BORNEO SABAH ARAMAII

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Malek Appointed As New Sabah Deputy Commissioner Police


Kota Kinabalu: Melaka-born Datuk Abdul Malek Harun has been promoted as the new Sabah Deputy Commissioner of Police, taking over from SAC Datuk Tan Kok Liang on Monday.

The handing over of duties was witnessed by Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Hamza Taib at the police headquarters in Kepayan, here.

Abdul Malek takes over the duties from Tan who has been promoted to Bukit Aman as the Crime Investigations Department Forensics, Databank and DNA Deputy Director.

Hamza, in his speech, thanked Tan for his contributions during his more than five-year tenure as Deputy Commissioner as well as the contingent's Management Division Head, while extending his congratulations to newly-appointed Abdul Malek who will also lead the contingent's Crime Prevention and Eradication Department.

Abdul Malek, 58, who graduated from Universiti Teknologi Mara with a law degree, started serving in 1976 and was posted in several states including Sarawak.

He was Bukit Aman Crime Investigations Department Forensics, Databank and DNA Deputy Director for six years before being promoted to Sabah Deputy Commissioner of Police.

"I've served in Sarawak as well as other states in the peninsula and although I've been to Sabah on several occasions, this will be the first time I'll serve here," he said.

"I think the scenario in terms of looking at the infrastructure, its community and geographical aspect has a slight difference, thus, I will try to adopt what I've had experienced while serving in Sarawak," he said.

He pledged to continue the responsibilities that come with the appointment and assured that he will be with the State Police Commissioner and the contingent to meet the Government's agenda especially where the Royal Malaysian Police is concerned.

"We have the government transformation programme whereby the police force is very directly involved, namely in the National Key Result Area, where we have a Key Performance Index (KPI) to achieve particularly on crime and also people's perception towards the force," he said.Daily Express

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Pairin Called To Find Out Why People Rejected BN

 
KENINGAU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has called for a study why most people supported the opposition in the 13th general election (GE13).

To him, this has been a challenge and an important reminder to leaders and members of PBS to find out why the people backed the opposition.

“GE13 was very critical to BN and PBS and we need to assess the weaknesses of the party in preparation for the next general election,” he said when opening the Bingkor and Liawan PBS annual general meeting (AGM) held at the community hall here.

Pairin, who is the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development, said he was not denying media reports about the political tsunami that befell the BN, and PBS needs to examine and be focused on why the people supported the opposition, especially the younger generation.

“What we had expected did not materialize and there were people who provided support for the opposition candidates, especially those who were relatively unknown.

“The ballot boxes ended up in favour of opposition candidates. Even the Bingkor chief could not explain why most of the people in the area have shifted their votes to opposition candidates. In anticipation of what we expect (victory), a setback happened instead,” he said.

Read more at Borneo Post

Monday 26 August 2013

Peruntukan Dana RM660 Juta Ditawarkan Mosti

 
KOTA KINABALU: Sebanyak tujuh dana melibatkan peruntukan sebanyak RM660 juta ditawarkan oleh Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (Mosti) untuk projek berkaitan penyelidikan, pembangunan serta pengkomersilan (R, D & C).

Menterinya, Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin berkata dana berkenaan merangkumi dana sains, dana pra-komersilan, dana pembangunan dan penyelidikan pengkomersilan.

Sehubungan itu, pihaknya menggalakkan kepada mereka yang berminat khususnya di negeri Sabah dan Sarawak supaya mengambil peluang untuk memohon menyertai projek yang ditawarkan.

Ini kerana, beliau melihat kedua-dua negeri berkenaan mempunyai potensi tinggi dan kaya dengan sumber alam semulajadi bagi pelaksanaan projek R, D & C.

Walau bagaimanapun jelasnya, penyertaan dari Sabah dan Sarawak masih dianggap kecil berbanding negeri di Semenanjung.

“Dana yang ditawarkan ini adalah kesinambungan pembiayaan dana R, D & C di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10 (RMKe-10) bagi pelan pusingan ketiga (2012/2013).

“Sehingga 30 Jun lepas, sebanyak 1,168 projek diluluskan dengan melibatkan nilai sejumlah RM474.35 juta,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap sempena Sesi Dialog dan Taklimat Mengenai Dana Mosti peringkat Zon Sabah, di sini kelmarin.

Ewon berkata, mereka yang belum membuat permohonan pembiayaan diminta segera melakukannya kerana masih terdapat baki peruntukan yang belum diagihkan.

Katanya, keprihatinan kerajaan dalam menyediakan dana bagi menggalakkan penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) serta inovasi bertepatan dengan cabaran dan daya saing sekarang.

“Usaha ini bertepatan dalam era di mana negara di dunia saling bersaing untuk meningkatkan daya saing dan kadar pertumbuhan ekonomi masing-masing.

“Malaysia akan terpinggir sekiranya tidak berusaha meningkatkan daya saing negara di arena antarabangsa,” katanya.

Dalam pada itu, beliau menjelaskan sesi berkenaan turut diselitkan dengan sesi klinik permohonan dana bagi membantu bakal pemohon mengisi borang permohonan sebagaimana yang dikehendaki.

Ewon berkata, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) menjadi tuan rumah sesi dialog berkenaan buat kali kedua.

Katanya, sebanyak 16 projek yang dilaksanakan di Sabah dalam RMKe-10 dan 62 projek pada RMKe-9 turut mendapat kerjasama baik daripada UMS khususnya dalam industri marin, rumpai laut dan akuakultur.

Turut hadir, Setiausaha Persekutuan Sabah, Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan; Ketua Setiausaha Mosti, Datuk Dr Rosli Mohamed, dan Naib Canselor, UMS, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah.Borneo Post


Saturday 24 August 2013

City Waterfront To Be Completed End of This Year-Mayor

 
Kota Kinabalu: The City Waterfront project commercial lots are targeted to be completed by end of this year.

This was announced to Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir during his visit to the City Waterfront project with his officers on Wednesday.

Madingkir was also told that the launching and opening of the businesses will be in the first quarter of 2014 after their internal renovations for their own business requirements and features.

Currently the Hotel Zone is 100 per cent completed up to 5th floor and 90pc for the sixth floor, while the Designer suites (Condo) - Pelagos is 100 per cent complete up to the sixth floor and nearing completion on the seventh floor and Oceanus - commercial retail lots zone - 100 per cent completion for all the five floors.

The internal tiling, internal plastering to brickwall, external ceiling and all other related internal works are 90pc completed.

Accompanying the Mayor were City Hall Engineering Director Lee Tet Fon, City Planning Director Alijus Sipil, Property Management Director Noorliza Alip, Walter Kenson, Director City Landscape and other senior officers.

On hand to receive his entourage was Waterfront Urban Development Sdn Bhd Executive Director Johnson Koh and the company's architect, consultants and senior staff.

The Mayor's visit was a follow-up visit since April and he was shown and briefed on the current status of the development.

The biggest names for this mixed development properties are Hard Rock CafŽ and 5-star Hotel chain operators J. W Marriot.

As for the tenants who have confirmed their lots are: Nandos, Japanese outlets Shushi-tei & Yuzu and Jelly Bunny, Dorothy Perkins, Bonia, Selangor Pewter and many others.

