Everyone became like a family, helping one another achieve goals. I joined Shell LiveWIRE in 2018 but till today, we are continuously learning and still having catch-up sessions and mentoring with our coaches,” she said.
“I was a blank canvas when I joined the programme. After winning the Shell LiveWIRE grant, we took a giant leap and kicked things off with our business. Today, I can say we have grown leaps and bounds with a strong team and nearly 40 herb growers, whose lives we are changing.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the in-program modules and how it was conducted somewhat intensively yet delivered at a pace where everyone was able to catch up. Sessions on Business Model Canvas, for instance, made me think about refining business and prioritizing.
“The coaches give you the necessary guidance to take your idea and turn it into an actual business, provide you with the network and access to help sell your products and a platform for you to continue learning as an entrepreneur.
“The mentoring and coaching have helped me and the business grow. We are now not only supplying restaurants and business owners but also to hotels. We are also in collaboration with other entrepreneurs to produce local gift sets.”
Irene Mositol of DumoWongi.
She also said that she joined BERTAMU@Shell to share her story with more people, generate brand awareness and educate them about the benefits of her products through the impact they are making.
“Our objective was to find a way to be able to supply our product to Shell stations as well as gain feedback on how we can improve our products,” she said. “It was a great experience.
“I learned how to properly approach retailers and how to pitch our products to them since they are also entrepreneurs like us.
“We aimed to supply our products to Shell caterers and vendors as well as Shell stations but realised that our products were not exactly suitable. We knew we needed to pivot to suit this. It is something we are working on currently.
“During the feedback round with coaches and other entrepreneurs, I learned that there are many ways to get someone interested in our products. The challenge, however, is for us to actually run these trials until we reach our sweet spot.
“I learned that by truly understanding their pain points, we would be able to generate demand.”
Looking towards the future, Irene said she wants DumoWongi to be a known company that produces the best, high quality and chemical-free herbs and edible flowers in Sabah.
“Our long-term goal is to make our herb farm not just be one that plants, produces and supplies. Instead, we want to be a spot for agrotourism to drive awareness about natural farming, food safety and the importance of herbs, superfoods and edible flowers.
Irene engages with Shell retailers at the latest BERTAMU @Shell event in Kota Kinabalu.
Her advice to young, budding entrepreneurs out there who want to succeed in business: Passion, commitment and knowledge.
“These three qualities are really important for us to succeed in business. Always look for opportunities and make time to learn something to improve yourself. More importantly, don’t do business alone.
“Work with a community or group. It will make your business more meaningful knowing you are creating some sort of an impact instead of pocketing profits every month.”
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Dr Sim (fifth right) in a group photo with guests at the dinner.
KUCHING (June 30): Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian encourages Sarawak Hawkers and Traders Associations to recruit members from other ethnic groups.
“This will strengthen the organisations and make it easier to fight for the welfare of everybody,” he said at a dinner organised by Kuching Samarahan Hawkers and Traders Federation recently.
Dr Sim said there were at least 75,000 hawkers in Sarawak, with about 50,000 of them using SPay Global, formerly known as Sarawak Pay.
“It can be seen that the hawkers have changed with the times. This spirit is commendable. However, there are more than 5,000 traders who still use bank accounts.
“I hope that hawkers can learn to master technology to face future challenges,” he said.
Dr Sim also believed that Sarawak needed economic transformation with the government going to set up Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund to make it (state) more prosperous.
He also thanked the voters for supporting Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the last state election, making Sarawak politically stable.
“DAP has said that Sarawak would go bankrupt but Sarawak is not bankrupt. Our revenue has increased instead. The GPS government will continue to lead Sarawak and Sarawakians,” he said.
He also commended Sarawakians for their solidarity during the Covid-19 pandemic and the various associations for carrying out the ‘Caring Food Aid’ programme to help the people.
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A health worker prepares a dose of Covid-19 vaccine for a boy at the IDCC Shah Alam vaccination centre on March 16, 2022. – Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA (June 29): Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged between five and 17 are recommended to receive a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to complete the three-dose primary vaccination series, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
In a statement today on the recommendation by the Technical Working Committee (TWG) for the Covid-19 vaccine, Khairy said the procedure or mechanism for the implementation of the third dose as well as the first booster dose for adolescents would be finalised and announced soon.
