The normal price for the treatment is RM280.

According to a press statement, Energywhite is the first in the world to launch an experiment on organic Germanium Synthesis in 1975 and was thus awarded with a Nobel Prize achievement.

Energy-white has researched and developed the world’s first Germanium micro-element skincare product and an innovative nano-high technology development process through high temperature and pressure, vacuum air and discharge method to extract Germanium and zinc micro-elements from minerals.

The human body and cells are only able to absorb, balance, and restore inonised minerals where solid substances are converted into liquid ionised form.

The statement also said this is the greatest finding of the human race, where even medical equipments, industrials chemicals, animals and plants collagen, placenta and conventional products are unable to substitute.

A normal dermatology treatment maintains and repairs only on the epidermis layer, whereas Germanium Energywhite Treatment directly reaches deep down from the epidermis layer (0.04mm thickness) to dermis layer (0.3mm thickness).

The two in one comprehensive skin treatments includes radical cure for skin problems treatment where the thickness of the dermis layer is 10 times more than epidermis layer. From a skin health care proposition the dermis layer encompasses a great importance.

Micro-vascular network, nerve ending systems are distributed all over the dermis layer, with six to seven layers of outward formed keratinised cells in the epidermis layer.

Blotchiness, swollen, scorching and stinging pain, itchiness, dry, oily and sensitive are skin problems directly manifested on the skin surface through cutaneous nerves system.

Hence, it is important that both epidermis and dermis layers are treated simultaneously, especially for those who have sensitive skin.

For the lifting and firming up treatment, the epidermis layer which is only the thickness of a paper (0.04mm), imagine the paper thin layer lifting up the whole face.

Hence it is important that the product is able to penetrate deep into the dermis layer which is 10 times thicker than the epidermis layer for long-lasting firm up.

For the whitening and brightening treatment, accumulated unwanted excesses and sediments is removed from the skin epidermis and dermis layer.

Unwanted excesses and waste comprise free radicals, preservatives, chemical residues and heavy metals as well as disintegrated and accumulated composition.

It seeks to release the channels for discharging skin pollutants and detoxification at the skin dermis and epidermis layer; restore skin natural sebum provision, hydrations, pollutants discharge, immune system, repairing power in order to retain a healthy, radiant and confident skin.

This is one of the endeavors of EnergyWhite Germanium patented mask treatment.

Only those that satisfies the above mentioned features is truly a treatment and product that has the potential to repair the skin dermis layer, eradicate toxic and preserve the skin.

Germanium EnergyWhite has uncovered the mystery to achieving a curative treatment of the two for both skin and body care.

All of Epi Treatz’s skin care products range address all individual beauty concerns such as sensitive range, purifying range, brightening range, wrinkles control and sun block which is suitable for both men and women.

Our team recommends only the best treatments with your skin needs, budget and lifestyle in mind.

The skin health consultants and aestheticians are results oriented and set targets to achieve their customer’s skin health goals.

For more details of the products and services, call 082-575591 or visit epi treatz website at www.epitreatz.com.

EXCITING NIGHT: A combo of photos showing the event

KUCHING: It was an evening filled with a glittering pulsation of glamour and radiance at the Ladies Night by Total Image on April 24 at Marini’s on 57 at the KLCC.

According to a press release from Kuala Lumpur, the evening was made perfect with a specially concocted ‘Total Image Radiant Skin Cocktail’ featuring Total Image’s collagen-fused drinks such as Total Image Collagen Drink and Total Image Apple Stem Cell.

Total Image delighted the guests with what it is best at – championing the ‘beauty of skin’ through a combination of select ingredients.

The non-alcohol cocktail captured the hearts of the guests with the youthfulness-inspired beverage.

The featured Total Image products are meant for igniting the beauty of the skin with their age-defying properties.

Apart from the cocktail reception, guests were also surprised with gifts consisting of Total Image Collagen Drink and Total Image Apple Stem Cell.

The well-researched Total Image skin supplements are no longer strange to the guests.

Collagen helps boost the elasticity and firmness of the skin to make it appear vibrant and radiant.

It also helps fight against wrinkles.

Total Image Collagen Drink helps firm up the skin from within while Total Image Apple Stem Cell helps repair and nourish skin cells.

Call it a marvelous combination that takes care of the radiance of your skin while offering the age-defying benefits.

