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Make an impact, PM tells youth Posted: 31 May 2011 01:07 PM PDT 2011/06/01 By R. Sittamparam news@nst.com.my ONE FOR THE ALBUM... Participants of the Youth Action Forum 2011 posing for a picture with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (top, centre), who opened the forum before attending a mentoring session in Petaling Jaya yesterday. More than 350 youth leaders attended the gathering. — NST picture by Effendy Rashid PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday urged youths to use the Youth Nation Summit and Youth Action Forum as platforms to involve themselves directly in the country's policy-making. Najib said the platforms were set up in response to calls by youths who were interested and passionate about their role in the community, and wanted to make an impact. He said youths would also be able to voice their opinions to decision-makers in government and the corporate sector. "The time has come for you to take advantage of this opportunity and help us build a stronger nation. "Vision 2020 cannot be realised if only certain segments of the population, policy-makers, people in senior positions in government and private sector, are involved." Najib was speaking after a luncheon with some 350 youth leaders at the closing of the three-day Youth Action Forum here. The forum was organised as part of the inaugural Youth Nation Summit by myHarapan, a youth trust foundation, and AIESEC Malaysia. Najib said youths, who comprise two-thirds of the population, had a critical role in national development. "Platforms like the Youth Nation Summit and Youth Action Forum are new avenues for youth's greater engagement and empowerment. "We can no longer use traditional avenues to engage with you. "If you go through what we have today -- we may be engaging with some of the youth but not all of them." Najib said while today's youth had a sense of purpose, were idealistic and energetic, they lacked the ability to make things happen. "You need support from us. That is why I am here today, to support you. This is a wonderful partnership -- the energy, enthusiasm and idealism of youth, and us, representing the government and corporate Malaysia, can lend you a helping hand. "Together, you can make things happen and contribute to the betterment of Malaysia." Najib also announced that the government, through myHarapan, would provide seed money of between RM5,000 and RM15,000 for youth programmes. "If your programmes are meaningful, you can win consideration under the 1Malaysia Youth Fund. "Today, three youth programmes have graduated to this level and will receive support from the 1Malaysia Youth Fund." Najib said the government had set aside RM50 million through 1Malaysia Development Bhd for programmes by youths deemed creative and beneficial to the community. Earlier, at the mentoring session of the Youth Action Forum, Najib told participants they could be inspiring role-models to their peers. The session was a closed-door discussion with Najib on economic, social and environmental sustainability, and participants had put forward their recommendations on policy matters. The Youth Nation Summit 2011 is organised under the Power of Y, an umbrella campaign by myHarapan that incorporates the best of youth leadership, practical industry knowledge and experience through a series of events and programmes. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

86 extra bursaries?<br>Cabinet to decide today if high-achievers can study abroad Posted: 31 May 2011 01:00 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: Eighty-six more Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships may be given to students who scored 9A+ in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) to enable them to pursue their studies abroad. This is in addition to the 1,500 overseas scholarships given annually. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the cabinet would decide on the matter today. The 86 high-achievers had already been awarded scholarships, but to study in local universities. Their cases were brought up by representatives of Barisan Nasional component parties such as MCA, MIC, Gerakan and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). "But this is not the final number; there may be more (but they did not appeal). Since this request exceeds the present 1,500 scholarships, we have agreed that we will appeal and let it be decided by the cabinet," he told a press conference yesterday, after meeting the component party representatives. Asked if the government would allow for similar appeals in the future, Nazri explained that even if the cabinet agreed to accommodate the 86 students, this would not mean a permanent increase in the scholarship quota. "We will go on a year-by-year basis." Nazri said there were also 67 other students who got 9A+ but were awarded diploma or matriculation courses locally. "Their appeal is that they be given matriculation courses but this is something we need to discuss with the Education Ministry (because it handles placements)." He said some of the component party members also felt that the majoring or specialisations for the matriculation courses should be stated, instead of being left open. "Last year, the specialisations or majoring for these courses were mentioned, for example matriculation for medicine or matriculation for engineering, but this year, it was not specified and the students feel they are not being given what they asked for." He said PSD only awarded the scholarships but the areas of specialisation depended entirely on the ministr y. Nazri said he would also discuss with the ministry about the appeal cases of 103 students who scored 8A+ but were given diploma courses. These students want matriculation courses instead. Asked on MCA's suggestion that PSD drop the interview process for students vying for the scholarships, Nazri said he would also bring up the matter in cabinet. Nazri said that from next year, PSD would first hold a press briefing to explain the framework for the awarding of the grants to avoid confusion on the matter. "Before we announce our decision on the scholarships, PSD must give a briefing to the media and explain how the scholarships are to be distributed and what scholarships are being given. We will do this every year from now on." Present yesterday were Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is MCA deputy president, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K. Devamany, who is MIC vice-president, Gerakan vice-president Datuk Mah Siew Keong and LDP president Datuk V.K. Liew. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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19 trapped in flooded China coal mines Posted: 31 May 2011 09:50 PM PDT BEIJING: Rescuers in southwest China raced Wednesday to locate 19 workers trapped in two flooded coal mines, state media said, in the latest incidents to strike the nation's notoriously dangerous collieries. In Guiyang city, the capital of Guizhou province, emergency teams searched for 11 missing miners at the Fuhong mine, which flooded on Sunday, the official Xinhua news agency reported. One body has been recovered. Provincial safety official Pu Jianjiang was quoted as saying those missing still had a chance of survival. A preliminary investigation revealed that a design flaw could have been the cause of the accident. The second incident, which took place late Tuesday on the border of Guizhou province and the Guangxi region, left eight workers trapped. A local official said rescue work was under way at the mine, which was operating illegally. Last year, 2,433 people died in coal mine accidents in China, according to official statistics, or a rate of more than six workers per day. Labour rights groups, however, say the actual death toll is likely much higher than official data indicates, partly due to under-reporting of accidents as mine bosses seek to limit their economic losses and avoid punishment. - BERNAMA Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Cebu Pacific slashes fares by 50 percent Posted: 31 May 2011 09:48 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines' largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific, has slashed fares to all of its international and domestic destinations by 50 per cent from yesterday to June 3. The deal is for travel from Aug 1-Oct 31, 2011. Among the international destinations on sale are Bangkok, Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, Incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka and Singapore, the airline said in a statement today. "Passengers can also utilise the airline's network in Asia to get from North Asia to Southeast Asia and vice versa, via the Philippines," said its vice president for marketing and distribution, Candice Iyog. -- BERNAMA Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Flood spoils 30-year vinyl collection Posted: 14 Mar 2011 06:27 PM PDT 2010/11/10 Adie Suri Zulkefli adie@nst.com.my Tengku Nahar Tengku Mansor holds his treasured collection of Michael Jackson Thriller at his flood-ravaged house at Taman Rakyat, Alor Star. NST picture by Ramdzan Masiam ALOR STAR: Flood victim Tengku Nahar Tengku Mansor, 48, was devastated when he came home to find his collection of vinyl records was soaked in mudwaters after the city was ravaged by floods last Wednesday. The father of three only realised the irreparable damages when he returned to his house at Taman Rakyat, Jalan Sultanah Bahiyah here on Saturday after seeking refuge at a relative's home in Hutan Kampung. Self-employed Tengku Nahar said his record collection were kept in the storeroom of his double-storey house and he had forgotten about the records when his family were rushing to evacuate the house last week. "I was busy moving our furniture to the upper-floor when the flood started to reach our doorstep last Wednesday. I forgot about the records that was stacked in a box which I placed on the floor of the store room," said crestfallen Tengku Nahar. Tengku Nahar said he may salvage the vinyl records but the album covers were spoilt. His collection includes evergreens and superstars the likes of Bee Gees, Dan Hill, Neil Young, David Gates, Kim Carnes, Cliff Richard, Nat King Cole, and Graham Nash. Tengku Nahar began collecting the vinyl records in the 1970s, and he loved each of them dearly. "This is the precious collection of my life, I simply could not believe that I forgot about them when we were leaving the house," he added. Tengku Nahar had lived in Langkawi for over 20 years before moving back to his hometown in Alor Star two months ago. "I had never expected this area would be inundated by flood as it was never badly affected even during the major flood in 2005. I certainly hope that it would not occur again," he said. He thanked the volunteer rescuers for helping them in the evacuation process. "I didn't realise how serious the situation was until the rescuers arrived at 11pm on Thursday telling us to leave the house as the authority was about to cut-off the electricity supply on safety ground," he said, sharing his first experience with flood disaster. Tengku Nahar said he was planning to frame all the vinyl record and have them hung on the wall but did not have the time to do so. He only managed to frame his most treasured album 'Thriller', by the late King of Pop Michael Jackson. "At least I still have this." Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Nation needs DNA banks, says lead CSI Posted: 09 Mar 2011 10:50 AM PST 2010/12/08 By Nor Hidayati Mokhtar SHAH ALAM: Malaysia needs to build DNA banks or repositories to assist in solving crimes and prosecuting cases, according to a senior forensic police officer. Head of the Police Forensic Lab's Crime Scene Unit (CSU) Supt Amidon Anan said the ability to collect DNA at crime scenes often proved futile as the forensic lab had only a limited bank of samples. "Having the DNA is useful if we have suspects we can match the samples against. But we are unable to use the samples to help us find potential perpetrators as we don't have DNA banks like what you see on the television series CSI," said Amidon. He was speaking to students from UiTM's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies on the topic, 'Crime as the elective subject' at the campus here on Oct 5. The need to create and develop DNA banks was critical, said Amidon, given the high public expectations on the police to safeguard society and reduce crime. He said: "DNA banks can help the CSU in many pending cases, such as Nurin Jazlin. It was sad that while we were able to collect a DNA sample from the body of the child, we had little means or resources to match it with the likely murderer," he said. Nurin Jazlin was a high-profile case of a missing child whose body was subsequently dumped in a gym bag in Petaling Jaya more than three years ago. Amidon expressed his frustration that the CSU's repeated requests for the establishment of DNA banks seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. While the cost of implementing such a project would be substantial, he said it would only escalate over time and "if not now, then when?" "It is not about being a hero in solving these cases. It is about finding justice for the victim's family." "Having this ability to solve and prosecute cases would significantly reduce the ability of criminals to get away with their crimes," added Amidon. (Ed: This article first appeared in Varsity Voice, a monthly publication jointly produced by the New Straits Times and Universiti Teknoogi MARA (UiTM) under the newspaper's Journalism on Campus project.) Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Sunway cut to 'hold', stock slides Posted: 31 May 2011 06:19 PM PDT Sunway Holdings Bhd, a Malaysian construction and property group, fell the most in two weeks in Kuala Lumpur trading after the stock was cut to "hold" from "buy" at Maybank Investment Bank Bhd. The stock slid 1.2 per cent to RM2.54 at 9:11 a.m. local time, set for its biggest decline since May 19. -- Bloomberg Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

RHB Cap gains on possible merger report Posted: 31 May 2011 07:40 PM PDT Shares in RHB Capital Bhd gained 10 per cent or 88 sen to RM10.10 at 10.02am today following news that Bank Negara had given approval to Maybank and CIMB to commence merger negotiations with the bank. Investors cheered the possible exercise, which is expected to cost RM20 billion, with about 1.66 million shares changing hand. However, both Maybank and CIMB's shares lost its lustre, with both declining eight sen and one sen to RM8.83 and RM8.36, respectively. HwangDBS Vickers Research, in a note today, said the merger of Maybank+RHB Cap or CIMB+RHB Cap, with an estimated combined asset size of US$154 billion and US$132 billion, respectively, would bring the enlarged entity closer to their larger Asean peers, namely Singapore banks. "We believe the creation of a regional banking champion is essential in an evolving competitive landscape. We would not discount a likely duplication in branches and customers arising from the merger but we believe there are synergies to be extracted," it said in a note today. The research house also seem to favour CIMB+RHP Cap, saying that the possible enlarged entity would create a more value enhancing union given its previous successful mergers, both domestically and regionally. "RHB Cap remains our merger and acquisition pick pending imminent finalisation of a bidder, either wholly (by a domestic bank) or partly (by a foreign strategic stake)," it added. The research house also maintained a'"buy" recommendation on RHB Cap at a target price of RM10. -- Bernama Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Bowling: Much at stake for women Posted: 31 May 2011 05:15 PM PDT 2011/06/01 Ajitpal Singh ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my Siti Shazwani is one of the players hoping to make the team to the Women's World Championships. THE national bowling team will be gunning for honours in two "Gold" level European Tour tournaments in July. They will compete in the Storm San Marino Open (July 2-10) and the Trofeu Internacional Ciutatde Barcelona (July 12-17). Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress high performance manager Cheah Ban Cheng said the National Sports Council has agreed in principle to fund the national team for both European tournaments. "We will conduct a roll-off to select the best bowlers for both competitions. The council will only fund a specific number of bowlers," said Ban Cheng yesterday. "Both tournaments will give our bowlers the perfect opportunity to make an impression in Europe. Most of the top European bowlers will be in San Marino and Barcelona." Malaysian bowlers have been making an impression in Europe since 2007. Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi was the first to make an impact by claiming the Czech Open, four years ago, before Adrian Ang stunned some of the best bowlers in Europe to lift the 2009 Ankara Open. In March, Syafiq Ridhwan Malek, a former national champion, finished second in the Brunswick Euro Challenge in France. The event was also part of the World Tour. National coach Holloway Cheah said the San Marino and Barcelona events will be used to gauge his bowlers before he decides the team for the Women's World Championships in Hong Kong in September. "The stakes are higher for the women bowlers. Those selected for both tournaments will of course hold early advantage in getting selected for the world meet. "But they cannot afford to slip up in Europe," he said. Holloway said he will name the six-member world meet squad after the Indonesia Open in Jakarta on July 15-25. "My bowlers must use the opportunity in tournaments to make an impression as we are not competing in many this year." Those gunning for tickets to the world meet are Wendy Chai, Esther Cheah, Sharon Koh, Zandra Aziela, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore, Sin Li Jane, Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana, Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi and Hee Kar Yen. The men and women bowlers are currently competing in the Singapore Open. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Football: Safee raring to strike again Posted: 31 May 2011 05:13 PM PDT 2011/06/01 Ajitpal Singh ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my Safee Sali (centre) with captain Safiq Rahim (left) and Azmi Muslim at a training session at Wisma FAM on Monday. — Picture by: Osman Adnan SAFEE Sali believes his stint with Pelita Jaya in the Indonesian Super League has made him a better striker. The 27-year-old, who was the top scorer in last December's AFF Cup, has scored six goals in 10 appearances for Pelita. The striker now hopes to make full use of his skill to help the national team make an impact in the World Cup Qualifiers. Malaysia will open their campaign against minnows Taiwan in a two-leg match on June 29 (Kuala Lumpur) and July 3 (Taipei). Singapore await the winner of the Malaysia-Taiwan tie in the second round. Safee reported for training with the national team for the first time in almost three months at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya on Monday. Although Safee had only returned a day before reporting to national coach K. Rajagobal, he did not show signs of fatigue throughout the training session. Safee is expected to lead Malaysia's strikeforce alongside Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in an away international friendly against Hong Kong on Friday. "Although it has only been three months, I feel it has been ages since I last wore the national jersey. I want to make an impact against Hong Kong," said Safee in Kelana Jaya yesterday. "My game has improved by leaps and bounds since my stint in the Indonesian league. It has made me a better player. Now, I want to use all my experience to help Malaysia do well in international matches, starting with the World Cup Qualifiers." Safee said it was important, however, that the national team earn good results in friendly internationals ahead of the Qualifiers. "A win against Hong Kong will definitely give us the confidence and self-belief for the qualifiers. We must continue with our consistency and composure, which won us the AFF Cup, throughout this season," said Safee, adding that he must play to his true ability for the national team. Rajagobal has dropped two players, goalkeeper Nasril Nourdin and defender Farisham Ismail, from his 24-man squad for the friendly against Hong Kong. He is using the match to test new faces and strategies before the Qualifiers. Among the trainees are Syed Adney Syed Hussein, Nasriq Baharom, Mohamad Azmi Muslim, S Chanturu, Helmi Remeli and Ismail Faruqi Ashari. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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FISH LURE Posted: 30 May 2011 11:55 AM PDT FISH LURE 2011/05/31 By Sim Bak Heng A roadside stall in Jalan Johor Baru-Pontian is drawing fish lovers WHILE most ornamental fishes are placed in aquariums or sold in hobby shops located indoors, Marzinah Mohd Amran, 48, is selling the fish in small plastic bags by the roadside. Rows of plastic bags filled with fish, water and aquatic weeds are seen hanging from her makeshift stall at Kampung Jasa Sepakat at Batu 30.5, Jalan Johor Baru-Pontian in Pontian. It is hard to miss this stall as passersby will find themselves captivated by the bags of water sparkling under the sun. If they bother to stop by the stall, they will be surprised to see ornamental fishes of different species and sizes lurking amid the waterweeds in each of the plastic bags, as though they are saying: "Take me home! Take me home!" Marzinah was once a fruit seller who operated her stall at exactly the same spot as this fish stall now. "My husband and I used to sell local fruits and jungle produce for about 15 years. However, I broke my leg during an accident six years ago. This forced my husband to stop the business which was labour-intensive," she said. "After I recovered a year later, I could not move heavy items. My friends then encouraged me to sell ornamental fish at the abandoned fruit stall, and they even found me fish suppliers. I have been doing this business for the past four years and I enjoy it a lot." Marzinah's customers include both locals and passing travellers. She said some travellers heading towards Kuala Lumpur or Johor Baru even bought a few bags. Among the ornamental fish sold at her stall are kaloi kampung (giant gouramy), belida (featherback), sepat (gouramy), bujuk (forest snakehead) , leekoh (common carp) and puyu (climbing perch). Edible species like the haruan (common snakehead) and tilapia are also available. Snakeheads are highly sought after by housewives who are under confinement as it is believed the meat has the medicinal property to expedite wound-healing. As it is meant for consumption, the species is generally bigger than ornamental fish. Marzinah always tries to keep her price low as she wants to encourage people to take up the hobby. She tags her fish from RM4 each and the biggest snakehead of about three kilogrammes sells for RM30. "All my fish are obtained locally. For example, the sepat species are usually caught by using net in canals. For bujuk, perch and snakehead, they are usually supplied by anglers. Other species are bred in fish farms and supplied to me regularly," she said. Although Marzinah's husband has a part-time job, he still helps her from time to time with tasks like packing the fish. "I am comfortable with what I am doing now as it is not as laborious as before. Even a lone worker is enough for the job, which is rather relaxing," she said. "More importantly, I also share knowledge with my customers on fish-rearing, fish food and hygiene." Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

