'SELAMAT DATANG KE BLOG 'PUSAT MAKLUMAT RAKYAT KUCHING'

Kami menyediakan bahan maklumat mengenai dasar-dasar kerajaan serta perkhidmatan internet bagi para pelanggan.

LEAVING THIS BLOG NOW...................

As I will be on a long months' holidays starting 7th July 2010 prior to my retirement in October 2010, I will suspend my service in updating my blog on daily issues or facts of interest.

I would like to thanks everyone for having the interest in surfing my blog and sharing the thoughts with me.

Thank you to everyone.


Saturday, December 20, 2008

Tempoh graduan perubatan menduduki ujian kecekapan dilanjutkan

Tawaran kerajaan kepada graduan perubatan dari universiti luar negara yang tidak diiktiraf untuk menduduki ujian kecekapan yang berakhir pada akhir bulan ini, dilanjutkan setahun lagi, kata Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Dr S Subramaniam hari ini.

Beliau berkata peraturan itu membabitkan kira-kira 200 graduan perubatan yang memilih untuk memindahkan kredit mereka kepada universiti tempatan dengan menjalani program bagi menguji kecekapannya selama 18 bulan.

Pada mulanya, program ini tamat dalam masa tiga tahun, tetapi ia dipendekkan kepada 18 bulan setelah menteri itu membangkitkan perkara ini pada mesyuarat kabinet Julai lalu, katanya dalam kenyataan di sini.

Katanya tempoh itu dipendekkan kepada 18 bulan daripada tiga tahun kerana graduan perubatan merasakan bahawa tempoh tiga tahun adalah terlalu lama kerana kebanyakan mereka berumur 40 tahun ke atas.

Graduan daripada institusi yang tidak diiktiraf pada lazimnya dikehendaki lulus dalam ujian kecekapan sebelum mereka mendaftar dengan Majlis Perubatan Malaysia (MPM).

“Semalam, kabinet melanjutkan tarikh akhir untuk menduduki ujian kecekapan itu dari 31 Disember tahun ini kepada 31 Disember tahun depan kerana ramai graduan perubatan mendapati sukar untuk memasuki institusi tempatan bagi menduduki ujian ini,” kata beliau.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Government to regulate fees at IJN even if heart hospital is privatised

The National Heart Institute’s (IJN) fees will continue to be regulated by the Govern­ment even if it is privatised.

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said IJN’s present method of operations would also have to continue.

“I would like to reiterate that the fee structure is currently set by the Government.

“It will be the same, even in the future, so IJN cannot charge higher than what is allowed by the Govern­ment,” he said when asked of reports of Sime Darby Bhd making a bid for a stake in IJN.

He was speaking to reporters after visiting patients Chen Winnie, 23, and Tan Geek Koon, 40, who are both awaiting donor hearts.

Liow said his ministry would look into the social aspect of the privatisation plans to make sure that the patients’ interests are taken care of.

“There are a lot of Government requirements that they (Sime Darby) will have to fulfil,” he said.
He said that currently about 80% of IJN patients were subsidised by the Government.

Asked if that would continue even with the privatisation, he said: “Yes, that will continue, definitely. That is the prerequisite. It won’t change anything.”

He said the objective for the setting up IJN was very clear, which was to serve Malaysians from all walks of life and IJN would have to continue fulfilling that purpose.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, however, hoped IJN would not be privatised.

The former Health Minister told a press conference at Wisma MCA here that, apart from promoting Malay­sia’s good name in the eyes of the world, the institute had done a lot in helping the poor in the country.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party hoped that the Government would not privatise IJN.

He said the privatisation would cause hardship to the poor although Sime Darby has assured that it would not burden the poor.

Oil prices down but the traveller is still footing the bill


THE price of crude oil is edging towards US$37 a barrel. That is the level when airlines globally began adding fuel surcharges to fares way back in 2004.

At 3.30pm on Thursday, crude oil was traded at US$40.08 a barrel for January delivery, which is US$3.08 short of US$37.

Given the volatility in the oil price, experts believe US$30 a barrel is within reach.
The question to ask is: why are some airlines still burdening customers with high fuel surcharges when the cost of oil is 72% lower than its July 11 peak of US$147.27 a barrel?

If the Malaysian Government can be proactive in bringing petrol pump prices from RM2.70 a litre mid this year for RON 97 to RM1.80 a litre this week, why are players like Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Thai International still reluctant to let go of their grip on fuel surcharges?

In turbulent times, it was the traveller who was forced to help airlines foot their fuel bills. Then travellers did not have a choice. But now, when oil prices have collapsed, why is the traveller still footing the fuel bills for airlines? What is that justification?

Airlines have to wake up to the reality that passengers cannot continue to pay for their fuel bills when they themselves are feeling the pinch in an economic slowdown. Airlines cannot continue to remain greedy to grow profits when travellers have for nearly four years been helping airlines pay their fuel bills. This should stop now.

The real heroes of the industry are some of the low-cost carriers. They have either abolished it or capped it at very reasonable levels to allow consumers to fly with them.

AirAsia was first in the world to scrap its fuel levy on Nov 11 even though the airline stands to lose at least RM940mil in fuel surcharge revenues in 2009.

On Tuesday, rival Firefly stepped in that direction to do away with the fuel levy. Kudos to Firefly even though it is a budding airline; at least it has the customer’s interest at heart.
British Bmi removed fuel surcharges on all its short-haul flights on Wednesday, and rival British Airways (BA) jumped in to say it would slash fuel levies by a third. This is BA’s second cut since October. Many airlines made token reductions of fuel surcharges in October and they include Qantas, Lufthansa, KLM-Air France, Virgin and even Virgin Blue.

Sri Lanka Airlines also said yesterday it was removing its fuel surcharge on all flights to short- and medium-haul destinations by Jan 1.

Even the Indian carriers such as Jet Airways, JetLite, Air India, Kingfisher Airlines and IndiGo have done the same for some routes. Regional player Cathay Pacific adjusted its fuel surcharge for short- and long-haul routes recently.

