KL seeks more meetings with Jakarta on issues

Sunday December 23, 2007

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia wants frequent meetings to be held at various levels, and with different groups from Indonesia to iron out issues.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the meetings should also include sessions with the republic’s media.

Apart from exchange programmes, Malaysian leaders visiting the country should also make it a point to “have a chat” with them.

“We believe this is important as the Indonesian media is very open but they have a tendency to sensationalise stories reported from Malaysia.

“Sometimes the issues are blown out of proportion until we are seen as offending Indonesians, resulting in them having a negative perception of the country and our people,” he said.

Najib was speaking to reporters after hosting a breakfast dialogue with members of Indonesian political party Golkar, led by senior party leader H.R Agung Laksono.

The 23-member Golkar delegation is on a three-day visit, mainly to have discussions with Umno leaders.

He said that most times, the “issue at hand” was minor, such as the use of certain terminologies.

“While Malaysians and even Indonesians residing here would refer to those from the republic as Indons, the Indonesians back home take offence to such a reference. They feel we are degrading them, when that is certainly not the intention,” he said.

Najib said the dialogue was fruitful as both parties exchanged views in an open and frank manner.

Of late, the Indonesian media has been critical of Malaysian songs and dances performed at official functions and on the television. The republic claims these art forms belong to it.

The Malaysian Government has decided to shelve cultural performances originating from Indonesia, such as the barongan and endang dances, from official functions.

Second bridge link with Thailand opens

Saturday December 22, 2007

JELI: The relationship between Malaysia and Thailand received a major boost yesterday when the second bridge linking both countries was officially opened.

The RM9.2mil bridge, spanning 120m across Sungai Golok, took 11 months to complete.

Both countries split the cost equally, with the project given to a Malaysian contractor.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who opened the bridge with his Thai counterpart Surayud Chulanont, said he was confident the new link would contribute to the relationship between both countries.

New landmark: A Thai boatman pushing his boat at Sungai Golok as the Thai and Malaysian Prime Ministers Surayud Chulanont and Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (inset) launch the second bridge between Kelantan and Narathiwat. — Reuters

“I am confident the new link between Bukit Bunga (Jeli) and Bau Buketa (Narathiwat) will contribute towards further enhancing the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and people, especially between the residents of Kelantan and Narathiwat,” he said.

He also said the bridge was a project identified for implementation under the Joint Development Strategy for the border areas established in 2004.

Abdullah added that with the second bridge, which has an average of 100 people crossing it daily, the people of Kelantan would enjoy the benefits directly and immediately.

“This fact relates well to the special effort that the Malaysian Government is now undertaking to make Kelantan a new focal point for the development of the economy and social affairs, including the development of human capital.

“Kelantan is one of the states earmarked for growth and accelerated development under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) corridor,” said Abdullah.

He also said that Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah and Perak were designated areas under the development blueprints for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), and he invited Thailand to invest in it.

Abdullah also said Malaysia was aware that Thailand was working hard to promote reconciliation and establish peace and stability in southern Thailand, and that Malaysia was always ready to give its full support to the Thai Government.

Surayud said the bridge was very important in fostering closer ties between both countries.

“This is historic because it is built at a time when we are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Malaysia.”

He added that the bridge, the second across Sungai Golok, would be a boost to the ECER and would also improve economic growth and the transportation system in the border areas.

Later, after performing Friday prayers at the Jeli mosque, Abdullah presented a cheque for RM300,000 to the mosque for renovations.

He also urged Muslims to pray for the flood victims and hoped they would get new homes soon.

New RM50 note from Jan 30

Saturday December 22, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM50 note gets a makeover with enhanced anti-forgery security features and a design theme reflecting how far Malaysia has moved up the economic value chain after 50 years of independence.

The illustrations on the note include oil palm trees and microbiology technology, representing Malaysia’s economic transformation to the higher value-added activities in the agricultural, manufacturing, services and other sectors.

The front retains the portrait of the first king, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Tuanku Muhammad, on the right. The national hibiscus flower is in the centre.

Songket patterns frame the background and edges of the note to reflect traditional Malaysian textile handicraft and embroidery.

