Utar offers upskilling, reskilling programmes

Utar is offering Micro Credential Courses (MCC) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL (C)) for credit award. — Photo from Facebook/Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 1): Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) is now catering to those who need extra knowledge and skills through its Micro Credential Courses (MCC) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL (C)) for credit award.

This is because the university opines that learning continues, whether at school, work or home, and in some cases, continuous learning becomes a necessity for individuals who wish to upskill and expand their knowledge for professional and personal purposes.

“The options for applicants to enrol in either MCC’s undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Utar actually support their professional, technical, academic and personal development because the single or a series of courses are designed to educate learners with information, skills, values and competencies in a specific field of study or activity.

“This allows applicants to utilise these courses as opportunities and platforms to enhance professional development, and even for upskilling or reskilling,” added Utar in a press release yesterday.

Meanwhile, for registered students of Utar who have prior working experiences and also possess relevant knowledge and skills acquired through non-formal work-related learning experience and informal training courses, Utar said that the APEL (C) will be a suitable option for them.

According to the statement, Utar has set the APEL (C) Centre, under the university’s Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE), which started in September 2019.

“APEL (C) is an award of credit granted to a student based on prior experiential learning that is relevant and specific towards a course within a programme of study.

“APEL (C) is indeed a good opportunity for adult students to enrol in higher education programmes because it gives recognition to students’ skills and knowledge acquired through work experience and short courses attended.

“Through APEL (C), redundant learning can be reduced, and learning of similar content can be avoided, which also allows for reduced time and cost in completing a study programme,” said UTAR.

UTAR said that the APEL (C) award of credits is in the form of credit transfer and will be counted towards the total graduating credits of the specific programme of study enrolled and the maximum credit transfer is up to 30 per cent of the total graduating credits of a specific programme of study.

The university also said that the APEL(C) is applicable to all courses offered by the respective programmes (subject to the requirements by the relevant professional bodies, Ministry of Higher Education and a university, (if any) except for final year project-based courses.

“DACE will facilitate and process the applications for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and upon completion of an MCC course, participants will receive an e-certificate, and will also be awarded the UTAR Malaysian Micro-Credential Statement (UTAR MMS) which will allow them to transfer credit when they pursue their studies in Utar,” said Utar.

Apart from that, Utar also said that they offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas like Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Arts, Chinese Studies, Malaysia Studies, Business and Economics.

They also offer programmes in areas such as Biotechnology, Engineering and Build Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Media and Journalism, Education and General Studies, and Agriculture and Food Science.

The university also engages in the provision and conduct of research, consultation, management and leadership training, and other related educational services at its Sungai Long and Kampar campuses in Malaysia.

For more information, visit www.utar.edu.my or call 05-4688888 (Kampar Campus), 03-90860288 (Sungai Long Campus).

from Borneo Post Online https://bit.ly/3WU4uZz
via IFTTT

Differences of opinion welcomed in Umno, says Zahid

Ahmad Zahid is seen at Bernama Radio, Wisma Bernama in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 31, 2023. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 1): Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while he welcomed differences of opinion among party members, he will not compromise on them questioning the party’s integrity.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this was because he placed great importance on party unity.

“I welcome differences of opinion, go ahead and air them but when (they) touch on party integrity, I will no more compromise on this, what is important is unity within the party.

“Having the same mindset, conscience among the leadership and taking consolidated efforts in the implementation of the party machinery must be prioritised. This may be difficult to understand, but not difficult for me to implement,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme last night.

Elaborating, Ahmad Zahid said there must never be hidden enemies within the party.

“The attacks do not only come from outside (the party), we do know who are our enemies out there, but we also know those who ‘baling batu sembunyi tangan’,” he said, referring to the Malay proverb that describes a person who doesn’t want to be responsible for his actions or words.

“… but I do have to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this. As someone who has been entrusted to lead the largest party representing the Malays and Islam, do I want to see this situation fester?

“I have to strive further, and it’s not because I am with hate, there is not even a molecule of hatred towards any individual, but the party must be saved,” Ahmad Zahid said. — Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://bit.ly/3jmSthm
via IFTTT

School gets RM100,000 for building overhead bridge

Dr Jerip unveils the plaque to mark the opening of the new school block. Looking on are (front, from left) Lo, Willie and Chai.

KUCHING (Feb 1): A government allocation of RM100,000 has been approved for the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge at SJK Chung Hua Batu 15 here.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Transport I Datuk Dr Jerip Susil during the official opening of the school’s new block at Kampung Asah Bratan, Jalan Puncak Bormeo here.

“A board member of the school had ‘whispered’ to me just now, that they needed to connect the new and the old building with an overhead pedestrian bridge.