SIA only made a token reduction of 10% and MAS keeps saying it will look into the issue of reducing fuel surcharges. The question is, how long a window does MAS need to think before it acts?

If other airlines can make sacrifices to keep the loyal consumers with them, MAS should seriously be acting rather than “thinking.” It is no point giving discounts to base fares that are already high. Adding the fuel surcharge does not make fares attractive.

One should not run away from the main issue that fuel surcharges need to be reduced or abolished. The time to act is now, not wait and be at the short end of the stick.

·StarBiz deputy news editor B.K. Sidhu believes compromise is key in any relationship and airlines should not just think of profits but their relationship with consumers.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Dividen, bonus ASB 8.75 sen

Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB) semalam mengumumkan agihan pendapatan tujuh sen seunit dan bonus 1.75 sen seunit untuk Skim Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) bagi tahun kewangan berakhir 31 Disember ini.

Pengerusi Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, berkata 6.56 juta pemegang saham yang melanggan 62 bilion unit ASB akan menerima agihan pendapatan dan bonus itu yang dikreditkan secara automatik ke dalam buku pelaburan masing-masing.

“Pengagihan pendapatan ASB membabitkan pembayaran RM4.22 bilion, manakala bonus RM678.03 juta," katanya pada sidang media di sini, yang turut dihadiri Presiden merangkap Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan PNB, Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman.

Tahun lalu, anak syarikat milik penuh PNB itu memberi agihan pendapatan sebanyak lapan sen dan bonus satu sen.

Ahmad Sarji berkata, pengiraan agihan pendapatan dibuat berdasarkan baki minimum bulanan purata yang dipegang sepanjang tahun kewangan berakhir 31 Disember 2008, manakala pengiraan bonus berdasarkan baki minimum bulanan purata yang dipegang sejak 10 tahun lalu bermula 1999.

Pemegang ASB boleh mengemas kini buku pelaburan masing-masing di ibu pejabat ASNB, pejabat ASNB atau ejen ASNB di seluruh negara mulai 2 Januari depan. Mengulas prestasi pelaburan ASB, Ahmad Sarji berkata sehingga 10 Disember lalu, dana ekuiti pendapatan itu memperoleh pendapatan kasar RM5.13 bilion.

Pendapatan dividen daripada syarikat pelaburan menyumbang RM3.12 bilion atau 60.71 peratus kepada jumlah pendapatan kasar itu, manakala keuntungan daripada penjualan saham menyumbang RM1.58 bilion atau 30.75 peratus.

“Pendapatan selebihnya berjumlah RM439 juta atau 8.54 peratus diperoleh daripada pelaburan dalam instrumen jangka pendek dan pelaburan lain,” katanya.

Sehubungan itu, semua urus niaga unit ASB ditangguhkan mulai 19 Disember ini sehingga 1 Januari 2009 bagi memudahkan pengiraan pengagihan pendapatan dan bonus.

'Half-shell' helmets to be banned

‘Half-shell’ motorcycle helmets will be banned as they do not offer adequate protection.

Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said the half-shell helmets did not meet safety standards and the department was drafting a provision in the law to ban them.

“We are going to ban and confiscate them. They are not suitable for riding motorcycles,” he said.
He said the proposal would include seizing the helmets from the shelves of retailers found to continue selling them.

“These people are smart. Malaysians don’t read labels, and retailers place “Not motorcycle helmet” on the label and continue selling.

“They tell us it is a toy helmet. There is no such thing as a toy helmet. A helmet is a helmet.” he said.

Suret Singh also urged motorcyclists to change their helmets at least once every five years, as the material in the shell deteriorates over time.

“Look at the manufacturing date when buying helmets,” he said, adding that helmets that had endured impact or had been dropped should be replaced even more frequently.

Since the helmet-wearing awareness campaign kicked off in December 2006, Suret Singh said some 50,000 helmets had been given out, with almost 20,000 defective or old helmets collected in exchange.

“The helmet-wearing rate in rural areas had increased from 40% to 90%,” he said.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Nelayan Asing atau Nelayan Negara???

'Nelayan asing tunda pukat di kawasan kami'

Nelayan pesisir pantai yang berpangkalan di Belawai, Kuala Rajang dekat sini mendakwa pendapatan mereka terjejas apabila kapal nelayan laut dalam menunda pukat di luar zon yang dibenarkan.

Pengerusi Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) Belawai, Temrin Bustamam, 47, berkata, sebelum kedatangan kapal nelayan laut dalam yang dikendalikan sepenuhnya oleh warga asing, beliau mampu meraih pendapatan RM4,000 sebulan.

Tetapi selepas kehadiran kapal-kapal nelayan asing sejak awal tahun ini, beliau terpaksa berpuas hati dengan hasil jualan ikan kira-kira RM1,500 sebulan.

''Hasil tangkapan kami menyusut apabila kapal laut dalam dikendalikan warga Thailand dilihat menunda pukat di kawasan pesisir, kawasan yang mereka dilarang berbuat demikian.

''Kami mahu pihak berkuasa melakukan sesuatu agar punca pendapatan nelayan tempatan tidak terjejas," katanya ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia di sini, baru-baru ini.

Kira-kira 140 kapal-kapal laut dalam kendalian nelayan warga asing, diberikan permit menangkap ikan di kawasan laut dalam atau Zon C dan C2.

Kapal yang diberikan permit untuk menangkap ikan di Zon C dibenarkan menangkap ikan apabila berada 13 batu nautika dari pantai manakala C2 hanya boleh menunda pukat di antara 30 batu nautika hingga ke Zon Ekonomi Eksklusif (ZEE).

Semua hasil tangkapan perlu didaratkan di Pelabuhan Perikanan Bersepadu Tanjung Manis (PPBTM) yang beroperasi di Bandar Baru Tanjung Manis (kira-kira 30 kilometer dari Belawai) sejak Januari tahun ini.

Kerajaan dikatakan terpaksa menggunakan khidmat nelayan warga asing sementara nelayan tempatan belum bersedia untuk meneroka laut dalam.