IBM offers toolkit kiosk for SMEs Posted: 30 May 2011 10:09 AM PDT IBM offers toolkit kiosk for SMEs IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd presented a Toolkit kiosk to the Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SME) Corporation Malaysia's Johor branch recently. The toolkit is designed to enhance business capabilities. It offers a programme that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn how to implement the sustainable business management practices, free of charge. IBM's country manager (geographic expansion) Tang Choeng Weng presented the Toolkit kiosk to SME Corporation state director Azrine Othman at the Thistle Hotel Johor Baru. The company, which launched the IBM Comes To You mobile solutions kiosk, which is a bus outfitted with IBM hardware, software and technology solutions and services, was also stationed at the hotel for two days. Tang said the stopover was part of IBM's geographic expansion strategy to bring its expertise to more than 6,000 corporations and SMEs nationwide. Packaged as a moving solutions clinic, the kiosk aims to bring customised, easy-to-implement solutions and growth needs of SMEs. It is an initiative supported by SME Corp Malaysia and Avnet Technology Solutions, an IBM business partner. The programme was also introduced in Malacca, Kedah and Perak before wrapping up at the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus in Penang. "We will also be donating a SME Toolkit kiosk to the SME Corp's branch office in Penang," Tang said. The event was organised in conjunction with IBM's global centennial celebration on June 16 and IBM Malaysia's 50th anniversary on June 21. -- By Chuah Bee Kim Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Damn! Aussies to be fined for swearing Posted: 30 May 2011 11:37 PM PDT The country's second most populous state Victoria is due to approve new legislation this week under which police will be able to slap fines of up to Aus$240 (US$257) on people using offensive words or phrases. MELBOURNE: Australians may have a love of plain speaking but new laws are set to curtail some of their more colourful language with police issuing on-the-spot fines for obnoxious swearing. Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark said the penalties, similar to those issued for speeding or parking illegally, would free up police time. "This will give the police the tools they need to be able to act against this sort of obnoxious behaviour on the spot, rather than having to drag offenders off to court and take up time and money in proceedings," he said. But even the state's top lawyer admitted to swearing sometimes. "Occasionally I mutter things under my breath as probably everybody does," he told ABC radio. "But this law is not targeted at that, it's targeted at the sort of obnoxious, offensive behaviour in public that makes life unpleasant for everybody else." - AFP Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

MMEA recovers body of drowned man Posted: 30 May 2011 11:15 PM PDT TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) found the body of a man reported missing on May 28 floating in the Sungai Merotai estuary yesterday. MMEA Tawau staff officer (operations) Lt Norihan Ngah said the body of the man, identified only as Winsen, 54, was found at 3.40 pm about one nautical mile from where he was reported missing, and sent to Tawau Hospital. He said Winsen was with his son Ronny, 19, and a friend Nasir, 38, transporting logs from Kalabakan to Tawau when stormy weather capsized their boat. Winsen was lost at sea while Nasir and Ronny managed to save themselves. - BERNAMA Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Government needs to spend wisely: Yakcop Posted: 30 May 2011 10:52 PM PDT "We are still giving subsidies, but with international crude oil prices rising exponentially, from US$39 per barrel to above US$100 per barrel, we need to adjust prices with the interest of the people in mind." KUALA LUMPUR: Following the subsidy rationalisation plan announced yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the government needs to spend funds wisely to sustain the country's future development. "The reason why Malaysia has a subsidy system now is for the people to live comfortably. "However, under current circumstances where prices are escalating, the government has its spending limits and there is a budget for subsidies," he said after launching the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Business Opportunity Showcase here today. Yakcop said funds generated from tax collection and other forms of revenue can be better utilised to spur further development and growth in the country, for example, enhancing public infrastructure and facilities in the outskirts. "We are still giving subsidies, but with international crude oil prices rising exponentially, from US$39 per barrel to above US$100 per barrel, we need to adjust prices with the interest of the people in mind. "Adjustments to electricity tariffs, announced yesterday, will have a minimal impact," he said, obviously refering to 75 per cent of the population who will not be affected by the increase. Also present was Deputy International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir who admitted the cost of power was one factor to be evaluated by companies in determining their investment destination of choice. "Perhaps for those companies that base their viability purely on the cost of energy, maybe they will take this into consideration, but often companies will look at many other different factors before reaching a decision. "Malaysia is still competitive but when other factors are taken into consideration, potential investors will have to factor them into their costing from now on," he said. -- BERNAMA Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Freeze on Indonesian maids end Posted: 30 May 2011 08:08 PM PDT 2011/05/31 By Dharshini Balan and Rozanna Latiff news@nst.com.my KUALA LUMPUR: The two-year freeze on Indonesian maids