Or put it simply they do not think through thoroughly the estate planning issues that will be faced by the deceased’s estate and his or her dependents.

Will reviewI have done numerous will reviews for clients and I do spot some issues that will writers should advise their clients adequately.

For example, I have reviewed a Will of a West  Malaysian who has a Sarawakian wife and minor children domiciled in Kuching. In his Will, he appointed his brother, a West Malaysian that resided in West Malaysia as his the Executor in his will.

The issue is on its practicality. If his brother is called on to do his job as an executor, is it practical for him to make numerous trips flying in to Kuching to itemise the asset list; do land searches; call on the estate creditors; file for Grant of Probate at the probate office; file claims at the EPF; submit claims to the insurance companies; transfer the children’s Life insurance policy ownerships under the deceased’s name, to hold on to trust the money and properties for the minor children, etc?

Estate administration Process

The fact is that the process of estate administration is not as straight forward as signing all the legal papers and documents at one time.

Ask those who have acted as Executors before and they will tell you that they will have to make numerous trips to different places and would be called upon to sign papers as and when required.

Thus only a prudent estate planner will be able to provide adequate advice to minimise the complications in the estate administration process.

Testator with previous Marriage

In another Will review case, this person was married with minor children. He had a previous marriage with two other adult children. In his Will, he appointed his adult son from his previous marriage as his Executor to administer his estate and hold on trust for his present wife and the young children in the present marriage. I am not saying that his son will not be able to do a good job but the risk is there.

What if his adult son is not too concerned about his stepmother and his little half-brother and sister? Since the power is the hand of the Executor, will the present wife and young children’s welfare and interest be safe guarded? The wife may sue the Executor for not doing his job properly but then taking legal action always takes time and costs money.

Under age beneficiaries

In the same Will that I reviewed, it had a clause that did not sound right:

“I give to my daughter, ABC ( Birth certificate number, K1234356/99 ) my motor vehicle, a Toyota, bearing registration number QAA 1234.”

It is not very practical to give such things as motor vehicles to a minor child as she can not get it registered with the land transport authority and she does not have any valid driving licence.

Absence of residue Clause

This will writer made another assumption that was also impractical. He assumed that the testator would not acquire any more new assets after the Will had been written. The Will that he prepared for his client did not include any “residue clause.”

If the Will is presented for Grant of Probate, the Executor will not be able to administer and distribute those assets not listed in the Will.

Incidentally, I have reviewed all his life insurance policies and detected that a few of his life insurance policies did not have any nominations.

Conclusion

It is prudent that consumers also think through their estate planning issues to ensure that their beloved beneficiaries do not suffer unnecessary delays and issues.

Lee Khee Chuan is a qualified financial advisor. He holds a B.A. from National University of Singapore and is a Chartered Financial Consultant ( ChFC ), Certified Financial Planner™ ( CFP™ ) and Chartered Life Underwriter ( CLU ). Lee is frequentl  quoted in Personal Money magazine. His articles are also published in SMART INVESTOR.

Lee can be contacted at 016-8880138 for a private & confidential discussion.

For more information, please visit: www.lkcestateplanning.com.

HONOURED: Naya assists Najib (right) with his robe before the presentation ceremony at Meiji University, Tokyo. — Bernama photo

Meiji University President Hiromi Naya conferred the honorary degree on Najib at a special ceremony at the university here yesterday morning.

Present were Najib’s wife Datin  Seri   Rosmah   Mansor, Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim who is the acting Foreign Minister and Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shaharuddin Md Som.

In his acceptance speech, Najib said he felt honoured to be conferred the honorary doctorate from the Meiji University, a university that was held in a very high esteem in Japan for its many contributions and sterling achievements.

He said he strongly believed that Malaysia and Japan can engage in various initiatives at different levels to achieve mutual benefit and shared goals.

“First, both nations can foster closer understanding and collaboration through smart partnership, academic engagements and corporate joint ventures.

“Secondly, we can share resources to create value in an open innovation ecosystem that will benefit both countries at various levels.

“For example, there can be increased student and staff mobility between universities engaging in innovative projects in various areas of concern that will benefit all parties,” he said.

He said in addition, both countries could extend the existing framework such as the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) with the Malaysian vice-chancellors Council on areas of importance such as sustainability and innovative technology.

Najib said another initiative could be to revisit the idea of the establishment of Malaysia Japan University as a symbol of their renewed commitment in bilateral relations and in the quest for a more vibrant and dynamic ecosystem for intellectual collaboration.

“Nevertheless, the success of this endeavour hinges upon our mutual commitment to move forward,” he added.

He said the Japanese government has long supported Malaysian academics resulting in high-impact academic collaboration and joint research, while encouraging the mobility of experts between the countries for many years.

In addition, he said, Japanese companies such as Hitachi and Panasonic had also provided scholarships and fellowships for higher degrees and joint research projects. — Bernama

KUCHING: Barisan Nasional (BN) berpeluang baik untuk menang sekali gus mempertahankan kerusi Parlimen Sibu pada pilihan raya kecil 16 Mei depan.