PNK Belawai mempunyai hampir 1,000 ahli.

Seorang nelayan tempatan, Sungki Suhaili, 51, mendakwa pernah beberapa kali terserempak kapal nelayan laut dalam menunda pukat di kawasan sembilan batu nautika.

Menurutnya, kapal yang bertanda C2 sering melakukan kegiatan itu antara pukul 12 tengah malam dan 2 pagi, sebelum mereka mendaratkan ikan di pelabuhan.

''Perkara ini jika dibiarkan berterusan dan tidak ada apa-apa tindakan dilakukan oleh pihak berkuasa, tidak mustahil kami nelayan tempatan susah hendak cari makan.

''Kami ada buat aduan kepada mereka yang bertanggungjawab dalam hal ini, tetapi sehingga kini masih tidak ada apa-apa tindakan," katanya yang turut kecewa.

Kerana pukat hanyutnya koyak akibat dirempuh kapal nelayan asing ketika menangkap ikan di muara Sungai Belawai, tidak lama dahulu.

''Dengan kapal kecil yang digunakan nelayan pesisir adalah mustahil untuk mengejar mereka mendapatkan bayaran. Kapal mereka laju.

''Hendak catat nombor pendaftaran kapal memang susah dalam keadaan yang gelap," katanya.


Pencerobohan bukan bidang kuasa LKIM

Pencerobohan yang didakwa dilakukan kapal nelayan laut dalam warga asing di kawasan pesisir pantai bukan dalam bidang kuasa Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM).

Pengurus Besar LKIM Tanjung Manis, Untong Keri berkata, pihaknya hanya mempunyai peruntukan undang-undang terhadap kapal nelayan laut dalam ketika proses pendaratan ikan di Pelabuhan Perikanan Bersepadu Tanjung Manis (PPBTM).

Beliau menyarankan nelayan tempatan yang berpangkalan di Belawai menyalur maklumat tentang dakwaan itu kepada pihak seperti Jabatan Perikanan, polis marin atau Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM).

''Walaupun LKIM diberi tanggungjawab untuk mengurus dan mentadbir PPBTM, tetapi kuasa kami bukan menangkap atau mendenda kapal-kapal nelayan laut dalam apabila mereka menangkap ikan di zon tidak dibenarkan mereka berbuat demikian," katanya ketika dihubungi baru-baru ini.

Beliau diminta mengulas mengenai sungutan nelayan pesisir pantai dari Belawai, kira-kira 30 kilometer dari Bandar Baru Tanjung Manis, yang mendakwa kapal-kapal laut dalam menangkap ikan di kawasan pesisir.

Menurut Untong lagi, agar tidak mengetepikan kemajuan nelayan tempatan, PPBTM turut menyediakan ponton-ponton khusus untuk mereka mendaratkan hasil tangkapan di situ.
''Tidak wujud soal nelayan pesisir dipinggirkan semata-mata kita mahu memajukan industri perikanan laut dalam.

''Mungkin nelayan dari Belawai lebih gemar mendaratkan ikan di jeti-jeti di kampung kerana jika pergi ke sini (PPBTM) kos minyak mereka akan bertambah kerana perjalanan yang agak jauh," jelas beliau.

Malahan hasil tangkapan di PPBTM dibeli dengan harga yang lebih rendah berbanding mereka sendiri menjual di kampung.

Untong berkata, setakat Oktober lepas, kapal nelayan laut dalam yang mendaratkan ikan di PPBTM ialah 147 buah.

''Jumlah ini merupakan peningkatan yang banyak berbanding hanya 11 buah ketika pelabuhan ini mula dibuka pada Januari tahun ini," katanya.

Dasar kerajaan memberi permit kepada kapal-kapal nelayan laut dalam yang menggunakan khidmat warga asing adalah bagi menampung kekurangan nelayan tempatan dalam sektor itu.
''Antara Januari hingga Oktober tahun ini pendaratan ikan yang direkodkan kita ialah sebanyak 12,143 tan.

''Pendaratan ikan yang kian bertambah, berikutan pertambahan kapal-kapal nelayan kendalian warga asing," katanya.

Cuti untuk kakitangan awam baru dikurangkan

Mulai 1 Januari kelayakan cuti tahunan bagi kakitangan awam baru, kecuali polis, tentera, penguatkuasa maritim dan pegawai pelajaran, akan dikurangkan lima hari.

Pada masa ini, kakitangan awam menikmati kelayakan cuti tahun sebanyak 30 hari.

Bagaimanapun, mengikut undang-undang, semua kakitangan awam yang sedang berkhidmat akan diberikan opsyen untuk mengekalkan kelayakan mereka atau memilih kelayakan baru yang dikurangkan itu, kata Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Tan Sri Ismail Adam.

“Borang opsyen akan dikeluarkan secepat mungkin kerana hari terakhir bagi membuat opsyen itu ialah 31 Disember.

“Mereka yang tidak mengembalikan borang opsyen itu menjelang tarikh itu akan dianggap memilih kelayakan sekarang,” katanya kepada Bernama hari ini.

- Bernama

Civil service heads told to cut costs, up efficiency

Heads of government departments and agencies have been reminded against spending more to “improve” the level of their service to the people.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said on the contrary, measures to enhance public service delivery were supposed to help the administration save money.

He said currently, many Government agencies often went about creating new posts, promoting existing staff or give other allowances as a way of promoting productivity and efficiency.

“If these measures are effective, the agencies should be helping the Government save money and we don’t have to spend.

“For instance, measures to enhance service can simply mean doing away with unnecessary forms or cutting down the number of staff processing certain applications and reassigning them to other tasks,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Prime Minister’s Department Quality Day on Thursday.

“The effort taken by a staff to speed up a process does not need extra money. Similarly, we don’t have to spend to handle queries at our counters with a smile or in a polite manner.

“As civil servants, we should carry out our duties immediately and with a sense of urgency,” he pointed out.

