Churches laud Malay Rulers for urging political leaders to stop fanning racial, religious hatred

The CCM pointed out that the institution of constitutional monarchy has been ‘a great blessing’ to Malaysia. – Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): The Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) today thanked the Conference of Rulers for urging political parties to refrain from inciting racial disharmony following the conclusion of the 15th general election (GE15).

It also lauded the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for promoting what it termed “politics of reconciliation and unity” to replace toxic politics, subsequently preparing Malaysia for a phase of coalition politics.

“The CCM welcomes, with respect and gratitude, the decree of the Conference of Rulers that leaders of political parties are to cease and desist raising racial and religious issues to instigate or incite the public.

“The decrees of their Majesties for the government to instil the spirit of equality among the people and to emphasise the Rukunegara as the basis of Malaysian society are also timely and vital for the full functioning of the Malaysian polity under a unity government,” it general secretary Reverend Jonathan Jesudas said in a statement.

The CCM also pointed out how the institution of constitutional monarchy has been “a great blessing to the nation”.

“In the past few years, we have seen how the leadership and counsel of their Majesties, the Malay Rulers, individually, and jointly as the Conference of Rulers. have ameliorated and moderated the excesses of acrimonious party politics in Malaysia,” Jesudas said.

He also expressed the prayers of the churches in the CCM will be with the nation, their Majesties and the various branches of government of Malaysia.

The CCM is an ecumenical fellowship of churches and Christian organisations in the country, and is one of the three constituent members of the umbrella coalition Christian Federation of Malaysia.

CCM’s statement comes after Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir decreed yesterday that the Malay rulers are calling for political leaders to cease and desist from raising religious issues to flame public anger after chairing the 260th Conference of Rulers.

The conference came following a divisive GE15 which saw ethnoreligious rhetoric amped up by political coalitions, especially Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its component Islamist party PAS during campaigning.

Centre for Independent Journalism’s Social Media Monitoring Initiative had pointed to PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang as what it called “one of the key amplifiers of divisive, racist, intolerant and hate-based narratives”, while the initiative #KamiNampak categorised one of Hadi’s remarks as “public incitement to genocide” as it contains elements that justify the erasure of individuals based on identity-based characteristics.

Social media users also pointed to TikTok posts warning about a possible repeat of the deadly May 13, 1969 race riots, carrying anti-Chinese messages, threatening violence, and questioning the religiosity of Malay-Muslims who voted for DAP.

Most of them were directed against supporters of Pakatan Harapan and some were affiliated with PN.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police have since summoned the management of TikTok after Malaysiakini reported that at least three such videos were published on the platform as part of “paid partnerships”.

PAS and PN continue to question the formation of the coalition government between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, believing that they should instead form the government despite not possessing the support of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat.

PAS has since attempted to undermine the PH administration by attacking component DAP with accusations that the party is Islamophobic and a “parasite” that will ruin the “Malay unity” government. – Malay Mail

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Awg Tengah: 813,587 ha of surveyed NCR land gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserves

Awang Tengah fielding questions from reporters during a function in Kuching on Nov 9, 2022. . – Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (Dec 1): An area of approximately 813,587 hectares (ha) out of the over 1.06 million ha of native customary right (NCR) land that have undergone perimeter survey have been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserves (Agriculture) under Section 6 of the Land Code, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

The Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development told the august House today that the process of gazetting the remaining areas that had been surveyed will be carried on.

“Since 2017, the perimeter survey has focused on individual lots under Section 18 of the Land Code for areas that have been gazetted under Section 6 of the Land Code based on the application and readiness of the landowners.

“Up to Oct 31, 2022, as many as 58,606 individual lots have been successfully surveyed involving an area of ​​74,181 hectares or 183,301 acres that have been and will be issued land title deeds under Section 18 of the State Land Code,” he said when delivering his winding up speech.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, said the land claimants for individual lots of NCR land must be present during when the perimeter survey was carried out in the field.

He said this is aimed at speeding up the survey process including marking the boundaries of their land clearly to avoid any dispute in making a claim so as to ensure the perimeter survey efforts can proceed in a smooth manner.

“The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring continuity of this NCR perimeter survey programme and will continue to provide the necessary funds in addition to the funds received from the federal government,” he added.

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Family of three made homeless after fire destroys house in Bintangor

A firefighter extinguishing the fire that destroyed a single-storey house near Rumah Kam Sungai Mador in Bintangor.

