Umno information machinery to focus on 3 main objectives

 

PUTRAJAYA: The Umno information machinery has outlined various strategies for the upcoming 13th general election (GE) with emphasis on three main objectives; to work for a Barisan Nasional victory with two-third majority, to recapture four opposition-ruled states and to increase its popularity vote.

 

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said various aspects of strategies and objectives were discussed at the Enhancing Professionalism Retreat of the Information Welfare and Recreation Club in Melaka which ended early this week.

He said Umno had made thorough preparations for the 13th GE which covered more than just briefing sessions but also courses, workshops, papers  presentations, pyschological sessions, virtual media initiatives, dialogue and information sessions and so on.

 

“All preparations have been made, some are being mobilised while planning is still being carried out until the polling day has been been announced,” he told a media conference at his office here.

 

On winning the two-third majority, Ahmad Maslan said he was confident it could be achieved as BN only needed to win a minimum of eight seats to its 140 seats it won in the 12th GE, to obtain the two-third majority from the 222 seats in the contest on condition that there were no quarters sabotaging the party.

 

He said he was confident that at least 20 seats controlled by the opposition coalition could be captured by BN with five from PAS, five from DAP and 10 from PKR.

 

Ahmad Maslan said in the 2008 GE, he saw voters in several states shifting their support due to promises made by Pakatan Rakyat, nonetheless after what had happened in the states administered by them, many voters were returning to BN.

 

He said in Selangor, they failed to fulfill various promises resulting in several parties making their demands in court.

“On BN’s side, nobody summoned us as we fulfill all our promises. Now they avoid talking about their previous GE promises,” he said. — Bernama

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ETP projects to boost construction sector next year

KUALA LUMPUR: Mega projects under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) are expected to boost the construction sector to record 11.5 per cent growth year-on-year in 2013.
Alliance Research Sdn Bhd said a total of 149 projects had been announced with a total committed investments of RM212 billion and were expected to generate gross national income of RM137.6 billion in 2020 and create 410,892 jobs.
“The construction sector will likely benefit the most from the ETP investments, with an expected growth rate of 11.5 per cent in 2013.
“While the construction sector itself constitutes a relatively small 3.6 per cent of total gross domestic product compared with services and manufacturing, the multiplier effects from this sector are high given its linkages to other major sub-sectors of the economy,” it said in a research note.
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) said the construction jobs would continue to come from projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan, ETP, Entry Point Projects, Greater Kuala Lumpur, Rural Transformation Programme and Urban Tranformation Programme.
MBAM said to ensure the completion of the projects according to schedule, the government and the private sector must work closely together to ensure they were implemented in a timely manner as the costs will increase if they were delayed.
The association also urged the private and public sectors to work closely to remove bottlenecks on the supply side, in particular foreign skilled labour, in order for the sector to remain robust and continue drive the local economy.
It said for the local contractors to stay competitive against the foreign contractors, it was important for them to undertake continuous efforts to upgrade skills and knowledge, which included internationally-recognised accreditation schemes and meeting world class standards.
“As part of a broader capacity-building process, where builders or contractors are concerned, there is a need to comprehensively integrate and more efficiently utilise new construction methods, practices and technologies in delivering high quality work on par or better than the foreign contractors.
“Equally important, our businesses and organisations need to adhere to the highest standards of accountability and integrity which are critical success factors in enhancing confidence of the global markets in the quality, integrity and productivity,” it said.
He said the government could encourage more contractors to go for ‘green’ buildings by considering grants for the development of ‘green’ products and technology in Malaysia apart from concentrating on tax incentives.
Going forward, it said, the problems of the shortage skilled and unskilled workers would weigh on the construction industry.
“At present, there is a critical need to replenish the pool of skilled construction manpower, as the majority of the workers are already ageing.
“It is estimated that 35.1 per cent of local construction personnel would reach the age of 50 and above five years from now.
“The government needs to prepare a long-term strategic plan to address this problem,” it said.
MBAM hoped the government would allow the importation of foreign workers from more source countries in Asean, China and India to meet the increased and sustained demand for construction workers especially for the mass rapid transit and other mega projects.
“The government should also need to seriously consider extending the working permit of skilled foreign workers for more than 10 years.
“Although there is a need to limit the number of foreign workers, the gradual limitation of foreign workers in this country must be balanced with the need to provide sufficient numbers of skilled construction workers so that they can contribute towards the economy,” it said. — Bernama

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Sabahans told to reflect on today’s peace, harmony