Bank Negara employee Lim Hsin Ying showing the new RM50 note. The issuance of the new RM50 notes also commemorates Malaysia 50th independence anniversary.

On the back, first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman is featured raising his hand in proud declaration of Merdeka! There is the logo of the 50th Independence anniversary as well.

Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz presented the new RM50 to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday. The note bore the serial number AA 0000009.

“This is yet another symbol of the economic success, national stability and prosperity of the nation. God willing, we will continue the success into the next 50 years,” said Abdullah at the TUDM air base before flying off to Kelantan.

The new notes will be available from Jan 30 next year.

Bank Negara has prepared commemorative special packaging for 20,000 of the notes.

Each will cost RM60 and will be available from Dec 26 at the headquarters and branches in Penang, Johor Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Dr Zeti said the current RM50 notes would continue to be legal tender even with the introduction of the new notes, adding that they would be phased out in a few years.

Seven days to process expat pass

Saturday October 27, 2007

PUTRAJAYA: Seven days to get an answer to an application for an expatriate’s pass or you can call Pemudah directly to complain.

That is the promise of Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, Chief Secretary to the Government and co-chair of Pemudah, the task force set up to untangle red tape and help smoothen the public delivery.

Previously, Mohd Sidek said it could take up to a few months to process the application for an expatriate’s pass and that sometimes, the procedures could be very confusing to the public.

“Explanations on the procedures for obtaining such passes were all over the place as the approving agency differs from one sector to the next.

“For instance, expatriates working in the financial sector will be under the purview of Bank Negara and those in the manufacturing industry will be under that of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority.

“This guidebook will give a flow chart explanation to help industry players and managers navigate their way through the various steps involved.

“It is written in simple language and lists down all the agencies involved,” he told reporters after launching the book at the Prime Minister’s Office here yesterday.

Mohd Sidek said that with the guidebook, procedures could be made so simple that industry players need not resort to a third party or runners to put up their application forms.

“This book will not only benefit foreign investors but our local industries who wish to bring in expertise from overseas. This is expected to bring a lot of positive impact on our economy.

“The Government is serious in improving the ease of doing business,” he said.

The guidebook also explains how to bring over their spouses and children, and contains comprehensive details on procedures, criteria and the processing period.

The guidebook is available on the Pemudah website at www.pemudah.gov.my.

There are currently 40,000 expatriates working in the country.

Goh Tong dies at 90

Wednesday October 24, 2007

Remembering Tan Sri Lim Goh TongLim Goh Tong dies at 90 Photo gallery

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, the founder of the Genting Group and one of the world’s richest men, died Tuesday. He was 90.
His son Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said his father died at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre where he was admitted two days ago.

The funeral will be held on Monday.

“On behalf of my family and the Genting Group of companies, it is with great sadness I announce that my father and the founder of the Genting Group of companies passed away peacefully at 11.20am this morning.

“He was not ill. It was due to old age,” he told reporters at the hospital.

Grief: Lim’s widow Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua was at the hospitalSitting with him at the press conference was his sister Lim Siew Lian. Goh Tong’s wife Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua and several other relatives were also at the hospital.

At 5pm, an ambulance with Lim’s body, led by two police cars, left the hospital.
At 6.15pm, it was seen passing through the checkpoint at the entrance to his home GohTong Villa at GohTong Jaya, a township halfway up Genting Highlands.

A convoy of eight cars ferrying family members followed the ambulance.

Kok Thay: Said his father died at the SJMC at 11.20am yesterdayAt the GohTong Memorial Park where Lim will be buried, a hearse picked up an empty coffin at 6.30pm and headed towards the house. A simple ceremony was performed at the hill before the hearse left.
The park, which sites a mausoleum for the late tycoon, is about 1km from Lim's residence.

Mausoleum caretaker Kua Seng Kee declined to talk to pressmen and barred them from entering the site.

Pressmen were also denied entry to Lim’s residence.

About a dozen policemen were present to ensure that only those invited could go through the first security checkpoint of three before the house, taking down details of people in the cars.
Cars passing by the road to the GohTong Sports Centre nearby were also asked to turn back.
Meanwhile, condolence messages and tributes poured in from political and business leaders in the country and overseas.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described Lim's death as a great loss to the country and all Malaysians while MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said he was an exemplary figure to all Malaysians.