The access road (service road) is being constructed together with the phase One B of the boardwalk.

This boardwalk when ready will be able to host water sports such as dragon boat races and other water sports activities. There is a special grandstand facing the sea for special events for VIPs and other specially invited guests to sit and watch the activities.

Madingkir showed concern and wants the project to be completed as soon as expected following the new schedule.

The contractor's Project Manager assured him that the company is concentrating fully to keep to the schedule of delivery to the developer.

With the recent progress and the efforts the company is taking, Madingkir is satisfied with the target and efforts being taken. However, he advised the contractor to work together with City Hall to ensure cleanliness of the construction areas and the main road.

Although certain sections of the road have to be used for loading and unloading purposes and also for heavy equipment to carry out their works, safety and public traffic access must be the foremost objective.

The developer and contractor also assured Madingkir that they will take all precautionary measures to ensure the cleanliness and smooth flow of traffic.Daily Express

Friday 23 August 2013

DBKK Ready Its Final Draft of Kota Kinabalu Local Plan 2020 by December

KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) is expected to complete the final draft of its Kota Kinabalu Local Plan 2020 by December, said Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir.

He said further inputs and views would be gathered from stakeholders to be included in the draft before it is submitted to the Central Town and Country Planning Board (CTCPB) and other higher authorities for consideration.

“Finally, if approved, it will be submitted to the Head of State for endorsement,” he said, adding that the statutory planning document would guide and control existing and future developments throughout the city area.

Officiating at the closing of the Kota Kinabalu Local Plan Draft Workshop here yesterday, Abidin said DBKK had conducted a Hearing Committee Meeting last year to gather inputs from developers and other related parties.

He said their views and suggestions were taken into consideration and included in the amendments made to the Local Plan.

He said City Hall was hoping to conduct another Hearing Committee Meeting within next month and October to further improve the draft, before it can be submitted to the CTCPB.

“This second Draft Hearing will specifically gather inputs from all objectors, specially non-governmental organizations (NGOs),” he said, adding that it was hoped the Local Plan could be used as an example by other local authorities in Sabah.

He explained the document was a complete reference containing written statements, memorandum and layout zoning plan.

The document is in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 of the Town and Country Planning Ordinance, he added.

“I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the general public for their exemplary and disciplined responses to the planning process conducted by City Hall.

“With your continuous support, I believe we can transform Kota Kinabalu City into a world class Nature Resort City by 2020,” he said.Borneo Post

Thursday 22 August 2013

Sabah's Allocation Spending Performance Above National Average

 
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded an allocation spending performance higher than the national average, having effectively utilized the funding channelled by the federal so far this year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Sabah had utilized RM1.206 billion or 39.48 per cent from RM3.056 billion given by the federal as of August 15.

The allocation was approved for Sabah under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) Third Rolling Plan, for implementing 449 projects.

“This performance is 4.98 per cent above the national average, which is only 34.5 per cent,” said Musa in a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office after the State Action Council meeting yesterday.

Apart from commitments at the federal level, Musa who is also the Finance Minister, said he had reminded civil servants in Sabah to always uphold their state-level Aku Janji.

He stressed that all agencies must work closely as a team to ensure all development projects and programmes were implemented efficiently and effectively.

“We realize that civil servants face various challenges in ensuring successful implementation of government policies and programmes, especially with the advancement of social media technologies.

“The social media have been proven to be an effective tool in narrowing the gap between the government and the people. Through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on, the views of the people can be communicated directly to the government without going through the bureaucracy in the conventional channels.

“However, the social media also pose new challenges to civil servants, as they are also exploited by certain quarters to launch a war of perception against the government and government agencies.

“In this regard, we need to enhance our skills in utilizing the social media so that we can expose the people better to the truth and reality, not the perceived reality created by certain irresponsible groups,” he said.Borneo Post

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Pemimpin Kemajuan Rakyat Perlu Sentiasa Turun Padang-Musa

 
KOTA KINABALU, 20 Ogos- Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman meminta semua Pemimpin Kemajuan Rakyat (PKR) yang baharu dilantik di negeri ini supaya sentiasa turun padang untuk mendengar masalah dan keperluan rakyat kerana kegagalan berbuat demikian akan mengundang kemarahan rakyat.

"Jangan malas melawat kampung atau mendekati rakyat, kerana inilah antara punca rakyat peringkat akar umbi marah kalau kita tidak melawat kawasan masing-masing," katanya.

Musa berkata demikian ketika menyampaikan amanat kepada seramai 48 orang PKR yang sebelum itu mengangkat sumpah jawatan di hadapan beliau di Wisma Innoprise, Likas, dekat sini Selasa.

Turut hadir pada majlis angkat sumpah itu ialah Timbalan Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, menteri-menteri dan pembantu-pembantu menteri.

""Oleh itu, adalah penting bagi semua PKR dan wakil rakyat sentiasa turun padang di kawasan mereka.

"Sekiranya kita tidak melawat di pelosok kampung, maka apa juga masalah yang timbul di kawasan itu, kita tidak akan tahu sehingga menyebabkan rakyat hilang kepercayaan kepada kita yang telah memberikan mandat dan kepercayaan kepada kita (pada pilihan raya umum yang lepas)," katanya.

Musa yang juga Pengerusi Barisan Nasional (BN) negeri berkata PKR merupakan mata dan telinga kepada kerajaan dan wakil rakyat di kawasan masing-masing.

Beliau turut menekankan betapa pentingnya hubungan baik antara PKR dan wakil rakyat bagi memastikan segala masalah dapat dibincangkan dan diselesaikan bersama.

Musa berkata jawatan PKR bukan satu keistimewaan tetapi diiringi dengan satu tanggungjawab besar.

"Tanggungjawab dan peranan PKR ini penting untuk bekerjasama memastikan apa juga program, projek pembangunan dan dasar-dasar kerajaan dapat disalurkan kepada rakyat di peringkat akar umbi supaya rakyat secara keseluruhannya mendapat manfaat daripadanya," katanya.

Beliau berkata kerajaan BN diberikan mandat oleh rakyat kerana mereka percaya kerajaan BN dapat membela nasib mereka.

"Mereka percaya kita boleh menjalankan tugas dengan baik dan membawa perubahan yang boleh memberi manfaat kepada rakyat secara keseluruhannya," katanya.

Musa juga mahu semua pemimpin termasuk PKR sentiasa berwaspada terhadap apa sahaja anasir tidak bertanggungjwab yang cuba melemparkan pelbagai fitnah terhadap kerajaan BN dan wakil rakyat yang mewakili kawasan masing-masing.

"Adalah menjadi tanggungjawab PKR untuk menepis segala fitnah daripada pihak tidak bertanggungjawab agar rakyat tidak keliru dengan fakta-fakta yang diputarbelitkan," katanya.

Berikutan senario politik yang sudah berubah, Musa meminta semua PKR supaya meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang pengggunaan teknologi maklumat (ICT).