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minsiter Datuk Seri Musa Aman has called on the people to reflect on the peace and harmony enjoyed by the country that has enabled the people to come together in festive celebrations.
He said this was due to the diligence of past leaders to make sure there would be a better future for their children and grandchildren despite the odds stacked against them.
“I strongly believe what we have today is the future that they envisaged for us.
“They put their differences aside to grow the economy and to achieve independence.
“We must learn from history and not let their sacrifices be in vain,” he said in his Christmas message, here, yesterday.
Musa also reminded the people not to allow themselves be victims of negative sentiments that could destroy the country’s peace and stability.
He said the nation could lose out on opportunities that could spur success if there was no sense of unity that had been put in place by Malaysia’s forefathers.
“Investors are always attracted by nations that are not only politically stable, but which also practises good race relations,” he said.
In celebrating Christmas today, Musa asked the people not to forget the less fortunate by lending a helping hand to make the occasion merrier.
“Kind-hearted people take time off their hectic schedule to share the Christmas joy in line with our pledge to be a society that cares for all,” he said. — Bernama

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Sabah govt wants more palm oil players subscribing to RSPO

24th December, 2012

TAWAU: The Sabah State Government wants to see more palm oil sector players in the state, including small estates, subscribing to the production of sustainably produced palm oil under the ambit of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said by following theRSPO, the scope of palm oil related activities and palm oil related industrial sectors could truly attest to the Malaysian-produced certified sustainable palm oil.

“Global demand, in particular from the European Union and the United States, demands sustainably produced palm oil…I hope East Malaysia Planters’ Association (EMPA) members are responsive to the sustainability requirements, and are making progress in producing certified sustainabale palm oil,” he said.

Musa stressed this in his speech text delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin at the EMPA Annual Dinner here on Saturday night.

The RSPO was formed in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable oil palm products through credible global standards and engagement of stakeholders.

RSPO is a not-for-profit, market-led association that represents stakeholders from seven sectors of the palm oil industry – oil palm producers, palm oil processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation NGOs and social or developmental NGOs – to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil.

Read More : New Sabah Times

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12 more short-term programmes for youths in Sabah

24th December, 2012

SANDAKAN:The Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports will add 12 short-term training programmes in various skills to be implemented in several districts.

Its minister Datuk Pang En Yin said the decision was made following encouraging response from youths to the existing skills and entrepreneurial training programmes.

He said this year, the ministry through the skills and entrepreneurship unit in the Youth Development Division, had organised 28 training programmes which benefited 548 youths.

“Following requests from the majority of youths, I have approved additional programmes with two of these specially for training youths in the Karamunsing and Sibuga areas.”

Pang said this when closing a multi-cuisine cookery course and bun, cake and pastry-making course for youths at the District Youth and Sports Department, here, yesterday.

He said the government wanted youths to continue be given attention, especially those rural youths who were not fortunate enough to be able to pursue higher education.

Meanwhile, Pang urged the Lions Club of Sandakan Selingan, besides doing charity work, to participate in youth development.

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PPRT house is New Year gift to family in Kg Geguru, Lupak

24th December, 2012

BEAUFORT: The Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) has again enabled a family of eight in Kampung Geguru, Lupak, in Lumadan near here to celebrate the New Year in the comfort of a new home.

Kamis Burau, 59, received the key to his new house from Lumadan assemblyman, Datuk Kamarlin Ombi in a brief handing over ceremony yesterday.

He said he thanked God for allowing him and his family to own a house given by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

“Before this, my wife and I, together with our six children had to live in our old dilapidated house which had a roof that leaked when it rained.

“All of us had to sleep in the living room whenever there was a downpour. Cooking was impossible when it rained and we had to wait till the rain stopped before we could prepare our meals,” said Kamis.

“Now we will have a more comfortable life and this coming New Year will be very meaningful for us because for the first time we can celebrate the New Year in a new house. We credit all of this to the BN government which is sincerely committed in helping the people,” he added.

24th December, 2012

BEAUFORT: The Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) has again enabled a family of eight in Kampung Geguru, Lupak, in Lumadan near here to celebrate the New Year in the comfort of a new home.

Kamis Burau, 59, received the key to his new house from Lumadan assemblyman, Datuk Kamarlin Ombi in a brief handing over ceremony yesterday.

He said he thanked God for allowing him and his family to own a house given by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

“Before this, my wife and I, together with our six children had to live in our old dilapidated house which had a roof that leaked when it rained.

“All of us had to sleep in the living room whenever there was a downpour. Cooking was impossible when it rained and we had to wait till the rain stopped before we could prepare our meals,” said Kamis.

“Now we will have a more comfortable life and this coming New Year will be very meaningful for us because for the first time we can celebrate the New Year in a new house. We credit all of this to the BN government which is sincerely committed in helping the people,” he added.