SARIKEI (Dec 1): A family of three was made homeless after their single-storey house near Rumah Kam Sungai Mador in Bintangor near here was destroyed by fire in the wee hours of this morning.

Bintangor Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Nicholas Belulin said they were notified of the incident at 1.21am and deployed seven firefighters to the scene, located about 19 kilometres from the fire station.

“Upon arrival at the scene, it was found that the fire had already engulfed the entire house,” he added.

Nicholas said after being informed that no one was trapped in the house, the firefighters proceeded to extinguish the fire using water that was sourced the the fire engine and nearby river.

“The fire was put under control in about half an hour’s time and was fully extinguished at 3.10am,” he added.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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GE15, eye-opening experience for first-time polling agents in S’wak

(From left to right) Shusheel, Lulu, Yeo, Natasha and Aloysius – the polling agents of GE15.

KUCHING (Dec 1): The recently concluded 15th General Election (GE15) has been a worthwhile experience for first-time polling agents Lulu Law, Shusheel Kaur, Natasha Hezner and Aloysius Claudius.

Relating her experience, Lulu said she and her team had to be at the polling centre at SJK(C) Chung Hua Pending by 6am on Nov 19 for the final preparation – in making sure that the streams or classrooms were well-prepared and organised for the big day.

“I had just come back from my working trip with Shusheel to Ba Kelalan the day before the election (Nov 18),” Lulu said.

“Despite the exhaustion from the one-week trip, we told ourselves that it would be a very good eye-opening experience. Not everyone will have the opportunity to be involved in the GE15 process and this is too good to be missed,” she added.

Shusheel, meanwhile, said the whole voting process went smoothly as the voters seemed to know what to do.

“Even when it comes to vote counting, all of us managed to do it pretty well without any problems and the polling agents from political parties were very cooperative too,” said Shusheel.

Natasha, who was assigned to read out names and identification numbers of every single voter who came to vote, said she had to go through the voters’ list meticulously.

“I have to make sure that each and every detail is correct,” said Natasha.

“The vote counting part is, however, a lot easier,” she commented.

Aloysius, also a first-timer, said he was assigned together with a senior colleague, Calvin Yeo, a presiding officer, to check on all final preparations at the polling station at Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Dewan Masyarakat on Nov 18.

Yeo, according to Aloysius, is an experienced election agent. They were both stationed at MBKS’s Community Hall from as early as 5am in the morning until almost 10pm on Nov 19.

“It was definitely a very long day, from 5am when we reached Dewan Masyarakat MBKS to almost 10pm before both of us were released by the returning officer after everything we submitted was verified,” said Aloysius.

“It is worth the experience,” he added.

Yeo, on the other hand, said he was glad that everything went well on Election Day.

“The election process was very smooth and we did not encounter any problems which could disrupt the whole democratic process.

“Everyone was very mature, with no untoward incidents. This is something that all of us must be proud of as Malaysians,” said Yeo.

The five colleagues who are currently employed by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) said they would not mind if they were to be called to serve as polling agents in future elections.

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Come up with funding for Stampin Resettlement Scheme, Yap challenges Chong

Yap speaking at the press conference.

KUCHING (Dec 1): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has challenged Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to come up with half of the funding for Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

Speaking at a press conference in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, Yap said that in just less than a year, he had managed to secure RM350 million for upgrading the drainage system in Stampin Resettlement Scheme.

“Drainage comes under the federal list and since we now have a unity government, the responsibility of looking after drainage comes under both federal and state governments.

“I challenge Chong, whose constituency also includes Kota Sentosa, to help secure RM175 million for the scheme from the federal government.

“That will ease the state government’s financial burden,” he said.

In response to comments made by a member of Democratic Action Party (DAP), Michael Kong, on the issue of Mile 7 Market Tuesday, Yap said they were not only looking to upgrade the fans at the market but also parts of the premises that had been neglected.

“I have the draft of the bill of quantity to upgrade the market, and the preliminary release has been prepared for me, which I have yet to go through, but the funding is already there.

“The preliminary works is for a sum of RM400,000, which comes from my Rural Transformation Project fund. We still have to go through the process of design and specification, said Yap.

