Isnin, 10 Oktober 2011

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SEA Games football final in Jakarta

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 10:55 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming SEA Games men's football event will only be held in one venue, that is in Jakarta, and will be kicked off much earlier, that is on Nov 3.

Earlier, the Indonesian SEA Games organising committee (Inasoc) announced
that the men's football event would be held in two venues - Jakarta and
Palembang - and would kick off on Nov 7.


However today, Inasoc deputy chairman Djoko Pramono was quoted by an online
newspaper, Jakarta Globe, as saying that the earlier decision was being reverted

to since the Palembang's venue, Gelora Sriwijaya will be used for the Games
opening and closing ceremonies.

Inasoc had prepared two venues in Jakarta, Gelora Bung Karno and Lebak Bulus
as the venues. Djoko on Oct 1 was quoted by Jakarta Post as saying that the
men's football tournament would be held in Jakarta and Palembang, and the final
would be played in Palembang.

Inasoc originally planned to organise the football event in both main venues

of the Games, Jakarta and Palembang, but scrapped the plan as Gelora Sriwijaya,
the main football stadium in Palembang had to be closed from Nov 7 for the
opening ceremony.

The opening and closing ceremony for the 26th SEA Games will be held at
Jakabaring Sports City, Palembang, where the Gelora Sriwijaya is situated.
-- BERNAMA

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Private sector urged to participate in venture capital

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 10:10 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has urged the private sector to be brave in participating in venture capital and drive Malaysia into a knowledge-based high-income economy.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said venture capital is important in encouraging innovation, new technology and ideas, that can contribute to a knowledge-based economy.

"So far, the government has been the main driver of source of venture

capital.

"We need the private sector to come in and assist as well. It's a part

of the private-public partnership," he told reporters on the sidelines of
the Kuala lumpur International Venture Capital Symposium here today.

He said the industry is relatively underdeveloped in Malaysia and there
must be a greater pursuit of venture capital if Malaysia is to be a developed country.

Last year, the amount of venture capital in Malaysia was worth RM6 billion with 51.4 per cent of the funding coming from government.

The industry is expected to grow by 16 per cent annually.


Awang Adek said the private sector must build the culture of moving out
of the comfort zone to do new things and take on a higher risk.

"Break the barrier and take a leap forward into the high income economy," he added. -- BERNAMA

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NST Online: Topnews

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Sime Darby not required to make offer to E&O

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 08:48 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd has said it is not necessary for the conglomerate to make a mandatory offer for the remaining shares not owned, in Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O), based on the Securities Commission's (SC) finding.

Sime Darby, the world's biggest publicly traded palm oil producer, had acquired a 30 per cent stake in property developer, E&O for RM766 million on Sept 9.

"It is the SC's finding that Sime Darby and Datuk Terry Tham Ka Hon (E&O

shareholder) are not parties acting in concert, and as such a mandatory offer
obligation would not arise," Sime Dary said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

Both companies had earlier halted trading of their shares. -- BERNAMA

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PM: Do not settle for mediocrity

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 11:49 AM PDT

2011/10/11
By Masami Mustaza
masamimustaza@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's success and achievements to date have been brought about by its people and their diligence, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.

Najib, who is also patron of the Merdeka Award, said the country's competitiveness had helped move Malaysia up the competitiveness ladder to rank 21st among 142 nations worldwide and second in Asean.


He said Malaysians could not, and must not compromise and settle for lower standards or mediocrity in the nation's quest for excellence.


"Malaysians must not be complacent but move forward with new technologies, ideas and discoveries.

"Change is only constant. There is no escaping this trend and we must strive to better ourselves and create an even better environment for future generations — our children and grandchildren," he said at the Merdeka Award presentation ceremony at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, here, last night.


The government has allocated an initial fund of RM200 million for the establishment of MyVenture Creative Capital to encourage critical thinking and creative ideas.


For those who do not continue their schooling, skills training will be provided through the Strategic Action for Youth (SAY 1Malaysia).