was lifted when Malaysia and Indonesia signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) last night. The MoU signing ceremony in Bandung, Indonesia, saw Malaysia represented by Human Resources Minister Datuk S. Subramaniam, and Indonesia by Labour and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar. According to the Indonesian Embassy's Minister-Counsellor for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs, Suryana Sastradiredja, under the terms of the MoU, which superseded the one signed in 2006, Malaysian households would now be allowed to employ Indonesian maids subject to several conditions. Key among them -- allowing maids to receive one day off a week and to retain possession of their passports, as stipulated by international law. "The maids, however, are free to hand over their passports to their employers for safekeeping. "The salaries will also have to be banked into their accounts, rather than paid directly to them or to the maid's employment agent," he said, adding that this would avoid any problems between employers and employees. The initial fees employers have to pay for maids is RM4,511. It includes RM2,711 that has to be paid by the employer and RM1,800 in the maid's salary that has to be advanced to the agency supplying the maids. "Employers can deduct the RM1,800 from the maid's salaries on condition the deduction is not more than 50 per cent of the monthly salary (of the maid)," Subramaniam said. Suryana said maid agencies in Indonesia would be required to send only trained maids and provide replacements if the ones they sent did not meet employers' requirements, and agents providing assurance for maids under their care. The MoU also stated that a joint task force would be set up, comprising representatives from both countries, to monitor the situation. In Malaysia, the task force would be made up of representatives from the Human Resources Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Home Ministry, and the Attorney-General's Chambers, while the Indonesian embassy will monitor the implementation of the MoU. A similar joint task force would be set up in Indonesia comprising the republic's agencies and the Malaysian embassy. Both countries have also agreed that the salaries would be determined by market forces, but Indonesia has requested that such wages should not be lower than the minimum wage in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Muhaimin said Indonesia needed some time to make the preparations to resume sending maids to Malaysia. "Give us at least two weeks before we allow the recruitment of maids to Malaysia," he said. Jakarta had imposed the freeze on sending maids to Malaysia in June 2009, following numerous complaints of maids allegedly being abused by employers. Prior to the ban, Indonesia was sending about 3,000 maids to Malaysia every month. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Kelantan government urged to stop logging at water catchment areas Posted: 25 May 2011 11:18 PM PDT PASIR PUTEH: The Kelantan PAS government has been urged to stop logging activities in water catchment areas in Bukit Ulu Sat and Bukit Tapong here to prevent negative repercussions for the more than 300 people living on the fringes of the highlands. Pasir Puteh parliamentary constituency's agriculture development council chairman, Zawawi Othman, said several logging companies had been given approval to log a 200ha area. He said their activities had disrupted water supply to villagers, especially smallholders under the Felcra scheme. "They use the water for drinking, bathing, cleaning and also irrigation," he said when met here today. Residents had complained of frequent water disruptions as well as muddy water supply when heavy rain occurred in eroded areas. Zawawi noted that the two locations had served as water catchment areas for the past three decades, with all forms of land-related activities having been forbidden to safeguard the interest of the community. Wild elephants had also been sighted near villages as the animals were pushed out of their natural habitats due to logging activities, said Zawawi. "The villagers are now living in fear as it's risky to carry out farming activities and tap rubber," he said. He claimed that Pasir Puteh residents and businesses also suffered frequent water shortages as the Rasau River, which is fed by water from the Bukit Tapong catchment area, was drying up. -- Bernama Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

South Korea to export T-50 supersonic jets to Indonesia Posted: 25 May 2011 09:28 PM PDT SEOUL: South Korea has struck a multi-million-dollar deal to export T-50 supersonic trainer jets to Indonesia, state-run aircraft company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Thursday. The deal to sell 16 supersonic jets worth US$400 million to Indonesia was signed in Jakarta Wednesday, the first time for South Korea to export its T-50 Golden Eagles, jointly produced by the KAI and U.S. defence firm Lockheed Martin, China's Xinhua news agency quoted officials at the KAI. "I believe the cooperative atmosphere currently building up between South Korea and Indonesia in various sectors, including the economic (sector), was fundamental to (winning the contract)," said KAI president Kim Hong-kyung. The jet maker was named a preferred bidder in April, as Jakarta sought to replace its old Hawk Mk-53 trainer jets. South Korea has pledged to deliver the 16 jets in 2013, within 18 months after the contract takes effect, Kim added. -- Bernama Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Malaysia, a friend to Japan in good and bad times Posted: 25 May 2011 07:37 PM PDT TOKYO: With Japan still reeling from the March 11 devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear fallout, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has told the people of Japan that Malaysia stands by their country as a friend in good times and even more so in bad times. Emphasising on unity among nations in