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Stadium Sarawak, existing sports facilities to be upgraded, says Abd Karim

Abdul Karim (centre) going through his ministerial winding-up text speech at the State Legislative Assembly complex today. Also seen are (from left) MYSED permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Ministers of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu and Ripin Lamat. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Nov 30): The Stadium Sarawak will be upgraded while existing sports facilities in the state will be refurbished to comply with the relevant international standard recognition, said Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said in his ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today that such move is to enable Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to host international in the future such as Borneo International Games and other renowned international sports events.

He also thanked Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the allocation of RM58 million for competitive sports development and RM47 million for development and upgrading of sports facilities under State Budget 2023.

“The development of sports complexes in Sarawak has been gathering pace for the past few years as part of the state’s efforts to groom new talents and provide a solid groundwork for the growth of athletes in the region.

“My Ministry has constantly taken up productive measures to ensure sustainability of sports complexes by maintaining the facilities in a practical manner and safe to be utilised by the community,” he said.

Transitioning into the year of 2023, he said Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) through its agency SSC has been working to improve and enhance the current essential building maintenance works and services.

“Apart from that, both Stadium Negeri and Stadium Sarawak are integral venues for the development of sports, especially in hosting domestic and international sporting events. Hence, SSC has been proactively and determined to provide quality electrical and air-conditioning system, minimising any breakdown with its contractual schedule maintenances.

“In ensuring safety requirements, SSC is committed to continuously promote safe venues to be used by the communities with the planned fire protection system rectification works for both stadiums,” he added.

He also disclosed that SSC is also looking into refurbishing Stadium Perpaduan and Stadium Negeri.

“While executing the maintenance action plans, SSC is prioritising the sustainability of the premises to serve the community for their social needs. To minimise downtime while opening to the public usage, the maintenance work will be done in phases,” he said.

On a related matter, Abdul Karim said the state government has taken steps to construct and provide sports facilities throughout the divisions and district level in line with the Ninth Strategic Thrust Initiatives 2: Developing and Upgrading Sports Facilities under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“With 20 Project Rakyat and 16 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) Physical Projects approved, the Ministry is paving a path in providing the locals especially youth, rural communities and sportsmen a conducive, safe and standard sports facilities.  At the present, a total of RM242.6 million has been approved under Project Rakyat and 12MP to be implemented under projects and programme throughout the State,” he added.

According to Abdul Karim, the projects and programmes under Project Rakyat are in various stages of implementation and his ministry together with implementing agencies Public Works Department (JKR) and SSC will continue to work together in ensuring these projects are implemented and completed as schedule.

On the state’s sports achievements in 2022, Abdul Karim said it has been a successful year whereby good results were produced in pertaining Sarawak as the nation’s sports powerhouse.

He revealed Sarawakian athletes, including those in age-group competitions and para-athletes, managed to accumulate 106 gold, 58 silver and 34 bronze medals in national and international championships, tournaments and meets.

“At the International level, we managed to achieve a convincing result, putting us in the right path toward producing world class athletes,” he said.

He also disclosed that as to this date, there are 276 Sports Development Centres throughout Sarawak with a total of 6,032 athletes.

These centres are established in Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) facilities, schools, and private premises, assisted by our 339 coaches of various disciplines.

“Among the development centres, there are 201 Beginner Elite Centres (Pusat Elit Permulaan) with 4,368 athletes and guided by 220 coaches. In this centre, the athletes were taught and coached with basic skills. Then, they will be evaluated by their coaches based on whether they have mastered the necessary skills before being promoted to the next level of training skills,” he added.

Whereas in the Excellent Elite Centres, he said the athletes are being developed to acquire skills in the technical and tactical aspects of the game, to compete at higher level tournaments.

“At this moment we have 75 Excellent Elite Centres (PEC) with the total of 1,664 athletes with 119 coaches. They are the one who will be representing Sarawak to contest in coming Malaysian Games (Sukma) and other national and international tournaments,” he added.

On the way forward, he said MYSED through SSC has developed more aggressive and special programmes to focus on selected athlete pools for Sarawak in preparation for Sukma 2024.

“This programme will provide qualified and experienced coaches plus strategic training programmes to produce quality backup athletes. Other initiatives are, intensifying the base with opening more centres of the Beginner’s Elite Programme (PEP).

“The focus of these centres is to identify pool potential untapped talent athletes. The centres are not only centralised in the urban areas but also in rural areas such as in such as in Kapit, Baram, Belaga, Betong, Daro, Lubuk Antu and Gedong whereby the talented athletes can be discovered,” he said.

