Polytechnic director pays farewell call on TYT
KOTA KINABALU:
Outgoing Sabah Polytechnic director Datuk Azizi Lin and his wife Datin Zuraidah Mohd Daud called on the Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah and his wife Toh Puan Hajah Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar at the Istana Negeri here yesterday. Azizi has been seconded to the Higher Education Ministry in Kuala Lumpur as the Director of Examination and Evaluation in the Polytechnic Studies and Community College Department at Putrajaya, effective Dec 1. During the meeting, Azizi also introduced Mustafar Kamar Ujung, who succeeds him as the director of Sabah Polytechnic and the latter’s wife, Nurizan Suhaimi and Deputy Director (Support Division) Sahul Hamid Wahab, and Trade Department head Charim Ibrahim. He also briefed the Governor on the current development of polytechnics in Sabah in terms of administration and the courses offered for next year intake.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
THURSDAY-13TH DECEMBER 2007-SEPA hails building of biomass fired power plant in Lahad Datu
SEPA hails building of biomass fired power plant in Lahad Datu
KOTA KINABALU:
The Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) has hailed the plan by the State Government to build the Sabah’s first biomass-fired power generation plant in Lahad Datu. “We welcome the State Government’s initiative in bringing in technology and investors to implement a project that is in line with the Clean Development Mechanism,” said SEPA chairman Datuk Sue Jayasuriya. “Perhaps the State Government can apply to have the capacity of the combined head and power plant enlarged so that there will be no need to pursue the construction of the proposed coal- fired power plant at Silam near Lahad Datu,” she said. According to her, the combined head and power plant (CHP) will be able to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by the oil mill effluent or POME. She acknowledged the fact that before the CHP, a number of oil palm players in Sabah have been using empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shells for the production of electricity or as feedstock for firing their boilers. She said the oil palm industry in Sabah, which is the main revenue earner for the State, is a major producer of methane gas, one of the four main greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The proposed 24 megawatt and 150 tonne-per-hour steam plant at the Lahad Datu palm oil industrial cluster is expected to be commissioned in 2010. State-owned POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, the developer of the Lahad Datu palm oil industrial cluster, signed an agreement with Korean company Eco Biomass Energy Sdn Bhd for the purchase of 20 acres of land for the CHP plant. Other than POME, the methane gas also comes from rotting empty fruit bunches. At present, only a small fraction of empty fruit bunches are used as feedstock for energy production. Much of it is spread onto oil palm plantations for mulching. Empty fruit bunches emit emthane when they rot, and rotting takes places within several days after being left in the open.
KOTA KINABALU:
The Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) has hailed the plan by the State Government to build the Sabah’s first biomass-fired power generation plant in Lahad Datu. “We welcome the State Government’s initiative in bringing in technology and investors to implement a project that is in line with the Clean Development Mechanism,” said SEPA chairman Datuk Sue Jayasuriya. “Perhaps the State Government can apply to have the capacity of the combined head and power plant enlarged so that there will be no need to pursue the construction of the proposed coal- fired power plant at Silam near Lahad Datu,” she said. According to her, the combined head and power plant (CHP) will be able to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by the oil mill effluent or POME. She acknowledged the fact that before the CHP, a number of oil palm players in Sabah have been using empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shells for the production of electricity or as feedstock for firing their boilers. She said the oil palm industry in Sabah, which is the main revenue earner for the State, is a major producer of methane gas, one of the four main greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The proposed 24 megawatt and 150 tonne-per-hour steam plant at the Lahad Datu palm oil industrial cluster is expected to be commissioned in 2010. State-owned POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, the developer of the Lahad Datu palm oil industrial cluster, signed an agreement with Korean company Eco Biomass Energy Sdn Bhd for the purchase of 20 acres of land for the CHP plant. Other than POME, the methane gas also comes from rotting empty fruit bunches. At present, only a small fraction of empty fruit bunches are used as feedstock for energy production. Much of it is spread onto oil palm plantations for mulching. Empty fruit bunches emit emthane when they rot, and rotting takes places within several days after being left in the open.
THURSDAY-13TH DECEMBER 2007-NRD to probe claim of Sandakan girl
NRD to probe claim of Sandakan girl
Rositah says officer asked her to apply for new identity
KOTA KINABALU:
The National Registration Department (NRD) will conduct an investigation into a 19-year-old local girl’s claim that she was asked by one of its officers to apply for a new identity after her MyKad was issued to another person. Putrajaya NRD public relations officer Jainisah Mohd Noor said that under no circumstances would a person be asked to change his or her identity if their MyKad had fallen into wrong hands. “We don’t have such a system whereby someone takes another identity if their personal particulars had been used by another person,” she said, adding that the MyKad was issued based on the particulars of the applicant’s birth certificate. Local Sandakan girl Siti Rositah Mustapah highlighted her problem to the media after she was told by a NRD officer in Kota Kinabalu to apply for a new identity as her MyKad had been issued to another person, She was also called an impostor. Rositah, whose parents and seven others siblings are all Malaysians, lodged a police report on Friday after she refused to take up a new identity as all school certificates were under her name as per her birth certificate. She had made a late application for a MyKad in 2005 but every time she checked, the NRD told her it was not ready and she was finally asked to go directly to the State NRD headquarters here last week. Jainisah advised Rositah to check with the State NRD headquarters again on the matter and assured that her case would be investigated and resolved quickly.
Rositah says officer asked her to apply for new identity
KOTA KINABALU:
The National Registration Department (NRD) will conduct an investigation into a 19-year-old local girl’s claim that she was asked by one of its officers to apply for a new identity after her MyKad was issued to another person. Putrajaya NRD public relations officer Jainisah Mohd Noor said that under no circumstances would a person be asked to change his or her identity if their MyKad had fallen into wrong hands. “We don’t have such a system whereby someone takes another identity if their personal particulars had been used by another person,” she said, adding that the MyKad was issued based on the particulars of the applicant’s birth certificate. Local Sandakan girl Siti Rositah Mustapah highlighted her problem to the media after she was told by a NRD officer in Kota Kinabalu to apply for a new identity as her MyKad had been issued to another person, She was also called an impostor. Rositah, whose parents and seven others siblings are all Malaysians, lodged a police report on Friday after she refused to take up a new identity as all school certificates were under her name as per her birth certificate. She had made a late application for a MyKad in 2005 but every time she checked, the NRD told her it was not ready and she was finally asked to go directly to the State NRD headquarters here last week. Jainisah advised Rositah to check with the State NRD headquarters again on the matter and assured that her case would be investigated and resolved quickly.