Lim developed the popular hill resort of Genting Highlands and founded the Genting Group which comprised listed companies on the Bursa Malaysia as well as the Singapore and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

He was ranked 204th on the Forbes 2007 list of billionaires worldwide and his life has always been seen as a classic “rags to riches” story.

Born in 1918 in China’s Fujian Province, Lim came to the then Malaya when he was 19.

Extra school holidays next year

Wednesday October 24, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: There will be 84 school holidays next year, five more than this year, and 207 school days, one less than this year.

Students will go back to school on Jan 3. Those in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will start classes a day earlier (see chart).

Schools can apply for cuti peristiwa (occasional holidays), which need not be replaced, or for cuti ganti (replacement holidays) for an extended break during the festive seasons.

EC distributes transparent ballot boxes

Wednesday October 24, 2007MYT 8:34:30 PM

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) is in the process of distributing 50,000 transparent ballot boxes across the country ahead of next general election.

Commission secretary Datuk Kamaruzaman Mohd Noor said the distribution exercise began two weeks ago.

“The boxes will be distributed to polling stations in Peninsula Malaysia first before being flown to Sabah and Sarawak.

“We have also finished training 200,000 personnel, including clerks and heads of polling stations. However, the commission has yet to decide on training for the returning officers, assistant ROs and campaign enforcement officers.

“We have also identified the voting stations,” he said when contacted Wednesday.

A total of 10.5mil voters will be eligible to vote at the next general election.

Fund to declare higher dividend

Tuesday October 23, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: Employees Provident Fund contributors can expect to get higher dividends than last year, EPF chief executive officer Datuk Azlan Zainol said.

However, he declined to give the exact percentage.

Last year’s dividend was 5.15%.

Azlan said the EPF could afford to declare a higher dividend because the fund had done well in its equities investments.

“We have benefited from the market going up,” he said.

Azlan added that the EPF was experiencing an annual growth of about RM26bil.

EPF scheme to help members save more for retirement

Tuesday October 23, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: All Employees Provident Fund contributors will, from Feb 1, be able to withdraw part of their funds and channel them to approved investment programmes.

Under the new scheme, contributors, irrespective of age, will be able to withdraw from Account One what is in excess of a “required amount” of savings as determined by the EPF and invest the money in unit trusts.

Currently, contributors can only do so if they have in excess of RM50,000.

This is one among a range of changes that the EPF is implementing in stages to make it easier for contributors to exercise the option to augment their savings for their retirement.

Using the tagline “Beyond Savings”, the EPF also hopes the changes will ensure that contributors have enough money for retirement.

Other changes include:

MORE flexible withdrawals for contributors at age 55;

ALLOWING withdrawal of any amount irrespective of age for savings in excess of RM1mil;

ALLOWING withdrawals from Account Two for critical illness insurance; and

WITHDRAWALS for housing loan instalments.

These changes were revealed by EPF chief executive officer Datuk Azlan Zainol at the fund's headquarters here yesterday.

Azlan said the EPF has established a set of “required amounts” for contributors depending on their age.

The amounts are based on the assumption that a person would need at least RM120,000 – or RM500 a month – from retirement at 55 to age 75.

He said a contributor could withdraw 20% of the amount in excess of the required amount for investments in unit trusts.

“For example, if a 25-year-old has RM20,000 in Account One, he can take 20% of the excess to invest once every three months. This is because his required amount is only RM9,000,” he said.

For those who have reached 55, Azlan said that from Nov 1 they would have several options: withdraw everything they have, go for monthly withdrawals of at least RM250 for at least one year, or withdraw at least RM2,000 at any one time.

Currently, members aged 55 can only choose to withdraw the entire sum, withdraw only annual dividends, or take out monthly amounts but for at least five years.

Azlan said there would also be changes to the procedures for age 50 withdrawals.