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Karim: 356 applications approved since S-MM2H Enhanced Requirements and Regulations implemented this year

Travellers are seen at Kuching International Airport. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (Nov 30):  A total of 356 applications have been approved since the implementation of the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) Enhanced Requirements and Regulations this year, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said this indicated a big jump of 1,218.52 per cent compared to the same corresponding period in 2021.

“For 2022, the top five nationalities are Hong Kong (58), United States of America (USA) (54), United Kingdom (49), Singapore (38) and Japan (32),” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

S-MM2H is a programme under the Ministry to attract and allow foreigners who fulfil certain criteria to stay in Sarawak with a multiple-entry visa.

Since its adoption in January 2007, Sarawak had approved a total number of 1,689 participants.

Abdul Karim explained that in August this year, with a view to ensure that the S-MM2H programme continues to benefit Sarawak, further refinement was approved to the Enhanced Requirements and Regulations of S-MM2H Programme.

Among the new requirements are the mandatory opening of fixed deposit account with any local banks in Sarawak.

“The required amount remains at RM150,000 for individual applicants and RM300,000 for couple.

“Besides that, proof of pension funds or offshore income or savings are required as proof of financial capability to support themselves while staying in Sarawak,” he said.

Abdul Karim said all the S-MM2H pass holders are also required to fulfil a minimum annual stay duration in Sarawak for 30 days in a year.

“This is one of the conditions for consideration of extension or renewal of the pass,” he added.

He said participants of S-MM2H may be allowed to work, be employed or involved in active investment and business during participation duration of this programme subject to the approval from the state government.

“They are restricted to professionals and investors. This refinement of requirements was effective from Sept 1, 2022,” he said.

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Ministry seeks two homestay clusters next year, part of community-based tourism focus

File photo shows visitors at a village homestay

KUCHING (Nov 30): The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is targeting at least two more homestay clusters to be registered in 2023, said its minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said as of November 2022, two more homestay clusters namely Homestay Sungai Buloh, Sadong Jaya and Homestay Kampung Berambeh, Simunjan have been registered.

“This makes the total homestay clusters to 48 clusters, with an additional of 27 homestay operators,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

Abdul Karim said more focus will be given to develop community-based tourism.

He said in 2023, the ministry will concentrate on evaluating the household income of homestay operators and analyse the gaps they face.

Under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he said one of the outcomes in the Tourism Sector is to increase community-based tourism by 20 per cent with an emphasis on raising the household incomes of participating local communities.

“To constantly upgrade the homestay operators and local communities’ capacity and capabilities, my ministry has been organising various training and courses such as Basic Hospitality Training, Marketing and Product Packages Training, Event Management Training, as well as Craft-Making Workshop.

“Through courses like these, it will encourage more community participation in the tourism and hospitality sectors with the aim of increasing their household income,” he said.

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Jalan Medan Jaya-Jalan Tun Hussein Onn flyover project in Bintulu currently at stage one, says Chiew

Chiew (right) is briefed about the progress of the flyover construction project by the project manager.

BINTULU (Nov 30): The flyover construction project at Jalan Medan Jaya-Jalan Tun Hussein Onn is currently at stage one, said Democratic Action Party (DAP) Bintulu publicity secretary Chiew Chan Yew.

According to him, a total of 49 foundations have been completed so far out of the 96 foundations to lay.

“The project is currently at Stage 1, and we have Stage 2 and 3 to come, plus the final work of the flyover, therefore we still have a long way to go,” he said in a Facebook post.

Chiew said this latest update was obtained from a detailed briefing by the project manager during his visit to the Medan flyover project office recently in his effort to understand the progress of the project.

From the briefing, Chiew said he was made to understand that the flyover is 380 metres long and there will be road widening on both sides and upgrading of the drainages to fulfil the needs in the area.

“The traffic control by the policeman at peak hours is really helpful to the project and public, so that the traffic is in good flow especially at peak hours.

“We thank the policemen for their work, and we will get in touch with the office and hope the traffic controlling work will continue throughout the project, and the public would really appreciate it,” he added.

The flyover construction project commenced on Dec 3, 2021, following the earth-breaking ceremony by then Works Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof on Nov 27, 2021.