Najib also announced the establishment of the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, a newly instituted programme by the Merdeka Award.


It is designed to make it possible for qualified Malaysians, between the ages of 22 and 35, to engage in short-term collaborative projects or programmes at a selected, internationally- recognised host institution.


One grant will be offered next year and two each in subsequent years in selected disciplines of education, arts, sports, community and social work, environment, health as well as science and technology.

With this initiative, the organisers aim to identify and honour outstanding young post-Merdeka Malaysians who exemplify the spirit of Merdeka.


It is also for those who, in their respective areas of expertise demonstrate a commitment to excellence, contribute to the betterment of society and the nation's development.


The recipients of the 2011 Merdeka Award are Datuk Dr Kenneth Yeang, in the environment category, for outstanding contribution to the development of design methods for ecological design and planning of the built environment; and joint recipients in the category of outstanding scholastic achievement, Professor Datuk Dr Goh Khean Lee, for outstanding contribution in elevating the study and practice of gastroenterology and hepatology in Malaysia to global standards, and Professor Dr Mak Joon Wah, for outstanding fundamental and applied research in parasitology and parasitic diseases, public health and pathology.


They were conferred the Merdeka Award for their outstanding and lasting contributions to the nation and the people of Malaysia in their respective fields.


The Merdeka Award recipients were awarded with a certificate, a trophy and RM500,000 each.


Also present were Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas, chairman of the Merdeka Award Board of Trustees.

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Football / Malaysia Cup: Safiq shatters Perak's unbeaten record

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 05:22 PM PDT


SELANGOR, inspired by Safiq Rahim, defeated Perak 3-1 at Shah Alam Stadium while club sides T-Team and Felda United earned slim victories in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final first leg yesterday.

The east coast derby between Terengganu and Kelantan was like a street fight as four players were sent off and several others flashed the yellow card with the hosts winning 3-1 at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium.

Safiq Rahim slammed home two spectacular free kicks before turning provider for Amirulhadi Zainal to end Perak's unbeaten run in the competition.


Selangor dominated play from the start and scored their first goal when Fitri Shazwan was fouled outside the penalty box by Chan Wing Hong in the 13th minute.

Safiq, recently dropped from the national team, stepped up to take the free kick, which curved over the wall and past goalkeeper Kamarul Effandi Abdul Rahim. In the second half, Safiq again found the net when his free kick managed to dip below the crossbar in the 58th minute.

The midfielder turned provider when a cross from a teammate deflected off him into the path of Amirulhadi, who cooly lobbed the keeper after 63 minutes.


The visitors, however, hit back through Failee Ghazali in the 77th minute. Perak were hoping for a favourable result following their successful appeal to reduce the suspensions of five core players.

Captain Shahrulnizam Mustapa and Akmal Rizal Rakhli came on as substitutes and managed to change the tempo of Perak's game in the second half. Selangor's Bunyamin Umar received his marching orders after a second yellow card 10 minutes from time.

The east coast derby began aggressively with scuffles between players on and off the pitch.


Temper flared as the match progressed with Kelantan's Shakir Shaari receiving his second yellow card for punching a Terengganu player in the 33rd minute.

Two minutes later, Kelantan were reduced to nine players after defender Daudsu Jamaluddin earned a straight red for an ugly tackle on Ashaari Shamsuddin.

The homesters took advantage of the numerical advantage by scoring in the 43rd minute through Ismail Faruqi before he too was red carded in injury time.

A total of eight yellow cards were issued by referee Nafeez Wahab in the first half. Kelantan, however, equalised through Badri Radzi's spot kick after 77 minutes.

Not to be deterred, Terengganu played better in the final 10 minutes to score two goals through Manaf Mamat (86th) and Marzuki Ismail (90th).

A minute before the final whistle, Terengganu defender Zubir Azmi was red carded for a tackle on Ramzulzahini Adnan.

At the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Indra Putra Mahayuddin's brace earned T-Team a crucial 2-1 victory over Sabah.