"Dengan kecanggihan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT), pelbagai saluran termasuk laman sosial seperti Facebook dan Twitter digunakan oleh pihak tidak bertanggungjawab untuk mengelirukan rakyat dengan apa yang telah dilakukan oleh kerajaan. Sebab itu, semua PKR perlu menguasai ICT," katanya.BERNAMA

Tuesday 20 August 2013

DUN Luluskan Rang Undang-Undang Perbekalan Tambahan Pertama 2013



KOTA KINABALU, 19 Ogos- Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah meluluskan Rang Undang-Undang Perbekalan Tambahan Pertama (2013) selepas dibahaskan pada peringkat jawatankuasa Isnin.

Rang Undang-undang itu memperuntukkan wang tambahan sebanyak RM943 juta kepada beberapa kementerian dan jabatan untuk membiayai perbelanjaan tambahan bagi perkhidmatan.

Antara Kementerian dan jabatan terbabit ialah Kementerian Pembangunan Infrastruktur, Kementerian Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan, Kementerian Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Kementerian Belia dan Sukan dan Kementerian Pembangunan Sumber dan Kemajuan Teknologi Maklumat.

Turut menerima peruntukan itu ialah Jabatan Ketua Menteri, Jabatan Air Negeri Sabah, Jabatan Pertanian, Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Kebajikan Am, Jabatan Perpustakaan Negeri Sabah, Jabatan Pembangunan Perindustrian dan Penyelidikan dan Jabatan Bendahari Negeri.

Jabatan Perkhidmatan Komputer Negeri Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran, Perkhidmatan Am Perbendaharaan, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Negeri, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Sabah, Jabatan Perhutanan, pejabat daerah dan Pencaruman kepada Kumpulan Wang Berkanun turut menerima peruntukan tersebut.

Terdahulu, ketika membentangkan Rang Undang-undang itu, Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman berkata perbelanjaan tambahan itu penting bagi memastikan jentera pentadbiran bergerak lancar.

"Sebahagian besar daripada jumlah Anggaran Perbekalan Tambahan 2013 iaitu sebanyak RM740,224,670 tidak melibatkan aliran tunai tetapi diperlukan untuk mematuhi peraturan perakaunan.

"Jumlah tidak melibatkan aliran tunai ini termasuk jumlah bayaran dividen yang dilabur balik dalam Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (ICSB) sebanyak RM225 juta, Sedco (RM144.42 juta), Sawit Kinabalu Sdn Bhd (RM74 juta), Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (RM57.2 juta) dan Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd sebanyak RM41.67 juta," katanya.

Musa yang juga Menteri Kewangan Negeri berkata pelarasan Akaun Pendahuluan Diri yang terlibat dalam kerja-kerja kecemasan bagi memulihkan kerosakan utiliti dan kemudahan-kemudahan infrastruktur seperti paip dan loji air, sistem pengairan dan saliran serta landasan keretapi sebanyak RM184.04 juta, juga tidak melibatkan aliran tunai.

"Ia juga tidak melibatkan aliran tunai untuk caruman kepada Kumpulan Wang Pusingan Pinjaman Perumahan - Borneo Housing Mortgage Finance Berhad (BHMF) sebanyak RM11.57 juta atas sebab tambahan jumlah kelayakan pinjaman perumahan Anggota Pentadbir dan kakitangan kerajaan dan pertambahan bilangan permohonan dan pelarasan Buku Akaun Bendahari Daerah Keningau sebanyak RM2.33 juta," katanya.

Musa berkata ini bermakna hanya RM202,764,760 sahaja yang melibatkan aliran wang tunai dalam Anggaran Perbekalan Tambahan Pertama 2013.BERNAMA

Projek SOGT Perlukan Kemahiran Tinggi dan Pengalaman Global-Teo


KOTA KINABALU, 19 Ogos- Kemahiran teknologi yang tinggi dan pengalaman global diperlukan untuk pembangunan Projek Terminal Minyak dan Gas (SOGT), kata Menteri Tugas-Tugas Khas Datuk Teo Chee Kang.

Beliau berkata kekurangan dari segi keupayaan kewangan dan teknikal telah menyebabkan konsortium antarabangsa diperlukan untuk bekerjasama dengan kontraktor tempatan.

"Sehubungan itu bagi projek SOGT EPCC (kejuruteraan, pemerolehan, pembinaan dan pelaksanaan), Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) telah mewujudkan satu pasukan bersepadu dengan Konsortium Samsung Engineering dan Naim Engineering yang merupakan sebuah kontraktor Malaysia," katanya pada sesi soal jawab persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah di Likas, dekat sini Isnin.

Teo berkata SOGT EPCC terdiri daripada satu konsortium antara kontraktor antarabangsa yang terkenal dan merupakan kontraktor Malaysia sementara Samsung merupakan kontraktor antarabangsa yang mempunyai pengalaman global yang luas dalam pembangunan projek mega di seluruh dunia.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin (PKR-Klias) mengenai peluang syarikat tempatan mendapatkan kontrak daripada SOGT di Kimanis, Papar dan Projek Ammonia Urea Sabah (SAMUR) di Sipitang.

"Bagaimanapun, terdapat lebih kurang 50 syarikat tempatan yang telah menjadi subkontraktor bagi projek mega ini di mana kesemua syarikat tersebut berstatus Bumiputera.

Selain syarikat yang beroperasi secara sendirian, terdapat syarikat yang bekerjasama sebagai rakan kongsi dengan syarikat-syarikat dari luar, katanya.

Teo berkata kontraktor utama yang terlibat dalam SAMUR merupakan satu kombinasi antara kontraktor antarabangsa dan kontraktor Malaysia iaitu membabitkan Mitsubishi Corporations Industries Ltd (kontraktor Jepun), PT Rekayasan Industri (kontraktor Indonesia) dan Apex Energy Sdn Bhd dari Malaysia.

"Kombinasi kontraktor utama ini adalah strategik dan penting kerana kontraktor antarabangsa bukan sahaja mempunyai teknologi yang tinggi dan berpengalaman luas tetapi juga mempunyai keupayaan dari segi kewangan serta perhubungan kerjasama yang baik dengan kontraktor tempatan," katanya.

Beliau berkata sehingga kini lebih kurang 80 peratus daripada subkontraktor yang melaksanakan SAMUR merupakan syarikat-syarikat tempatan Sabah.BERNAMA

Monday 19 August 2013

Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project Improve SESB's Capability to Generate Power

 
Tenom: The Government has identified a unique hydroelectric project with high potential to generate reliable and affordable electricity for the long term for Sabah.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili said construction of the Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project (UPHEP) situated at the Padas basin, up-stream of Kuala Tomani in Tenom, would proceed next year.

With a capacity of 180 MW, the project is targeted for completion in 2019.

Dr Ongkili said the project had been approved with a government soft loan of RM569 million for SESB's equity injection into a special purpose company to be set up to undertake the project.

The total project cost is estimated at RM2.3 billion, he said, when opening PBS Kemabong division AGM, Saturday, where he informed the division members on the Government measures to improve electricity supply in Sabah.

Earlier, Dr Ongkili, who is also PBS deputy president, made an aerial inspection of the project site as well as the existing Tenom Pangi hydro power station.

On the potential of the project, he said the UPHEP would not involve a large water catchment area at only 590 hectares or involving 2.3 hectares per megawatt.

