RM4.4bn for Sabah under Second Rolling Plan

9th May, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been allocated RM4.416 billion under the Second Rolling Plan (of the 10th Malaysia Plan) to carry out 724 projects.And as of May 3 this year, a sum of RM692 million or 15.6 per cent of the allocation for 2012 had been spent on development projects.Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman made the disclosure after chairing the State Action Committee meeting here yesterday.Musa said he had reminded every ministry and related departments to ensure all government initiatives were made known to the people, especially projects that would benefit the target groups.“This is to prove that the government cares for the people,” he added.Musa also said members of the committee were also told yesterday that what mattered most was the people’s satisfaction towards the initiatives undertaken by the government in terms of services, wealth creation and effectiveness in resolving problems.“I also stressed on the role of civil servants in state development,” the Chief Minister said urging members of the civil service to ensure the projects listed under the Second Rolling Plan achieved their objectives.Meanwhile, Musa urged Sabahans who had gone to the peninsula to look for jobs to return to Sabah.He said there were currently some 20,000 job available in the State.“Those who have experience working in the hotel and service industry should come back as a lot of hotels and resorts are being built throughout the State,” he said.Also present at the meeting were State Cabinet Ministers.

 http://www.newsabahtimes.com

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Good Morning y'all, haven't post anything since last time. Lots of things going on lately, and it certainly choking me to death.(LOL!) Let me share something ( I think is quite funny) about one " occasion " happened lately in the country.  Check it out!

Rally in the eyes of Mat Sallehs

Azman: Did you read the Economist analyses on the Bersih rally?
Wah: What "Economist"? I know nuts about economy. I only know how to look at the market scoreboard and Magnum draws.
Umar: This is a global magazine that talks about major events around the world. In the latest issue it talked about our Bersih rally.
Wah: Wow! You mean our rally is on international magazine?
Prof U: It's interesting to read how the Mat Sallehs look at Malaysia, although many Malaysians will fume up after reading The Economist report.
Azman: Can you elaborate?
Prof U: Well, the Mat Sallehs look at our country from an outsider's perspectives. So they see things differently from us and they do not need to worry what they say will offend some people.
Umar: Offend whom? You mean KDN will black out the sensitive parts again?
Azman: Like what they did to the July 9 rally last year! This thing has now become an international laughing stock.
Prof U: What I am trying to say is that many foreign media are worried about offending the government on the one hand, and the public on the other. So they have many reservations in their reporting. But The Economist is quite unlike the rest. They fear nobody and go straight to the core of the event.
Wah: Marvellous. But what did it say about the rally?
Azman: It said although there were many people at the rally, the effects were not as impressive as those of last year's rally. The Economist also felt that both BN and Pakatan had something to gain and something to lose. While BN has to answer to the excessive use of force by police, Ambiga has to admit the rally participants were out of control, thus the violent outbreaks.
Umar: The magazine also said Anwar had to explain whether he did incite the participants to cross the barricade.
Wah: That doesn't sound anything special.
Prof U: Indeed, nothing much special, but mainstream media in this country are all leaning towards the government, while online media are on the other side. Both have gone their own ways and overlooked some important objective facts. The Economist's simple analyses have made people see what they fail to see, or are unwilling to see.
Azman: I agree that is a draw. While the rally has protruded dissident voices and consolidated the support base of Pakatan, BN's support base is largely unmoved, particularly in the rural areas and among more conservative voters.
Umar: Pro-government media's focus on rally violence has successfully strengthened BN's support in rural areas.
Prof U: But, as a social campaign, we cannot deny that the Bersih 3.0 rally has indeed reawakened civic consciousness and making more people aware of their civic rights as well as public policies. Unfortunately, it has also underscored the widening ideological gap between people living in urban and rural areas. Part of the Malay society is concerned the anti-government wave would alter the existing power structure and impact their vested interests.
Wah: No wonder Mahathir and three former IGPs have said the rally was meant to topple the existing government.