THURSDAY-13TH DECEMBER 2007-‘Back-from-dead’ Briton in court, police to quiz wife
‘Back-from-dead’ Briton in court, police to quiz wife
LONDON:
A British man who resurfaced more than five years after being presumed dead in a canoeing accident appeared in court Monday on fraud charges, as police prepared to question his wife. John Darwin was given a brief hearing before magistrates in Hartlepool, northeast England, and was remanded in custody until Friday. The 57-year-old is accused of lying to obtain a passport and obtaining a 25,000- pound life insurance payout by deception. The former teacher and prison officer was arrested last Tuesday, three days after walking into a central London police station and telling officers he thought he was a missing person but had amnesia. Darwin’s appearance in court -a procedural hearing at which he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth - came as detectives prepared to interview his wife, Anne. The 55-year-old former receptionist at a doctor’s surgery was arrested Sunday on her return to Britain from Panama, where she moved nearly two months ago. She was to undergo a medical examination before any formal interviews took place, police said. A news conference is scheduled for later Monday, they added. John Darwin had been declared legally dead in 2003, a year after he disappeared from the family home in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, and his battered red canoe was washed up on the shore.
He was arrested last Tuesday after the publication of a photograph of him and his wife in Panama in July 2006, prompting a rash of revelations from his wife in interviews with British newspapers. She told the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail she went along with her husband’s faked death to escape huge debts, and lived with him in secret for years. She said the couple had about 12 houses as rental investments and began to run up debts of tens of thousands of pounds (euros, dollars). Her husband told her faking his own death was the only way out. But she said she did not think his disappearance was fake, because they had not spoken about his plans for sometime. “I really thought that he was dead,” she said. Then in February 2003, he returned, looking dishevelled. He moved back in, hiding in the adjoining bedsit the couple owned when their two grieving sons visited. When going outdoors he used a woolly hat, upturned collar, walking stick and limp to disguise himself. He successfully applied for a passport in the name of John Jones. At one point the couple travelled to Cyprus with a view to moving there, before turning to Panama City, where they bought an apartment for 97,000 dollars in April this year. But when Darwin had to return to Britain as his visa was running out, he told his wife he was going to reemerge and claim memory loss. -AFP
LONDON:
A British man who resurfaced more than five years after being presumed dead in a canoeing accident appeared in court Monday on fraud charges, as police prepared to question his wife. John Darwin was given a brief hearing before magistrates in Hartlepool, northeast England, and was remanded in custody until Friday. The 57-year-old is accused of lying to obtain a passport and obtaining a 25,000- pound life insurance payout by deception. The former teacher and prison officer was arrested last Tuesday, three days after walking into a central London police station and telling officers he thought he was a missing person but had amnesia. Darwin’s appearance in court -a procedural hearing at which he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth - came as detectives prepared to interview his wife, Anne. The 55-year-old former receptionist at a doctor’s surgery was arrested Sunday on her return to Britain from Panama, where she moved nearly two months ago. She was to undergo a medical examination before any formal interviews took place, police said. A news conference is scheduled for later Monday, they added. John Darwin had been declared legally dead in 2003, a year after he disappeared from the family home in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, and his battered red canoe was washed up on the shore.
He was arrested last Tuesday after the publication of a photograph of him and his wife in Panama in July 2006, prompting a rash of revelations from his wife in interviews with British newspapers. She told the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail she went along with her husband’s faked death to escape huge debts, and lived with him in secret for years. She said the couple had about 12 houses as rental investments and began to run up debts of tens of thousands of pounds (euros, dollars). Her husband told her faking his own death was the only way out. But she said she did not think his disappearance was fake, because they had not spoken about his plans for sometime. “I really thought that he was dead,” she said. Then in February 2003, he returned, looking dishevelled. He moved back in, hiding in the adjoining bedsit the couple owned when their two grieving sons visited. When going outdoors he used a woolly hat, upturned collar, walking stick and limp to disguise himself. He successfully applied for a passport in the name of John Jones. At one point the couple travelled to Cyprus with a view to moving there, before turning to Panama City, where they bought an apartment for 97,000 dollars in April this year. But when Darwin had to return to Britain as his visa was running out, he told his wife he was going to reemerge and claim memory loss. -AFP
THURSDAY-13TH DECEMBER 2007-PKR shares concern of CASH
PKR shares concern of CASH
KOTA KINABALU:
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) also shares the concern of CASH President Datuk Patrick Sindu that one day Sabah might see street protests like the ones in Peninsular, if the State’s perennial problems continue to worsen and unresolved. Problems of overflowing illegal immigrants, dubious citizens, rising crimes and weak economy of the natives are fuelling uneasiness and anger among bona fide citizens of Sabah and this could spark open demonstration in future, said PKR Keningau division deputy chairman Jius Awang. “What Datuk Patrick said is true, and the Federal Government should not wait till such a time when the people, including the natives, take it to the streets to demand correction of policies and protection from the Government,” he added in a statement yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU:
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) also shares the concern of CASH President Datuk Patrick Sindu that one day Sabah might see street protests like the ones in Peninsular, if the State’s perennial problems continue to worsen and unresolved. Problems of overflowing illegal immigrants, dubious citizens, rising crimes and weak economy of the natives are fuelling uneasiness and anger among bona fide citizens of Sabah and this could spark open demonstration in future, said PKR Keningau division deputy chairman Jius Awang. “What Datuk Patrick said is true, and the Federal Government should not wait till such a time when the people, including the natives, take it to the streets to demand correction of policies and protection from the Government,” he added in a statement yesterday.
THURSDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2007-Unfair to blame Govt, says Liew
Unfair to blame Govt, says Liew
KOTA KINABALU:
It was unfair for a certain community in the country to accuse the Government of marginalizing them, when in the first place they were the ones who failed to embrace and participate in the development programs catered by the Government. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Liew Yun Fah pointed this out yesterday when asked to comment on the series of events that took place in Kuala Lumpur of late. He noted that the present Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Abdullah Badawi’s leadership has been fair to all the communities in this country, with special focus given to the youths. Liew is thus of the opinion that the issue of “racial marginalisation” does not exist in this country but merely an issue exploited by the opposition to undermine the present Government, especially when the election is just around the corner. He thus called on the people of Sabah, the youths especially, not to be easily influenced and misled by such a gimmick, instead to actively take part in the various development programs provided by the Government.
KOTA KINABALU:
It was unfair for a certain community in the country to accuse the Government of marginalizing them, when in the first place they were the ones who failed to embrace and participate in the development programs catered by the Government. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Liew Yun Fah pointed this out yesterday when asked to comment on the series of events that took place in Kuala Lumpur of late. He noted that the present Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Abdullah Badawi’s leadership has been fair to all the communities in this country, with special focus given to the youths. Liew is thus of the opinion that the issue of “racial marginalisation” does not exist in this country but merely an issue exploited by the opposition to undermine the present Government, especially when the election is just around the corner. He thus called on the people of Sabah, the youths especially, not to be easily influenced and misled by such a gimmick, instead to actively take part in the various development programs provided by the Government.
THURSDAY-13TH DECEMBER 2007-RM275,000 AWARD FOR 11 EX-STUDENTS OF LABUAN COLLEGE
RM275,000 AWARD FOR 11 EX-STUDENTS OF LABUAN COLLEGE
KOTA KINABALU:
The Consumer Claims Tribunal here yesterday awarded RM2 75,000 in compensation to 11 former students of Labuan International College (KAL), formerly known as Institut Teknologi Sara (ITS), which offered a course to them that is not recognized by National Accreditation Board (LAN). The President of the Tribunal, Datuk Lawrence S H Thien ordered the college to compensate each of the students RM25,000.
The claimants were Mohd Saiful Bahari, Emmanuel Kian Seng Henry, Zarina Zainal, Nur Farizah Raina Yahya, Abdul Halim Noor Sotimin, Maxly Robert, Nur Shazilinah Abdullah, Remawarnih Awg Tanjong, Clement Dindo Peruh, Rozaini Laksaman and Shariffah Nortasha. In July this year, Tribunal President Johari Hassan had ordered the college to pay the damages to the claimants but the order was put on hold in October after KAL director Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman asked to be given one month to settle the accreditation issue with the Public Services Department (PSD). Suhaili told the Tribunal that the course in question was offered under a joint programme between KAL and Universiti Putera Malaysia (UPM) and the University would study the matter. He said that as an established national public university, UPM should have been accredited by LAN and PSD, and he would discuss the matter with the relevant authorities. In their claims, the former students said KAL had failed to deliver this promise and should pay the compensation without further delay. On July 30, one of the students, Mohd Saiful said they were offered a diploma course by the college which was spread over a six-semester period. However, at the end of the fourth semester, he said they came to know that the college did not obtain the LAN accreditation for the course from PSD, thus the diploma issued by the college was not recognised by the Government. He said they had approached the principal who assured them that the college had received the LAN accreditation for the course, but the college’s website on the Internet stated that it did not receive the LAN accreditation. “We approached the principal again and he told us that the college has the LAN accreditation but that it would take a while for it to be posted on its website,” said Mohd Saiful, who took a Diploma in Science Computer course in the college. To a question from Johari, Mohd Saiful said they did not lodge a complaint with the Education Department nor the Higher Education Ministry, as they felt it would be a waste of time. The college did not send any officials during the Tribunal hearing yesterday, while some of the students were represented by their parents.
KOTA KINABALU:
The Consumer Claims Tribunal here yesterday awarded RM2 75,000 in compensation to 11 former students of Labuan International College (KAL), formerly known as Institut Teknologi Sara (ITS), which offered a course to them that is not recognized by National Accreditation Board (LAN). The President of the Tribunal, Datuk Lawrence S H Thien ordered the college to compensate each of the students RM25,000.
The claimants were Mohd Saiful Bahari, Emmanuel Kian Seng Henry, Zarina Zainal, Nur Farizah Raina Yahya, Abdul Halim Noor Sotimin, Maxly Robert, Nur Shazilinah Abdullah, Remawarnih Awg Tanjong, Clement Dindo Peruh, Rozaini Laksaman and Shariffah Nortasha. In July this year, Tribunal President Johari Hassan had ordered the college to pay the damages to the claimants but the order was put on hold in October after KAL director Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman asked to be given one month to settle the accreditation issue with the Public Services Department (PSD). Suhaili told the Tribunal that the course in question was offered under a joint programme between KAL and Universiti Putera Malaysia (UPM) and the University would study the matter. He said that as an established national public university, UPM should have been accredited by LAN and PSD, and he would discuss the matter with the relevant authorities. In their claims, the former students said KAL had failed to deliver this promise and should pay the compensation without further delay. On July 30, one of the students, Mohd Saiful said they were offered a diploma course by the college which was spread over a six-semester period. However, at the end of the fourth semester, he said they came to know that the college did not obtain the LAN accreditation for the course from PSD, thus the diploma issued by the college was not recognised by the Government. He said they had approached the principal who assured them that the college had received the LAN accreditation for the course, but the college’s website on the Internet stated that it did not receive the LAN accreditation. “We approached the principal again and he told us that the college has the LAN accreditation but that it would take a while for it to be posted on its website,” said Mohd Saiful, who took a Diploma in Science Computer course in the college. To a question from Johari, Mohd Saiful said they did not lodge a complaint with the Education Department nor the Higher Education Ministry, as they felt it would be a waste of time. The college did not send any officials during the Tribunal hearing yesterday, while some of the students were represented by their parents.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
WEDNESDAY-12TH DECEMBER 2007-SOLO ART EXHIBITION
Solo art exhibition
KOTA KINABALU:
The Sabah Art Gallery will hold a solo exhibition under the theme of “Tarot of the Fallen Ones” by Sabrina Majuakim from December 13 till January 13. Most of Sabrina’s art works were executed in surrealist style in oil colour depicting her own perception and thought of the humans who are committing sin. The opening ceremony will be officiated by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Karim bin Haji Bujang on Thursday.