In comparison, the Bakun hydroelectric project requires up to 29 hectares of land per megawatt of power generated and the Murum hydro with 26 hectares per megawatt.

"Hence, this project can qualify for the Clean Development Mechanism status under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change," he said.

Furthermore, he said, the construction of the UPHEP would not only increase SESB's capability to generate power but also provide a flood mitigation measure especially for Beaufort and Tenom.

He also stressed that the project would create employment for 1,000 people during the construction as well as resuscitate the economy in Tenom.

"This infrastructure is expected to save the Government about RM4bil in 40 years of the project operation as it is undertaken by SESB and a consortium to be set up by the federal government.

This can also subsequently reduce SESB's dependency on government subsidy, aside from costs and losses saved from possible flooding," he said.

The State Government, he added, would ensure the preservation of the ecosystem at the project site.

SESB is currently conducting a detailed engineering study and relevant activities associated with the special Environment Impact Assessment study.Daily Express

Saturday 17 August 2013

Projek Pembinaan Jalan Pan Borneo Kini 93 Peratus Siap



KOTA KINABALU, 16 Ogos- Rangkaian jalan raya Pan Borneo yang menghubungkan Sarawak, Brunei dan Sabah kini siap 93 peratus dengan selebihnya masih dalam proses pembinaan, kata Timbalan Menteri Kerja Raya Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

Menurut beliau, jalan raya Pan Borneo sepanjang 2,239 kilometer bermula dari Sematan di bahagian barat Sarawak melalui bandaraya Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, Lawas, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan dan seterusnya ke Tawau, Sabah.

"Keseluruhan jalan raya ini telah berturap dan sepanjang 248.65 kilometer mempunyai tahap empat lorong atau enam lorong manakala bakinya masih ditahap dua lorong, ini tidak termasuk 'missing link' sepanjang 50 kilometer dari Kalabakan, Sabah ke Serudong, Kalimantan yang masih dalam proses pembinaan," katanya pada majlis taklimat media mengenai Jalan Raya Pan Borneo di sini hari ini.

Rosnah berkata, bagi tahun ini, kerajaan memperuntukkan sebanyak RM89 juta untuk melaksanakan program membaik pulih Jalan Raya Pan Borneo iaitu RM41.8 juta bagi negeri Sabah dan RM47.2 juta bagi negeri Sarawak di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10.

"Sebanyak 109 projek telah dikenal pasti iaitu 86 projek di negeri Sabah dan 23 projek di negeri Sarawak yang melibatkan skop membaik pulih jalan, membina lorong-lorong memotong, rawatan kawasan kemalangan dan menaikkan aras jalan yang sering di landa banjir," katanya.

"Sehingga kini sebanyak 74 projek atau 67.8 peratus telah dan sedang disiapkan manakala bakinya 35 projek atau 32.2 peratus sedang dalam peringkat pembinaan dan dijangka akan siap menjelang tahun 2015 dengan kos RM277.5 juta," katanya.

Rosnah berkata projek jalan raya itu telah dimulakan pada tahun 1963 iaitu sebaik sahaja Persekutuan Malaysia dibentuk dan pada peringkat awalnya sebahagian besar jalan raya itu terdiri daripada tanah dan batu kerikil.

"Kerja-kerja menaik taraf dan menurap keseluruhan jalan raya ini telah dimulakan pada tahun 1968 menerusi Rancangan Colombo dan pada 1973, barulah kerja turapan menggunakan kaedah 'flush sealing' dibuat dan disiapkan akhir tempoh RMKe-8," katanya.

Katanya, melalui Pelan Induk Highway Network Development Plan Phase 2 (HNDP 2) untuk Sabah dan Sarawak, kementerian merancang untuk menaik taraf keseluruhan jalan raya ini ke tahap jalan berkembar, empat lorong secara berperingkat mulai tahun 2011 dengan anggaran kos RM22 bilion, iaitu RM12.5 bilion di Sarawak dan RM9.5 bilion di Sabah.

Ketika ditanya mengenai cadangan untuk membina laluan bagi kenderaan berat seperti lori yang mengangkut kelapa sawit, kayu balak dan arang batu di Sarawak, beliau berkata pihaknya akan mengkaji perkara tersebut.BERNAMA

Friday 16 August 2013

Sabah needs more allocation for rural development - Radin

KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Radin Malleh has urged the federal government to provide more allocations for rural development in the state.

“Sabah, being a big state, is still lacking in infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply especially in the interior areas,” he said at a media luncheon here yesterday.

He said the role of his ministry was not only on poverty eradication in terms of improving the living standard of the rural poor but also encompassed infrastructure facilities.

He added that other relevant ministries and agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Regional and Rural Development; the state Ministry of Infrastructure Development; and Agriculture and Fisheries Departments also play a complementary role in rural development.

Radin also hoped that the federal government would channel development allocations direct to the state government for better coordination of development efforts.

He described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s recent announcement of the three key thrusts in the development of Sabah in the next five years as very appropriate.

The Prime Minister had said in his speech during a breaking-of-fast ceremony with the Sabah BN leaders hosted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman recently that priority would be given to security, development and welfare for the people in the state.

Najib said in the first thrust the Barisan Nasional government will develop the army camp at Sahabat Felda as an important base in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and restructuring the coastal villages in Sabah’s east coast without causing any burden to local residents.

The second thrust involves the ongoing development for basic infrastructure in the urban and rural areas.

Najib said the third thrust will cover the people’s welfare, not only in terms of physical development but also on matters which involved the people’s interests.

Earlier, Radin said the media plays an important role in society and has an impact on the lives of the people.

Source: New Sabah Times

Kerjasama Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Negeri Mampu Kurangkan Masalah PATI-Pairin



KOTA KINABALU, 15 Ogos- Timbalan Ketua Menteri Sabah Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan yakin kerjasama serta antara kerajaan Persekutuan dan kerajaan negeri dapat mengurangkan masalah kebanjiran pendatang asing tanpa izin (PATI) ke negeri itu.

Menurutnya, kerjasama itu penting kerana jabatan Polis dan Imigresen adalah di bawah kuasa kerajaan persekutuan yang boleh membantu mencegah kedatangan pendatang asing tanpa izin ke negeri itu terutama dari Filipina dan Indonesia.

Selain itu, bekas ketua menteri Sabah itu berkata kerajaan Persekutuan mempunyai kuasa politik bagi menggerakkan penguatkuasaan undang-undang bagi mengekang masalah itu.

"Sepanjang menjadi Ketua Menteri Sabah saya sudah berusaha sedaya upaya bagi mengatasi masalah kedatangan pendatang asing terbabit tetapi tidak berjaya tanpa kerjasama erat kerajaan Persekutuan.

"Rakyat Sabah ketika itu amat bimbang dengan isu kedatangan pendatang asing ini kerana ia menggugat kedudukan ekonomi dan keselamatan awam tempatan," katanya ketika memberi keterangan kepada Suruhanjaya Siasatan Diraja (RCI) Mengenai Pendatang Asing Di Sabah di sini Khamis.

