Khamis, 8 September 2011

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Deadly floods hit US northeast in wake of Irene

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 11:35 PM PDT

PHILADELPHIA: Heavy rain on Thursday swamped areas of the US northeast already sodden from Hurricane Irene, with up to five people killed as flash floods forced over 100,000 to leave their homes.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for counties in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia, as towns became inundated, busy highways closed down and commuter lines backed up.

US President Barack Obama declared an emergency in New York state, ordering federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts to "save lives and to protect property and public health and safety," the White House said.


Some 100,000 people in Pennsylvania's Luzerne county are under "mandatory evacuation" orders, including 20,000 in the city of Wilkes-Barre, according to local officials.

Stephen Bekenich, the county's emergency management director, warned that those who remained in flood-prone areas could not count on being rescued.

"If folks choose not to leave, they are taking (their) lives into their own hands," he said. "Help may not be able to reach them." The city of Binghamton, New York — where 8.5 inches (21.6 centimeters) of rain fell in 24 hours — ordered a mandatory city-wide evacuation, affecting 10,000 people.


Flooding was also reported in and around the US capital Washington.

"We expect historic or near-historic flooding in many parts of the state," Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Ruth Miller told AFP.

Three unconfirmed fatalities during the stormy weather have been reported to authorities in Pennsylvania, she said, as the state grappled with some of its worst flooding since 1972's benchmark Hurricane Agnes, which ravaged much of the mid-Atlantic region as a deadly tropical storm.


"It's bad now, and there are some places where it will get worse," Miller said. "There is more rain that continues to come down (and) we don't expect this to end for quite some time." Two people, one of them a young boy who was swept away in a river, died in northern Virginia, a spokesman for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had earlier mobilized emergency response resources, also warned of further severe flooding, calling the situation "frightening."

More potentially dangerous weather is expected in the northeast after Irene, which was blamed for more than 40 deaths.

Three cyclones are brewing in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Nate, hovering in the Gulf of Mexico and threatening Mexico and Texas; fast-moving Tropical Storm Maria, which could hit Puerto Rico early Sunday and the Bahamas next week; and Hurricane Katia, off the US east coast and expected to remain out at sea.

The latest foul weather is the remains of Tropical Storm Lee, which slammed into the Gulf Coast on Sunday, dumping torrential rains on a huge swath of the American south, mid-Atlantic region and northeast already drenched by Irene.

"It is a double-whammy," said spokesman Bill Peat of the New York state Office of Emergency Management.

Irene dumped more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in parts of New York and Pennsylvania over the past four days, triggering huge floods.

National Guard troops have been deployed in New York and Pennsylvania, and rescue personnel are on standby.

The flash flood warnings include much of New Jersey, which suffered devastating flooding from Irene after it made landfall hundreds of miles (kilometers) south and trailed heavy rains all the way up the coast. - AFP

Unhealthy air in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 10:38 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Nilai area in Negeri Sembilan recorded an unhealty air quality, with an air pollutant index (API) reading of 101 at 11am today, the Department of Environment said.

Thirty-five other areas recorded a moderate air quality while the air quality in 15 other areas was good.

The reading in Bukit Rambai, Melaka was 96 at 11am while Petaling Jaya was at 94, Shah Alam (93) and Port Klang and Batu Muda at 88.


An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).

The department said in a statement yesterday that it expected the haze to persist in the next few days and advised the public not to carry out open burning. -- BERNAMA

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Higher education liberalisation the right move: PM

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 10:33 PM PDT

Higher education liberalisation the right move: PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The government made the right decision to liberalise the higher education sector in 1996, enabling more students to pursue their tertiary education locally, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

The Prime Minister said the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 had encouraged private sector and government-linked companies and foreign institutions to set up universities and branch campuses as well as conduct twinning programmes in the country.

"It was a blue ocean strategy before the term was even coined and became popular in providing more places for Malaysians as local institutions cannot accommodate all the qualified students and not every Malaysian can afford the cost of an overseas education," he said at the 13th convocation of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman at Wisma MCA here.


Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung and university president Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

Najib added that the willingness to invest in human capital development had held Malaysia in good stead as a nation.

He said that in just one generation Malaysia was transformed from a low income agriculture economy into an upper middle income modern industrial economy.


"Human capital lies at the core of innovation and productive high income economy.

"No economy can succeed without a highly skilled talent base that respond creatively to economic changes, and is centred on creating, developing and utilising knowledge," he said.

He congratulated the graduands and told them graduands that their responsibility now is to propel the nation to greater heights.