Total Image Collagen Drink and Total Image Apple Stem Cell are best consumed every alternate day right before your breakfast and see the positive results in 15 days.

The products are retailed at all leading pharmacies including Guardian, Watsons, Caring and Vitacare.

You may learn more about the goodness of Total Image at www.totalimage.com.my or www.facebook.com/TotalImageMalaysia or by dialing 03-62721111.

SUNSET BUSINESS?: Tazlan (centre) and his wife (second right) in a photo call with his workers (from left) Wan, Yun and Embah at TN reflexology and Massage Centre in MJC.

KUCHING: A number of blind masseurs/masseuses are in dire straits as the mushrooming of reflexology and massage centres here has resulted in many of them seeing their rice bowl empty.

Two of those affected are paralympian Tazlan Jen and his wife Nuratirah Voon.

The couple owns a reflexology and massage centre at Batu Kawah New Township and they used to have many customers, but not anymore.

“It is sad that our income level has decreased. There are many massage centre competitors out there, and that makes it difficult for us to meet our daily needs,” he lamented to Utusan Borneo recently.

Tazlan has 18 years of experience as a masseur and he set up his own centre five years ago.

He is assisted by his wife, who has eight years of massage experience behind her, and three workers: Wan Mohd Zaidi (five years of massage experience), Embah Ajan (seven years) and Yun (12 years).

The services they provide are mainly aimed to help working adults ease their tension and body aches. They also help those who have ailments such as high blood pressure, cramps and asthma.

Tazlan’s centre – TN Reflexology and Massage
Centre – is situated at Level 2, Block DF 313, Jalan Batu Kawah MJC (opposite MJC Police station). It is open from 9am to 7pm daily.

Appointments can be made by calling 013-8117002 (Tazlan), 012-8117311 (Nuratirah), 019-3433492 (Yun), 013-8498095 (Embah) and 013-5737915 (Wan).

Charges are as follows: RM14 for a 30 minutes session, RM28 (one hour), RM42 (90 minutes), and RM56 (two hours).

TN Reflexology and Massage Centre also provides Taiwanese and Japanese massage treatments.

“In addition to massaging, we normally give free advice to our customers about their diet and on their illnesses,” said Tazlan.

If customers want to detox their body, the centre has a local product Gamat Emas which might meet their needs.

ANNUAL REPORT: Len (left) revealing the MKKY annual report book at the event.

KUCHING: The Pemuafakatan Badan Ilmiah Nasional (Pembina) plays an important role as a body to oversee Malay and Bumiputera education.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) Datu Len Talif Salleh said it should even take up the role of a unifying body to gather all associations related to Malay education.

“Pembina has formed the Majlis Kerjasama Kepimpinan Yayasan (MKKY) as a strategic forum to focus on the human capital development of the Malays and Bumiputeras,” said Len at a dinner held in conjunction with the 19th meeting of MKKY at a leading hotel here on Sunday night.

Also present were MKKY chairman Tan Sri Datuk Hashim Meon, Yayasan Sarawak director Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Housing Development Corporation chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen.

On the meeting, Len said it served as the right platform for participants to discuss issues on implementation and policies in regards to human capital, in line with the theme of developing quality workforce and eliminating the need to depend on foreign workers.

“A total of RM3.7 billion were allocated by the government under the 10th Malaysia Plan to train students on vocational and technical skills to prepare the nation for globalisation and free economy,” he said.

He added that the development of quality human capital was vital for the nation.

“Pembina is looking into building the capacity of trainees to enable them to enter the high income job market and we hope that Pembina and MKKY will take the challenge to fill up places in technical courses in the state which presently are 60 per filled,” he said.

“We should learn from the Chinese who put priority to education as their way of life and this must be instilled among the Bumiputeras,” he added.

THANK YOU: Fatimah (left) accepting a token of appreciation from Zulwali.

KUCHING: Teachers and educators must be able to see education beyond the technical-rational perspective in order to ensure the collective survival of the multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said this when speaking at a Teacher’s Day dinner recently.

“Education is a continuous and deliberate socialisation process of developing people, and their values, aspirations, love and care for oneself, fellow beings and the Creator. The experience and skills available between the retired and still working teachers are equally important and relevant in developing and shaping human capital,” she said.

Fatimah also said human capital cannot be completely developed through formal education in schools and educational institutions.

“Community-based education needs to be done by the community to complete and complement the efforts done in school.

