Now entering its fourth year, the International Convention Scholarship Award applications are open to all Sarawakians and residents of Sarawak over 18 years of age from educational institutions, private companies or government departments, students of tertiary institutions with support from their university or college.

They must either be existing members of non-profit or government associations to be eligible to apply.

The choice of convention must rotate among different destinations and have the possibility of being hosted in Malaysia.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to RM10,000 to fund their travel, accommodation, association membership and convention registration fees to attend the approved international convention of their choice.

Applications will close on July 31 for conventions being held between September 2013 and December 2014.

From the first Convention Scholarship Award selection in 2009, a total of 20 winners were selected, based on their choice of convention and case studies presented.

The winners for 2012 include Dyslexia Association of Sarawak president Dr Ong Puay Hoon, who attended ‘Rendez-Vous 2012: Community Participation in Education, Research and Service’; Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya Associate Professor Dr Ting Choo Yee, who attended ‘IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics’; and Politeknik Mukah Sarawak lecturer Kang Chia Yang, who went to the ‘International Conference on Computer, Electrical and System Sciences, and Engineering’ (ICCESSE).

The other two winners were Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) senior lecturer Joseph Ramanair, who went to the 10th Asia TEFL International Conference; and UniversitiTeknologi Mara Sarawak (UiTM) senior lecturer Dr Khong Heng Yen, who attended the 61st International Congress of the Society for Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research (GA) 2013.

SCB director of Research Dylan Redas Noel said, “In sponsoring these winners, the Sarawak Convention Bureau hopes that more Sarawakians will be actively attending overseas conventions either as delegates, speakers or board members to attract more association conventions.

The aim of the scholarship is to showcase the benefits and opportunities of attending conventions and nurture future convention hosts willing to bid to bring meetings here.”

Application forms are now available from the Sarawak Convention Bureau or can be downloaded from http://sarawakcb.com/special-programmes/international-association-convention-scholarship-award/

Enquiries and applications should be directed to Director of Research, Sarawak Convention Bureau Lot 31 Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia or telephone numbers at 082-242516 and 082-242519 (Fax) and email address info@sarawakcb.com

George Lagong (Pelagus) and Wong Judat (Meluan) voted with other opposition assemblymen from Pakatan Rakyat to put up Andrew Lo.

The other candidate was Dayang Madinah Tun Openg, who was nominated by Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

Madinah eventually won after 53 of the Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen supported her nomination, thus allowing her to have the term extended for another term.

Lo received 17 ‘yes’ from all the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) assemblymen including Lagong and Wong.

Lagong, when contacted later, said they voted for Lo, to ‘reciprocate’ what the Barisan Nasional (BN) had done to the party during the recent general election.

Asked whether the support for Lo was an indication that SWP would join PR, Lagong was mum except to say the party would hold a supreme council meeting on May 25.

“The decision (whether to join) PR will be discussed during the meeting (supreme council) and the decision has to be made by party members during the annual general meeting (AGM).

“The date for the AGM will be discussed and fixed during the supreme council meeting on May 25,” he said.

Last Wednesday, party president Larry Sng said the decision to join PR would be a collective decision.

He was responding to state DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen’s invitation for SWP to join PR on condition that the party (SWP) agreed with PR struggles and policies to serve the people.

And last year, 14 cases with a compensation value of RM2.5 million were reported, said Assistant Minister of Industrial Estate Development Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie during a Q&A session on the second day of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday.

He was responding to a question raised by Chiew Chiu Sing (DAP-Kidurong) on how many people had been prosecuted for illegal trading of subsidised diesel.

Nansian (BN-Tasik Biru) revealed that one case involving 703 litres of diesel was reported in Sri Aman this year while in Sarikei 51,000 litres were seized besides the three cases involving 182,500 litres in Sibu and three cases in Bintulu where around 1.1 million litres of diesel were seized.

He said Miri recorded the highest case last year with ten cases involving 758,294 litres followed by Sibu with eight cases (354,107 litres), Bintulu (two cases with 50,380 litres) and Sarikei with one case (50,000 litres).

There were no cases reported in Kapit.

“Under the Supplies Control Act 1961, four cases have been registered in court this year while 13 others are under investigation.

“Last year, a total of eight cases were registered in court with 34 cases under investigation. Compounds totalling to RM35,000 were issued involving three cases,” Nansian said.

Asked on whether steps had been taken to ensure sufficient daily diesel supply at all gas stations in the state, particularly in Bintulu, Nansian said that the government through PDNKK Sarawak had taken the necessary measures such as placing officers at petrol stations to avoid embezzlement, increasing subsidised diesel quota as one-off of 500,000 litres for Sarawak in April this year in view of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK)’s expectation that the demand for diesel would increase before and during the 13th General Election, and to hold the Subsidised Diesel Approval Committee meeting every three months to review the subsidised diesel quota.

“Other measures that have been taken include increasing patrols at petrol stations including public holidays and making it compulsory for petrol companies to present reports on the delivery of petrol to PDNKK where the company would have to present the report a day prior to delivery,” he added.

