Dr Michael Teo

MIRI: Sarawak has a good record of vaccination of children against major illnesses.

Pointing out that the vaccination programme is up to world standard, Miri MP Dr Michael Teo said countries such as the United Kingdom recognised the programme as an effective preventive measure.

“Actually our vaccination programme is world standard and some of those in US and UK do not have the kind of vaccinations we have from the Ministry of
Health as these are quite costly,” he said.

Citing the celevarax vaccination for girls as an example, he said it is very important as it can eliminate the cancer of the neck of the cervix due to viruses. A gynaecologist by training, Dr Teo said parents who refuse vaccination for their children are putting them in harm’s way.

“Everyone should get vaccination and not try to save on the expenses as these are meant to prevent illnesses which may be hard to cure,” he said.

“It has been proven that vaccines can prevent many illnesses, including the latest cervical vaccine in preventing viruses which can cause cancer in women,” he added.

The next generation of women could prevent cervical cancer through different types of vaccines, he pointed out.

“Vaccines are quite expensive, between RM200 and RM50O, with the more expensive types covering many types of viruses but the 11, 15 and 18-type of viruses are also covered by the cheaper type,” he said.

Dr Teo said some communities, including those in the West, shunned vaccination or modern medicine due to religious convictions or beliefs.

“The complications are high. Vaccinations should be encouraged as it can prevent many illnesses, including those against rabies in dogs and animals. First vaccination is done at birth against Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Rubella (three doses) and polio, peturssis and diphtheria.

“Epidemics can kill children by the hundreds or thousands if more Malaysians refuse vaccination, with measles as one of the biggest killers of children in the world.

“Multi-viral vaccinations such as one-in-five types covering multi-viruses are now available to Malaysians,” he said.

According to the Health Ministry, immunisation for diphtheria is included in the series of five vaccines; namely diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and haemophilus influenza Type B given at two, three and five months as a prime dose and 18 months as an added dosage.

Immunisation is a preventative health strategy and parents should ensure their children are vaccinated according to schedule. Skipping or delaying vaccination will affect the health of their children as well as other children and babies.

Tan (third right) of Penang bags the Emerging Franchisee Award 2018.

KUALA LUMPUR: Smart Reader Worldwide held its 18th Franchisee Awards Night at Royale Chulan recently.

Themed ‘Arabian Nights’, the event saw over 100 franchisees from all over Malaysia given Radiant Diamond, Diamond, Platinum and Gold awards.

The most prestigious ‘The Outstanding Achieving Of Our Time Award’  was presented to Tiong Mee Chin, a franchisee of 10 Smart Reader Kids centres in Johor, while Kuching based Sharon Chang of Smart Reader Kids at Jalan Keretapi and Jalan Rock won ‘Franchise Of The Year’.

Chang from Kuching (third right) is presented Franchisee of the Year by Wang.

Elsa Tan of Smart Reader Kids Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Penang took home ‘Emerging Franchisee Award’.

Franchisees of Smart Reader Kids SS19, Romlee Mahran and Doriawati Ling Abdullah bagged Datin Sri Dato’ Dr KH Wang Spelling Challenge Trophy as their students emerged as overall champion of the competition this year.

The annual event rewards diligent, determined and passionate franchisees while Smart Reader Worldwide reassures continual endeavours to develop its globally-acclaimed range of products and services.

Currently, there are more than 300 Smart Reader Kids centres nationwide with 150 centres overseas in Australia, China, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

Also present at the event were Dato’ Sri Dr Richard Ong chief executive officer of Smart Reader Worldwide, Group executive director of Smart Reader Worldwide Datin Sri Dato’ Dr KH Wang, Group executive director of Smart Reader Worldwide Kevan Ong and executive director of Smart Reader Worldwide Keefe Ong.

In his welcoming speech, Ong reminisced the bittersweet journey of the first Smart Reader Kids centre in 2000 to become the largest chain of Child Enrichment Centres in Malaysia endorsed by Malaysia Book of Records.

“We believe that Smart Reader Worldwide has the most incredible franchisees. Quality preschools are always in demand as parents will never compromise early childhood education.

Tiong (centre) from Johor receives Outstanding Achieving Of Our Time award from Ong.

“Successful franchisees utilise our established, systematic and creative syllabus and complement it with the amazing facilities and materials to make Smart Reader Kids the premier choice for early childhood education,” he said.

This year, the company opened its second centre in Victoria, Australia and signed a Master Franchise in China.

Dr Wang was in the limelight for her accomplishments with Women Icons 2018 award at Women Icons Summit Awards organised by  Business Excellence and Research Group on Jan 30, 2018 in Kuala Lumpur and World’s Mother of Education in The Bizz Awards 2018 organised by World Confederation of Businesses on Nov 14, 2018 in Hong Kong.

In Malaysia Book of Records, she is woman entrepreneur who has garnered the highest number of international and local awards on a personal level.

Guests were treated to delightful delicacies as well as exciting performances including a song by Maisarah Ukulele, exotic belly dancing by Trinity Troupe and an Arabic-inspired dance by Smart Reader Worldwide’s talented staff.

Dr Ting Tiong Choon

KUCHING: Feb 28, 2019 has been fixed for the hearing of the motion for leave to appeal to the Federal Court by State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar and Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh against the Court of Appeal decision that Dr Ting Tiong Choon remains as Pujut assemblyman.

Lawyer Tan Kee Heng when contacted said the date was given during the case management yesterday when all counsels of the case were updating the Deputy Registrar of the Federal Court Khainur Aleeza Ismail on the status of the matter through emails without attending court.

In civil matters at the Federal Court, leave or permission has to be gained for the full merits to be heard.

The state election was held on May 7, 2016. Subsequently, Dr Ting was disqualified as a state representative on May 12, 2017 in a motion tabled by Wong, who is also Bawang Assan assemblyman.

Dr Ting filed an Originating Summons in the Kuching High Court on June 7, 2017 to challenge the DUN’s decision.

On June 17, 2017, High Court Judge Datuk Douglas Christo Primus Sikayun ruled against the DUN’s decision to disqualify Dr Ting as Pujut assemblyman, awarding RM100,000 to the plaintiff.

Douglas said the DUN has no express powers to deal with an election result and that it is not a competent body to decide constitutional issues.

On top of that, the Speaker did not afford Dr Ting adequate time to defend himself, and also had not given the opportunity to Dr Ting. The High Court Judge even went on to say that 8,899 Pujut voters’ interests should also be taken into consideration.