“They said they would need RM100,000 to get it done.

“So I approve RM100,000 from my allocation for this year, for the project,” the Mambong assemblyman said in his speech for the ceremony, also commending the school board members and the Federation of Boards of Management for SJK Chung Hua of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions for their cooperation.

Moreover, he thanked the board of SJK Chung Hua Batu 15 for opening the doors to Bumiputera students.

“Now I see so many Bumiputera who can speak Mandarin. This is a good thing.

“Many of those from the new generation nowadays, regardless of race, can speak Mandarin.

“It’s true that in the beginning, SJK Chung Hua was only for the Chinese but eventually, it accepted Bumiputera students – now, we see more and more parents are sending their children to study at SJK Chung Hua.

“Many have excelled in their studies at SJK Chung Hua Batu 15. Not only that, they have also developed good discipline, character and vision.”

The event was also attended by Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, and Federation of Boards of Management for SJK Chung Hua of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions chairman Dato Jonathan Chai.

from Borneo Post Online https://bit.ly/3Y96FJK
via IFTTT

Can Anwar’s ‘Malaysia Madani’ concept succeed where previous slogans have failed?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur January 27, 2023. – Malay Mail photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 1): Several political analysts have weighed in on the “Malaysia Madani” concept launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier this month, and whether it can be a useful guide for a new national narrative.

Amid concerns that it may fall by the wayside as so many previous government slogans, International Islamic University Malaysia’s (IIUM) political analyst Syaza Syukri said “Malaysia Madani” is a well-thought-out phrase that will influence the policy-making of the Anwar-led government.

“It is definitely not something off the cuff but truly represents Anwar’s idea of administration,” the assistant professor of political science told Malay Mail.

Syaza also said the concept has the potential to be sustainable but it is the government’s responsibility to explain the concept to the public.

The word itself has its roots in Arabic and means “being developed in terms of thinking, spirituality and mentality.”

“Going forward, I believe it is time to inculcate those values clearly among Malaysians through campaigns and education. Then the values would become more than a slogan but perhaps may become part of the elusive ‘Malaysian identity’,” she added.

Echoing Syaza, Singapore Institute of International Affairs Senior Fellow Oh Ei Sun said “madani” is not an everyday word used by Malaysians and so had to be properly explained.

He gave the example of “Islam Hadhari” which was first introduced by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“Of course, Abdullah Badawi had to explain to a wider audience what was meant by ‘hadhari’ as it was not part of the everyday vocabulary,” he said.

Awang Azman Awang Pawi of University of Malaya said that “Malaysia Madani” can become the foundation of a civilised and progressive society.

The associate professor of the Department of Socioculture said that the concept should not just be translated into the government’s policy-making but embedded in every level of society.

“Apart from being translated in the form of policy, it will be mobilised in the form of an implementation committee and reviewed in terms of success and impact on society and the country,” he told Malay Mail.

In launching his new reform plan called “Membangun Negara Madani” (Developing a Madani Nation), the prime minister said he wants to foster a new mindset among Malaysians for an equitable share of the nation’s wealth regardless of their ethnic, religious, political and social class demographics.

Anwar said the “Madani” concept comprises six tentpoles translated from the original “SCRIPT” in English: sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust.

It was however lambasted by Islamist party PAS’ president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who said any concept for the advancement of civil society must properly follow the precepts of Islam to succeed while any other version that is guided by Western philosophers will fail — such as Thomas Paine, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Adam Smith and Karl Marx. = Malay Mail

from Borneo Post Online https://bit.ly/3Y4oEky
via IFTTT

Housewives encouraged to contribute to Socso’s ‘Housewife Social Safety Scheme’

Nancy showing a pamphlet containing the benefits of Socso’s Housewife Social Safety Scheme (SKSSR) during the press conference. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING (Feb 1): Housewives are encouraged to make contributions to the newly launched Social Security Organisation (Socso) ‘Housewife Social Safety Scheme (SKSSR)’.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri hopes that they can make their contributions either with assistance from their husband or through their small business.

“I just want to highlight here today on the importance of contributing to Socso and to also spread awareness of the benefits of being a Socso contributor, especially for housewives,” said Nancy to the press after symbolically handing over Socso pension payment to a widower at Kampung Bintawa Hilir, Petra Jaya yesterday.

At a press conference after the handing-over, Nancy lauded the proactive actions taken by Socso in seeking out the family of a deceased to claim their entitled Socso pension payments.

Socso Sarawak director Tan Phang Chia, who was present, said they had set up a special taskforce to monitor social media pages on news related to accidents before checking the eligibility of families of those who perished in accidents to claim for the pension payments.