FAMILY REUNION: A soldier from the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment hugs his son upon arrival at the TUDM base departure hall.

KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) base here yesterday witnessed mixed feelings of joy and sadness upon the arrival of 30 members of the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment (KAD) after three months of tour of duty in Lahad Datu.

The homecoming of the warriors from ‘Ops Daulat’ at about 11.30am was met by their families and relatives with open arms and tears of joy.

Commanding Officer of the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment Lt Col Shahrudin Ariffin said the returning 30 members would be replaced with a new team.

“This is the first switch for the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment. The situation in Lahad Datu is now under control,” he said.

Arriving with his comrades at the TUDM base yesterday, Corporal Muhammad Abdullah could not describe how much he missed his family during his tour of duty in Lahad Datu.

“It is hard to describe my feelings when I was there (Lahad Datu). However, today I am very happy as I am reunited with my family,” he said.

His wife Nurul Ain Abdullah conceded she was at first shocked that her husband was called up for duty in Ops Daulat.

“During the time he was there, I watched television news everyday for updates of the situation there. I am thankful he has returned safely today,” she said.

Corporal Fairuz Deefanan said he was in two minds about leaving his wife who had just given birth to their second child when he was picked for Lahad Datu.

“I felt very reluctant then. But fortunately, everything went smoothly and I am glad now that I am back with my wife,” he said.

His wife Rosnah Abdul Malik said she was relieved with her husband’s safe return after being separated for three months. “We did keep in touch through phone calls and every day I would watch television to follow up on developments in Lahad Datu,” she admitted.

HERE IT IS: Wong shows the Remuneration, Pensions and Gratuities Bill, 2013.

State ministers, elected reps get bumper hike in salaries after assembly approved new remuneration bill

KUCHING: The state’s ministers and assemblymen have approved a whopping 200 per cent raise for themselves and administrators of the state assembly yesterday.

Under the new remuneration scheme, the chief minister’s salary will increase from the present RM13,000 to RM39,000 per month while the pay of the deputy chief ministers jumps to RM35,000 from the current RM11,500.

Senior ministers will receive RM30,000 in monthly salary from the present RM9,000, while ministers will see an increment from RM9,000 to RM27,000. The salary of assistant ministers rises from RM7,000 to RM21,000.

The basic allowance for the members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) will increase from RM4,500 to RM15,000 while political secretaries will see an increase in allowance from RM3,000 to RM9,000.

In addition, DUN speaker will receive a salary increase equal to the senior minister while the deputy speaker will be on par with the assistant minister.

The new remuneration scheme, which will be back dated to January 1, 2012, was implemented after the Members of Administration and Members of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Remuneration, Pension and Gratuities) Bill, 2013 was passed without any objection at the DUN sitting here yesterday.

The new pay and allowances will increase the wage bill for the state assembly to RM17 million annually.

Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh who tabled the bill said the new ordinance seeks to repeal the Members of Administration and Members of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Remuneration, Pension and Gratuities) Ordinance 1980 which came into force on July 1, 1980.

The last review on the remuneration was done 21 years ago in 1992.

“It is considered necessary to introduce this Bill in order to provide updated and better provisions relating to the remuneration, pensions, gratuities, other allowances and benefits of Members of the Administration, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of the Dewan Undangan Negeri.

“The need to revise and amend the current amount, rates and terms and conditions of the monthly allowance, salary and such other allowances and benefits is to commensurate with their status and responsibilities in the
society, having regard to the current rate of inflation, standard of living and other relevant factors,” said Wong who is also a Senior Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development at the second reading during the tabling of the Bill.

Speaking to reporters after the sitting Wong justified the salary and allowance revision saying, “This is a big adjustment as it takes into consideration the rising cost of living as a result of inflation rates, averaging two to three per cent per annum and of course the ever increasing expectation of the rakyat (people) and the large territory of Sarawak which is as big as Peninsular Malaysia.

“These are very heavy responsibilities associated with the positions. This Bill is timely,” he told a press conference later on.

Wong added that the new scale was very much in line with their counterparts in the neighbouring countries. However, the new salaries for the state’s cabinet were still considered low when compared to counterparts in the more developed countries.

He cited Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s pay of RM5.27 million annually, despite a reduction of about 30 per cent salary as a result of the slide in popular votes for the ruling PAP party in the 2011 election, as an example.

“This means he (Lee) gets about RM439,000 per month whereas our chief minister only gets about RM39,000.”

Wong also disclosed that other states were in the process of revising their remuneration scales for their elected representatives too..

The Bill was seconded by Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and supported by Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (BN-Pantai Damai), Abu Seman Jahwie (BN-Jemoreng), Abdullah Saidol (BN-Semop), Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (BN-Nangka), Baru Bian (PKR-Ba Kelalan) and Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa).

TRAGIC DEATH: Firemen taking a look at the body of the deceased at the scene of the fire.