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Social media the way forward, says Ng

KUALA LUMPUR (May 8, 2012): Social media and bloggers must be given all the space they need to progress as they are agents of change especially in the tourism industry, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said today.
"Soon the days of a structured tourism industry, with its traditional marketing and advertising, will be over.
"The 21st century has been completely transformed by social media, and we need to ensure we use it to bring the tourism industry forward," she said in opening the first International Tourism Bloggers Conference and Awards 2012.
More than 10,000 people voted online for the 342 nominees in 16 categories. Ng said many Malaysians were quickly becoming tech-savvy, with 12 million people connected to the internet, compared with 20,000 in 1995.
"The aim is to have 75% of the population connected and using new media by 2015.
"With democratisation of information and speed of communication today, we need to ensure people are connected and that bloggers are talking about us if we want to continue doing well as a tourist destination."
Last year, the ministry spent US$600,000 (RM1.8 million) on digital marketing and branding for six tourism event campaigns, drawing flak from various quarters, who said the expenses were unnecessarily high.
Ng, however, said the decision to turn to social media had yielded positive results.
"The public need to understand that advertising in social media, such as on Facebook and Google, costs money, and even then Malaysia spent much less on social media advertising than other countries did.
"The Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Facebook page now has nearly 500,000 fans with 90% of them aged below 35 years, indicating its success in branding Malaysia as a tourist destination," she told the press after the opening ceremony.
Malaysia is ranked the ninth most visited country by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, with about 24.7 million visitors last year. The ministry is targeting 36 million visitors yearly by 2020 and receipts as high as US$1 billion (RM3 billion) per week.

P/s: So whatcha think?

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Gaji minimum: Jangan naik harga, peniaga diberi amaran

SEBERANG PERAK - Kerajaan memberi amaran kepada peniaga supaya tidak menaikkan harga barang berikutan pengumuman kadar gaji minimum sektor swasta baru-baru ini.

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata tindakan tegas akan dikenakan terhadap peniaga yang menaikkan harga barang sewenang-wenangnya.

"Kita ada akta yang kawal kenaikan harga barang tanpa sebab yang munasabah," katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis perasmian pasaraya Coop Mart dan Coop Business Centre (CBC) Koperasi Peserta-Peserta Rancangan Felcra Seberang Perak di sini, hari ini.

Beliau berkata tiada sebab untuk peniaga mengambil kesempatan menaikkan harga barang berikutan pengumuman kerajaan itu.

"Harga barang dari Januari tahun ini hingga sekarang masih stabil. Ini mungkin disebabkan kita masih kawal kenaikan harga minyak," katanya.

Ismail Sabri berkata sebanyak 1,200 pegawai pemantau harga dan 2,000 penguatkuasa kementerian akan memantau kenaikan harga barang dari semasa ke semasa.

"Kita juga ada skuad pengguna dan gerakan pengguna siswa di universiti yang akan membantu memantau harga barang," katanya.

Bulan lepas, Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mengumumkan kadar gaji minimum kebangsaan bagi sektor swasta ialah RM900 sebulan atau RM4.33 sejam untuk Semenanjung manakala Sabah, Sarawak dan Labuan pula pada paras RM800 atau RM3.85 sejam. - Bernama

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Group forms Dusun association

Published on: Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Keningau: A group of indigenous people here has registered a new association known as Persatuan DusunMinamasok Borneo Selatan Sabah (PDMBSS) in their effort to change the fate of the Dusun community in the State which they claimed as going on a blurry and uncertain track.Its protem president Dimie Guntop, 67, said the association aims to uplift the status of their community so as to make it a dominant community in Sabahand not like today where the community is only meant for the political survival of certain groups.The Dusun community is supposed to be far ahead in all aspects, especially economy and education, he said, adding that the association was formed because of their disappointment and dissatisfaction with several existing associations which represent the community.Guntop, a businessman, said their association wants to become an umbrella for the Dusun people who live sporadically in the southern part of the State. Including the Interior.He said the association would be free from any political influence as it aims to unite all members of the community towards a much better and positive direction, adding that once the association's registration has been approved, it would strive towards making the community stands tall by the year 2020.

Taken From Daily Express Online News.

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Sabah Buddhists celebrate Wesak Day

6th May, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: Buddhists in Sabah were told to observe the true teaching of Buddha – to eliminate greed, anger and ignorance.Venerable Kai Yin, the abbot of the Santavana Forest Hermitage in Tuaran, made the call during a brief dharma talk delivered in conjunction with Wesak Day celebration yesterday. He also urged them to perform the ritual with reverence and a purified mind.Hundreds of Buddhists of all ages from all walks of life attended the dharma talk held at the prayer hall, before proceeding to take part in the Buddha-bathing ritual.Earlier, they also took part in the alms-giving ritual involving its Sangha Committee led by Ven. Kai Yin.In his brief speech, Bhikkhu Jotipala, the superintendent of the Hermitage touched on the history of the Wesak Day celebration, and its significance.The scorching heat yesterday did not deter Buddhists state capital from thronging the various Buddhist temples in the city, to pay homage to Lord Buddha to mark Wesak Day.A series of Buddhism rituals and programmes were organised by these temples to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing of Shakyamuni Buddha some 2,450 years ago. The highlight of the celebration was the bathing of the miniature statue of Lord Buddha, a symbolic gesture of inner purification and removal of “greed, hatred and ignorance”.