Pairin berkata rakyat negeri itu mahu keselamatan dan ketenteraman mereka terjamin serta isu pendatang asing tanpa izin terutama dari Filipina dapat diselesaikan dengan segera.

Justeru, katanya beliau memberikan beberapa cadangan bertulis tentang isu berkenaan untuk diatasi kerajaan Persekutuan kepada perdana menteri ketika itu, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Menurutnya, atas kesedaran tentang jaminan keselamatan penduduk Sabah juga mendorong Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) menyertai semula Barisan Nasional (BN).

Pairin, yang juga merupakan saksi ke 199, berkata rakyat Sabah mahukan pembangunan tetapi dalam masa sama mereka mahu hidup dalam keadaan aman, selamat dan tenteram.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi saksi, Datu Akjan Datu Ali Muhammad, seorang ahli perniagaan, memberitahu prosiding bahawa pendatang asing tanpa izin yang bekerja di Sabah patut diberi dokumen sementara supaya pergerakkan mereka dapat dikawal oleh pihak berkuasa.

"Pihak penguatkuasa boleh mengambil tindakan tegas sekiranya mereka melanggar undang-undang dan peraturan di negeri ini, " katanya.BERNAMA

Thursday 15 August 2013

Labuk PPU Boost Power Supply In Sandakan

 
Gomez (left) visiting the Labuk Distribution Main Intake Sub-station yesterday.

SANDAKAN: The construction of the Labuk Distribution Main Intake Sub-station (PPU) here is among several initiatives taken by Sabah Electricity Sendirian Berhad (SESB) to improve the power supply in this area.

The Labuk PPU started operation on May 17, 2013 and has been able to supply power to the areas around Taman Fortune, Sibuga Jaya Town, Puspakom, Seguntor, Chang Sawmill, Meranti and Semawang Sawmill and Taman Tah Fai Yen.

According to SESB general manager (main project), Ir John Gomez, a total of 1,685 domestic, commercial and industrial sector consumers in the area benefited from the Labuk PPU.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Gomez said the construction of the Labuk PPU had helped to reduce the power supply burden of Seguntor PPU for the moment.

“ Labuk PPU, with a capacity of 26 megawatt, is one of the seven PPUs in this district which has an overall capacity of 91 megawatt. The construction of the Labuk PPU is expected to replace the Seguntor PPU in stages since it is located at an isolated area which made it difficult to maintain,” he said.

A total of RM8.4 million was allocated by the government under the Ninth Malaysian Rolling Plan for the project.Borneo Post

Wednesday 14 August 2013

RM746 Million Allocation For New Landfill Sites-Hajiji



TUARAN: The State Government will make a request to the Federal Government for an allocation of RM746 million for the creation of new landfill sites at major towns in Sabah as a long-term solution as the lifespan of most existing landfills may be over in the not-too-distant future.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor said this followed the completion of a one-year study costing RM1 million by a consulting firm on future needs for landfills statewide.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing the swearing-in of new Tuaran District Councillors here yesterday, Hajiji said the sum requested for would include costs for acquisition of land and infrastructural works.

“However, due to the vastness of the State, only major towns will get new landfills and each of them will serve as a centralised landfill for the surrounding districts,” he said.

“For example, the new Kota Kinabalu landfill will also serve as the nucleus landfill for surrounding districts like Tuaran, Penampang, Papar and so on,” he added.

Hajiji urged councillors and staff of local authorities (PBTs) to work doubly hard and be dedicated in discharging their duties in the face of rising public expectation.

He said the people are no longer living in an age where the public were afraid to lodge complaints or did not know how to go about it.

He said people are now living in the Internet age whereby pictures of a pile of rubbish or a tilted lamp post can be uploaded unto social websites like Facebook instantly.

“And of course, the various newspapers also have their own pages for the public to air their grievances such as Hotline. So be always on your toes and do not wait until a picture is uploaded or a complaint is published before you act,” the minister said.

“Please be more resourceful, creative and pro-active. Don’t wait for instructions, including from YBs, all the time. Do away with the attitude of giving answers like ‘we will have to verify the authenticity first’, or, worse still, ‘so far no official complaint has been received’,” Hajiji cautioned.

“Who told you that you need an official complaint before you can act?” he asked, adding that councillors and staff of PBTs should always have a small note book and a pen in their pockets to jot down things which they see along the way and which they think require immediate attention.

“Please don’t pretend that you did not see it, apparently to avoid extra work. As almost everybody now has a camera phone, take pictures of what you see to show to your superiors when you get to the office instead of waiting for instructions all the time,” he stressed.

Present at the function were Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Matius Sator; Tuaran District Officer Madiyem Layapan who is also chairman of the Council and community leaders.

The new Councillors are Haji Matsah Hamid, Effaridun Datuk Hj Ismail, Norsinin Alidah, Alice Tee, Ladin Sapi, Marsah Muyung, Peter Lintar, Haji Hussin Haji Shaadi, Stephen Ebon Sayah, Sabli Nasih, Justin Ganai, Romeo Sindeh, Mu Lin Dan, Joisin Romut, Stephen Basin Masaun, Malijin Logob, Pius Dungkat, Paul Yong Hen Vui, and Sim Chee Sing.Borneo Post



Tuesday 13 August 2013

Pertandingan Jawatan Dalam UMNO Peluang Anggota Buat Pilihan Terbaik-Salleh

KOTA BELUD, 12 Ogos- Jawatan naib presiden dan anggota Majlis Tertinggi Umno perlu dipertandingkan bagi membolehkan anggota parti membuat pilihan terbaik, kata Timbalan Pengerusi Badan Perhubungan Umno Sabah Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said.

Beliau berkata dengan adanya persaingan, maka anggota parti boleh memilih pemimpin terbaik, seiring prinsip demokratik yang diamalkan Umno.

"Jangan ada usaha mewujudkan 'pakej' semua jawatan secara perundingan kerana ia tidak baik untuk parti kita," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Malam Aidilfitri anjuran Umno cawangan Kampung Pengkalan Abai di sini semalam.

Salleh yang juga Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah berkata pihaknya bersetuju supaya jawatan presiden dan timbalan presiden tidak dicabar.

"Jawatan presiden dan timbalan presiden masing-masing hanya satu dan tidaklah perlu menjadi rebutan, tetapi jawatan naib presiden ada tiga...justeru sesuailah ada pertandingan untuk membolehkan anggota membuat pilihan bagi mengisi slot berkenaan," katanya.

Beliau mengulas reaksi pemimpin Umno Sabah yang menyokong saranannya sebelum ini bahawa Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman sesuai bertanding jawatan naib presiden Umno.

Salleh sebelum ini dilaporkan berkata Musa merupakan calon pilihan terbaik bagi mengisi slot jawatan naib presiden Umno, dengan mengambil kira rekod pencapaian Musa memimpin Umno Sabah sehingga menyumbang kemenangan besar pada pilihan raya umum ke-13.

Berikutan kenyataannya itu, beberapa Ketua Umno Bahagian di Sabah menyatakan sokongan secara terbuka kepada Musa jika Ketua Menteri memutuskan bertanding jawatan berkenaan dalam pemilihan parti hujung tahun ini.

