Two girls drown In Sandakan
SANDAKAN: Two girls drowned in separate incidents near Jalan Labuk over the past two days. Nursinah Madu, a 17-year-old Form Five student who recently sat for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, drowned when she was swept away after falling into a drain while crossing a wooden bridge near her house in Kampung Pertanian, Mile 25 Jalan Labuk, about 7am yesterday. Some parts of the area were flooded due to the downpour on Saturday night. Villagers and her family recovered her body not far from where she fell 30 minutes later. Her remains were brought to the Duchess of Kent Hospital. Family members later claimed the body for burial. Gum Gum Assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Haji Edris accompanied by his aides, was at the mortuary to convey his condolence to the family. In another case, six-year-old Saturia Samsuri drowned while bathing in a pond at a quarry in Mile 16 Jalan Labuk late Saturday afternoon. Her body was recovered and sent to the hospital by her family. The police were informed of the incident by the hospital around 9pm.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
SUNDAY-9TH DECEMBER 2007-INANAM, MENGGATAL AMONG ACCIDENT-PRONE AREAS
Inanam, Menggatal among accident-prone areas
KOTA KINABALU:
Inanam and Menggatal are among the areas listed as accident-prone areas here with over half of the fatal mishaps happening in these two places. As of November, of the 36 deaths in the City, 22 people were killed in accidents in Inanam and Menggatal. Acting City Traffic and Public Order Chief, ASP Mohd Nordin Mohd Noor, in disclosing this yesterday, said 11 of those fatal accidents involved pedestrians. “This is unique in Sabah; normally in other states pedestrians are the lowest in the list of victims in mishaps but over here, they made up the bulk of it,” he said in response to a question on the frequent mishaps in Menggatal and nearby areas by a resident during a crime prevention dialogue at the Menggatal community hall, Saturday. A resident had voiced out his concern over the big number of mishaps taking place in the areas, asking whether it was due to the lack of enforcement or the bad road conditions. Mohd Nordin explained that over 80 per cent of the time, motorists were to be blamed for the mishaps. “Most of the mishaps occurred because of the attitude of motorists. There were many instances when they were found driving under the influence of alcohol.” He stressed that the road conditions or enforcement aspect should not be blamed for the situation. “The enforcement cannot look after the safety of every motorist all the time. There were many occasions where we found drivers only putting on their seatbelts when they spotted the police or during roadblocks. This shows that they are more worried about getting booked rather than looking after their safety,” he said. As a solution to this, Mohd Nordin said they are creating an awareness among the young people on the importance of road safety. “Frankly, it is hard to tell older motorists to change their attitude but it is not too late to instil a sense of responsibility in the young …we hope they will learn and abide by traffic regulations at all times,” he said. On another issue, Mohd Nordin said the police are trying their best to ensure that the people’s needs are met. He was responding to a comment by a Telipok resident who felt the City Police had failed to do a follow-up on a report he lodged in August. The complainant said the thieves not only carted his belongings away but also parts of the house like the zinc roofs and planks. “Since the day I made the report, I have not been informed if it has been solved ... it is preferably we are informed on the progress of the investigation,” he added.
Acting City Police Chief, Superintendent Rowell Marong, who led the dialogue, later responded that he does not deny the police have its weaknesses. “But sometimes my personnel could fail to understand the gravity of the crime and subsequently the matter did not reach the higher ups,” he said, adding that he understands the public’s frustrations but the police are trying their best even with very limited manpower. He also urged the public to understand the problems they face and be patient. Also present at the dialogue were CID Senior Investigating Officer II, ASP Mohd Nazri Abd Razak , City Marine Police Commanding Officer, ASP Fauzi Ibrahim, City Anti-Narcotics chief, ASP Abd Halim Ahmad and Commercial Crime Department investigating officer Chief Inspector Abang Faizal.
KOTA KINABALU:
Inanam and Menggatal are among the areas listed as accident-prone areas here with over half of the fatal mishaps happening in these two places. As of November, of the 36 deaths in the City, 22 people were killed in accidents in Inanam and Menggatal. Acting City Traffic and Public Order Chief, ASP Mohd Nordin Mohd Noor, in disclosing this yesterday, said 11 of those fatal accidents involved pedestrians. “This is unique in Sabah; normally in other states pedestrians are the lowest in the list of victims in mishaps but over here, they made up the bulk of it,” he said in response to a question on the frequent mishaps in Menggatal and nearby areas by a resident during a crime prevention dialogue at the Menggatal community hall, Saturday. A resident had voiced out his concern over the big number of mishaps taking place in the areas, asking whether it was due to the lack of enforcement or the bad road conditions. Mohd Nordin explained that over 80 per cent of the time, motorists were to be blamed for the mishaps. “Most of the mishaps occurred because of the attitude of motorists. There were many instances when they were found driving under the influence of alcohol.” He stressed that the road conditions or enforcement aspect should not be blamed for the situation. “The enforcement cannot look after the safety of every motorist all the time. There were many occasions where we found drivers only putting on their seatbelts when they spotted the police or during roadblocks. This shows that they are more worried about getting booked rather than looking after their safety,” he said. As a solution to this, Mohd Nordin said they are creating an awareness among the young people on the importance of road safety. “Frankly, it is hard to tell older motorists to change their attitude but it is not too late to instil a sense of responsibility in the young …we hope they will learn and abide by traffic regulations at all times,” he said. On another issue, Mohd Nordin said the police are trying their best to ensure that the people’s needs are met. He was responding to a comment by a Telipok resident who felt the City Police had failed to do a follow-up on a report he lodged in August. The complainant said the thieves not only carted his belongings away but also parts of the house like the zinc roofs and planks. “Since the day I made the report, I have not been informed if it has been solved ... it is preferably we are informed on the progress of the investigation,” he added.
Acting City Police Chief, Superintendent Rowell Marong, who led the dialogue, later responded that he does not deny the police have its weaknesses. “But sometimes my personnel could fail to understand the gravity of the crime and subsequently the matter did not reach the higher ups,” he said, adding that he understands the public’s frustrations but the police are trying their best even with very limited manpower. He also urged the public to understand the problems they face and be patient. Also present at the dialogue were CID Senior Investigating Officer II, ASP Mohd Nazri Abd Razak , City Marine Police Commanding Officer, ASP Fauzi Ibrahim, City Anti-Narcotics chief, ASP Abd Halim Ahmad and Commercial Crime Department investigating officer Chief Inspector Abang Faizal.
SUNDAY-9TH DECEMBER 2007-AZLAN'S CASE PROBE COMPLETED, HANDED OVER TO DPP OFFICE
Azlan’s case probe completed, handed over to DPP office: CP
KOTA KINABALU:
The Deputy Public Prosecutor is expected to decide on the next move on the baffling death of 24-year-old Azlan Amir Kahar last week. Police have turned in all the investigation notes concerning the high profile case to the DPP’s office, according to Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim. “All concerns and doubts raised by the family were noted by us and we have explained it to the family,” he said yesterday. “We have completed our investigations and the matter is now in the hands of the DPP. The next course of action is up to them.” Rashid said this when responding to the “unhappiness” of Azlan’s mother Datin Aminah Ambrose who questioned the police investigations that allegedly failed to look at the various injuries found on Azlan’s body. Aminah is the wife of Banggi assemblyman Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Mustapha, who is the son of Sabah former Chief Minister, the late Tun Datu Mustapha Harun. The shocking death of Azlan sent shockwaves through the local community, more so when the tragedy was said to have taken place in the home of his fiancee, a fellow student and part- time model. The 21-year-old fiancee was remanded for five days by police after she lodged a police report and was later released on police bail. Police have said that Azlan died of heart failure following a post-mortem, but his family is disputing the finding, as they claimed that the victim’s body bore bruise marks all over and there were gashes in the back of his head. Rashid said that based on the postmortem report, the injuries sustained were not the cause of death though the victim was assaulted. “It will be up to the DPP to decide whether to hold an inquest or charge her for assault. I think things would become clearer then,” he said, adding that police classification of the case remains under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
KOTA KINABALU:
The Deputy Public Prosecutor is expected to decide on the next move on the baffling death of 24-year-old Azlan Amir Kahar last week. Police have turned in all the investigation notes concerning the high profile case to the DPP’s office, according to Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim. “All concerns and doubts raised by the family were noted by us and we have explained it to the family,” he said yesterday. “We have completed our investigations and the matter is now in the hands of the DPP. The next course of action is up to them.” Rashid said this when responding to the “unhappiness” of Azlan’s mother Datin Aminah Ambrose who questioned the police investigations that allegedly failed to look at the various injuries found on Azlan’s body. Aminah is the wife of Banggi assemblyman Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Mustapha, who is the son of Sabah former Chief Minister, the late Tun Datu Mustapha Harun. The shocking death of Azlan sent shockwaves through the local community, more so when the tragedy was said to have taken place in the home of his fiancee, a fellow student and part- time model. The 21-year-old fiancee was remanded for five days by police after she lodged a police report and was later released on police bail. Police have said that Azlan died of heart failure following a post-mortem, but his family is disputing the finding, as they claimed that the victim’s body bore bruise marks all over and there were gashes in the back of his head. Rashid said that based on the postmortem report, the injuries sustained were not the cause of death though the victim was assaulted. “It will be up to the DPP to decide whether to hold an inquest or charge her for assault. I think things would become clearer then,” he said, adding that police classification of the case remains under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
SUNDAY-9TH DECEMBER 2007-TERRIBLE BRUISES ON AZLAN'S BODY-MUM
Terrible bruises on Azlan’s body: Mum
PENAMPANG:
Datin Aminah Ambrose, the mother of Datu Azlan, said she received a call on December 1 from the mother of Azlan’s fiancee that her son was suffering from a stroke and he was in pain but still alive and in the hospital. However, when Aminah arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), she saw Azlan’s body was covered with a cloth and the hospital staff informed her that her son was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital at 7. l5am. “Why give me hope to see my son alive when actually he had died? Why did the mother of my son’s fiancee call me at 7.38am, saying that ‘Azlan is sick, please come to the hospital quickly, his face is pale’?” Aminah asked. “I want to know the truth as to what really happened to my son and why she (fiancee’s mother) lied to me,” the grieving mother said in an interview at her residence, yesterday. According to Aminah, she was aware of the time when the mother of her son’s fiancee called her, as it was recorded in her hand phone. “At the mortuary, seeing that my son had left us and nothing could be done, I kissed his forehead and touched his palm but they felt so cold like ice, not even a slight warmth on his skin. Any normal body of a person who has just passed away would not have felt so cold. It looked like my son had passed away for quite some time,” she said. “When Sheena’s mother (mother of Azlan’s fiancee) had left us, I felt concerned about my son’s condition... I opened the white cloth slowly that covered him and noticed scratches on some part of his face as if caused by nails. “I was shocked and continued opening the white cloth and was so surprised to see wounds on the head, at the back, and terrible bruises all over his body and his arms... my God, his arms had bruises that left some kind of holes on the skin and dry blood. To me, it looked like something painful had gone into his arms. “When I checked his legs, I noticed something which was so saddening,
as if something had been done to his two legs... it was so shocking! How could he had all those bruises, dried blood and marks if he only had a stroke only, tell me how?” Asked if she saw the sign of blood on arrival at the mortuary, Aminah said, “At first, I did not see any sign of blood because his body was covered with the cloth, and his shirt was so clean, not a drop of blood. But after uncovering the cloth slowly, after a while, I saw stains of blood coming from the back of his head, prompting me to call the doctor saying, ‘doctor, my son was battered!’ Asked if anyone else noticed the bloodstains, she said three other persons also saw them. Aminah said she had immediately asked her niece to take photographs of what they noticed on Azlan’s body, and the photographs were shown to the Borneo Post. “I have been informed by the authorities that the case is still under investigation... I am hoping for justice, please,” she said. Datuk Amir Kahar Aminah’s husband said: “Even someone who are much older, for example, over
60 would still have a chance to stay conscious after a stroke. My son was healthy and never had stroke, and he was just 24. “When Azlan was still with us and when Sheena visited us, I noticed Azlan was quite gentle towards her, opening the door for her and taking the chair for her. He treated her nicely. He was a gentleman,” said the father. According to Aminah, Azlan left the house around 1pm on the day he was reported dead. “Before he left, as usual we were in the computer room talking happily. He always prepared all kinds of nutritious shakes for the family, especially vanilla and chocolate shakes, and on that day he excitedly prepared some and served us. He was a very loving brother and a gentle son,” the mother said “I remembered that last day while he was making the shake, his fiancee kept calling him.., then he left, that was the last time I saw him alive,” she said, while showing Azlan’s neat room with a book, some cupboards and a TV beside his bed.
PENAMPANG:
Datin Aminah Ambrose, the mother of Datu Azlan, said she received a call on December 1 from the mother of Azlan’s fiancee that her son was suffering from a stroke and he was in pain but still alive and in the hospital. However, when Aminah arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), she saw Azlan’s body was covered with a cloth and the hospital staff informed her that her son was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital at 7. l5am. “Why give me hope to see my son alive when actually he had died? Why did the mother of my son’s fiancee call me at 7.38am, saying that ‘Azlan is sick, please come to the hospital quickly, his face is pale’?” Aminah asked. “I want to know the truth as to what really happened to my son and why she (fiancee’s mother) lied to me,” the grieving mother said in an interview at her residence, yesterday. According to Aminah, she was aware of the time when the mother of her son’s fiancee called her, as it was recorded in her hand phone. “At the mortuary, seeing that my son had left us and nothing could be done, I kissed his forehead and touched his palm but they felt so cold like ice, not even a slight warmth on his skin. Any normal body of a person who has just passed away would not have felt so cold. It looked like my son had passed away for quite some time,” she said. “When Sheena’s mother (mother of Azlan’s fiancee) had left us, I felt concerned about my son’s condition... I opened the white cloth slowly that covered him and noticed scratches on some part of his face as if caused by nails. “I was shocked and continued opening the white cloth and was so surprised to see wounds on the head, at the back, and terrible bruises all over his body and his arms... my God, his arms had bruises that left some kind of holes on the skin and dry blood. To me, it looked like something painful had gone into his arms. “When I checked his legs, I noticed something which was so saddening,
as if something had been done to his two legs... it was so shocking! How could he had all those bruises, dried blood and marks if he only had a stroke only, tell me how?” Asked if she saw the sign of blood on arrival at the mortuary, Aminah said, “At first, I did not see any sign of blood because his body was covered with the cloth, and his shirt was so clean, not a drop of blood. But after uncovering the cloth slowly, after a while, I saw stains of blood coming from the back of his head, prompting me to call the doctor saying, ‘doctor, my son was battered!’ Asked if anyone else noticed the bloodstains, she said three other persons also saw them. Aminah said she had immediately asked her niece to take photographs of what they noticed on Azlan’s body, and the photographs were shown to the Borneo Post. “I have been informed by the authorities that the case is still under investigation... I am hoping for justice, please,” she said. Datuk Amir Kahar Aminah’s husband said: “Even someone who are much older, for example, over
60 would still have a chance to stay conscious after a stroke. My son was healthy and never had stroke, and he was just 24. “When Azlan was still with us and when Sheena visited us, I noticed Azlan was quite gentle towards her, opening the door for her and taking the chair for her. He treated her nicely. He was a gentleman,” said the father. According to Aminah, Azlan left the house around 1pm on the day he was reported dead. “Before he left, as usual we were in the computer room talking happily. He always prepared all kinds of nutritious shakes for the family, especially vanilla and chocolate shakes, and on that day he excitedly prepared some and served us. He was a very loving brother and a gentle son,” the mother said “I remembered that last day while he was making the shake, his fiancee kept calling him.., then he left, that was the last time I saw him alive,” she said, while showing Azlan’s neat room with a book, some cupboards and a TV beside his bed.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
SATURDAY-8TH DECEMBER 2007-EARTHQUAKE JOLTS JAPAN ISLAND
Earthquake jolts Japan island
TOKYO:
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6 jolted a tiny island about 500 km south of Tokyo on Friday, a Japanese government agency said. The quake, at 9:48 a.m. (0048 GMT), was felt in the capital and areas further north.
The epicentre of the tremor was near the island of Torishima and its depth about 50 km, the Japan Meteorological Agency said on its Web site (http://www.jma.go.jp). There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and no tsunami warning was issued.
TOKYO:
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6 jolted a tiny island about 500 km south of Tokyo on Friday, a Japanese government agency said. The quake, at 9:48 a.m. (0048 GMT), was felt in the capital and areas further north.
The epicentre of the tremor was near the island of Torishima and its depth about 50 km, the Japan Meteorological Agency said on its Web site (http://www.jma.go.jp). There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and no tsunami warning was issued.