Mohd Sidek said similarly, the implementation of extra activities or a programme by an agency following a Government directive did not have to involve additional allocation or too huge a sum.
Agencies and departments, he added, had to also think “outside the box” and be prepared to be self-criticised in their quest to further enhance their service.

“During this global economic crisis, higher productivity and efficiency become more important in drawing foreign investors,” he said, adding that both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister had indicated their general satisfaction with the level of public service.

On the Government’s offer of quarters to civil servants affected by the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide, Mohd Sidek said so far, 11 people had indicated their interest.

“Out of this 11, five of them have taken their keys. They will be placed at the quarters in Precinct 14. Although they are not entitled to the quarters, this is a special case,” he said.

On the report that Immigration enforcement director Datuk Ishak Mohamed opted for early retirement after he refused to take up a transfer to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Mohd Sidek said he was not aware if the former had been “forced” to do so by those in charge.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Sarawak: 1,336 rakyat dijangkiti wabak Aids

Sejumlah 187 rakyat Sarawak disahkan meninggal dunia kerana didapati menghidap Aids sejak 19 tahun lalu dengan 1,336 penduduk dikenal pasti dijangkiti penyakit maut itu.

Menteri Kewangan Kedua merangkap Menteri Alam Sekitar Sarawak, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, yang bimbang dengan perkara itu, berkata terdapat peningkatan kes penyakit Aids yang dilaporkan di negeri setiap tahun.

Justeru, beliau berkata, usaha serius perlu dilakukan untuk membendung penularan wabak Aids di Sarawak.

"Kita tidak mahu wabak berkenaan terus menular di Sarawak. Ketika ini, sejumlah 188,000 rakyat negara ini disahkan pembawa kuman HIV atau dijangkiti Aids.

"Perkara ini agak membimbangkan dan terdapatnya peningkatan kes seumpamanya di Sarawak," katanya ketika merasmikan Forum Bersama Membenteras Aids di Pustaka Miri di sini, semalam.

Teks ucapannya dibacakan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan, Lee Kim Shin.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Penawaran insurans perlu ikut keperluan

Ketidaktentuan ekonomi tempatan tidak akan menjejaskan industri insurans sekiranya penawarannya dibuat mengikut keperluan dan kemampuan individu.

Ejen-ejen perlu menilai keperluan pelanggan masing-masing dan selain menjelaskan sebab-sebab kenapa pelanggan mereka memerlukan perlindungan insurans, sama ada untuk pelanggan atau perniagaan pelanggan yang mana adalah penting ketika krisis ekonomi.

Insurans harus dilihat sebagai satu keperluan untuk hari tua, ketika ditimpa musibah (kemalangan, kematian awal dan penyakit berbahaya) dan juga pembiayaan pendidikan anak- anak pelanggan untuk ke menara gading suatu hari nanti.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Boom for Sarawak shipbuilders

Skilled workforce: Workers in early stages of constructing a ship.
Heavy work: A worker unloading gas for use in the cutting of metal

Safe environ: A worker cutting metal on top of a nearly-completed ship


THE robust shipbuilding industry in central Sarawak, which generates hundreds of million of ringgit in sales a year, is set for expansion now that the majority of the unlicensed shipbuilders have relocated to the Rantau Panjang Industrial Estate in Sibu.

State Assistant Minister for Industrial Development Larry Sng Wei Shien said all 32 industrial lots on 66ha in the estate had been taken up. All the lots have river frontage to facilitate the movement of new vessels.
“More than a dozen shipbuilders are in operation or constructing factories there,” he said in an interview.

He said the estate was designated for shipyards producing vessels of less than 10,000 tonnes (small to medium) and were mostly tugboats and passenger express boats.

Sng, also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Economic Planning), said that authorities had issued eviction notices to 21 shipbuilders in Sungai Bidut and Engkilo (on the other side of the Rejang and Igan rivers opposite Sibu town) and asked them to resettle in Rantau Panjang or the Tanjung Manis new township.

This was because their shipyards were sited on agricultural or industrial land not meant for shipbuilding.
The Tanjung Manis shipbuilding zone caters to shipyards producing sea-going vessels exceeding 10,000 tonnes. Twenty-four lots covering 200ha there had been earmarked for the shipbuilding and shiprepair industries.

Sng, also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Economic Planning), said the state’s third shipbuilding and repair zone was in the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate in northern Sarawak. Eight shipbuilding firms were already in operation there.

He said the establishment of the shipbuilding and repair zones was in line with government efforts to nurture orderly development and long-term sustainability of shipbuilding and its supporting industries.
He said the industry in Sibu mostly produced vessels for export.

The biggest shipbuilder in Rantau Panjang can build 30 tugboats simultaneously.

To the handful of unlicensed shipyards in Sungai Bidut and Engkilo, which are yet to relocate, Sng said: “You either move or close down. The state will act accordingly.”

He said the state had held discussions with them on the relocation from as early as 2002.
“They have been given ample time and a long grace period to relocate. They cannot blame anyone except themselves when the state takes action,” he added.

Sng said the state could no longer allow the shipyards to pollute the river with their wastes.



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Kereta bawa penumpang keempat di belakang boleh disaman

Pemandu kenderaan berkapasiti empat penumpang berdepan kemungkinan disaman sekiranya membawa lebih penumpang di bahagian tempat duduk belakang, kata Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya (JKJR) Datuk Suret Singh.

Katanya tindakan akan diambil berdasarkan peraturan jalan raya sedia ada, sekalipun penumpang keempat di tempat duduk belakang dikecualikan daripada undang-undang pemakaian tali pinggang keledar.

“Ada undang-undang lain, bukan undang-undang tali pinggang keledar, yang boleh menyebabkan tindakan ini diambil, umpamanya kerana membawa muatan secara berbahaya,” katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas perasmian pelancaran program pemasangan tali pinggang keledar tempat duduk belakang di Proton Platinum Centre, Mutiara Damansara di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata penumpang keempat di tempat duduk belakang yang tidak memakai tali pinggang keledar berisiko sehingga 80 peratus lebih tinggi untuk terbunuh atau cedera jika kemalangan berlaku.