Douglas also stressed that it was not right for the Speaker to take on the role of prosecutor and that the rule of natural justice had not been complied with and adhered to.

With that High Court decision, Dr Ting has been restored as Pujut assemblyman, rendering a by-election unnecessary.

On July 13 this year, the Court of Appeal in a two-to-one decision dismissed the appeals of the DUN, its speaker Asfia and Wong against the High Court’s decision to reinstate Dr Ting as Pujut assemblyman.

Presiding judge Datuk Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim also held that the DUN had no jurisdiction to decide on disqualification of Dr Ting because the disqualifying factor happened before the election.

He said by virtue of the wording of the Sarawak Constitution, it only gives the DUN the power to disqualify a member for post-election offences.

Abang Iskandar also said that the DUN proceeding where most members of the august house voted in favour of Dr Ting’s disqualification was null and void because of the lack of jurisdiction.

The other two Court of Appeal judges who sat with Abang Iskandar were Datuk Harminder Singh Dhaliwal and Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan.

Harminder Singh also agreed that the appeals be dismissed.

Lim, when delivering her dissenting judgement, held that Dr Ting clearly had no qualification to be elected as a state assemblyman because he took Australian citizenship and pledged allegiance to a foreign power.

She added that Dr Ting’s renunciation of Australian citizenship did not qualify him to be the state elected representative and he therefore remained disqualified.

In stating that she did not agree with the majority decision, Lim said the right to sit in the DUN is part of parliamentary privilege. She was of the view that the DUN has the power to disqualify Dr Ting and that the DUN has power and jurisdiction to decide on this issue.

The beach near the city gathers thousands of visitors every weekend.

KAPIT: It was an exciting trip for a group of senior citizens from here in Sabah recently, where they immersed themselves in the sights and culture of the neighbouring state.

The four-day trip was organised and run by the Senior Citizens Service Centre (PPWE) Kapit, led by their leader Temenggong Wilfred Billy Panyau.

The group comprised Pemanca Yong Thu Fook, Penghulu Wong Kie Ing, Penghulu Steward Sawing, Penghulu Madang Jelani, Penghulu Abang Hamzah Bolhassan, Kapitan Neo Kee Hoi, Ejah Ason, James Ling, as well as representatives from the Welfare Department — Maxson Maoh, Anthony Terrance, Itom Rosita and Dolly Amos.

Group members enjoy great seafood available at the night market.

Their tour across Kota Kinabalu and other residencies covered visits to landmark places of interests namely the famous ‘Upside Down House’, Pekan Nabulu, the ‘Tamu’ (farmer’s market), the highland dairy cattle farm and strawberry farm, the Tamparuli bridge, the ‘Cowboy Town’, Kundasang vegetable garden’, the Philippines Market and the night market, as well as the Kota Kinabalu Children’s

Shelter.

In his remarks, Wilfred expressed appreciation to elected people’s representatives, led by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, for chipping in to PPWE Kapit, which helped a lot in covering  the transportation and lodging expenses for the trip.

It is learnt that the group stayed at the Mariner Court Condominiums in Kota Kinabalu, next to the Promenade Hotel and within close proximity to the Philippines Market and the night market.

The PPWE Kapit delegates get to visit the Sabah Economic Development building and the Yayasan Sabah Tower (right) in Kota Kinabalu.

They were particularly impressed by the design of the ‘Upside Down House’ — listed in the ‘Malaysia Book of Records’ as being the first of its kind in South East Asia.

The design depicts a typical house of the Bajau – the second largest ethnic group in Sabah after the Kadazandusun. The majority of the Bajau live in Kota Belud.

By James Ling
reporters@theborneopost.com

The PPWE Kapit group also had the opportunity to get on board a train ride along the North Borneo Railways – the only system of its kind that is still running in Sabah, and the oldest in Borneo; construction commenced in the late 1800s and the railway was operational in the early 1900s.

It was during this ride that the visitors drank in the sights as the train took off from Kota Kinabalu and passed Tanjung Aru, Putatan, Kinarut, Kawang, Papar, Kimanis, Bongawan, Membakut, Beaufort, Saliwangan Baru, Halogilat, Rayoh and Pangi stations, before the trip concluded in Tenom.

On the final day of the tour, the PPWE Kapit members visited the children’s centre – the largest of its kind in Sabah.

It has a school-like environment, housing 93 young orphans – ranging in ages, from a few days old up to 18.

The centre is fully equipped with hostels, a pre-school, a clinic, a hall, classrooms, an administrative block and a playground, as well as a bus to transport children to and from a nearby school.

The centre has 52 people as its staff, and the headmistress is Suparidah Reidin.

The PPWE Kapit delegates presented gifts to the children during their visit to the centre.

The PPWE Kapit delegates get to visit the Sabah Economic Development building and the Yayasan Sabah Tower (right) in Kota Kinabalu.

Kilat (seated, middle) and other members of the committee after a recent meeting.

KUCHING: Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has chosen Yogyakarta and Bandung in Indonesia as the destination
for its sixth Overseas Educational & Business Exploratory Trip which will be held in March next year.

The seven-day, six-night educational tour will enable tour members to explore business and trade opportunities there.

The dates, March 23 to 29, were specially chosen to coincide with the school holidays to enable more members to join the trip.

DCCI’s Business Development and Overseas Tour Committee has also for the first time entrusted Telang Usan Travel & Tours, a DCCI corporate member and a Dayak Bumiputra-owned tourism outfit, to organise the trip.

“This is the sixth Overseas Exploratory Business trip organised by DCCI. The first in 2012 was to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, followed by Yangon, Myanmar in 2014, Taiwan in 2015, Chiengmai and Chiengrai in Northern Thailand in 2016. And the last trip in 2017 was to Phnom Pen and Siem Riep, Cambodia.

“The previous trips were all well participated with more than 50 Dayak entrepreneurs and professionals from all over Sarawak,” said DCCI deputy president Kilat Beriak, who is also the Business Development and Overseas Tour Committee chairman.

He said that Yogyakarta is not only capital of the Central Java province, but also noted as the educational capital of Indonesia with many leading academic institutions of higher learning located there.

It is also the home of Batik Indonesia and the famous Jati wood furniture and wood carving in Jepara, as well as the iconic shopping street of Malioboro.

Yogyakarta has a very unique historical background with Hindu and Buddhist influence, with the world’s largest Buddhist Temple Borobudur built in the 9th century and Prambanan Temple built in the 10th Century which was accorded Unesco’s world heritage status.