SATURDAY-8TH DECEMBER 2007-DEAD MAN'S WIFE FACES ARREST WHEN SHE RETURNS TO BRITAIN FROM PERU
‘Dead’ man’s wife faces arrest when she returns to Britain from Peru
LONDON:
A woman who admitted knowing her husband was alive despite his apparent death five years ago faces arrest when she returns to Britain, police said amid reports she was heading home Friday. Anne Darwin is likely to be arrested “at some point” after she arrives from Panama, a police spokesman said, as her husband John remained in custody after being detained on suspicion of fraud Panamian officials said late Thursday they had no information on whether Anne Darwin had left the central American country, prompting speculation she may have gone into hiding before heading home. The twists and turns of the case have dominated the British media, with focus on a statement from the couple’s sons, who disowned their parents for keeping them in the dark about the truth. “How could our mum continue to let us believe our dad had died when he was very much alive?” Anthony Darwin, 29, and his brother, Mark, 31, said Thursday. “We have not spoken to either of our parents since our dad’s arrest and at this present time, we want no further contact with them.” Anne Darwin, 55, was quoted as saying in newspaper interviews published Friday that she blamed her husband for the elaborate pretence and pleaded for her sons’ forgiveness. “I should never have listened to John, but he can be very persuasive. Of course, I’m to blame, too. I know I have done wrong. I just wish I had told the boys when I found out,” she told the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail newspapers. “I’m sure they would have talked some sense into me. But I didn’t. I didn’t tell anyone. And one lie led to another. “How can they ever forgive me for what I’ve done to them?” Former teacher and prison officer John Darwin, 57, was declared dead in 2003, a year after the remains of his canoe were washed up on the shore near the family home in Seaton Carew, in north-east England. But he turned up unexpectedly at a central London police station last Saturday, telling officers he thought he was a missing person, and had no memory of the last five years.- AFP The story began to unravel after a photograph of him posing with his wife and an estate agent in Panama City last July that appeared on the property company’s website was published in the British media. Confronted by reporters who tracked her down to her new home there, Anne Darwin—who initially hailed her husband’s re-appearance — broke down and confessed, admitting she knew he was not dead and had cashed in life insurance. John Darwin, whose sons said he had no memory of anything since June 2000, was arrested Wednesday. Police said they were to apply to a local magistrate Friday for an extension to keep him in custody for further questioning. The case has attracted massive media attention not only for its unusual nature, but also because of the questions that remain unanswered. It is still not clear why John Darwin disappeared in the first place, where he has been for the last five and a half years, how he travelled to Panama, and why he gave himself up. Detectives have said they began investigating his case three months ago after receiving information that suggested there was something suspicious of a “financial” nature about his disappearance. Anne Darwin told newspapers he used a false passport to travel to Panama, speculating that her husband missed their sons “tremendously”. “Maybe he wanted his old life back,” she said -AFP
LONDON:
A woman who admitted knowing her husband was alive despite his apparent death five years ago faces arrest when she returns to Britain, police said amid reports she was heading home Friday. Anne Darwin is likely to be arrested “at some point” after she arrives from Panama, a police spokesman said, as her husband John remained in custody after being detained on suspicion of fraud Panamian officials said late Thursday they had no information on whether Anne Darwin had left the central American country, prompting speculation she may have gone into hiding before heading home. The twists and turns of the case have dominated the British media, with focus on a statement from the couple’s sons, who disowned their parents for keeping them in the dark about the truth. “How could our mum continue to let us believe our dad had died when he was very much alive?” Anthony Darwin, 29, and his brother, Mark, 31, said Thursday. “We have not spoken to either of our parents since our dad’s arrest and at this present time, we want no further contact with them.” Anne Darwin, 55, was quoted as saying in newspaper interviews published Friday that she blamed her husband for the elaborate pretence and pleaded for her sons’ forgiveness. “I should never have listened to John, but he can be very persuasive. Of course, I’m to blame, too. I know I have done wrong. I just wish I had told the boys when I found out,” she told the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail newspapers. “I’m sure they would have talked some sense into me. But I didn’t. I didn’t tell anyone. And one lie led to another. “How can they ever forgive me for what I’ve done to them?” Former teacher and prison officer John Darwin, 57, was declared dead in 2003, a year after the remains of his canoe were washed up on the shore near the family home in Seaton Carew, in north-east England. But he turned up unexpectedly at a central London police station last Saturday, telling officers he thought he was a missing person, and had no memory of the last five years.- AFP The story began to unravel after a photograph of him posing with his wife and an estate agent in Panama City last July that appeared on the property company’s website was published in the British media. Confronted by reporters who tracked her down to her new home there, Anne Darwin—who initially hailed her husband’s re-appearance — broke down and confessed, admitting she knew he was not dead and had cashed in life insurance. John Darwin, whose sons said he had no memory of anything since June 2000, was arrested Wednesday. Police said they were to apply to a local magistrate Friday for an extension to keep him in custody for further questioning. The case has attracted massive media attention not only for its unusual nature, but also because of the questions that remain unanswered. It is still not clear why John Darwin disappeared in the first place, where he has been for the last five and a half years, how he travelled to Panama, and why he gave himself up. Detectives have said they began investigating his case three months ago after receiving information that suggested there was something suspicious of a “financial” nature about his disappearance. Anne Darwin told newspapers he used a false passport to travel to Panama, speculating that her husband missed their sons “tremendously”. “Maybe he wanted his old life back,” she said -AFP
SATURDAY-8TH DECEMBER 2007-CREMATOR DUMPS BODIES TO SAVE FUEL
Cremator dumps bodies to save fuel
HONG KONG:
China’s worst fuel crunch in years has led a crematorium to dump half-burnt corpses to try to save on diesel costs, a Hong Kong newspaper said on Friday. Villagers in Hengyang county, in the southern province of Hunan, discovered the practice when an “unbearable stench” started coming from the site, and tried to block a road on Wednesday to stop funeral vehicles from delivering more bodies. The village sent people to investigate the smell and the South China Morning Post said they saw “crematorium workers putting half burnt human remains and organs in plastic bags and throwing them into a nearby ditch”. “As the price of diesel rose, we saw more and more bags thrown out from the crematorium,” the paper quoted Xiao Gaoyi a village representative and one of the witnesses, as saying. China was hit by its worst fuel supply crisis in four years from October to November, as a widening gap between low, state-regulated domestic prices and market-driven international prices forced Chinese refiners to cut output. Fuel in many parts of the country was rationed and there were long queues at petrol stations. An increase of nearly 10 percent in the prices of domestic diesel and gasoline from Nov. 1, the first in almost a year and a half, failed to lift refining margins back into the black -Reuters
HONG KONG:
China’s worst fuel crunch in years has led a crematorium to dump half-burnt corpses to try to save on diesel costs, a Hong Kong newspaper said on Friday. Villagers in Hengyang county, in the southern province of Hunan, discovered the practice when an “unbearable stench” started coming from the site, and tried to block a road on Wednesday to stop funeral vehicles from delivering more bodies. The village sent people to investigate the smell and the South China Morning Post said they saw “crematorium workers putting half burnt human remains and organs in plastic bags and throwing them into a nearby ditch”. “As the price of diesel rose, we saw more and more bags thrown out from the crematorium,” the paper quoted Xiao Gaoyi a village representative and one of the witnesses, as saying. China was hit by its worst fuel supply crisis in four years from October to November, as a widening gap between low, state-regulated domestic prices and market-driven international prices forced Chinese refiners to cut output. Fuel in many parts of the country was rationed and there were long queues at petrol stations. An increase of nearly 10 percent in the prices of domestic diesel and gasoline from Nov. 1, the first in almost a year and a half, failed to lift refining margins back into the black -Reuters
SATURDAY-8TH DECEMBER 2007-TODDLER THROWN OUT OF WINDOW TO HER DEATH
Toddler thrown out of window to her death
VIENNA: A two-year-old girl died Thursday evening after she was thrown out of the window of a first-floor flat in northern Austria, police said. The girl was seriously injured after the fall in the town of Ybbs and died on her way to hospital in nearby Linz, said regional police chief Franz Wendler. The child’s 22-year-old father has been arrested, he added. The incident occurred during a fight between the man and his girlfriend, both asylum seekers from the war-ravaged Russian province of Chechnya, police said.
VIENNA: A two-year-old girl died Thursday evening after she was thrown out of the window of a first-floor flat in northern Austria, police said. The girl was seriously injured after the fall in the town of Ybbs and died on her way to hospital in nearby Linz, said regional police chief Franz Wendler. The child’s 22-year-old father has been arrested, he added. The incident occurred during a fight between the man and his girlfriend, both asylum seekers from the war-ravaged Russian province of Chechnya, police said.
SATURDAY-8TH DECEMBER 2007-PARENTS FEAR NS MILITARY NATURE
Parents fear NS military nature
KOTA KINABALU:
Some parents are reluctant to let their children undergo the National Service programme as they liken it to military training. National Service Council (MSC) Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, in disclosing this yesterday, said he welcomes parents to the NS camps and judge for themselves whether the type of training carried out is military or otherwise. “I believe the perception exists because most of the NS trainers are ex-army officers and personnel,” he said. “NS is a programme to build the trainees’ discipline and prepare them to face future challenges,” he told reporters after a special interview with Sabah FM radio channel at Wisma Radio Televisyen Malaysia, yesterday. Lee said the MSC encourages ex-trainees to join the army after completing the training programme, but it should be on their own will. “We are not forcing them to join the army,” he stressed. Lee said about 110,000 more youths will be attending the NS training programme at 81 camps throughout the country next year, and the first group of 37,000 trainees would register themselves on Dec29 at the camps where they have been assigned to. “Of the 9,144 trainees to undergo training at seven camps in Sabah, 2,733 are from the first batch,” he said, adding that some 280,000 youths have attended the training programme nationwide since it was introduced three years back. Lee said efforts would continue to be made to improve the programme management and services to build confidence among trainees and their parents in the quality of training and safety of trainees in all the camps. He said although a random survey in 2006 involving 2,000 respondents (NS trainees) found that 94 per cent were supportive of the programme, the organisers still welcome views from all quarters, including the parents. Lee said the placement of 350 trained medical assistants and nurses at the NS training camps by the Health Ministry next year was the latest effort aimed at improving the programme, especially medical care. He said in the past, the medical units at the training camps were only manned by paramedics from the Defence Ministry. “We are aiming for ‘zero death’ at the training camps from next year,” said Lee, adding that a directive has also been issued to all the camp commandants that: “Any trainee who remains sick for 24 hours after being treated at the camp must be referred to the nearest government clinic or hospital, while the trainee’s parents or family must be informed about the matter.”
KOTA KINABALU:
Some parents are reluctant to let their children undergo the National Service programme as they liken it to military training. National Service Council (MSC) Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, in disclosing this yesterday, said he welcomes parents to the NS camps and judge for themselves whether the type of training carried out is military or otherwise. “I believe the perception exists because most of the NS trainers are ex-army officers and personnel,” he said. “NS is a programme to build the trainees’ discipline and prepare them to face future challenges,” he told reporters after a special interview with Sabah FM radio channel at Wisma Radio Televisyen Malaysia, yesterday. Lee said the MSC encourages ex-trainees to join the army after completing the training programme, but it should be on their own will. “We are not forcing them to join the army,” he stressed. Lee said about 110,000 more youths will be attending the NS training programme at 81 camps throughout the country next year, and the first group of 37,000 trainees would register themselves on Dec29 at the camps where they have been assigned to. “Of the 9,144 trainees to undergo training at seven camps in Sabah, 2,733 are from the first batch,” he said, adding that some 280,000 youths have attended the training programme nationwide since it was introduced three years back. Lee said efforts would continue to be made to improve the programme management and services to build confidence among trainees and their parents in the quality of training and safety of trainees in all the camps. He said although a random survey in 2006 involving 2,000 respondents (NS trainees) found that 94 per cent were supportive of the programme, the organisers still welcome views from all quarters, including the parents. Lee said the placement of 350 trained medical assistants and nurses at the NS training camps by the Health Ministry next year was the latest effort aimed at improving the programme, especially medical care. He said in the past, the medical units at the training camps were only manned by paramedics from the Defence Ministry. “We are aiming for ‘zero death’ at the training camps from next year,” said Lee, adding that a directive has also been issued to all the camp commandants that: “Any trainee who remains sick for 24 hours after being treated at the camp must be referred to the nearest government clinic or hospital, while the trainee’s parents or family must be informed about the matter.”
SATURDAY-8TH DECEMBER 2007-DATU AZLAN'S MOTHER WANTS TO KNOW TRUTH
Datu Azlan’s mother wants to know truth She is not satisifed with post-mortem on death of her son
KOTA KINABALU:
Datin Aminah Ambrose, the mother of the late Datu Azlan Datu Amir Kahar, is not satisfied with the post-mortem on the death of her son. “My son is healthy and never had a history of stroke or heart attack. I saw all the bruises on his back and cuts and wounds on his skin that looked like he had been beaten. “I am also not satisfied with the information I read in a newspaper disclosing that my son had a heart attack,” she told The Borneo Post in a phone interview yesterday evening. “I am the mother. I should be informed first and why only one newspaper reporter was informed?” Aminah said she had seen bleeding wounds on his son’s body and his head before he was taken to the mortuary of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. “I had also seen a bad wound on his head,” she added.
Aminah was also surprised to read the statement of his late son’s fiancee that Datu Azlan could drive the car to the hospital when he was badly hurt. “Furthermore, why his shirt was so clean when he was in the hospital? I mean why there was not a drip of blood when I saw that he was Datu Azlan bleeding? To me, I think something was not right with the information. “The fiancee informed that my son had taken a shower before going to the hospital. How could he have the time to take the shower when he was hurt and bleeding? Please, I want to know the truth what had really happened? I am not satisfied!” said Aminah. “Earlier, before they disclosed (my son had a stroke or heart attack), I was informed by the authority that my son had a healthy organ but why suddenly the information was different? “All this while I have been patient enough by cooperating in the investigation. I am still hoping for the truth from that investigation, but I am surprised why they disclosed that my son had a stroke or heart attack and I was not told about it?” she said. The Magistrate’s Court on Thursday released a 21-year-old part-time model who was remanded to assist police investigation into the death of Datu Azlan, the son of Banggi Assemblyman Datuk Amir Kahar. The Inti College student was first remanded for three days on December 2 to enable the police to investigate the case. Her remand was extended for another two days on December 4. Acting City Police Chief Superintendent Rowell Marong said on Thursday that the police were still investigating the case and hoped to find new leads. Datu Azlan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on December 1. There were four superficial wounds on his head, believed caused by a belt buckle, and bruises on the body. Initial investigation revealed that the deceased and his fiancee were fighting over a misunderstanding. On Wednesday, State Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim disclosed that the autopsy report confirmed that Datu Azlan had died of heart attack. Noor Rashid added that they would probably continue investigating the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, or Section 324 of the same Code for voluntarily causing hurt by using dangerous weapons or means.
KOTA KINABALU:
Datin Aminah Ambrose, the mother of the late Datu Azlan Datu Amir Kahar, is not satisfied with the post-mortem on the death of her son. “My son is healthy and never had a history of stroke or heart attack. I saw all the bruises on his back and cuts and wounds on his skin that looked like he had been beaten. “I am also not satisfied with the information I read in a newspaper disclosing that my son had a heart attack,” she told The Borneo Post in a phone interview yesterday evening. “I am the mother. I should be informed first and why only one newspaper reporter was informed?” Aminah said she had seen bleeding wounds on his son’s body and his head before he was taken to the mortuary of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. “I had also seen a bad wound on his head,” she added.
Aminah was also surprised to read the statement of his late son’s fiancee that Datu Azlan could drive the car to the hospital when he was badly hurt. “Furthermore, why his shirt was so clean when he was in the hospital? I mean why there was not a drip of blood when I saw that he was Datu Azlan bleeding? To me, I think something was not right with the information. “The fiancee informed that my son had taken a shower before going to the hospital. How could he have the time to take the shower when he was hurt and bleeding? Please, I want to know the truth what had really happened? I am not satisfied!” said Aminah. “Earlier, before they disclosed (my son had a stroke or heart attack), I was informed by the authority that my son had a healthy organ but why suddenly the information was different? “All this while I have been patient enough by cooperating in the investigation. I am still hoping for the truth from that investigation, but I am surprised why they disclosed that my son had a stroke or heart attack and I was not told about it?” she said. The Magistrate’s Court on Thursday released a 21-year-old part-time model who was remanded to assist police investigation into the death of Datu Azlan, the son of Banggi Assemblyman Datuk Amir Kahar. The Inti College student was first remanded for three days on December 2 to enable the police to investigate the case. Her remand was extended for another two days on December 4. Acting City Police Chief Superintendent Rowell Marong said on Thursday that the police were still investigating the case and hoped to find new leads. Datu Azlan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on December 1. There were four superficial wounds on his head, believed caused by a belt buckle, and bruises on the body. Initial investigation revealed that the deceased and his fiancee were fighting over a misunderstanding. On Wednesday, State Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim disclosed that the autopsy report confirmed that Datu Azlan had died of heart attack. Noor Rashid added that they would probably continue investigating the case under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, or Section 324 of the same Code for voluntarily causing hurt by using dangerous weapons or means.
Friday, December 7, 2007
FRIDAY-7TH DECEMBER 2007-CHINA GANGSTERS ARRESTED AT BANQUET
China gangsters arrested at banquet
BEIJING:
Hundreds of Chinese armed police stormed a banquet and arrested dozens of leaders of two criminal gangs that controlled more than 20 factories in the booming southern province of Guangdong, a newspaper said on Wednesday. The gangs were so influential in the city of Yangjiang that a Vice Minister of Public Security had to order the operation, the Beijing News said. Police in Yangjiang had been too thoroughly infiltrated by the gangs to be called upon for the raid of the four-storey hotpot restaurant, owned by a ringleader who became a local lawmaker in 2004, the newspaper said. “All policemen in Yangjiang were ordered to stay in their offices that night,” it quoted an unnamed source as saying. Dozens of senior police officers in the city were sent on a sightseeing trip days earlier, it added.The gangs had terrorised the city for more than a decade, using violence to monopolise lucrative businesses such as transport, cooking gas and seafood, the Beijing News said. The gangs and the factories they ran boasted a membership of about 30,000 amid surging crime accompanying the wild west economic growth in Guangdong, a manufacturing dynamo that accounts for more than 30 percent of China’s exports.
BEIJING:
Hundreds of Chinese armed police stormed a banquet and arrested dozens of leaders of two criminal gangs that controlled more than 20 factories in the booming southern province of Guangdong, a newspaper said on Wednesday. The gangs were so influential in the city of Yangjiang that a Vice Minister of Public Security had to order the operation, the Beijing News said. Police in Yangjiang had been too thoroughly infiltrated by the gangs to be called upon for the raid of the four-storey hotpot restaurant, owned by a ringleader who became a local lawmaker in 2004, the newspaper said. “All policemen in Yangjiang were ordered to stay in their offices that night,” it quoted an unnamed source as saying. Dozens of senior police officers in the city were sent on a sightseeing trip days earlier, it added.The gangs had terrorised the city for more than a decade, using violence to monopolise lucrative businesses such as transport, cooking gas and seafood, the Beijing News said. The gangs and the factories they ran boasted a membership of about 30,000 amid surging crime accompanying the wild west economic growth in Guangdong, a manufacturing dynamo that accounts for more than 30 percent of China’s exports.
FRIDAY-7TH DECEMBER 2007-BLACKOUTS DESPITE RESTORATIVE WORKS
Blackouts despite restorative works
SABAH Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) explained in October that the excess current (arus lampau) supplied to their II Kilovolt (Kv) cable was behind the series of power outages at Grand Millennium 2, Jalad Kobusak in Penampang, for several months. But despite restorative work carried out by SESB technicians in that particular month, the same problem continues until this day. It was also reported then that the outages were caused by ‘feeder trip” due to excessive power to the cable concerned. JAMES, who spoke on behalf of 70 homeowners there, bemoaned the frequency of the power failures in the neighbourhood ever since he moved to his new house there two years ago. “I never kept track of the number of times it tripped over the years but the most recent was last Friday,” he said, adding that it tripped at about 7.3Opm and was restored at 850pm on Nov. 23. However, the irony of this situation was that supply to the adjacent housing estate and village were not affected each time there was a power failure in their neighbour- hood. “For instance those residing in the adjacent Taman Nsoob and also the nearby Kampung Kobusak are spared by this perennial problem.” he pointed out A SESB spokeswoman assured that it would elaborate on the situation soon as possible. “Give us some time- to gather information about the recent failures and what is causing the blackouts” she said.