KUCHING: The elder son of former state Forest Department director Datuk Leo Chai died after saving his elderly mother and young son from a fire which broke out at their house early yesterday morning.

Leonie Chai Kim Leung, 36, collapsed and died outside the family’s detached house at Star Garden near Green Road moments after leading his parents and eight-year-old son out to safety one person at a time.

His 71-year-old mother also collapsed after suffering shortness of breath following the 6.15am incident and was admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) along with his son, who was similarly treated for smoke inhalation.

The elder Chai, who was also the former chairman of Sarawak Timber Association (STA), was unhurt in the incident.

The relatively small fire, which affected only a small section of the living room on the ground floor, was believed to have started after an air conditioning unit malfunctioned and set fire to a sofa set.

The flames spread quickly causing heavy smoke build-up in the house as all the windows and doors were shut at the time.

Immediate neighbours, including Hulu Rejang MP, Wilson Ugak, rushed over to assist the family upon learning what had happened.

One neighbour, a 32-year-old man, suffered a gash to his hand after he smashed a window to allow the thick smoke to escape.

Ugak, meanwhile, brought over a fire extinguisher from his own house and used it to control the flames from spreading to other parts of Chai’s house prior to the arrival of firemen.

The MP expressed his frustration at the apparent slow arrival of an ambulance from SGH, which he said took over 10 minutes to show up despite the relatively short distance between the hospital and Green Road.

“I called for an ambulance more than three times, and the reply each time was ‘on the way’. I suggest that ambulances be fitted with GPS to help the drivers locate the place more accurately,” he said in a text message to The Borneo Post.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Services Department said 10 personnel from the Batu Lintang fire station were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 6.23am.

“Firemen reached the location at 6.35am to discover one person had died, with a child and an elderly woman being sent to the hospital for breathing difficulties,” he said, adding the cause of the fire was being investigated.

It was learned that Leonie’s wife, who had given birth to their second child a month ago, was staying at her mother’s house.

Chai and other family members declined to comment about the incident.

Early News

Man dies after saving family members from fire

KUCHING: The elder son of former state director of forest Datuk Leo Chai died of suspected smoke inhalation early this morning after saving his parents and young son from a fire at their house.

Leonie Chai Kim Leung, 36, collapsed outside the family’s detached house at Star Garden moments after leading his parents and eight-year-old son out to safety.

His 71-year-old mother fainted due to shortness of breath following the 6.15am incident and was admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital along with his son, who was treated for smoke inhalation.

Leo, who was also formerly Sarawak Timber Association chairman, was unhurt in the incident.

The fire, which affected only the living room on the ground floor, is believed to have started after an air conditioning unit malfunctioned and resulted in a sofa set catching fire.

The fire caused a heavy and rapid smoke build-up in the house as all the windows and doors were shut.

Hulu Rajang assemblyman Wilson Ugak Kumbong, who lives nearby, rushed over to the house after learning of the incident and used a fire extinguisher to control the flames from spreading prior to the arrival of firemen.

THE FIRE AT ITS HEIGHT: The industrial block housing Eastern Pillars and Harrisons was badly burnt after a suspected short circuit in the warehouse.

SIBU: Properties worth a few million ringgit went up in smoke when fire badly damaged an Industrial building in Lorong Lanang Barat 7 at about 12.30pm yesterday.

That block of building housed Eastern Pillars Sdn Bhd’s three-storey office building, its workshop and the warehouse of Harrisons Trading (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.

No one was hurt in the fire which is believed to have been due to a short circuit in the warehouse.

Most of the 30 odd workers working in the building had gone out for lunch at the time of the incident, and the few who had stayed back alerted the Fire and Rescue Department which responded by rushing firemen in two fire engines to the scene.

The fire was doused at 2.15pm but at press time the firemen were still at the scene.

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY: Dennis (centre) performs the cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate SMK Pujut’s 10th anniversary with principal Sumarni Said (third right).

MIRI: Teachers play an important role in nation building.

So important is their role as educators, that Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau Jok has described them as the main pillar and contributor of human resource for the country’s growth.

“A student is the country’s future human resource that will propel it to greater progress and prosperity,” he said during the Teacher’s Day celebration of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pujut at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club recently.

He thus reminded teachers to be dedicated to their profession and produce students of high quality.

“We are aware that the era has changed and the ability of a nation to continue progressing is through the quality of students who will constitute the workforce one day,” he added.

He cited Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) as an example where industries require highly skilled and semi-skilled labour.

“The high tech world now demands highly skilled or semi-skilled workers,” Ngau added.

At the same time, he said skilled workers would be able to earn high income.

Meanwhile, the Teacher’s Day celebration coincided with the school’s 10th anniversary.

THANKS FOR EXCELLING: Nanta handing out the cash rewards to Dayak students who excelled in their 2012 public examinations.

KAPIT: Newly-appointed Federal Deputy Minister for Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi pointed out that requirements for the development of rural areas differ from the urban areas in that it involved the people’s asset, NCR land.