“The biggest challenge faced by educators is not to simply implement programmes which are beneficial for the preparation of trainable, educable and marketable individuals to suit the needs of job and market forces outside the formal educational setup. Equally important is our ability to nurture and instil a sense of collective social accountability and moral responsibility to prepare a better future for all,” she said.

The dinner was organised by Sarawak Education Professionalism Development Association (Profes), together with the Sarawak Islamic Council Education Service Bureau and Batu Lintang Teachers College.

Around 200 Profes members and teachers, both retired and still serving, attended the dinner. There was also a special talk on keeping active in retirement, delivered by Dr Hamidi Mohd Sharkawi of Unimas.

Also present was Profes president Dr Zulwali Kifli Merawi.

SAY YES TO WASTE DECOMPOSTING: Lai (second left, front) hands over a Bokashi bin to Uma.

MIRI: The people in Miri should start to ‘ubah’ their mindset and attitude in handling kitchen wastes and start cooperating with Miri City Council (MCC) in making this city a more vibrant, green and clean centre of attraction.

Miri mayor Lawrence Lai, who said this, believes that if Mirians are willing to change their habits by saying ‘Yes’ to waste composting, the city would be able to reduce kitchen waste by up to 30 per cent.

“Last year, we saw about 5,000 tonnes of garbage collected every month, and this year, from the data we collected, it has increased to 6,000 tonnes monthly.

“We at MCC believe that if all this ‘Yes’ to waste composting campaign is successfully implemented, then we would be able to build a better and greener environment for the future of our next generation in Miri,” he said when officiating the campaign at Pustaka Miri here yesterday.

The campaign was an effort by MCC to create greater awareness and send the message to all Mirians to reduce waste by turning them into fertilisers through Bokashi technique.

Lai said the Bokashi technique, first introduced in Japan, uses aerobic and anaerobic inoculation to produce compost – helped by effective microorganisms.

“Apart from reducing wastes, we would also turn these decomposed kitchen waste through the Bokashi techniques into fertilisers to be used on plants,” he added.

MCC has been actively promoting various campaigns such as the ‘Say No to Plastic Bags’ and the 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) campaign to address the importance of caring for the environment. Lai also reminded all Mirians of their roles and responsibility in helping MCC to beautify and maintain the cleanliness of the city.

“We must work together to achieve our mission of having a green and clean city,” he said.

Chairlady of Implementor Group for Solid Waste Management Miri Local Agenda 21 (LA 21) Dr Uma Devi and other heads of various departments, local non-governmental organisations and headmasters were among those present.

Parents and teachers face many obstacles and challenges in fulfilling their desire of making sure children excel in school. One of the main hindrances in government schools is truancy. Truancy is defined as unexcused or unapproved absence from school, usually without the parents’ or teachers’ knowledge.

Truancy has been discussed by various parties such as school authorities, parents and government agencies for some time. It has the highest percentage of occurrences compared to other discipline problems in schools.

If students play truant and it becomes habitual, it will have negative consequences on themselves, their families and schools. Furthermore, the act of truancy emboldens students to be irresponsible and not keep up with education progress (Professional Circular, Ministry of Education Malaysia, 1995).

Truancy has been linked to serious delinquent activities in youth related to substance abuse, gang activity and involvement in criminal activities such as burglary, auto theft and vandalism (Baker, Sigmon & Nugent, 2001) and could also have negative consequences on behaviour in adults.

Truancy has become a significant problem in other parts of the world as well, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States. The Guardian (June 14, 2012) reported that truants miss 3.7 million school days each term in primary and secondary school in England. The Washington Post (Nov 08, 2012) reported that in 2011, more than 40 per cent of the students in high school missed at least a month of school in Washington DC.

Therefore, truancy is not only an issue for Malaysia but can be regarded as a global issue. Prevention measures have to be planned carefully before it poses a threat to our community and the development to our country.

Truancy will affect the teaching and learning process in schools and jeopardise the aspiration of the Philosophy of National Education, 1996, which aims to “produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious, based on a firm belief in and devotion to God”.

Truancy has been discussed since the 1920s. Andriola, in his paper entitled ‘A Comparative Study of Non-Truant and Truant Children’ (1955), reviewed a few researchers’ perceptions of truancy. Clark said that factors such as intelligence, school retardation and heredity have vital influence in truancy.