“We have a special squad to carry out this task of monitoring any accident reported on social media and to contact the family of the victim, if needed. What I want to say is that we are proactive in looking out for the interest of the victims and not just wait for people or company to report to us first,” said Tan.

Tan said about 40,000 housewives in the state are contributing to Socso currently and he also encouraged non-governmental organisations to come forward to assist in paying the contributions for the housewives.

Earlier yesterday, Nancy symbolically presented Socso pension payment to a widower Mohd Mumin Ardie, at Kampung Bintawa Hilir, Petra Jaya.

The deceased, Arwah Nur Athirah Jafar, passed away at the age of 22 on Dec 26 last year after collapsing at her workplace.

Arwah Nur Athirah had just celebrated the birthday of her one-year-old son a day earlier before passing away the next day.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/U1W7xIt
via IFTTT

Civil Defence Force’s MoU paves way for use of sniffer dogs in search and rescue ops

K-9 unit dogs from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department Grouse and Denty are seen at the site of the landslide at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite, Batang Kali December 18, 2022. — Malay Mail photo

KAJANG (Jan 31): Collaboration has finally been established between the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the SAR Dogs Association to jointly conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations using the service of detection dogs.

APM chief Commissioner Aminurrahim Mohamed said the agency currently does not have animals assigned to its SAR efforts, but with the official involvement of SAR Dogs, rescue operations to save victims have been bolstered.

“This collaboration with SAR Dogs has been long established since 2019 but it was not in black-and-white. Today, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was officially signed. Furthermore, it will save the cost of handling trained dogs, while it also grants clearance for the involvement of the public in SAR operations.

“APM’s Special Civil Defence Force (PASPA) will also be given exposure by training together with the SAR dogs to gain knowledge, training and expertise in handling canines for operations,” he said after witnessing the MOU signing ceremony between APM and SAR Dogs at GISBH Valley in Kajang here today.

The signing involved APM deputy chief Commissioner (Management) Datuk Ismail Mohd Zawawi and president of SAR Dogs Datuk Dr Mohd Nordin Mohd Nor and the president of Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia R. Kalaivanan.

Aminurrahim said that so far, SAR Dogs have been involved with APM in three SAR operations, one of which was the landslide SAR operation at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali last December.

He said despite facing the constraints of allocation and assets, it will not stretch the APM resources to provide specialised sniffer dog training to its members in providing the public service.

So far, PASPA consists of 94 members exposed to special training. It intends to add 40 more members to the team and is currently in the process of spreading out its crew across the country in the event of a major disaster.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Nordin said the association currently has as many as nine trained dogs along with their handlers.

“The training carried out with these dogs is always done in tandem with their handlers. The dogs we have are privately owned and trained by the owner itself to ensure compatibility so the animal will obey instructions given.

He said that some of the nine dogs in question have already passed training and ready to assist in SAR operations, while the other canines are still in the early stages of training.

“During the SAR operation in Batang Kali, there was a dog known as ‘Tar’ involved on the first day of the mission. Tar was only deployed on the first day because it has the ability to sniff out living humans, in which the initial period of the disaster was a difference between life and death, to detect the scent of individuals who are still alive,” he said. — Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/M0hv7FY
via IFTTT

Search operation activated for man who fell from Lanang Bridge

Police and APM personnel are seen at Lanang Bridge.

SIBU (Jan 31): A search and rescue (SAR) operation began this morning for a man believed to have fallen from Lanang Bridge into the Rajang River last night.

Sibu police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the SAR operation involves the Marine Police, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and Civil Defence Force (APM).

He identified the man as Amirzaman Alam, 25, from Jalan Sentosa, Salim here.

“We received a missing person’s report from a friend of the victim at around 4.45pm on Jan 30,” he said in a statement.

As of the time of writing, searchers had yet to locate the victim.

Zulkipli called on the public to contact investigating officer Sgt Abdul Rahman Mat on 014-3177026 should they find Amirzaman.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/bAlnJ6c
via IFTTT

Residents’ fire safety knowledge helps save Sare longhouse from destruction following short circuit

Longhouse residents with the fire extinguishers they used to douse the sparks.

SARIKEI (Jan 31): Basic fire safety knowledge and well-placed fire extinguishers saved Rumah Rasir in Sare near here from being destroyed by a fire sparked by a short-circuit last night.

Sarikei Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Mahmudin Narudin credited the outreach programmes held in longhouses, villages, and schools for the favourable outcome.

“With the knowledge learnt through the programme, the residents of Rumah Rasit efficiently used the fire extinguishers to douse the sparks before they went out of control,” he explained.