It also has one of the oldest Catholic churches, locally called ‘Gareja & Candi Hati Kudus Tuhan Yesus’ built in 1924.

From Yogyakarta the delegation will travel by air to Bandung where it is planned for them to pay courtesy call on authorities and chamber of commerce possibly for business matching and networking sessions.

The third largest city, after Jakarta and Surabaya, Bandung is also a shopping haven with extravaganza factory outlets and many attractive tourist spots.

Riau Street and Dago area are famous for the factory outlets and heaven for shoppers.

Cibaduyut is considered the leather and footwear district of Bandung.

Gunung Tangkuban Perahu with its cool atmosphere and beautiful sceneries is a very attractive tourist destination in Bandung, as well as the Floating Market Lembang, Farmhouse, Kawah Putih and Patenggang Lake.

“The trip is also to provide members the opportunity to have direct acquaintance with the factory outlet products, tourism and agricultural businesses.

“It is expected to be an eye opener for members to learn and experience direct exposure and familiarisation with the branded factory product outlets and trading services,” said Kilat.

According to Kilat, the delegation will be led by chef de mission and DCCI president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum.

A number of DCCI officials, professionals and businessmen have expressed intentions to participate in the tour. They include Kilat himself, DCCI vice president Christopher Gira, secretary general Libat Langub, treasurer general Allan Kripin, and supreme council members Dato Ir Winsel Athos, Marilyn Peter Gani, Dr Joseph Jawa, Joseph Jinggut and Dato Ir Janang Bunsu.

Limited seats are available on first-come first-served basis. Details of the trip package and itineraries can be obtained direct from DCCI Secretariat Office and Audrey Wan Ulok of Telang Usan Travel & Tours, by calling them at 082 415 588 and 016 860 0800 respectively.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government should complement the federal government’s RM40 monthly rebate for eligible households registered under the e-Kasih system by maintaining the RM20 rebate policy implemented by former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.

In asserting this yesterday, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen said the federal government’s RM40 rebate is a nationwide policy mainly for the B40 group, more importantly for the group of users or consumers who are registered under the e-Kasih programme.

From Jan 1, the new policy will see 185,000 eligible households registered under the e-Kasih system benefit from the RM40 rebate per month.

“But it is sad to see that this policy has been taken advantage of by the state government in that the state government has taken this opportunity to revoke the RM20 electricity charges rebate that was implemented by the late Adenan Satem.

“Why I say that the state government has taken advantage of the good policy of the federal government? Because not all the poor are registered under e-Kasih, and not all those who are very thrifty or use very little electricity are registered for e-Kasih especially if you’re talking about the rural areas.

“For those who have previously benefited from the policy of the late Adenan Satem, some of them, they use very little electricity and a lot of them are those in the longhouses and the rural areas. And among them I think substantial numbers are not registered in the e-Kasih.

“So I think it is despicable of the state government to take advantage over the poorer and less educated group especially those in the rural areas by taking this opportunity to do away with the late Adenan Satem’s policy,” he told The Borneo Post here.

He was asked to comment on a recent announcement advertised by Syarikat Sesco Berhad in many local dailies on ‘Implementation of RM40 Electricity Bill Rebate starting January 2019’.

The announcement pointed out: “Following this new initiative, the current RM20 electricity rebate will be discontinued effective January 2019.”

Chong, who is Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, opined that the RM20 electricity rebate implemented by  the late Adenan should be continued to supplement the federal RM40 rebate given to those registered under the e-Kasih system.

“That should be the way the state government should be doing, if they have the interest of the poorer or the rural community at their heart.

“After all, with the implementation of the federal government’s policy of RM40 rebate, that would really save a lot of money.

“I think those (registered under the) e-Kasih system will enjoy RM40 rebate and you (state government) don’t have to give them RM20 rebate any more as it will be taken care of by the federal government.

“Why you (state government) want to widen your savings at the expense of those who are not registered under e-Kasih?” he pointed out.

Adenan announced the state government’s decision to reduce electricity tariffs ranging from two per cent to over 40 per cent in Nov 2014 that took effect from Jan 1, 2015.

As a result almost 60,000 customers joined the 70,000 already eligible for the federal government’s RM20 subsidy.

This means that approximately 130,000 low income customers in Sarawak have been receiving a zero monthly bill.

He said such tariff revision was designed to provide the greatest assistance to low-income customers.

When contacted, a spokesperson for Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) said they are not at liberty to issue a statement on the issue as it is a policy decision of the Sarawak government under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Utilities.

An attempt to get comments from Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom was unsuccessful at press time.

KUCHING: Malaysia will host Asian Television Awards (ATA) for the first time, bringing a list of prominent artists as nominees and/or presenters to Kuching on Jan 11 – 13.

The 23rd ATA will be held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), and among the ceremony hosts are the legendary former MTV Asia VJs May Wan and Choy Wan together with Adrian Jalaludin, Wallace Ang and Mark Zambrano.

ATA recognizes excellence in programming, production and performance with a total of 42 award categories.

The Awards draw hundreds of entries each year from a wide range of broadcasters, including free-to-air TV stations, pay-tv platforms, digital streaming services and  many independant production houses in Asia.

A panel of 50 judges from across the region were hand-picked based on their expertise and tremendous experience in local and international entertainment scene.

Nominees up for the Best Actress in a Leading Role Award include Ali Lee in My Ages Apart, Son Ye-Jin in Something in the Rain, and Maylada Susri in The Swan and The Dragons.

Adrian Alandy in Tabi Po The Series and Louis Scott in ‘Buppae Sannivas (Love Destiny) are nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role category.

There is also a tough competition for the Best Entertainment Presenter/Host Award as the nominees are very talented in their fields which include Kitti Cheawwongkul in ‘Roo Mai Krai Sod’ (Do you know who is available), Ray MacDonald who has been nominated based on his travel show, Food Tribe, Hua Gua, Ah Xiang and Xie Xin in Happy Together and Varavuth Jentanakul who received his nomination from Thailand fs most thrilling and intense quiz show, Still Standing Thailand.

The 23rd ATA will also be attended by Louis Hesse from Thailand and many top Malaysian stars which include Nad Zainal, and Diana Danielle.

ATA has chosen Sarawak for its 23rd edition in conjunction with Visit Sarawak 2019 campaign.

The 23rd ATA is supported by Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Its minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said Visit Sarawak 2019 campaign is expected to boost the local tourism industry with prominent world-class mega events such as this one, attracting a myriad of stars and internationally acclaimed talents for the first time.

“We will also be having a public concert on Jan 13 at the BCCK to add-onto the excitement,” says Abdul Karim.