Clinard, Arthur Johnson & Wallin, meanwhile, claimed that negative relationships between teachers and students contribute to truancy. Clinard also wrote that ineffective teaching can affect students’ concentration and interest in studying and can result in them playing truant.

Former Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Fuad Zarkashi expressed his concern about truancy in the country, saying that truancy occurs in school because of factors like inadequate infrastructure, poverty and lack of interest in studies (News Straits Times, March 30, 2012).

A survey by the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) conducted through Zakiayah Jamaluddin of University Malaya has shown that cyber cafes contribute to social problems amongst youth. Out of 230 respondents, 212 or 92.1 per cent admitted to playing truant and going to cyber cafes. About 73 per cent mentioned that spending time in cyber cafes is better than attending school (CAP Online bulletin, Sept 14, 2009).

The Borneo Post (Jan 13, 2011) reported that the police, Kuching South City Council enforcement officers and teachers raided a cyber cafe in Kuching and found 17 secondary school students, including girls aged between 14 and 17, engrossed in online computer games. The report shows that truancy involves not only male but also female students.

Nik Ruzyanei, et al (2009), in his research on psychosocial factors influencing truancy, mentioned that truancy is a behaviour that is affected by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. His study also revealed that a high proportion of truant students come from families with divorced parents. Moreover, these students have low education goals and dislike school.

Bhatty (2008), in her study, suggested that truancy should not be seen as a deviant behaviour but rather an act of dissatisfaction that should be addressed amicably by improving teacher-student relationships, school environments and curriculum relevance. She also suggested that home education can be an alternative solution for the truancy problem.

Darmody, Smyth, & McCoy S (2008), in their study on truancy in Irish secondary schools, concluded that significantly more male students in Ireland were playing truant than female students in their last year at school. In addition, students from lower class backgrounds (the unskilled manual labour group) are more prone to play truant compared to those from higher class backgrounds (professionals and farmers).

The Sun Daily (Jan 17, 2012) quoted then Deputy Minister of Education Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong as saying that a detailed study on truancy in schools will be carried out by the ministry through the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation and University Malaya.

Meanwhile, an article in The Mail Online (March 2, 2013) stated that parents in the United Kingdom who refuse to take responsibility for improving the behaviour and attendance of their children in schools will have to pay a fine of 100 pounds sterling and attend compulsory parental classes. The writer felt it was a good move by the authorities and should be implemented in Malaysia too.

Brideland, Dilulio & Morison (2006) agreed that there is no simple solution to the dropout crisis but if support can be provided within the academic environment and at home, it could improve the students’ chances of attending school.

Dr Anbalagan Krishnan is Accounting Department head and senior lecturer at Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business, while Selvaraj Grapragasem is Department of Educational Studies deputy head and Institute of Teacher Education Sarawak Campus (IPGKS) Miri lecturer.

THANK YOU: Francis presents a souvenir to Tiong (right).

ENCOURAGEMENT: Tiong (right) presents the cash incentive to one of STPM top scorers, Susan Jittai from SMK Bintulu as Francis (centre) looks on.

BINTULU: Gawai Dayak celebration can promote rapport, understanding and national integration among the ethnic groups in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole, said the organising chairman of Gawai Dayak Bintulu divisional level dinner, Francis Kallang.

He said each of the festive seasons celebrated in Malaysia is in line with the 1Malaysia concept and it should be given more emphasis.

Speaking at the divisional level celebration themed ‘Segulai Sejalai’ last Sunday evening, officiated by Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the Bintulu branch chairman of Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) said all the festivals are the blessing to the country.

“I believe the joy and peace that we have today may not be felt by other countries in the world,” he said.

Gawai Dayak celebration is very important as it enhances the identity of the Dayak. Through this ethnicity good values can be nurtured towards promoting the 1Malaysia concept, he said.

Francis said each ethnic identity has its own culture and tradition, thus, government agencies in particular must be more proactive in identifying them for assimilation and respect by other groups.

Various activities and cultural performances were held during the event, namely cultural shows by invited group of ethnic Kajang from Belaga and other guest artistes. Kumang Gawai contest this year was based on Orang Ulu costumes and participated by 14 beauties.

At the same time, top students were also given cash incentives for their outstanding results in their respective examinations as an appreciation of their efforts and encouragement for them to continue to work harder.