Upon receiving a distress call at 7.24pm, he said seven firefighters were deployed to the longhouse.

When they reached the scene located about 20km away, longhouse residents had already put out the fire.

SEB staff inspect a section of the cable which sparked.

“They had put out the fire with three units of fire extinguishers they kept handy at the longhouse. The firefighters did not have to carry out a firefighting operation,” he said.

Mahmudin said five policemen and three Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) staff were also present.

He added firefighters conducted inspections to ensure the situation was safe before leaving the longhouse around two hours later.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/RanW46M
via IFTTT

Op Limau: 905 individuals arrested nationwide for illegal gambling

Photo shows the police crest.

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 31): The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) arrested 905 individuals nationwide during an operation, codenamed Op Limau, for suspected involvement in illegal gambling activities, involving seizures amounting to RM513,793.

PDRM Secretary Datuk Noorsiah Saaduddin said a total of 137 raids were carried out during the operation held last Jan 15 to 29.

“Op Limau was conducted for 15 days across the country to curb gambling activities in conjunction with Chinese New Year,” she said in a statement today.

She said the investigation was carried out under Section 6(1) and Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

Noorsiah said the public with information about gambling activities can channel the information through the Op Limau WhatsApp hotline at 016-5773477. – Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/GZ2Jn01
via IFTTT

Bomba reapplying for 12MP funds to boost firefighting devt in S’wak

Mohammad Hamdan shakes hands with Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang (right) as they meet prior to the opening ceremony for the new Bomba station on Selangau. Standing next to the assemblyman is Bomba Sarawak director Datu Khirudin Drahman.

SELANGAU (Jan 31): The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is reapplying for allocations under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) meant develop and improve firefighting infrastructure, which also covers setting up of new stations, in Sarawak.

According to Bomba director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, the projects consist of the construction of the Bomba Academy Sarawak Region, purchase of building for its Batu Kawa station, preliminary works on Lubok Antu and Sungai Asap stations, and also preliminary works of the Bomba Air Base in Kuching.

He expresses hope that the 12MP fund application would be approved to ensure that these development projects could continue to improve the level of effectiveness and efficiency of the Bomba Sarawak force.

“Bomba’s focus in 2023 is to continue the efforts towards effective, comprehensive and empowered its management and operations to ensure the safety of every citizen.

“Accordingly, the addition of and improvement on firefighting infrastructures such as the new station projects, remain the department’s priority towards ensuring that the service access is at an optimal level,” he said at the official opening of Bomba Selangau station yesterday.

On the station, Mohammad Hamdan said it meant to benefit some 30,000 local residents, adding that they would no longer need to rely solely on Sibu and Mukah stations, which are located about 100km from the Selangau District.

He also noted that the frequency of emergency calls recorded in Selangau was still low, with an average of 70 calls per year.

However, he said with the new station, the Bomba would always be ready for any eventuality.

Adding on, he said with the addition of the Selangau station, Sarawak now has a total of 38 fire stations.

“However, this existing number of stations is not sufficient in fulfilling the firefighting needs in Sarawak, which covers an area of 124,450 square kilometres – almost as vast as Peninsular Malaysia.

“Especially in the rural areas, it is difficult due to the long distances.”

On a more positive note, Mohammad Hamdan said it was encouraging to see that last year, the average emergency response time recorded in Sarawak was 7.44 minutes – a decline from 8.07 minutes recorded in 2021.

“This gives a positive impression that the response time to reach the scene (of fire or other disaster) is getting faster.

“The active involvement of the Voluntary Fire Brigades (PBS) and the Community Fire Brigades (PBK) throughout Sarawak also helps a lot in providing immediate emergency assistance,” he said.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/pKLgAiQ
via IFTTT

Flood aid channelled to 77 households in Bako Hulu, Bako Tengah

Dr Hazland (seated, sixth left) with the flood aid recipients from the villages in Bako Hulu and Bako Tengah.

KUCHING (Jan 31): Seventy-seven households from villages in Bako Hulu and Bako Tengah have been given flood relief to ease their burden and hardship, says Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

According to the Demak Laut assemblyman, the recipients are those whose houses were affected by the recent flash floods.

“Every year during the monsoon season, the high tides and continuous heavy rains would cause the water level to rise, triggering flash floods especially at the houses by the river.

“This can be seen happening in the Bako area, in the villages of Bako Hulu, Bako Tengah and Bako Hilir,” he said in a statement released in connection with the presentation of the aid.

Moreover, he also advised those living in the coastal and riverside areas across Demak Laut to be prepared for possible evacuation throughout the ongoing monsoon season.