The former international scored in the 36th and 86th minutes while Sabah replied through Alto Linus in the 47th minute.

K. Rajan's 58th minute goal earned Felda an unexpected 1-0 victory over star-studded Negri Sembilan at the MBPJ Stadium.

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Yachting: Jeremy's win takes him to Monsoon Cup

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 05:14 PM PDT


Abdullah Chan-Koo Racing Team skipper Jeremy Koo celebrates after winning the Malaysian Match Racing Championships. — Picture by Aswadi Alias.

Abdullah Chan-Koo Racing Team skipper Jeremy Koo celebrates after winning the Malaysian Match Racing Championships. — Picture by Aswadi Alias.

HE did it again!

Jeremy Koo defended his Malaysian Match Racing Championships title after beating Hazwan Hazim Dermawan in the final at Pulau Duyong, Terengganu, yesterday.

More importantly, the Abdullah Chan-Koo Racing Team skipper will once again compete in the Monsoon Cup after earning a wild card into the last leg of the World Match Racing Tour at the same venue next month.


The delighted 26-year-old sailor said it was a hard fought victory and he admitted to have had doubts about beating the Permai Hotel Match Racing Team skipper at some point during the race.

"I won the first point but Hazwan came back strongly to take the next two races but the turning point was in the fourth race when I managed to overtake him despite he being ahead.

"In a way, a place in the Monsoon Cup proper is a perfect pre-wedding gift for me," said Jeremy, who will tie the knot with Sandy Tan in December.


Hazwan, who raced in the 2009 Monsoon Cup after winning the national qualifiers, said luck deserted him midway through the fourth race when he was leading 2-1 in the best-of-five final.

"We were ahead of them again when one string on the jib sheet broke and when we tried to fix the problem, another string broke and the front sail fell into the water."

Third place in the five-day competition went to Malaysian Armed Forces Two (MAF2) helmsman Masyuri Rahmat who beat Universiti Pertanian Malaysia skipper Mohd Romzi Muhammad.


Ri-Yaz Sailing team skipper Nurul Ain Md Isa finished fifth while Mohd Zaidi Md Amin of MAF1 and Mohd Afendy Abdullah of Team Afendy finished sixth and seventh respectively.

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Both sides display professionalism

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 08:21 AM PDT

2010/10/26
Patrick Sennyah and Aidi Amin
news@nst.com.my


GUA MUSANG: Leaders from both the Barisan Nasional and Pas demonstrated a high level of professionalism during nominations for the Galas state seat today, ensuring a smooth, fast and clean nomination process.

The BN delegation was led by Umno vice-president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Wanita Umno chief, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Wanita MCA chief, Datuk Ng Yen Yen and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, while the Pas delegation was helmed by its party president, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Azmin Ali and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang.

Both delegations arrived separately and though seated in different tents were seen chatting with each other in a very cordial and peaceful manner.


At one point, Shahrizat was seen leading a delegation of Wanita Umno members to visit the Opposition tent.

There, Shahrizat warmly greeted Hadi Awang, who stood up to greet her, along with Kit Siang and Azmin.

Hadi Awang asked Shahrizat how the recently concluded Umno general assembly had progressed and congratulated her on a smooth and successful assembly.


"It went well. There were no problems and everyone was happy," said Shahrizat, who also took time to ask Kit Siang about his health.

"I'm well ... how about you," asked the DAP stalwart.

The group then spent a few minutes chatting and later returned to their respective camps.


Overall, there was not a single untoward incident and supporters from both sides demonstrated a high level of professionalism.

"We are very happy with how the nominations progressed and hope this same kind of spirit will prevail throughout the campaign period and on polling day also," said Kelantan police chief, Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi.

Abdul Rahim has assured both the Barisan Nasional, who will be fielding Abdul Aziz Yusoff, 49, for the seat and Pas' Dr Zulkefli Mohamed,44, that the police will not reject any permits for ceramahs, as long as it is submitted a day earlier.