According to the project details, the two-way four-lane flyover project from Jalan Sultan Iskandar to Jalan Tun Hussein Onn (and vice versa) costing about RM137.7 million is expected to be completed on Dec 2, next year.

Fadillah said the flyover is a priority due to the severe congestion at the area especially during peak hours.

The project was approved in 2015 and listed under the 11th Malaysia Plan, Rolling Plan 4 (2020) on Oct 25 2019.

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Teen MPV driver killed in fiery crash with lorry in Simunjan

Bomba photo shows the badly-burnt MPV at the scene of the accident.

KUCHING (Nov 30): A teenage driver perished after he was involved in an accident with a lorry near Kampung Jirok, Jalan Serian-Sri Aman in Simunjan around 10.20pm last night.

In a statement today, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) identified the deceased as 18-year-old Derry Ronston Jong.

According to Bomba, the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) Jong was driving caught fire after the collision and he died at the scene.

Firefighters extinguished the fire, which engulfed the MPV as well as cleared the area from debris.

The lorry was heading towards Kuching from Betong when the accident occurred.

The 55-year-old lorry driver and his 49-year-old attendant were slightly injured in the crash.

Both were taken to Serian Hospital for medical treatment.

Police transported Jong’s body to the same hospital for a post-mortem.

Bomba wrapped up their operation at 2.36am.

When contacted, Simunjan police chief DSP Wong Tee Kue said the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

“We are currently investigating the case to determine the cause of the accident,” he said.

Wong added police are calling for anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward with any information.

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Minister: 60 applications for temporary personal documents received as at Nov 1

Fatimah (front, second right) witnesses National Registration Department Sarawak director Awang Afferoz Awang Marikan (right) handing over to Yusuf the citizenship document for four-year-old Mikayla, as Nuridzyan (left) looks on. Standing next to Yusuf’s wife is Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Nov 30): A total of 60 requests for temporary personal documentation have been received by the state government since the opening for the application on Nov 1 this year.

According to Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the application is strictly meant for stateless individuals who are below the age of 21.

“The issuance of temporary documentation is for eligible stateless children who are applying for Malaysian citizenship under Section 15A of the Federal Constitution.

“There are youngsters in Sarawak, who identify as Malaysians but have yet to be given Malaysian citizenship, who are in need of access to facilities such as healthcare and education.

“It is the right of these children too,” she said in a press conference held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday.

Fatimah said to apply for the temporary documentation, one must be below 21 years old, must possess a birth certificate issued in Sarawak, and must apply for citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution.

“While the application process is expected to take about a month, successful applicants would be issued with temporary documents, which are valid for two years.

“Applications for the documents could be made at the office of my ministry or at the district offices statewide,” she said.

In addition, Fatimah said next month, her ministry will conduct an outreach programme on the temporary document application.

“This programme will kick off at the community social support centre in Kuching on Dec 2, before proceeding to Sepupok, Niah on Dec 8, Lawas on Dec 10, and Sibu on Dec 12.

“The reason why these areas are selected is because we believe that we can find a huge number of stateless children in these areas, and because of that, we also believe that this programme would help us locate them.

“Following the launch of this programme, we hope to see as many stateless children as possible having access to healthcare and be on time to go to school by March next year, which is the start of the new school term,” she said.

Prior to the press conference, Fatimah witnessed the handing-over of citizenship documents, issued under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, to the daughter of Yusuf Kamil and Nuridzyan Syazwani Ja’afar.

The couple adopted Mikayla Hanna, now four, when she was only one year old.

“We applied for her (Mikayla’s) citizenship in September 2019 and since them, he have been following up with the National Registration Department through calls and emails, to make sure that the application would be expedited,” said Yusuf.

“My wife and I are very happy that our daughter’s citizenship has been approved after three years,” he added.

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Brunei to extend land border post hours, drop mandatory Covid-19 insurance

From Dec 1, 2022, travel medical insurance with Covid-19 coverage is no longer compulsory. — AFP photo

MIRI (Nov 29): Brunei will extend the opening hours of its land control border posts with Malaysia and discontinue mandatory medical insurance coverage starting Dec 1.

In the latest amendments to Covid-19 control measures, the Brunei government’s Covid-19 Steering Committee said in a statement that citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, including foreign nationals, who wish to exit and enter the country via land, sea, and air will no longer be required to possess travel medical insurance with Covid-19 coverage.