ATA 23 has revealed the full list of nominees for each category on its social media platforms and official website https://www.asiantvawards.com/.

Past participants of ATA include more than 200 channels across Asia including KBS, NHK, HBO, CNN, Bloomberg, BBC, Al-Jazeera, TV18, Discovery Networks, Imagine Group, Viacom International Media Networks, Astro, Media Prima, PT Televisi Indonesia, Mediacorp, CGTN, PCCW, Formosa, ABS-CBN, BBTV, and SMG.

Please follow @Asiantvawards for latest update and information!

ATA, launched in 1996, is the Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognising excellence in programming, production and performance.

It comprises over 40 categories and represents the industry’s foremost recognition to independant production houses in Asia.

The 23rd ATA is organized by ATV Awards Sdn Bhd with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports.

It is also supported by talent partners Beam Artistes and Gushcloud with Malindo as official airline partner, Timeless Vacation as official travel agent and BCCK as the official venue partner.

The ceremony can be viewed live and/or delayed on iFlix, Bangkok TV, Today TV Vietnam, Channel O Indonesia, Citra Entertainment, Formosa TV, ViuTV, Arirang, ABS-CBN, Astro and Jiangsu Satellite International.

It is also available live on Facebook via @Asiantvwards.

The stage is set for the event.

The Sibu Street Music Fest banner.

SIBU: Members of the public are invited to join the Sibu Street Music Fest this weekend (Dec 29, 30) at the Sibu Heritage  Centre.

The event is organised by Democratic Action Party (DAP) P212 Service Centre and Sibu Community Team.

The Music Fest which will run from 7.30pm until 10.30pm will include various performances from local artists.

Among them are Bacquerell Dau, Esther James, Kamelia & G7 Music Studio, Vessel, Brandon Wong, SDC Sibu Drum Circle, Sibu Strings Ensemble, and Al Sape Grop featuring Fachry Band.

The aim of the event is to promote Sibu and the local talents, especially talents from the central region.

A stage has been erected in front of the Heritage Centre, and the organiser expects about 500 people to turn up for the event.

Admission is free. The organiser hopes that members of the public could show their support to the local artists.

The organiser also hopes that it could become a yearly event.

Majang performing a ngajat dance during his Christmas visit to Rh Gansor.

MIRI: For the people of Sarawak, the festive season serves as a platform to further enhance racial unity and religious harmony in the state.

In stating this, Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi said visiting open houses during festive seasons is a common practice in Sarawak.

Majang was met on his round of Christmas visits to Rumah Gansor in Sungai Sebatu, Suai on Wednesday.

He advised the people to always uphold such good spirit and the concept of open house to foster goodwill and unity.

Later on the same day, he paid similar visit to Rumah Junit, a nearby longhouse.

Besides extending festive season greetings to the longhouse folks, he announced some government grants to both longhouses – RM200,000 under Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to lay gravel foundation at the front compound of the two longhouses, RM8,000 each under Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant to the women bureau of both longhouses and RM10,000 for each church at the two longhouses.

Among those accompanying the assemblyman was Niah Chinese community leader Penghulu Haw Min Wai.

MSU graduates who completed UEM programme pose with their mentors.

SHAH ALAM: To train more young entrepreneurs among its graduates, Management & Science University (MSU) has placed various innovations as main components in entrepreneur subjects across its curriculum.

These include participation of MSU graduates in University Entrepreneurship Masterclass (UEM), a programme by StartupMalaysia.org. which is  recognised by the Finance Ministry, Malaysia.

The initial UEM programme in 2017 also had the support of Entrepreneur Development Ministry and Education Ministry.

Under the guidance of entrepreneurs and industry experts domestically and internationally as mentors and facilitators, participants are exposed to theoretical and practical approaches in building and developing businesses.

Through its Leadership & Entrepreneurship Advancement Institute (LEAD), MSU has been actively encouraging graduates involved in entrepreneurship with initiatives such as Jumpstart as start-up or  seed fund worth RM5 million.

Jumpstart helps participants with mentoring, coaching, business registration, marketing, management, accounting and finance, incubator facility, consultation services and business networking.

MSU graduates participation in UEM is also a special initiative of LEAD to give participants relevant industry input for their  entrepreneurship development.

A total of 73 MSU graduates for the 3rd and 4th cohort had completed  UEM programme and set up 48 businesses between October to December 2018 in e-commerce, food, health and beauty, education, advertising, publishing and editing, fashion amongst others.

Among those present at UEM Masterclass graduation ceremony were MSU president Profesor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid, deputy senior director (Foundation Sector & Planning) of National Strategy Unit (NSU) of Finance Ministry Abu Bakar Jambol, International and Digital Economy Section director of Entrepreneur Development Ministry Arividya Arimuthu, and Malaysia Startup Founder Dash Dhakshinamoorthy.

Trained young entrepreneurs among the graduates of MSU.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government is asked to justify its decision to set aside over RM40 million to relocate and build a school.

Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen specifically threw this challenge to Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee during a news conference here yesterday.

Chong, who is state Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, wondered why it cost so much to relocate and build two schools in Sarawak.

The two schools are SK Ulu Segan in Bintulu and SK Maludam in Betong.

“According to Annuar Rapaee, who is Nangka assemblyman, the state government has allocated more than RM40 million to build each school. These schools are not located in very, very interior sites. Both schools are accessible by tarred road and very near Bintulu and Betong town,” he said at DAP Sarawak headquarters here.

Chong thus challenged the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assistant minister to provide him with the specifications of the mentioned schools.

He said Dr Annuar should reveal the specifications of the two schools to justify spending such a big allocation.

“How is he going to justify the state government spending over RM40 million to build one school? And each of the schools has around 250 students,” pointed out Chong.

He opined that ‘there is no way to build a primary school of 250 students that cost over RM40 million’.

“He (Dr Annuar) has to be accountable to the people of Sarawak.” He said Dr Annuar must tell Sarawakians how the Sarawak government approved the two school projects.

“Do not treat projects for schools as ATM of GPS government,” cautioned Chong.

Dr Yii (second left) hands over the furniture items to SK Lumba Kuda headmaster John Selvaraj Perumal, witnessed by others.

KUCHING: The pupils, teachers and non-teaching staff of SK Lumba Kuda here are set to benefit from the RM68,000 provided by Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

Parts of the allocation have been used to purchase furniture items, and some other parts are meant to fund renovation and upgrading works on the primary school this year.