There were more than 500 supporters on each side and police, who had anticipated large crowds had took steps to place the groups 180 metres apart as opposed to only 60 metres as in previous by-elections.

There was also very smooth traffic flow, with no major disturbances to the locals who were busy on their way to work.

"We did not close any major roads and did our best not to disturb the daily lives of the people here," said Abdul Rahim.

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New faces expected in Sarawak election

Posted: 14 Mar 2011 03:12 PM PDT

2010/11/23
By Lian Cheng
news@nst.com.my

KUCHING: The coming state election may see the most number of new faces within the Sarawak Barisan Nasional in its history.

In the past, it has been the practice of BN to maintain the incumbents to ensure political stability - the fewer changes made, the less risk would be at stake.

However, since the last state election in 2006, the general public's mentality seems to have shifted to opt for new blood and younger state representatives, especially after the op position made it a point to recruit young professionals with no historical baggage or even political background to stand as their candidates.


While BN had little time to react to this change in the last state election, this time around, however, one can expect to see BN putting forth new faces to replace some of the incumbents, especially those who did not secure impressive majorities in the last state elections.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), for instance, did not wait for the coming election to make known its intention to replace some of the incumbents.

As early as November 2008, its president Tan Sri Taib Mahmud replaced three PBB assistant ministers when reshuffling his Cabinet - Datuk Bolhassan Di (Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communica tion), Datuk Hamden Ahmad (Assistant Minister of Youth as well as Tourism) and Datuk Ambrose Blikau (Assistant Minister of Rural Development as well as Public Utilities).


With growing rumours that a state election would take place March 26 (which coincides with Taib's 30th an niversary as Chief Minister) next year, there are predictions that more than a handful of PBB incumbents would be dropped after Taib's declaration of 30 per cent new faces.

PBB was allocated 35 out of the 71 state seats in the last elections and 30 per cent new faces would mean 10 new candidates, which was also confirmed by party insiders.

Those on top of the list speculated to be dropped are the three dropped assistant minsiters Bolhassan (Beting Maro), Hamden (Belawai) and Blikau (Katibas).


Others included Dr Wahbi Junaidi (Saribas; 94-vote ma jority), Simoi Peri (Lingga; 1870-vote majority), Gramong Juna (Machan; 2,289-vote majority), Frederick Bayoi (Kedup; 1981-vote majority) and Wan Wahap (Sadong Jaya, 858-vote majority).

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), meanwhile, has been going on its rounds to solve issues, reaching out to young voters and recruiting thousands of them. SUPP has also produced dramas to rekindle among the veteran party members their initial love and sacrifice for the party.

These efforts were taken note of by the Chinese, but initial grassroots feedback seems to indicate no significant impact as yet on Chinese voters.

"Every day, we make it a point to spend time with our voters. We are experiencing a total transformation especially with regards to our candidates," said its president Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

SUPP plans to put forth at least 30 per cent new faces and no "recycled candidates". These changes are expected in all the areas it had lost ground previously, such as Padungan, Pending, Batu Lintang, Kidurong, Merandong and Bukit Assek. SUPP has 19 allocated constituencies.

Only one recycled candidate would be expected, namely Datuk Alfred Yap, contesting in Kota Sentosa which he lost by 531 votes to Sarawak DAP secretary general Chong Chieng Jen.

For Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) which has been allocated nine seats, its president Datuk Seri Dr James Masing has stated that there would be at least two new faces, speculated to be at Ngemah and Pelagus.

Ngemah was lost to Gabriel Adit, a former BN member who is now Parti Cinta Malaysia Sarawak state chief.

Pelagus, a seat of dispute due to Larry Sng's expulsion from the party after challenging Masing's presidency, remains a problem that BN needs to solve before the state elections is called.

To Masing, the Pelagus seat is non-negotiable.

Sng, who has been a partyless assistant minister over the last three years, would have to be absorbed by other component parties and contest in another constituency besides Pelagus if he wished to stand under the BN banner.