“According to weather forecast, there could be heavy rains and the residents are reminded to always be prepared.

“For safety, all electrical equipment should be placed on an elevated structure, and everyone must make sure that important documents are kept in a safe place and easy to reach should there be a need to evacuate.

“Residents should watch out for the latest information about the weather.

“And should the need to move to the PPS (temporary evacuation centre) following the directive from the authorities, they must take heed immediately,” said Dr Hazland.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/NiwEbVZ
via IFTTT

Fahmi: Communications Ministry identifies several agencies to develop Malaysia-Singapore cybersecurity roundtable

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil speaks during an interview with Bernama in Kuala Lumpur January 24, 2023. – Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 30): The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) has identified several agencies that will be given the priority to create a Malaysia-Singapore Cyber Security Roundtable, that will be held annually, in an effort to increase cybersecurity.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this is a positive move and is expected to start this year.

“The roundtable is not formed yet and I will be going to the Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines on February 8-9 to meet the communications ministers from Asean countries and several others.

“For me, this is the next move in the relations in the Asean region, but specifically between Malaysia and Singapore it is hopeful it will start this year and will be held every year,” he told the media after signing a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of personal data protection, cybersecurity and digital economy at The Istana, Singapore, today.

He said among the cooperation that would be enhanced in cybersecurity included the exchange of information on analyses, experiences and guidance that can be called the outcome of cyber attacks and cybersecurity incidents.

“This is because as we see now threat actors who almost every week strive to hack the database but the issue is that we have not identified them, where they are…this is among those that we will enhance following the cooperation between both countries,” he said.

On digital economy, Fahmi said it involved the exchange of information on best practices, policies and regulations, including on digitalisation, interoperable standards, and new emerging technologies.

“We also want to learn what has been achieved especially in terms of regulatory in Singapore and we hope the relations between the republic and Malaysia will be closer,” he said.

Besides that, he said the ministry would also jointly increase, promote as well as support efforts to enhance e-commerce as well as the overall digital economy but not only involving electronic signature, validation, electronic transferable records, and electronic invoice framework.

“This is a very positive move. KKD will welcome Singapore’s Minister of Communications and Information when their delegation make a visit to Malaysia on February 4, followed by a musical extravaganza programme on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).”

Fahmi also said that both countries will jointly present the Asean Cross-Border Data Flow Mechanism under the Asean Framework on Digital Data Governance between Malaysia and Singapore as well as exchange of information on important issues.

“This is what we are examining now, particularly involving scams or data thefts which may happen not in that country but cross-border,” he said.

On the congestion at the Malaysia-Singapore border, Fahmi said that KKD will help to look at and evaluate the digital system to accelerate the process and resolve the issue faced by Malaysians in crossing the border. — Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/QJVtCu3
via IFTTT

Ranau-Sandakan road closed due to landslide, says Sabah JKR

Sabah JKR said that there is no alternative road to divert motorists and that cleaning works are currently being carried out.

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 30): Jalan Ranau to Sandakan has been closed to all vehicles due to a landslide, resulting in fallen trees blocking the route in the area early today.

The Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) in a statement today stated that there is no alternative road to divert motorists and that cleaning works are currently being carried out.

It said the landslide occurred at KM167.9 Taviu Forest Reserve, Ranau.

“The landslide is believed to be due to continuous heavy rain last night. Inspection and installation of the Traffic Management Plan have been carried out in the affected areas,” it said.

Jalan Ranau to Sandakan is one of the main roads connecting Sabah’s west coast and east coast. Ranau is a district in the interior of Sabah. It is about 117 kilometres east of Kota Kinabalu. – Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/k6G0obh
via IFTTT

Retired teacher documents 15-year research on Kelatanese Peranakan Chinese history

Screenshot shows Wee and family with the uncle who sparked his desire to find out more about Kelantan’s Peranakan community. — Screenshot from Facebook/Jabatan Kerajaan Tempatan (JKT)

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 30): A casual Chinese New Year visit to an uncle’s house at Kampung Pasir Parit in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, in 1994 sparked a man’s desire to find out more about the Kelantanese Peranakan community which he is a part of.

Wee Chong Joi, who was then teaching at a school in Kelantan, found himself drawn to his 80-year-old uncle Koh Boon Chok’s vivid account of his family ancestry. Koh, a fourth-generation Kelantanese Peranakan Chinese, could even recall the names of his ancestors with ease.

“He told me and my family about our ancestors’ sea voyage from the southern part of mainland China, that is, Fujian and Hainan, before settling down in Kelantan.