Among the recipients were Ellana Musang, Connie Majat, Susan Jittai from SMK Bintulu, Diana Albert and Lessica Jenain from SMK Kidurong (STPM); Barry Bato Layu, Ericson Enteqal Alexander Sandai from SMK Bandar Bintulu; Bernadette Jawai from SMK Bintulu; Emily David Ngaring and Petty Millona Micheal from SMK Kidurong (SPM). The event was organised by OUNA in collaboration with Dayak Bidayuh National Association, Sarawak Dayak Iban Association and Sarawak Dayak National Union Kemena branch.

During the function the organising committee also received RM10,000 donation each from Tiong, Assistant Minister of Public Utilities and Kemena assemblyman Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Peter shaves Karen’s head while the crowd looks on during the fundraising night for Sarawak Hospice Society Kuching.

KUCHING: Another charity event involving shaving of heads was held on Sunday night, this time to raise money for the Sarawak Hospice Society Kuching.

It was said thousands of ringgit was raised when a few individuals shaved their hair and went bald during the event held at a popular drinking outlet here.

Social activist and organiser of the fundraising event Peter John Apai said the objective was specifically to help bring more awareness to the public on the plight of those who are terminally ill with cancer.

“That is the least that we can do as members of the public to help these people and their families in their difficult time and a little generosity can help to make a difference,” said Peter, who is also the event coordinator for the event.

Peter, who owned and managed the outlet where the event was held, revealed that the money they made from sales of drinks would also be donated to the hospice society.

One of the participants who braved herself was Kuchingite Karen Shepherd who personally raised RM2,010 from the regulars of the drinking outlet.

She was pleased with the response as the money raised would go to good use to improve the Oncology Department of the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

“This is a really nice event and I hope that more people can help to do this kind deed for continuous patient care at SGH,” she said.

For Karen, she did it not only to raise money but also in support of her mother Irene Brodie, who is a cancer patient at SGH and is receiving treatment in the hospital’s Oncology Department.

With the influx of patients getting treatment in the department, she hoped that the government would look into expanding the centre to other parts of Sarawak.

“The facilities at SGH are fantastic and the head of the department is doing great to ensure that patient will get the best treatment and the best medical care to ensure their fast recovery,” said Karen.

That night Karen also shaved her mother’s head, and she managed to raise more than a thousand ringgit from the regulars of the outlet.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION: Naseer (right) presents a memento to Richard for gracing IEM Bintulu region’s 22nd annual dinner.

BINTULU: The ever-increasing consumer demand and scarcity of natural resources plus concern for sustainable development are among the greatest challenges faced by engineers today.

“It is only with innovations that we could overcome these challenges while protecting our environment and safe-guarding the health and safety of the general public or mankind,” said Institute of Engineers Malaysia Sarawak branch Bintulu region president Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahab.

Where appropriate, he said, adopting the 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle) in all development plans and engineering works must be constantly and continuously implemented along with sound solid waste management to conserve natural resources.

He said this during the 22nd anniversary dinner of IEM Bintulu region themed ‘Embracing Challenges with Innovations’ at Parkcity Everly Hotel on Sunday evening.

Deputy Resident (Social) Richard Michael Abunawas officiated at the opening ceremony, representing Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari.

“We engineers must be innovative in coming up with alternative solutions that could meet consumer demand, reduce utilisation of natural resources while maintaining and increasing consumer satisfaction without sacrificing health, safety and the environment,” he said.

IEM Bintulu region was established on Dec 1, 1989. Abdul Naseer said since the inception, IEM Bintulu had organised various activities and conducted professional reviews and interviews for corporate membership; where on passing candidates could apply to the Board of Engineers Malaysia for registration as Professional Engineer (PE).

“Joining IEM activities would assist PE to accumulate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours to fulfil the renewal of registration requirement for PEs.

“This is where I would like to highly encourage engineers locally to join and participate in our activities in improving your network among engineers locally so that you know your counterparts in other associated organisations and facilitate advancing your professionalism,” he said.

Also present were IEM fellow and entrepreneur engineer Temenggong Barry Yek Siew Hui, IEM Sarawak branch vice chairman Ir Kenny Thian Boon Khuin, IEM Miri branch vice chairman Ir Kiu Kwong Chiang, IEM Sibu region secretary Ir Lau Poh Ying and organising chairman Chang Kuet Shian.