Dr Yii expressed his hope that the allocation would be put to good use towards providing an environment at the school that is conducive to both the children and the teachers.

On the upgrading project, he said they would include resurfacing and upgrading works on the staff room, as well as resurfacing works on the open court for the children to exercise and also undergo sports training.

“I had visited the school a few times, and spoken to the headmaster and the teachers as I wanted to find out their needs and concerns, and how best we could partner with them in providing a better environment for the children.

“I was then alerted about the bad condition of the school’s open space, where the pupils would use for training and exercise. There were a lot of holes in the ground, making it uneven – it was very dangerous for the children, in that they could trip and have a nasty fall,” he said.

Dr Yii acknowledged SK Lumba Kuda as being excellent in many kinds of sports, especially netball.

As such, the parliamentarian had set aside an amount from the allocation for having a contractor to resurface the whole open area so that the pupils could utilise it fully for their training.

“Hopefully, they would bring back more trophies for the school. Moreover, this would encourage more pupils to be involved in sports.”

Dr Yii also said some parts of the allocation would be used to change the tiles and upgrade the floor area in the staff room, which was in bad condition.

“Some sections of the floor are not tiled properly and some have broken tiles. The situation is not only an eyesore, but also a dangerous for the occupants of the room,” he said.

Abang Johari (second right) receives the Asia Pacific Property Award certificate from Lau during the courtesy call.

KUCHING: The eye-catching architecture of Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), with its noticeable banana-leaf-style roofing, has earned its designer the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Award.

Dato Sri John Lau of Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd (Akdi) conveyed the news during a courtesy call on the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex recently.

Lau accepted the honour during the ceremony at The Marriott, Marquis Queen’s Park in Bangkok, Thailand.

The award is a world-renowned mark of excellence for developers, architecture firms and property investors who, as a community of professionals, celebrate the highest level
of achievement around the world.

BCCK, designed by Akdi, competed against the most exclusive and best properties across the Asia Pacific region.

The award winners are judged by a panel of 80 most esteemed industry experts on the design, quality, service, innovation, originality and also commitment to sustainability.

Chong (right) speaks at the conference. With him is Yong.

KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has granted sugar import permit to a Sarawakian food and beverage (F&B) manufacturer as a move to break the monopoly in the import of this commodity.

Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen, who announced this yesterday, said the ministry is in the midst of processing two more applications from Sarawak.

“We have here one of Sarawak’s F&B manufacturers, which has successfully obtained the permit to import sugar. It took about a month for the application to obtain approval from the ministry.

“This is one of the efforts by the new government to break the monopoly in several fields in our country,” he spoke during a press conference at the Democratic Action Party (DAP) headquarters here.

Chong, who is Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, said the federal government ‘strongly believes that monopoly is bad for the economy’.

He said the federal government ‘is taking steps to address the issue’, observing that the import of sugar is one of the ‘protectionism industries’ in the country.

With the import permit, he said the Sarawakian F&B manufacturer could import refined sugar directly from the overseas source.

It is learnt that F&B manufacturers in Malaysia mostly import sugar from Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to Chong – also DAP Sarawak chairman – the mechanism helps bring down the cost of doing business among the F&B industry players across Sarawak.

Prior to this new policy, he said F&B manufacturers were left with no choice but to import sugar from their Peninsular Malaysian counterparts at RM2.70 per kilogramme – at least.

He added that when Sarawakian F&B manufacturers have the import permit, it would help them save a lot since they could purchase refined sugar from overseas at less than RM2 per kilogramme.

“It will be a huge saving for the F&B industry in Sarawak. This is an effort by the new government to help address the escalating cost of living.

“We also want to break up the monopoly that has (put) impact on prices of goods and food,” he said.

As such, Chong appealed to more F&B manufacturers in Sarawak to apply for the sugar import permit from the ministry.

He said they could submit their applications directly to him, the KPDNHEP Sarawak office or the headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

“The new government is helping to lower the cost of manufacturing by opening up the import permit for sugar – so that the various cake houses and others such as F&N can apply.

“Some manufacturers use a few hundred metric tonnes of sugar per year. With this import permit, they can save a few tens of thousands a year,” he added.

Chong was accompanied by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong during the press conference.

KUCHING: Consumers Voice Association Sarawak (Covas) agrees that it is up to consumers to spend their hard-earned money or BSH (formerly BR1M) payment at KFC or MacDonald’s fast food outlets.

While these eateries could lower or increase prices of their products because they are private enterprises, consumers on the other hand had to make a choice – either to patronise these eateries or spend their money somewhere else, said its (Covas) president Michael Tiong.

Tiong was asked on allegation that KFC had increased the prices of products, and that enforcers of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs are now probing the matter following public complaint.

A netizen reacted by saying that food and drinks at KFC and MacDonald’s are not basic needs or essentials, and therefore, the poor (or those with lower income) should not be spending their hard-earned money and welfare aid (like BSH) on them. The positive side of such price hike is that small businesses such as hawkers and some Mamak eateries will indirectly flourish.

QSR Brands (M) Holdings, the company that own KFC outlets acknowledged that it had made marginal price adjustment but some people in the social media claimed it had made a substantial hike or chose to misinterpret the price adjustment.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s Sarawak director Datuk Stanley Tan said traders could be fined up to RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of two years if convicted of hiking prices of school accessories like a pair of black shoes exorbitantly.

Tan said the ministry had not received any such complaint as up to Dec 26.

Uggah (seventh left), with Abang Khalid on his right, leads the Christmas cake-cutting ceremony at Puspen Kuching.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to support the Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) here, in order to promote modern agriculture there.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the assistance is necessary because it would help the inmates to go into modern agriculture once they have completed the rehabilitation programme.

He said agriculture is a lucrative business, and the inmates – upon the completion of their rehabilitation – must be given the chance to contribute to their families and society.

“The Sarawak government is willing to help Puspen to promote modern agriculture at the centre. It is also willing to assist those who have completed the rehabilitation programme, especially those who are interested in farming.

“This is because we care and we want to help them (former drug addicts) to live meaningful lives,”said Uggah – also Minister of Modern Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development – during a Christmas gathering at Puspen here yesterday.

The deputy chief minister later announced RM50,000 for the centre to carry out its activities, RM120,000 for the crop fertigation programme, RM20,000 for hydroponic, and also 100 boxes for breeding ‘lebah kelulut’ (stingless bees).

On another note, Uggah said the people must support Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, ‘who is a leader of all races and religions in Sarawak’.

Abang Johari, he added, is also fighting for the rights of all Sarawakians.