Read More : New Sabah Times

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Vital for PBS to ensure BN gets two-thirds majority – Mositun

PAPAR: Sabah cannot afford the luxury of experimental politics that could derail its economic progress as Malaysia moves towards becoming a high-income nation within the decade.

“That is why it is essential for PBS to ensure that BN is returned to power with a healthy two-thirds majority in the coming general election,” said PBS information chief and Pantai Manis division head, Datuk Johnny Mositun.

Addressing the PBS Bongawan Division Annual General Meeting at the Dewan Mositun here yesterday, Mositun, who is also State Assembly Deputy Speaker said the BN needed a two-thirds majority in both the State Assembly and Parliament to govern effectively and pursue its development goals without obstruction.

“Political strength is essential when difficult decisions have to be made and policies implemented to keep the nation united and on course. Malaysia has to face so many uncertainties on the global and domestic fronts, and we cannot afford to be ‘experimenting’ with our domestic politics, especially now,” he pointed out.

Mositun also said the BN was an inclusive coalition of political parties that gave ethnic communities, including the KDM representation in policy-making and governance of the country.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak fully acknowledged the importance of Sabah and the KDM community.

“This is reflected in the composition of the Federal Cabinet. Of the three Sabahan Federal Ministers, two are KDM (Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Tan Sri Bernard Dompok). Another KDM, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, is a Deputy Federal Minister. A Sabahan, Datuk Rahim Bakri, is Deputy Federal Minister of Transport and the Attorney General is also a Sabahan,” he said.

In fact, with Datuk Anifah Aman as Foreign Minister and Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin as Deputy Health Minister as well as Datuk V KLiew as a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Sabah’s high representation in the Federal Cabinet was unprecedented.

Mositun also said Sabahans, in particular the KDM, would lose all this if the opposition came into power because its main objective was to make Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the Prime Minister.

“That is all the opposition wants. They will make all sorts of promises to get support for this mission, but once that is achieved all these promises will be forgotten,” Mositun said.

And, urging PBS members to continue supporting the state government, he said the re-delineation of electoral constituencies would take place next year.

“After meeting several high-ranking EC (Elections Commission) officers here and in Kuala Lumpur I have been given to understand that Sabah will get some additional new constituencies.

“I have put forward my view that the recent emergence of big industries and rapid population growth along the West Coast justifies the creation of several new constituencies between Papar and Sipitang,” Mositun said.

However, he said the creation of new constituencies should not be based on ethnicity alone but rather the overall population and geography of the locality, among other things.

“The important thing is for the electoral constituencies to enable a balanced and equitable representation of Sabahans based on the overall demography of the state,” he said.

Mositun meanwhile said he was concerned about the rise in complaints about road traffic situation in Papar in the wake of rapid industrialisation at Kimanis and Sipitang.

“The volume of traffic has increased tremendously in recent years, and there are daily traffic jams at the entrance to Papar town near the old railway bridge.

“I hope the state government will take up my suggestion for a diversionary road from near the Pengalat-Dambai junction and an additional bridge over the Papar River.

“This will ease the daily bottleneck at the awkward roundabout which is the entry to Papar town itself. Additionally I suggest that the state government treat calls for upgrading the Kinarut-Pengalat-Papar road to a dual carriageway as a matter of urgency,” Mositun said.

Also present yesterday were new PBS Bongawan chief, Jitim Abak @ Johan and supreme council members, Ali Zaman, Merchal Dibang and Masilus Roman.

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922 in Sabah get all As, results dip

Published on: Thursday, December 20, 2012

Kota Kinabalu: A total of 922 students achieved straight As in the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination but there was a slight dip in overall passes - no thanks to poorer performance in two subjects this year.

State Education Director Datuk Dr Muhiddin Yusin said there was a slight drop in the Arab language, which recorded a 14.6 per cent decline, and Chinese language which dropped by 4.6 per cent.

"We do not know the reason for the drop but we will conduct a thorough study in schools throughout the State," he said, adding that if the passes for these subjects could be increased then perhaps the overall passes could exceed 65 per cent.

He said this during a media conference after announcing the PMR results at the Hamzah Al-Fansuri Hall of SMK Agama Tun Ahmadshah here, on Wednesday.

This year a total of 37,607 candidates sat for the PMR examination compared to 37,714 last year resulting in 922 students scoring straight As compared to 1,025 last year.

Twenty-six candidates obtained Es in all subjects compared to 16 candidates last year. The results showed an average grade of 3.01 compared to 3.03 last year, while the overall passes was 62.04 per cent compared to 63.06 per cent last year, showing a slight drop by 1.02 per cent.