SABAH Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) explained in October that the excess current (arus lampau) supplied to their II Kilovolt (Kv) cable was behind the series of power outages at Grand Millennium 2, Jalad Kobusak in Penampang, for several months. But despite restorative work carried out by SESB technicians in that particular month, the same problem continues until this day. It was also reported then that the outages were caused by ‘feeder trip” due to excessive power to the cable concerned. JAMES, who spoke on behalf of 70 homeowners there, bemoaned the frequency of the power failures in the neighbourhood ever since he moved to his new house there two years ago. “I never kept track of the number of times it tripped over the years but the most recent was last Friday,” he said, adding that it tripped at about 7.3Opm and was restored at 850pm on Nov. 23. However, the irony of this situation was that supply to the adjacent housing estate and village were not affected each time there was a power failure in their neighbour- hood. “For instance those residing in the adjacent Taman Nsoob and also the nearby Kampung Kobusak are spared by this perennial problem.” he pointed out A SESB spokeswoman assured that it would elaborate on the situation soon as possible. “Give us some time- to gather information about the recent failures and what is causing the blackouts” she said.
FRIDAY-7TH DECEMBER 2007-DRIED NOODLES KILL 4 CHINESE STUDENTS
Dried noodles kill 4 Chinese students
BEIJING:
Four Chinese children died after eating a dried-noodle snack in the poor southern province of Yunnan, a newspaper said on Wednesday, the latest in a string of food-poisoning accidents across the country. The children bought the noodles on the way to school on Monday, the Beijing News said. “The children began frothing at the mouth, were lapsing in and out of consciousness and clasped their hands together in distress,” teacher Yang Tingzhou was quoted as saying. The children were rushed to hospital where they died in the emergency room. Local officials were investigating all stores selling non-staple foods in the area, the newspaper said. There was no suggestion the poisoning was deliberate, it added. It said families of the children would be given 6,000 yuan ($800) in compensation. Food poisoning is a frequent problem at Chinese schools, especially in rural areas, where lax official supervision encourages canteen contractors to cut costs at the expense of proper hygiene and food safety. China has also come under fire for a string of quality scandals involving products including food, toothpaste, drugs and toys.
BEIJING:
Four Chinese children died after eating a dried-noodle snack in the poor southern province of Yunnan, a newspaper said on Wednesday, the latest in a string of food-poisoning accidents across the country. The children bought the noodles on the way to school on Monday, the Beijing News said. “The children began frothing at the mouth, were lapsing in and out of consciousness and clasped their hands together in distress,” teacher Yang Tingzhou was quoted as saying. The children were rushed to hospital where they died in the emergency room. Local officials were investigating all stores selling non-staple foods in the area, the newspaper said. There was no suggestion the poisoning was deliberate, it added. It said families of the children would be given 6,000 yuan ($800) in compensation. Food poisoning is a frequent problem at Chinese schools, especially in rural areas, where lax official supervision encourages canteen contractors to cut costs at the expense of proper hygiene and food safety. China has also come under fire for a string of quality scandals involving products including food, toothpaste, drugs and toys.
FRIDAY-7TH DECEMBER 2007-ELDERLY MAN MISTAKENLY X-RAYED TWICE
Elderly man ‘mistakenly X-rayed twice’
THE Health Department is looking into a complaint from a Sipitang resident who was appalled by the poor service rendered to a relative at a government hospital. SALLY said her elderly uncle was forced to undergo an x-ray twice due to an oversight on the part of the personnel manning this machine. “My uncle looked troubled when he came out of the x-ray room the first time,” she said. “The medical officer at the ward had told him that he was to have his waist x-rayed. But the radiologist x-rayed his chest instead.’ She said the latter did not realise his mistake until she pointed it out. “He came out of the room and told me to take my uncle back to the ward, Only when I told him what my uncle had related to me did he ask for my uncle to undergo a second x-ray.” Sally said this staff neither apologised for the error nor explained how the mix-up could have happened. “I hope the management of the hospital would intervene so that the staff at the X-ray room are more careful in future.” She detailed her experience in a letter to Hotline which was forwarded to the Department on November 14. A Department spokesman said the agency was investigating this incident. “We will have to verify the resident’s allegations. before proceeding with further action,’ he said.
THE Health Department is looking into a complaint from a Sipitang resident who was appalled by the poor service rendered to a relative at a government hospital. SALLY said her elderly uncle was forced to undergo an x-ray twice due to an oversight on the part of the personnel manning this machine. “My uncle looked troubled when he came out of the x-ray room the first time,” she said. “The medical officer at the ward had told him that he was to have his waist x-rayed. But the radiologist x-rayed his chest instead.’ She said the latter did not realise his mistake until she pointed it out. “He came out of the room and told me to take my uncle back to the ward, Only when I told him what my uncle had related to me did he ask for my uncle to undergo a second x-ray.” Sally said this staff neither apologised for the error nor explained how the mix-up could have happened. “I hope the management of the hospital would intervene so that the staff at the X-ray room are more careful in future.” She detailed her experience in a letter to Hotline which was forwarded to the Department on November 14. A Department spokesman said the agency was investigating this incident. “We will have to verify the resident’s allegations. before proceeding with further action,’ he said.
FRIDAY-7TH DECEMBER 2007-MUDFLOWS AFFECTING NEW BUKIT HARAPAN CENTRE
KOTA KINABALU:
Bukit Harapan’s new premise at the Mile 4, Tuaran bypass, is becoming unsafe for the underprivileged folks there - all because of mudflows from an adjoining construction site.
Apparently unsupervised earthworks at the construction site atop a hill are causing the mud to flow into the compound during heavy rain. Hence, the children, some of who are wheelchair-bound, spastics as well as single mothers seeking asylum there, fear for their safety each time it rains heavily.
“The mudflow hit our fencing so hard before resting inside our perimeter drain,” lamented the Centre’s founder, Anne Keyworth, whom everyone calls Mama Anne. The centre has spent more than RM500,000 for the RM1.9 million home sprawled over 1.6 acres allocated by the State government. Anne and several staff are taking care of some 50 physically disabled children.
She said the water inside the concrete drain also could not discharge into the main drain because the drain is clogged with debris washed down from the construction site. All kinds of sediments including cut branches aside from mud had completely blanketed the drain,” she said, and questioned whether the developer would assume responsibility if there was a dengue outbreak at the centre.
Aggravating the situation was that some of the stones swept down by the mudflow had rested against the fencing. “It is just a matter of time before the structure collapse as it can no longer sustain the weight of the stones,” she stressed.
Mama Anne pointed out that some of the children staying in the domicile located near the hillside where the mud water is prone to gush down towards the centre would not be able to evacuate in time in the event of prolonged heavy rain.
“They won’t be able to leave the area due to their physical condition,” she said and urged the contractor responsible for the housing project atop the hill to find a way to divert the excess rainwater from the site elsewhere.
“The contractor simply must come up with a permanent solution to this problem,” she added. A spokesman for the project’s developer apologised to Mama Anne and the folks in the centre for the hardship they faced as a result of the mudflow.
“‘We are very much aware of the situation and in fact the main contractor for the project had dug a huge and deep trench at a section of the hill to prevent the mudflow affecting the centre,” he said.
He said the recent inclement weather condition hampered efforts to create the trench. It is dangerous for the workers to undertake the work when it rains because the ground tends to be very slippery,” he added. Besides, it was difficult to dig a large gap on that hilly ground during such weather condition.
“The workers relied on their hands to dig that portion of the land and not by using excavator because such machinery cannot access that plot,” he said.
As for the drain in question, the spokesman said the workers would be told to clear the soil which had fallen into that structure soon.
Bukit Harapan’s new premise at the Mile 4, Tuaran bypass, is becoming unsafe for the underprivileged folks there - all because of mudflows from an adjoining construction site.
Apparently unsupervised earthworks at the construction site atop a hill are causing the mud to flow into the compound during heavy rain. Hence, the children, some of who are wheelchair-bound, spastics as well as single mothers seeking asylum there, fear for their safety each time it rains heavily.
“The mudflow hit our fencing so hard before resting inside our perimeter drain,” lamented the Centre’s founder, Anne Keyworth, whom everyone calls Mama Anne. The centre has spent more than RM500,000 for the RM1.9 million home sprawled over 1.6 acres allocated by the State government. Anne and several staff are taking care of some 50 physically disabled children.
She said the water inside the concrete drain also could not discharge into the main drain because the drain is clogged with debris washed down from the construction site. All kinds of sediments including cut branches aside from mud had completely blanketed the drain,” she said, and questioned whether the developer would assume responsibility if there was a dengue outbreak at the centre.
Aggravating the situation was that some of the stones swept down by the mudflow had rested against the fencing. “It is just a matter of time before the structure collapse as it can no longer sustain the weight of the stones,” she stressed.
Mama Anne pointed out that some of the children staying in the domicile located near the hillside where the mud water is prone to gush down towards the centre would not be able to evacuate in time in the event of prolonged heavy rain.
“They won’t be able to leave the area due to their physical condition,” she said and urged the contractor responsible for the housing project atop the hill to find a way to divert the excess rainwater from the site elsewhere.
“The contractor simply must come up with a permanent solution to this problem,” she added. A spokesman for the project’s developer apologised to Mama Anne and the folks in the centre for the hardship they faced as a result of the mudflow.
“‘We are very much aware of the situation and in fact the main contractor for the project had dug a huge and deep trench at a section of the hill to prevent the mudflow affecting the centre,” he said.
He said the recent inclement weather condition hampered efforts to create the trench. It is dangerous for the workers to undertake the work when it rains because the ground tends to be very slippery,” he added. Besides, it was difficult to dig a large gap on that hilly ground during such weather condition.
“The workers relied on their hands to dig that portion of the land and not by using excavator because such machinery cannot access that plot,” he said.
As for the drain in question, the spokesman said the workers would be told to clear the soil which had fallen into that structure soon.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-FACTORY DESTROYED IN TAWAU FIRE
Factory destroyed in Tawau fire
TAWAU:
A factory storing egg trays at Tanjung Batu here was destroyed in a fire about l0 am yesterday. The district’s Fire and Rescue Services Department despatched two fire engines to the location after receiving a distress call.
One of the workers, Hawisa Jana, 40, said she ran out from the building immediately after she heard other workers shouting there was a fire. Once outside, she saw the building was burning. No injuries were reported in the incident..
TAWAU:
A factory storing egg trays at Tanjung Batu here was destroyed in a fire about l0 am yesterday. The district’s Fire and Rescue Services Department despatched two fire engines to the location after receiving a distress call.
One of the workers, Hawisa Jana, 40, said she ran out from the building immediately after she heard other workers shouting there was a fire. Once outside, she saw the building was burning. No injuries were reported in the incident..
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-MAS STAFF ROBBED
MAS staff robbed
KOTA KINABALU:
Police detained one of the four suspects who robbed a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) staff at Mile 1 1/2 Tuaran Road here around midnight on Tuesday. The 23-year-old victim, who is the daughter of a Datuk, was on the way to Sunny Garden to pick up her friend when the four robbers stopped her car at a roadside and relieved her of her cellphone, cash and purse. The victim, who was not harmed, managed to take down the registration number of the Proton Wira car used by the robbers to escape and informed the police. She then joined the mobile patrol police in their vehicle and went to look for the four suspects. They managed to track down the suspects and arrested one of them later.
KOTA KINABALU:
Police detained one of the four suspects who robbed a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) staff at Mile 1 1/2 Tuaran Road here around midnight on Tuesday. The 23-year-old victim, who is the daughter of a Datuk, was on the way to Sunny Garden to pick up her friend when the four robbers stopped her car at a roadside and relieved her of her cellphone, cash and purse. The victim, who was not harmed, managed to take down the registration number of the Proton Wira car used by the robbers to escape and informed the police. She then joined the mobile patrol police in their vehicle and went to look for the four suspects. They managed to track down the suspects and arrested one of them later.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-DATE RAPE
Date rape:Cops arrest labourer.
Girl feels dizzy and sleepy after drinking Cola
PENAMPANG:
A teenage girl claimed she was raped by a man whom she had befriended just a week before the incident. The 19-year-old victim said that she had gone to meet the suspect on Nov 30 and was shocked to wake up naked in the bushes the next morning. Acting District Police Chief ASP Che Rafizi Che Ramli said the suspect, an 18-year-old Suluk-Filipino labourer, was handed over to the police a few days after the incident.
“The girl claimed that the suspect had been calling her and wanted to meet her. She left home on Friday and met him at the Kampung Dumpil Keramat roadside around 8pm. “After awhile, she became thirsty and the man who had a tin of Coca Cola in his hands, offered her the drink,” said Rafizi. The victim claimed that she felt dizzy and sleepy after taking the drink and only felt that she was being carried away. The next morning, she found herself naked in the bushes.
She walked home in a daze but did not relate the incident to her family “The victim only disclosed what had happened three days later. Her family then looked for the suspect and handed him over to the police,’ said Rafizi. He added the girl had been sent for medical check-up. The suspect is currently remanded and the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code which carries 20 years jail, and liable to whipping, if found guilty.
Girl feels dizzy and sleepy after drinking Cola
PENAMPANG:
A teenage girl claimed she was raped by a man whom she had befriended just a week before the incident. The 19-year-old victim said that she had gone to meet the suspect on Nov 30 and was shocked to wake up naked in the bushes the next morning. Acting District Police Chief ASP Che Rafizi Che Ramli said the suspect, an 18-year-old Suluk-Filipino labourer, was handed over to the police a few days after the incident.
“The girl claimed that the suspect had been calling her and wanted to meet her. She left home on Friday and met him at the Kampung Dumpil Keramat roadside around 8pm. “After awhile, she became thirsty and the man who had a tin of Coca Cola in his hands, offered her the drink,” said Rafizi. The victim claimed that she felt dizzy and sleepy after taking the drink and only felt that she was being carried away. The next morning, she found herself naked in the bushes.
She walked home in a daze but did not relate the incident to her family “The victim only disclosed what had happened three days later. Her family then looked for the suspect and handed him over to the police,’ said Rafizi. He added the girl had been sent for medical check-up. The suspect is currently remanded and the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code which carries 20 years jail, and liable to whipping, if found guilty.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-NO INCREASE IN COOKING GAS PRICE:MINISTRY
No increase in cooking gas price: Ministry
KOTA KINABALU:
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry office here has denied claims that a tank of cooking gas now costs as much as RM4O in certain areas in Sabah. Its officer who declined to be named, said there is no price hike for cooking gas and if there is any it should be reported to the ministry office. “Those who were charged exorbitantly for a tank of cooking gas are encouraged to lodge a report with us and they must bring along the receipt as proof so that we can start our investigations,” he said. The officer also urged consumers to contact the ministry’s office here at the hotlines 088-484526 or 088- 484521 if they have any complaints. Meanwhile, a survey carried out by The Borneo Post showed that many were not aware of the price hike. They, however, urged the relevant authorities not to increase the price of cooking gas as it would be a burden to consumers.
“My household expenses will definitely increase and this will be burden to my family as our household income is low,” said Marina, 40, who works as a clerk in a small firm. Three other women shared the same opinion and were worried about escalating costs should the price of cooking gas be increased. For single parent Marie Abdullah, 45, her income will not be sufficient if cooking gas becomes costlier.
“1have to support seven children and this will mean more burden for me,” she said. Ita Clarissa, 45, who is feeling the pinch now, said, “even with a pay rise, I will not be able to afford a comfortable living if the prices of commodities, goods and raw materials keep increasing,” she said. Azlan, a coffeehouse steward, stressed that consumers must brace themselves for a hike in the prices of food and beverages due to the expected rise in the price of cooking gas.
KOTA KINABALU:
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry office here has denied claims that a tank of cooking gas now costs as much as RM4O in certain areas in Sabah. Its officer who declined to be named, said there is no price hike for cooking gas and if there is any it should be reported to the ministry office. “Those who were charged exorbitantly for a tank of cooking gas are encouraged to lodge a report with us and they must bring along the receipt as proof so that we can start our investigations,” he said. The officer also urged consumers to contact the ministry’s office here at the hotlines 088-484526 or 088- 484521 if they have any complaints. Meanwhile, a survey carried out by The Borneo Post showed that many were not aware of the price hike. They, however, urged the relevant authorities not to increase the price of cooking gas as it would be a burden to consumers.
“My household expenses will definitely increase and this will be burden to my family as our household income is low,” said Marina, 40, who works as a clerk in a small firm. Three other women shared the same opinion and were worried about escalating costs should the price of cooking gas be increased. For single parent Marie Abdullah, 45, her income will not be sufficient if cooking gas becomes costlier.
“1have to support seven children and this will mean more burden for me,” she said. Ita Clarissa, 45, who is feeling the pinch now, said, “even with a pay rise, I will not be able to afford a comfortable living if the prices of commodities, goods and raw materials keep increasing,” she said. Azlan, a coffeehouse steward, stressed that consumers must brace themselves for a hike in the prices of food and beverages due to the expected rise in the price of cooking gas.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-REBUILT SQUATTER HOUSES LEVELLED
REBUILT SQUATTER HOUSES LEVELLED
KOTA KINABALU:
City Hall has demolished more than a dozen illegal houses built on a Government reserve land next to the Tropical Forest Recreational Park at Jalan Penampang, the same land where 64 illegal houses were demolished two years ago. Yesterday, 17 houses which were re-built by stubborn squatters, were again levelled by a City Hall team. City Hall personnel had carried out a similar demolition exercise early last year and told the squatters to evict from the area but they had apparently returned to rebuild the illegal structures. Fifteen enforcement officers from the City Hall Squatter Houses Unit, assisted by more than 20 policemen and RELA members together with personnel from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and Water Department, carried out the demolition, starting at 8.45am. As expected, the dissatisfied squatters who had been holding a grudge against the City Hall for evicting them out of the reserve land known as Kampung Matabian since August 2005, poured out their anger and tried to halt the demolition. However, despite the squatters’ objection and protest, the operation carried out under the Building By-Laws 1984 went smoothly and ended three hours later with no physical resistance. The demolition operation was led by City Hall Assistant Enforcement Officer, Inspector Mohd Bahazan Othman. Late last month, at least 37 squatter houses were torn down by City Hall workers at Kampung Sri Tanjung in its on-going demolition exercise. The operation in the area was to see at least 600 houses demolished, as the location is required to make way for the expansion of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport project. Meanwhile, residents living in houses standing on water in the City who also face City Hall’s demolition squad, have asked for an early notice if their houses were found to have been built without approval.