SUDILAH DATANG LAGI: Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud ceria berbual dengan Muhyiddin semasa mengucapkan selamat jalan kepada Muhyiddin yang berangkat pulang ke Kuala Lumpur di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching, petang semalam selepas lawatan dua harinya ke Sarawak. Turut sama mengiringi beliau ialah Abang Johari (kiri), Dr Chan (dua kanan) dan Menteri Pembangunan Tanah Dato Sri Dr James Masing.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin berkata, keyakinan itu timbul berikutan reaksi dan sambutan positif para pemimpin dan masyarakat di Sibu ketika lawatannya kelmarin.

Beliau menghadiri majlis makan malam bersama kirakira 500 pemimpin masyarakat di Sibu pada Isnin.

“Saya yakin peluang baik. Berdasarkan ucapan yang diberikan (saya) mendapat sambutan dan reaksi baik secara spontan,” katanya pada majlis perasmian Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia 2010 yang bertema ‘Pemangkin Muhyiddin optimis BN berpeluang menangi pilihan raya kecil Parlimen itu 16 Mei depan Sarawak RM1.00 Brunei Darussalam B$1.00 250 tan kayu batak dirampas TEMPATAN 2 Pelaburan 1Malaysia’ anjuran Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) di pekarangan Wisma Bapa Malaysia di sini, semalam.

Hadir sama, Timbalan Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Menteri Perumahan dan Pembangunan Bandar Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, Pengerusi PNB Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid dan Ketua Eksekutif Kumpulan PNB Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah.

Muhyiddin berkata, pada majlis itu beliau mengambil peluang untuk menjelaskan perjuangan BN yang mengutamakan rakyat dalam pelaksanaan pembangunan.

Beliau katanya, turut mengimbas semula sejarah dan perjuangan BN yang didukung oleh mendiang Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew.

Robert Lau merupakan Ahli Parlimen Sibu dan Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan sebelum meninggal dunia pada 9 April lepas.

“Jasa (Robert Lau) tidak harus dilupa dan yang hendak dibuat oleh wakil (calon BN) kita kelak ialah kesinambungan terhadap kerja-kerja yang baik,” katanya.

Bagaimanapun, Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP) perlu mempertaruhkan calon yang dikehendaki penduduk tempatan.

“Kita letak calon yang paling sesuai dan harap rakyat sokong,” katanya.

Mengenai calon SUPP, beliau berkata keputusan itu adalah terletak di tangan Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud untuk mengumumkannya.

Sudah pasti katanya, Taib akan membuat keputusan selepas berbincang dengan pemimpin SUPP.

“Saya tidak mahu membuat ramalan dan saya tidak tahu siapa,” katanya.

SUPP hampir pasti menurunkan Robert Lau Hui Yew dalam pertandingan yang dijangka mempertemukan Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP). DAP belum mengumumkan calon.

Penamaan calon bagi Parlimen Sibu akan diadakan pada 8 Mei.

Mengenai pilihan raya Parlimen Hulu Selangor pada 25 April ini, Muhyiddin berkata peluang untuk BN menang turut cerah apabila dua calon Bebas menarik diri.

Pilihan raya itu akan menyaksikan pertandingan satu lawan satu. BN menurunkan P. Kamalanathan, manakala Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) diwakili Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

“Mereka yang menarik diri juga telah menyatakan akan memberi sokongan kepada BN.

“Tapi tidak tahu sebanyak mana pengundi yang boleh mereka tarik, itu boleh membantu kita untuk menang,” katanya.

SPECIAL YEAR: Wahid says Maybank’s partnership in MSAM 2010 this year coincides with its 50th anniversary celebration.

Its president and chief executive officer Datuk Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said although the target was lower than last year in Johor Bahru (JB), it was more because of the difference in population seen between two states.

“Though last year was a bit more, about RM150 million, don’t be mistaken for the lower target. This is because the population in Johor Bahru is bigger than Kuching, therefore we had a bigger crowd then.

“Some more, the population here is more dispersed in several cities like Sibu and Miri, compared to Johor where it’s more concentrated. But our target for Sarawak would be comparable to states like Negeri Sembilan and potentially bigger than Terengganu,” he said when met at the Maybank’s booth yesterday.

The group’s participation in MSAM 2010 marked its eleventh year as the main partner for the event, organised by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB).

“Since 2000, we’ve always participated in the event, not just to showcase our banking business, but also other segments as well. We have insurance products, along with investment banking; will writing and estate planning, both within conventional and Islamic systems. Our financial products are very competitive,” added Wahid.

Asked on the MSAM 2010’s first entry into the state, he was encouraged by the huge response seen on the opening day.

“If you listen to what PNB’s chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid said earlier, in terms of total investment in unit trusts, Sarawak actually is the third largest after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. So, I have optimistic hopes for the state.

“Moreover, it’s special because we’re also celebrating our 50^th anniversary this year. Thus, we’ll be emphasising more on contest for customers to express our gratitude for their loyalty and support throughout the years.”

In this respect, Wahid highlighted its biggest customers’ reward programme throughout this year.

“For this, we’re offering cash prizes worth RM2 million throughout the year, wherein every quarter we’ll be giving out RM500,000 to our lucky winners. The first phase of the contest will end this month, so you should know the winners by May,” he said.

On other expectations, Wahid continued, “MSAM 2010 is a conducive platform for making our products and services known to the public, especially Sarawakians. For customers who are more conservative, they can go for our deposit products, while for those seeking longerterm investment can go for unit trusts, insurance products.