From Jan 1, 2013, those who reach 50 would only be able to withdraw any amount from Account Two if their Account One has at least RM90,000, the required amount for that age.
On using EPF withdrawals to pay housing loan instalments, Azlan said that although the money would be banked straight into the contributors' accounts, it would be liasing with the banks to ensure that the loans are properly serviced.

“If they fail to pay their instalments for three months, the bank will inform us and we will stop payment to the contributors,” he said, adding that this scheme would start from Jan 1.
Azlan said that from Nov 1, those who had more than RM1mil in their savings could withdraw and invest the excess amount anytime. He said there were about 4,700 contributors who had more than RM1mil in their accounts.

Pahang ready for ECER

Tuesday October 23, 2007MYT 6:02:48 PM

KUANTAN: The Pahang state government is all set to implement the RM112bil East Coast Economic Region (ECER) initiative to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi next week.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the state machineries were already prepared to facilitate the implementation of the projects spanning transportation, infrastructure development, tourism, education, manufacturing, oil and gas industries and agriculture.

"This is in line with the Prime Minister's call for state governments to facilitate the process and not to frustrate the procedures.

"This, we will give emphasis on ensuring smooth implementation of the ECER initiative," he told reporters after presenting appointment letters to state-level advisory panel members here Tuesday.

Abdullah will launch ECER in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baru on Oct 29 and in Kuantan the next day.

In Kuantan, Abdullah is expected to launch Kuantan Port City, the palm oil industry cluster and the Gambang halal hub.

Malaysia's first submarine launched

Tuesday October 23, 2007MYT 11:02:07 PM

CHERBOURG(France): Malaysia’s first Scorpene submarine was launched Tuesday, signifying yet another leap in the nation’s pursuit of new technology.

KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, named after the country’s first prime minister, was unveiled in a historic ceremony at the DCNS dockyard here, about 400km from Paris.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor broke a bottle of water against the submarine’s sail to signify the official launching and naming of the vessel.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s wife then unveiled a plaque with the submarine’s name and called upon “Allah to bless her and all who serve and sail with her”.

Accompanying her were Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Ramlan Mohamed Ali, DCNS chairman Jean-Marie Poimbeouf and Submarine Force Project Team head Laksamana Pertama Rosland Omar.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, French Defence Minister Herve Morin, Defence Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and senior officials from both countries witnessed the ceremony.
Later, the VIPs toured the submarine, which is equipped with torpedoes, sub-surface to surface missiles and sea mines.

The vessel was one of two bought by Malaysia in 2002, with both being jointly constructed by DCNS of France and Navantia of Spain.

In his speech, Najib said the submarine was named after the Tunku in recognition of his contribution in leading the country to independence.

“His courage, wisdom and foresight had steered our nation to what it is today,” he added.

He said the submarine acquisition was part of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ modernisation programme, which could contribute significantly towards creating a more balanced capability.

As a maritime nation and given its geographical setting, it is inevitable that Malaysia’s national interests and security concerns are closely related and associated with the seas, he said.
He said commercially, more than 90% of the country’s domestic and international trades were dependent on sea transportation.

On the seabed lie underwater pipelines that transport Malaysia’s oil and gas ashore as well as cables that link major international communication networks.

“It is thus crucial for Malaysia to have a small but credible and effective naval force to not only safeguard its sovereignty and maritime interests but also contribute to the region’s maritime security and safety,” he added.

Najib said the project signified a major leap into high technology defence acquisition, providing the impetus for the local industry to acquire cutting-edge technological knowledge and expertise.

KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is set to sail home, manned by the country’s first submarine crew in January 2009 while the second vessel, to be named KD Tun Razak, is expected to be delivered by October 2009.

Nik Aziz: Smokers are like animals

Monday October 22, 2007

KOTA BARU: Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is stepping up the anti-smoking rhetoric, describing smokers as "similar to certain animals which have no brains to think rationally."

He said that although smokers knew the habit was bad for health, they continued to allow themselves to be addicted, “so they do not use their brains.”
“People who do not want to think are like animals,” he said when launching an anti-smoking campaign at KB Mall.

Nik Aziz, a non-smoker, reminded that alcohol consumption and gambling were not allowed in Islam as it could corrupt those involved.