Sementara itu, Salleh turut mengingatkan semua anggota parti supaya sentiasa mengutamakan soal perpaduan demi survival perjuangan parti.

"Sebagai parti dominan dan tunjang pemerintahan negara, Umno perlu sentiasa padu dan mantap kerana kekuatannya juga mencerminkan keutuhan kerajaan.

"Oleh itu, setiap anggota parti mesti mendahulukan kepentingan parti daripada kepentingan diri, supaya apabila parti kukuh, maka kerajaan akan menjadi kuat dan hasilnya rakyat akan mendapat manfaat," katanya.BERNAMA

Monday 12 August 2013

30, 000 Throng Musa, Cabinet Ministers' Open House

KOTA KINABALU: The heavy downpour yesterday did not deter some 30,000 people from all walks of life from making their way to the Hari Raya open house hosted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and his Cabinet Ministers at the Likas Sports Complex here.

Apart from city dwellers and those from nearby districts, there were many guests who came from as far as Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat, Keningau and Beaufort.

The guests helped themselves to an assortment of food and were entertained to traditional songs and dances at the open house which was held from 10 am to 2 pm.

Among the VIPs who turned up were Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah R.M. Jasni, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Salleh Tun Said, Cabinet Ministers and heads of Barisan Nasional component parties.

Also present was the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin.
Several physically challenged people also attended the open house – among them 22-year-old Nijar Binsul who said he had met Musa thrice.

“I like (to attend these functions) because Datuk Seri Musa exchanges greetings with me,” said the paralysed Nijar, who moves around in a wheelchair and has been living at the Bukit Harapan welfare home after his parents died three years ago.

Another wheelchair-bound Angeline Justin, 14, who is from the same home, regarded herself fortunate to have been invited by the state government to attend the open house.
When met by reporters, Musa said he was happy to note that the open house was well attended by Muslims and non-Muslims in the spirit of solidarity and harmony.

“It also reflects unity which we must preserve and further strengthen,” he said, adding that the people of this country and in Sabah continue to live in peace and harmony.

New Sabah Times

Saturday 10 August 2013

Khabar Angin Gelombang Kedua Pencerobohan Tidak Halang Kemeriahan Sambutan Raya

 
TAWAU: Aidilfitri di-sambut meriah di Tawau dan Lahad Datu walaupun timbul desas-desus sebelum ini bahawa kumpulan pengganas Kesultanan Sulu dari selatan Filipina akan melakukan gelombang kedua pencerobohan.

Walaupun desas-desus itu turut menyebut akan berlaku penculikan dan kekacauan, ia tidak menampakkan suasana panik mahupun kerisauan dalam kalangan umat Islam dalam menyambut Hari Raya di dua daerah ini.

Di Lahad Datu yang menyaksikan pencerobohan oleh kumpulan militan itu awal tahun ini, lawatan dari rumah ke rumah sanak saudara meriah seperti tahun-tahun lalu dan majlis rumah terbuka diada-kan sepanjang hari pertama dan kedua Hari Raya.

Majlis Rakyat Hari Raya turut diadakan di Kampung Labian, salah satu lokasi yang diceroboh pengganas Kesultanan Sulu dengan persem-bahan hiburan oleh finalis Akademi Fantasia, Mila.

Di Tawau, tinjauan Bernama terutamanya di lokasi yang dikhabarkan menjadi sasaran penceroboh iaitu pusat pemunggahan barangan perniagaan ‘tukar barang’ Sabindo, sehingga Hari Raya pertama menyaksikan aktiviti berjalan seperti biasa sehingga awal pagi.

Kawasan perniagaan ‘tukar barang’ Sabindo sepanjang kira-kira 1,000 meter menghadap lautan terbuka, turut digunakan sebagai laluan ke Nunukan dan Tarakan, di Indonesia selain ke pulau-pulau kecil selatan Filipina seperti Tawi-Tawi yang di-diami masyarakat Tausug dan Suluk.

Peniaga sayur di Sabindo, Abidin Samsudin, 53, meng-akui ada mendengar desas-desus penceroboh akan menyelinap masuk di kawasan berhampiran pemunggahan barangan itu, tempat beliau menjalankan perniagaan.

“Aktiviti perniagaan berjalan seperti biasa dan kami menyerahkan kepada ke-cekapan pihak berkuasa keselamatan dalam mengawal keadaan,” katanya ketika ditemui.

Abidin yang telah menjalankan perniagaan hampir sedekad di pelbagai lokasi di kawasan pasar Sabindo berkata para peniaga hanya inginkan keamanan.

“Apa yang kita lihat dan dengar selain apa yang telah berlaku di Lahad Datu merupakan satu pengajaran dan teladan kepada kami di Tawau ini,” katanya.

Mariamah Osmang, 55, peniaga keropok ikan berkata majoriti peniaga di kompleks pasar Sabindo hanya mahukan pengesahan daripada pihak berkuasa bahawa keselamatan di kawasan pemunggahan barangan itu, terjamin.

“Kami tidak mahu mendengar perkhabaran yang menakutkan, walaupun kami percaya dan yakin akan kebolehan pihak keselamatan. Kalau boleh biarlah ada rondaan dari masa ke masa di kawasan pasar ini,” katanya.

Ketua Daerah Polis Tawau ACP Awang Besar Dullah ketika dihubungi Bernama berkata suasana sambutan perayaan aman di daerah ini dan tidak terdapat sebarang kejadian seperti dikhabarkan.

“Masyarakat peniaga menjalankan perniagaan seperti biasa tanpa ada kerisauan, manakala penduduk meraya-kan Hari Raya dengan meriah seperti tahun-tahun lalu. Begitu juga rumah terbuka sejak hari pertama Hari Raya,” katanya.

Awang Besar berkata anggota polis marin bersama Agensi Penguatkuasa Mari-tim Malaysia (APMM) akan terus membuat pemantauan dan melaksanakan operasi rondaan, sementara pihak Kawasan Keselamatan Khas Pantai Timur Sabah (ESSCOM) dan Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) mengawasi sebarang kemungkinan pencerobohan.

Insiden penceroboh pengganas selatan Filipina itu menggemparkan negara setelah mereka menduduki kawasan perkampungan di Lahad Datu, pada 12 Februari lepas dan kerajaan melancarkan Operasi Daulat pada 5 Mac dalam mempertahankan kedaulatan negara.

Lapan anggota polis dan dua tentera terkorban dalam Operasi Daulat manakala 68 pengganas ditembak mati.Borneo Post

Thursday 8 August 2013

Unity, the Foundations of Stability-Musa


KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has called on the people to not only strengthen their ties among Muslims, but with Malaysians from all walks of life through the practice of exchanging greetings at open houses.

Sabah has prospered along with the rest of Malaysia and achieved progress in many fields, leading to higher quality of life for its people, Musa said.

“Our determination to strive for excellence and a population made up of diverse backgrounds are some factors that have led to Malaysia’s growth.

“Through our combined knowledge and experience, we will achieve more in the future. We must strengthen unity, work with each another and respect one another even when differences in opinions emerge,” the Chief Minister said in his message in conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya celebration.

Musa, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, lamented that some irresponsible quarters had set out to destroy what we have built, saying things that are hurtful to fellow Malaysians.