"I urge you to go forth with this strong sense of responsibility and underpin your pursuit of success with uncompromising integrity, transparent, ethics and moral values which are the hallmarks of truly educated individuals," he said.

The Prime Minister presented scrolls to 60 of the 2,773 graduands at the ceremony. -- BERNAMA

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Need to keep women working

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 10:40 AM PDT

2011/09/08
By Rozanna Latiff, Ling Poh Lean and Aisyah Sulaiman
news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Women represent only 46 per cent of the labour force despite occupying up to 67 per cent of university places.

A day after the New Straits Times reported on a growing gender imbalance of 70:30 in the newest batch of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia undergraduates, Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said trained human capital did not all end up at work.

He said as such, the government should think of a way to keep women in the workforce as the relatively low percentage of female workers suggested that not all female undergraduates remained in employment.


Many female graduates do join the workforce but some drop out after marriage with a low prospect of ever returning.

"Many women decide to stay home after giving birth as they do not trust individuals, such as maids, to care for their children. Hence, more affordable and reliable childcare centres should be established," he said.

The quality and security of childcare centres should also be improved, given the rising number of accidents reported recently.


"With good childcare centres, women can stay focused on their work without worrying about their children. It is a better solution in retaining female talent in the workforce."

While the UKM situation could be a one-off thing, the average university gender imbalance ratio remains at 67:33.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said in most industries, female workers generally performed as well as their male counterparts.


"Women should not be discriminated against or even looked at as being family-centric, as they have proven to be just as capable and as qualified as men."

He said universities were merit-based and reflected the fact that female students performed better than male students.

"However, we should closely look into the reasons why this trend is continuing and find ways to address the fact that the men are simply not performing as well."

Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Mohd Khalid Atan said nothing should stop women from having a good career.

"They should climb the ladder and utilise the skills they have learned in university."

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the challenge was to translate women's access to education into greater opportunities in the labour market, especially in decision-making positions.

She said the government was taking actions to increase the participation of women in the labour force.

Shahrizat viewed the trend of a higher number of female undergraduates as a "remarkable progress of Malaysian women in education".

She said this was a global trend as quoted by futurist and strategist David Houle, who said the percentage of female students in higher education was at an all-time high.

In the United States and Canada, about 60 per cent of undergraduates are women. This trend has also emerged in most countries in the Asia-Pacific, according to the Unesco Report on Gender Issues on Higher Education 2010.

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I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul

Posted: 14 Mar 2011 11:25 PM PDT

I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul

2010/10/29
By NST team in Gua Musang, Kelantan
news@nst.com.my


GUA MUSANG: Pas' candidate Dr Zulkefli Mohamed remained a good sport over jokes that his stocky frame might tire him fast during the campaign trail.

He said he was used to work long hours when he was a doctor at government hospitals in the past.

"There were times when I had to work over 36 hours on a stretch, then. I think I can keep up with the hectic campaign schedule now," he said.


Dr Zulkefli, 44, will be up against Barisan Nasional's Abdul Aziz Yusoff, 49, in the Galas by-election on Nov 4.

Some segments of political watchers have been heard making comparisons between the two candidates of their physiques.

Such light banter follows an absence of substantive issues to debate since campaigning started on Nov 26.


Dr Zulkefli said he was feeling alright even when there were many places to visit over the past three days.

To keep fit, he said he took a lot of water and sufficient rest.

When a reporter asked about his weight, Dr Zulkefli said: "I do not know. Let us keep it as a secret."


In jest, he said he could take on Aziz in a running or tug-of-war competition.

Visit us for more web exclusives everyday from NST Galas team. For full stories and in-depth news, get NST in print tomorrow.

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Sabah Umno reaching the 500,000 mark

Posted: 14 Mar 2011 08:17 PM PDT

Once upon a time, a real history took place and handed down the real lessons out of the events concluded that a small number can defeat a huge number of opponents by the will of Allah taala. Therefore, in the modern institutions and struggle like political institutions, this lessons of history is still relevant and worthy to ponder. In fact, there are many facts to ponder on why the listed numbers of political members do not reflex the true pictures.
The Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman's recent annoucement of Sabah UMNO success in the recruitment of membership drive does not mean much to me as it seems to suggest it is the result of his leadership.

A leader should be humble and not self glorifying. One's work should be judged by the people and not himself.

I still remember our DPM, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remark in the opening of the PBS congress in Kota Kinabalu recently where he said "he has done little in the success of the Batu Sapi by election ".

