RM746 Million Allocation For New Landfill Sites-Hajiji

Former state football coach Justin Ganai (left) receiving his letter of appointment as Tuaran District Councillor from Hajiji. Justin, 58, was nominated by Joniston (right). Also seen are Madiyem (second left) and Matius.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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..

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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