He said the recommendation had been made based on the current situation on the level of effectiveness of the vaccine among high-risk adolescents.
Khairy said the TWG recommended that the booster dose for individuals with moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions aged between 12 and 17 be re-categorised as the third dose and complement the primary vaccination.
“Only after completing the three-dose primary series, then the first booster dose can be given to people with moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions aged between 12 and 17.
“This measure aims to provide optimal protection to this group of teenagers from the risk of getting Covid-19 infection with severe symptoms,” he said.
On April 14, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the administration of a booster dose to moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and above.
As of yesterday, the vaccination rate of the primary dose of Covid-19 vaccine for adolescents was at 93.5 per cent.
However, studies from abroad have shown that the level of effectiveness of the vaccine on hospital admission among adolescents after five to 10 months of receiving a second dose decreased by 42 to 73 per cent.
Khairy said additional doses either to complete the three-dose primary vaccination series or as first and second booster doses would be given to individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions by government or private physicians.
Khairy said additional doses for individuals aged between five and 11 would be given at least eight weeks after their second dose.
For individuals between the ages of 12 and 17, he said they would receive an additional dose at least 28 days after receiving the second dose.
He said the second booster dose would be given to individuals between the ages of 18 and 59, including frontline health workers such as medical officers and nurses who were at high risk of getting a serious or severe Covid-19 infection.
“These people will receive a second booster dose at least six months after the first booster dose and after discussing with any registered medical practitioner,” he said.
For CanSino heterologous booster, he said recipients (18 years and above) must have received the second dose of their primary vaccine at least three months ago. – Bernama
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Flavoured heated tobacco products, much like oil for non-tobacco vaping devices, can come in a wide variety of flavours such as menthol, cherry or grape which critics say help attract younger users. – Photo from Shutterstock
BRUSSELS (June 29): The European Commission has proposed to ban the use of flavoured heated tobacco products in Europe because of concerns about their increasing popularity and health effects.
“With nine out of 10 lung cancers caused by tobacco, we want to make smoking as unattractive as possible to protect the health of our citizens and save lives,” said EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides in a statement today.
The Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said the ban was part of its ambition to decrease tobacco use in the 27-country bloc to less than five percent of the population by 2040.
Flavoured heated tobacco products, much like oil for non-tobacco vaping devices, can come in a wide variety of flavours such as menthol, cherry or grape which critics say help attract younger users.
A recent Commission report decried an explosion in the sales of flavoured heated tobacco devices in the EU, giving it the right to widen an existing law from 2014 on the prohibition of tobacco products.
The report also said that a conservative estimate for 2020 put the share of retail sales for these products at 3.33 percent of all tobacco products in the EU.
The proposal will now undergo scrutiny by the EU’s 27 governments as well as the European Parliament and come into force if it faces no objections.
Regulators worldwide are beginning to take a closer look at alternatives to traditional cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes, vaping and heated tobacco.
In the US, a court on Friday put on hold the health regulator’s decision to ban vaping products by industry giant Juul Labs over safety concerns.
Juul came under fire for a surge in youth vaping over its marketing of fruit and candy flavoured e-cigarettes, which it stopped selling in 2019.
In January 2020, US regulators said sale of e-cigarettes in flavours other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifically authorised by the government. – AFP
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Bonnie trains for the Commonwealth Games as Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya looks on. – Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR (June 29): National powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin expects to face a tough challenge from two athletes in his mission to snatch the para gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The 23-year-old Paralympian, who won the men’s under-72 kg gold medal by lifting 213 kg at the 2022 Asian Oceania Open Powerlifting Championships in Pyeongtek, South Korea recently, named India’s Haryana Sudhir and Rolland Ezuruike from Nigeria as his main contenders at the event, which is scheduled to take place from July 28 to Aug 8.
Therefore, he hopes to improve his technique ahead of the games to realise Malaysia’s target of winning one gold through powerlifting.
“Many things need to be improved within a month before the Commonwealth Games … in terms of weight and technique if I am to renew my personal best,” he said when met after receiving a visit from the Malaysian contingent chef de mission (CDM) to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya, at the Kg Pandan Sports Centre here today.