KOTA KINABALU:
The Sabah Art Gallery will hold a solo exhibition under the theme of “Tarot of the Fallen Ones” by Sabrina Majuakim from December 13 till January 13. Most of Sabrina’s art works were executed in surrealist style in oil colour depicting her own perception and thought of the humans who are committing sin. The opening ceremony will be officiated by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Karim bin Haji Bujang on Thursday.
THURSDAY-13TH DECEMBER 2007-Change of name for Cooperative Devt Dept
Change of name for Cooperative Devt Dept
KENINGAU:
The Malaysia Cooperative Development Department (JPK) will be known as the Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM) beginning next year, State Cooperative Development Department director Umar Sarim Saidin said yesterday. “JPK will be abolished and become SKM starting January 1, 2008,” he said when officiating the RM47,000 Kampung Panoi and Marasak Cooperative Berhad new shop building at the village here. Umar Sarim said following the change of its name, SKM would become one of the Federal Government corporations. According to him, cooperatives are recognized by the Government as the third sector that generates the country’s economy. He said the recognition given by the Government showed the important role played by cooperatives in the nation’s economy development. Umar Sarim hoped cooperative members would grab the opportunity to implement activities which had been planned and could give better returns to the members. “There are various activities that could be taken part by cooperatives but those members who have been trusted to carry away the cooperative business and administration must be efficient in implementing them. “Various challenges will be faced by the cooperative movement in the present globalization era and its administration should be strengthened for the future challenges,” he said. Umar Sarim also urged cooperative members to upgrade their knowledge by participating in courses and seminars organized by JPK, Malaysia Cooperative College and ANGKASA. Present at the function were Keningau Regional Cooperative Development Department assistant director Jeffrey Chong, JPK officer Rosemary Gitang and Kampung Panoi Marasak Cooperative Berhad chairman Juinol Manggor.
KENINGAU:
The Malaysia Cooperative Development Department (JPK) will be known as the Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM) beginning next year, State Cooperative Development Department director Umar Sarim Saidin said yesterday. “JPK will be abolished and become SKM starting January 1, 2008,” he said when officiating the RM47,000 Kampung Panoi and Marasak Cooperative Berhad new shop building at the village here. Umar Sarim said following the change of its name, SKM would become one of the Federal Government corporations. According to him, cooperatives are recognized by the Government as the third sector that generates the country’s economy. He said the recognition given by the Government showed the important role played by cooperatives in the nation’s economy development. Umar Sarim hoped cooperative members would grab the opportunity to implement activities which had been planned and could give better returns to the members. “There are various activities that could be taken part by cooperatives but those members who have been trusted to carry away the cooperative business and administration must be efficient in implementing them. “Various challenges will be faced by the cooperative movement in the present globalization era and its administration should be strengthened for the future challenges,” he said. Umar Sarim also urged cooperative members to upgrade their knowledge by participating in courses and seminars organized by JPK, Malaysia Cooperative College and ANGKASA. Present at the function were Keningau Regional Cooperative Development Department assistant director Jeffrey Chong, JPK officer Rosemary Gitang and Kampung Panoi Marasak Cooperative Berhad chairman Juinol Manggor.
WEDNESDAY-12TH DECEMBER 2007-Move to turn run-down Natikar Building into hotel
Move to turn run-down Natikar Building into hotel
KOTA KINABALU:
The City Hall is all set to assist developers wishing to redevelop the Natikar Building, which has been an eyesore after being left abandoned since the early 1990s. To date, two developers have shown interest to develop the 11 -storey building near Padang Merdeka here and turn it into a hotel, said City Hall Building Engineer, Kalvin Liaw. In this respect, the City Hall is trying to trace some of the 24 private lot owners of the building to enable works to be done on it, he said, adding that the project can be done immediately after all the lot owners have been located and given their consent.
“It would be easier for us to develop the abandoned building. Turning it into a hotel would also be good considering there is a lack of hotel rooms to accommodate the growing number of tourists entering Sabah,” he said. The building is in bad shape and is believed to be occupied by both locals and immigrants, as well as drug addicts. “Those occupying the building have even built their own personal rooms illegally, and made illegal electricity and water connections,” he said. Kalvin said that to enable the building to be certified fit for use, all facilities such as sewerage, water piping, electricity supply and elevator must be fixed and upgraded.
KOTA KINABALU:
The City Hall is all set to assist developers wishing to redevelop the Natikar Building, which has been an eyesore after being left abandoned since the early 1990s. To date, two developers have shown interest to develop the 11 -storey building near Padang Merdeka here and turn it into a hotel, said City Hall Building Engineer, Kalvin Liaw. In this respect, the City Hall is trying to trace some of the 24 private lot owners of the building to enable works to be done on it, he said, adding that the project can be done immediately after all the lot owners have been located and given their consent.
“It would be easier for us to develop the abandoned building. Turning it into a hotel would also be good considering there is a lack of hotel rooms to accommodate the growing number of tourists entering Sabah,” he said. The building is in bad shape and is believed to be occupied by both locals and immigrants, as well as drug addicts. “Those occupying the building have even built their own personal rooms illegally, and made illegal electricity and water connections,” he said. Kalvin said that to enable the building to be certified fit for use, all facilities such as sewerage, water piping, electricity supply and elevator must be fixed and upgraded.