Speculation is that he would either stand in Meradong, the birthplace of his tycoon father-in-law Tan Sri Ting Phek Kiing, if he is to be absorbed by SUPP; or Meluan, replacing Wong Judat, should he be accepted by Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).

Holding eight seats, SPDP's president Datuk Seri William has said that he would retain all the incumbents.

However, it has been reported that the four state as semblymen within "the disgruntled five" namely Datuk Peter Nansian (Tasik Biru), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu), Sylvester Entri (Marudi) and Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau) would be replaced with new faces.

"The disgruntled five", which also includes Mas Gading Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, was given the nickname when they teamed up to call on party president Mawan to resign.

They claimed that Mawan, who is also the State Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation, was influenced by an invisible hand when he did not re-appoint Entri as the party secretary-general.

The five walked out from a SPDP supreme council meeting when Mawan replaced Entri.

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NST Online Business Times : latest

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Business Times : latest

Posted:

Business Times : latesthttp://www.btimes.com.my enTuesday, October 11, 2011, 10.49 AMTrading of Sime, E&O shares suspendedhttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011091537/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011091537/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:15:37 +0800Sime Darby Bhd and Eastern and Oriental Bhd suspended their shares today pending announcements, they said in separate statements. Sime completed an acquisition of a 30 percent stake in Eastern and Oriental for RM766 million, or at RM2.30 a share on Sept. 11. Sime said last month it was open to the possibility of making a general offer. -- Bloomberg AirAsia raised to 'buy', stock jumpshttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011092628/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011092628/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:26:28 +0800AirAsia Bhd advanced to a three-week high after the stock was raised to "buy" from "neutral" at UBS AG to reflect the budget carrier's earnings prospects. The stock climbed 2.3 percent to RM3.12 at 9:09 a.m. Kuala Lumpur time, set for its highest close since Sept. 21. -- Bloomberg Proton climbs as rating upgradedhttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011094147/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011094147/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:41:47 +0800Proton Holdings Bhd, a Malaysian state-controlled carmaker, climbed after its stock rating was raised to "market perform" from "underperform" at RHB Capital Bhd. The stock gained 1.5 percent to RM2.70 at 9:28 a.m. Kuala Lumpur time. The stock's "fair value" was increased to RM2.90 from RM2.50, RHB wrote in a report today. -- Bloomberg Bina Puri climbs on housing contracthttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011091413/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011091413/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:14:13 +0800Bina Puri Holdings Bhd rose to its highest in almost a month after saying it won a RM20.4 million building contract from Jabatan Perumahan Negara. The stock climbed 2.9 percent to RM1.08 at 9:02 a.m. Kuala Lumpur time, set for its highest close since Sept. 15. -- Bloomberg TSH Res gains on bonus issue planhttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011091307/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011091307/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:13:07 +0800TSH Resources Bhd, a Malaysian palm oil planter, rose the most this year in Kuala Lumpur trading after the company proposed a one-for-one bonus share issue. The stock gained 7.5 percent to RM3.15 at 9:04 a.m. local time, set for its biggest increase since Dec. 14, 2010. -- Bloomberg KL shares recover in early tradehttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011100730/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011100730/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:07:30 +0800KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices on Bursa Malaysia regained its footing this morning, recouping from Monday's losses, prompted by the positive performance on Wall Street overnight, dealers said. Gains on British American Tobacco, Digi.com and KL Kepong pushed the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI to 1,411.06, up 14.02 points, after 20 minutes of trading. The index opened 9.95 points better at 1,406.99. A majority of global equities advanced on renewed hopes for a resolution of the debt crisis in the euro zone, dealers said. "Major US equity indices jumped between 3.0 per cent and 3.5 per cent last night on news that a plan may be on the way to recapitalise