“In the urban areas, development comes in various forms such as investment through shares and so forth. But development of the rural areas requires or involves land.

This is how we plan for rural development as we need to make full use of our asset which is land for building infrastructure like roads, schools, clinics, hydro-electric projects and other economic development like rubber plantations and other cash crop cultivation,” said Nanta.

He said this while officiating at a Kapit district pre-Gawai Dayak gathering held at the Civic Centre here on Saturday night.

He said apart from providing basic infrastructure for the people in rural areas, the government also gives focus to economic development to further uplift the economic status of the rural population.

“If we have a strong economy in the rural areas, urbanites also benefit from the purchasing power of the rural folk who need to buy their daily needs from town or urban areas. Hence there is a need for a balance of urban and rural economic development,” stressed Nanta.

He pointed out that more often than not, the issue of (NCR) land matters for development in the rural areas was manipulated by the opposition.

“Our past leaders include the former MP Temenggong Datuk James Jimbun, who has over the years brought the land issue to the government and it was only until recently that the perimeter survey for the NCR land under the new government initiative has materialised.

“If we do not develop our (NCR) land or do a perimeter survey, then we will be at the losing end as the NCR survey determines our boundary so we can claim ownership to the land,” he said.

On the Gawai gathering, Nanta congratulated the organising chairman Joseph Jinggut, who is also chairman of the Sarawak Dayak National Union, for hosting this year’s Gawai that has been slotted with many interesting programmes to maintain the Dayak culture and identity, such as the Kumang Gawai contest.

“The Dayaks must continue to uphold their traditions and the Gawai celebration must be held continuously from year to year,” Nanta said, adding that the gathering has united Dayaks from all walks of life in the urban and sub-urban areas, before leaving for their respective longhouses for the celebration held from May 31 until June 1-2.

“I know that each time during the pre-Gawai gathering in Kapit, the venue is always never (big) enough to accommodate everybody. This shows our desire to be together to preserve our culture despite diverse backgrounds in political inclination and culture and yet we know when to be united,” Nanta said.

CONGRATULATIONS: Tiong (second left) presents prizes to one of the contest winners as (from left) Latif, Arshad and Tiong’s political secretary Zaiedy Nor Abunasir look on.

BINTULU: Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing believes unity among the various ethnic groups in the state can be further strengthened if people practise the good values taught by religions.

“In this multi-racial society, all religions teach us good things but some naughty groups are using religions to do bad things,” he said when officiating at the prize-giving ceremony of ‘Ju Berambeh’ in conjunction with “Inovasi Jais Berpusatkan Masjid 2013’ programme at At-Taqwa Mosque on Saturday.

He hoped more community-based activities would be held to promote good religious values to create  greater  understanding  and unity.

“Unity building should not be put solely on the government’s shoulder but it is the responsibility of all people, regardless of
race and religion, to promote unity.

“If the people always keep their distance away from others, we will not be able to organise any activities for the society,” he said.

Saying each programme needed funds to be implemented, he told those present that he would be there to listen to them and provide help if they needed his assistance.

At the same time, Tiong took the opportunity to thank voters, especially from the Malay community here, for their strong and undivided  support to  Barisan Nasional (BN) during the recent 13th general election.

He also acknowledged the important roles played by women in nation building.

Earlier, a total of 80 individuals took part in the various activities organised for the event, which co-organising chairman cum At-Taqwa Mosque chairman Abang Arshad Abang Anuar said was very encouraging.

He thanked all the strategic partners of the event which he believed would be a catalyst for greater participation in the future.

He also disclosed that this was the fifth event lined up for the programme in Bintulu Division this year, with six more activities to go.

Meanwhile, Abdul Latif Abdul Karim from Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais) said the event was part of programmes organised by Jais to create awareness of the roles of mosques in the state, especially in promoting unity among the people through community-based activities.

Tiong later announced a donation of RM10,000 for the programme in Bintulu.

The event was jointly organised by Jais, Bintulu Islamic Religious Department and At-Taqwa Mosque.

John Lalong

SIBU: More Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) loyalists and supporters are urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to appoint Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang as a minister.

Salang, who is also PRS vice-president, was recently appointed deputy minister of tourism but he declined that offer.

Party supporter John Lalong said Salang had all the while been known to Julau constituents as a hardworking and committed elected representative.

“The Ibans, especially in Julau and other rural areas, are hoping that he would be given the full minister’s post.

“Now, we can hear people talk in coffee shops and everywhere asking why he did not get the post,” he claimed yesterday.

John, who said he is a close friend of Salang, added that many people in Julau were frustrated when they heard the announcement by Najib on the new federal cabinet line-up on May 15.

He said they had expected Salang to become a minister.

“I received many calls from those in Julau and other places asking about the same thing not long after the announcement.

“They also told me they are sad Salang was not given a full minister’s post when he duly deserves it after all his hard work for the people.”