KOTA KINABALU:
City Hall has demolished more than a dozen illegal houses built on a Government reserve land next to the Tropical Forest Recreational Park at Jalan Penampang, the same land where 64 illegal houses were demolished two years ago. Yesterday, 17 houses which were re-built by stubborn squatters, were again levelled by a City Hall team. City Hall personnel had carried out a similar demolition exercise early last year and told the squatters to evict from the area but they had apparently returned to rebuild the illegal structures. Fifteen enforcement officers from the City Hall Squatter Houses Unit, assisted by more than 20 policemen and RELA members together with personnel from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and Water Department, carried out the demolition, starting at 8.45am. As expected, the dissatisfied squatters who had been holding a grudge against the City Hall for evicting them out of the reserve land known as Kampung Matabian since August 2005, poured out their anger and tried to halt the demolition. However, despite the squatters’ objection and protest, the operation carried out under the Building By-Laws 1984 went smoothly and ended three hours later with no physical resistance. The demolition operation was led by City Hall Assistant Enforcement Officer, Inspector Mohd Bahazan Othman. Late last month, at least 37 squatter houses were torn down by City Hall workers at Kampung Sri Tanjung in its on-going demolition exercise. The operation in the area was to see at least 600 houses demolished, as the location is required to make way for the expansion of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport project. Meanwhile, residents living in houses standing on water in the City who also face City Hall’s demolition squad, have asked for an early notice if their houses were found to have been built without approval.
THURSDAYS-6TH DECEMBER 2007-WOMAN ROBBED IN HER HOUSE
Woman robbed in her house
TAWAU:
A 40-year-old woman claimed that she was robbed at knife point in the bedroom of her house at Taman Semarak here on Monday night. The complainant said that she was awaken from her sleep by the intruder who then pointed a knife at her stomach. According to acting district police chief Superintendent Ramli Ali Mat, the woman said in her report the intruder fled after hearing her son waking up. After checking the room, the woman realised her wallet was missing, he said, adding she estimated her loss at RM600. Police also received reports from two women who lost their handbags to snatch thieves at Jalan Bunga and Fajar here on Tuesday. In the incident at Jalan Bunga, the victim lost her bag containing her MyKad, RM200 cash and three hand phones to snatch thieves on motorcycles on Tuesday night. Ramli said the second victim, a 30-year-old woman, lost her bag to snatch thieves in the afternoon of the same day. Her bag which was grabbed by two men riding a motorcycle, contained her passport and RM200 cash. According to him further, police are investigating a report from a businessman who alleged to have been cheated by another businessman on August 20 this year. The former had issued a cheque for RM34,407.05 to the suspect for a business transaction and has been unable to contact the latter since then. In a separate case, a 30-year- old man lodged a report after his Yamaha 110 CC motorbike bearing number JCY45J went missing from the carpark of the district hospital here on Tuesday morning.
TAWAU:
A 40-year-old woman claimed that she was robbed at knife point in the bedroom of her house at Taman Semarak here on Monday night. The complainant said that she was awaken from her sleep by the intruder who then pointed a knife at her stomach. According to acting district police chief Superintendent Ramli Ali Mat, the woman said in her report the intruder fled after hearing her son waking up. After checking the room, the woman realised her wallet was missing, he said, adding she estimated her loss at RM600. Police also received reports from two women who lost their handbags to snatch thieves at Jalan Bunga and Fajar here on Tuesday. In the incident at Jalan Bunga, the victim lost her bag containing her MyKad, RM200 cash and three hand phones to snatch thieves on motorcycles on Tuesday night. Ramli said the second victim, a 30-year-old woman, lost her bag to snatch thieves in the afternoon of the same day. Her bag which was grabbed by two men riding a motorcycle, contained her passport and RM200 cash. According to him further, police are investigating a report from a businessman who alleged to have been cheated by another businessman on August 20 this year. The former had issued a cheque for RM34,407.05 to the suspect for a business transaction and has been unable to contact the latter since then. In a separate case, a 30-year- old man lodged a report after his Yamaha 110 CC motorbike bearing number JCY45J went missing from the carpark of the district hospital here on Tuesday morning.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-HEATED EXCHANGE OVER WITHDRAWAL FROM SEA GAMES
Heated exchange over withdrawal from SEA Games
KUALA LUMPUR: A heated exchange broke out at the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday over the withdrawal of the Malaysia Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) from the 24th SEA Games in Korat, Thailand. It started when Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) raised the matter when debating the 2008 Supply Bill 2008, saying that the action would affect Malaysia’s efforts to host international competitions in future, after having failed in its attempts to host the Asian Games and also the Olympics. His remarks brought Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), who is Johor Sepak Takraw Association president, to speak in defence of the PSM’s stand although he should only be seeking clarification at this juncture. A heated exchange ensued when Raja Ahmad Zainuddin kept questioning the rationale behind the withdrawal by Malaysia, which had protested the use of rubber coated balls for sepak takraw at the Korat Games. The exchange stopped when Deputy Speaker Datuk Lim Si Cheng intervened. Youth and Sports Ministry Parliamentary Secretary S Vigneswaran, in responding to the issue, said the ministry was upset with the decision by PSM which did not consult the ministry and the National Sports Council. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: A heated exchange broke out at the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday over the withdrawal of the Malaysia Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) from the 24th SEA Games in Korat, Thailand. It started when Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) raised the matter when debating the 2008 Supply Bill 2008, saying that the action would affect Malaysia’s efforts to host international competitions in future, after having failed in its attempts to host the Asian Games and also the Olympics. His remarks brought Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), who is Johor Sepak Takraw Association president, to speak in defence of the PSM’s stand although he should only be seeking clarification at this juncture. A heated exchange ensued when Raja Ahmad Zainuddin kept questioning the rationale behind the withdrawal by Malaysia, which had protested the use of rubber coated balls for sepak takraw at the Korat Games. The exchange stopped when Deputy Speaker Datuk Lim Si Cheng intervened. Youth and Sports Ministry Parliamentary Secretary S Vigneswaran, in responding to the issue, said the ministry was upset with the decision by PSM which did not consult the ministry and the National Sports Council. - Bernama
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-FORM SEPARATE MINISTRY TO PROTECT CONSUMER RIGHTS:PATRICK
Form separate ministry to protect consumer rights: Patrick
KOTA KINABALU:
The Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (Cash) has proposed that the task of protecting consumer rights and regulating domestic trade currently placed under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, should be separated and over seen by two different ministries.Its president, Datuk Patrick Sindu, said protecting consumer rights and promoting trade is often contradicting each other and the ministry, being tasked with both responsibilities at the same time, could lead to indecisiveness and tendency to look for mediocre solutions that have less negative effect for either side. The ministry has been doing a good job in protecting consumers all this while but consumerism today covers a tremendously vast spectrum and issues related to protection of consumer rights are rapidly increasing in complexity, said Patrick “In order to better protect consumer rights, a separate ministry dedicated solely to overseeing the consumerism aspect should be formed,” Patrick said yesterday, adding a special department responsible for enforcing laws related to consumerism should be formed under the proposed ministry.
He suggested a Minister in the Prime Ministers Department be appointed to head this ministry whose main objectives include to aggressively promote consumerism awareness and protect consumer rights. In welcoming the ban on scratch- and-win contests, Patrick said the move had been long awaited and should have been imposed’ much earlier. He said Cash had received many reports from consumers, including from professionals who have been deceived by companies using the scratch-and-win tactic. “This should have come earlier. But it is better late than never. Many had fallen victim to this scheme,” he said, adding the ministry should take similar approach on other trade gimmicks such as get-rich-quick schemes and lucky draws which he said were still being widely used by irresponsible parties to trick consumers. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal announced the ban on scratch-and- win contests on Tuesday, saying the trade gimmick, which has spread to the rural areas, was banned because it was harmful to consumers, many of whom had been tricked into buying substandard goods.
KOTA KINABALU:
The Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (Cash) has proposed that the task of protecting consumer rights and regulating domestic trade currently placed under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, should be separated and over seen by two different ministries.Its president, Datuk Patrick Sindu, said protecting consumer rights and promoting trade is often contradicting each other and the ministry, being tasked with both responsibilities at the same time, could lead to indecisiveness and tendency to look for mediocre solutions that have less negative effect for either side. The ministry has been doing a good job in protecting consumers all this while but consumerism today covers a tremendously vast spectrum and issues related to protection of consumer rights are rapidly increasing in complexity, said Patrick “In order to better protect consumer rights, a separate ministry dedicated solely to overseeing the consumerism aspect should be formed,” Patrick said yesterday, adding a special department responsible for enforcing laws related to consumerism should be formed under the proposed ministry.
He suggested a Minister in the Prime Ministers Department be appointed to head this ministry whose main objectives include to aggressively promote consumerism awareness and protect consumer rights. In welcoming the ban on scratch- and-win contests, Patrick said the move had been long awaited and should have been imposed’ much earlier. He said Cash had received many reports from consumers, including from professionals who have been deceived by companies using the scratch-and-win tactic. “This should have come earlier. But it is better late than never. Many had fallen victim to this scheme,” he said, adding the ministry should take similar approach on other trade gimmicks such as get-rich-quick schemes and lucky draws which he said were still being widely used by irresponsible parties to trick consumers. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal announced the ban on scratch-and- win contests on Tuesday, saying the trade gimmick, which has spread to the rural areas, was banned because it was harmful to consumers, many of whom had been tricked into buying substandard goods.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-TELEKOM URGED TO CUT TREE BRANCHES
Telekom urged to cut tree branches
• A man from Kampung Rangalau along the way to Kiulu has urged Telekom Malaysia to clear the branches that have grown around the telephone pole and cable there. George is worried that the telephone service would be disrupted as the branches are weighing down the telephone cable. “On behalf of the residents here, I hope the company will trim and clean these tree branches as soon s possible before they fall down and affect the cable,” he said. With the current weather situation, George said the villagers feared that the tree branches would fall and hit cable and affect the telephone service there. He added that some of the residents there had wanted to trim the branches, especially those near their house but they were worried about their safety and decided to leave the matter to the authority concerned. A spokesperson for Telekom Malaysia said they would send their technician who is in charge of the matter to investigate on the complaint before taking any necessary action. “Dealing with the cable is dangerous. It was a wise decision for them to leave the matter to us. We are more than happy to assist the people, he said, adding that immediate action would be taken.
• A man from Kampung Rangalau along the way to Kiulu has urged Telekom Malaysia to clear the branches that have grown around the telephone pole and cable there. George is worried that the telephone service would be disrupted as the branches are weighing down the telephone cable. “On behalf of the residents here, I hope the company will trim and clean these tree branches as soon s possible before they fall down and affect the cable,” he said. With the current weather situation, George said the villagers feared that the tree branches would fall and hit cable and affect the telephone service there. He added that some of the residents there had wanted to trim the branches, especially those near their house but they were worried about their safety and decided to leave the matter to the authority concerned. A spokesperson for Telekom Malaysia said they would send their technician who is in charge of the matter to investigate on the complaint before taking any necessary action. “Dealing with the cable is dangerous. It was a wise decision for them to leave the matter to us. We are more than happy to assist the people, he said, adding that immediate action would be taken.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-PAS TO ASSIST FAMILY OF GIRL DETAINED IN CHINA
PAS to assist family of girl detained in China
KOTA BAHARU:
PAS is willing to pay for the expenses of the father of 24-year-old Umi Azlim Mohamad Lazim, 24, who is in prison in China for a drug offence, to meet his daughter. Kelantan PAS deputy commissioner Datuk Husam Musa said the party would assist Mohamad Lazim Jusoh, 50, to go to China to see his daughter. “Mohamad Lazim will be accompanied by someone familiar with China so that he can get a clear picture of the situation,” he told reporters yesterday. He said PAS was also prepared to engage a lawyer if there was proof that Umi Azlin had been victimised.Meanwhile, Mohamad Lazim said he was thankful for the concern showed by various quarters, including PAS, for his daughter and their willingness to assist him to go to China.
KOTA BAHARU:
PAS is willing to pay for the expenses of the father of 24-year-old Umi Azlim Mohamad Lazim, 24, who is in prison in China for a drug offence, to meet his daughter. Kelantan PAS deputy commissioner Datuk Husam Musa said the party would assist Mohamad Lazim Jusoh, 50, to go to China to see his daughter. “Mohamad Lazim will be accompanied by someone familiar with China so that he can get a clear picture of the situation,” he told reporters yesterday. He said PAS was also prepared to engage a lawyer if there was proof that Umi Azlin had been victimised.Meanwhile, Mohamad Lazim said he was thankful for the concern showed by various quarters, including PAS, for his daughter and their willingness to assist him to go to China.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-DRUG PROBLEM WORSENING IN COUNTRY:LEE
Lee: Drug problem worsening in country
He calls on everyone to help make Malaysia drug-free
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Vice- Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday called on all voluntary organisations, parents and concerned individuals to rally behind the call by the Government to fight the drug menace and help make Malaysia drug-free by the year 2015. Lee pointed out that as the largest anti- crime NGO in the country, MCPF remains ever committed in its challenging task to educate the younger generation about the dangers of drug abuse and free themselves from the menace. Police statistics showed that 30 to 40 percent of drug addicts were involved in petty crimes. As such eradicating the drug menace is crucial in the fight against crime. “Malaysia’s move to make the nation drug free by the year 2015 is laudable but it requires commitment, political will and the fullest participation by all sectors of the community, including parents and teachers, to achieve this objective,” he said in a statement yesterday. According to Lee, the Government has spent hundreds of millions of ringgit to tackle the drug menace in the country but the problem is far from being eradicated. Victory is still nowhere in sight. Statistics on drug users in the country are not only shocking, they are worsening each year. Clearly, no one party alone can help to overcome the drug menace. The Government needs not only the support of non-governmental organisations, voluntary bodies and religious organisations, but also their full commitment in helping to curb the drug problem, he said. Lee added the drug addiction problem has been Malaysia’s number one problem for more than two decades and even as we enter the new millennium. As such, drug abuse still poses a major problem to the nation, particularly those aged between 15 and 40 who make up 80 per cent of the drug addicts in the country. Up to last year, about 1% of the country’s population or 255,725 Malaysians were found to be drug addicts. Lee said it is time for all organizations and associations as well as the entire Malaysian community to work closely with the Government to combat the drug menace to save our younger generation from the scourge of drugs. “To all our youths who are the biggest asset in the country, I wish to advise them to keep away from drugs not only for their own well-being but also for the sake of the country and its future.
“It is necessary to develop a more affective strategy towards making the nation drug free by 2015. “As the key to the fight against drugs lies in prevention, a national- level prevention strategy is needed to involve the home society and workplace to help eradicate the problem,” he said. The active role of parents and the community in the campaign to battle drug abuse is also vital and must be intensified if the nation wants to ensure that drug addiction among teenagers and the youths, including students does not become more prevalent. Granted that drug abuse is still a national problem despite the existing stringent laws, there cannot be any let-up in the nation effort to eradicate the problem, he said. Concerned as well are with youth involvement in drugs, MCPF wishes to offer the following advices and suggestions: a) Youths must learn how to cope with the stresses of daily life without resorting to drugs. This could be done through spiritual means or engaging in healthy recreational activities. b) Youths must resist ‘peer pressure’ if they are urged or influenced to do things which they know is wrong, improper and which leads to self-destruction. c) They should be educated about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction through seminars, workshop, books and publications. They should pass on information about the harmful effects of drugs to their friends. d) They must develop courage, discipline; a sense of responsibility and self-esteem to build a better future for themselves and the country by rejecting drugs and e) Malaysian youths must unite and help one another to achieve a drug free 21st century.
He calls on everyone to help make Malaysia drug-free
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Vice- Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye yesterday called on all voluntary organisations, parents and concerned individuals to rally behind the call by the Government to fight the drug menace and help make Malaysia drug-free by the year 2015. Lee pointed out that as the largest anti- crime NGO in the country, MCPF remains ever committed in its challenging task to educate the younger generation about the dangers of drug abuse and free themselves from the menace. Police statistics showed that 30 to 40 percent of drug addicts were involved in petty crimes. As such eradicating the drug menace is crucial in the fight against crime. “Malaysia’s move to make the nation drug free by the year 2015 is laudable but it requires commitment, political will and the fullest participation by all sectors of the community, including parents and teachers, to achieve this objective,” he said in a statement yesterday. According to Lee, the Government has spent hundreds of millions of ringgit to tackle the drug menace in the country but the problem is far from being eradicated. Victory is still nowhere in sight. Statistics on drug users in the country are not only shocking, they are worsening each year. Clearly, no one party alone can help to overcome the drug menace. The Government needs not only the support of non-governmental organisations, voluntary bodies and religious organisations, but also their full commitment in helping to curb the drug problem, he said. Lee added the drug addiction problem has been Malaysia’s number one problem for more than two decades and even as we enter the new millennium. As such, drug abuse still poses a major problem to the nation, particularly those aged between 15 and 40 who make up 80 per cent of the drug addicts in the country. Up to last year, about 1% of the country’s population or 255,725 Malaysians were found to be drug addicts. Lee said it is time for all organizations and associations as well as the entire Malaysian community to work closely with the Government to combat the drug menace to save our younger generation from the scourge of drugs. “To all our youths who are the biggest asset in the country, I wish to advise them to keep away from drugs not only for their own well-being but also for the sake of the country and its future.