European banks in an effort to contain the region's debt problems," said HwangDBS Vickers Research. In a research note, it said the positive sentiment would likely lift the local bourse's performance today, however, it reckoned the benchmark index's progress could be blocked by its immediate resistance barrier of 1,415 ahead. The Finance Index surged 158.23 points to 12,963.41, the Plantation Index rose 73.41 points to 7,111.12 and the Industrial Index gained 22.25 points to 2,537.21. The FBM Emas Index advanced 98.16 points to 9,557.21, the FBM Mid 70 Index climbed 128.97 points to 10,165.2 and the FBM Ace Index increased 6.04 points to 3,652.5. The market breath was positive with gainers outpacing losers 288 to 16 while 106 counters were unchanged, 1,067 untraded and 33 others were suspended. Turnover stood at 103.165 million shares worth RM95.043 million. Among actives, Dutaland-Wa added 1.5 sen to 13 sen, Dutaland inched up half-a-sen to 65.5 sen and Dialog-GC added 1.5 sen to nine sen. Of heavyweights, both Maybank and CIMB were up eight sen each to RM8.28 and RM7.23, respectively, while Petronas Chemicals advanced five sen to RM5.65. Meanwhile trading in Sime Darby and Eastern and Oriental shares were suspended from 9am pending an announcement while the industrial production report for August was scheduled to be released later today. - Bernama Ringgit opens sharply higher http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011094639/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011094639/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:46:39 +0800KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit was traded sharply higher against the US dollar, in early trade, as the greenback weakened following advances in the euro on hopes that a new plan will help contain the debt crisis, dealers said. The local currency rose to 3.1070/1100 against the greenback from 3.1205/1250 at 5pm yesterday. The ringgit was, however, lower against the Singapore dollar at 2.4321/4348, from 2.4271/4325, yesterday but appreciated against the yen to 4.0503/0569, from 4.0732/0812, on Monday. It gained against the British pound to 4.8597/8656, from 4.8842/8922, yesterday but was easier against the euro at 4.2352/2399 against 4.2336/2406, previously. - Bernama US stocks soar on Franco-German pledgehttp://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011070550/Article/ http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20111011070550/Article/Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:05:50 +0800NEW YORK: US stocks rallied sharply on Monday after Germany and France pledged over the weekend to find a solid plan to address the eurozone debt crisis and shore up European banks within weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average leaped 330.06 points (2.97 percent) to finish at 11,433.18. The broader SandP 500 surged 39.43 points (3.41 percent) to 1,194.89, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 86.70 points (3.50 percent) to 2,566.05. Stocks piled up gains "after government leaders in Germany and France said they would develop a plan to recapitalise banks by the end of the month," said Sameer Samana at Wells Fargo Advisors. Trade was thinner than usual with much of the country, including federal and local governments, as well as the bond market, on holiday for Columbus Day. All 30 Dow blue chips ended higher just ahead of the third-quarter earnings season that kicks off on Tuesday after the market closes, with Alcoa the first Dow component to report. Alcoa leaped 3.9 percent Monday, while Caterpillar jumped 4.8 percent. Financials benefited from hopes that Europe will boost the capital of its banks suffering from the public debt crises in Greece, Ireland and Portugal. Bank of America surged 6.4 percent, JPMorgan Chase was up 5.2 percent and American Express added 4.7 percent. Apple leaped 5.1 percent after saying pre-orders of the new model of its hit iPhone 4 smartphone topped one million units in the first 24 hours, a record for an Apple product. Netflix reversed heavy gains and closed 4.8 percent lower. The firm announced it would not split its by-mail and streaming video rental services onto two websites. -- AFP Full content generated by Get Full RSS.
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NST Online: StreetsJohor

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OVER THE MOON

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 10:49 AM PDT


Children and adults of all races have a memorable time at an annual Mid-Autumn Festival gathering

AT twilight, a string of paper lanterns hung from lines across a row of trees along the Canal Walk were lit up the old-fashioned way, with candles.

Bathed in this charming glow, children playing with rabbits in the adjacent petting area could not resist lingering a little longer.


But it was time for dinner, which would be followed by a lion dance and lantern walk in the final part of the Mid-Autumn celebration at Leisure Farm Resort.