Another party supporter, Edwin Bandang, said Salang had done very well as an MP and had the respect of his constituents.

Duli Sanggau

“He is one experienced, educated and farsighted leader.

“If he is appointed a minister, he would be the link for us in the central region with the federal government since none of the elected representatives in the central region area is holding full ministerial post in the cabinet line-up.”

Meanwhile, about 900 members of PRS Bukit Assek voiced similar hopes for Salang.

PRS Bukit Assek chairman Duli Sanggau said it was high time Salang be given a more challenging role given his nine years of experience as deputy energy, water and communication minister, deputy minister of foreign affairs and his last portfolio as deputy minister of information, communications and culture.

“Therefore, we request that this matter be reconsidered and Salang be given any full ministerial post.”

IN APPRECIATION: Ho (centre) hands over a souvenir to a Modernas dealer while Lau looks on.

SIBU: Edaran Modenas (Emos), the sole national motorcycle producer, will launch two new models this year. The first model will be rolled out between June and July and the other towards Hari Raya or yearend.

According to chief executive officer Benedict Ho, the new model to be released in the middle of the year has a 120cc engine with fuel injection system, replacing the conventional carburettor type.

“Modenas is a fully acknowledged brand name of the Malaysia’s national motorcycle,” he told a press conference at the Ghee Hwa and Modenas dealers’ appreciation dinner at a leading hotel here on Friday.

Ho said Ghee Hwa Motorpol Sdn Bhd has been a Modenas authorised dealer in Sarawak for 18 years and is the biggest client of Emos in Malaysia with an order of 6,500 units per year.

Modenas market, he disclosed, has grown from strength to strength and has been widely accepted by customers for its quality and elegance. It has enjoyed tremendous word-of-mouth advertising from users all over the country.

He said another Modenas sales feature is its low down payment, easy loan, low monthly repayment with matching reliable after sales service and maintenance, and most of all affordable fair pricing.

On the sporty design of the new batch of MR1 (Motorsikal Rakyat 1Malaysia), he said it came with sporty rims with an added cost of merely RM100, accounting for the 4,000 units in last year’s sales of the MR1.

Ho said Modenas sales up till now for 2013 has captured 16 per cent of the motorcycle market in Sarawak, which he predicted would improve to 18 per cent for the whole year.

“Sarawak is a big state with very good market potential as many venues have yet to be penetrated, while it holds 12 per cent of the total motorcycle sales in Malaysia,” he revealed, adding that  Modenas produced a total of 604,000 units last year and captured 10 per cent of the total industry volume.

To further boost sales, Ghee Hwa’s group director Frankie Lau said starting today (May 20), customers with monthly salary of RM600 are qualified to apply for a loan.

He said promotional banners would be displayed at all Modenas sales outlets where purchasers would be given a free helmet and two free 4T oil changes at scheduled maintenance service.

Emos head of sales, Muhammad Zamry Abu Samah was also present.

WE LOVE YOU: Michael (seated third left) and Chow (seated second left) join others in signing ‘I Love You’ as they posed for a group photograph at the end of the programme.

KUCHING: Mas Gading MP Anthony Nogeh and Baram MP Anyi Ngau deserve to be given the chance to serve at least as deputy ministers due to their vast experience in the civil service, said SPDP supreme council member Michael Siten.

He argued that being new and first term MPs did not mean they lack the capability to perform their task as deputy ministers.

Michael said he and fellow party members were hoping for a fruitful outcome when SPDP leaders meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, possibly as early as today, to negotiate for party representation in the cabinet.

“Being new, I think, does not matter as long as the prime minister wants them because everybody wants to start from the beginning. Even though they are new MPs, they have a lot of experience.

“Take YB Nogeh as an example. He is trained as a lawyer, previously worked as deputy general manager of Salcra (Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority) and had worked for more than 30 years in the civil service.

“So, in terms of work experience, there’s no problem for Nogeh. Same goes for YB Anyi, who is a former district officer.

“All of them are qualified,” he told reporters here after representing Nogeh to officiate a function at the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) headquarters at Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho here yesterday.

Many SPDP members are reported to be angry and disappointed since the party did not get any posts in the cabinet line-up announced by Najib last Wedesday despite the party winning all four seats for the BN in the May 5 general election.

In the previous cabinet line up, SPDP was represented by two deputy ministers in Jelaing Mersat and Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, but they were not renominated to defend their seats in the recent polls.

Michael, who is also chairman of SPDP Tasik Biru division, said many members on the ground were frustrated because they had expected that the party would be given an extra cabinet appointment for their achievement in the 13th general election.

“Of course, everyone is not very happy because the expectations were very high. We thought we could get one full minister and two deputy ministers
but at the moment, we have no one in the cabinet. But there is nothing much we can do, we leave it to our leaders to negotiate.

“The members are very frustrated in a way but we tell them to be patient because our leaders are making the necessary arrangements.”

To a question, Michael said the party was also hoping for a portfolio which is related to rural development since SPDP seats are mainly rural-based.