“It is necessary to develop a more affective strategy towards making the nation drug free by 2015. “As the key to the fight against drugs lies in prevention, a national- level prevention strategy is needed to involve the home society and workplace to help eradicate the problem,” he said. The active role of parents and the community in the campaign to battle drug abuse is also vital and must be intensified if the nation wants to ensure that drug addiction among teenagers and the youths, including students does not become more prevalent. Granted that drug abuse is still a national problem despite the existing stringent laws, there cannot be any let-up in the nation effort to eradicate the problem, he said. Concerned as well are with youth involvement in drugs, MCPF wishes to offer the following advices and suggestions: a) Youths must learn how to cope with the stresses of daily life without resorting to drugs. This could be done through spiritual means or engaging in healthy recreational activities. b) Youths must resist ‘peer pressure’ if they are urged or influenced to do things which they know is wrong, improper and which leads to self-destruction. c) They should be educated about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction through seminars, workshop, books and publications. They should pass on information about the harmful effects of drugs to their friends. d) They must develop courage, discipline; a sense of responsibility and self-esteem to build a better future for themselves and the country by rejecting drugs and e) Malaysian youths must unite and help one another to achieve a drug free 21st century.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-MALAYSIAN NAVY DOING WELL IN TRAINING FOR SCORPENE
Malaysian Navy doing well in training for Scorpene
LANGKAWI: The 150-odd crew and officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy undergoing a four-year training programme in France following the acquisition of the Scorpene class submarine last October are doing well and are in high spirits. The project director, Philippe Novelli, said the Malaysians were adapting well to the situation inside the submarine which was totally different from maneuvering a surface vessel. “You have to obtain what is around you by just looking at the radar. It is quite impossible to base your findings on bare eyes. “Psychologically you have also to be strong. As Malaysians, you have to be proud of them,” he said to reporters at the maritime segment of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2007 exhibition here. He said that in a submarine, the main risk was flooding as well as the risk of hitting objects above the submarine during surfacing. He said one of the most crucial experiences the trainees had was during a storm in November 2005 in the Iroise Sea, Atlantic Ocean, which they managed to resist. Novelli said the training at the DCN Dockyard in Brest, about 500km from Cherbourg, France, was scheduled to be completed next year. Direction des Constructions Navales Services (DCNS) is the company building the Malaysian Scorpene submarines.
LANGKAWI: The 150-odd crew and officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy undergoing a four-year training programme in France following the acquisition of the Scorpene class submarine last October are doing well and are in high spirits. The project director, Philippe Novelli, said the Malaysians were adapting well to the situation inside the submarine which was totally different from maneuvering a surface vessel. “You have to obtain what is around you by just looking at the radar. It is quite impossible to base your findings on bare eyes. “Psychologically you have also to be strong. As Malaysians, you have to be proud of them,” he said to reporters at the maritime segment of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2007 exhibition here. He said that in a submarine, the main risk was flooding as well as the risk of hitting objects above the submarine during surfacing. He said one of the most crucial experiences the trainees had was during a storm in November 2005 in the Iroise Sea, Atlantic Ocean, which they managed to resist. Novelli said the training at the DCN Dockyard in Brest, about 500km from Cherbourg, France, was scheduled to be completed next year. Direction des Constructions Navales Services (DCNS) is the company building the Malaysian Scorpene submarines.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-LETTER ON SAFE DEPOSIT MISLEADING:TRADER
Letter on safe deposit box misleading:Trader
SANDAKAN:
A businessman has claimed the content of the letter which a commercial bank is requiring its customers to execute for termination of the agreement for hire of safe deposit box (SDB) is misleading. Au Hin Loon, the owner of a computer servicing centre, yesterday said the bank wrote two letters addressed to him and his wife dated July 2, 2007 and August 10, 2007 stating that they were no longer providing the SDB facility and requested them to take out their items from the safe deposit box. “Both of us went to the bank on August 17, 2007. We were surprised that we were asked to sign a letter indicating we were the ones who requested for the termination,” he said. “We think it is unfair and not proper, thus, we refused to sign it. One of their staff informed us that they will continue with the closure of the facility because they have the approval from Bank Negara Malaysia,” Au said. While the couple understand that banks could close or open any departments or branches due to their rationalization exercise, they regretted that the customers or the public have become the victims of the process, particularly those staying outside the city.
“Banks are making profits and they should be providing more services to the public. “We wrote to Bank Negara over the matter on October 16, 2007 and received a copy of the letter from them which was addressed to the bank dated November 1, 2007, giving it two weeks to reply to issues brought up by us, Au said. “On December 4, 2007, we went to the bank after failing to obtain a reply from them and since the tenure of our SDB is expiring on December 12, 2007, we also wanted to pay the annual renewal fee but a staff refused to accept our payment. “This staff even told us based on the SDB agreement signed between both parties, the bank has the right to force open our SDB if we did not immediately remove the contents,”Au said. “We are deeply disturbed and dissatisfied with their intended action and it seems that they do not respect consumers’ rights,” he added. Au said he had also forwarded the complaint to the Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan, Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on December 4, 2007. “I only received their reply this morning and they are saying the document which we were asked to sign is a standard letter of termination before allowing customers to close their SDB in line with the closure of the facility by the bank,” he said. “They were clarifying that the letter was intended to formalize the closure of the SDB by the hirer and they have removed all items from the SDB, that the keys of the SDB have been returned and that they have received the key deposit refund from the bank,” he said. Au pointed out his argument was that it was the bank which wanted the customers to close the SDB and not the latter wanting to terminate the facility. There is a difference between the two. Many customers had signed the letter without reading through the content.
SANDAKAN:
A businessman has claimed the content of the letter which a commercial bank is requiring its customers to execute for termination of the agreement for hire of safe deposit box (SDB) is misleading. Au Hin Loon, the owner of a computer servicing centre, yesterday said the bank wrote two letters addressed to him and his wife dated July 2, 2007 and August 10, 2007 stating that they were no longer providing the SDB facility and requested them to take out their items from the safe deposit box. “Both of us went to the bank on August 17, 2007. We were surprised that we were asked to sign a letter indicating we were the ones who requested for the termination,” he said. “We think it is unfair and not proper, thus, we refused to sign it. One of their staff informed us that they will continue with the closure of the facility because they have the approval from Bank Negara Malaysia,” Au said. While the couple understand that banks could close or open any departments or branches due to their rationalization exercise, they regretted that the customers or the public have become the victims of the process, particularly those staying outside the city.
“Banks are making profits and they should be providing more services to the public. “We wrote to Bank Negara over the matter on October 16, 2007 and received a copy of the letter from them which was addressed to the bank dated November 1, 2007, giving it two weeks to reply to issues brought up by us, Au said. “On December 4, 2007, we went to the bank after failing to obtain a reply from them and since the tenure of our SDB is expiring on December 12, 2007, we also wanted to pay the annual renewal fee but a staff refused to accept our payment. “This staff even told us based on the SDB agreement signed between both parties, the bank has the right to force open our SDB if we did not immediately remove the contents,”Au said. “We are deeply disturbed and dissatisfied with their intended action and it seems that they do not respect consumers’ rights,” he added. Au said he had also forwarded the complaint to the Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan, Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on December 4, 2007. “I only received their reply this morning and they are saying the document which we were asked to sign is a standard letter of termination before allowing customers to close their SDB in line with the closure of the facility by the bank,” he said. “They were clarifying that the letter was intended to formalize the closure of the SDB by the hirer and they have removed all items from the SDB, that the keys of the SDB have been returned and that they have received the key deposit refund from the bank,” he said. Au pointed out his argument was that it was the bank which wanted the customers to close the SDB and not the latter wanting to terminate the facility. There is a difference between the two. Many customers had signed the letter without reading through the content.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-HOLD SCAM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, SAYS CASH
Hold scam awareness campaign, says CASH
KOTA KINABALU: The relevant Government departments and agencies should organise a scam awareness campaign from time to time to raise public awareness, especially in the rural areas and small towns. “A scam is where the public are duped out of their cash in return for something or products that had been promised but in return nothing was honoured or delivered,” said Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (CASH) deputy president Nordin Thani yesterday. He reckoned that scam awareness campaign could give consumers the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to recognize, report and help stamp out mass-marketed scams. According to him, each day people open their mails, receive telephone calls, turn on their computers or switch on their mobile phones and receive unexpected SMS to find that they have unexpectedly won an exciting prize in a prize draw, lottery or other form of promotion. Nordin said that while some of these approaches are legitimate, others were a dishonest attempt to trap the public into parting with their money. “Many common scams take the form of prize draws or cash prizes designed to trick those who are not aware. “These scams are usually operated from outside the country, although they may use an unknown or non existing office address and a bank account here for the public to bank in money (needed to claim the prizes as part of their terms and conditions) before anyone could claim their prizes. The syndicate members are locals, not foreigners as claimed by many victims,” he said. Nordin said the recent announcement by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to ban scratch and win contests was in fact a very good news to consumers. He said not only such companies had been deceiving consumers in buying sub-standard goods in the past but they have also misled them by paying the price twice as much (over priced), especially those operating in the rural areas. In fact, he noted that the ban had been anticipated earlier by those irresponsible companies. These companies had switched their marketing tactics and strategy before the announcement was even made by switching from scratch and win to promotional leaflets distributed to the public informing and offering them goods at a very discounted price and value for money. These irresponsible and unscrupulous traders were seen operating in front of superstores, supermarkets and at open markets, said Nordln. He said they would approach potential customers by telling and showing them their so-called promotional products (by giving them the colourful leaflets) offered at discounted prices, among others. “Once the customers are convinced, they will then bring them to a specific location or showrooms to show what they have got to offer. But what actually on offer are mostly sub-standard, overpriced and misleading products not as described, shown or informed earlier in the leaflets. “Almost all of the products on offer do not correspond with the description applied to them. Selected customers are even allowed to take home the promotional products on credit without even have the opportunity to read the agreement signed. Apart from the interest, the customers also need to pay processing and administration fees,” he revealed. In this regard, Nordin advised the public to be cautious and avoid such promotions if they are unsure of, especially when responding to bogus promotions as their names, addresses telephone numbers are likely to be placed on other lists for similar scams. “The people should never reveal their credit card or bank account details unless they are absolutely sure who they are dealing with,” he cautioned.
KOTA KINABALU: The relevant Government departments and agencies should organise a scam awareness campaign from time to time to raise public awareness, especially in the rural areas and small towns. “A scam is where the public are duped out of their cash in return for something or products that had been promised but in return nothing was honoured or delivered,” said Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (CASH) deputy president Nordin Thani yesterday. He reckoned that scam awareness campaign could give consumers the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to recognize, report and help stamp out mass-marketed scams. According to him, each day people open their mails, receive telephone calls, turn on their computers or switch on their mobile phones and receive unexpected SMS to find that they have unexpectedly won an exciting prize in a prize draw, lottery or other form of promotion. Nordin said that while some of these approaches are legitimate, others were a dishonest attempt to trap the public into parting with their money. “Many common scams take the form of prize draws or cash prizes designed to trick those who are not aware. “These scams are usually operated from outside the country, although they may use an unknown or non existing office address and a bank account here for the public to bank in money (needed to claim the prizes as part of their terms and conditions) before anyone could claim their prizes. The syndicate members are locals, not foreigners as claimed by many victims,” he said. Nordin said the recent announcement by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to ban scratch and win contests was in fact a very good news to consumers. He said not only such companies had been deceiving consumers in buying sub-standard goods in the past but they have also misled them by paying the price twice as much (over priced), especially those operating in the rural areas. In fact, he noted that the ban had been anticipated earlier by those irresponsible companies. These companies had switched their marketing tactics and strategy before the announcement was even made by switching from scratch and win to promotional leaflets distributed to the public informing and offering them goods at a very discounted price and value for money. These irresponsible and unscrupulous traders were seen operating in front of superstores, supermarkets and at open markets, said Nordln. He said they would approach potential customers by telling and showing them their so-called promotional products (by giving them the colourful leaflets) offered at discounted prices, among others. “Once the customers are convinced, they will then bring them to a specific location or showrooms to show what they have got to offer. But what actually on offer are mostly sub-standard, overpriced and misleading products not as described, shown or informed earlier in the leaflets. “Almost all of the products on offer do not correspond with the description applied to them. Selected customers are even allowed to take home the promotional products on credit without even have the opportunity to read the agreement signed. Apart from the interest, the customers also need to pay processing and administration fees,” he revealed. In this regard, Nordin advised the public to be cautious and avoid such promotions if they are unsure of, especially when responding to bogus promotions as their names, addresses telephone numbers are likely to be placed on other lists for similar scams. “The people should never reveal their credit card or bank account details unless they are absolutely sure who they are dealing with,” he cautioned.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-LAND DIVISION MUST BE DONE PROPERLY:EWON
Land division must be done properly: Ewon
RANAU: The division of land in villages applied for by either outsiders or the villagers must be done properly to avoid disputes or overlapping applications, said Industrial Development Minister Datuk Ewon Ebin. He said any land division exercise must take into account every detail and be fair to all applicants to avoid ownership disputes that would only complicate the issuance of land titles. “One of the biggest problems faced by the Land and Survey Department when issuing land titles is overlapping applications,” he said at the official declaration of the boundary for customary land between Kampung Tampios, Kampung Lungkidau and Kampung Paginatan. “To avoid such problems, leaders at the village level should monitor all applications for land in a more orderly manner through discussions with the applicants, especially regarding the location, land area and who is applying for the land.” Ewon also urged villagers to refrain from selling their land even if they do not have the financial means to work on it. He said it would be a better idea to develop their land in partnership with any interested company or just leave it idle for awhile. If they sell the land they would have nothing left to pass on to their children. Meanwhile, the ceremony involved leaders and residents of seven villages in the area, including Kampung Tampios, Kampung Lungkidau, Kampung Paginatan, Kampung Maringkan, Kampung Soborong, Kampung Bitoon and Kampung Toporoh. The spokesman for the seven villages, Lungkidau village head Paun Guintidong, said the declaration of the boundaries is aimed at facilitating more orderly and systematic division of land in their respective areas. He added that the boundaries would also make it easier for the village leaders to monitor the land which they claim had been repeatedly encroached by outsiders.
RANAU: The division of land in villages applied for by either outsiders or the villagers must be done properly to avoid disputes or overlapping applications, said Industrial Development Minister Datuk Ewon Ebin. He said any land division exercise must take into account every detail and be fair to all applicants to avoid ownership disputes that would only complicate the issuance of land titles. “One of the biggest problems faced by the Land and Survey Department when issuing land titles is overlapping applications,” he said at the official declaration of the boundary for customary land between Kampung Tampios, Kampung Lungkidau and Kampung Paginatan. “To avoid such problems, leaders at the village level should monitor all applications for land in a more orderly manner through discussions with the applicants, especially regarding the location, land area and who is applying for the land.” Ewon also urged villagers to refrain from selling their land even if they do not have the financial means to work on it. He said it would be a better idea to develop their land in partnership with any interested company or just leave it idle for awhile. If they sell the land they would have nothing left to pass on to their children. Meanwhile, the ceremony involved leaders and residents of seven villages in the area, including Kampung Tampios, Kampung Lungkidau, Kampung Paginatan, Kampung Maringkan, Kampung Soborong, Kampung Bitoon and Kampung Toporoh. The spokesman for the seven villages, Lungkidau village head Paun Guintidong, said the declaration of the boundaries is aimed at facilitating more orderly and systematic division of land in their respective areas. He added that the boundaries would also make it easier for the village leaders to monitor the land which they claim had been repeatedly encroached by outsiders.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-TRADER LEAPS TO HIS DEATH AT DAMAI AREA
TRADER LEAPS TO HIS DEATH AT DAMAI AREA
KOTA KINABALU:
A businessman leapt to his death from the fifth floor of a building in Damai yesterday morning. Identified as Lo Fan Kee, the 61- year-old from Taman Friendly, suffered serious head injuries and broke his left leg. Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Rowell Marong who confirmed the incident, said the police received a call on the incident at around 11am. “We immediately rushed our men to the scene to investigate,” he said when met at the scene.
Lo leaves behind a wife, 54. They are childless. It was learnt that he had been suffering from a depression after learning of his wife’s health condition. Lo was said to have left home around lOam. An eyewitness, Johnny, said he was sweeping around the area when he saw a man on the verge of jumping off the building.
“I wanted to shout and tell him to get off but the next thing I knew, he was already on the ground,” he said. Police were notified. The body has been sent for post mortem at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Meanwhile, in Johor Baru, Fire and Rescue department personnel failed to prevent a 55-year-old man Ting Bin Soon, from jumping to his death from the 10th floor of a building in a suicide incident, according to a newspaper report yesterday. In Malacca, a 56-year-old unemployed Teoh Cheng Liat, was reported to have committed suicide too by hanging himself from a tree outside his house.
KOTA KINABALU:
A businessman leapt to his death from the fifth floor of a building in Damai yesterday morning. Identified as Lo Fan Kee, the 61- year-old from Taman Friendly, suffered serious head injuries and broke his left leg. Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Rowell Marong who confirmed the incident, said the police received a call on the incident at around 11am. “We immediately rushed our men to the scene to investigate,” he said when met at the scene.
Lo leaves behind a wife, 54. They are childless. It was learnt that he had been suffering from a depression after learning of his wife’s health condition. Lo was said to have left home around lOam. An eyewitness, Johnny, said he was sweeping around the area when he saw a man on the verge of jumping off the building.
“I wanted to shout and tell him to get off but the next thing I knew, he was already on the ground,” he said. Police were notified. The body has been sent for post mortem at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Meanwhile, in Johor Baru, Fire and Rescue department personnel failed to prevent a 55-year-old man Ting Bin Soon, from jumping to his death from the 10th floor of a building in a suicide incident, according to a newspaper report yesterday. In Malacca, a 56-year-old unemployed Teoh Cheng Liat, was reported to have committed suicide too by hanging himself from a tree outside his house.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-JEFFREY QUESTIONS SINCERITY OF KDM LEADERS
Jeffrey questions sincerity of KDM leaders
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) State Steering Committee chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has questioned the sincerity of a few Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) leaders in the Barisan Nasional (BN) on the unity talk or ‘Mibabas’ in Tuaran recently.
“I question their sincerity because if they are serious about unity, they must be willing to do it and not because of political circumstances forced them to do it, and secondly it must be comprehensive and inclusive, to include everybody irrespective of their political affiliation,” he contended yesterday.
“It seems these BN parties did it for their own political end. What did they want to achieve, political unity in what form? They were united outside of BN before, but now divided under BN.
“Actually they are victims of the divide and rule system perpetrated by Umno. We welcome unity but let’s fight the regime that discriminates you,” he said.
Jeffrey said he was surprised at the fact that though Umno had discriminated these KDM leaders, they are supporting Umno still, even more united and closer with Umno now.