Since Sept 15, 2022, travellers have been allowed to enter Brunei regardless of their vaccination status without having to undergo post-arrival Covid-19 tests to fill out the Arrival Declaration Form or obtain the Entry Travel Pass (ETP).

However, they are required to obtain medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of BN$20,000 for short-term visitors (foreigners) for visits of fewer than 90 days.

The statement said from next month, travellers can voluntarily obtain such insurance for their own peace of mind are as it could cover any medical or treatment costs that may be incurred following any unexpected incident whilst overseas and not limited to Covid-19 infections alone.

Brunei citizens, who are travelling overseas are also encouraged to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of their travel details by submitting them via MFA e-Register on the Ministry’s website.

Effective next month, operating hours for the Sungai Tujoh, Labu, Ujong Jalan, and Kuala Lurah Immigration Control Posts, which are currently operating from 6am to 8pm, will be between 6am and 10pm.

Sea control posts at Serasa Terminal Ferry, Serasa Vehicle Ferry, Muara Port, and Kuala Belait Wharf will continue to operate from 6am to 8pm.

In a move to the next phase, the Brunei government will also discontinue food distribution for Covid-19 cases from next month as the Covid-19 Steering Committee continues to monitor the current Covid-19 situation in the country.

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St Barnabas’ gets RM900,000 Unifor grant for new church building

Ripin (fourth left) hands over the Unifor grant to St Barnabas’ Church committee members.

MIRI (Nov 29): The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) under the Premier of Sarawak’s Office recently presented an RM900,000 grant to St Barnabas’ Church Taman Tunku for the construction of its new church building.

Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat, who is also Lambir assemblyman, handed over the grant.

Ripin, who also attended the church’s parish sale, said he will help St Barnabas’ with an allocation next year.

He also sent his Christmas greetings to all Christians.

St Barnabas’ Church is still short of RM300,000 for its building fund.

It was previously short of RM1.2 million prior to the allocation given by Unifor.

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Minister: No critical teacher shortage in S’wak, but issues faced with placement

Sagah revealed there are still issues with the placement of teachers due to teaching subject specialisation or teaching options and family-related matters.. — Bernama photo

KUCHING (Nov 29): There are no critical shortages of teachers in Sarawak, said Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

However, he revealed there are still issues with the placement of teachers due to teaching subject specialisation or teaching options and family-related matters.

“It is a policy to put spouses together within the same location.

“We do not want the husband to teach in Lundu, while the wife teaches in Lawas,” he explained in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.

He said the state has achieved the 90:10 ratio of Sarawakian to non-Sarawakian teachers.

For that, he thanked the federal Ministry of Education for its efforts to achieve this goal.

On the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, Sagah said the teachers had little problem in delivering their lessons in English for both subjects and the students have shown a positive attitude towards lessons conducted in the language.

He said the teaching of both subjects in English is now in its third year.

“However, it is considered premature to determine the impact of the programme. It would take the entire six-year primary education to gauge the impact.

“Nevertheless, I’m confident that the programme will be able to achieve the desired impact in the long term,” he said.

Sagah added that the programme has benefited more than 80,000 students and 5,100 teachers throughout Sarawak.

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Win Tioman state seat to overhaul Pahang govt, Hadi tells PN

Abdul Hadi is seen during the launch of the PN Pahang manifesto in Jerantut on Nov 8, 2022. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): Claiming democracy is not being “respected”, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition should overhaul the Pahang government if it wins the deferred Tioman state seat election on Dec 7.

Abdul Hadi said that the party that has the majority of the seats should be selected to lead the state even in a minority government, as it is part of the democratic process.

“If we win the Tioman seat then we have to overhaul. Because right now democracy is not respected. If we follow the majority, then must choose the party with the majority.

“Even in a minority government, the party with the majority should be selected. But the one chosen is Pakatan Harapan. This is not the right democratic concept,” he said in a press conference after a ceramah at Sriti Darul Ummah Mentara in Pianggu, Pahang last night.

The press conference was aired on his Facebook page.

Abdul Hadi was also asked if the collaboration between Barisan Nasional (BN) and PH in forming the state government will influence Tioman voters’ decision.

To this, he said he hoped they would respect the majority.

“This one we will have to wait and see. This is a minority government. We hope the people will respect the majority,” he added without elaborating.

PN won 17 Pahang state assembly seats, while BN won 16 state seats, and PH won eight seats in the Nov 19 election.