Similarly, he said smoking was discouraged as it could corrupt smokers to not think of their health.

The PAS spiritual adviser had in the past suggested that smokers should not be fielded as PAS candidates in the next general election.

Boy, 3, training to climb Mt Kinabalu next year

Thursday October 18, 2007

Raring to go: Mohd Noor and Sahrul Nizam giving the thumbs-up at their home in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.KUALA TERENGANU: He's only three years old but Sahrul Nizam Mat Noor has started training to climb Mount Kinabalu next year and celebrate his birthday on the summit.

If he makes it, he will become the youngest ever to have made it up the mountain.

Sahrul Nizam started training under his seasoned mountaineer father Mohd Noor Mat Amin from the second day of Hari Raya. He will set off with his father on June 8 to hike up the mountain and reach the peak on June 13, which is his birthday.

Mohd Noor said they have to start much earlier as his son would most likely develop muscle cramps and have to rest frequently due to his tender age.

“Nevertheless, Sahrul Nizam is coping with the gruelling training session that I am putting him on now,” said Mohd Noor who is in the Malaysia Book of Records for climbing solo to the peak of Mount Kinabalu 50 times.

“My son has always been curious about what it is like at the peak.

“I asked whether he wanted to celebrate his birthday at the top of the mountain and he nodded happily, so I am helping to make his wish come true,” he said after a dinner organised by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh on Tuesday.

Negri govt says no to new poultry farms

Wednesday September 26, 2007
MYT 3:48:03 PM

SEREMBAN: The state government will not allow the opening of new poultry farms in Negri Sembilan and existing chicken breeders have been told to operate closed farming systems by Dec 31 if they wanted to remain in the business.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said drastic measures were being taken as the state had been having massive problem with flies.

“The people cannot be made to suffer at the expense of others who make big profits out of poultry farming," he said after chairing the exco meeting on Wednesday.

Mohamad said the state had more than enough poultry farms and there was no need for more.

"We are already exporting chicken and eggs. We want our people to have a good quality life and not be bothered by flies," he said adding that the problem had reached critical levels.

Mohamad said some of the areas hard hit by flies infestation were Port Dickson, Rembau, Tampin and Seremban.

He said the state authorities would not entertain requests from poultry farmers to extend the deadline to move to the closed farming system.

"The three year deadline ended last December. We are now giving them until end of this year to do so. We cannot always bend the rules for them as people have been suffering as a result of the open farming," he said.

Mohamad also told corporations which bought chicks from poultry farmers to ensure that the suppliers practised the closed farming method.

"Eight out of every 10 poultry farmers have contracts with these large corporations who provide them with chicks and chicken feed. I hope they will take note of this," he said.

He said the state government had received many complaints from residents and hotel operators in Port Dickson of the problem.

"We are trying very hard to promote Port Dickson as our premier tourist destination. Since we are also planning to turn the resort town into a wellness zone, we cannot afford to have flies everywhere," he said adding that the closed system was not costly to build.

Mohamad said attempts by the state government to centralise poultry farming had not received positive feedback from farmers, adding that the goverment was prepared to allocate between 60ha and 100ha of land for the purpose.

"We are lucky that we haven't had any outbreak of diseases spread by flies here," he said. Asked whether errant farmers would have their licences revoked, Mohamad said this would be decided once the deadline ended.

Single session for kids’ safety

Tuesday September 25, 2007

By AUDREY EDWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR: To keep children safe from danger, the Prime Minister has suggested that a single session for schools be implemented.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this would mean students starting school as they were doing now and ending at 4pm.

“If it can be done, it will be a massive exercise,” he told reporters yesterday after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting.

“This will be a relief when both parents know their children are in school so they will be safer.”

This was the view, he said, of many working parents who were not at home to monitor their children when they got back from school.

Abdullah, who is Umno president, said the students could complete their homework or take part in extra-curricular activities during the last few hours.

He said a combination of ways was needed to keep children safe from any danger.

“Everyone must carry out one’s responsibilities and not only fault the authorities or the police,” he said when asked whether parents should be held responsible for negligence leading to children being hurt.