Katanya tinjauan pertama JKJR mendapati kemungkinan terdapat penumpang keempat di tempat duduk belakang adalah sembilan peratus dan tinjauan kedua mendapati ianya menurun kepada lima peratus.

“Ini bermakna terdapat penurunan dalam trend membawa penumpang keempat di tempat duduk belakang berikutan kesedaran orang ramai dalam isu keselamatan di jalan raya,” kata Suret Singh.

Beliau berkata saman maksimum sebanyak RM300 akan dikenakan terhadap pemandu kenderaan jika didapati mana-mana penumpangnya tidak memakai tali pinggang keledar.

Suret Singh memuji Proton Holdings Berhad kerana sanggup membelanjakan RM7 juta untuk kos pemasangan tali pinggang keledar secara percuma bagi 226,000 unit kenderaan Proton Saga dan Gen 2.

— BERNAMA

Harga petrol, diesel turun lagi 10 sen

Harga runcit petrol dan diesel turun sebanyak 10 sen seliter berkuat kuasa esok, 3 Disember 2008.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mengumumkannya dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Petrol RON97 dikurangkan daripada RM2 seliter kepada RM1.90 seliter, petrol RON92 pula dikurangkan daripada RM1.90 seliter kepada RM1.80 seliter manakala diesel dikurangkan daripada RM1.90 seliter kepada RM1.80 seliter.

– Utusan.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Sarawak: RM2.7 bilion untuk pembangunan di luar bandar tahun depan

Sejumlah RM2.7 bilion diperuntukkan untuk membangunkan kemudahan kawasan luar bandar di Sarawak pada tahun depan.

Kira-kira 53 peratus daripada jumlah peruntukan itu akan digunakan bagi membina jalan raya kampung dan luar bandar di negeri ini. Bakinya pula akan digunakan untuk menyediakan bekalan air, elektrik, kediaman rakyat miskin dan kemudahan sosial.

Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, berkata peruntukan itu sebenarnya berkurangan berbanding peruntukan tahun ini berjumlah RM2.8 bilion. Katanya, kerajaan akan terus menyediakan kemudahan asas kepada penduduk kawasan luar bandar walaupun berdepan dengan masalah ketidaktentuan ekonomi dunia.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan tidak akan membatalkan projek luar bandar namun jika keadaan memaksa, besar kemungkinan kerajaan akan melewatkan tarikh pelaksanaan atau meletakkan projek itu dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesepuluh (RMK-10).

"Pelaksanaan projek RMK-9 pula berjalan lancar kecuali bagi projek pembekalan air dan elektrik alternatif. "Namun kerajaan akan membuat beberapa pengubahsuaian bagi membolehkan projek itu dilaksanakan mengikut jadual," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada media selepas merasmikan Ekspo Desaneka yang bertempat di Jalan Samariang di sini, petang kelmarin. Ekspo itu anjuran Felcra Berhad dan bertujuan mempromosikan produk desa buatan Bumiputera di negeri ini.

Ekspo seumpamanya adalah langkah dan persediaan awal untuk memasarkan produk luar bandar yang diketahui sukar mendapat tempat di pasar raya. Ia juga menyediakan ruang untuk usahawan Bumiputera meningkatkan daya saing mereka serta mengkaji kelebihan serta kekurangan produk masing-masing.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Bantuan bina rumah rakyat termiskin dinaikkan

Kadar bantuan membina rumah rakyat termiskin di seluruh negara dinaikkan sehingga RM33,000 seunit di semenanjung dan RM40,000 seunit bagi Sabah dan Sarawak, berkuatkuasa serta merta.

Menteri Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd. Taib berkata kenaikan kadar bantuan itu diputuskan pada mesyuarat Kabinet 1 Oktober lepas.

Beliau berkata mengikut kadar baru itu, bantuan membina rumah dua bilik di semenanjung kini RM29,300 manakala rumah tiga bilik ialah sehingga RM33,000 berbanding kadar lama iaitu antara RM20,300 seunit dan RM22,300 seunit.

Bagi Sabah dan Sarawak, kadar baru bantuan bina rumah ialah RM33,000 seunit untuk rumah dua bilik dan RM40,000 seunit bagi rumah tiga bilik berbanding kadar lama iaitu RM22,300 hingga RM25,300 seunit, katanya kepada pemberita selepas melawat Kampung Mengkabung, dekat sini hari ini.

Muhammad berkata kadar baru itu akan memberi peluang kepada keluarga miskin tegar yang belum memiliki rumah, ibu atau bapa tunggal yang ramai tanggungan serta mangsa bencana dari kalangan keluarga miskin tegar mendapat rumah baru yang lebih baik termasuk menggantikan rumah kayu yang usang dengan rumah batu atau separuh batu.

-Bernama

Warning: Strong winds, high waves

A strong north-easterly wind of 50 to 80km an hour and rough seas are expected off Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, east Johor, Sarawak, Labuan, Sabah (West Coast, Kudat) until Monday.

The rough sea waves of up to 4.5 metres are dangerous for small vessels, ferries and fishing boats, and other coastal activities, said the meteorological department in a statement Sunday.

Strong winds of up to 60km an hour and rough seas with waves up to 5.5 metres are expected off Condore, Palawan, Reef North and Layang Layang Island until Monday.


- Bernama

Thursday, November 27, 2008

PTPTN saman 18,532 peminjam tegar

Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) sehingga Oktober lalu telah menyaman 18,532 peminjam tegar kerana tidak mengendahkan arahan supaya membayar balik pinjaman pelajaran.

Menteri Pengajian Tinggi, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin berkata, jumlah terbanyak ialah peminjam Melayu seramai 15,457 orang atau 83.41 peratus.

``Turut disaman ialah peminjam kaum Cina seramai 1,433 orang; India (991 orang) dan kaum lain (651 orang),'' katanya dalam jawapan bertulis kepada soalan Amran Ab. Ghani (PKR-Tanah Merah) pada sidang Dewan Rakyat hari ini.