Frankly how many can do that ?

This is the model of leader we must emulate - humble, unassuming and lead by example.

Traits of great leader who make small people feel great.

Afterall, recruitment of new members in any party is the duty and obligation of its leaders.

It is not a competition as it is the quality and not quantity of the effort that count.

We should not trumpet about it.

High membership in any political party does not guarantee success if the party and its leaders do not command the support from its ranks and files as well as leaders from other coalition parties, particularly in the state of Sabah.

Having such a mentality would breed complacency and place the party concerned and BN in a perilous situation.

Sabah UMNO chief, Datuk Musa Aman's annoucement that their membership drive to date has reached 456,000 membership level, the highest among all other states is indeed quite credible.

The first thing that comes to thought is 456,000 is 456,000 until the half million mark is reached which is another 44,000 more to go and this is not a small number.

In the annoucement, last year alone, they only managed to recruit 40,000 new members and has no mention of what this year's result is ?

Has the effort reached been saturated is another question that surfaces in my mind.

My concern however is in any numerical assessment, we must give the picture in its correct perspective and not try to over dramatise or sensationalise it to justify certain motives, personal or otherwise.

And when figures concerning and affecting the outcome of an election, the state and the image of UMNO and Barisan Nasional, we have to be careful and truthful.

The annoucement also gives rise to many questions to be answered.

First, how many of these registered members will actually and eventually vote and vote for BN comes election time?.

Is the annoucement trying to suggest we are growing stronger, there is nothing to worry and we can repeat the big win in the state achieved in the last election ?

The Batu Sapi by election is no doubt the combined efforts in greater and lesser extend of all state BN coalition members.

However, with the bad blood that existed all along with the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman and PBS president, Datuk Pairin, with SAPP president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, the duel was in actual fact a life and dead battle among the subject combatants.

Aided by a predominantly bumi constituency,the vast resources from BN and the ever tireless presence of our DPM, the vast win at Batu Sapi could be an isolated incident.

Removing these factors, or in a diluted extent, the result could be different.

As a rough estimate, Sabah with a population of 2.5 million and say,with a 60% eligible voters, it will work out to have about 1.5 million potential voters.

From the above, the present UMNO membership only represents to about 30% of the total possible voters. Will that be adequate to determine another landslide victory in the coming election ? given the fact there 60 constituencies in the state ? Many in the last encounter encountered sort of narrow escape ? The growing number of unresolved problems faced by the people todate? The discontents of the present leadership among the files and ranks ? How much support the present state leadership since last reappointed, still enjoy is therefore any one's guess.

To me the annoucement seems to be made in conjunction with the coming BN convention in Kuala Lumpur in an effort to influence its outcomes

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Australia in total control

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 05:48 PM PDT

PALLEKELE (Sri Lanka): Australia took early charge of the Second Test after bowling out Sri Lanka for a hugely disappointing 174 soon after tea on the opening day in Pallekele yesterday.

Fast bowler Ryan Harris led the way with three wickets and Trent Copeland, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon picked up two each in good batting conditions at the Pallekele International Stadium.

Australia, hoping to clinch the three-match series after winning the First Test in Galle by 125 runs, raced to 60 for no loss before bad light ended play 5.2 overs early.


Shane Watson returned unbeaten on 36 with six boundaries and Phillip Hughes was on a watchful 23 at stumps.

The hosts, electing to bat after winning the toss, never recovered after they lost half the side for 76 by lunch, the top three falling by the eighth over with the score at just 14.

Vice-captain Angelo Mathews cracked three sixes and six boundaries in an aggressive 58 to boost the total, but seven batsmen failed to reach double figures.


Former captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with 48, adding 43 for the fourth wicket with Thilan Samaraweera and 52 for the sixth with Mathews.

The elegant left-hander looked set for a major knock when he lost his wicket to part-time bowler Mike Hussey, whose slow-medium delivery was driven to Hughes at short-cover.

It was only the third wicket in 61 tests for Hussey and compounded Sri Lanka's woes on a wicket that had rolled out well in favour of the batsmen.


Harris struck the first blow in his second over when he forced Tharanga Paranavitana to edge a catch to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin.

It was the second successive duck for the left-handed opener, who had failed to score in the second innings at Galle.

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan made four when he tried to leave a ball from Copeland which swung back sharply to clip his off-stump.

Copeland also removed Mahela Jayawardene in his next over as Hussey dived to his left at gully to pick up a stunning catch.

Jayawardene, whose classy century in Galle failed to save Sri Lanka, managed only four this time.