On the recent murder of Nurin Jazlin Jazmin, Abdullah said police would hunt for the criminal until those responsible were caught.

He also said the Government wanted to “reactivate” the Rukun Tetangga movement so the people could keep a vigilant eye on strangers in their neighbourhood.

Many Malays haven’t signed up as voters

Monday September 24, 2007

MALAYS are the biggest group of people yet to register themselves as voters, Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abd Rashid Abd Rahman said.

He said Malays comprised 90% of 1.5 million Malaysians who had not registered as voters, compared to other races, after the EC launched the voter registration campaign which ended last month.

“The recent campaign failed to attract bumiputras, including those in Sabah and Sarawak, to register as voters. These people are aged 21 to 35 years old.

“I’m perplexed by their attitude. They are not even aware that their failure to register can affect the country’s future,” he told Mingguan Malaysia.

Abd Rashid said non-bumiputras were more aware of their rights as citizens, citing that for the Chinese community, the parents reminded their own children to register.

Internal Security ban al-Arqam's book

> The Internal Security Ministry has banned a book on former al- Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad entitled Politik Islam Membawa Kasih Sayang (Islamic Politics Brings Love), which it said was aimed at propagating his teachings and mislead Muslims with contents of fake hadis (prophetic traditions).

The ministry’s Publications and Quranic Texts Control Division secretary Che Din Yusoh told Berita Minggu the ban came into force on Sept 12.

According to a Jakim official, the book’s contents claimed that Ashaari could communicate with Prophet Muhammad.

Mobilise police volunteers, Rela

Monday September 24, 2007

BATU PAHAT: Having more voluntary policemen and Rela members on the ground will help keep the crime index down, without the Government having to foot a hefty bill.

Acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon suggested that the Government increase the number of members in the police voluntary reserve and Rela to help policemen combat crime.

He said such a move would have maximum effect with minimum cost.

It would increase the number of uniformed men on the ground, as the police voluntary reserve and Rela members have their uniforms, he said after launching the party’s Johor annual delegates meeting.

Paying attention: Koh (right) and Johor Gerakan chairman Teo Kok Chee listening to a delegate speaking during the state's annual delegates meeting in Batu Pahat on Sunday.

Dr Koh, who is also Penang Chief Minister, said that while not everybody was willing to leave his job to become a full time policeman, many did not mind sacrificing some of their time to become volunteer cops.

It is the same with Rela members, who were very enthusiastic, although they get a very small allowance, he said.

Dr Koh also backed the Prime Minister’s call for a thorough investigation on allegations of judicial impropriety in the light of a video clip purportedly showing a prominent lawyer brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone.

“In our promotion of the country to attract investment, we always cite that we have a credible legal framework and judiciary system.

If we cannot confidently promote the legal framework and judicial system, then we have lost an advantage in attracting foreign investments,” he said.

Study to identify areas in danger if sea level rises

Monday September 24, 2007

By V.P. SUJATA

vpsujata@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: Could Tanjung Piai, dubbed the southern-most tip of mainland Asia, and the western part of Langkawi Island disappear under water?

It's a fear that's becoming very real as Malaysia grapples with the effects of a rising sea level caused by global warming.

To find out how vulnerable the country is, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has undertaken a major study to determine if the rising sea is going to swallow up low-lying areas along Malaysia’s 4,800km coastline.

DID director-general Datuk Keizrul Abdullah said coastal belts – the zone stretching from the coastline inland until it reaches high ground such as the Main Range – could be inundated, especially during high tide if the sea level rises.

“The study will see what could happen when the sea level rises and its impact on the people, industries and agriculture,” he told The Star.

He said that the DID embarked on the coastal vulnerability index study as a basis for recommending measures to mitigate the impact of sea level rise.

“The study is to identify and index vulnerable areas that could be affected, should the sea level rise by half a metre to 1m,” Keizrul said, adding that the study was among various strategies proposed by Malaysia to address the problem of global warming and rising sea level in its first communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Destroyed: Stumps of fallen mangroves in Tanjung Piai. A study is being done to predict the effects in the area should there be a rise in the sea level.