Overall results showed an improvement in eight subjects, namely Bahasa Malaysia (0.7 per cent), History (0.6 per cent), Geography (4.6 per cent), Islamic Studies (0.0 per cent), Mathematics (0.7 per cent), Science (0.7 per cent), Living Skills (1.0 per cent) and Home Economics (0.9 per cent).

A total of six subjects showed a decrease in passes, namely English (1.9 per cent), Agriculture (1.0 per cent), Commerce and Entrepreneurship (0.9 per cent), Arab language (14.6 per cent), Chinese language (4.6 per cent) and KadazanDusun Language (0.1 per cent).

Read More : Daily Express

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'Grateful Sabahan voters will ensure good FD interests'

Published on: Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Kota Kinabalu: The Barisan Nasional (BN) is assured that its "fixed deposit" in Sabah will produce good interests after the coming general election.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said this is because Sabahan voters are not only wise but also politically matured.

"And they are also known for being grateful," he said at the launching of the "1RT 1Komuniti" cum Rukun Tetangga Act 2012 at the State Assembly building, Tuesday.

He said the people in Sabah know which government could bring benefit and development to them.

"And they find that the BN is a good government and able to fulfil its promises. So, they know that it is useless to change the government," he said.

During the recent Umno General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, he said, delegates from opposition-run states namely, Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Kedah, complained that the opposition could not fulfil some of their promises.

Such promises are the RM100 monthly aid scheme for single mothers in Selangor, he said. The single mothers, he said, are in the course of suing the Selangor Government for its failure to give the aid to them.

To this, Musa warned the opposition not to meddle with the people in Sabah.

"Jangan cuba-cuba sebab orang Sabah ini pandai mengenang budi (Don't try because the people of Sabah know how to be grateful)," he said.

Read More : Daily Express

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Kiandee: Govt is committed to address illiteracy among rural people

20th December, 2012

BELURAN: Efforts to address the problem of illiteracy among the rural population should not only focus on the children but also the adults as well.

Beluran Member of Parliament, Datuk Ronald Kiandee said the Literacy for Adults Programme (LEADS) under the Community Development Department (Kemas) was an approach by the government to provide education to all the people in this country regardless of their age.

He said it was in line with lifelong learning concept to ensure that rural adults who never went to school were given basic education in reading, writing and numeracy.

“The government is committed to developing and strengthening the national education system where the challenge is not only to improve access to education for all citizens but also to emphasise the quality of the education system,” he said at a certification presentation ceremony for 30 participants of the LEADSprogramme at Kampung Pulau Keniogan yesterday.

Ronald said the government hoped that the LEADS programme could bring about social development to the community, including improving their children’s education.

Read More : New Sabah Times

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UMNO always has a place in people’s hearts

20th December, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: Umno information chief, Datuk Ahmad Maslan urges all party divisions in the country to hold more programmes in order to attract new members.

He suggested that apart from setting up operation rooms in each division to register new members, they should also be celebrated in a special event to welcome them.

Ahmad Maslan said in this way, Umno is always prepared to accept new members from all walks of life.

“This is proof that Umno is a party that always has a place in people’s hearts,” he said when speaking at a press conference after officiating at gathering with the Sabah Islamic Children Welfare Organisation or PERKEBAS here yesterday.

Earlier, Ahmad Maslan witnessed 340 members of Perkebas submitting their applications to join Umno led by founder, Mohd Shahni Ismail to Kota Kinabalu Umno divisional deputy chief, Datuk Seruji Nawawi.

“Their enrolment today indicates that Umno is a strong party and will always be the people’s choice…this shows that only one has left Umno but 340 have joined the party,” said Ahmad Maslan referring to Beaufort member of parliament, Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin.

Ahmad Maslan who is also a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said Perkebas should be emulated for gathering its members to join Umno.

Read More : New Sabah Times

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TNB to bid for two coal-fired power plants

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 19, 2012): Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) will be participating in the tenders to build two coal-fired power plants with total capacity of 3,000-megawatt (MW) in the country, said its non-executive chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie.

"Yes, we will be bidding," he told reporters after the national utility company's AGM here yesterday.

The Energy Commission (EC) had on Monday announced that it will be calling for open tenders for the construction of two power plants: the first will be for a 1,000MW plant on a fast-track basis and the second will involve a 2,000MW plant at a new site.

"The fast-track 1,000MW will be operational by October 2017 and the second power plant, which is to be developed at a greenfield site, will be commissioned by 2018/2019," the EC had said.