Sri Lanka would have lost Sangakkara cheaply, but Shane Watson spilled a catch at first slip off Johnson when the batsman was on 27.

Samaraweera was dismissed 20 minutes before lunch, caught behind off Harris for 18, while Prasanna Jayawardene threw away his wicket just before the break.

The Sri Lankan wicket-keeper smashed off-spinner Lyon for a six and four, but holed out in the deep off the last ball of the over.

Sangakkara's fall in the afternoon session hastened another collapse before Mathews lashed out in the company of the tailenders. -- AFP

Japan likely to be France's first victim

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 05:48 PM PDT

AUCKLAND: France's stocks have dived but coach Marc Lievremont remains resolute Les Bleus can break through for their first World Cup triumph starting with Asian champions Japan at North Harbour tomorrow.

Lievremont, who took over after the last World Cup, won the 2010 Six Nations but it's been grim in the last 12 months with a record 59-16 defeat at home to Australia in November and a first-ever loss to Italy in the Six Nations.

With Philippe Saint-Andre already announced as his successor after the World Cup, Lievremont said he will be disappointed if the French are not champions of the world come Oct 23.


Fourth-ranked France have been twice World Cup runners-up in 1987 and 1999 but they will have to topple the top-ranked All Blacks in Pool A if they are to avoid a likely quarter-final with England, winners of this year's Six Nations.

The French squad showed the benefits from over two months together by winning both of their warm-up matches against Ireland.

"This is a real chance for the French team. For the first time in my four years in charge we had the resources and the time to get to know each other and work on fitness and on our rugby," Lievremont said.


"I am happy with that but it is what follows that will determine whether it was all worth it. Now, it is all systems go."

Coach John Kirwan is realistic about Japan's Cup chances and has targeted the group matches against Tonga and Canada.

"For us it's about being competitive (against France and New Zealand) and Tonga and Canada are the games that are really important for us," Kirwan said this week.


"We've had a great lead-in and a great preparation, but it means nothing and we are judged by the World Cup."

The 13th-ranked Brave Blossoms have only one win in six World Cup campaigns -- a 52-8 success against lowly Zimbabwe in 1991 -- and have been well beaten in their only two encounters with Les Bleus.

"We would like to be competitive against France. We want to show the world how much our game has improved so for us it's about playing our style of game and doing all the things around rugby well," All Black wing great Kirwan said.

Team lineups -- Japan: Shaun Webb; Kosuke Endo, Koji Taira, Ryan Nicholas, Hirotoki Onozawa; James Arlidge, Fumiaki Tanaka; Ryukoliniasi Holani, Michael Leitch, Takashi Kikutani (capt), Toshizumi Kitagawa, Luke Thompson; Kensuke Hatakeyama, Shota Horie, Hisateru Hirashima.

Replacements: Yusuke Aoki, Nozomu Fujita, Hitoshi Ono, Itaru Taniguchi, Atsushi Hiwasa, Murray Williams, Alisi Tupuailai.

France: Cedric Heymans; Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Fabrice Estebanez, Maxime Medard; Francois Trinh-Duc, Dimitri Yachvili; Imanol Harinordoquy, Raphael Lakafia, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Lionel Nallet, Julien Pierre; Nicolas Mas, William Servat, Fabien Barcella.

Replacements: Dimitri Szarzewski, Jean-Baptiste Poux, Pascal Pape, Julien Bonnaire, Morgan Parra, David Skrela, David Marty. -- AFP

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KL Kepong climbs on RM706m expansion

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 06:22 PM PDT

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, Malaysia's third-largest palm oil producer, rose to a two-month high after announcing plans to invest RM706 million to expand downstream into derivative products.

Its shares climbed 1.3 percent to 21.88 ringgit at 9:04 a.m. in Kuala Lumpur, set for their highest close since July 14.

The expansion is "positive" and should boost earnings in three years, Malayan Banking Bhd analyst Ong Chee Ting wrote in a report today. -- Bloomberg

DiGi at new high on cash return, stock split

Posted: 08 Sep 2011 06:24 PM PDT

DiGi.Com Bhd surged to a record in Kuala Lumpur trading after Malaysia's third-largest mobile phone operator proposed to return cash to shareholders and split its shares to attract more investors.

The stock jumped 7.5 percent to RM33.46 at 9:03 a.m. local time, set to close at an all-time high. -- Bloomberg

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GIVING HOPE

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:59 AM PDT

2011/09/07
By Shenton ThomasDe Silva


The Breast Cancer Support Group of Johor Baru successfully raised funds for its new building costing RM550,000

THE Breast Cancer Support Group of Johor Baru recently feted more than 300 sponsors and donors at its charity dinner at the Grand Straits Garden in Johor Baru.