The City Hall is ready to assist the developers in their applications and would give approval to those wishing to develop the Natikar Building, but first, the 24 lot owners must be located. “To ensure that the building structure is still strong, a registered professional engineer is required to carry out a thorough investigation and certify whether it is fit or otherwise,” Liaw said. Meanwhile, City Hall architect Sally Edward Ghani, when met, said the Natikar Building has four housing units at each level, meaning there are 48 units altogether. Twenty-four of them are under the Insolvency Department, while 24 others belong to private owners. In 1999, City Hall, in collaboration with Health and Water departments, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and police, inspected the building in a move to overcome a host of perennial problems such as cleanliness. Another inspection was conducted in 2003, followed by the issuance of letters to the owners based on their income tax addresses but only 24 of them responded. On Oct 6, 2004, the Legal Department and City Hall Urban Development Department issued a notice to the occupants to vacate the building. The City Hall and the police, Water Department, Immigration and SESB discussed on Oct 13, 2004 a proposal to obtain a court order to seal the building. The court order was obtained on Feb 28, 2005, following which barbed wires and fences were built around the building to prevent intruders from entering it.
WEDNESDAY-12TH DECEMBER 2007-Six houses demolished in Inanam, Sri Tanjung
Six houses demolished in Inanam, Sri Tanjung
KOTA KINABALU:
City Hall demolished six illegally built houses in Kampung Bambangan, Inanam and Sri Tanjung here yesterday. Its enforcement chief, Abdul Mukti Muchlis, said the demolition exercises which started about 9.3Oam, were carried out simultaneously. At Kampung Bambangan, two of the illegally built structures were torn down in a two-hour operation which saw the participation of eight City Hall personnel, three policemen, two Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) staff and two City Hall Health and Services Department personnel In the operation at Sri Tanjung, three City Hall enforcement personnel and two policemen dismantled four houses, while one illegal structure was torn down by its own owner. Mukti said the exercise was part of their on-going operation to get rid of illegal structures in the City.
KOTA KINABALU:
City Hall demolished six illegally built houses in Kampung Bambangan, Inanam and Sri Tanjung here yesterday. Its enforcement chief, Abdul Mukti Muchlis, said the demolition exercises which started about 9.3Oam, were carried out simultaneously. At Kampung Bambangan, two of the illegally built structures were torn down in a two-hour operation which saw the participation of eight City Hall personnel, three policemen, two Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) staff and two City Hall Health and Services Department personnel In the operation at Sri Tanjung, three City Hall enforcement personnel and two policemen dismantled four houses, while one illegal structure was torn down by its own owner. Mukti said the exercise was part of their on-going operation to get rid of illegal structures in the City.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
TUESDAY-11TH DECEMBER 2007-MESRA RAKYAT AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMME
RELA MEMBERS ..... The RELA members personnel at the program
Mesra Rakyat and crime prevention programme
TAMBUNAN:
More than 350 people attended the Mesra Rakyat and crime prevention programme organized by Tambunan police at the community centre here recently. The participants were village headmen, Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen, RELA personnel, Government department staff and youths. During the function, a drugs exhibition and multi-media show were held. District Police Chief DSP Zahari Mohammad officiated the function and chaired a dialogue session with the participants. Various issues were raised by the participants such as crime cases drugs, rape, illegal immigrants and road accidents among others. Also present at thç function were District Chief OKK Augustine Kandawai, District Police Management Department head ASP Rahim Abdul Rahman, Logistics Department head Inspector Inspector Sharul Haji Harun, Narcotics Department head Chief Department Inspector Edrian, Special Branch head Chief Awang Damit Suanda and Tambunan OCS Sergeant Major Kasmin Saiman.
TUESDAY-11TH DECEMBER 2007-26 YOUTHS ATTEND INTEGRATION PROGRAMME
26 YOUTHS ATTEND INTEGRATION PROGRAMME
KENINGAU:
Twenty-six youths nationwide participated in three- day national integration program held at kampung Kota Ayangan here recently. Eleven of them were from Peninsular Malaysia, seven from Sarawak, six from Sabah and two from Labuan. The State-level program jointly organized by the Federal Youth and Sports Ministry was officiated by Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Haji Sairin Haji Karno. During the programme, all the participants stayed with their adopted parents in the kampung. The objective of the program is to expose youths in Malaysia to the socio-culture, political and economy development nationwide. It is also to increase the understanding and unity spirit among the Malaysian youths from various ethnics, cultures and religions. The program is also aimed at increasing the patriotic spirit and strong self-confidence value and to get closer with the community through interaction and community service programmes. The participants also carried out community service activities like gotong royong, Sukaneka games and showing their talent in the cultural shows. District Officer Haji Zulkifli Nasir, District Federal Youth and Sports Department officer Haji Idris Mohd Taufeck, Government officers and local community leaders attended the programme which was closed by Bingkor Assemblyman Justin Guka.
KENINGAU:
Twenty-six youths nationwide participated in three- day national integration program held at kampung Kota Ayangan here recently. Eleven of them were from Peninsular Malaysia, seven from Sarawak, six from Sabah and two from Labuan. The State-level program jointly organized by the Federal Youth and Sports Ministry was officiated by Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Haji Sairin Haji Karno. During the programme, all the participants stayed with their adopted parents in the kampung. The objective of the program is to expose youths in Malaysia to the socio-culture, political and economy development nationwide. It is also to increase the understanding and unity spirit among the Malaysian youths from various ethnics, cultures and religions. The program is also aimed at increasing the patriotic spirit and strong self-confidence value and to get closer with the community through interaction and community service programmes. The participants also carried out community service activities like gotong royong, Sukaneka games and showing their talent in the cultural shows. District Officer Haji Zulkifli Nasir, District Federal Youth and Sports Department officer Haji Idris Mohd Taufeck, Government officers and local community leaders attended the programme which was closed by Bingkor Assemblyman Justin Guka.