PLOT FOR HOUSE: Wan with one of Foo’s adult daughters, who does not live with them, visiting the Matang site where the building of a new house has commenced for Foo’s family.

KUCHING: The story of Foo Fah Chin may have a happy ending yet for his surviving family members.

Making good of his promise to build his family a simple home, Kelvin Wan recounted how ‘Uncle Foo’s family’ was ordered to vacate the land they were squatting on in Kampung Kudei.

Foo had a piece of land in Matang, but a monthly welfare of RM200 was barely enough to make ends meet, let alone build a house. In addition, he had been ill for a long time.

Before passing away on April 14 at age 77, Uncle Foo turned to the family’s benefactor Wan and made a last request — his wife and two special needs (OKU) adult daughters needed a home to call their own.

Wan called up everyone he could think of and acquired 99 per cent of the building material needed through sponsors and donors, most of whom prefer to remain anonymous.

As of last week, clearing work has begun on a piece of land in Matang given to Foo by this father.

The house is expected to be completed in a few weeks, said Wan.

“The family of the late uncle Foo would like to say ‘thank you to all who have helped (them) by sponsoring building materials, especially The Borneo Post readers and my friends who reached out to them in their time of need,” Wan added.

WE DON’T WANT THE DAM: The group boarding one of the buses bound for Kuching.

MIRI: About 200 Orang Ulus and Ibans from Baram have gone down to Kuching in four buses to protest against the proposed Baram Dam project at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

The DUN sitting started yesterday and would end on May 29. There won’t be any sitting on Wesak Day (May 24) and on Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesman from the group told The Borneo Post at Pujut terminal yesterday that the Penans, Kenyahs, Kayans and Ibans wanted the government to scrap the project.

He said the group would make an overnight stop at a village in Serian before staging their protest today. Some of the Orang Ulus in the buses were seen wearing their traditional head gears and costumes.

According to her, the election is expected to be more fierce and intense as it will be the focus for the opposition parties.

“I would like to remind women in Sarawak to continue showing their support to BN candidates and that we have to work hard from the ‘get set go’ in order to be prepared to face the election later,” she said in her speech during the Mothers’ Day Dinner celebration organised by the Persatuan Masakan dan Kuih-Muih Sarawak at a leading hotel here on Sunday.

Also present were the Chief Minister’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Rohani Karim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri, Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education and Family Development Rosey Yunus, Tanjung Manis MP Datuk Norah Abdul Rahman, Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang, PBB women chief Datin Patinggi Dato Sri Empiang Jabu and Persatuan Masakan dan Kuih-Muih Sarawak chairman Zaiton Istiar Hussain Khan.

Fatimah, who is also PBB deputy women chief and Dalat assemblywoman, said that party members, especially women, should be ready to face issues that would be brought up – such as those on comparison between urban and rural areas.

“The scenario between urban and rural areas is different as urban development is more progressive. This will be among the issues that will be raised to voters and we must be ready to tackle the issues that are brought up,” she said.

Meanwhile, the dinner celebration saw guests entertained with performances by popular artiste Jamal Abdillah as well as singers from the P Ramlee Sarawak Fan Club (KPPRS) such as Abdul Hakim Hisamudin, Ahmad Ayub, Nur Hamimah Bohan, Jamiah Lambed and more.

The evening also saw the presentation of awards in conjunction with Mothers’ Day to Empiang, Datuk Sharifah Mordiah Tuanku Fauzi and Molly Chong, and celebrated the victory of PBB women namely Rohani, Nancy, Norah and Rubiah in the 13th general election.

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Salahuddin (centre), Taib (sixth right) and Asfia (sixth left) pose with ministers, assistant ministers and backbenchers. — Photo by Chimon Upon

GESTURE OF RESPECT: Salahuddin (centre) inspects the Guard of Honour comprising 105 men from the 11th Battalion. — Photo by Chimon Upon

ALL SMILES: Taib (fourth right) and Ragad (third right) posing with ministers Datuk Fatimah Abdullah (left) and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem (fourth left) as well as BN backbenchers. — Photo by Chimon Upon

MEN IN UNIFORM: Some of the 105 men from the 11th Battalion lining up for the opening ceremony. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The opening ceremony for the seven-day sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday went without a hitch even though it was drizzling.

Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhamad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah arrived at the DUN complex at about 9.30am.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib were there five minutes earlier.