This celebration, traditionally marked on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, was celebrated with residents and friends of Leisure Farm Resort, recently.

Earlier, they tasted a variety of delicious mooncakes with traditional fillings like lotus paste as well as innovative flavours like tiramisu and durian.


It was both educational and fun to find out more about the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival tradition as one participated in activities.

While legends of the Mid-Autumn celebration were screened on a television, a row of lanterns were hung up with tassels printed with questions for the lantern quiz.

Those who were challenged picked a question from the lanterns to answer and walked away with attractive prizes after answering the question correctly.


The lantern-making competition using recycled items was another meaningful item in the programme as it educated people about the festival and recycling.

In 1992, Lau Chai Yong, who makes handicraft from recycled paper and plastic materials, turned her hobby into a cottage industry, creating useful and decorative items.

Lau exhibited and sold her creations at the event to raise funds for the National Stroke Association of Malaysia Johor Baru.

After she shared her skills with youngsters, guiding them to create paper lanterns from old namecards, Lau helped participants in the lantern-making competition.

The competition kicked off simultaneously for participants in the children, adult and family categories. If making lanterns using paper rolls and egg trays looked like child's play, the participants soon found out otherwise.

Under Mulpha International's corporate social responsibility programme Leisure Farm Corporation hosted an art exhibition by special young artist, Yap Hanzhen, at the event.

Profits from the sale of his sketches of dogs, cats and butterflies were channelled to the Kiwanis Careheart Centre school fund.

The resort had a stall selling refreshing ice kacang while Suzana Ahmat, a resident of Bayou Water Village, provided express manicures at her stall.

Proceeds from the sales went to Amithaba Centre Charity Orphanage, Johor Baru. ATS Dance Academy dancers entertained while everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet spread with live cooking stations that served burgers and tauhu bakar.

The fun continued with an exciting contest between Vincent Tang and Siti Aliza Mohamed Nasir, who raced to complete a giant jigsaw puzzle.

Cheered on by a supportive audience, Aliza, a Leisure Farm resident of 11 years, worked with speed and accuracy to emerge the winner.

Meanwhile, Norhayati Sukeni was helping her children, nieces and nephews to light candles for their paper lanterns at the Canal Walk.

"I paid RM6.90 for a set of six lanterns," said Norhayati as her hands moved adeptly securing candles and fixing fallen twigs onto the lanterns as handles while the children were impatient to set off along the meandering path.

She was obviously familiar with what she was doing. Her family has adopted lantern playing as a tradition. The cross-cultural atmosphere continued as a pair of prancing lions moved to the beat of deafening drums and led a parade of lighted lanterns for a trek on the Canal Walk.

It was a memorable close to the event. The children of all ages followed the lions dressed in costumes, dotted by hundreds of flashing light bulbs.

The Mid-Autumn celebration is an annual event for residents organised by Leisure Farm Resort in cooperation with event company In-The-Event.

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Act of kindness to animals in enclosures

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 07:37 AM PDT

2011/10/09
by Vincent Chow


THE Johor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has finally enforced the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 in two private zoos in Johor Baru.

The day the Act was enforced was also the day the animals were set free from small and cramped cages.

Private zoo operators, like any businessmen, are keeping animals for a purpose, that is to make money through the sales of entrance tickets.


Generally, they are not professionally trained to take care of animals, which are usually not properly fed, engaged in exercise, provided with medication when they are sick or injured, and given adequate shelter, etc.

With no experience or expertise, the keepers' only option is to put the animals into an enclosure. This is wrong.

Zoo operators in advanced countries treat their animals like they treat their children.


Besides a proper diet, the animals are given decent shelters that extra include protection during winter, and are given exercise and training.

It is a totally different scenario in Malaysia.

In some private zoos, you may have noted that almost all the animals are fed the same type of food for almost every meal, every day.


Topmost on the minds of these operators are usually to keep the animal's belly full, after which they consider the job done.

As a result, you will see cases of animals down with digestive problem.

When this occurs, the animal will lose weight and develop health problems eventually.