News Online http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/58460

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Rakan Cop help cut crime by 7.6 per cent in Sabah

7th May, 2012

SANDAKAN: Sabah recorded a 7.6 per cent drop in crime index while street crimes declined by 43.6 per cent since early this year as a result of the people’s cooperation with the police in fighting crimes, according to Bukit Aman Special Task Force Department Director, CP Dato’ Mohamad Fuzi Harun.Nationwide, he said the crime index dropped by 10.8 per cent while street crimes plunged by 44.3 per cent during the period.Mohamad Fuzi said through the ‘Rakan Cop’ programme, the people have helped the police to achieve its target of reducing the crime rate throughout the country.

“This integrated approach will be continued to reduce the crime rate to the minimum level possible, be it at the national or state level,” he said.In Sabah, he said the people had responded very positively to the ‘Rakan Cop’ programme of the Royal Malaysian Police.“We will continue to intensify the programme in our effort to reduce the crime rate in the country including Sabah, Mohamad Fuzi said when met by reporters here Saturday night during a walkabout at the Bandar Kim Fung Night Market in conjunction with the High Profile Policing Programme.“The cooperation of the people is very important especially when we carry out an integrated programme such as this which allows the police to know their grievances or problems that need to be resolved quickly.“Just now, I heard public complaints about certain matters. We promise that the problems will be resolved. Moreover, it is now the objective of the police to provide satisfactory service to the community,” he said.Earlier, Mohamad Fuzi mingled with residents who visited the market.

He also distributed leaflets about the programme and the public’s response was very positive.“Members of the public can now forward their complaints to the police online and the police will provide as much feedback as possible to each complaint received,” he said.‘Rakan Cop’ is a medium to bridge the gap between the police and the community. It is an easy and practical concept to build strong alliances with the public through a clearer, simpler, more integrated and orderly approach.‘Rakan Cop’ is a form of community-oriented policing and a smart partnership approach to encourage the involvement of the public in security matters and in fighting crimes.Also present were Sabah Deputy Police Commissioner, SAC Datuk Tan Kok Liang and Sandakan Deputy Police District Chief, Supt. Fadzil Mohd Ali and senior police officers from the Sandakan Police District Headquarters.

Article taken from http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/58488

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Solar power supply in Semporna by mid-2013

7th May, 2012

SEMPORNA: Work to supply solar electricity to seven islands in Semporna is expected to be ready in the middle of next year, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said yesterday.He said the project, costing RM94 million, when completed, would provide 24-hour electricity supply to residents on the affected islands.“The project will be ready middle of next year. It will benefit not only students, but also schools there, involving at least 10,000 students,” he told reporters after launching Semporna branch Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia 13th anniversary here yesterday.Also present was AIM board chairman, Datuk Amihamzah Ahmad.On AIM programme in Semporna, Shafie said, about 2,900 residents in Semporna had benefited from it, adding that last year alone,RM13,772,500 was allocated by AIM for recipients in Semporna.Meanwhile, Shafie expressed confidence that infrastructure problems in schools on islands off Semporna will be resolved soon.He said he had discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister.“We will solve the problems, whether in terms of basic facilities or transportation facility soon,” he told reporters.He said this in response to problems raised by teachers in the district at a dialogue last night which was also attended by Sabah Education Director Datuk Dr Muhiddin Yusin.There are more than 30 islands off Semporna where 21 out of 49 schools in Semporna are located on the islands.

Articles Taken From New Sabah Times Online News. 

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/58490

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MSAM 2012

MSAM Logo http://www.pnb.com.my/MSAM2012/index.html

I believe that many of us know what is happening in Likas sport Complex now. Those who did not know what is happening then keep on reading my sentence. Okay, let me give you a brief  explanation on what is happening in Likas sport complex since 20th April 2012. There have an event called Malaysian Unit Trust Week (MSAM 2012). The event is one of the economic development programmes. There are about 50 participated companies, taking part in this event. New programs based on education and investment as well as entertainment and education, which can be participated by visitors.


I actually support the event and i think this is one of the steps for us to know what is the benefits of investment.