Bonnie won the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games gold medal last year (with a record lift of 228 kg in the 72 kg class) and broke the world record with a lift of 230 kg at the Fazza World Cup in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June last year.
Besides gold prospect Bonnie, another powerlifting athlete Jong Yee Khie is also listed for the Commonwealth Games.
Shahrul is confident that Bonnie will be able to meet the target of bringing home a gold based on the thorough preparations made and his excellent record.
“With Bonnie’s ranking and achievements at the Paralympics, we expect the best, and he is also a world record holder. We also have high hopes for Yee Khie,” he said.
Unlike the Paralympics, para events are run concurrently with events for normal able-bodied athletes at the Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, Shahrul, who is also the president of the Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU), said no target had been set for the country’s men’s rugby team but hoped that the Bunga Raya squad led by Mohd Saizul Hafifi Md Noor could at least gain valuable experience in Birmingham.
“Their (medal) chances are quite slim because they are in a group with strong rugby nations like world champions South Africa, Scotland and Tonga.
“Although it is difficult to get a medal, they should take this opportunity to gain experience and knowledge for future tournaments,” he said.
This is the sixth participation of the national rugby squad in the Commonwealth Games since they made their debut as hosts in 1998. Malaysia failed to qualify for the 2006 edition in Melbourne, Australia. – Bernama
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Mohd Shahar (centre), Low (second right) and other officials from Luno seen during their ‘Move with Luno’ campaign launch recently.
KUALA LUMPUR (June 29): A regulated digital asset exchange in Malaysia, known as Luno, has launched its latest campaign called ‘Move with Luno’ by appointing national diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong as one of its brand ambassadors to educate Malaysians on the understanding of digital assets and dispel common misconceptions around cryptocurrencies.
According to Luno, their latest campaign aims to inspire Malaysians to progress in their personal finance journeys to reach financial fitness.
“This campaign also aims to empower Malaysians to build their understanding of digital assets and investing as part of financial literacy, and will use education to dispel common misconceptions around cryptocurrencies.
“Brand ambassadors will share their personal finance journeys, and how they incorporate Luno into their investment plans,” said a press release by Luno yesterday.
The campaign was launched by Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah together with Luno’s APAC general manager David Low recently.
Low said Luno is incredibly proud of their ‘Move with Luno’ campaign which empowers Malaysians to improve their personal finances through improved education and understanding of digital assets.
“Luno is committed to supporting financial literacy in Malaysia, and the campaign builds on our heritage of providing a safe, secure and easy pathway to investment in digital assets like Bitcoin for everyday Malaysians.
“To date, we have over 700,000 customers in Malaysia and we are committed to continue providing more Malaysians with the resources to meet their financial goals through investing in digital assets safely and securely with Luno,” said Low.
Thus as interest in digital assets as an alternative or complementary investment strategy to achieve financial goals is on the rise, ‘Move with Luno’ will inspire and guide Malaysians looking to grow and preserve their wealth, he added, pointing out that this is where Luno comes in to nurture Malaysians with the right resources to learn about digital assets.
Low also said the ‘Move with Luno’ initiatives have been specifically designed to meet the growing demand for digital assets – from individuals looking to kick start their investment journey to crypto beginners looking to build their education and understanding of digital assets.
Apart from Pandela, another well-known athlete who was appointed brand ambassador for Luno is Mohamad Zaquan Adha, a veteran Malaysian national footballer who made more than 40 appearances for the country.
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KUCHING (June 29): The High Court was yesterday told that Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s Facebook post alleging that the then Deputy Chief Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian had failed to manage the distribution of RM800,000 in food aid has the potential to reach about 24 million Facebook users in Malaysia.
A witness in the defamation suit filed by Dr Sim (now Deputy Premier) against Chong, Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Sarawak deputy director Rodney Scott Dreman, said such post was also accessible to any individual around the world.
Kong (left) and his legal team at the courthouse.
Rodney said his testimony on the matter could be justified by two documents, firstly, a printout from statista.com to show the number of Facebook users in Malaysia in 2020 which was 24.81 million and, secondly, MCMC 2020 research on the number of internet users of 28.7 million or 88.7 per cent of the total Malaysian population.