He, however, discounted the possibility of party president Tan Sri William Mawan going for a federal post despite winning Saratok.

“Our Tan Sri president definitely will not want it because he is in the state cabinet (as senior minister). As for Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is Bintulu MP and SPDP deputy president, he may not want to be a full minister because he wants to focus on business.

“So, we have only two left, namely YB Nogeh and YB Anyie. If the party is given two deputy ministers’ posts, definitely they would be the ones for it. And if we get one full minister, then it should be Tiong because Tan Sri Mawan definitely does not want to go because he is party president and he wants to remain in the state.”

It is learnt that Nogeh was already in KL with the other SPDP leaders.

Nogeh in his speech, which was read out by Michael, Nogeh praised KKMG for organising such an activity which inculcates the spirit of volunteerism among its students.

Nogeh noted that this activity not only helped KKMG students to understand the plight of the deaf, but also served as a good platform to build their leadership and organisational skills.

Also present at the event were KKMG director Chow Tio Kiong, SSD chief executive officer Terence Ee and vice chairperson Cordelia Lee. The activities organised include felt clay and clay art short courses and sharing of sign language knowledge.

SEEKING HELP: Iba (left) shows a copy of the police report and related documents while seeking assistance from Andrew at Sibu SUPP Office. At right is her daughter in-law, Timbong Ajat.

SIBU: Even though more than eight years have passed since he died in a barge that sank in Nanga Temalat, Song, no death certificate has been issued for the drowning victim.

Despite referring the matter to the National Registration Department (NRD) several times, the victim’s wife Iba Vincent, 43, is still in a dilemma.

“It is now over eight years since the death of my husband in the barge sinking incident.  But I still could not process his death certificate.

“Earlier following the death of my husband, I was told by the NRD to wait for seven years as the body of my husband till now has yet to be found.

“Now, it is already eight years, I still could not process the death certificate of my late husband due to various reasons given by the authority concerned,” she told reporters  here at SUPP Sibu branch yesterday.

In dire straits, Iba, who now works as a dish-washer in a restaurant with a monthly income of about RM300, has sought the assistance of a political secretary to the Chief Minister, Andrew Shilling Bangit, who is also the chairman of Bumiputera Unit of SUPP Sibu.

According to the mother of three, she recently went to NRD to follow up or apply for the death certificate of her husband but was told to wait for another month, apart from being told to obtain the news report regarding the tug-boat sinking incident.

After a month, she said she was told again to refer to the Legal Aid Bureau Office to process a letter of oath with one of her children aged 21 to confirm that her husband really had passed away.

“I need the death certificate to claim my late husband’s contributions of Employees’ Provident Fund and Socso.

“We are from a poor family and really need the money, more so as my second child is suffering from leukaemia and frequently seeks medical treatment at Sibu hospital.

“Due to my meagre income which I also use to pay my house rent, I don’t have enough money to support my family,” she said.

Originating from Machan, Kanowit, Iba said she did not receive any welfare aid and only her leukaemia-afflicted child receives RM60 monthly from the Welfare Department.

“I hope the NRD can process the death certificate of my late husband urgently,” she said in a melancholic voice.

Iba’s husband was said to have drowned in the barge when it sank while transporting timber logs at Nanga Temalat, Song at about 4.30pm on April 4, 2005.

Based on the police report made, the incident was said to have occurred as a result of strong water current.  Five crew members managed to swim to safety whereas Iba’s husband, Lias Machau, went missing and was feared drowned.

IRRESPONSIBLE ACT: A fire hydrant at Tiong Hua Road with its caps removed.

SIBU: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spends a whopping RM500,000 yearly to repair fire hydrants throughout the state, due to vandalism.

State Bomba director Nor Hisham Mohammad voiced grave concern yesterday over the rampant vandalism, adding that based on their records, 4,500 fire hydrants across Sarawak had their chambers removed.

“On average, the department forks out half a million to repair the fire hydrants, including replacing the chambers. However, not all are due to vandalism as some are due to upgrading of roads.

“We resorted to the use of wood to do the replacement for chambers to reduce cost and has proven effective. Otherwise, following the old method of complete replacement will cost RM420 each and this will come to about RM2 million, which is a substantial amount.

“We are allocated half a million per year but this is not sufficient for the repair works,” Nor Hisham told reporters after launching the first fire-point in Sibu at a house in Kampung Pa’dris here.

He recalled previous use of belian replacement was still vandalised and feared vandalism has reached a serious stage.

He said vandalism of fire hydrants will hinder their effort to fight fire and save lives.

This is because they would need to remove waste, sand or other debris that get into the hydrant before it could be used.

“During an emergency, time is of essence to save lives and properties,” he added.

Turning to the public, he urged them to be their eyes to look out for suspicious characters, urging members of the public to join them as friends of fire hydrants to fight vandalism.

Nor Hisham figured this would make those thinking of tampering with the fire hydrants to think twice before committing the act.