Upon the arrival of Salahuddin, Taib and local dignitaries, including DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, escorted him to a stage before the state anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ was played.

After the state anthem, Salahuddin inspected a Guard of Honour comprising 105 men from the 11th Battalion.

All elected representatives donned the official suit except for the 12 from the DAP who came in formal attires.

Salahuddin delivered his hour-long keynote address at about 10.30am.

The sitting was adjourned after the speech was delivered. It will resume today with debates by backbenchers on the Head of State’s address.

“I understand that he is presently away on leave and hopefully we will have the chance to talk to him after he comes back,” he said to reporters here yesterday.

PRS has regarded the portfolios it had been allocated as inappropriate for a rural based party.

“Anyway that is the privilege of the Prime Minister and we will see what happen. For us we have made our point already and I think that is already enough,” said the Land Development Minister when met at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) lobby.

In the new federal cabinet announced by Najib recently, PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun was appointed one of the full ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department while the party’s vice-president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum was appointed Deputy Tourism Minister.

In its Supreme Council meeting last week PRS leaders said the party will only accept posts that would bring benefit to the rural population in Sarawak.

“We are not interested in positions but if we are given one, being a rural based party, it must be something relevant to the rural people. That is what we want. Not just any portfolios,” Masing said after chairing the meeting.

These ‘ladies’ speaking in English will approach their ‘targets’ at coffee shops and shopping outlets here, showing pamphlets to seek funds for welfare, a member of the public Mohamad Saruji told The Borneo Post yesterday.

According to Saruji, Mirians are susceptible to the less fortunate and will readily chip in if approached by these so-called ‘welfare collectors’.

He said: “We don’t know if these collectors are true (genuine) or not, as they can be seen moving from shopping complexes to coffee shops everyday.”

He said the police may want to monitor their movement and check if they are genuinely collecting welfare for the less fortunate or preying on the gullible.

Sharing the same view, Sim Boon Tee, 45, said he was once approached to donate when shown pamphlets by these women.

“I’m curious on whether this group of people have a licence to collect funds from the public,” he stressed, urging commercial crime police to check them out.

“If it is true, the public don’t mind to donate but we are scared that there is a syndicate to collect funds without permission of the government,” Sim added.

A random survey saw these collectors operating in pairs to approach their ‘target’ before moving on elsewhere.

In December last year, when The Borneo Post highlighted the emergence of groups of foreigners collecting donations in and around Kuching city, Kuching District police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad warned that these people might risk arrest if they solicit public donations without a licence.

State Police Commissioner Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani also advised the public to be wary of such groups and check if they have valid permits.

RARE SIGHTING IN PIASAU CAMP: The magnificent Hornbill, the iconic bird of Sarawak.

MIRI: It was a flurry of excitement for hundreds of curious people when a Hornbill suddenly appeared at Piasau Camp on Sunday.

The participants of the ‘Walk in The Park’ at the camp rushed to see the colourful bird when it was spotted perching in a coconut tree.

For many, this could be their first sighting of the Hornbill, which is the national bird of the state of Sarawak. It is an iconic symbol to the people of Sarawak which is known as the ‘Land of the Hornbill’.

Meanwhile, about 700 nature lovers participated in the ‘Walk in The Park’, the second of its kind, on Sunday.

Among them were the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Piasau branch chairman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Sibuti MP-Ahmad Lai Bujang and Miri Indian Association president Karambir Singh.

The starting point at 4pm was at Tenby International School in Piasau Camp. The historical walk, the first of its kind ever held in Miri, was mooted and initiated by Ting.

Since the inaugural walk on April 6, response has been very encouraging, thereby gaining popularity among the people of Miri, in particular nature-lovers.

A WARM HANDSHAKE: Taib (third left) shaking hands with the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin before the latter leaves the DUN building after the opening ceremony. Looking on are DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar (left), Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing (right), assistant ministers and other members of the DUN.

CM leaves it to Najib to address PRS, SPDP grouses over cabinet appointments

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will not interfere with the Federal cabinet appointments which have evoked unhappiness from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).

The state BN chairman was confident Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could address the issues raised by the two state BN parties after meeting with their presidents.

“I leave it to the Prime Minister. I’m sure that he will think (of a solution) after he talked with SPDP and PRS. I will not interfere with the appointment of the Federal Cabinet. It is not my style,” he told reporters when met after the opening of the third session of the 17th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday.