Menurut beliau, langkah menyaman peminjam terbabit di mahkamah merupakan tindakan terakhir yang diambil oleh PTPTN.

``Ini berikutan individu berkenaan dikategorikan sebagai peminjam tegar yang tidak mengendah surat amaran yang telah dikeluarkan kepada mereka,'' katanya. - Utusan

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

ASW 2020 tawar satu bilion unit mulai esok

Satu bilion unit baru Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 (ASW 2020) akan ditawarkan mulai esok bagi memberi peluang lebih ramai rakyat melabur dalam saham amanah itu.

Unit baru saham amanah yang dibuka kepada semua rakyat Malaysia itu, boleh dilanggan mulai jam 8 pagi di pejabat Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB) seluruh negara dan 1,627 cawangan ejennya.

Presiden dan Ketua Eksekutif Kumpulan Permodalan Nasional Bhd, Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman, berkata dalam tempoh tawaran sehingga 3 Disember ini, pelaburan maksimum dihadkan 10,000 unit seorang.

“Selepas tamat tempoh itu, had pelaburan maksimum itu akan dihapuskan. Had pelaburan maksimum dikenakan bagi memastikan penyertaan yang saksama berikutan sambutan dan peningkatan pertanyaan orang ramai yang berminat melabur dalam dana itu,” katanya.

Dalam kenyataan media semalam, Hamad Kama Piah berkata pelancaran unit baru itu akan menjadikan saiz dana ASW 2020 meningkat kepada 10.42 bilion unit, berbanding 9.42 bilion ketika ini.

Pada 1 September 2006, ASW 2020 mencatat sejarah apabila kuota langganan untuk bukan Bumiputera habis dijual dalam tempoh 27 minit selepas satu bilion unit baru dibuka.

Full effects of global crisis could be felt next year

The full effects of the global economic crisis could be felt on emerging economies in the first half of next year, Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said.

“We are monitoring growth in the fourth quarter very closely and the first half of next year when probably, the full effects of the crisis taking place in the developed countries will have an effect on the emerging economies,” she said.

“Right now, even in the third quarter, we have already seen the effects on our export sector,” she told reporters after the launch of HSBC Amanah Malaysia Bhd yesterday.

She said given Malaysia’s strong growth in the first half of this year, it was very likely that the growth for the full year would be between 5% and 5.5%.

Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz (centre) at the launch of HSBC Amanah Malaysia Berhad on Tuesday.

“What has been driving our economy so far, for quite an extended period of time, is domestic demand. That is why we want to see most of the measures support domestic demand.

“That is the opportunity to sustain our economy, through the promotion of domestic demand in this very challenging external environment,” Zeti said.
She said the ringgit remained “relatively stable” against other currencies. “The depreciation has mainly been against the US dollar, it is relatively stable against other currencies including regional currencies,” she said.
On the central bank’s announcement to cut its benchmark overnight policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.25% from 3.50% on Monday, Zeti said:”We assessed the environment and our interest rates were already low and supportive of economic activity. This adjustment is intended to give further support.”

Zeti said the central bank would review the conditions and make assessments, moving forward. “We have the flexibility to undertake further measures,” she said.

Bank Negara also announced on Monday the reduction of the statutory reserve requirement (SRR) to 3.5% from 4% with effect from Dec 1. Zeti said it was not aimed at providing more liquidity as the system had “ample liquidity”.

“It is more to reduce the cost of intermediation for the banking system,” she said.

Earlier in her speech, Zeti said the international economic and financial environment was expected to be very challenging with several major economies in recession and continued uncertainties in the international financial system.

“In this challenging international financial environment, it is encouraging that Islamic finance has continued to demonstrate its evolution and strong growth,” she said.

Zeti said Islamic finance had become a new vehicle contributing to increasing the financial linkages not only within Asia but also with the rest of the world, thereby facilitating cross-border allocation of capital globally.

Islamic banking assets had expanded by 23% to RM234.9bil compared with a year ago, she said, adding that Islamic banking now accounted for 16.7% of total assets in the industry.

Zeti also said the Malaysian sukuk market had expanded significantly with an average annual growth rate of 22% since 2001. “Malaysia has acquired a unique market space for driving syariah-based innovation by combining the depth of knowledge with the drive for innovation,” she said.

On the potential role of foreign Islamic subsidiaries, Zeti said they were well positioned to engage in innovative product development in a more cost effective manner by leveraging on global networks available.

The subsidiaries also had an important role in enhancing linkages of the Islamic finance industry regionally and internationally, she added.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Sarawak: Salcra umum dividen RM50 juta

Lembaga Penyatuan dan Pemulihan Tanah Sarawak (Salcra) semalam mengumumkan pembayaran dividen berjumlah RM50 juta kepada 16,000 peserta skim kelapa sawitnya untuk tahun ini. Dengan jumlah itu, sebanyak RM293 juta sudah dibayar oleh Salcra kepada pesertanya sejak pembayaran pertama dibuat pada 1976. Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, berkata dividen untuk tahun ini akan dibayar kepada peserta dalam tempoh antara Januari hingga Julai tahun depan.

Katanya, Salcra mampu memberikan dividen tinggi kerana prestasi kewangan yang amat memberangsangkan. Beliau yang juga Pengerusi Salcra, turut mengumumkan peruntukan RM250,000 untuk diagih-agihkan kepada badan kebajikan sebagai melaksanakan tanggungjawab sosial lembaga itu. "Badan kebajikan yang akan menerima sumbangan itu termasuklah Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak (Peryatim), Badan Kebajikan Kaum Penan, Gereja St Luke Sri Aman, Kesatuan Kebangsaan Dayak Bidayuh (DBNA) Sri Aman dan Pertubuhan Kebajikan Cina," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap di Majlis Merarau di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St Augstine di sini, semalam. Kebanyakan skim tanaman kelapa sawit Salcra terletak di bahagian Kuching/Kota Samarahan dan Sri Aman/Betong.