The witness was testifying against Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman, during re-examination conducted by Dr Sim’s lawyer Shankar Ram Asnani.
Rodney also affirmed that Chong was the Facebook account user in question based on his name, profile photograph, email address and items being uploaded to his personal blogs therein.
Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, filed the defamation suit against Chong in 2020, for alleging that he (Dr Sim) had failed to manage the food aid of RM800,000 meant for four state constituencies, namely Padungan, Batu Lintang, Pending and Kota Sentosa.
The allegation was also made in newspapers.
Shankar was assisted by lawyers Russell Lim and Yu Ying Ying while Chong was represented by lawyers Michael Kong, Chong Siew Chiang, Sim Kiat Leng and Brenda Chong.
The case, heard before Judge Dr Alwi Abdul Wahab, continues today.
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Dr Abdul Rahman (front row, fifth left) seen with Abdul Aziz (front row, sixth right) and other officials at the Halal Abattoir Complex in Siburan during the visit to the abbatoir. – Photo via Facebook/SEDC Sarawak
KUCHING (June 29): Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is setting up a corned beef processing plant with a capacity of producing 18,000 cans per day.
Its chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain made the announcement in his speech during his visit to the Halal Abbatoir Complex in Siburan yesterday.
“This corned beef processing plant is fully designed by our in-house project management team and is expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2023, God-willing,” he said.
Abdul Aziz was accompanying Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and members of Sarawak Islamic Council’s (MIS) halal committee during the visit to the abattoir.
With a vision to lead the development of agriculture and food industry in the state, Abdul Aziz said he is optimistic that the SEDC Agro sector can be a supplier of affordable high quality protein in the country.
While he did not reveal where the plant will be located, it could likely be within the Halal Abattoir Complex.
Touching on the abattoir, he said it was built on a site of 6.37 acres out of the total 20 acres set aside for the complex in 2018 and completed in November 2019.
“The slaughtering capacity of this place is 100 cows, 50 goats and 50 deer per day, and apart from that, its feedlot capacity is for 1,000 cows at a time,” he said.
Abdul Aziz said SEDC has played an important role in the industrial, commercial and socio-economic development of Sarawak for the past 50 years.
This is because SEDC is involved not only in property development, tourism sector and socio-economic development activities, but also in the agro and food industry, he pointed out.
Also present during the event were MIS president Datu Misnu Taha, and Islamic Affairs Department Sarawak (Jais) director Khalidi Ibrahim.
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Abdul Karim (front, second left) shows thumbs-up for the ‘Queen Tribute Concert – I Want To Break Free!’, to be staged at BCCK this July 30. With him on the front row are (from right) Ting, Mohamed Zaid and Snowdan, while behind them are (from left) Malseni, Rizal and Ng. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 29): Front Asia Row will host a ‘Queen Tribute Concert’ this July 30, featuring live performances by international artistes such as Alfred Ayal – also known as ‘Freddie Mercury of Indonesia, and Alif Putra, who is dubbed as ‘Steve Vai of Singapore’.
To be staged at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the ‘I Want To Break Free!’ showcase will also have local talents such as Dewi Seriestha, Mathew Ngau and Michael King in its line-up.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah performed the official launch of the concert at Waterfront Hotel here yesterday, where deputy ministers Dato Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan were also present.
At the press conference held later, Front Row Asia managing director Ameerah Alsree said the concert would aim to bring positive changes within Sarawak’s music industry with the revival of live events and proactive activities.
“Now with the endemic phase and the international borders have reopened, the time has come for Sarawak to be the destination for proper live music events, and we are ready to rock Kuching with the ‘Queen Tribute Concert.
“Moreover, Front Row Asia is working closely with several organisations to make the concert an unforgettable experience, most notably the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Sarawak,” she said.
Adding on, Ameerah said during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when all live shows were suspended, Front Row came up with the idea of running the ‘Unlock Your Talent’ and ‘Music Must Go On’ (MMGO) programmes where all performances went online.
“There’s always been a charitable element in the MMGO, right from the start, and we have decided to make it the official philanthropic division of Front Row.