Last Friday, PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Masing said the rural-based party decided not to accept any ministerial appointments it deemed irrelevant to the rural people of Sarawak.

Speaking to reporters after chairing his party’s Supreme Council Meeting here, he added that he would ask Najib to assign deputy president Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun a more appropriate portfolio to enable him to assist rural communities.

Entulu reluctantly accepted his appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department saying he was not interested in the position as he could not do much for the rural people through that position.

On vice-president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum’s refusal to accept the post of Deputy Tourism Minister, Masing said it showed that Dayak leaders now would make a stand if they felt that things were not done properly.

He added that the former Deputy Minister of Information, Communications, Arts and Culture was not interested in the perks and privileges but more on how he could serve the people in the state.

Meanwhile SPDP which was not given any posting in the cabinet despite winning all four seats it contested in, would send a petition signed by 40 divisions statewide asking Najib to the give the party a full minister and a deputy minister post in the federal cabinet.

The group would not settle for anything less than the two deputy minister posts it was allocated in the previous cabinet.

Last Friday the party president who is also the Saratok MP Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said he hoped that three of the party’s MPs would be given posts in the federal cabinet. Apart from Mawan the other MPs from SPDP are deputy president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu), newcomers Anyi Ngau (Baram) and Anthony Nogeh Gumbek (Mas Gading).

Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng who noted this improvement in the living standard of the people in his speech at the opening ceremony of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday said it clearly showed that the government had succeeded in its poverty eradication programmes.

“I am pleased with the seriousness of the government in implementing poverty eradication programmes which covered all walks of life including the Penan community.

“The poverty eradication programmes were comprehensive because it included physical, economic and human capital aspects of development.”

Salahuddin also congratulated the government for implementing ‘Program Satu AZAM’ in the state saying under the programme the people were given opportunities to attain suitable skills to venture into new fields through training programmes.

“I’m confident that the involvement of the people in various programmes under ‘Satu AZAM’ such as ‘Azam Tani’, ‘Azam Niaga’, ‘Azam Khidmat’ and ‘Azam Kerja’ will be able to increase the income and standard of living of the people.”

He was also happy that the federal government had implemented many programmes in lightening the burden of the people.

“I am certain that initiatives to standardise the price for necessities as well as the implementation of programmes such as Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia, Klinik 1Malaysia, Lesen 1Malaysia, Bantuan Buku 1Malaysia and school aids will be able to lighten the burden of the people.”

In calling for a balance between economic development and human capital development, Salahuddin said in pursuing progress, efforts must be enhanced to inculcate positive values among the community.

“This is important because this awareness will be able to control social problems such as abandoned babies, divorce and drug abuse.”

He also called for social ills to be addressed through practical and effective approaches, adding that family institution is the foundation of social stability and a caring community.

Salahuddin stated that the specific attention given to women and early development of children was also important in nurturing the family institution.

“Therefore, I would like to urge the authorities to organise more suitable programmes to strengthen family institution.”

He said the youths should also be given attention because they were their heir of the country.

“I would like to call for more youth friendly programmes in sports, entertainment, academic and religious fields. This is important to foster positive values among our youths,” he said.

Among those present at the opening ceremony of the DUN sitting were Salahuddin’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Alfred Jabu Numpang and wife Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, state senior ministers and other ministers.

The new remuneration scheme will be implemented if the Members of Administration and Members of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Remuneration, Pension and Gratuities) Bill, 2013 is passed during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.

Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yesterday revealed to the press that the increment “is big” but declined to go into details.

“It is a very good percentage, and you will have to wait for more tomorrow (today),” he said when met at DUN Complex after the opening ceremony.

When pressed, Wong, who is also Local Government and Community Development Minister, confirmed that the hike would be at least 50 per cent.

“Yes, it will be more than that,” he responded when asked.

He pointed out that the ordinance on remuneration, pension and gratuities was last revised in 1992.

“The last review was done in 1992, and not 1980.”

Wong was referring to a statement made by DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar on Sunday that the ordinance on remuneration, pension and gratuities was last revised in 1980 during the Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub administration.

Asfia had earlier announced that the Bill would be tabled today followed by the second and third reading on the same day.

Besides the Members of Administration and Members of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Remuneration, Pension and Gratuities) Bill, 2013, Wong is also expected to table the Supplementary Supply (2012) Bill, 2013 today.