So what are you waiting for? there still another 3 days for you to visit the MSAM. You can jot down on something here, your thought about the event.

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Education award propels rural students to success

 KOTA MARUDU: Among them were more than 200 students from this far-flung district, who have become respected members of the community and professionals in their chosen fields.

Kota Marudu member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the award had assisted the students in one way or another.

The award is given out to children of members of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), helmed by Pairin, who excelled in the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, Penilaian Menengah Rendah, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examinations.

Ongkili, who is also science, technology and innovation minister, said many of the past recipients were now teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers and civil servants.

"Education is the basis for success in life. It will equip one to become competitive and independent in seeking a livelihood."

Ongkili also revealed that he would spearhead the setting up of a formal education trust fund to be managed by the Kota Marudu KDCA on a long-term basis.

"The fund will be set up under the state trust enactment to ensure continuity and adequate financial base through charitable deeds and sponsorship."

He also pledged RM50,000 from his forthcoming government gratuity as a minister to kick-start the trust fund.

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EC seeks to reveal the facts

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) has launched a booklet to debunk a list of 12 allegations against it on the management of the country's electoral roll.

The booklet, titled The Facts Behind Allegations and Lies Against the EC, contains the EC's response to issues raised by the Opposition, from the alleged shifting of electoral boundaries to the presence of dubious and phantom voters on the roll.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the purpose of the booklet was to help the public be better informed about the nation's electoral process.

“We want Malaysians to understand the actual situation, so the next time they hear a ceramah or (read) a blog, they can think for themselves and decide what is right and wrong,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

A total of 5,000 booklets have been printed at a cost of RM20,000, to be distributed to the media, political parties and government departments.

Abdul Aziz said much had been reported in the media and the ceramah circuit about the issues but many people appear not to understand how things are done by the commission. One example is the presence of over 42,000 voters whose status is unknown on the roll, which he said leaves the EC in a dilemma.

Abdul Aziz said the EC initially thought of deleting the names to clean up the roll but found that it could not do so legally unless it is certified that each and every one of them had either died or is no longer eligible to vote.

“At first we wanted to cut out the 42,000 names. We received objections from all corners, which is just as well as we cannot do so under the law. But when we did not delete the names, the same group which objected earlier demanded that they be removed,” he said.

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RM48.99 million for implementation of 330 projects

24th April, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Housing & Local Government has approved a substantial allocation of RM48.99 million for the implementation of 330 projects by all local authorities in Sabah until April this year.Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said the amount is expected to help local authorities to resolve the existing problem of roads, ditches and drains in their respective area.“The ministry through the Department of Local Government is committed to provide funding in its efforts to create local authorities that are dynamic and competitive,” he said at the presentation of the 2012 Annual Grants & Contribution in lieu of Rates to the local authorities on Sunday night.“The ministry is prepared to provide additional allocations to local authorities in the State subject to the availability of funds and the performance of local authorities in implementing projects that had been approved,” he told reporters. At the event, Lajim handed over a total of RM63.31 million in Annual Grants and Assistance Rates Contribution to the 24 local authorities throughout Sabah.The amount comprised 2012 annual grants amounting to RM34.56 million and payment of contributions amounting to RM28.75 million.Lajim who is also the Member of Parliament for Beaufort hoped that the grants and contributions will be used to assist the local authorities in providing good services to the people.He also reminded local authorities to submit their annual audit reports on the implementation of projects undertaken during the year because the ministry will increase the allocation based on the commitment of respective local authority in the State. “Based on the commitment given by the ministry in distributing allocations, I hope that all local authorities can ensure that the projects implemented are monitored from time to time,” he said.“Each local authority should apply the element of monitoring as one of the local authorities’ commitment to ensure that all projects are implemented in line with the ‘Value for Money’ concept,” said Lajim.According to him, the monitoring process needs to be done starting from the planning stage through to the completion of a project with special focus on the activities and areas of work involved.“I am confident that by increasing monitoring frequency, the delay in the project will be addressed and this effort will hasten the project for the benefits of the people,” he remarked.Meanwhile, Local Government & Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the annual grants given to local authorities in Sabah are for the third time since 2010.“Distribution of this financial assistance will further enhance the respective local authorities’ efforts in the preparation and maintenance of public facilities, including, the cleanliness and beautification of area within the jurisdiction of respective local authority,” he said. Also present were both Assistant Ministers of Local Government & Housing Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah and Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar.

Source :  http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/58145

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