Sementara itu, dalam ucapannya juga, Jabu turut mengingatkan betapa soal kebebasan beragama yang diamalkan di negara ini membolehkan rakyatnya hidup aman harmoni tanpa mengira kaum dan keturunan. Malah katanya, keharmonian kaum yang dikecapi membantu melancarkan projek pembangunan yang dirancang oleh kerajaan.

"Tanpa kebebasan beragama, mungkin agak sukar untuk kita mengecapi pembangunan di tahap sekarang. "Inilah yang perlu kita pertahankan, sekali gus kita harus menolak tindakan mana-mana pihak yang cuba membangkitkan sentimen perkauman dan keagamaan di negara ini," katanya.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Kampung Pasir Pandak diancam hakisan pantai

Sebelas rumah nelayan di Kampung Pasir Pandak di Santubong dekat sini yang berisiko tinggi mengalami hakisan pantai kini dalam keadaan berjaga-jaga ekoran fenomena air pasang besar dan ombak ganas semakin buruk sejak akhir-akhir ini.

Dalam kejadian air pasang besar mencecah ketinggian 6.3 meter pada pukul 5 petang semalam, beberapa rumah telah dimasuki air malah keadaan bertambah buruk apabila air ombak mula memasuki rumah menerusi tingkap.

Keadaan yang paling teruk akibat fenomena tersebut adalah rumah program pembangunan rakyat termiskin (PPRT) yang didiami seorang ibu tunggal bersama tiga anaknya di mana air memasuki rumahnya sehingga ke paras buku lali kaki.

Habsah Mondon, 43, berkata, air ombak bukan sahaja memasuki menerusi celah pintu tetapi turut masuk menerusi tingkap rumah yang tingginya kira-kira dua meter dari tapak rumahnya.
Menurutnya yang sudah enam tahun menetap di situ, sebelum ini dia tidak menyangka perkara itu akan berlaku memandangkan jarak rumahnya dengan laut ketika itu kira-kira 100 meter dan perkara seumpama itu tidak pernah berlaku sehingga tahun lalu.

‘‘Setahun yang lalu, air pasang besar dan ombak ganas mula melanda menyebabkan keadaan menjadi buruk malah tebing di belakang rumah mulai terhakis.

‘‘Saya tidak mampu berbuat apa- apa, cuma apa yang saya boleh lakukan adalah menimba air keluar apabila keadaan air laut mulai surut,” katanya yang kematian suami sejak dua tahun lalu kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini baru-baru ini.

Sementara itu, Ketua Kampung Pasir Pandak, Mahdi Rusli, 60, berkata, air pasang dijangka lebih tinggi dan penduduk terbabit telah bergotong-royong membina benteng guni berisi pasir bagi menghalang ombak.

Menurutnya, keadaan akan bertambah buruk pada penghujung tahun ini apabila air pasang besar dijangka berlaku ketika itu dan sudah pasti rumah-rumah yang terlibat pada masa ini, akan berdepan dengan risiko dipukul ombak ganas.

‘‘Saya minta penduduk yang terbabit mengambil langkah berjaga-jaga bagi mengelak sebarang kejadian yang tidak diingini,” katanya.

Mahdi berkata, pihaknya telah memohon kepada kerajaan supaya sebuah benteng sepanjang 170 meter dibina di sepanjang pantai di kampung terbabit bagi menangani masalah yang menimpa penduduk kampung setiap kali air pasang besar itu.

Seorang lagi mangsa fenomena tersebut, Japeri Saat, 39, berkata, masalah hakisan dan ancaman gelombang sudah sekian lama menghantui penduduk Kampung Pasir Pandak kerana ia sering menyebabkan kemusnahan.

‘‘Sebelum ini, hampir setiap tahun ada sahaja penduduk yang berpindah apabila tiba musim tengkujuh kerana rumah mereka musnah dipukul ombak,” katanya.

Beliau menambah, walaupun penduduk mengambil langkah membuat benteng sendiri menggunakan guni berisi pasir, namun ia tidak mampu menghalang pukulan ombak ganas di ketika air pasang besar itu.

Bagi Mohammad Latif, 39, penduduk kampung berkenaan yang majoritinya nelayan akan berserah kepada nasib setiap kali tiba musim tengkujuh kerana benteng yang dibina sendiri itu biasanya akan roboh dipukul gelombang.

Tambahnya, ombak di kawasan ini besar sehingga boleh mencecah setinggi 150 sentimeter dan ini membahayakan jika disertai angin kencang dan tiada benteng dibina untuk menghalangnya.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Pakej rangsangan RM7b bermula suku pertama 2009

Pakej rangsangan ekonomi bernilai RM7 bilion yang diumumkan awal bulan ini akan dipastikan mula dilaksanakan menjelang suku pertama tahun depan, kata Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, kerajaan yakin unjuran pertumbuhan ekonomi pada tahun ini dan tahun depan mampu dicapai meskipun krisis kewangan global bertambah buruk berbanding ramalan awalnya.

Malaysia mengunjurkan pertumbuhan ekonomi pada kadar 5.5 peratus pada tahun ini dan 3.5 peratus pada tahun depan.

''Untuk mencapai sasaran tersebut, kita harus memastikan permintaan domestik terus kukuh,'' katanya yang juga Menteri Kewangan.

Najib berkata demikian pada sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Forum Kewangan Islam Kuala Lumpur Kelima di sini hari ini.

Beliau menambah, Malaysia sentiasa mengamalkan dasar terbuka ke arah melaksanakan langkah tambahan bagi merangsangkan perkembangan ekonomi semasa.

''Seperti yang anda ketahui, kita mengambil sikap terbuka dari semasa ke semasa, pada masa yang sama, kami juga sentiasa memerhatikan dan memantau keadaan dengan berhati-hati dan teliti,'' katanya.

Najib menjelaskan, untuk mencapai sasaran pertumbuhan ekonomi itu, kemudahan kredit yang disediakan oleh bank kepada syarikat tempatan termasuk kepada industri kecil dan sederhana (IKS) juga perlu kukuh.