“If these leaders can’t do anything to help our people before, then what can they achieve when they are still in BN, supporting the discrimination and marginalization by Umno? They should join me in PKR to fight to get justice, then they can make a difference,” said the PKR vice-president.
On the goodwill ceremony (Pibabasan) itself, Dr Jeffrey, who is also one of KDCA’s three deputy presidents, said if they were sincere on ‘pibabasan’, then they should have done it according to the ‘adat’ (custom) and not just drinking ‘bahar’ to forget their differences.
“What kind of ‘pibabasan’ were they talking about when all they did was to drink bahar (coconut toddy).
“It is true, normally when one gets drunk of bahar he/she will forget everything. My point is what is their purpose and plans. Are they going to dissolve the other parties and unite under one party and if so who will become the leader?” he said.
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) State Steering Committee chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has questioned the sincerity of a few Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) leaders in the Barisan Nasional (BN) on the unity talk or ‘Mibabas’ in Tuaran recently.
“I question their sincerity because if they are serious about unity, they must be willing to do it and not because of political circumstances forced them to do it, and secondly it must be comprehensive and inclusive, to include everybody irrespective of their political affiliation,” he contended yesterday.
“It seems these BN parties did it for their own political end. What did they want to achieve, political unity in what form? They were united outside of BN before, but now divided under BN.
“Actually they are victims of the divide and rule system perpetrated by Umno. We welcome unity but let’s fight the regime that discriminates you,” he said.
Jeffrey said he was surprised at the fact that though Umno had discriminated these KDM leaders, they are supporting Umno still, even more united and closer with Umno now.
“If these leaders can’t do anything to help our people before, then what can they achieve when they are still in BN, supporting the discrimination and marginalization by Umno? They should join me in PKR to fight to get justice, then they can make a difference,” said the PKR vice-president.
On the goodwill ceremony (Pibabasan) itself, Dr Jeffrey, who is also one of KDCA’s three deputy presidents, said if they were sincere on ‘pibabasan’, then they should have done it according to the ‘adat’ (custom) and not just drinking ‘bahar’ to forget their differences.
“What kind of ‘pibabasan’ were they talking about when all they did was to drink bahar (coconut toddy).
“It is true, normally when one gets drunk of bahar he/she will forget everything. My point is what is their purpose and plans. Are they going to dissolve the other parties and unite under one party and if so who will become the leader?” he said.
THURSDAY-6TH DECEMBER 2007-ANJUNG SELERA DIRTY AND SMELLY
Anjung Selera dirty and smelly
Rats running around tourist spot, says visitor
A man is unhappy with the cleanliness at Anjung Selera and urged the authority concerned to ensure it is clean all the time as it is one of the tourist spots in the City area. “Recently, my family and I went to the place to see the international powerboat competition,” said Mr W. “The competition not only attracted the local people but also tourists from outside Malaysia. What makes me feel embarrassed is that during the final day of the competition, I witnessed a group of tourists jumping and screaming after they saw a rat at the place. There were more than three rats running at the place and it was during broad daylight,” he said, adding this would affect the image of the City. Mr W also informed Public Hotline that the place is also smelly. “I believed it is caused by the improper rubbish disposal system,” he said and hoped the authority concerned, especially Kota Kinabalu City Hall, will solve the matter. “This is a wake-up call to the authority concerned as it will make them aware of the need to maintain the cleanliness of the place. I hope the situation will not happen again in the future,” he said. Meanwhile, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall informed Public Hotline that they are always monitoring the matter to ensure the place is clean. Mr Laudin Zaman said they had done their best to maintain the cleanliness at the place before the event was held. “We are aware and know the place has rats because it is near to the markets. We will forward the matter to the unit concerned to ensure that the place is always clean,” he said.
“As for the stench, we will check and determine where it comes from before taking any further action,” he added.
Rats running around tourist spot, says visitor
A man is unhappy with the cleanliness at Anjung Selera and urged the authority concerned to ensure it is clean all the time as it is one of the tourist spots in the City area. “Recently, my family and I went to the place to see the international powerboat competition,” said Mr W. “The competition not only attracted the local people but also tourists from outside Malaysia. What makes me feel embarrassed is that during the final day of the competition, I witnessed a group of tourists jumping and screaming after they saw a rat at the place. There were more than three rats running at the place and it was during broad daylight,” he said, adding this would affect the image of the City. Mr W also informed Public Hotline that the place is also smelly. “I believed it is caused by the improper rubbish disposal system,” he said and hoped the authority concerned, especially Kota Kinabalu City Hall, will solve the matter. “This is a wake-up call to the authority concerned as it will make them aware of the need to maintain the cleanliness of the place. I hope the situation will not happen again in the future,” he said. Meanwhile, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall informed Public Hotline that they are always monitoring the matter to ensure the place is clean. Mr Laudin Zaman said they had done their best to maintain the cleanliness at the place before the event was held. “We are aware and know the place has rats because it is near to the markets. We will forward the matter to the unit concerned to ensure that the place is always clean,” he said.
“As for the stench, we will check and determine where it comes from before taking any further action,” he added.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE SIGN MOU ON EDUCATION
Malaysia, Singapore sign MoU on education
SINGAPORE:
Malaysia and Singapore yesterday formalised their cooperation in the education field after realising recently that their past collaborations were done without official stamp. Malaysian Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he was shocked to discover that for many years education activities and exchanges between the two countries were conducted informally. He was speaking at the opening of the Malaysia-Singapore Business Forum here prior to signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Educational Cooperation between the Education Ministries of Malaysia and Singapore at the forum venue. His Singaporean counterpart who is also the Finance Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, inked the MoU on behalf of the Singapore Education Ministry. Speaking to reporters later, Hishammuddin said he discovered the matter about six months ago but with the good understanding and his personal rapport with Tharman, and Singapore’s government sincerity, the memorandum with all the details was readied in a very short time. Under the cooperation, both sides will, among others, carry out exchange programmes involving ministry officials, school principals and students from both sides, teaching of the English language and inculcating good values among the students which will go a long way towards constructing a platform for even healthier bilateral relations in the future. Currently, 14 Malaysian schools are linked-up with their Singaporean counterparts in areas such as leadership skills, sports and arts. Hishammuddin is on a five-day official visit to Singapore — his maiden trip to the republic, as Education Minister. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong today. - Bernama
SINGAPORE:
Malaysia and Singapore yesterday formalised their cooperation in the education field after realising recently that their past collaborations were done without official stamp. Malaysian Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he was shocked to discover that for many years education activities and exchanges between the two countries were conducted informally. He was speaking at the opening of the Malaysia-Singapore Business Forum here prior to signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Educational Cooperation between the Education Ministries of Malaysia and Singapore at the forum venue. His Singaporean counterpart who is also the Finance Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, inked the MoU on behalf of the Singapore Education Ministry. Speaking to reporters later, Hishammuddin said he discovered the matter about six months ago but with the good understanding and his personal rapport with Tharman, and Singapore’s government sincerity, the memorandum with all the details was readied in a very short time. Under the cooperation, both sides will, among others, carry out exchange programmes involving ministry officials, school principals and students from both sides, teaching of the English language and inculcating good values among the students which will go a long way towards constructing a platform for even healthier bilateral relations in the future. Currently, 14 Malaysian schools are linked-up with their Singaporean counterparts in areas such as leadership skills, sports and arts. Hishammuddin is on a five-day official visit to Singapore — his maiden trip to the republic, as Education Minister. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong today. - Bernama
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-EIGHT CASH SCAMS FROM HONG KONG, MACAU DETECTED
Eight cash scams from Hong Kong, Macau detected
KUANTAN:
Eight cheating cases involving offer of RM780,000 in cash via telephone, believed to be from Hong Kong and Macau, have been detected in Pahang since early this year. State Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Supt Zaini Jass said in all the cases, the syndicate’s modus operandi was to call unsuspecting individuals and congratulate them for having purportedly won RM780,000 in cash from companies operating in Hong Kong and Macau. To claim the money, the victims need to pay RM5,000 processing fee. On Monday, a 25-year-old woman from Mentakab lodged a police report after losing RM9,360 when she was asked to bank in RM5,000 in cash twice before realising that she had been duped. Prior to that, another victim from Cameron Highlands reported a loss of over RM35O,000, believed after being tricked into parting with the money by the same syndicate. Zaini said police investigation showed that most of the callers were using telephone numbers that began with “008”, believed to be from Hong Kong and Macau, but the accounts used were from the local banking institutions. - Bernama
KUANTAN:
Eight cheating cases involving offer of RM780,000 in cash via telephone, believed to be from Hong Kong and Macau, have been detected in Pahang since early this year. State Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Supt Zaini Jass said in all the cases, the syndicate’s modus operandi was to call unsuspecting individuals and congratulate them for having purportedly won RM780,000 in cash from companies operating in Hong Kong and Macau. To claim the money, the victims need to pay RM5,000 processing fee. On Monday, a 25-year-old woman from Mentakab lodged a police report after losing RM9,360 when she was asked to bank in RM5,000 in cash twice before realising that she had been duped. Prior to that, another victim from Cameron Highlands reported a loss of over RM35O,000, believed after being tricked into parting with the money by the same syndicate. Zaini said police investigation showed that most of the callers were using telephone numbers that began with “008”, believed to be from Hong Kong and Macau, but the accounts used were from the local banking institutions. - Bernama
WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2007-PISTOL MACHETES KNIVES SEIZED FROM PASSENGERS
Pistol, machetes, knives seized from passengers
TAWAU:
An air pistol, machetes and knives were among the weapons detected at the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Centre (CIQ) which began operation at the jetty here two weeks ago. These weapons were brought into the country by passengers from a neighbouring country, said Customs Tawau KDRM Barter Trade branch officer Ahmad Samad. He advised passengers to refrain from bringing these items in and out detected by of the country. According to Ahmad, three more scanning machines will be added to the CIQ which was built at a cost of RM300,000.There are 11 Customs officers on duty at the centre to oversee the arrival of 3,000 passengers daily, not including those departing from Tawau. Among the facilities at the centre are a waiting hall, a VIP room and a room for the handicapped. The departure hall is provided with seats and fans and under construction are the public toilets.
TAWAU:
An air pistol, machetes and knives were among the weapons detected at the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Centre (CIQ) which began operation at the jetty here two weeks ago. These weapons were brought into the country by passengers from a neighbouring country, said Customs Tawau KDRM Barter Trade branch officer Ahmad Samad. He advised passengers to refrain from bringing these items in and out detected by of the country. According to Ahmad, three more scanning machines will be added to the CIQ which was built at a cost of RM300,000.There are 11 Customs officers on duty at the centre to oversee the arrival of 3,000 passengers daily, not including those departing from Tawau. Among the facilities at the centre are a waiting hall, a VIP room and a room for the handicapped. The departure hall is provided with seats and fans and under construction are the public toilets.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-TWO KILLED IN SEPARATE ACCIDENTS
TWO KILLED IN SEPARATE ACCIDENTS
KOTA KINABALU:
Two men were killed in separate accidents yesterday and on Monday. One of them was killed in a freak accident at the Kepayan Highway while the other died in a road accident along the Lido-Kepayan Road. The first victim identified as Amat Din @ Ahmad Amat, a 33-year-old labourer from Kampung Mapan Mapan, Pitas, passed away after he was crushed by a lorry while on duty around 3.4O pm yesterday. It was learnt that he was sweeping stones behind a lorry when it reversed and accidentally knocked into him. He died on the spot and the 28- year-old lorry driver was detained for questioning. The second victim was a 35-year- old motorcyclist, identified as Roger Anthony from Kampung Nosoob Baru, Penampang. His pillion rider, who could not be immediately identified, suffered minor injuries. It was learnt that in the 11 .4Opm incident on Monday, the victim had accidentally rammed into the road divider close to Taman Millennium, and was thrown away due to the impact. The victim was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to injuries around 3 am yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU:
Two men were killed in separate accidents yesterday and on Monday. One of them was killed in a freak accident at the Kepayan Highway while the other died in a road accident along the Lido-Kepayan Road. The first victim identified as Amat Din @ Ahmad Amat, a 33-year-old labourer from Kampung Mapan Mapan, Pitas, passed away after he was crushed by a lorry while on duty around 3.4O pm yesterday. It was learnt that he was sweeping stones behind a lorry when it reversed and accidentally knocked into him. He died on the spot and the 28- year-old lorry driver was detained for questioning. The second victim was a 35-year- old motorcyclist, identified as Roger Anthony from Kampung Nosoob Baru, Penampang. His pillion rider, who could not be immediately identified, suffered minor injuries. It was learnt that in the 11 .4Opm incident on Monday, the victim had accidentally rammed into the road divider close to Taman Millennium, and was thrown away due to the impact. The victim was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to injuries around 3 am yesterday.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-TRAILER TRUCKS PARKED INDISCRIMINATELY AT BEVERLY HILLS
Trailer trucks parked indiscriminately at Beverly Hills
A member of the public has complained about the indiscriminate parking of trailer trucks at the sides of the road to Beverly Hills, Phase 3. Malik told Public Hotline that these trailer trucks not only cause obstruction but also pose a risk to other motorists. “The area is not meant for them to park their trucks. It is not only causing inconvenience but also causing obstruction to the place,” he said, adding that the trucks are also causing a lot of noise. According to Malik, sometime the trucks occupy almost an entire lane and obstruct other road users. “As the trucks are long and big, they can disrupt traffic flow and obstruct motorists’ view, especially at corners. At our place, the trucks are normally seen parked near the entrance to the apartments,” he said. “I hope the traffic police will inspect the place regularly and ask the operators of the trucks not to park indiscriminately. This is clearly a traffic offence as the trailers cause traffic obstruction,” he added. The traffic police have issued summonses to many trailer truck drivers who caused obstruction by parking their vehicle indiscriminately at roadsides around the City. According to a spokesperson from the City traffic police when contacted about the matter, some of the truck drivers continue to commit the offence. He said the department would try its best to overcome the matter and assured that it would send men to inspect the situation and issue summonses to the drivers of trailer trucks that are found parked indiscriminately there. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Penampang District Council said they had received a similar complaint before. “Normally, if the complainant gives us the details, we have the right to issue summonses,” he said. “But due to the lack of details, we would have to do an inspection. We will find out who the owners are before issuing any summonses,” he said. He added that those found committing such an offence would normally be compounded a minimum of RM100.
A member of the public has complained about the indiscriminate parking of trailer trucks at the sides of the road to Beverly Hills, Phase 3. Malik told Public Hotline that these trailer trucks not only cause obstruction but also pose a risk to other motorists. “The area is not meant for them to park their trucks. It is not only causing inconvenience but also causing obstruction to the place,” he said, adding that the trucks are also causing a lot of noise. According to Malik, sometime the trucks occupy almost an entire lane and obstruct other road users. “As the trucks are long and big, they can disrupt traffic flow and obstruct motorists’ view, especially at corners. At our place, the trucks are normally seen parked near the entrance to the apartments,” he said. “I hope the traffic police will inspect the place regularly and ask the operators of the trucks not to park indiscriminately. This is clearly a traffic offence as the trailers cause traffic obstruction,” he added. The traffic police have issued summonses to many trailer truck drivers who caused obstruction by parking their vehicle indiscriminately at roadsides around the City. According to a spokesperson from the City traffic police when contacted about the matter, some of the truck drivers continue to commit the offence. He said the department would try its best to overcome the matter and assured that it would send men to inspect the situation and issue summonses to the drivers of trailer trucks that are found parked indiscriminately there. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Penampang District Council said they had received a similar complaint before. “Normally, if the complainant gives us the details, we have the right to issue summonses,” he said. “But due to the lack of details, we would have to do an inspection. We will find out who the owners are before issuing any summonses,” he said. He added that those found committing such an offence would normally be compounded a minimum of RM100.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-FUND MAY ASSIST PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES
Fund may assist patients with chronic illnesses
BANGI:
The Health Ministry will propose to the Cabinet to allocate part of the Medical Aid Fund to assist patients with chronic illnesses seeking treatment at private hospitals due to the long wait at public hospitals. Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said they would, however, be saddled with hefty bills at the private hospitals as it cost them between RM25,000 and RM3O,000 for treatment. “We found that some chronic patients had to wait between one and two years and sometimes even longer to get treatment at the public hospitals,” he told reporters at the presentation of a contribution from the National Energy Foundation (NEF) for child heart patients to the National Heart Institute (NHI) Foundation here yesterday. Dr Chua said he had discussed the proposal with the relevant parties, including private hospitals, and hoped he could table the proposal to the Cabinet in two weeks’ time. On the eligibility for the aid, he said the ministry would study the background of the patients. “We have the mechanism.... we have to look at the household income and the family size before we determine the socio-economic status of the family,” he said. On the other hand, he hoped private hospitals would also carry out their social responsibility by charging minimum rates on chronic cases from the lower-income group. On Monday, Dr Chua had expressed concern over the exorbitant charges at private hospitals which tantamount to profiteering.