TUESDAY-11TH DECEMBER 2007-WOMAN DIES, HUSBAND INJURED IN ROAD CRASH
Woman dies, husband injured in road crash
KINABATANGAN:
A woman was killed while her husband was in critical condition when their car crashed into the rear of a stationary lorry at Km 74 Sandakan-Lahad Datu Road on Sunday night. Front seat passenger Lai Tit Lin, 38, died of serious injuries at the scene. Police and members of the public removed her body and her injured husband identified as Chin Tee Ting, also aged 38, from the wreckage of the vehicle. Their five-year-old daughter, Chin Wan Wai, who was seated in the rear of the car, was unhurt. They were travelling from the direction of Sandakan and heading towards Lahad Datu when the tragedy occurred about 7.4Opm. The lorry was said to have stalled and left on the road. The woman’s body was sent to the district hospital while her husband was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Duchess of Kent Hospital here. OCPD DSP Jaini Abdul Kadir confirmed the incident when contacted.
KINABATANGAN:
A woman was killed while her husband was in critical condition when their car crashed into the rear of a stationary lorry at Km 74 Sandakan-Lahad Datu Road on Sunday night. Front seat passenger Lai Tit Lin, 38, died of serious injuries at the scene. Police and members of the public removed her body and her injured husband identified as Chin Tee Ting, also aged 38, from the wreckage of the vehicle. Their five-year-old daughter, Chin Wan Wai, who was seated in the rear of the car, was unhurt. They were travelling from the direction of Sandakan and heading towards Lahad Datu when the tragedy occurred about 7.4Opm. The lorry was said to have stalled and left on the road. The woman’s body was sent to the district hospital while her husband was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Duchess of Kent Hospital here. OCPD DSP Jaini Abdul Kadir confirmed the incident when contacted.
TUESDAY-11TH DECEMBER 2007-CHAN TO PROPOSE S'PORE AIRLINE FLY TO LABUAN
Chan to propose S’pore airline fly to Labuan
LABUAN:
Any airline is welcome to operate here and a proposal would be made for a low-cost carrier from Singapore to make Labuan a destination. Transport Minister Datuk Sri Chan Kong Choy disclosed this when asked to comment on the open sky policy that has been proposed for the island, after he was briefed on the progress of the RM365 million upgrading project of the Labuan Airport, upon his arrival here on Sunday evening. The proposal for the open sky policy and the redevelopment of the terminal building and runway, first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Sri Abdullah Badawi in September 2004, is aimed at enabling direct international flights and bigger wide- bodied planes to land, a move to enhance the status of Labuan as an International Offshore Financial Centre, an oil and gas hub as well as to boost its tourism potential. “I want to make it very clear that there would be no problems at all for any airlines wanting to operate here. The Ministry of Transport will facilitate,” he stressed. Chan added that in view of the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Singapore, he would suggest and make a proposal during the next round of aviation talks, for a low- cost carrier from Singapore to include Labuan as a destination. “So far no international airline has applied to operate in Labuan yet, but we will welcome them,” he said. Tan Sri Ting Pik Kiing, the advisor of Global Upline Sdn Bhd - the main contractor of the airport upgrading works, welcomed the minister who arrived in a private jet. Upon being briefed by the project director Dr Shafie Karimin of KLIA Premier Holdings Sdn Bhd that the terminal building and landside of the airport were completed way ahead of time and the airside would be completed and handed over to Malaysia Airport Berhad by March 2008, eight months ahead of schedule, he commented: “I am very happy with the progress of the work”. When asked if a new date has been fixed for the official opening, he answered in the negative. It was earlier announced that the Prime Minister would officiate the opening on October 26 this year and plans were made for him to witness the first landing of a MAS Airbus 330 here.
LABUAN:
Any airline is welcome to operate here and a proposal would be made for a low-cost carrier from Singapore to make Labuan a destination. Transport Minister Datuk Sri Chan Kong Choy disclosed this when asked to comment on the open sky policy that has been proposed for the island, after he was briefed on the progress of the RM365 million upgrading project of the Labuan Airport, upon his arrival here on Sunday evening. The proposal for the open sky policy and the redevelopment of the terminal building and runway, first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Sri Abdullah Badawi in September 2004, is aimed at enabling direct international flights and bigger wide- bodied planes to land, a move to enhance the status of Labuan as an International Offshore Financial Centre, an oil and gas hub as well as to boost its tourism potential. “I want to make it very clear that there would be no problems at all for any airlines wanting to operate here. The Ministry of Transport will facilitate,” he stressed. Chan added that in view of the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Singapore, he would suggest and make a proposal during the next round of aviation talks, for a low- cost carrier from Singapore to include Labuan as a destination. “So far no international airline has applied to operate in Labuan yet, but we will welcome them,” he said. Tan Sri Ting Pik Kiing, the advisor of Global Upline Sdn Bhd - the main contractor of the airport upgrading works, welcomed the minister who arrived in a private jet. Upon being briefed by the project director Dr Shafie Karimin of KLIA Premier Holdings Sdn Bhd that the terminal building and landside of the airport were completed way ahead of time and the airside would be completed and handed over to Malaysia Airport Berhad by March 2008, eight months ahead of schedule, he commented: “I am very happy with the progress of the work”. When asked if a new date has been fixed for the official opening, he answered in the negative. It was earlier announced that the Prime Minister would officiate the opening on October 26 this year and plans were made for him to witness the first landing of a MAS Airbus 330 here.