“For those who have the ability to invest directly, they can go for the stock market through our investment bank. So, we have the whole range for everybody here.

“This will definitely create greater awareness, especially for our Islamic deposit products, giving our support towards raising the profile of Islamic financing as a whole,” he concluded.

CONSERVATION PLAN NEEDED: Pictures of the pregnant rhino captured on camera-trap devices. — Photo courtesy of WWF-Malaysia /Borneo Species Programme

This strengthens the argument to maintain and improve the enforcement and security of the forest and wildlife reserves in this part of the region.

Presently, the rhino population is estimated to be less than 30 in Borneo, said International Rhino expert Dr Terri Roth.

“It would be wonderful if this female is pregnant, since there are so few Sumatran rhinos left in the world that each calf represents a lifeline for the species.” SWD director Dr Laurentius Ambu highlights the importance of strong and co-ordinated enforcement in the forest and wildlife reserves by the relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in order to ensure the survival of this species in the Borneo’s forests.

Currently, the WWF-Malaysia is working closely with other government agencies such as the SWD, Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Foundation, with the support from the Royal Malaysian Police, to ensure the safety and survival of this endangered species in Borneo.

Ambu mentioned that consistent monitoring of the rhino population here has been productive so far, as two rhino calves have been identified in this part of the region.

“The Sabah Wildlife Department is currently working closely with WWF-Malaysia and Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) to finalise the Rhino Action Plan which will be expected to be ready for full implementation by August 2010.

“The ‘Rhino Action Plan’ will address the conservation plans of the viable population including isolated rhinos,” said Ambu.

He emphasises that his department will have a different approach in managing the viable and isolated rhino population in Sabah, adding habitat protection and enforcement have been recognised as the main strategy in order to ensure the survival of the viable rhino population in forest reserves, whilst rhino breeding programme has been identified as the key strategy in order to address the conservation plan for the isolated rhinos.

Ambu added the rhino breeding programme is currently supported by Sime Darby, the Malaysian federal government and WWF-Malaysia.

“The future of rhinos in Borneo now depends on how seriously the enforcement and security work in the forest reserves can be implemented and coordinated,” WWF-Malaysia Borneo Species Programme head Raymond Alfred said.

He added the monitoring and survey work in the central forest of Sabah is currently supported by Honda Malaysia, WWF-Netherlands, WWF-Germany and USFWS since 2005.

WWF-Malaysia is joining forces with the Sabah Wildlife and Forestry Departments to look into reinforcing the security of the forest reserves where rhinos inhabit.

Alfred mentioned that the data gathered from a continuing rhino monitoring and survey programme in this part of region shows that the home range of the rhinos is affected by oil palm expansion near the coastline, sustainable logging activities have minimal impact on the rhino population and forest conversion of the natural forests, especially those located adjacent to key habitat for the rhinos, into other mono-plantation (particularly oil palm) would further worsen the fragmentation of the rhino population.

WWF-Malaysia believes that full espousal and co-operation from the relevant land developers and forest managers to restore the corridor and also address illegal encroachment would help support the survival of rhinos in Sabah.

DEDICATION: Anderson showing the transcript of his Post Graduate Teaching Course.

He said he had taken everything in his stride because of his love for teaching and to educate the rural kids.

Anderson, who was awarded the Best Post Graduate   Teaching  Course (Nov 2007 intake) yesterday, said the distance from his house at the Nyemungan junction, Lubok Antu, to Pengkalan Murat, usually takes an hour.

The best route from Pengkalan Murat to the school is by river and that takes another seven hours by speedboat.

“I was quite worried at first, knowing that I have to go through eight hours of journey through the river from my house. But after teaching for almost three years in that particular school, I do not plan on moving  to  the city,” said Anderson, an Iban.

Nyelang said the distance and the sacrifices he had to make as a teacher in the rural areas did not affect the relationship he had with his wife.

He said he usually communicated  with  his wife and children via the Internet which was available in the school.

His advice for new teachers  is   that   they  should always remember why they had wanted to become teachers in the first place.

“Initially it is always hard to accept the surroundings, the village, the people and communicating with the villagers. But you will get used to it after some time,” he said.

A HIT AMONG DRIVERS: Red Bull’s Mark Webber of Australia (front right), teammate Sebastian Vettel (second right) of Germany and Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg of Germany start the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, in this April 4 file photo. — Reuters photo

Sepang is a favourite among many drivers with the track considered one of Hermann Tilke’s most interesting designs with several high-speed corners and two very long straights connected by wide hairpins.

But it is starting to look its age.

“Unfortunately after three to four years, the track was not very well maintained,” Razlan, CEO of Sepang International Circuit told AFP.

“There are areas of the grandstand and the paddock where it leaks during a storm. We experience power trips and mechanical and electrical woes. We need a major overhaul and refurbishment.”

Razlan, 37, took over in 2008 soon after Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone criticised the “tired” looking 350 million ringgit circuit.

“It’s starting to get a little shabby and looks a bit tired. There is rubbish all over the place and it’s not really a good sign for Malaysia,” Ecclestone said at the time.

The Briton, F1’s commercial powerbroker, likened the circuit to “an old house that needs a bit of redecorating.”