BANGI:
The Health Ministry will propose to the Cabinet to allocate part of the Medical Aid Fund to assist patients with chronic illnesses seeking treatment at private hospitals due to the long wait at public hospitals. Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said they would, however, be saddled with hefty bills at the private hospitals as it cost them between RM25,000 and RM3O,000 for treatment. “We found that some chronic patients had to wait between one and two years and sometimes even longer to get treatment at the public hospitals,” he told reporters at the presentation of a contribution from the National Energy Foundation (NEF) for child heart patients to the National Heart Institute (NHI) Foundation here yesterday. Dr Chua said he had discussed the proposal with the relevant parties, including private hospitals, and hoped he could table the proposal to the Cabinet in two weeks’ time. On the eligibility for the aid, he said the ministry would study the background of the patients. “We have the mechanism.... we have to look at the household income and the family size before we determine the socio-economic status of the family,” he said. On the other hand, he hoped private hospitals would also carry out their social responsibility by charging minimum rates on chronic cases from the lower-income group. On Monday, Dr Chua had expressed concern over the exorbitant charges at private hospitals which tantamount to profiteering.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-300 TO BE TRAINED IN SCOTLAND TO BUILD NAVY FRIGATES
300 to be trained in Scotland to build navy frigates
LANGKAWI:
About 300 workers from various disciplines will be sent to Scotland soon to be trained to build frigates for the Royal Malaysian Navy, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday. He said the technical specifications for the two frigates had been finalised and this included the missile system. “There is complexity in signing the agreements to finalise the contract of constructing the frigates. We are still fine-tuning the proposal and the final cost is subject to negotiations,” he said after touring the maritime section of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2007 exhibition, here. Najib, who is the Defence Minister, said the frigates would be built in Malaysia. On Lima 2007, he said the quality of product presentation and the layout in both the maritime and aerospace sections had improved, with mixed participation of defence and civilian products. Najib said a lot of civilian products had come to the forefront at this Lima, giving a good sign of the industry as well. “My wish list is very long but affordability list is quite short. We have to look at the midterm review (of the Ninth Malaysia Plan) on how much allocation we can get,” he said in reply to a question on whether the good products presentation had kindled an interest in him, particularly in terms of national defence. - Bernama
LANGKAWI:
About 300 workers from various disciplines will be sent to Scotland soon to be trained to build frigates for the Royal Malaysian Navy, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday. He said the technical specifications for the two frigates had been finalised and this included the missile system. “There is complexity in signing the agreements to finalise the contract of constructing the frigates. We are still fine-tuning the proposal and the final cost is subject to negotiations,” he said after touring the maritime section of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2007 exhibition, here. Najib, who is the Defence Minister, said the frigates would be built in Malaysia. On Lima 2007, he said the quality of product presentation and the layout in both the maritime and aerospace sections had improved, with mixed participation of defence and civilian products. Najib said a lot of civilian products had come to the forefront at this Lima, giving a good sign of the industry as well. “My wish list is very long but affordability list is quite short. We have to look at the midterm review (of the Ninth Malaysia Plan) on how much allocation we can get,” he said in reply to a question on whether the good products presentation had kindled an interest in him, particularly in terms of national defence. - Bernama
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-DENGUE CASES DROP BY HALF IN SANDAKAN
Dengue cases drop by half in Sandakan
SANDAKAN:
The number of reported dengue cases in the district has dropped by nearly half since January this year compared to the same period of last year. There were 200 reported cases from January to November, 2007 compared to 500 cases in 2006. Sandakan Area Health Officer Dr G. Navindran attributed the drop to the increasing public awareness on cleanliness and the danger of dengue and the continued monitoring by the Health Department. “Dengue cases are reported every year but this can be checked if we continue to raise public awareness on cleanliness and the cause of dengue from time to time,” he said. On another development, Dr Navindran explained that the Health Department personnel are not authorized to collect money from members of the public who failed to observe cleanliness regulations. “Our personnel will issue summonses to offenders on the spot but they are not allowed to collect or ask for money from the latter,” he pointed out after receiving public complaints on the matter.
SANDAKAN:
The number of reported dengue cases in the district has dropped by nearly half since January this year compared to the same period of last year. There were 200 reported cases from January to November, 2007 compared to 500 cases in 2006. Sandakan Area Health Officer Dr G. Navindran attributed the drop to the increasing public awareness on cleanliness and the danger of dengue and the continued monitoring by the Health Department. “Dengue cases are reported every year but this can be checked if we continue to raise public awareness on cleanliness and the cause of dengue from time to time,” he said. On another development, Dr Navindran explained that the Health Department personnel are not authorized to collect money from members of the public who failed to observe cleanliness regulations. “Our personnel will issue summonses to offenders on the spot but they are not allowed to collect or ask for money from the latter,” he pointed out after receiving public complaints on the matter.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-WORKS ON FLYOVER TO INTENSIFY
Works on flyover to intensify
KOTA KINABALU:
Works on the flyover at the Karamunsing intersection will continue at intensified speed regardless of the weather conditions, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah yesterday. Tan, who is also the Infrastructure Development Minister, said he wanted the construction works on the nearly completed overhead road to carry on regardless of the weather to ensure the long waited infrastructure could be fully completed soon to help ease the worsening traffic congestion in the City. “I want to see the works continuing and in order to be on schedule, they’ll have to work under whatever conditions, even if it rains,” he said. He said the construction progress was still behind the initial schedule and the daily downpour had slowed down the works but assured that the remaining structural works would be completed within this month and the flyover would be fully opened to traffic early next year after the additional works, which include the installation of flood lamps and levelling process, are completed. “I was made to understand by the Public Works Department (PWD) officer-in-charge that the flyover is now near completion with only five to 10 percent of the structural works left to be done. “Hopefully we can have all the structural works completed before the end of the year,” Tan told reporters after officiating the PWD’s Quality Day here yesterday.
In the meantime, he advised motorists to be extra cautious when passing the intersection, especially at night or during heavy rain. As more workers and machineries are being sent to the construction site, the roads near the intersection are narrower as they have been partially closed for the construction works, he said. He suggested motorists use alternative routes whenever possible to avoid worsening the traffic congestion around the intersection, especially during peak hours. Tan also disclosed that another flyover to be built at the Kepayan-Lintas junction near the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal One is expected to commence construction early next year. He said the ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the design with the contractor, Global Upline. “The designing process took a long time because the flyover is not just an ordinary one. It is going to be a big one,” said Raymond, adding the designer needed to take into consideration future upgrading of the existing road as well as construction of new ones in the area. He said the flyover meant to relieve traffic flow along Jalan Kepayan, would also serve as a direct access to Terminal One as well as Jalan Lintas and the coastal ring road which will be built alongside the KKIA runway.
IHe said the flyover could cost more than RM4O million depending on the final design which is expected to be submitted by the contractor end of this month. “The actual cost will be assessed when the final design is completed but it would definitely cost more than the average flyover which requires RM3O-RM4O million each,” he said. Meanwhile, Tan urged the PWD officers to strive towards improving the public’s perception towards the image of the department. He said the department should always take good care of its image as it is much more difficult to effectively deliver development to the people if its integrity is being doubted by the public. In this regard, he said all PWD officers and staff must constantly renew their commitment towards achieving better quality in all aspects of their job.
Tan reminded that although the department places high value on quality in providing its services, this appreciation of quality can only be accurately projected and shared with the public if all officers and staff are committed in delivering every task given to them responsibly and with emphasis on quality. According to him, the PWD plays a crucial role and shoulders an equally crucial responsibility in the implementation of infrastructure development.
KOTA KINABALU:
Works on the flyover at the Karamunsing intersection will continue at intensified speed regardless of the weather conditions, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah yesterday. Tan, who is also the Infrastructure Development Minister, said he wanted the construction works on the nearly completed overhead road to carry on regardless of the weather to ensure the long waited infrastructure could be fully completed soon to help ease the worsening traffic congestion in the City. “I want to see the works continuing and in order to be on schedule, they’ll have to work under whatever conditions, even if it rains,” he said. He said the construction progress was still behind the initial schedule and the daily downpour had slowed down the works but assured that the remaining structural works would be completed within this month and the flyover would be fully opened to traffic early next year after the additional works, which include the installation of flood lamps and levelling process, are completed. “I was made to understand by the Public Works Department (PWD) officer-in-charge that the flyover is now near completion with only five to 10 percent of the structural works left to be done. “Hopefully we can have all the structural works completed before the end of the year,” Tan told reporters after officiating the PWD’s Quality Day here yesterday.
In the meantime, he advised motorists to be extra cautious when passing the intersection, especially at night or during heavy rain. As more workers and machineries are being sent to the construction site, the roads near the intersection are narrower as they have been partially closed for the construction works, he said. He suggested motorists use alternative routes whenever possible to avoid worsening the traffic congestion around the intersection, especially during peak hours. Tan also disclosed that another flyover to be built at the Kepayan-Lintas junction near the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal One is expected to commence construction early next year. He said the ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the design with the contractor, Global Upline. “The designing process took a long time because the flyover is not just an ordinary one. It is going to be a big one,” said Raymond, adding the designer needed to take into consideration future upgrading of the existing road as well as construction of new ones in the area. He said the flyover meant to relieve traffic flow along Jalan Kepayan, would also serve as a direct access to Terminal One as well as Jalan Lintas and the coastal ring road which will be built alongside the KKIA runway.
IHe said the flyover could cost more than RM4O million depending on the final design which is expected to be submitted by the contractor end of this month. “The actual cost will be assessed when the final design is completed but it would definitely cost more than the average flyover which requires RM3O-RM4O million each,” he said. Meanwhile, Tan urged the PWD officers to strive towards improving the public’s perception towards the image of the department. He said the department should always take good care of its image as it is much more difficult to effectively deliver development to the people if its integrity is being doubted by the public. In this regard, he said all PWD officers and staff must constantly renew their commitment towards achieving better quality in all aspects of their job.
Tan reminded that although the department places high value on quality in providing its services, this appreciation of quality can only be accurately projected and shared with the public if all officers and staff are committed in delivering every task given to them responsibly and with emphasis on quality. According to him, the PWD plays a crucial role and shoulders an equally crucial responsibility in the implementation of infrastructure development.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-RUBBISH SPOILS BREAKFAST OF VISITORS TO TAWAU
Rubbish spoils breakfast of visitors to Tawau
TAWAU:
The back alley of the shops at Lorong Jalan Kee Abdullah in the Sabindo complex in Tawau is an eyesore to visitors. A former journalist was irked by the filthy sight of the rubbish and garbage left unattended by the authority concerned, in this case the Tawau Municipal Council (TMC). According to Silverius Kunjan, he and his company director were shocked to see the terrible condition there and almost lost their appetite due to the unbearable stench of the garbage. “We were about to have our breakfast at one of the well- known Indian coffee shops in the area and since there were no parking spaces at the front, we decided to park the vehicle at the back alley and that is what we saw,” he said. According to the shop operators in the area, they have made numerous complaints but nothing has been done to clean up the mess. “I hope that TMC would do something (clean up the area) so as not to give visitors to Tawau a bad impression of the cleanliness of the town,” added Silverius, who is a frequent traveller to the east coast.
TAWAU:
The back alley of the shops at Lorong Jalan Kee Abdullah in the Sabindo complex in Tawau is an eyesore to visitors. A former journalist was irked by the filthy sight of the rubbish and garbage left unattended by the authority concerned, in this case the Tawau Municipal Council (TMC). According to Silverius Kunjan, he and his company director were shocked to see the terrible condition there and almost lost their appetite due to the unbearable stench of the garbage. “We were about to have our breakfast at one of the well- known Indian coffee shops in the area and since there were no parking spaces at the front, we decided to park the vehicle at the back alley and that is what we saw,” he said. According to the shop operators in the area, they have made numerous complaints but nothing has been done to clean up the mess. “I hope that TMC would do something (clean up the area) so as not to give visitors to Tawau a bad impression of the cleanliness of the town,” added Silverius, who is a frequent traveller to the east coast.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-MINI BUSES CANNOT OCCUPY PUBLIC PARKING AREAS
Mini buses cannot occupy public parking areas
Minibuses and other public transports are not allowed to wait for passengers at public parking areas, an officer from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall said yesterday. They are also not allowed to park and wait for customers at bus stops in the state capital, City Hall’s Public Complaint Unit head Nolin Mojinun said. He was responding to a complaint by a motorist about minibuses waiting for passengers at the parking area opposite the Milimewa Superstore in the city. Jusli, a bank officer who works at Jalan Pantai, said the minibuses have taken up precious parking lots in the car park leaving motorists who really need them frustrated. “Sometimes it takes about an hour just to get a parking space in the city and the situation is made worse by these minibuses which take up the lots which are supposed to be used for parking,” he said. According to Jusli, the minibuses occupy the parking lots closest to the main road and there are usually more than six of these public transports waiting for passengers there. The minibuses are there from early morning, he said and urged the relevant authorities to do something about the problem. To my understanding the area is a parking area, not a bus terminal so why are the minibuses allowed to conduct their business there?” he said. - According to Nolin, City Hall is aware of the matter and is taking action against minibus drivers found to have done so. “For public information, it is illegal for minibuses to park their vehicles at the area. It is also an offence for them to wait or pick up passengers there,” Nolin said. “That is why, City Hall has its enforcement unit patrolling parking areas as well as bus stops in the City, especially those near Hotel ShangriLa’s, at the back of the State Library and also at the Cathay bus station during peak hours,” she said.
Minibuses and other public transports are not allowed to wait for passengers at public parking areas, an officer from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall said yesterday. They are also not allowed to park and wait for customers at bus stops in the state capital, City Hall’s Public Complaint Unit head Nolin Mojinun said. He was responding to a complaint by a motorist about minibuses waiting for passengers at the parking area opposite the Milimewa Superstore in the city. Jusli, a bank officer who works at Jalan Pantai, said the minibuses have taken up precious parking lots in the car park leaving motorists who really need them frustrated. “Sometimes it takes about an hour just to get a parking space in the city and the situation is made worse by these minibuses which take up the lots which are supposed to be used for parking,” he said. According to Jusli, the minibuses occupy the parking lots closest to the main road and there are usually more than six of these public transports waiting for passengers there. The minibuses are there from early morning, he said and urged the relevant authorities to do something about the problem. To my understanding the area is a parking area, not a bus terminal so why are the minibuses allowed to conduct their business there?” he said. - According to Nolin, City Hall is aware of the matter and is taking action against minibus drivers found to have done so. “For public information, it is illegal for minibuses to park their vehicles at the area. It is also an offence for them to wait or pick up passengers there,” Nolin said. “That is why, City Hall has its enforcement unit patrolling parking areas as well as bus stops in the City, especially those near Hotel ShangriLa’s, at the back of the State Library and also at the Cathay bus station during peak hours,” she said.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-MAN ROBBED BY POLICEMAN
Man robbed by ‘policeman’
TAWAU:
A youth who claimed he was a cop relieved a 20-year-old man of a cellphone and RM100 cash on Sunday. The victim was taking a bus to Muhibbah at 3. 3Opm when the suspect confronted him. Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Hj Ramli Ali Mat said the police had detained a suspect who was found in possession of a few phone cards, sim cards and credit cards in his wallet. Police believed the suspect is able to help them solve several cases here. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old youth lodged a police report after his house at Tanjung Batu here was broken into on Monday morning. The complainant claimed that the thief entered the house from the kitchen and stole two cellphones and a wallet which contained a MyKad, a GDL licence and RM100 cash. In another case, a 20-year-old youth claimed that his lorry’s battery worth RM800 was stolen from his house at Jalan Utara here at 6am on Sunday. Police also received a report from a 30- year-old man working at a secondary school at Jalan Apas here that 20 notebooks and other computer accessories which belonged to the Education Department were missing on Monday. Estimated losses were RM8,000. A man reported the theft of a water meter at his house at Taman Setia last week.