“Listening to my uncle’s chronicles left me and my wife feeling amazed at how the ancestors of Kelantan’s Chinese community learned to assimilate themselves into the local cultures while still holding on to their original religion and customs,” said Wee, who is now 92.

Peranakan is a term that describes the descendants of the early Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia and partially adopted Malay customs in an effort to be assimilated into the local communities.

About 10 years after the eventful visit to his uncle’s house, Wee and his wife Tam Lye Peng, who both retired as teachers at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Chung Hwa, Kota Bharu in 2005, embarked on their quest to dig up the history of Kelantan’s Peranakan Chinese community.

“We knew it (the research) was not going to be easy as we had to identify the settlements of the Chinese community in Kelantan as well as get the help of our friends and relatives to create a list of people from whom we could source information,” Wee told Bernama, adding that they were determined to trace the history of the early Chinese immigrants who settled in Kelantan to ensure their origins are remembered and cherished by future generations.

Challenges

The couple met with all kinds of challenges in their journey to gather the necessary information for their project. In fact, in the sixth year of their research, Wee’s wife was diagnosed with cancer but she continued to help her husband with his research until she passed away in November 2016.

Now, more than 15 years after embarking on the research, their findings have been documented in Mandarin in a book that hit the market on Sept 27 last year. Work on the Bahasa Melayu version of the book, titled ‘Jejak Penghijrahan Awal Orang Cina di Kelantan’ (Early Migration of the Chinese to Kelantan), is now in progress.

Related Wee: “Among the challenges we faced (whilst doing research) was not being able to interview some of the people on our list as they had already passed away. In some instances, the houses were vacant when we arrived there to interview the inhabitants. There were also families whose lineages were incomplete as they didn’t have enough information.”

He said as part of his research, he travelled to over 50 Chinese villages in Kelantan located on the banks of Sungai Kelantan, Sungai Pengkalan Datu, and Sungai Kemasin.

“The migration of the Chinese from southern mainland China to Kelantan can be traced back to 300 years ago and they were well received by the local Malays,” he said.

Besides interviewing the descendants of the early Chinese immigrants and collecting archaeological artefacts, he also managed to trace the lineages of some of the families with the help of the wooden plaques displaying the names of the ancestors of each family.

“In the villages we visited, we also studied the origins of the temples located there and the structures of the people’s dwellings,” he added.

Screenshot shows Wee with artefacts from the Peranakan community in Kelantan. — Screenshot from Facebook/Jabatan Kerajaan Tempatan (JKT)

Significance of temples

The visits to the villages were deemed incomplete without making a stop at the local temples, many of which were over 200 years old, according to Wee.

“Each Chinese village in Kelantan surely has a temple which is a symbol of the local community’s beliefs and background,” he said, adding that the Chinese also believed that every area, before settlers move in, has a ‘landlord’ whose permission must be sought before the land is cleared for settlement purposes.

Pointing to Kampung Pasir Parit in Pasir Mas, he said the Chinese villagers there still conduct a ceremony called koi hoi, which is a 300-year-old Taoist tradition linked to the existence and influence of supernatural forces in one’s daily life.

“The villagers come together to conduct the koi hoi ceremony to seek the blessings of their guardian deity and request the deity to protect them against worldly ills and disturbances by supernatural beings,” he added.

Wee also said the ancestral plaque of every Chinese family in Kelantan provided a glimpse of their migrant family’s history and genealogical tree.

“For example, during a visit to Kampung Balai in Bachok, we came across a plaque on the graves of a Chinese-Siamese family that had engravings of Thai and Mandarin characters.

“This showed the existence of Siamese influence due to mixed marriages and assimilation of their cultures,” he added.

Uniqueness of Kelatanese Peranakan Chinese

Wee also said that although the Kelantanese Peranakan Chinese observe a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Siamese cultures, they still adhere to the customs and beliefs of their ancestors.

In terms of the dialect they speak and their food, way of dressing and leisure activities, they share a lot of similarities with the Malays.

Like the Malays, the Kelantanese Peranakan Chinese also live in stilt houses, with the men and women wearing sarongs similar to that worn by the former.

Wee said currently, there are over 60 Peranakan Chinese villages in Kelantan, each having a population of 500 to 2,000. The Peranakan Chinese comprise 3.01 percent of the state’s population with most of them involved in trading, fishing, and farming.

To improve the process of documenting the information and artifacts related to the migration of the Chinese to Kelantan, Wee established the Kelantan Chinese Historical and Cultural Association in 2009.

Meanwhile, Wee’s daughter Alison, who helped her father with the research process after the demise of her mother, said both of them now reside in Seri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, and only visit their now vacant ancestral home in Kampung Cina, Kota Bharu, during festivals.