The first phase of the study costing about RM1mil, began last year and was expected to provide some answers on vulnerable areas by the end of the month, he said.

Its findings would form the basis of the study's second phase, he added.

Keizrul said the rise in sea level only becomes a threat if an area is inhabited.

The best mitigation measures in low-lying areas, he said, was building bunds along the coastline, such as in Bagan Datoh and Kuala Selangor.

As part of the first phase, “we will do micro studies on two areas namely the southern-most tip of the peninsula at Tanjung Piai and the western part of Langkawi Island in the north,” he said.

The focus of studies would also differ according to location, he said.

For instance, a study on Port Klang would focus on residential areas and industries, while a stu-dy on Pulau Tioman would look at the impact on tourism.

Keizrul said that the rising sea level caused by melting ice caps, which contain fresh water, would also affect the salinity of the water as well as push salt water into rivers.

“This would make river water unsuitable for agriculture and human consumption,” he said, adding that fortunately most of the country's drinking water intake points were on higher ground.

Keizrul said the DID would also need help from the Forestry Department, Marine Department, and Department of Environment for the study, as a higher sea level would cause erosion and damage mangrove and marine life, including corals.

Corals, he said, would migrate to shallow water in order to benefit from the sun's rays if they are to survive.

The corals in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and in the Maldives in the early part of the century were damaged due to climatic changes, which he considered a natural process.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is our astronaut

Monday September 24, 2007
MYT 7:31:19 PM

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's astronaut candidates Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed have passed their training programme successfully and have qualified to become astronauts.

Both the medical officer and army dental surgeon are equally eligible to be sent to space on Oct 10, but if all goes according to plan, it will be Dr Sheikh Muszaphar making history as the first Malaysian in space.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announces the country's first astronaut at his office in Putrajaya, Monday. - AP

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 35, has been named as part of the three-member first crew for the Soyuz 15-S mission alongside Yuri Malechencko from Russia and American Peggy Whitson, while Kapt Dr Faiz, 27, is a member of the second crew with Michael Fincke from the United States and Russian Sharizan Sharipov.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in announcing this said the Government was proud that both Angkasawan candidates had passed with flying colours and were equally eligible to represent the country in its first outer space mission.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, Whitson and Malenchenko will board the Russian Soyuz TMA-11, which will blast off from Baikanur in Kazakhstan on Oct 10.

Perak: Local authorities won't lose power because of NCER

Monday September 24, 2007
MYT 7:31:19 PM

By CLARA CHOOI

IPOH: Local authorities will continue to have jurisdiction over projects to be implemented in Perak's 250,000 ha of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

Assuring the local authorities that the NCER would not cause them to "lose their power," Perak State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim said work for the local councils would not be any different because of the NCER.

"There will be no curtailing of their authority," he told reporters after an NCER meeting here Monday.

The meeting was held between NCER officials and the state government to ascertain the latter's views on bills drafted for the implementation of the multi-billion ringgit development.

Dr Abdul Rahman said the current system of authorities of the local councils would be maintained via efforts to be coordinated by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) with the help of the state Economic Planning Unit and the councils.

The NCIA is the implementation agency for the NCER that will act as a facilitator between the Government and investors of the project in order to reduce red tape.

"The NCIA will work together with the state through the Economic Planning Unit (Upen) to process or attain the approvals needed for the implementation of projects from the local councils," said Dr Abdul Rahman.

"Hence, the role of the local authorities will not change; only a mechanism will be introduced to establish a relationship for the purpose of permits and so on," he added.

On the meeting, Dr Abdul Rahman said the state government had no objection over the details of the bill as it did not infringe upon the power of the state.

"We are agreeable mainly on the spirit of the bill as the state's power will be maintained. This is going to be the overriding principle of the Act and I am sure no one will have a problem with it when it is brought into the coming state assembly meeting," he said.

Special adviser to the Prime Minister for the NCER Datuk Annuar Zaini said that the meeting was the second in a series of meetings with other state governments to get feedback on the bill.

"The main purpose of the bill is to create a network of cooperation among the parties involved in the NCER in order to improve its delivery system," he said.

The bill, he said, would be debated in Parliament in December.