Razlan said Sepang’s soaring roof shelter inspired by the hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia, needed to be replaced since the grandstand canopy leaked and had outlived its life span.

“The flat roof above the paddock is also leaking. We are fighting a losing battle to repair the leaks,” he said, adding that “we need to bring back Sepang’s glory days.”

Razlan said Malaysia had the rights to host F1 until 2015.

“I hope we can secure about 180 million ringgit over the next five years from the government to carry out a major overhaul and refurbishment,” he said.

Razlan made the remarks as new circuits emerge in the world championship calendar, including Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

Asia-Pacific countries that host races include neighbouring Singapore, Australia, China and South Korea.

India holds its first race next year.

“Our track needs to be on par with Bahrain and Shanghai,” he said.

“I am not afraid of Malaysia losing Formula One spectators. I am more concerned about providing better hospitality services and how to generate additional revenue.”

Razlan added that since Malaysia aspired to become a motorsports hub for Southeast Asia, there was a need to build new infrastructure.

“Drivers and riders are presently housed behind the paddock building in temporary marquees. We need to upgrade. We are quite far behind the new circuits,” he said.

The government had been briefed about the need for upgrading and also the construction of new facilities such as a hotel, an academy for drivers, a  technical and composite-making automotive center, and covered parking garages for high-end sports cars which can be rented out, he said.

“We have a huge land bank covering 286 hectares (706 acres). Currently only 36 hectares is built-up area,” he said.

“We are seeking investors. We are open to joint-venture partners.” — AFP

OFFICIAL SUPPLIER: Eurocopter senior executive vice-president Philippe Harache (second right) with other officers standing in front of the EC725 helicopter. — Bernama photo

The agreements included eight contracts, five Memorandums of Understanding   (MoUs), three letters of acceptance (LOAs) and four letters of intent (LOIs).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said so far this was the biggest number of agreements signed through DSA.

The four-day DSA is Asia’s largest defence and security exhibition and one of the most prestigious defence exhibitions in the world.

“The signings also involved other related agencies and ministries,” he told reporter after witnessing the signing of agreements at the exhibition which was held at the Putra World Trade Centre.

The contracts signed were for the supply of Scorpene-type submarine navigation safety, combat system, sensors and periscope simulator for the Royal Malaysian Navy worth RM128.5 million; supply and delivery of mortar 120mm 2R2M for the Malaysian Armed Forces worth RM60 million; supply of articles, services and technical assistance for the SU-30MKM (Sukhoi) aircraft worth RM100 million; and supply and delivery of rounds 90mm HE-T and rounds 90mm HEA-T worth RM19.2 million.

Agreements were also signed for the supply and delivery of rounds 12.7mm Mixed Belt 4 BIT for the armed forces worth RM12 million; supply and delivery of 105mm HE Fuzed for the armed forces worth RM10.3 million; supply and delivery of mortar bomb 60mm for the armed forces worth RM4.98 million; and supply, delivery and commissioning of maritime assault rifle complete with accessories for the navy worth RM6.9 million.

The LOAs were for supply and delivery of utility helicopters with search and rescue worth RM1.6 billion, supply of in-service maintenance and support for armed forces worth RM86.4 million, and supply and delivery of modular steel bridge.

The LOIs were for the supply of armoured personal carrier 8×8, supply of small arm bullets, supply and delivery of spares and maintenance of main battle tank PT-91M and its variant, and supply and delivery of gun-towed vehicle for the Malaysian Army. — Bernama

The MoUs were signed between MFDM Holdings and Royal Brunei Technical Services, between International Islamic University Malaysia and Havelsan Electronic Turkey, between Composite Technologies Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Advanced Technologies and Engineering, between Ujud Sentosa Sdn Bhd and Irkut Corporation Rusian, and between AMP Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd and US-based Techno-Science Inc.

The four-day DSA is Asia’s largest defence and security exhibition and one of the most prestigious defence exhibitions in the world that showcased the most comprehensive range of cutting-edge technology for the army, navy, air force as well as the security and homeland enforcement agencies. — Bernama

Longhouse SEMINAR: The seminar participants listen attentively to Gramong’s speech.

Assistant Minister for Rural Development Datuk Gramong Juna, who suggested this, believed the youths, particularly those in rural areas, had their own ideas and inputs on the new concept.

“In fact, this is very important because they are our future leaders in the grassroots who will inherit and continue our longhouse custom and traditions,” he said at the closing of the two-day ‘New Longhouse Concept’ seminar held at a hotel here yesterday.

Gramong suggested that the MHUD conduct a general survey to get feedback from the youths, especially among the Bumiputeras.

“They can use modern tools like websites, blogs or social networking groups such as Facebook or Twitter.

“This is in line with the suggestions made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud that feedback from our youths be obtained so that they could contribute towards the developmental efforts in this state,” he told the seminar participants.

Citing Najib, Gramong said the PM had his own blog, website and Facebook whereby he actively responded to views and comments from the people on development issues and other matters.

He also suggested to the MHUD to adapt the resettlement concept of those affected by the construction of the Bengoh Dam, in Kuching, into the new longhouse concept.