TNB CFO Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin said the company's net gearing is currently at a "manageable level" of 38%.

"Typically, utility companies are comfortable with the level of gearing of between 55% and 60%. (As such,) we still have some room to gear up," he added.

"Having said that, gearing is something that we have to evaluate according to the economic situation. If the economic situation remains uncertain, we have to be more prudent."

Meanwhile, Moggie said TNB, which is investing RM9.7 billion in the next five years to expand its capacity to meet the growing electricity demand in the country, is continuously exploring the purchase of more power assets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

"While looking for opportunities abroad, we are sensitive to the fact that we will only consider investing after completing a due diligence and that the risk and return components are fully analysed," he said, adding that nothing has been finalised as yet.

TNB president and CEO Datuk Wira Azman Mohd said electricity demand in the country is expected to grow by 3.5% to 4.6% per year over the next five years, adding that he expects average coal prices to remain at US$100 per tonne for FY13.

He said along with the New Economic Model and the Economic Transformation Programme, electricity demand is expected to hit 20,699MW from 15,826MW as at Aug 31 2012.

TNB is currently building two hydroelectric projects in Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu and Ulu Jelai, Pahang; a biomass plant in Jengka, Pahang in collaboration with Felda Group; and a coal-fired power plant in Manjung, Perak.

These projects are expected to boost the country's electricity capacity by 1,632MW. TNB serves an estimated 8.3 million customers in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan.

On the fuel compensation arrangement, Azman said TNB has submitted its claims for April to August 2012 to the government to seek compensation from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) for the additional fuel cost incurred.

"We are waiting for the (reimbursement) from Petronas and the government," he said.

To recap, gas supply from Petronas was disrupted in FY11 following a series of scheduled plant shutdown for maintenance as well as cessation of supply from Petronas' Bekuk plant following a fire that broke out in December 2010. From the required volume of 1,250 mmscfd, the average daily gas supply fell below 1,000 mmscfd in H2 FY11, forcing TNB to substitute it with the more expensive oil, distillate and coal.

The tight spot was expected to ease when the LNG re-gasification plant in Malacca commences operations in 2013, but there has since been a delay in its commissioning.

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Challenge to build, nurture a culture of safety and health

Sandakan: The country registered a total of 81,810 cases of industrial accidents in 2002 but the figure dropped to 59,897 cases last year, according to Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

In terms of payment of compensation to employees, during the year 2002, RM712.8 million was distributed to those who met with accidents, while total compensation increased to RM1.7 billion for 2011 for the same purpose.

"Although the number of accidents decreased, the remaining challenge is to build and nurture a culture of safety and health (OSH) in the country and to move towards a workplace environment free of accidents," he said at a press conference shortly after officiating the OSH Seminar For State Tourism Industry, held for two days starting Tuesday at Sabah Hotel, here.

"Therefore, in this context, all sectors of hospitality such as travel, hotels, resorts, guides, and many more are urged to take this OSH steps whether by employer or the workers themselves so that accidents can be prevented as well as providing security to tourists and the workers themselves, "he said.

Lee also called on employers and industries to invest for OSH management and empower the people through the Health Committee to reduce accidents, injuries and deaths at work.

He said creating a safe and healthy workplace requires changes in the basic principles of working methods designed and placement of staff, and how the culture of an organisation understands and responds to the security aspects.

"This change requires leadership ability to do transformation not only to the physical environment, but also the beliefs and practices of the people who create risks and to those working with risks.

"The management is responsible for safety and health at the workplace and can change the attitude of their employees and safety and health by ensuring that there is a budget for safety training to help prevent accidents and disease-related with employment among the workforce," he said.

Earlier, opening the seminar, he said, according to statistics obtained from the Ministry of Human Resources, the rate of industrial accidents has decreased from 10.3 cases per 1,000 workers in 2002 to 5.72 cases last year.

Lee said the reduction in the rate of accidents in the workplace is a reflection of their commitment and joint efforts between the Government, employers and employees to reduce workplace accidents.

He said employers need to look at training in occupational safety and health as an investment rather than an expense alone.

Meanwhile, the Chief Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Member of Parliament for Sandakan, Charles Pang, welcomed the seminar that is being held in Sandakan.

Pang, who was representing Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister cum Sandakan MP, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, said the seminar was also expected to provide a holistic approach to the participants about OSH and the next culture of OSH measures place their work.

The seminar was attended by 50 participants consisting of employers and employees of the tourism and hospitality sector around Sandakan.

Also present were Niosh Sabah and Labuan Manager, Mohd Hussin Abd Salam, and Director of Sabah Road Safety Department, Herdiansah Abdul Karim.

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