TUESDAY-11TH DECEMBER 2007-AIRPORT UPGRADE PROGRESSESS NICELY
AIRPORT UPGRADE PROGRESSESS NICELY
Existing operations to shift to new main building soon
KOTA KINABALU:
The operation at the existing Terminal One of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) will be shifted in stages to the new terminal main building starting next month to help ease congestions, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy. He said starting January 22, passengers will be boarding their planes from the nearly completed main terminal but all check- ins will still remain at the existing building until all works are fully completed in April. “Once the new international terminal block is ready, the current old terminal will be closed fully to allow for the upgrading,” said Chan. The new terminal building which will be connected with the old terminal block is part of the upgrading project on the KKIA which also involves a runway extension and construction of a new low cost terminal costing RM1.2 billion. Speaking to reporters after visiting KKIA yesterday, Chan said he was very happy with the progress of both Package One and Two of the upgrading project. He said progress on Package Two which includes the construction of air-side infrastructures is now at 65 percent, about eight percent ahead of plan and expected to be fully completed by April next year. However works on Package One, which includes the building of the main terminal building and landslide infrastructure and facilities, has experienced a slight delay, according to him. “Despite a slight delay in some part of the Package One, we are catching up and everything will be completed by May as planned,” he said. Works on Package One is currently 49.35 percent completed. It involves the extension of the runway from the current 2,988 metres to 3,780 metres to enable Boeing 747 aircraft to land; construction of parking aprons which can accommodate four Boeing 747s, one AB330, seven Boeing 737s, three F50s and three Dorniers. It also includes the upgrading of existing taxiway the northern side, stretched 1,474 metres while the south some 792 metres, and the construction of new Traffic Control tower and cargo terminal and transmail cargo centre and new Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) office. “There are still some issues (to be solved) including the relocation of equipment from the existing terminal to the new one but I’m confident that with the very close cooperation between all the parties such as Malaysia Airports Berhad, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the two main contractors, it can be settled without problem. “So we can expect to have a very efficient and state-of-the-art airport by May 2009, and this is very important for the development of the State,” he said. Chan expressed his appreciation to the Sabah Government for its support and assistance for the upgrading project, particularly in successfully relocating Sri Tanjung squatters to pave the way for the expansion of the runway. He also thanked the public for their support in bearing with the inconvenience since the upgrading works started, adding, it is not easy to carry out a massive upgrading works on an operational airport.
“Unlike in other places, we are doing works on a live airport. Moreover, this is the second busiest airport in the country after KLIA,” he said. He said the existing terminal is designed to handle around three million passengers but has so far handled more than four million passengers this year. On the decison of Malaysia Airports to move operations of all airlines to the new terminal once completed in 2009, he said they would be looking at AirAsia’s request to remain at Terminal Two instead of moving to the international terminal complex. “They have written in. We have to hear them out before we make any decision,” he said, adding that the new complex when completed would be handling the needs of all airlines and would be convenient in terms of operations.
Existing operations to shift to new main building soon
KOTA KINABALU:
The operation at the existing Terminal One of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) will be shifted in stages to the new terminal main building starting next month to help ease congestions, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy. He said starting January 22, passengers will be boarding their planes from the nearly completed main terminal but all check- ins will still remain at the existing building until all works are fully completed in April. “Once the new international terminal block is ready, the current old terminal will be closed fully to allow for the upgrading,” said Chan. The new terminal building which will be connected with the old terminal block is part of the upgrading project on the KKIA which also involves a runway extension and construction of a new low cost terminal costing RM1.2 billion. Speaking to reporters after visiting KKIA yesterday, Chan said he was very happy with the progress of both Package One and Two of the upgrading project. He said progress on Package Two which includes the construction of air-side infrastructures is now at 65 percent, about eight percent ahead of plan and expected to be fully completed by April next year. However works on Package One, which includes the building of the main terminal building and landslide infrastructure and facilities, has experienced a slight delay, according to him. “Despite a slight delay in some part of the Package One, we are catching up and everything will be completed by May as planned,” he said. Works on Package One is currently 49.35 percent completed. It involves the extension of the runway from the current 2,988 metres to 3,780 metres to enable Boeing 747 aircraft to land; construction of parking aprons which can accommodate four Boeing 747s, one AB330, seven Boeing 737s, three F50s and three Dorniers. It also includes the upgrading of existing taxiway the northern side, stretched 1,474 metres while the south some 792 metres, and the construction of new Traffic Control tower and cargo terminal and transmail cargo centre and new Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) office. “There are still some issues (to be solved) including the relocation of equipment from the existing terminal to the new one but I’m confident that with the very close cooperation between all the parties such as Malaysia Airports Berhad, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the two main contractors, it can be settled without problem. “So we can expect to have a very efficient and state-of-the-art airport by May 2009, and this is very important for the development of the State,” he said. Chan expressed his appreciation to the Sabah Government for its support and assistance for the upgrading project, particularly in successfully relocating Sri Tanjung squatters to pave the way for the expansion of the runway. He also thanked the public for their support in bearing with the inconvenience since the upgrading works started, adding, it is not easy to carry out a massive upgrading works on an operational airport.
“Unlike in other places, we are doing works on a live airport. Moreover, this is the second busiest airport in the country after KLIA,” he said. He said the existing terminal is designed to handle around three million passengers but has so far handled more than four million passengers this year. On the decison of Malaysia Airports to move operations of all airlines to the new terminal once completed in 2009, he said they would be looking at AirAsia’s request to remain at Terminal Two instead of moving to the international terminal complex. “They have written in. We have to hear them out before we make any decision,” he said, adding that the new complex when completed would be handling the needs of all airlines and would be convenient in terms of operations.
Monday, December 10, 2007
MONDAY-10TH DECEMBER 2007-CONTINUE TEACHING OF SCIENCE, MATHS IN ENGLISH, SAYS MAIJOL
Continue teaching of Science, Maths in English, says Maijol
KOTA MARUDU:
The Education Ministry has been urged to continue with the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English and give it a chance to succeed. UPKO vice president Senator Maijol Mahap made the call in his speech when officiating the presentation of certificates to 500 pre-school children. “The teaching of Science and Mathematics in English should be continued and be given the chance to succeed. This does not mean that we are sidelining the Bahasa Malaysia language in school. “Bahasa Malaysia has been and will always be the mainstream language to be used to teach all other subjects but since most English terminologies in Science and Mathematics are in English and they were adopted into the Bahasa Malaysia language, it would only be appropriate if we just use the English language to teach these two subjects. I believe many parents would be supporting this by starting to expose their children at the very young age to the use of the English language. “I also urge the Government to provide more educational facilities for pre-school children to start their early education in areas where such facilities are far from their villages. The Kota Marudu Districts has more than 80 villages and only 26 villages have pre-schools provided by KEMAS. If we take the 500 pre-school children who received their certificates as coming from 26 villages, I believe there could be even more children from the other remaining villages who are unable to get pre-school education,” he said. Maijol also urged all parents to send their children to a kindergarten nearest to them as much as possible.