On a related matter, Gramong said the longhouse folk should set aside a provision for facilities like chapel or kindergarten when they plan to build their longhouses using the new concept.

About 1,000 participants comprising longhouse chiefs and penghulus had followed the three-series course which was held in Kuching on April 7 and 8, Miri (April 12 and 13) and ended in Sibu yesterday.

The feedback from the seminar will be gathered and presented by the MHUD to the State Cabinet soon.

Among those present at the ceremony were Assistant Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Wahab Aziz, Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris, Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak council chief Datu Nillie Tangai and Housing and Urban Development Ministry’s permanent secretary Affandi Keli.

“Our deputy director-general (medical), Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah ,is now visiting the Papar and Beaufort hospitals to look at the availability of operating theatres and wards for this solution.

“But this is just to get rid of the backlog. In time, with the new batch of medical officers and specialists coming in, we won’t have to send our team here anymore,” he told reporters after visiting the Queen Elizabeth Hospital II (QEH II) here yesterday.

Dr Ismail said the two hospitals were chosen because they were located not too far from the state capital and their operating theatres were not fully utilised.

“What we are planning to do is to send our surgical team complete with personnel as well as equipment to Sabah. This particular team will operate here for a week, and the list of theatres for them to operate in will be decided by the hospitals here.

“We want to make it such that it will remain in one dicipline. For example, this week we do breast and endocrine surgery, so the breast and  endocrine team will spend one week here,” he added.

Asked how long they expected to take to clear the backlogged cases, he said: “Well, as long as it takes…we will see to that and the people of Sabah must be prepared to go there (Beaufort and Papar) for their operations. I’m sure they will, rather than waiting for so long.”

On another note, he said the ministry would also be sending medical officers who had completed their housemanship from the Klang Valley to Sabah in the next few months to ease the shortage of medical officers here.

He said the number would be determined at a later date but it would be a sizeable number.

“We can send a lot to be stationed in Sabah and Sarawak now. Last time we could not do that because we didn’t have the numbers. Now we have, as so many are becoming medical officers,” said Dr Ismail.

He said this would be a continuous measure and they would send more medical officers and doctors from time to time, where those who served here were offered the benefit of special allowances and be put as a priority if they wished to pursue further medical education.

Dr Ismail also announced that the Sabah Heart Centre at the QEH II had started its services, with three coronary angiograms done last Friday.

“Cardiothoracic surgery is expected to begin in June when the team returns after their training attachment in Johor Baharu.

“We hope that with the centre, patients here no longer need to go to IJN (National Heart Institute) in KL…that’s the reason we set up the centre, to make it convenient for the people of Sabah,” he added.

The ministry recently allocated RM9.4 million to equip the Sabah Heart Centre and the new wards opened in the QEHI and QEHII.

This was Dr Ismail’s second visit to QEH this year, accompanied by his senior management team from the ministry. — Bernama

KUCHING: Sejumlah 250 tan kayu batak bergergaji pelbagai jenis dan saiz yang dianggarkan bernilai RM125,000 dirampas dalam satu operasi bersama Pasukan Gerak Am (PGA) Batalion Ke-11 Kuching dan Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Isnin lepas.

BUKTI: Ee menunjukkan gambar foto yang diambil ketika operasi dilakukan di Hutan Simpan Gunung Tringgus, Krokong, Bau pada Isnin lepas.

Menurut Pegawai Memerintah PGA Batalion Ke-11 Kuching Superintendan Ee Khong Khoy rampasan dilakukan di Hutan Simpan Gunung Tringgus, Krokong Bau sekitar jam 1 petang.

“Susulan daripada tangkapan pertama membabitkan seorang warga tempatan dan enam warga Indonesia yang dibuat pada 18 Mac lepas, jam 7 malam di Kampung Pangkalang Tebang Bau, kita bersama beberapa anggota SFC melakukan serbuan ke lokasi pembalakan yang dimaksudkan.

“Dalam serbuan itu kita telah merampas 250 tan kayu batak bergergaji dan menahan seorang warga Indonesia berusia dalam lingkungan 30-an yang dipercayai bekerja dengan pihak lain,” katanya dalam sidang media di Ibu Pejabat PGA Batalion Ke-11 di Batu Kawah, semalam.

Ee menambah anggotanya dan SFC terpaksa meredah hutan belantara dengan berjalan kaki selama kira-kira lima jam, pergi dan balik untuk sampai ke lokasi tangkapan.

“Selain kayu, kita turut merampas dua unit gergaji berantai, satu unit gergaji berpusing dan seunit penjana kuasa.

“Kes dan rampasan diserahkan kepada SFC untuk tindakan susulan,” jelasnya.

Beliau berkata berdasarkan kesan yang masih baru pihaknya percaya operasi haram itu telah bermula kira beberapa bulan lalu.

Mencerita lanjut mengenai tangkapan pertama yang dilakukan pada 18 Mac lalu, Ee berkata bertindak daripada risikan awal dan maklumat orang ramai pihaknya telah menahan kesemua aspek yang berusia antara 20 hingga 35 tahun.

Ee memberitahu pihaknya merampas 210 batang kayu gergaji kasar (kayu batak), dua lori Volvo warna hijau, satu laras senapang patang buatan sendiri dan sembilan butir peluru hidup.