He stressed that fire hydrants are fundamental to firefighting, although it might seem obvious but the point has to be made.

The local authorities spent circa RM6 million on replacements of drain covers and so on due to metal thefts.

CLEARING A PATH: Bomba personnel led by Nor Hisham doing a ‘gotong-royong’ at Kampung Pa’dris.

SIBU: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) targets to initiate the ‘fire-point programme’ in 77 villages statewide this year, to “spark off a community-based approach” in preventing and fighting fires.

Speaking at a press conference after launching the first fire-point in Sibu at a house in Kampung Pa’dris yesterday, state Bomba director Nor Hisham Mohammad revealed that there are six fire points in Sarawak currently.

“Samarahan and Sri Aman have two each while we just launched one in Santubong last week. And today (yesterday), we are launching in Sibu.

“The programme is aimed at prompting village security and development (JKKKs) to come up with ideas to ensure its continuity while galvanizing a community-based approach to fight fires.

LET’S MOUNT IT: Nor Hisham (left) mounts the fire extinguishers at a fire-point at a house in Kampung Pa’dris here while Wan Hamid (centre) looks on.

“In this regard, perhaps, the private sector could contribute or the JKKKs could make use of their MRP grant to acquire more fire extinguishers for that purpose.

“We are just initiating or to ‘spark’ off the programme for them to carry on,” Nor Hisham explained.

The programme was organised in conjunction with the state Fire-fighter’s Day celebration.

Nor Hisham added that the programme was all the more important after seeing the aftermath of the fire in Kampung Limpaong, Limbang, where villagers did not have the facility to prevent the fire from spreading in the early stage, resulting in eight houses being gutted.

He also recalled that recently a 33-door longhouse in Kapit was gutted with losses estimated at about RM900,000.

Hence, he pointed out: “A fire-point is created at a common and strategic area where the portable fire extinguishers are mounted and easily accessible during an emergency.

“The ideal locations are grocery shops, mosques or the house of a community leader. In that way, when there is a fire, residents can speedily get hold of the fire extinguishers to prevent the blaze from spreading while waiting for help to arrive.”

He recalled that last year there were 69 cases of structural fires in Sarawak, where premises owners or residents used fire extinguishers to put out fires.

“From January till April this year, there are 29 cases of structural fires put out by residents using fire extinguishers. Imagine millions of ringgit worth in properties could be saved through early response by residents,” he disclosed, adding that a unit of fire extinguisher costs only RM90.

AIM STRAIGHT: Wan Hamid tries his hands on a fire extinguisher while Nor Hisham (third right) looks on.

He estimated the loss of a unit of longhouse to hover between RM50,000 and RM80,000 during a fire due to the size, arrangement and materials.

He lamented that when a fire has grown big, putting it out is a challenge.

Towards this end, he revealed that firemen also faced challenges when extinguishing fires in villages due to the structures.

He said houses were built close to each other, adding that the safe distance was six metres, equivalent to the width of a road, to slow down a fire from spreading.

“And at times, we encountered vehicles parked close to each other in villages, making it difficult for fire engines to get to the site rapidly.

“Time is of the essence during an emergency and this could slow us down,” he said.

He, however, reckoned with this programme, such information and other benefits could be cascaded down to the people.

Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce also spoke at the function.

Later, Nor Nisham joined some 30 Bomba personnel in the ‘gotong-royong’ at the village.

DONATE BLOOD TO SAVE LIVES: The blood donors with Ting (standing third left), Karambir (on Ting’s left) and representatives of the participating teams.

MIRI: The blood donation drive held at Permy Mall, Permyjaya here yesterday was a success with 163 pints of blood collected, exceeding the organiser’s target of 100 pints.

The organising chairman Karambir Singh was all smiles over the collection which he attributed to the good support and cooperation from the public.

“In all, 202 registered to donate but only 163 were eligible.

“This is good enough and it is all because of the public’s strong support,” he told The Borneo Post when met at the scene.

Karambir said the people were determined to donate their blood to help replenish the fast depleting supply at the Miri Hospital Blood Bank.

Some of them turned up early and waited patiently before the exercise started at 10am.

In no time, the ground floor of Permy Mall was full with a big crowd of people, from Permyjaya and the surrounding housing area, registering to donate.

Karambir said the campaign was important as every year prior to the Gawai holidays, the Blood Bank needed to build up its blood stock as part of its management plan.

Yesterday’s exercise was organised by the Blood Donor Recruitment Committee of Malaysia Red Crescent (MRC) Miri Chapter.

Karambir commended the committee for being active in organising and supporting the life-saving campaigns, contributing towards 63 per cent of all blood collected by the Blood Bank via the mobile blood donations.

Those participating were Miri Hospital Blood Bank mobile team, VAD 6, Miri Thai Poo Community, Miri Life Care Society, Miri Indian Association, Miri Hindu Society, Sarawak Bank Employees Union, RHB Bank Berhad, Land & Survey Department, Tai Chi Huang Association, Miri Radio & Television Malaysia (RTM), Miri Port Authority, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Piasau branch, Miri Division Hopoh Association, STIDC Miri, Public Works Department and Sekolah Tunas Bakti, Lambir.