KOTA MARUDU:
The Education Ministry has been urged to continue with the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English and give it a chance to succeed. UPKO vice president Senator Maijol Mahap made the call in his speech when officiating the presentation of certificates to 500 pre-school children. “The teaching of Science and Mathematics in English should be continued and be given the chance to succeed. This does not mean that we are sidelining the Bahasa Malaysia language in school. “Bahasa Malaysia has been and will always be the mainstream language to be used to teach all other subjects but since most English terminologies in Science and Mathematics are in English and they were adopted into the Bahasa Malaysia language, it would only be appropriate if we just use the English language to teach these two subjects. I believe many parents would be supporting this by starting to expose their children at the very young age to the use of the English language. “I also urge the Government to provide more educational facilities for pre-school children to start their early education in areas where such facilities are far from their villages. The Kota Marudu Districts has more than 80 villages and only 26 villages have pre-schools provided by KEMAS. If we take the 500 pre-school children who received their certificates as coming from 26 villages, I believe there could be even more children from the other remaining villages who are unable to get pre-school education,” he said. Maijol also urged all parents to send their children to a kindergarten nearest to them as much as possible.
MONDAY-10TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2007-107 PINTS OF BLOOD COLLECTED
107 pints of blood collected
KOTA KINABALU: One hundred and seven pints of blood were collected in a blood donation campaign jointly organized by the Kota Kinabalu Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Likas and City Hall at Lintasan Deasoka here yesterday. According to organizing chairman Benjamin Batindal, the blood donation campaign which was held from 7am to 1. l5pm, was the church’s annual activity to increase the supply of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s blood bank. “As the year before, our target is to collect 100 pints of blood. We are so happy as we managed to reach the target. I thank those who donated their blood to save the people’s lives,” Benjamin said. “I hope the people will continue to donate their blood when we organize a similar program next year,” he said, adding they managed to collect 103 pints of blood in last year’s campaign which was held at the same place. “Next year, we are planning to organize a similar activity, with the cooperation from the drug agency and City Hall. For this future program, there will be a talk about the danger of drugs,” he said.
KOTA KINABALU: One hundred and seven pints of blood were collected in a blood donation campaign jointly organized by the Kota Kinabalu Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Likas and City Hall at Lintasan Deasoka here yesterday. According to organizing chairman Benjamin Batindal, the blood donation campaign which was held from 7am to 1. l5pm, was the church’s annual activity to increase the supply of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s blood bank. “As the year before, our target is to collect 100 pints of blood. We are so happy as we managed to reach the target. I thank those who donated their blood to save the people’s lives,” Benjamin said. “I hope the people will continue to donate their blood when we organize a similar program next year,” he said, adding they managed to collect 103 pints of blood in last year’s campaign which was held at the same place. “Next year, we are planning to organize a similar activity, with the cooperation from the drug agency and City Hall. For this future program, there will be a talk about the danger of drugs,” he said.
MONDAY-10TH DECEMBE 2007-HAEMODIALYSIS ASSOCIATION HOLDS FOOD AND FUN FAIR
Haemodialysis association holds food and fun fair
KOTA KINABALU:
A food and fun fair was held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the Kinabalu Haemodialysis Association at The Cruise in Tanjung Aru here yesterday. The main objective of the event, which was officiated by Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, was to raise funds to support the operation cost of the association. President of the association, Lim Hoek Chye, said the centre needed about RM10,000 a month to maintain its four dialysis machines and pay the workers’ salary. According to him, the centre sources its funds from the public and other parties. Presently there are four patients seeking dialysis treatment at the centre which charges RM13 to RM15 per session. Lim said the centre is hoping to increase the number of patient to eight with the availability of new machines. “To achieve the target, we need support from the public, especially the Government, private sector and also non-governmental organisations,” he said.
KOTA KINABALU:
A food and fun fair was held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the Kinabalu Haemodialysis Association at The Cruise in Tanjung Aru here yesterday. The main objective of the event, which was officiated by Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, was to raise funds to support the operation cost of the association. President of the association, Lim Hoek Chye, said the centre needed about RM10,000 a month to maintain its four dialysis machines and pay the workers’ salary. According to him, the centre sources its funds from the public and other parties. Presently there are four patients seeking dialysis treatment at the centre which charges RM13 to RM15 per session. Lim said the centre is hoping to increase the number of patient to eight with the availability of new machines. “To achieve the target, we need support from the public, especially the Government, private sector and also non-governmental organisations,” he said.
MONDAY-10TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2007-MAN SURVIVES FALL FROM BUILDING
Man survives fall from building
KOTA KINABALU:
Another local man is believed to have jumped down from a building in Damai on Saturday evening, jut three days after a businessman leapt to his death in the area. Hamzah Ismail, 27, suffered serious injuries and was put under observation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The victim, believed to be a RELA member, was said to have jumped from the third floor of a building in an attempted suicide around l1.l5pm. His condition has become stable. Police are still waiting for him to regain consciousness to record a statement from him. A security guard on duty, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said the man was unconscious and barely breathing after he landed on the road.
On Wednesday, a 61-year-old businessman, believed to be suffering from depression, died on the spot after jumping from the fifth floor of a building there. The businessman from Taman Friendly was said to have become depressed after learning his wife had cancer. He decided not to wait for her wife to die before him and took his own life.
KOTA KINABALU:
Another local man is believed to have jumped down from a building in Damai on Saturday evening, jut three days after a businessman leapt to his death in the area. Hamzah Ismail, 27, suffered serious injuries and was put under observation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The victim, believed to be a RELA member, was said to have jumped from the third floor of a building in an attempted suicide around l1.l5pm. His condition has become stable. Police are still waiting for him to regain consciousness to record a statement from him. A security guard on duty, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said the man was unconscious and barely breathing after he landed on the road.
On Wednesday, a 61-year-old businessman, believed to be suffering from depression, died on the spot after jumping from the fifth floor of a building there. The businessman from Taman Friendly was said to have become depressed after learning his wife had cancer. He decided not to wait for her wife to die before him and took his own life.
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