“Our support for the chief minister is important as Sarawak is embarking on a journey to become a developed and high-income society by 2030.”

Uggah added that the prevailing racial unity and religious harmony in Sarawak must be continued.

“Sarawak is special and unique because its people of different races and religions can celebrate the various festivals together. This must continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Puspen board of visitors chairman Tan Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki said the gathering was the first of its kind being held there, which would go a long way in helping to build a closer rapport between the inmates of different races and religions.

He regarded the Christians and the Muslims as ‘brothers and sisters’, and in Sarawak, their friendship is strong.

KUCHING: Syabu, or methamphetamine, is the most common drug being abused, based on Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) data recorded since 2014.

Moreover, 149 syabu abuse cases were recorded this year – up from 117 cases registered last year.

There were 143 cases of syabu abuse in 2014, while in 2015 the number was 141, and in 2016, there were 132 cases.

The data was distributed to the media during the Christmas gathering at Puspen here yesterday.

There were no cases of amphetamine, ‘ganja’ (marijuana) and morphine abuse recorded this year, but there was one case each recorded for nospen, heroine, ketamine and eramin. There were three cases related to amphetamine, four cases of ganja, and one case each of ketamine and nospen, recorded last year.

The statistics also revealed that 153 drug abusers were admitted to Puspen this year, versus 126 last year.

In 2016, there were 133 individuals admitted to the centre – the numbers were 145 each in 2015 and 2014. From the 153 admitted to Puspen this year, 109 were secondary school students.

THE gas explosion that ripped through a food outlet at CityONE Megamall was undoubtedly the most shocking disaster to have occurred in Kuching this year, and rocked not just Sarawak but the whole nation as well.

Three men were killed, while 41 others were injured in the Dec 4 incident.

O Kui Lim, 49, from Jalan Kangking in Batu Kawah in Kuching; Chin Hsien Loong, 29, from Butterworth, Penang; and Tchee Kiam Jong, 24, from Taman BDC Stutong in Kuching.

Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman told reporters at the scene that the incident occurred on the ground floor of the four-storey complex, when the contractors were busy doing final touch-ups to the fast food outlet ahead of its grand opening, which was supposed to take place on Dec 5.

“Of the 41 victims who survived the blast, 10 suffered serious injuries while the remaining 31 victims suffered burns and minor injuries. All the victims were rushed to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and two private hospitals for medical attention.

“The explosion is believed to have been caused by a leak in the gas pipeline. We are still investigating to determine the exact cause of the blast.”

A firefighter brings along the ‘forensic dog’ from Bomba Sarawak K9 Unit during their inspection on the explosion site inside CityOne Megamall in Kuching. Khirudin is seen at second left. — Bernama photo

Immediately following the blast, the entire mall was evacuated for safety reasons as firefighters, police, members of the Civil Defence Force and medical personnel rushed to site.

With dozens of injured survivors being attended to outside the mall, rescuers headed to the blast site, where partition walls and roof had collapsed, and began sifting through the rubble where they discovered the three bodies, along with several more injured survivors.

As tragic as it was, the mall blast also brought to light the power of compassion and humanity.

Tchee Fah Hin, the father of Kiam Jong, received countless compassionate messages and contributions following the broadcast of a video interview by Utusan Borneo Online, which reached over 120,000 views.

Appearing stoic, Fah Hin said he accepted his fate of losing his young son, adding that he had to be strong; “Otherwise, who would take care of his funeral?” he told Utusan Borneo.

It is learnt that the 66-year-old has been living in the dilapidated wooden house at the Stutong area for over 20 years.

“It (house) is the same age as him (Kiam Jong),” said Fah Hin.

It is also reported that the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government agreed to build a new house for Fah Hin, through Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB).

According to Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, the house would be built after the Sarawak government alienates a piece of land, which sits near Fah Hin’s current house.

“It will be a ‘Rumah Mesra Rakyat’ (RMR) unit, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living area.

“This is so that we can fulfil the wish and dream of Mr Tchee (Fah Hin) to have his own house,” said Yong during her visit to Fah Hin on Dec 14.

Photo shows what was left of the teacher’s quarters at SK Batu Bungan, which was destroyed in a fire that also killed Catherine (inset).

Fire claims life of young teacher

The fire that struck SK Batu Bungan in Mulu was a tragedy that not only affected the family but the whole education fraternity in Sarawak.

The incident, which occurred in the wee hours of July 25, claimed the life of primary school-teacher Catherine Janet Tiwi, 25.

It is reported that fire broke out at a quarters where she was staying with two other colleagues in SK Batu Bungan – a rural primary school in Mulu.

Catherine was a teacher at SK Penghulu Baya Mallang in Apoh, Baram, but had gone to SK Batu Bungan for a five-day Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) motivation camp.

Police investigation indicated that she managed to escape from the burning quarters, but went back inside to save her two other colleagues who were trapped inside.

Catherine, however, could not find her way out as the flames had spread very quickly.

The charred remains were later found by firefighters from the Marudi station, who were deployed to carry out investigation on site.

The tragic passing of the selfless primary school-teacher was remembered during the 27th state-level Teacher’s Day ceremony held in Betong on July 25 — Sarawak Education Department director Rakayah Madon broke down in tears upon recounting Catherine’s heroic sacrifice while delivering her speech.

“I have lost my teacher,” she said between sobs.

Remembering Bill Kayong

After over one year of trial, on Aug 10, 2018, the court sentenced 31-year-old Mohamad Fitri Pauzi to death by hanging when he was found guilty for the murder of land activist and former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Miri secretary Bill Kayong in 2016.

Throughout the trial, which commenced in March 2017, a total of 28 witnesses had been called to testify in court.

Three other individuals, who were initially charged for being accomplices in the murder – Lie Chang Loon, Chin Wei Chung and Datuk Stephen Lee Chee Kiang – were released and acquitted from the charge on June 6, 2017.

Bill – whose Muslim name was Mohd Hasbie Abdullah – was shot at a traffic light intersection near Emart Commercial Centre at Kuala Baram Bypass in Miri, on June 21, 2016.

On June 23 that year, Lee went into hiding to Singapore from Miri and then to Melbourne thereafter.

On July 15, 2016, Mohamad Fitri – then 29 – was brought to the Magistrate’s Court in Miri and was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Court, for the murder of Bill.

Lie, 37, was also brought to the Magistrate’s Court on the same date (July 15) and was charged under Section 109, read together with Section 302 of the Penal Code, for abetting in the murder of Bill.