TAWAU:
A youth who claimed he was a cop relieved a 20-year-old man of a cellphone and RM100 cash on Sunday. The victim was taking a bus to Muhibbah at 3. 3Opm when the suspect confronted him. Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Hj Ramli Ali Mat said the police had detained a suspect who was found in possession of a few phone cards, sim cards and credit cards in his wallet. Police believed the suspect is able to help them solve several cases here. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old youth lodged a police report after his house at Tanjung Batu here was broken into on Monday morning. The complainant claimed that the thief entered the house from the kitchen and stole two cellphones and a wallet which contained a MyKad, a GDL licence and RM100 cash. In another case, a 20-year-old youth claimed that his lorry’s battery worth RM800 was stolen from his house at Jalan Utara here at 6am on Sunday. Police also received a report from a 30- year-old man working at a secondary school at Jalan Apas here that 20 notebooks and other computer accessories which belonged to the Education Department were missing on Monday. Estimated losses were RM8,000. A man reported the theft of a water meter at his house at Taman Setia last week.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-UMS STUDENT RECEIVES SUSPENDED DEATH SENTENCE IN CHINA
UMS student receives suspended death sentence in China
BEIJING:
Umi Azlim Mohamad Lazim, the Kelantanese woman caught for smuggling nearly three kilogrammes of heroin into China’s southern Guangdong province, received a suspended death penalty in May. She was sentenced to death with a two- year reprieve by the Shantou Intermediate Court, Roslan Abdul Rahman, Malaysian Consul-General in Guangzhou, said when contacted yesterday. “Our consulate officials have been visiting her before and after the trial,” he said. Umi Azlim had pleaded guilty to trafficking in 2.983kg of heroin at the airport in Shantou, a port city in the northern tip of Guangdong. In China, all death sentences are reviewed by the Supreme Court, which was reassigned the role on Jan 1 2007 after a gap of 26 years. The family of the 24-year-old University Malaysia Sabah graduate was informed by Wisma Putra of her case, her mother told the media in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysia Police will establish contact with the Chinese Government to get more information on a drug smuggling case involving a Kelantanese woman who has been convicted by a Chinese court. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said there were international drug syndicates using Malaysian nationals, especially women, as tools to traffic in drugs overseas. The syndicates had been found operating behind other activities and employing various tactics including offering jobs with lucrative income as a lure, he told reporters at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters yesterday. Many Malaysians had been tricked without them knowing, he said. “We can only advise people in the country to be careful and be more alert,” he added. According to the woman’s mother, Umi Slaia Ibrahim, 45, her daughter worked for a company selling foot massage equipment owned by one “Datuk Anas” in Kuala Lumpur. Umi Azlim was sent to conduct business dealings overseas because she was fluent in English but the family lost contact with her in January, the mother said on Monday. Fearing something had happened to her daughter, Umi Slaia went to the Immigration Department to seek assistance in locating Umi Azlim but she was told to refer the matter with the Foreign Ministry. In a letter dated July 12, the Foreign Ministry informed Umi Slaia that her daughter was being held in China since Jan 19 and had been sentenced to death for smuggling drugs into China. Umi Slaia said that based on testimonies by Umi Azlim and other witnesses and letters produced in court, she was convinced that her daughter had been tricked by a Nigerian. Ismail, who is here for a two-day visit, said: “We will contact the Chinese government to investigate the case further. We respect the laws of foreign countries; everything needs to be done according to procedures, “In this case, she can still appeal. We will try our best to assist,” he said. Umi Azlim’s is not the first case of a Malaysian being held overseas for drug offences. Recent reports said a mass communication student of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya, Raja Munirah Raja Iskandar, 22, has been sentenced to seven years’ jail by a Japanese court for attempting to smuggle 690 grammes of syabu at the Narita airport on Dec 20 last year. Her mother, Karimah Mamat, 46, said an Iranian man whom she knew only as Milad, had offered Munirah a monthly salary of RM9,000 if she took up a a job as a public relations officer with his company in Japan. Police statistics show that there are over 40 cases of Malaysian women being imprisoned in a number of countries for drug smuggling. - Bernama
BEIJING:
Umi Azlim Mohamad Lazim, the Kelantanese woman caught for smuggling nearly three kilogrammes of heroin into China’s southern Guangdong province, received a suspended death penalty in May. She was sentenced to death with a two- year reprieve by the Shantou Intermediate Court, Roslan Abdul Rahman, Malaysian Consul-General in Guangzhou, said when contacted yesterday. “Our consulate officials have been visiting her before and after the trial,” he said. Umi Azlim had pleaded guilty to trafficking in 2.983kg of heroin at the airport in Shantou, a port city in the northern tip of Guangdong. In China, all death sentences are reviewed by the Supreme Court, which was reassigned the role on Jan 1 2007 after a gap of 26 years. The family of the 24-year-old University Malaysia Sabah graduate was informed by Wisma Putra of her case, her mother told the media in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysia Police will establish contact with the Chinese Government to get more information on a drug smuggling case involving a Kelantanese woman who has been convicted by a Chinese court. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said there were international drug syndicates using Malaysian nationals, especially women, as tools to traffic in drugs overseas. The syndicates had been found operating behind other activities and employing various tactics including offering jobs with lucrative income as a lure, he told reporters at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters yesterday. Many Malaysians had been tricked without them knowing, he said. “We can only advise people in the country to be careful and be more alert,” he added. According to the woman’s mother, Umi Slaia Ibrahim, 45, her daughter worked for a company selling foot massage equipment owned by one “Datuk Anas” in Kuala Lumpur. Umi Azlim was sent to conduct business dealings overseas because she was fluent in English but the family lost contact with her in January, the mother said on Monday. Fearing something had happened to her daughter, Umi Slaia went to the Immigration Department to seek assistance in locating Umi Azlim but she was told to refer the matter with the Foreign Ministry. In a letter dated July 12, the Foreign Ministry informed Umi Slaia that her daughter was being held in China since Jan 19 and had been sentenced to death for smuggling drugs into China. Umi Slaia said that based on testimonies by Umi Azlim and other witnesses and letters produced in court, she was convinced that her daughter had been tricked by a Nigerian. Ismail, who is here for a two-day visit, said: “We will contact the Chinese government to investigate the case further. We respect the laws of foreign countries; everything needs to be done according to procedures, “In this case, she can still appeal. We will try our best to assist,” he said. Umi Azlim’s is not the first case of a Malaysian being held overseas for drug offences. Recent reports said a mass communication student of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya, Raja Munirah Raja Iskandar, 22, has been sentenced to seven years’ jail by a Japanese court for attempting to smuggle 690 grammes of syabu at the Narita airport on Dec 20 last year. Her mother, Karimah Mamat, 46, said an Iranian man whom she knew only as Milad, had offered Munirah a monthly salary of RM9,000 if she took up a a job as a public relations officer with his company in Japan. Police statistics show that there are over 40 cases of Malaysian women being imprisoned in a number of countries for drug smuggling. - Bernama
WEDNESDAY- 5TH DECEMBER 2007-PRIVATE HOSPITAL RATES SET BY ASSOCIATION
Private hospital rates set by association
KOTA KINABALU:
The rates imposed on patients by private hospitals in Malaysia is in accordance to the guideline set by the Malaysia Medical Association (MMA). Rafflesia Medical Centre (RMC) executive chairman Dr Roland Chia said there is a guideline set by MMA on the rates and it should not be raised unnecessarily by private hospital operators. “I do not know if there are unregistered private hospitals or non-MMA members who have increased their rate more than that set by the association. “As far as I know, the rates are set by MMA and even stipulated in the association’s constitution,” he said, adding that the rates imposed on RMC patients are based on the MMA’s specification. He believes that the rates imposed by RMC are affordable, adding that to date, they have yet to receive any complaints from their patients. Chia said he was shocked to read Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek’s statement that several private hospitals have increased their rates, an act which was seen as wanting to gain more profit. “This is really shocking. I have yet to come across such cases here in Sabah, may be it is just happening in Peninsular Malaysia,” said Chia. Chua in his statement on Monday said that the matter had been brought to the Cabinet’s attention. However, he expressed that the issue is not easy to be handled as it refers to a lot of matters. “The rate imposed by private doctors kept increasing probably due to the hike of prices of medicine, information technology and commercialisation of medicine usage,” he explained. He added that the medical practice today was not just restricted to curing the sick only but also is seen as a business that would bring in bigger returns to shareholders.
KOTA KINABALU:
The rates imposed on patients by private hospitals in Malaysia is in accordance to the guideline set by the Malaysia Medical Association (MMA). Rafflesia Medical Centre (RMC) executive chairman Dr Roland Chia said there is a guideline set by MMA on the rates and it should not be raised unnecessarily by private hospital operators. “I do not know if there are unregistered private hospitals or non-MMA members who have increased their rate more than that set by the association. “As far as I know, the rates are set by MMA and even stipulated in the association’s constitution,” he said, adding that the rates imposed on RMC patients are based on the MMA’s specification. He believes that the rates imposed by RMC are affordable, adding that to date, they have yet to receive any complaints from their patients. Chia said he was shocked to read Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek’s statement that several private hospitals have increased their rates, an act which was seen as wanting to gain more profit. “This is really shocking. I have yet to come across such cases here in Sabah, may be it is just happening in Peninsular Malaysia,” said Chia. Chua in his statement on Monday said that the matter had been brought to the Cabinet’s attention. However, he expressed that the issue is not easy to be handled as it refers to a lot of matters. “The rate imposed by private doctors kept increasing probably due to the hike of prices of medicine, information technology and commercialisation of medicine usage,” he explained. He added that the medical practice today was not just restricted to curing the sick only but also is seen as a business that would bring in bigger returns to shareholders.
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-SUHAKAM INQUIRY ON RIOT FROM DEC14-16
Suhakam inquiry on riot from Dec 14-16
KUALA LUMPUR:
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will conduct a public inquiry from Dec 14 to 16 on the riot in Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, on Sept 8. Suhakam commisioner Datuk Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said yesterday he would chair the inquiry, which would be held from 9am to 6pm on the three days at the Primula Beach Resort in Kuala Terengganu. The others on the inquiry panel will be Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah and Prof Datuk Khoo Kay Kim. In a statement yesterday, Shafee said the inquiry would be open to members of the public and the media, and called on witnesses to the riot and people who may have information on the incident to contact Suhakam at 03-26 12 5600 or through its website, humanrightssuhakam. org. my. “The inquiry will also look into the alleged usage of live ammunition by police personnel (during the riot),” he said. The riot in Batu Buruk erupted on Sept 8 when about 600 people, believed to be members of an opposition party, defied police orders to disperse an illegal assembly in Jalan Sultan Mahmud, Kuala Terengganu, and hurled hard objects at policemen. Seven people, four of them policemen, were injured in the incident in which it was claimed that police had fired shots. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR:
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will conduct a public inquiry from Dec 14 to 16 on the riot in Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, on Sept 8. Suhakam commisioner Datuk Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said yesterday he would chair the inquiry, which would be held from 9am to 6pm on the three days at the Primula Beach Resort in Kuala Terengganu. The others on the inquiry panel will be Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah and Prof Datuk Khoo Kay Kim. In a statement yesterday, Shafee said the inquiry would be open to members of the public and the media, and called on witnesses to the riot and people who may have information on the incident to contact Suhakam at 03-26 12 5600 or through its website, humanrightssuhakam. org. my. “The inquiry will also look into the alleged usage of live ammunition by police personnel (during the riot),” he said. The riot in Batu Buruk erupted on Sept 8 when about 600 people, believed to be members of an opposition party, defied police orders to disperse an illegal assembly in Jalan Sultan Mahmud, Kuala Terengganu, and hurled hard objects at policemen. Seven people, four of them policemen, were injured in the incident in which it was claimed that police had fired shots. - Bernama
WEDNESDAY-5TH DECEMBER 2007-SHELL VISITS AN EYE-OPENER FOR 40 FINAL YEAR UMS STUDENTS
SHELL VISITS AN EYE-OPENER FOR 40 FINAL-
YEAR UMS STUDENTS
KOTA KINABALU:
Some 40 final year students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) School of Engineering and Information Technology (SKTM), School of Science and Technology (SST) and School of Business and Economics (SPE) obtained valuable first-hand learning experience and insight into the oil and gas industry after their visit to Shell Malaysia’s Exploration & Production office in Lutong, Sarawak and the Shell IT International Sdn Bhd (SITI) office in Cyberjaya last week. The study visit represented a milestone activity under the Shell-UMS Campus Ambassador Programme following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Shell and UMS early this year. UMS delegation leader to the Miri visit, Razak Mohd Ali Lee, said the visit benefited the students immensely as they saw for themselves the real-life atmosphere of working in an oil and gas company. “They were just amazed by the technology that Shell has at its disposal to conduct its operations. More importantly, they were able to interact with the human face of Shell, its personnel who gave them tips and words of encouragement about the new window of career opportunities that are within reach in the oil and gas industry,” Razak elaborated. A final year Mechanical Engineering student, Reena bt Rahman, found the visit an eye- opener. “We were able to match a correlation from the basics that we learn in class during the briefing. The visit motivated me to work harder and I certainly would want to apply for a job in Shell.” At Cyberjaya, the visiting students listened to a series of briefings on SITI operations, led by Jet Baustista, SITI’s Global Applications Hosting Operations Manager, and how IT acts as an enabler for Shell businesses to deliver its goals and targets. An MSC status company, SITI is an IT mega centre providing infrastructure and application support for SAP and e-business solutions to the Shell group. Twenty-two-year-old Wong Chan Fui, an IT Software Engineering student who visited the Shell office in Cyberjaya, was impressed with the working environment in Shell. “I think the Shell work culture is excellent - I noticed that they all enjoy their work and 1 like the flexibility that is exercised. Another IT student, Sheila Mitchele Michael, said the visit enabled her to learn about the various career opportunities in Shell. “I am so thrilled with the information about Shell that it makes me wanting very much to get into the company,” she enthused. Penang-born Karthiyani a/p Baskaran, a computer science student, also found the experience very useful to final year students like herself. “I hope that Shell would continue to organize such a trip for future students in UMS because there’s no comparison to what is gained from learning about the industry firsthand,” she said excitedly. Their sessions included briefings on career planning and job hunting upon graduation by Shell. Two new graduate recruits shared their personal experience going through the Shell recruitment process. Sabah Asset Manager George Ling, who welcomed the visitors in Lutong, hoped they gained new knowledge from the visit, adding: “I hope to see some of you working for Shell when you graduate.” Ling said the Campus Ambassador programme, which is carried out at six universities in Malaysia, was initiated by Shell Malaysia as a holistic way of building and developing relationships with the partner universities and student groups. Activities are primarily aimed at exposing students to industrial practices and operational experiences through facility visits, guest lecturings, career talks, soft skills management workshops and sponsorship of relevant research papers. Under the Shell-UMS Campus Ambassador programme, Shell also awards two top students from the School of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Science and Technology and School of Business and Economics each year.
YEAR UMS STUDENTS
KOTA KINABALU:
Some 40 final year students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) School of Engineering and Information Technology (SKTM), School of Science and Technology (SST) and School of Business and Economics (SPE) obtained valuable first-hand learning experience and insight into the oil and gas industry after their visit to Shell Malaysia’s Exploration & Production office in Lutong, Sarawak and the Shell IT International Sdn Bhd (SITI) office in Cyberjaya last week. The study visit represented a milestone activity under the Shell-UMS Campus Ambassador Programme following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Shell and UMS early this year. UMS delegation leader to the Miri visit, Razak Mohd Ali Lee, said the visit benefited the students immensely as they saw for themselves the real-life atmosphere of working in an oil and gas company. “They were just amazed by the technology that Shell has at its disposal to conduct its operations. More importantly, they were able to interact with the human face of Shell, its personnel who gave them tips and words of encouragement about the new window of career opportunities that are within reach in the oil and gas industry,” Razak elaborated. A final year Mechanical Engineering student, Reena bt Rahman, found the visit an eye- opener. “We were able to match a correlation from the basics that we learn in class during the briefing. The visit motivated me to work harder and I certainly would want to apply for a job in Shell.” At Cyberjaya, the visiting students listened to a series of briefings on SITI operations, led by Jet Baustista, SITI’s Global Applications Hosting Operations Manager, and how IT acts as an enabler for Shell businesses to deliver its goals and targets. An MSC status company, SITI is an IT mega centre providing infrastructure and application support for SAP and e-business solutions to the Shell group. Twenty-two-year-old Wong Chan Fui, an IT Software Engineering student who visited the Shell office in Cyberjaya, was impressed with the working environment in Shell. “I think the Shell work culture is excellent - I noticed that they all enjoy their work and 1 like the flexibility that is exercised. Another IT student, Sheila Mitchele Michael, said the visit enabled her to learn about the various career opportunities in Shell. “I am so thrilled with the information about Shell that it makes me wanting very much to get into the company,” she enthused. Penang-born Karthiyani a/p Baskaran, a computer science student, also found the experience very useful to final year students like herself. “I hope that Shell would continue to organize such a trip for future students in UMS because there’s no comparison to what is gained from learning about the industry firsthand,” she said excitedly. Their sessions included briefings on career planning and job hunting upon graduation by Shell. Two new graduate recruits shared their personal experience going through the Shell recruitment process. Sabah Asset Manager George Ling, who welcomed the visitors in Lutong, hoped they gained new knowledge from the visit, adding: “I hope to see some of you working for Shell when you graduate.” Ling said the Campus Ambassador programme, which is carried out at six universities in Malaysia, was initiated by Shell Malaysia as a holistic way of building and developing relationships with the partner universities and student groups. Activities are primarily aimed at exposing students to industrial practices and operational experiences through facility visits, guest lecturings, career talks, soft skills management workshops and sponsorship of relevant research papers. Under the Shell-UMS Campus Ambassador programme, Shell also awards two top students from the School of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Science and Technology and School of Business and Economics each year.
WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2007-LAWYERS CALL OFF PEOPLE' S FREEDOM WALK
Lawyers call off People’s Freedom Walk
KUALA LUMPUR:
Malaysian lawyers have cancelled a planned march this weekend to mark Human Rights Day after they refused to apply for a police permit, a body representing the lawyers said on Tuesday. The decision came as the Government warned last week it would use a tough colonial-era security law (the Internal Security Act) to stop a wave of street protests that have rocked the nation in recent weeks. “The Bar Council takes the position that the requirement for an application for a permit violates our constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” Bar Council President Ambiga Sreenevasan said in a statement. Malaysian law requires a police permit to hold an assembly of more three people. Offenders face a fine or jail or both.
Ambiga said the controversy surrounding the planned Dec 9 People’s Freedom Walk, which had been held peacefully in the past two years, was “unfortunate and unwarranted.” “It should not be vilified as affecting race relations or be regarded as an anti-government rally,” she said. “It is an event that would have demonstrated complete racial harmony.” On Nov 25, thousands of Malaysian Indians staged the community’s biggest anti-Government protest, sparked by anger over policies they say prevent them from getting decent jobs or a good education for their children. Two weeks earlier, another crowd rallied in the capital to demand electoral reforms ahead of possible early elections in the next few months. They were the biggest street demonstrations in a decade. Following the rallies, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Government might use the Internal Security Act, which allows for years of detention without trial, to clamp down on street protests. In September, hundreds of Malaysian lawyers defied police to stage a rare protest demanding a thorough probe into allegations a lawyer fixed judicial appointments with a senior judge. Meanwhile, prosecutors charged 26 ethnic Indians with attempted murder Tuesday, their lawyer said, in connection with major anti-discrimination protests last month. “Twenty-six Indians were charged in court with attempted murder of an individual on November 24 during a protest in Batu Caves,” N Ravi, a lawyer acting for the accused, told AFP. If found guilty they face up to 10 years in jail, he said. The protest at Batu Caves, the site of an important Hindu temple on the fringes ‘of Kuala Lumpur, occurred on the eve of a mass rally by ethnic Indians in the capital. Ravi said the accused, aged between 19 and 46, would fight the allegations and other charges levelled against them including rioting, illegal assembly and causing damage to public property. “We can raise reasonable doubt against the charges,” he said, adding that the 26 were being detained in Pudu jail in downtown Kuala Lumpur. — Reuter, AFP
KUALA LUMPUR:
Malaysian lawyers have cancelled a planned march this weekend to mark Human Rights Day after they refused to apply for a police permit, a body representing the lawyers said on Tuesday. The decision came as the Government warned last week it would use a tough colonial-era security law (the Internal Security Act) to stop a wave of street protests that have rocked the nation in recent weeks. “The Bar Council takes the position that the requirement for an application for a permit violates our constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” Bar Council President Ambiga Sreenevasan said in a statement. Malaysian law requires a police permit to hold an assembly of more three people. Offenders face a fine or jail or both.
Ambiga said the controversy surrounding the planned Dec 9 People’s Freedom Walk, which had been held peacefully in the past two years, was “unfortunate and unwarranted.” “It should not be vilified as affecting race relations or be regarded as an anti-government rally,” she said. “It is an event that would have demonstrated complete racial harmony.” On Nov 25, thousands of Malaysian Indians staged the community’s biggest anti-Government protest, sparked by anger over policies they say prevent them from getting decent jobs or a good education for their children. Two weeks earlier, another crowd rallied in the capital to demand electoral reforms ahead of possible early elections in the next few months. They were the biggest street demonstrations in a decade. Following the rallies, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Government might use the Internal Security Act, which allows for years of detention without trial, to clamp down on street protests. In September, hundreds of Malaysian lawyers defied police to stage a rare protest demanding a thorough probe into allegations a lawyer fixed judicial appointments with a senior judge. Meanwhile, prosecutors charged 26 ethnic Indians with attempted murder Tuesday, their lawyer said, in connection with major anti-discrimination protests last month. “Twenty-six Indians were charged in court with attempted murder of an individual on November 24 during a protest in Batu Caves,” N Ravi, a lawyer acting for the accused, told AFP. If found guilty they face up to 10 years in jail, he said. The protest at Batu Caves, the site of an important Hindu temple on the fringes ‘of Kuala Lumpur, occurred on the eve of a mass rally by ethnic Indians in the capital. Ravi said the accused, aged between 19 and 46, would fight the allegations and other charges levelled against them including rioting, illegal assembly and causing damage to public property. “We can raise reasonable doubt against the charges,” he said, adding that the 26 were being detained in Pudu jail in downtown Kuala Lumpur. — Reuter, AFP
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