“We hope to turn our ancestral home into a mini museum to exhibit the archaeological artifacts and reference materials we collected during our 15-year research on the history of the Kelantan Peranakan Chinese,” she added. — Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/iqfUs2m
via IFTTT

Foreign Minister: Discussion of M’sia-Singapore bilateral issues to continue constructively

Zambry and Vivian are seen with their wives Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli and Joy Balakrishnan. — Photo from Facebook/Vivian Balakrishnan

SINGAPORE (Jan 30): Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir is confident that bilateral issues involving Malaysia and Singapore will continue to be discussed in a “constructive and productive context”.

It is very important for both countries to hold a discussion session or negotiation that can provide good results “not for one side but for both sides”.

Zambry said this to the Malaysian media at a ‘Meet and Greet’ session late last night – immediately after meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

He was in Singapore in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to the republic today. Anwar is expected to arrive around 9.30am.

According to Zambry, the meeting between him and Balakrishnan was to discuss matters related to bilateral relations and also as a preliminary preparation for the two leaders to hold a meeting today.

“We also discussed some matters related to issues involving both countries that require mutual understanding for us to resolve.

“In terms of the issue, there are not so many that require immediate steps for us to resolve, but it involves several important matters to be looked at together and make a decision together,” he said.

Among the related issues include Maritime Boundary Delimitation, Flight Information Region, as well as several other matters in terms of mutual agreements that have been made so far.

The minister said Malaysia and Singapore have always had similarities and the same expectations to see the region in ideal condition.

“In other words, this discussion or negotiation needs to continue in the spirit of good neighbourly relations with good intentions and a genuine desire for us to solve various issues.

“It is so that every matter that is discussed will not just be on one side; it must be able to reach a win-win decision and that will be able to bring the results of the decision made for us to move forward in a better way in the future,” he explained.

Malaysia, he said, hopes that any form of discussion or negotiation that is made in the future will not be a zero sum game.

“We want to get a really constructive decision. This also involves matters related to sea boundaries which may have been an issue as well as attention at the Malaysian level,” he said.

As part of the one-day visit today, a busy schedule awaits the prime minister, who is also expected to hold a face to face meeting with his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana. — Bernama

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/ZFoyhDK
via IFTTT

Establish dedicated board to uphold needs of elderly, says JKWS director

Adana (centre), accompanied by Alice (behind him, second left) and others, hands out angpow packets to RSK residents at the event. – Photo by Roy Emmor

KUCHING (Jan 30): The needs of the elderly at Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) have to be reviewed and be given more attention, said Sarawak Women and Family Department (JKWS) director Adana Jed.

He said it is crucial to have tailored and person-centered approach to ensure the residents’ well-being and quality of life in the nursing home setting.

This, he added, can be achieved by conducting programmes for the elderly care home, as well as providing the residents suitable daily activities to fill in their time.

Adana said this at the Chinese New Year gathering for the residents of the elderly care home, held at a hotel here yesterday.

Citing the RSK Visitors’ Board members’ appointment that adheres to the Old Folks’ Care Institution Management Methods Book 2015, Adana called on for strong support and commitment from the members to take great care of residents’ welfare and interests.

“RSK Visitors’ Board members must carry out their responsibilities with integrity and trust, and cannot misuse their position for personal interests both directly and indirectly,” he said.

He also urged the board members to set up a facility fund to facilitate proper public funds channelling for running the old folk home’s activities or programmes.

“I hope that the RSK administration and Visitors’ Board members can maintain good relationships and cooperation for the wellbeing of the home’s residents,” said Adana.

RSK Visitors’ Board chairperson Datin Alice Livan Egang, meanwhile, said the gathering was held to bring festive cheer to the residents and make them feel loved.

“We hope that such event like today will foster and strengthen unity, togetherness and tolerance amongst us and the RSK residents who are of different race and religion,” she added.

She also called on for the public and the private sectors to come hand in hand to offer any kind of assistance to the elderly care home which has already moved to its new building at Mile 12, which she added requires further upgrading and improvement.

At the event, 30 RSK residents were treated to lunch and ‘angpows’ while having the opportunity to watch a lion dance performance and be entertained in a karaoke session.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/JlVaPqY
via IFTTT

Selangau MP to highlight constituency’s needs in coming Parliament sitting

Edwin (second right) and Sikie (second left) during the ‘Mangkung Tiang’ ceremony at Rumah Michael China. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo

SELANGAU (Jan 30): The urgency to have a bank set up in Tatau will be among the issues brought up in the Dewan Rakyat sitting next month, said Selangau MP Edwin Banta.