“Nilai anggaran kesemua rampasan pertama ialah RM26,300.

“Kayu yang dirampas diserahkan kepada SFC manakala kes membabitkan senjata api kini dalam siasatan Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Bau,” jelasnya.

ALL ABOARD: Proton R3 drivers Alister McRae (right), Chris Atkinson (left) and the crew with the Satria Neo S2000. Also seen is team principal Datuk Abd Razak Dawood (third right). — Bernama photo

Proton’s last participation in the APRC was in 2004.

Proton R3’s 2010 APRC campaign will be spearheaded by Scotland’s Alistair McRae and co-driver Bill Hayes (Australia) and also Australia’s Chris Atkinson and his co-driver Stephane Prevot of    Belgium.

Both drivers will be driving the Satria Neo S2000, which made its competition debut at the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) last year.

The team yesterday received the Jalur Gemilang from Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek at a simple ceremony held at the ministry here yesterday, marking the official launch of Proton R3’s participation in the 2010 APRC.

“We will try to get a very good result for Proton and also Malaysia. With the testing of the car last year, we hope that we will win the rally. I am looking forward to the weekend.

“(Before the race) we tested the car in Europe and last Saturday at the Sepang off-road track. The team have done enough testing. We want to start the championship with a win in Malaysia,” said 40-year-old McRae yesterday.

The seven-round Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2010 will kick off with the Rally of Malaysia on April 23-25.

Meanwhile, Atkinson, 30, said the Proton R3 cars were capable of winning the APRC race.

“Obviously, I am excited driving for Proton and hopefully I would like to win the championship although it is not easy. It will be very challenging.

“We have a good car and a good team.

“It was my first time driving the Proton R3 and it was something new to me. I’ve been in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for five years and I am looking forward to a new challenge,” added Atkinson. — Bernama

RALEIGH, North Carolina: Triple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt would get an early look at the 2011 world championships site when he runs a 100 metres at Daegu, South Korea on May 19, his manager and organisers said on Monday.

CHECK THIS OUT...: Bolt tees up a golf ball as he drives it into the Caribbean Sea during the quarter-final matches of The Mojo 6 Jamaica LPGA Invitational at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in this April 16 file photo. — AFP photo

The race would be the Jamaican’s first 100m of the season and his first visit to South Korea, Ricky Simms, his agent, said in an email to Reuters.

It will precede Bolt’s previously announced 200m at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting on May 23.

“He has tremendous support in Korea and everyone here expects another record from him,” Dong-Hoo Moon, co-president of the Colourful Daegu Pre-Championships Meeting, said in a statement on the event’s website.

Bolt holds the world record at both distances, having run 9.58 and 19.19 seconds at the 2009 world championships in Berlin.

The 2011 world championships are scheduled for Aug 27-Sept 4 in Daegu.

Bolt had eight confirmed races for 2010 with more announcements expected shortly, his management company said in a statement on its website.

The 23-year-old will lead Jamaica in a 4x100m relay at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia on Saturday, then open his individual sprint season with a 200m in Kingston on May 1.

After races in Daegu and Shanghai, Bolt will chase the 300m world record at Ostrava, Czech Republic on May 27.

Diamond League meetings in New York (June 12), Paris (July 16) and Brussels (Aug 27), all at 100m, also are on his schedule.

Three other Diamond League appearances are to be announced as part of his contract with the new global circuit. — Reuters

Menurut sumber, dalam kejadian yang berlaku sekitar jam 1.15 petang semalam, mangsa yang memandu kereta Proton Wira dipercayai dalam perjalanan dari Bintulu menuju ke Miri cuba memintas sebuah motosikal yang berada di hadapannya.

Bagaimanapun, ketika cuba memintas motosikal tersebut, kenderaan mangsa yang dipercayai memasuki lorong bersebelahan telah melanggar bahagian tayar sebuah lori yang datang dari arah bertentangan dan sarat dengan muatan tandan buah sawit.

Akibat perlanggaran itu, bahagian depan sebelah kanan kereta mangsa remuk teruk menyebabkan mangsa tersepit di bahagian tempat duduk pemandu.

Manakala lori terbabit turut terbalik menyebabkan tandan buah sawit bertaburan di atas jalan raya. Bagaimanapun pemandu lori terbabit hanya cedera ringan.

Mayat mangsa yang tersepit terpaksa dikeluarkan dengan bantuan anggota Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Miri yang berkejar ke tempat kejadian sebaik dimaklumkan tentang kejadian itu.

Turut bergegas ke tempat kejadian ialah sepasukan polis trafik dari Miri diketuai pegawai penyiasat Inspektor Rosmadi Ismail.

Kemalangan maut ini merupakan yang ketiga dalam tempoh lima hari ini dengan kes pertama pada Sabtu lepas di Jalan Persisir Pantai membabitkan seorang wanita dan seorang budak perempuan berusia 10 tahun yang menaiki sebuah motosikal dan dilanggar dari arah belakang oleh sebuah kenderaan pacuan empat roda.

Manakala kes kedua pada lewat petang Ahad lalu membabitkan seorang wanita yang sarat mengandung tujuh bulan dalam kemalangan yang berlaku di Jalan Bukit Song.