On Aug 18, 2016, a personal assistant to Lee – Chin, 50, surrendered himself at Miri Central police station. He was later brought to the Magistrate’s Court on Aug 29 and was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for the charge of abetting in the murder of Bill.

The case was later transferred to the High Court for further mention, for all three accused – Mohamad Fitri, Lie and Chin.

On Nov 25, 2016, Mohamad Fitri, Lie and Chin each pleaded not guilty in Miri High Court to the charge of murdering/abetting in the murder of Bill.

It was on Dec 12 (2016) when Lee was finally arrested in Putian, Fujian, by the Ministry of Public Security in China.

Lee was extradited to Miri on Dec 14, 2016. Upon his arrival at Miri Airport in tight security, he was immediately taken to Miri Magistrate’s Court at 2pm on the same day to face the charges.

The trial for all four accused went on for 13 days (March 7-10, March 13-17 and March 28-31, 2017) before High Court Judge Ravintharan N Paramaguru.

On June 6, 2017, the High Court found the prosecutors were successful in proving a prima facie case against Mohamad Fitri and ordered him to enter his defence, while Judge Ravintharan ordered Lee, Lie and Chin to be released and acquitted from the charge of being accomplices in hiring Mohamad Fitri and another man, who is still on the run, to murder Bill.

On April 30, 2018, the High Court set the date May 21 to 25 to hear Mohamad Fitri’s defence statement – the accused entered his defence statement on May 21.

On July 3, 2018, the court heard oral submission from both the prosecutors and the defence counsels and on July 17, there was a hearing of reply submission from the prosecutor involving two issues raised by the defence counsels in their written submission.

On Aug 10, Mohamad Fitri was found guilty of murdering Bill.

Regardless of this, several MPs from PKR Sarawak were not satisfied with the sentencing and held a small protest outside the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 16, 2018.

Miri MP Dr Michael Teo, Saratok MP Ali Biju, Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin and several other individuals staged a 30-minute rally, where they demanded the authorities to re-open the case and stressed that the identity of the real mastermind (of the murder) had not been revealed; that Bill’s family deserved justice.

It was also reported that Bill’s family was not happy over the federal government’s proposal to abolish the death penalty, especially for those who committed murders.

On Oct 16, 2018, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong was quoted as having said that the government would proceed with abolishing the death penalty, despite criticisms from the families of murder victims.

Grim cases

On Jan 9, 2018, police caught a man attempting to dump the body of a secondary school student at Jalan Perlis in Kuala Baram, near Miri.

The men-in-blue, who were patrolling the area at the time, spotted a man standing next to his car parked by the roadside – they saw him as behaving very suspiciously.

Upon being approached by the patrollers, the man immediately went inside his car and sped off. This led to a high-speed chase, which ended when the man suddenly pulled over at a junction leading to Miri Port.

Upon inspection on his car, police discovered the body of a girl inside the boot.

The girl was identified as the daughter of the man’s girlfriend – it is said that he had killed her at a house in Permyjaya earlier that day.

Strangulation is said to be the cause of death. The girl was 13.

Former CID Sarawak chief Datuk Dev Kumar, who confirmed the case, said the suspect had an argument with the girl prior to her death.

“It is believed that he had strangled her to death. He then placed the body inside his car’s boot and planned to dump it in an isolated area in Kuala Baram,” said Dev.

File photo shows firefighters carrying the body of the boy, who drowned after he fell off Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching.

In Kuching, the just-opened Darul Hana Bridge recorded its first fatality case on May 14 when a 14-year-old student fell into Sarawak River – in his attempt to take a selfie – and drowned.

The Bomba received a distress call at 8.29am and deployed a team from the Padungan station to the scene, where the body was recovered at around 10am.

Kuching District police chief ACP Ng Ah Lek said no foul play was found.

“The victim fell off the South Viewing Deck of the bridge. The body was found by firefighters about 10m from the spot where he fell into.”

Most recently, also in Kuching, a doctor was found dead inside a car at the parking lot of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Tuesday afternoon – Dec 18, 2018.

According to the Health Department of Sarawak, one Dr Arif Husaini Abdul Rahim, who was from Selangor, was found unconscious inside a car at around 4pm.

Paramedics later pronounced him dead shortly after.

“Dr Arif had served in Kuching over the past five years,” the statement added.

The doctor was supposed to report for evening-shift duty that day. However, he failed to turn up and was unreachable via mobile phone – this prompted a search.

It is said that Dr Arif had complained about feeling unwell the day before.

The body was later flown back to Selangor at 7am on Wednesday (Dec 19) after a post-mortem was conducted the night before.

A firefighter gives Kho something to eat. The hiker was found seven days after he was reported missing during a solo hike up Mount Singai in Bau.

Triumphant human spirit

Perhaps among all the unfortunate incidents that occurred in 2018, there were a few that ended on a positive note.

On Sept 23, Stanley Kho was found alive seven days after he went missing during a solo ascent on Mount Singai in Bau, near Kuching.

The 22-year-old was very weak, but relatively unhurt, when rescuers found him. The recovery was made after local villagers reported hearing a voice calling for help, which seemed to be coming from the jungle behind their houses.

Villagers Mohamad Fitri and his brother-in-law Lesdie Ng headed up to the mountain along a stream in their attempt to pinpoint the location of the victim – about 20 minutes later, they came across Kho.

“When we found him, the first thing he asked us was the date and what day it was, and whether anyone had been searching for him. He also told us that he had only been consuming water from the stream throughout the ordeal,” said Fitri, adding that Kho also related to them how he had heard the voices of rescuers calling out for him, but was too weak to respond.

Bomba Sarawak assistant operations director Tiong Ling Hii, meanwhile, disclosed that Kho was found on a steep hillslope – with a gradient of about 80 degrees – just 300m from the operations centre at the village.

He said Kho, who was clad only in his underwear, sustained some injuries to his hands and legs and was sent to a private hospital in Kuching for treatment.

Kho was reported missing on Sept 17. His friends said he updated his WeChat status at 10.05am that day, but could not be reached after that.

Four of them initially ascended the mountain to search for Kho, failing which they sought help from Bomba later the same day.

Akihiro, seen resting on a stretcher, shows thumbs-up to members of the Medevac team and also the firefighters involved in the rescue mission.

In Miri, a Japanese researcher landed in Miri Hospital after experiencing a nasty fall during a climbing expedition on Mount Mulu on Dec 15.

The Medical Emergency Evacuation (Medevac) helicopter was despatched to transport Akihiro Noda, 25, from Camp 4 of Mulu National Park to the hospital on Monday – Dec 17, but it could not take off due to bad weather.