The dinner themed "Give The Gift of Hope", raised RM250,000 to build a new centre for cancer patients and survivors in the state.


Its president, Doris Boo, in her speech thanked friends and members of the public for their support in making the fund-raising effort a success.

"Breast cancer survivors and patients have to undergo tough challenges in their fight for recovery from the disease," she said.

She said the group gives hope and morale support to survivors and patients.


"We want them to let go of what is holding them down. We want them to move forward to a brighter tomorrow," she added.

The guests of honour were Johor Baru MP Datuk Seri Shahrir Samad and Tunku Shahariah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the daughter of former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman.

At the dinner, Shahrir also presented a mock cheque for RM360,000 to Boo for the building fund.


The centre, bought at RM550,000, is located at 12 Jalan Ru, Kebun Teh Park, Johor Baru.

The idea to set up a building fund was mooted by Boo.

Shahrir said he supported the group's cause in their drive to boost morale and provide counselling to women suffering from breast cancer.

"I'm impressed with the commitment and efforts of the group.

"Johor Baru will become a better place to live if everyone emulates their commitment and efforts in other charity works," he said.

At the dinner, guests observed a minute of silence for those who succumbed to their cancer.

A procession down the ballroom aisle by a group of cancer survivors holding lit candles accompanied by their children was held at the dinner.

Every table too had lit candles to mark the significance of hope for cancer patients and survivors.

A three-piece Filipino band serenaded the audience with some oldies as far back as the 1950s.

Chinese, English, Filipino and Malay numbers got the audience dancing and in a festive mood.

A local artiste also belted out Chinese favourites.

A lucky draw and an auction were also held.

Items such as handmade comforters, handbags and flowers were some of the things that were auctioned off.

A guest donated RM1,000 for a Chinese sentimental number delivered by a Breast Cancer Support Group member.

Those who wish to contribute to the group and its cause can call Boo at 07-335 7211 or email to bcsgjb04@hotmail.com.

Tourists drawn to tranquil village

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:12 AM PDT

2011/09/07
by Yusof Md Lip


THE name of my village is Kampung Sarang Buaya (crocodile's nest village). It is true that crocodiles were commonly spotted sunning themselves on the banks of Sungai Sarang Buaya decades ago.

In the last 20 years, three villagers had been killed by crocodiles in the river.

A child named Kamariah was taking a bath when she was dragged into the river. Before her, two other villagers were also killed, and another injured was by crocodiles.


However, the population of the reptiles has been dwindling over the years.

Today, it is not easy to spot crocodiles anymore, except the crocodile statue near the entrance to our village in Jalan Batu Pahat-Muar, which has become a landmark.

Our village is one of several in Johor which offers homestay accommodation, complete with eco-tourism activities and agro-tourism products.


Twelve families are involved in the homestay programme, a favourite among Singaporeans and visitors from out of state.

The programme generates income for the families but it is also an opportunity for visitors to experience life in a village.

Kampung Sarang Buaya has about 3,000 residents.


Eighty per cent of the population is Malay, while the Chinese make up the rest.

The Chinese live in housing estates in the Jalan Batu Pahat-Muar trunk road, while the Malays reside in the village near the Batu Pahat-Muar border.

The village is surrounded by oil palm and rubber plantations. In recent years, the Johor Tourism Department has realised its tourism potential.

The scenic landscape of the paddy fields in our village has put us on the state tourism map in 2008.

Apart from paddy fields, tourists also come to visit our hot spring at Sungai Gersek, pineapple and tropical fruit farms, tap rubber trees, take a river cruise, try their hand at tapping rubber, and explore the mangrove swamp.

There are handicraft and cottage industries making decorative items from coconut shells and traditional snacks, among others. Palm sugar processing is another highlight of the homestay programme for the visitors.

Put it simply, they like the traditional way of life in the village, and enjoy the Malay dances and music.

I am a retired farmer. I was appointed the village head in 1998. I am also the chairman of the Kampung Sungai Buaya Homestay Programme.

I hope the authorities will help to upgrade our rural roads and provide facilities such as public toilets for the convenience of tourists.

Yusof Mohd Lip, 67, has four children and eight grandchildren. He is the chairman of Kampung Sarang Buaya mosque and Village Rukun Tetangga Sector.

Interview by Sim Bak Heng

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