He said other matters he will bring up include building a water treatment plant in Sangau as well as the upgrading of the preschool at SK Tatau.

“I will be participating in the six-week session to ensure the voice of the people in Selangau is heard.

“I will use this opportunity to highlight pressing issues in Selangau. I would like to thank the community in the area for their support during the last general election, and I will continue to carry the trust and mandate that has been given to me,” he said during the ‘Mangkung Tiang’ ceremony at Rumah Micheal China Guang, Ulu Urau in Kakus on Saturday.

At the same event, Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai spoke on the importance of having safety features installed in longhouses to avoid fire outbreaks.

“Most fire incidents in longhouses are caused by electrical short circuits.  Therefore, we need to be sure that the electrical wiring is in accordance with the safety standards set.

“Do not use unsuitable cables as this may lead to a fire,” he said.

Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman, also called on the longhouse folks to continue prioritising togetherness and the sense of belonging as one big family.

He said the government has approved construction of more telecommunication towers in rural Sarawak which includes Kakus, in the effort to overcome connectivity issues.

“Some of the towers have been constructed and some are still in progress. Towers will be built in Belungai and Penyarai, among other rural areas, to facilitate connectivity.”

During the event, Edwin presented a minor rural project (MRP) grant worth RM15,000 to Tatau’s Ketua Kaum’ and community leaders association (KMKK).

Meanwhile, Sikie announced an MRP grant of RM10,000 to the Women’s bureau of Rumah Michael China’s village security and development committee (JKKK).

He also announced a total of RM400,000 in MRP grants for 10 other JKKKs – half from him and the other from Edwin.

The 10 JKKKs are Rumah Jimbun Jagoah, Rumah Esther Ansai, Rumah Rawing Manja, Rumah Gerry Jani, Rumah Joseph Mong Meludu, Rumah China Guang, Rumah Suran Unow, Rumah Edward Jalin Ampas, Rumah Tadong Lungan and Rumah Joshua Renang Manai.

For the record, Rumah Michael China was destroyed in a fire in 2015 and a new longhouse has since been built.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/e4PHj2z
via IFTTT

Nancy: ‘Wanita Bangkit’ aims to produce 2,000 S’wak women entrepreneurs

Nancy (standing, centre) in a group photo with the programme participants at Damai Beach Resort. – Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (Jan 30): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is targeting some 10,000 women entrepreneur participation from across the country in the Wanita Bangkit@KPWKM initiative this year.

Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the programme was first implemented in 2021 and has since been receiving encouraging response, to which the ministry is expecting more women in Sarawak, especially housewives and breadwinners to participate in the programme.

“Our target this year is to reach 10,000 women throughout the country participating in this programme,” she told reporters when met at Wanita Bangkit@KPWKM Entrepreneurship Programme in Santubong here yesterday.

Describing Wanita Bangkit as one of the best initiatives launched by the government, Nancy expressed hope that women, especially housewives, would seize the opportunity as the initiative also provides them with financial assistance.

“Through this programme, women will be able to benefit from MyKasih Kapital’s assistance and run their businesses,” she said, adding that the ministry is hoping to produce some 2,000 women entrepreneurs in the state through the programme.

“During the work tour in Sarawak, a total of 600 participants attended the Bangkit@KPWKM MyKasih Kapital Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme course held in three districts namely Sibu, Miri and Kuching.

“The programme focuses on income-generating activities by networking women to platforms in the formal sector that offers job openings, as well as those in the informal sector through business or entrepreneurial opportunities.

“This programme is an incentive given to women to start generating income with small capital in the field of e-commerce and small businesses that are not included under the scheme in the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Tekun and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM).

“This includes one-off financial assistance amounting RM500. This assistance will be distributed to the recipients starting tomorrow (Jan 30),” she added.

Nancy, however, noted that the programme has its limitations as it is not funded by the government but from donations by government-linked companies (GLCs), and does not offer any grants.

Despite these limitations, she said the ministry has collaborated with various government agencies and private companies to ensure the success of the programme.

“Our target is B40 housewives, who are sole breadwinners, including single mothers in addition to providing them with the various platforms to supplement their income.

“For Sarawak, we want to achieve 2000 women participation within 100 days. So as of today, we have already achieved 600.

“We want to help more but as I said, we have limitations. This is because this programme is not funded by the government. The fund came from the GLCs (donations) to help these women,” she added.

According to the ministry, MyKasih Kapital’s assistance programme has managed to benefit a total of 15,370 women to run their businesses since it was first launched.

from Borneo Post Online https://ift.tt/byOt7Fa
via IFTTT