In expressing or discussing opinions, he advised the people to be mindful of the fact that they are living in a multi-racial country and that the harmony they have enjoyed for so long should never be compromised.

“Unity is one of the foundations of the stability we have today and I call on us all to always respect and support each other.

“We are indeed all Malaysians and I hope we will all continue to reflect on this and subscribe to 1Malaysia, the brainchild of our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, who sincerely wants to bring this country to greater heights,” he said.

According to Musa, both the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and Government Transformation Programme (GTP) have been showing results and together with the 10th Malaysia Plan, the government remains committed to reaching its projected goals within the respective time frames given for each initiative.

The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and the State Development Agenda, or Halatuju, are also on track to achieve their respective targets, he added.

In addition, Musa said the Federal Government has embarked on other initiatives under the 1Malaysia banner in order to address a range of issues from affordable housing to better healthcare and to address the prices of daily consumer items.

He pointed out that the Annual Salary Increment (KGT) had been carried out twice this year, with the most recent in July, by both the Federal and State governments.

“I am confident that the Federal Government will come up with more initiatives that will positively impact the people in the near future. The Barisan Nasional government is one that truly cares for the people,” Musa said.

With the general election fever now over, he said the time has come to move on and he called on all political parties to close ranks, work together and to cut down on politicking which wastes time and energy.

Musa also pointed out that Sabah has many positive traits that the people can leverage on.

“Our finances are well managed, our economy is growing and we also pay focus on environmental initiatives as we acknowledge that our biodiversity cannot and must not be taken for granted.

“For Sabah to keep progressing within a sustainably managed economy, we cannot be complacent. We must all join hands,” he said, adding that while rejoicing during this celebration, we must also remember the less fortunate.

Musa also thanked the Armed Forces, police and other security agencies for their services in safeguarding the State and reminded the people to put the unfortunate intrusion earlier this year in Lahad Datu behind them.

“I am confident that we will not see a repeat. Innocent lives were lost in the line of duty and we are forever indebted to those who were sacrificed during the incident,” he added.Borneo Post

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Bekalan Air Lebih Baik Bakal Dinikmati Penduduk Kuala Penyu,Menumbok-Pairin

 
KUALA PENYU, 6 Ogos- Sambutan Aidilfitri penduduk di kawasan Kuala Penyu dan Menumbok kini lebih bermakna apabila bekalan air dapat disalurkan ke seluruh kawasan berkenaan, kata Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur Negeri Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan melalui jabatan air sentiasa berusaha untuk membaiki dan menaik taraf bekalan air bersih ke kawasan yang memerlukan khususnya di luar bandar.

"Sejumlah RM47.7 juta telah diperuntukkan kerajaan bagi menampung projek bekalan air ini ke seluruh kawasan yang meliputi sepanjang 26.6 KM," katanya kepada pemberita pada majlis pelancaran pengepaman air ke daerah kecil Menumbok di sini, Selasa.

Pairin berkata, melalui sistem paip transmisi dari Limbawang ke stesen pam penggalak Tamu Kayul itu, ia mampu membekalkan air dan mengatasi masalah bekalan air terutamanya pada musim kemarau kepada penduduk di kawasan itu.

"Sejumlah sembilan juta liter air sehari mampu dibekalkan kepada 90 peratus penduduk setempat yang meliputi 3,600 buah rumah berbanding enam juta liter sehari sebelum ini," katanya.

Turut hadir Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat merangkap anggota Parlimen Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun dan anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Kuala Penyu Limus Juri.

Menurut Pairin, projek tersebut akan menggantikan sistem paip lama yang tidak mampu menampung jumlah bekalan air ke setiap kawasan sehingga berlakunya saluran paip pecah.BERNAMA

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Krisis Diesel: Kerajaan tumpukan penyelesaian pelbagai, bukan hanya tambahan kuota

Stephen Wong berkata bahawa, sekiranya KPDNKK anggap kuota bekalan diesel tersebut adalah mencukupi bagi permintaan orang awam, mustahil isu kekurangan bekalan diesel akan berlaku jika wujudnya kegiatan penyeludupan dan perdagangan haram. Beliau percaya bahawa sekiranya KPDNKK tidak dapat mengenalpastikan masalah sebenar yang mengakibatkan isu kekurangan bekalan diesel dan mengambil tindakan yang sewajarnya, peningkatan kuota bekalan diesel pun tidak akan menyelesaikan isu ini. - Sabahkini

Bukankah pihak KPDNKK telah menjelaskan bahawa tambahan kuota diesel untuk Sabah hanya untuk penyelesaian sementara? Kenapa dalam kenyataan Stephen Wong seolah-olah langkah penyelesaian itu diambil sebagai penyelesaian jangka panjang? Buat masa ini tambahan kuota diesel itu mencukupi untuk memenuhi permintaan di Sabah.. 

Malah tambahan kuota ini baru sahaja dilaksanakan tidak seperti yang digambarkan Stephen Wong seolah-olah tambahan kuota itu telah dilaksanakan sejak sekian lama. Kerajaan juga mengambil berat dengan masalah ini dan sebab itu KPDNKK ditugaskan untuk membuat kajian dan berbincang dengan persatuan-persatuan berkaitan bagi mencari penyelesaian jangka masa panjang.

Menurut Menteri PDNKK, Datuk Hasan Malek, cadangan Menteri Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid mengenai mewujudkan pusat pengumpulan dan juga cadangan-cadangan dari pihak lain akan dibawa ke mesyuarat kementerian akan datang. Jesteru, Stephen Wong tidak perlu risau mengenai kemungkinan cadangan beliau tidak diterima oleh kementerian berkenaan. Malahan, KPDNKK mengalu-alukan orang awam termasuklah ahli-ahli politik untuk sama-sama menangani masalah ini samada melalui sumbangan idea mahupun melaporkan sebarang kegiatan penyeludupan diesel ke talian 1800 886 800. 

Disamping melaksanakan penyelesaian jangka pendek dan merangka penyelesaian jangka panjang, kerajaan juga tidak lupa menggunakan pendekatan undang-undang bagi menunjukkan ketegasan kerajaan dalam menangani krisis diesel ini. Buktinya kerajaan telah melakukan operasi sehingga tertangkapnya 12 pengusaha yang didapati bersalah berdasarkan Akta Kawalan Bekalan 1961.

Jesteru, berdasarkan langkah-langkah penyelesaian yang diambil dan dirangka oleh kerajaan terutamanya kementerian yang terlibat, fokus penyelesaian bukanlah terhadap satu faktor sahaja. Malah, faktor-faktor lain seperti peningkatan jumlah kenderaan yang menggunakan enjin diesel dan faktor perayaan perlu juga dipertimbangkang. 

Sebab itu penambahan kuota ini juga penting dalam menyelesaikan krisis diesel di Sabah, kerana sekalipun aktiviti penyeludupan berjaya diselesaikan, tanpa kuota yang mencukupi, masalah kekurangan diesel ini tetap akan berlaku. Sebab itu juga kerajaan memerlukan kerjasama semua pihak dalam memberikan cadangan kerana masalah ini memerlukan penyelesaian yang pelbagai bukan hanya tertumpu kepada aktiviti penyeludupan..