However, polling for the Tioman state seat was postponed following the death of the PN candidate Md Yunus Ramli, 61, at 3.30am on Nov 19, believed to be due to a heart attack.

This saw a hung Pahang state assembly for the first time as no party obtained a simple majority of 22 seats to form the state government.

But yesterday, Pahang BN reached an agreement to form the state government with PH.

Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who is also Pahang BN chairman, has been reappointed as the menteri besar. — Malay Mail

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Moving Malaysia forward: Young adults place high expectations on new federal cabinet

Choo Chong Seng

KUCHING (Nov 29): The youths have high expectations for the federal cabinet, to be led by Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in moving the country forward.

Administration officer Choo Chong Seng, 29, said he looked forward to seeing the new federal government honour the rights and privileges of Sarawak and Sabah as enshrined in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“I sincerely hope that the new government would pay greater attention to the implementation of MA63 in respecting the rights of Sarawakians and Sabahans,” Choo told The Borneo Post here.

Adding on, he said by implementing this, Anwar’s administration could be a role model to future federal government in terms of recognising the significance of MA63.

Choo also expressed hope that the new federal cabinet would comprise competent and intellectual individuals who could help bring the country to greater heights, particularly amidst the ongoing global economic challenges.

Kenny Kueh

From another perspective, Kenny Kueh, 26, believed that Anwar would be working under high pressure in managing the new unity government, supported by multiple political coalitions such as Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He hailed Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) leader, as always championing ‘clean governance’ and anti-corruption, but he also believed that the new Prime Minister would need to seek a balance in addressing the different interests of each political bloc.

“He (Anwar) and the PH-led government would need to be balanced and also be firm in their standards. They should only appoint ministers and people with high level of integrity and morality to minimise incidence of corruption and power misuse.”

Kueh, a contract and procurement governance executive, also called for all members of the cabinet to publicly disclose their personal assets to uphold greater accountability.

Damian Tang

In his views, teacher Damian Tang, 26, hoped that the new federal Ccabinet would tackle the issue of public transportation and affordable housing in Sarawak.

“There should be more affordable houses to be constructed in Sarawak, and the application should be open to all non-government servants as well.”

Tang also appealed for the prices of motor vehicles to be standardised between Sarawak and Peninsulas Malaysia.

‘The frequency of bus services in Kuching will also need to be improved, as well as providing free bus transportation to the public to overcome traffic congestion during peak hours,” said Tang.

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DHL, Matrade to enhance MSME export capabilities

Mohd Mustafa (third left) and Neo (second right) pose with (from left) Matrade’s senior director, transformation and digital trade division Khairul Annuar Abdul Halim, Matrade’s deputy CEO of exporters development Abu Bakar Yusof and DHL Express Malaysia’s head of commercial Ooi Chooi Lee.

 

KUCHING: DHL Express has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) whereby under the agreement, both parties will launch the ‘Trade and Grow Beyond Borders’ programme in the first quarter of 2023 to develop and enhance export readiness among Malaysian businesses.

The new initiative serves as a platform to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to uncover latent foreign demand and tap into overseas markets.

DHL Express’ international specialists and its network of industry partners will lead a series of modular training focused on globalisation, from financing and marketing to logistics and e-commerce.

It also aims to foster collaboration among the target audience and provide businesses with guidance.

The MOU was formalised by Matrade chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz and DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo.

“At Matrade, we strive to encourage more MSMEs to seize opportunities abroad and increase their export volume,” said Mohd Mustafa.

“However, we acknowledge the challenges that come with taking their business across borders and understand how
the right support can make all the difference to a company with an eye on international expansion.

“We can help them make that leap through our partnership with DHL.”

Neo highlighted that trade is a key driver of economic development and resilience, allowing MSMEs to scale up and future-proof their business.

“We are delighted to work with Matrade to cultivate a more positive global outlook among local entrepreneurs,” Neo added.

“This new program continues our efforts to mitigate export bottlenecks by leveraging public and private sector cooperation in addition to our expertise and capabilities.

“As facilitators of global trade, we can contribute to the success of local entrepreneurs.”

The program is open to participating companies of Matrade’s Mid-Tier Companies Development Program (MTCDP), GlobPreneur Program, as well as Bumiputera, Women, and Youth Exporters Development Program (BWYEDP).