Meanwhile, SUPP Piasau branch chairman Datuk Sebastian Ting turned up to witness the event and talked to the organising committee and donors.

He thanked the public for their humanitarian deeds towards saving the sick and needy through donating their blood on behalf of the organiser.

“Miri is the best city in the country. Despite its small population, the people are generous, sympathetic and always respond fast to any blood donation activity held,” he praised.

THE TROPHY: (From left) Nurul, Tan, Lo, Su and Ting with the champion trophy for 2013 JCI CYEA.

KUCHING: If you are a young entrepreneur aged 18 to 40, Junior Chamber International (JCI) wants you to be part of their Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (CYEA) this year.

The 2013 JCI CYEA, in its seventh year, began receiving nominations in January with the closing date on May 31.

According to organising chairman MK Su, nominees must be Malaysian citizens.

“Nominees should be owners or managers who have used creativity and innovation in product development, service development, unique market approach or in improving a business for positive change,” he said.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang urged young entrepreneurs in Sarawak to step up to it for themselves and country.

“A country needs young people and their aspirations. For Malaysia to grow, we must encourage our youths to create and improve,” he said.

The award has been endorsed by the Youth and Sports Ministry; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti); Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE); and Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

Submission is via online and nomination put through various stages before 10 finalists are shortlisted by local independent judges from various industries and professions.

Entry is free of charge and open to JCI and non-JCI members.  Those interested can make their submissions at www. jcicyea.com.my. For more information,  email nominations@jcicyea.com.my or call MK Su at 012-3302881.

The winner will be announced on Sept 7 during the 2013 JCI CYEA Grand Award ceremony at KL Convention Centre, KLCC. Present at the press conference were JCI PJ president Nurul Huda Mohammad Afandi, JCI national president Kim Tan and executive vice -president Andy Ting.

CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL: Representatives of various faiths from Sarawak lighting up candles to commemorate International AIDS Memorial Day.

KUCHING: The state recorded a total of 973 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases, which resulted in 355 deaths, from 1989 to last year.

The figure constituted part of the 1,568 new cases related to HIV and AIDS during that period.

“The recorded figure is a concern as it reflects the lack of understanding and awareness towards AIDS in Sarawak,” said state health deputy director Dr Chin Zin Hing during the 30th International AIDS Memorial Day (IAMD) held at the Unimas faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences yesterday.

He also said IAMD is an initiative coordinated by the Global Network of People Living With HIV, which started in 1983 as a memorial and a community mobilisation campaign to raise social consciousness about HIV and AIDS.

Dr Chin pointed out that among the main factors for the spread of AIDS was having multiple partners and unprotected sex.

“Some AIDS patients despite being fully aware of their condition still practise unprotected sex which leads to the rising numbers,” he stressed.

The commemorative day which was attended by students and representatives of various faiths also saw the lighting of candles as part of a memorial, which is also joined by 1,200 community organisations from 115 countries.

“IAMD which is held on every third Sunday of May in Malaysia since 2006 is an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking new barriers of stigma and discrimination while giving hope to the new generations,” he said.

He also said that current statistics have shown that 33 million people are suffering from AIDS worldwide.

This year’s theme ‘In Solidarity’ signifies the unification of the global community with those suffering from AIDS, he pointed out.

With such global campaigns and initiatives, Dr Chin believes that one day the number of HIV and AIDS related cases will drop significantly.

AUSPICIOUS: Taib and Ragad, flanked by Lai (on CM’s right) and Lee cutting a birthday cake as others look on.

MIRI: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud wants Miri City Council (MCC) and Subis District Council to jointly draw up a road map to turn the Miri-Sibuti stretch into a tourism goldmine.

He said he believed vibrant tourism activities would not only help to enhance Miri’s image as a resort city but it would also benefit Sibuti as well.

“Sibuti is a good place to showcase local foods and cultures, especially to tourists from Bruneian. We can also organise convoys or festivals and have them (tourists) dine at Sibuti.

“There are lots of options along the road (between Miri and Sibuti) to attract them to travel for miles from Miri to Sibuti,” he said at the Miri City’s 8th anniversary dinner at Imperial Hotel here on Saturday.

On the anniversary celebration, Taib said he rejoiced with the people here in celebrating the success of the city.

However, he said more activities needed to be churned out to make Miri a happenings place.

“Miri can be beautiful but if there are no live activities to attract people to come here for leisure, I don’t think it will be a (good) resort city.”

To resolve this matter, Taib called on business concerns to play an active role in organising tourism-related activities here in collaboration with MCC.

“Miri has been successful in organising tourism activities but you have to organise more.”

Also present were his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education and Family Development Rosey Yunus, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis and Miri mayor Lawrence Lai.