Mariati Appointed As New State Attorney-General

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman yesterday announced the appointment of Datuk Mariati Robert as the new state Attorney-General.

“I am indeed pleased to announce the appointment of Datuk Mariati Robert as the next state AG, taking over from Datuk Roderic Fernandes,” he said.

Her appointment took effect on August 1 this year.

Musa said the appointment marks a significant milestone as Mariati will be the second woman to be appointed AG since 1968.

“I understand that Madam Kinny Li Yun Ken was the first woman AG appointed back then,” he said.

Mariati’s appointment could be credited to her qualification and legal background, having been in the field for more than 35 Years.

She is also active in various causes especially that concerning women and was chairman of the Sabah Women Advisory for two terms.

“The state government recognises women’s roles and contributions to society and has confidence in their ability to hold high posts in government,” he said.

Musa also said this is evident in the number of women holding and managing high government positions.

“And, I believe women do deserve such posts based on merit, based on their qualification, experience and capability” the Chief Minister added.

Sabah has a full woman minister and two assistant ministers as well as permanent secretaries and heads of GLC who are women.

The state treasurer, Musa said, is also a woman and “today once again we have a woman AG”.

“I also wish to take this opportunity to thank Datuk Roderic for his impeccable service as AG to the state. I wish him all the best,” he said.New Sabah Times

Monday 5 August 2013

Peranan Pasukan Keselamatan Sentiasa Dihargai-Musa

 
SANDAKAN, 3 Ogos- Peristiwa pencerobohan di Lahad Datu telah membuka mata seluruh rakyat Malaysia, betapa pentingnya setiap lapisan masyarakat menghargai peranan pasukan keselamatan, kata Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Menurut beliau peristiwa pencerobohan tersebut yang mengorbankan 10 perwira negara turut menyedar dan mengajar rakyat mengenai pentingnya kerjasama penduduk setempat dengan pasukan keselamatan.

"Oleh itu, sempena bulan Ramadan dan musim perayaan, kerajaan negeri turut menyalurkan sumbangan kepada pasukan keselamatan bagi menghargai jasa dan pengorbanan mereka.

"Sumbangan yang dihulurkan, walaupun tidak seberapa, namun ia tanda ingatan tulus ikhlas dan penghargaan kepada pasukan keselamatan di negeri ini," katanya pada majlis penyampaian sumbangan kepada warga Batalion ke-22 Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD), Kem Sri Kinabatangan di sini hari ini.

Musa berkata, pengorbanan anggota keselamatan yang tidak ternilai merupakan sumbangan paling berharga dan bermakna kepada masyarakat Sabah dan negara tercinta.BERNAMA

Saturday 3 August 2013

Decisions On Islands Difficult But Right, said Masidi

 
KOTA KINABALU: The state government needs to have the courage to make difficult but right decisions to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy all the beautiful islands in Sabah.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun said this when referring to the large number of complaints by local and foreign tourists on overcrowded and dirty islands in the state, especially on Sapi Island.

Asked if to limit visitors to the islands was the best way to protect the beauty of the island parks in the state, Masidi said Sabah Parks needed to decide how to manage them better.

“We will have to decide how to manage them better after my meeting with the management of Sabah Parks. The Park under its enactment is empowered to make its own rule on the type of activities that are allowable on areas (including the islands) under its jurisdiction.

“That is why Sabah Parks limit the number of divers per day at Sipadan at 120 and climbers (of Mount Kinabalu) at 192. These are their carrying capacity. Numbers are good business for business operators but if we are not careful, we may end up killing the goose that lay the golden eggs,” he said.

“In any case, a gazetted park (in the case of Sapi Island, which is part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park) is supposed to be clean and pristine. The principal purpose of gazetting it is to protect its natural environment, and any human activity on the island should only be to facilitate visitors to enjoy its beauty and pristine nature.

“For instance, the number of food providers that are allowed to operate on the island should not turn the island into another hawkers’ enclave you find on the mainland.

“The future generations can continue to enjoy all the beautiful islands in Sabah only if we have the courage to make difficult but right decision today,” added Masidi.

Meanwhile, the ministry also committed to further increase the number of air accessibility into Sabah to target 3.55 million arrivals by 2015.

He said the target of tourism receipts by end 2015 is RM8 billion, not RM80 billion as reported in The Borneo Post, yesterday.Borneo Post

Friday 2 August 2013

Musa Assured Sabah Is Safe

 
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is safe, assured Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, especially in the wake of rumours on a possible second wave intrusion bid by the Sulu gunmen at several locations in the state.

“Keep calm as the security forces are doing their level best (to maintain peace), and to date, the situation is under control. They, especially the police, are thoroughly investigating the source of the rumours and its authenticity.

“At the same time, the security forces will not be complacent, and instead strengthen measures to ensure the state is safe,” he told reporters after chairing the Sabah Security Working Council meeting at the Wisma Innoprise, yesterday.

Musa also assured both locals and tourists that they need not be worried, and should continue to support and trust the government’s will to maintain peace and harmony in Sabah.

“In fact, the security measures in the state are improving and this is evident with the significant dropped in the state’s crime index, and we attribute this to the close rapport and cooperation between the police and the people.

“Therefore, I would like to call on everyone to play their part as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the government, and to report on any ill intentions towards the security forces so quick action can be taken to rectify them,” he said.

On another development, the Committee has scrutinised the implementation of strengthening security in the east coast of Sabah through the setting up of the East Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) on April 1 this year.

“We are satisfied with the development and roles undertaken by the ESSCOM although it is new. It will continue to further enhance and strengthen security in the East Coast of Sabah.

“Having said that, it is also our hope that people in that part of Sabah will continue to support the efforts undertaken by ESSCOM to ensure its smooth running,” he said.

Among those present were ESSCOM director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek and Sabah State Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib.Borneo Post

Thursday 1 August 2013

Civil Servants Receive RM500 Before Raya

 
Kota Kinabalu: More than 19,000 State civil service personnel of Grade 54 and below will receive a RM500 special financial assistance that will be paid out before Hari Raya Aidilfitri this month.

Announcing this after chairing the State Cabinet meeting at Wisma Innoprise here, Wednesday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the move that would also benefit temporary supporting staff would cost the State Government a total of RM9.58 million.

"We hope it will be able to lessen a little bit of the public service personnel's burden for the coming Hari Raya," said Musa.

At the same time, Musa, who is also Finance Minister, said the State Government had agreed to implement salary adjustment for all the 16,255 State civil service personnel under the Malaysia Remuneration System (SSM), effective July 1, 2013.

"This means all civil servants in Sabah will receive two salary increments this year as they will be having their normal annual salary increment and the salary adjustment with a similar amount to their increment," he said.

He said the move emulated the Federal Government's move as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the 13th Public Service Premier programme to improve the public service salary structure and public service scheme.

Musa said the salary adjustments would cost the State Government about RM24.07 million annually.

He said among the benefits from the double increment was a higher pension for the personnel.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, who was also on hand at the press conference, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the bonus payout and salary adjustments on behalf of the State civil service personnel.

Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Siringan Gubat was also at the press conference. Daily Express