DROP OFF POINT: This is as far as some unauthorized vehicles can go as dropping off or picking up of friends and relatives is a luxury no more.

This was the concern expressed by the public and junior government staff, who now have to park their vehicles at the public car park.

A government servant, Felyciana Samuel, said car break-ins occur almost every month there.

“If they want us to park our vehicles outside, improve the security including installing more CCTVs or at least get more security guards at the place,” she said.

A member of the public, Irwin Cartland, said more security personnel should be stationed at the public parking areas as more vehicles would be parked there soon.

This view was also echoed by Zaiwin Kassim, 29, who operates a workshop in Pending.

“As long as there are enough public parking bays, it’s fine with me. The talk of building a multi-storeyed car park can come later. The priority is reinforcing the security of the place,” he said.

They were all commenting on the move to restrict parking spaces in the vicinity of the federal complex – Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and nearby Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang building – to senior officers only.

This new ruling, which takes effect this Thursday, would affect the junior government officers as they now have to vie for places at the public car park.

Another junior government staff Adeline Wilfred said the parking system inside the building should be made available to all government staff on a ‘first come, first serve basis’ as an incentive to come early for work.

She nonetheless believed the authority in-charge of the building have good reasons to come up with this ruling.

“We understand the congestion problem here and that’s why we don’t mind to park outside,” she said.

However, another member of the public, financial analyst Lesley Sebastian, 29, said parking bays in the vicinity of the complex should be given to the public as priority as they are the clients of the federal government agencies.

“All the government staff be they senior or junior rank should park outside instead as most would park their car the whole day whereas the public come and go.

“So, it doesn’t matter where the staff park their car. The cars won’t be moving until 4pm at the earliest,” he said.

Meanwhile, a senior communication officer for the state Federal Secretary’s office said that both the Sultan Iskandar and the nearby Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang building currently only have 737 available parking spaces combined.

“With about 2,300 government staff from 29 departments, obviously the parking bays are never enough.

“Putrajaya also suffered the same problem and they too implemented the same ruling. However, for them only those with a high ranking of N48 and above were allowed to enter.

“Here, the complex has no choice but to implement the same ruling. We have to adapt to this ruling and please bear with the complications caused,” he said.

The officer also mentioned that a press conference would be held on Thursday at the state’s Federal Secretary office for explanations on the issue.

Come Thursday, entry to the federal complex will require pass or stickers.

These are divided into four coloured categories namely; Orange – full access for ‘QSG’ and ‘SG’ plate vehicles; Green – allowed entry and parking for N27 and above grade officers; Red – no entry and only limited to outside parking for grade N26 and lower grade officers and Blue – for motorcycle only.

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Liow (right) watches as an elderly man has his eyes checked during the campaign. — Bernama photo

He said a study in Hong Kong showed that canned food like luncheon meat and sardines had been found to have high levels of natrium, way above the daily intake recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Canned luncheon meat and sardines contained salt, water and preservatives such as natrium nitrate, calcium nitrate, natrium nitrite or calcium nitrite. Natrium is used as food ingredient or preservative,” he told reporters after launching sugar reduction campaign at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Kerling here yesterday.

He said in Malaysia, labelling was not required for nitrate as the focus of nutritional labelling catered only for four key nutrients — energy, protein, carbohydrate and fats — by monitoring the natrium content in processed food.

“In a study conducted in 2002-2003, adults Malaysians were found to have consumed 2,575mg of natrium daily, 480gm above WHO’s recommended level. The high salt intake is associated with high blood pressure,” he said.

As such, Liow urged the public to reduce salt and sauces in food as well as to have less canned food, pickles, and salted food like salted eggs, fish and anchovies.

“Consumers should prefer fresh food like fresh meat. You should soak salted food first to remove the salt before cooking,” he added. — Bernama

He said that following the country and state’s encouraging economic growth, the state government was confident that the Sabah rate of inflation would remain under control between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent, in line with the forecast announced in the 2010 national budget.

In 2008 and 2009, Mojuntin said the Sabah Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.7 per cent.

CPI for January and February this year showed a 1.0-per cent increase. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia has proposed to restructure the country’s motor insurance policy in line with the government’s aim of ensuring access for motorists to the mandatory Third-Party Bodily Injury and Death (TPBID) insurance coverage.Its Financial Sector Development Department director Abdul Rasheed Ghafur said the proposed basic motor cover plan would allow adequate protection for all motorists and public at reasonable prices which included a TPBID and a third-party property damage.

Should a policyholder want more protection, he or she could opt to pay higher premium for additional coverage plans which includes third-party liability, theft, own damage, passenger liability, personal accident, windscreen and floods among others, Abdul Rasheed said.

“The proposal is that a basic cover will be made available through the insurance companies and takaful operators, their agents and other existing intermediaries, and no motorist will be denied purchase of the basic cover,” he said at a media briefing on the proposed basic motor cover framework here yesterday.

Abdul Rasheed said the proposed scheme was designed to reduce cost and address leakages and the government would remain committed to provide a social safety net for exceptional cases.

He said as a basic cover which commensurate with the premiums paid, the overall limit of the scheme would be capped although it would still be sufficient to compensate the vast majority of the public in the event of an accident.

Abdul Rasheed said the central bank for now has proposed that the overall liability limit could potentially be up to RM2 million per life/injured person.