There are plans to extend the scope to include other companies registered with Matrade.

The MOU further provides a framework for both organizations to develop a sustainable and robust trade ecosystem.

This includes collaboration in the fields of networking, capacity-building, leads and knowledge exchange and trade activities.

‘Trade and Grow Beyond Borders’ is organised as part of GoTrade, a social impact programme of Deutsche Post DHL Group that assists export-led growth for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The initiative equips business owners with practical
knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of shipping abroad and accessing foreign markets.

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Margma hopes new govt picks MPIC minister with close understanding of industry

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) is hoping that the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) minister to be appointed by the new government would be someone with a thorough understanding of this export-oriented industry.

In a statement, the association congratulated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his appointment as the 10th prime minister of Malaysia and believes his administration would lead the country towards the desired economic recovery.

President Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam said, however, in the wake of strong global competition faced by the industry, MARGMA hopes that due consideration is given to someone who has previously helmed the MPIC portfolio and has a thorough understanding of the industry.

“The rubber glove industry is continuously needing to innovate and advance itself to face global competition amidst economic uncertainties, and our ministerial leadership will be essential for this purpose.

“The industry currently leads in innovative production of medical examination and surgical gloves as the world’s largest producer supplying to 195 countries and fulfilling about 65 per cent of global demand and is poised to make a comeback in 2023 with a far better performance than this year,” he said.

MARGMA noted that the upstream and downstream industries should be drawn closer together and the prime minister is urged to make the best consideration for the industry and for Malaysia to continue playing its humanity role in producing essential personal protective equipment for global healthcare needs. — Bernama

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Bursa Malaysia to trend higher on better foreign fund support

Market players will be closely monitoring the development of the Cabinet line-up led by newly-appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as well as the fate of Budget 2023. — Bernama photo

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia is likely to trend higher, recovering from profit-taking on Friday, riding on a better risk appetite especially from foreign buyers.

Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng reckoned market sentiment to remain positive despite the profit-taking seen on Friday, with the FBM KLCI to break the 1,500 level again soon.

He anticipated the benchmark index to trend within the 1,500 and 1,530 level, with demand to be supported by buying from foreign investors.

“They have been selling over the past few weeks, but came back on Thursday with net buying of RM300 million.

“We advise investors to focus on large cap stocks such as banks and telcos, and domestically-driven stocks including construction and retail real estate investment trusts,” he told Bernama.

Another dealer said market players would be closely monitoring the development of the Cabinet line-up led by newly-appointed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as the fate of Budget 2023.

For the week just ended, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) moved in volatile trading as a result of the 15th General Election.

The market rebounded strongly on Thursday following the clarity in the local political scene as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah consented to the appointment of Tambun Member of Parliament Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister, coupled with positive external developments that fuel investors’ risk appetite.

The FBM KLCI rallied to a near three-month high of 1,501.88 on Thursday, before retreating the next day due to profit-taking.

On Friday-to-Thursday basis, the key index rose 37.22 points to 1,486.54 on Friday, from 1,449.32 on last Thursday. The market was closed last Friday to enable electors to exercise their right to vote in GE15.

On the index board, the FBM Emas Index increased 297.55 points to 10,576.79, the FBMT 100 Index garnered 288.88 points to 10,299.69, the FBM 70 soared 478.85 points to 12,638.36, the FBM Emas Shariah Index expanded 288.85 points to 10,687.62, while the FBM ACE chalked up 276.72 points to 5,191.64.

Sector-wise, the Industrial Products and Services Index gained 6.76 points to 185.36, the Plantation Index bagged 63.08 points to 6,817.15, and the Energy Index earned 35.76 points to 759.09.

The Financial Services Index surged 523.36 points to 16,699.16 amid positive news that the United States Federal Reserve’s officials agreed for a slower pace of interest rate hikes.

Weekly turnover ballooned to 22.82 billion units worth RM13.19 billion from 10.53 billion units worth RM6.81 billion in the previous week.

The Main Market volume grew substantially to 17.84 billion shares valued at RM11.92 billion against last week’s 7.15 billion shares valued at RM5.93 billion.

Warrant volume widened to 1.84 billion units worth RM249.65 million from 1.57 billion units worth RM289.54 million previously.

The ACE Market volume expanded to 2.84 billion shares valued at RM1.02 billion from 1.80 billion shares valued at RM585.13 million. — Bernama

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