“The MMGO will be run as a separate body, seeking to support the community of musicians via various activities, focusing on shows, gigs, music lessons, and provision of musical instruments and so on.
“Parts of the proceeds from the sales of the Queen Tribute Concert tickets will go towards MMGO.
“MMGO would be sustained as a full-fledged ‘Music Aid Movement’, as some of the main contributions come from organisations and individuals through funding and other resources,” she said, announcing later that Miss Malaysia/World 2018 Larissa Ping would be the patron for MMGO.
For ticket purchase, go to this Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC)’s link: https://ift.tt/JnDTHvh.
There are four types of tickets, with prices ranging from RM88 to RM500. To know more, visit https://ift.tt/u21b8HO.
Also present at the press conference were Sacofa managing director and chief executive officer Mohamed Zaid Zaini, SDEC chief operating officer Malseni Jamal, TV Sarawak deputy chief officer Rizal Zulkapli, and Merdeka Waterfront Hotel Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Steve Ng.
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Abdul Karim fields a question from reporters. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 29): Sarawak could potentially be the kingmaker again when it comes to forming the next federal government in contrast to political parties in Peninsular Malaysia, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said based on the current situation of the political landscape in the peninsula, there is no party there holding a firm ground in establishing a solid majority to form a government.
“As far as Sarawak is concerned, take a look at our previous state election, our strong solidarity among ourselves reflects the situation, where 92.6 per cent of Sarawakians supported the ruling party Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said at a press conference for Front Row Asia’s Queen Tribute Concert at a hotel here yesterday.
He expressed confidence that GPS will be able to win all 31 parliamentary seats in the state in the coming 15th General Election (GE15).
“With that number of seats, we will be the one who stabilises the country because there wouldn’t be any party that would have a solid majority to form a government.
“And that is where Sarawak will have to be to lend a hand to stabilise (the federal government), which we have done with the present government.
“If it’s not because of (MPs) from Sarawak, we would not have this present government at length, to create a majority in the Parliament,” he added.
In that regard, Abdul Karim, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, said politicians should stay firm on their values and uphold their principles.
“You cannot support this today and support another thing tomorrow. If it comes to a point where the politicians would support Anwar (Ibrahim), and then support Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and then support Dato Sri Ismail Sabri, there must be something wrong with it.”
Earlier, when asked about how tourism in Sarawak would be affected by the rising cost of living, Abdul Karim highlighted that Sarawak was not immune to the repercussion of the inflated market.
“What is going on, it’s not only happening in Sarawak, as there are many factors involved, (namely) with the war between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine being the major supplier for wheat and sunflower oil, and the sanction on Russia.
“It is not surprising to see the cost of living going up and having a significant effect on the spending power of the ‘rakyat’ (citizens), in which we need to control our spending,” he said.
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Cheyenne, flanked by Martha and Abdul Muzafar, in a group photo with Awangku Hosin (right) and Chong after the press conference in Miri.
MIRI (June 29): Thirty-two bodybuilders from all over Sarawak will flex their muscles at the 56th Mr Sarawak Bodybuilding Championships, to be stage at Boulevard Shopping Mall here this Saturday.
Miri Division Bodybuilding Association (MDBBA) president Cheyenne Muris said there would be nine categories – Classic Physique Below 170cm, Classic Physique Above 170cm, Masters, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Light Middleweight and Middleweight.
The winner of each category would automatically be selected to represent Sarawak at this year’s Mr Malaysia championships to be held in Alor Setar, Kedah in August.
“We will also give away prizes to the ‘Best Poser’ and ‘Champion of Champions’ titleholders,” Cheyenne told a press conference yesterday.
He also revealed that among the event highlights would be former Mr Malaysia champion, Awang Mohd Azizul Ghani of Kuching, who is making a comeback.
Adding on, Cheyenne said he and his team were grateful that the state-level championships could finally be staged after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) president Dato Wee Hong Seng, who is also Mayor of Kuching South, is expected to attend the event.
Also present at the press conference yesterday were MDBBA secretary Martha Mervy Kulen and acting treasurer Abdul Muzafar Bujang Zainudin, as well as Mr Miri 2022 titleholder Awangku Hosin Awangku Bagul and fellow bodybuilder Chong Hien Yung.
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