facing adversity, the prime minister reiterated Kuala Lumpur's commitment to support his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Naoto Kan's ongoing efforts to rebuild areas devastated by the disaster in north-eastern Japan on March 11. In his keynote address at the 17th Nikkei International Conference here Thursday, Najib went beyond economics at the prestigious event to show Malaysia's true sense of friendship and caring. "I offer my words this morning as a tribute to all those who are no longer with us -- may their souls rest in peace," he said in what was described by some participants as almost a moving eulogy on the more than 15,000 people killed during the disaster which has been the toughest and most difficult for Japan since World War Two. The audience, very much appreciative of Najib's gesture, responded by giving an extended ovation when he finished his speech and left the Fuji Room at Imperial Hotel where the event was held. According to the organisers, donations and the registration fees collected from the event will be given to the victims of the disaster. The dangers of an earthquake was very much still on everybody's mind to the extent that the organisers announced prior to the speech that in the event of an earthquake with a magnitude of more than 5.0, instructions will be given to enable an orderly evacuation from the conference hall. About 135,000 survivors are living in 2,500 shelters set up in schools and community centres as the Japanese people undertake rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas. Najib also honoured those "dedicated men and women who were working with such dignity and determination to fulfil their responsibilities and to do what is right for Japan." He further said that "Malaysia's commitment to Japan in your hour of need is much more than just a dialogue between governments: it is an understanding between peoples." Najib described how the plight of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that tore across Japan and the loss of so many innocent lives seen live through television globally had touched the hearts of all Malaysians. The prime minister also paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Japanese people, for having met the crisis with honour, discipline and fortitude, saying it would have been all too easy to fall apart by the magnitude of the crisis. "So, in this, Malaysia -- indeed, the whole of Southeast Asia -- is of one mind and of one purpose. "Whereas in the past we have been bound by our interests as economic partners, today in the face of crisis and adversity, we are bound to each other as friends and as members of one community -- a community that, far from being imagined, as some would have it, is tangible and real," he said. The Japanese government, which just approved a reconstruction funding of US$50 billion, has reportedly said that the damage from the disaster could cost US$309 billion, making it the world's most expensive natural disaster. Najib said that given Malaysia's stability, infrastructure and location as an area protected from the ring of fire, it was well-placed to act as a base for those companies which were working to restore Japan. "We stand ready to continue to support them in whatever way we can," he said. The Pacific ring of fire covers a 40,000 square kilometres area encompassing some 10 countries including Japan where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. -- Bernama Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Who's in charge of development on no-man's land? Posted: 25 May 2011 10:11 AM PDT PRECARIOUS SLOPE... Malaysian Public Works Institute workers Adam Abdullah (right) and Ramli Abd Aziz conducting soil tests yesterday on the hillslope in Kampung Sungai Gahal, Hulu Langat, where a landslide hit the Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa orphanage on Saturday. Sixteen people were killed and nine injured in the incident. — NST picture by Sairien Nafis AS the dust settles on the latest landslide tragedy, remarks by the Kajang Municipal Council president have raised several questions. It is clear that the problem is much more serious. Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman was being honest when he said he did not know about the existence of the orphanage as the area was outside his jurisdiction, and it seemed that nobody was in charge of licensing it. The building was put up on agriculture land but neither the council nor the district office had any say on what could be built there, effectively making it a no-man's land. State Local Government, Research and Development Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the area laid outside the jurisdiction of MPKJ and it came under the purview of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry. No land assessment tax was collected from the landowners and urban services like rubbish collection and drain cleaning were not provided to them. Hulu Langat assistant district officer Mohamad Fadhlullah Omar said although they were in charge of maintenance and upgrading works, the district office was only responsible for overseeing development on government land. They only monitored illegal developments and encroachment, but could not do anything when it came to privately-owned land. "The place where the landslides struck is a grey area. Nobody is in charge of it. There are many other places here that can be considered grey areas," said Fadhlullah. If this was the case, the ambiguity in the land's status would open the floodgates to a host of buildings on private land, all built without any regulatory approval. Local Government Department director-general Datuk Arpah Abdul Razak said this seemed to be true as being located in a grey area, they only needed to get an architect's approval before construction. But then, an architect is not an expert on whether a hill can be cut or how it should be cut. This was exactly what happened during the construction of the Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa orphanage, which led to two landslides last Saturday that killed 16 and injured nine, mostly children. Explaining how it should be done, Arpah said all land must first be gazetted under Article 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act before coming under the purview of local councils. "But this is usually done for urban areas only and they will then enjoy services like rubbish collection, street lighting, bus stops and drainage cleaning." She said many did not realise that only 65 per cent of land in Malaysia came under the jurisdiction of local councils. That means the other 35 per cent is not subjected to the stringent regulatory approvals needed for any development. Arpah said the district offices only carried out upgrading works on basic infrastructure and periodical maintenance. "They cannot be monitoring all the private land." She said even if a landowner wanted to get approval for his building, there was nowhere for him to submit his plans. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Bowling: Wendy desperate to make Hong Kong trip Posted: 25 May 2011 05:19 PM PDT 2011/05/26 Ajitpal Singh ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my Malaysian bowlers Wendy Chai (right) and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman at the Malaysian Open yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan BOWLER Wendy Chai hopes to rediscover the winning form which has deserted her of late, this year. The 33-year-old's average outings since the beginning of the 2010 season was topped by her failure to earn a spot in the national women's Guangzhou Asian Games team, after finishing seventh in the trials. She is, however, determined to return strongly this year to consolidate her position as one of best elite bowlers in the national team. Her prime goal is to earn a spot in the six-member squad for the Women's World Championships in Hong Kong in September. Wendy, a seasoned campaigner, has made headlines many times by winning numerous world-class titles in the past. Her most cherished moment was when she defeated a host of professionals to win the 2008 World Ranking Masters. But since her knee injury in August, 2008, Wendy has found it hard to rediscover her form. Wendy had hoped to make an impact last year but her best showing was finishing third in the Penang Pesta International. Now, Wendy is hoping to start afresh in the ongoing Malaysian Open at Pyramid Megalanes in Bandar Sunway. "Both my knees have been operated on before but the left one is still bugging me. I am on medication. However, it is nothing serious," said Wendy yesterday. "I am determined to make a strong comeback in the Malaysian Open and also in next week's Singapore Open. My goal is to make the stepladder in both competitions." Wendy has virtually qualified for the women's Masters in the Malaysian Open as she is currently second with a 1,395 total in the local pool qualifiers behind Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani (1,487). In third place is Sin Li Jane with 1,371. Asian Games gold medallist Alex Liew leads the men's section on 1,504 ahead of national youth bowler Chong Jun Foo (1,445) and Kang Bo Long (1,434). The qualifying round ends today. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Athletics / Malaysian Schools Championships: Sarawak complete double Posted: 25 May 2011 05:12 PM PDT The Sarawak contingent celebrate after retaining the overall title in the Malaysian Schools Championships which ended on Tuesday. — Picture by L.Manimaran THE Malaysian Schools Athletics Championships ended in Ipoh on Tuesday with few surprises as the performances left much to be desired. Only eight records were broken in the 90 events contested at the Perak Stadium over the course of five days, and worryingly none came in the Under-18 category. Several new faces did emerge to strike gold on their first appearance at the meet which, if harnessed further, could provide hope for the future. One athlete who shone like a beacon was Kedah's Noor Shahidatun Nadia Zuki, who although did not set any records, easily won the girls' Under-15 long jump and triple jump with marks good enough to win in the Under-18 category. Tan Wei Heng of Kedah, who was chosen as the best athlete in the Under-18 boys category, hit pay dirt with a treble by winning the 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m events. Sabah's Stefbilce Sandy Stephen emerged from nowhere to bag a sprint double which earned her the best athlete in the girls Under-18 category award. The best athlete awards in the lower age groups went to Jominus Joseph of Sabah (boys Under-12), Ku Amir Syazwan Ku Sharif of Kedah (boys Under-15), Perak's Nor Hazwani Abd Haris (girls Under-12) and Queenie Ting Kung Ni of Sarawak (girls Under-15). Sarawak retained their overall title as they again dominated the championships with a 21-gold haul to leave the pack, led by Terengganu and Perak's nine gold medals each, far behind. Nadia was one of the few athletes who can be tagged as a future champion although the athlete herself was not pleased with her performances. There was little doubt Nadia would win her two events but the Bukit Jalil Sports School student was in Ipoh to set new records but missed the mark by narrow margins. Selangor high jumper M. Shandyani is also on her way up after brushing aside the competition to win in the girls' Under-18 category. Ku Amir Syazwan is another to watch if he can sustain his efforts in Ipoh after setting a new record in the boys' Under-15 400m final. His time of 50.27 seconds would have placed him fourth in the Under-18 final and in time could be challenging his seniors with regularity. The atmosphere at the event was one of healthy competition but more work needs to be done at school level to raise the bar for the athletes, lest the championships slip into irrelevance. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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