The helicopter touched down here at 8.35am on Dec 18.

According to Bomba Sarawak operations centre, they received an emergency call from Mulu National Park at 1.22pm on Dec 16, requesting for a Medevac helicopter to airlift a Japanese researcher from Camp 4.

It is believed that Akihiro had suffered a broken hip and bruises on his rib after a nasty fall during a climbing expedition on Mount Mulu with another Japanese researcher and three porters.

The injured Japanese was received by Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman and Zone 6 Bomba station chief Supt Law Poh Kiong at Miri Hospital on Dec 18.

Chong holds up a copy of the record of complaint as he speaks. Also seen is Abdul Aziz.

KUCHING: Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen said yesterday he was amused by the recent concerted ‘playacting’ by four persons, mostly Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) leaders and members, on grass-cutting work along federal roads here.

He named the four persons as Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang, SUPP candidate for Padungan in the 2016 state election Peter Pau, SUPP Batu Kitang Youth secretary Leonard Tan and Chin Siaw Hong whose nickname is ‘Hui Tai Lang’ on social media.

At a news conference, Chong, accompanied by his special assistant Abdul Aziz Isa, who was defeated by Lo in a five-cornered fight in Batu Kitang in the 2016 state election, gave an account of how the issue panned out.

According to the state Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, Lo recently issued a statement alleging that the federal funds for maintaining federal roads had been reduced.

“I have checked with MoF (Ministry of Finance). There is no cut in the allocation for maintaining the federal roads in 2018. It was the contractor awarded the grass-cutting project that finished off the allocation given for the one whole year, resulting in the predicament we face now.”

He alleged that the contractor finished the allocation within 10 months and that under the previous government more fund would be given.

“Now with the new government, we have to be more accountable,” he said at the state DAP headquarters here.

Chong said a stretch of Jalan Batu Kawa was overgrown with grass and hence he had requested Lo to arrange for the grass along the stretch to be cut but the MPP chairman did not respond to the request.

“Okay, fair enough, that it is federal road. But it is still within MPP area. It won’t use up much of your (MPP) funds to cut the grass, which only needs to last until December and federal funds will come in from January next year.

“But Lo refused to do it. So I came up with my own money to engage two gardeners to cut the grass. This is for the safety and convenience of road users who are making u-turns there. It cost RM200 only and it was about one hour’s work.

“What’s so difficult with it, Lo? And he also issued another statement, calling for my resignation. He asked me to resign as the deputy minister because I failed to secure more funds. I took the initiative to do your job and yet you asked me to resign?”

He opined that the group of four had stretched his patience when Tan and Chin lodged reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Friday regarding the matter.

“I’m really amused by the playacting staged by Lo Khere Chiang, Peter Pau, Leonard Tan and Hui Tai Lang or Chin Siaw Hong. Lo’s statement quoted a talikhidmat (hotline) complaint lodged by a SUPP member. The complaint came from Peter Pau.”

Chong showed the press a copy of the record of complaint as well as the reply by state Public Works Department (JKR).

He read out the report filed by Pau: “The grass at the road site didn’t cut (sic) and the landscape plant not being trimmed. Our tourists had mention (sic) that look (sic) like we didn’t manage our town wisely, especially the road from airport to town center”.

He then read out the reply by the state JKR: “Kindly be informed that Airport Road is a federal road. FYI, as announced by Minister of Public (sic) Works in local daily newspaper, there was no allocation for grass cutting for the month of Nov and Dec throughout all the federal roads in Malaysia from federal government. Therefore, the grass cutting is expected to resume in January 2019 with the availability of fund from federal government.”

He said the most ironic part of it all was that the agency added “We trust that you are happy with our service and that we may close this call.”

“My goodness, when you start kicking the ball, only Peter Pau can be happy with the service because all of them are together in the drama. I’m totally disappointed with the attitude and KPI (key performance indicator) of this agency.

“Leonard Tan and Hui Tai Lang are asking the MACC to investigate me. What do I have to do with the contract which was awarded before we took over as the new government? It (the work) has nothing to do with my ministry.

“The MoF feedback is that you have used up the funds. Hui Tai Lang (Chin) even named four parties namely former prime minister and former finance minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak), current finance minister (Lim Guan Eng), me and the contractor for the MACC to investigate.

“How about the state JKR? Should it not be investigated? The question is still, who awarded the project to the contractor?” pointed out Chong.

He said Lo should do things that need to be done under his council’s jurisdiction and that he has access to MPP workers who could easily get the grass-cutting work done even without the federal funds.

“It is very petty of him not to do it. He has failed his duty by refusing to do what should be done in his MPP’s jurisdiction,” added Chong.

It is learnt that the federal government sets aside some RM800 million for the maintenance of federal roads nationwide every year.

The Kuching division is said to have 73km of federal roads which include Jalan Tun Jugah, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Airport, Jalan Batu Kawa and Jalan Kuching-Serian.

Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah

KUCHING: Sarawak government has agreed to give a grant of RM5,000 to each and every registered preschool in Sarawak next year.

The funds are to be utilised for teaching and learning purposes, said Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

“Priority would be child centred learning, activity-based fun-learning, inclusive communication and character development. As a follow-up of last year’s Preschool Convention resolution, the grant can also be used for digitalising Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE),” she said yesterday.

She revealed that in 2019, Sarawak will have its own state-run ECCE institutions so that the state can develop its own policies based on its needs.

“We share Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision of providing quality care and education for Sarawak’s children from birth till six years old.

“Apart from our own policies (on ECCE), also under our jurisdiction will be the curriculum, teachers, facilities and infrastructure. For a start we will take over Sedidik’s childcare centres and kindergartens totalling 82.

“We have worked hand in hand with private and the federal-owned childcare centres and kindergartens under Education Department, Community Development Department (Kemas) and National Unity and Integration Department through our Early Childhood Education and Development Council,” she said.

On another matter, she said the Chief Minister will launch the Endowment Fund (EF) for Sarawakian children on Jan 16.

She said from Jan 1 the National Registration Department will hand over the forms of those registered as Sarawakians to the agency which manages the EF.

The EF was introduced by Abang Johari when tabling the 2019 State Budget on Nov 5. Under the EF, every newborn Sarawakian baby will be given a one-off incentive of RM1,000, irrespective of ethnicity, religious belief and social status next year.

“Parents and the general public should rest assured that under GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government, education, welfare and wellbeing of our people is our core business,” she said.