As an open concept is too pricey for them, the only way is to lock the animals in small enclosures. It is cruel to take away their freedom.

Private zoo operators were given sufficient time before the amended Act was enforced.

Apparently, they had ignored the provisions in the Act, which was passed by Parliament in August last year and has a wider scope and jurisdiction in the protection of more wildlife species and activities related to wildlife.

Perhilitan has clearly said the Act, when fully enforced, would have better control over all wildlife species, wildlife derivatives, hybrid species and invasive alien species.

The Act also gives the department the jurisdiction to address issues on wild animal welfare and cruelty.

I have heard cases of private zoos that moonlight in breeding some protected species for sale.

At this point, it makes us wonder from where they obtain all the animal species.

In Johor, protected animals are smuggled out from Bekok, Paloh and Kahang from time to time.

Most of the them end up in restaurants serving exotic meat, while rare species are sold for money.

The Act will certainly act as a deterrent to poachers as well as illegal keepers of animals.

Vincent Chow is the chairman of the Malaysia Nature Society (Johor branch).

Interview by Sim Bak Heng

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Malaysians abuzz over "Moon Halo"

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 11:08 PM PDT

Malaysians abuzz over "Moon Halo"

KUALA LUMPUR: The "Moon Halo" phenomenon from 10pm last night in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor is not uncommon but often occurs when the moon goes through a certain phase.

Langkawi National Observatory assistant science officer Karzaman Ahmad said a ring around the moon was formed due to refraction of moonlight through ice crystals in cirrus clouds 5-10km from the earth's surface.

"The ring should have been in rainbow colours but because the moon does not has its own light, (the moon reflects the light from the sun) the colour effect is limited and not visible," he said when contacted by Bernama today. He said the phenomenon depends on cirrus clouds in the atmosphere as well as the angle and shape of ice crystals.


"Moon Halo created from ice crystals can be hexagonal but last night it was in the shape of a ring at 22 degrees angle."

Karzaman said the phenomenon occurred to the sun about five or six months ogo and known as "Sun Halo".

He dismissed claims by some individuals that the event signifies THAT an untoward incident would happen to the earth.


Late last night, Facebook users uploaded pictures and discussed the phenomenon on Twitter saying it was strange leading to mixed reaction. -- BERNAMA

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Guan Eng wants hudud issue ironed out soon

Posted: 09 Oct 2011 12:09 PM PDT

2011/10/09
By Jaspal Singh and Rahmah Ghazali
news@nst.com.my

IPOH: The hudud issue, if not ironed out soon, would have an adverse effect on the opposition parties, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said yesterday.

Lim said DAP had made its stand clear -- that it would not support any move to introduce or implement hudud in Malaysia.

He reiterated that he would resign as DAP secretary-general if it was mentioned in the opposition's Buku Jingga (Orange Book) that hudud would be implemented if it came to power.


"If there is such evidence, then I and all other members, the 30 of us in DAP's central executive committee, will resign."

Lim said DAP agreed to cooperate with Pas on common principles, adding that all three opposition partners needed to be focused on their final political aim.

"Although relations among the three partners appear normal, we need to iron out the hudud issue soon. If not clarified, it would have an adverse effect (on the opposition)," he said after opening the Perak DAP convention, near here.


Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, said the seeming uncertainty and ambiguity over the hudud issue had been compounded by certain quarters, especially the media.

"As we all know, the media is not under our control. When we want to explain an issue, we are not given the opportunity or the space.

"The psy-war is foggy. We need clarity and to clear the air. With the general election drawing close, there's a lot of psy-war going on."


Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Tian Chua, meanwhile, said it would not agree to amend the Constitution to include hudud if the opposition came to power.

"In the opposition, we already have a consensus that there will be no amendment to the Constitution," he said when contacted.

DAP national chairman Karpal Singh had on Saturday said that "there are going to be a lot of problems". He was responding to a statement by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat calling for the implementation of hudud to go on even without the Federal Government's approval.

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