“The RM2 million imposed is still a point of discussion. But whatever limit imposed, it will cover the need of the masses. We are going to look at the right number,” he said.

However, two scenarios are currently being considered for the proposed scheme, whereby in Scenario A, payment will be based on a fixed scale provided or in Scenario B, payment will be determined based on injury or death.

Scenario A will also see a limited legal recourse whereby any disagreement will not go to court but instead taken to an independent dispute resolution process, while Scenario B still has full access to courts and will fully utilise court mediation.

As for the change in premium or contribution following an accident, Abdul Rasheed said there would perhaps be no change to the current premium for Scenario A while Scenario B would see an increase in premiums.

However, the increase of premiums in Scenario B would be reasonable and be done gradually so as not to result in undue burden to the public, he said.

“We’re still thinking about this. We can either go with Scenario A or Scenario B or a mix of both,” he added.

Abdul Rasheed said the proposed basic coverage would be provided by a TPBID Newco, jointly owned by the government and the industry, and the insurance companies and takaful operators would act as agents.

The government may take a majority stake in it, he said.

It was also suggested that losses from the scheme would be shared by the government and the industry, Abdul Rasheed said, adding that the government at present did not share the losses.

“There will be a formula for how much the insurers will have to pay for the losses in the proposed scheme. Should there be inadequacy in the Newco fund, perhaps there’ll be a levy collected from the insurers,” he said.

However, the additional on other covers plan would be issued by the industry players and not by the Newco, he said.

At the briefing, Bank Negara’s corporate communications department director Abu Hassan Alshari Yahaya said the proposal was not definite and finalised as the central bank was still awaiting more feedback from stakeholders and related parties due by the end of the month.

“We are also considering a multi-party discussion where all parties can share their information and views and bridge the gap,” Abu Hassan said.

He said these were still work in progress and there was a lot of opportunities for the public to come forward and give suggestions via the central bank’s website.

Abu Hassan said the industry players have become increasingly selective in providing the TPBID coverage as premiums have not changed for the past 30 years, resulting the industry to lose RM1 billion since 2008.

“In 2008, for every RM1 premium collected, RM2.67 was paid out as TPBID claims without taking into account other related business,” he said, adding that premiums for TPBID accounted for only 11 to 12 per cent of the total premiums collected.

Abu Hassan said after taking into account all suggestions by related stakeholders, Bank Negara hoped to take the finalised proposal to the government by the third quarter this year.

“While we are working towards implementing the new motor cover framework this year, we are also taking into consideration all the feedback and replies,” he said. — Bernama

KUCHING: Regardless of who represents the Barisan Nasional (BN) in Sibu by-election on May 16, indications are that BN will win, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.If the public response he received during his visit to Sibu on Monday was anything to go by, Muhyiddin said he was confident that BN would win hands down.

“I attended a dinner function last night (Monday) and more than 500 community leaders attended it. Based on the response to my speech, it was well received and the crowd was very excited. It was all spontaneous.

“I took the opportunity to remind the people of all the struggles of the BN in fighting for them through its endless development effort. Obviously the people of Sibu did not forget the good deeds of the late Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew,” he said, adding they talked highly of him.

Muhyiddin was speaking to the media at a press conference after officiating at the Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia (MSAM) 2010 held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia parking lot in Petra Jaya yesterday.

Also at the press conference were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, PNB chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and PNB Group chief executive Tan Sri Dato Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman.

Muhyiddin also mentioned that the good work of the late Sibu MP to the community had not been forgotten.

“Now the BN will continue his great work in contributing to the people’s wellbeing,” Muhyiddin added.

In addition, he reminded that Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) must put up a candidate that was preferred and supported by the Sibu people.

When asked if the candidate had been finalised, Muhyiddin said that the decision lay with Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He added that Taib, who is the state BN chairman, would only announce it after discussing with SUPP leaders.

“I can’t give you an answer and I cannot even predict who,” he continued.

The popular speculation is that SUPP will field Robert Lau Hui Yew to contest against a candidate from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which has yet to name its candidate too.

The late Sibu MP was Deputy Transport Minister when he passed away on April 9 due to liver cancer.

Touching on the Hulu Selangor by-election this April 25, Muhyiddin said BN chances appeared to be higher after the withdrawal of independent candidates – former Hulu Selangor MIC vice-chairman VS Chandran and local businessman Johan Mohd Diah.

“Both who withdrew have pledged their support to the BN. However, we do not have a clear indication on the number of their supporters. Nonetheless, the extra supporters they could pull to BN would certainly help,” Muhyiddin stated.

The Hulu Selangor by-election would now see a straight fight between MIC information chief P Kamalanathan and PKR’s Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

“To achieve the 50 per cent target, the ministry will push up its broadband promotional and educational efforts and expand the broadband coverage by the services provider to areas with potential for subscription.

“The ministry will also push up efforts to make broadband a basic facility and set up more community broadband and Internet centres for the people living in the outskirts, rural and interior areas,” he said.

He said Sabah was also one of the states that would be getting direct allocation from the Universal Service Provider (USP) fund which will gain from the building of community broadband centres and libraries.

Apart from that, a total of 278 communication towers will be built in Sabah, he added. — Bernama