''Pada masa yang sama, kita perlu lihat kepada keperluan garis panduan domestik yang perlu di liberalisasi dan diperkemaskan bagi memudahkan usahawan tempatan dan asing menjalankan perniagaan di negara ini,'' ujarnya.

Ditanya sama ada kerajaan bercadang melonggarkan lagi syarat penyenaraian ke Bursa Malaysia bagi syarikat yang mempunyai penyertaan ekuiti bumiputera kurang 30 peratus, beliau berkata, setakat ini, tiada pengumuman terbaru mengenainya dan apa yang jadi tumpuan pengumumannya baru-baru ini.

''Kami sentiasa terbuka (kepada setiap permohonan) tetapi seperti mana yang saya katakan tadi, ia akan dilakukan berdasarkan kepada liberalisasi pada tahap yang dirasakan selesa,'' jelasnya.

Menurut Najib, langkah itu bertujuan memastikan pasaran pelaburan modal kerajaan kekal progresif dan kompetitif.

Ditanya mengapa hanya sekarang pendekatan itu diperkenalkan dan adakah ia berasaskan kepada usaha kerajaan untuk menghadapi krisis kewangan global atau langkah tersebut bakal diumumkan kerajaan pada masa depan, beliau berkata, perkara itu telah lama dipertimbangkan.
''Secara perlahan-lahan kita akan mempertimbangkannya,'' tambah beliau

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Petrol, diesel turun 15 sen mulai hari ini

Harga petrol RON97, RON92 dan diesel dikurangkan sebanyak 15 sen seliter masing-masingberkuatkuasa mulai hari ini 18 November.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mengumumkan harga baru petrol RON97 ialah RM2.00 seliter daripada RM2.15, petrol RON92 ialah RM1.90 daripada RM2.05 manakala diesel RM1.90 daripada RM2.05.

Beras ST5 turun 20 sen dan ST10 30 sen - Mustapa

Harga siling beras lima peratus hancur tempatan (ST5) turun 20 sen kepada RM2.60 sekilogram daripada RM2.80 manakala beras 10 peratus hancur tempatan (ST10) turun 30 sen kepada RM2.40 berbanding RM2.70 sebelum ini.

Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata, harga baru itu mula diwartakan semalam.

“Harga beras ini merupakan harga barang yang dikawal kerajaan. Pewartaan ini bagi membolehkan kerajaan membuat kawalan terhadap harga tersebut,” katanya.

Mustapa berkata, berdasarkan pemantauan, terdapat pasar raya yang telah menurunkan harga beras manakala beberapa kedai runcit masih menjualnya pada harga yang lama.

“Mana-mana peruncit yang tidak mematuhi harga siling ini boleh diambil tindakan oleh pihak kawal selia padi dan beras di bawah Perintah Beras (Kawalan Gred dan Harga (1992),” katanya.

– Bernama

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Kaji mata pelajaran inovasi di sekolah

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi meminta Kementerian Pelajaran mengkaji kemungkinan memperkenalkan mata pelajaran berkaitan inovasi di sekolah bagi melahirkan pelajar yang dapat berfikir dan mempunyai sikap suka mengambil tahu.

Perdana Menteri berkata, kemahiran berfikir seharusnya dikuasai oleh pelajar sejak usia muda bagi mengelak mereka daripada hanya cenderung dengan aktiviti membaca, mengambil peperiksaan dan kemudian lulus.

‘‘Kita perlu memikirkan program untuk membantu pelajar supaya apabila sampai ke universiti mereka sudah mempunyai kemampuan bagi melakukan inovasi,” katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat Majlis Inovasi Negara di bangunan Parlimen di sini hari ini.

KWSP pastikan simpanan ahli RM120,000

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata, Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) sentiasa memastikan ahlinya mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya simpanan sebanyak RM120,000 apabila mencapai usia 55 tahun walaupun ia membenarkan mereka membuat pelaburan yang berisiko.
Menurut Timbalan Perdana Menteri, kemudahan itu diperkenalkan bagi memenuhi permintaan sebahagian besar ahli KWSP yang ingin mengambil risiko pelaburan dengan tujuan mendapatkan pulangan lebih tinggi untuk simpanan dalam jangka masa panjang.

‘‘Pilihan mencarum ini adalah atas pilihan ahli sendiri,” katanya yang juga Menteri Kewangan dalam jawapan bertulis pada sidang Dewan Rakyat di sini hari ini.

Menjawab soalan Hee Loy Sian (PKR- Petaling Jaya Selatan), beliau berkata, salah satu skim pengeluaran yang disediakan oleh KWSP kepada ahlinya adalah pilihan mencarum.

‘‘Kemudahan ini membolehkan ahli yang mempunyai simpanan melebihi kadar simpanan asas dalam Akaun I melabur di dalam pasaran wang, pasaran bon dan saham yang disenaraikan di Bursa Malaysia termasuk saham blue-chips,” ujarnya.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, pelaburan itu bukanlah pelaburan secara langsung oleh ahli tetapi pelaburan yang diuruskan oleh syarikat dana amanah dan syarikat pengurusan aset.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Pakej kesejahteraan rakyat rakyat

Najib Tun Razak ketika menggulung perbahasan Rang Undang-Undang Perbekalan 2009 bagi pihak Kementerian Kewangan di Parlimen

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hari ini mengumumkan peruntukan RM7 bilion daripada penjimatan subsidi minyak untuk membiayai pelbagai langkah tambahan bagi memastikan kesejahteraan rakyat dalam menghadapi suasana ekonomi global yang semakin getir.

Menggulung perbahasan Bajet 2009 Kementerian Kewangan pada persidangan Dewan Rakyat, Timbalan Perdana Menteri menegaskan, langkah tambahan itu yang meliputi projek rumah rakyat hingga pendidikan prasekolah sebagai tanda dan bukti kerajaan amat prihatin tentang kesejahteraan rakyat.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Kewangan berkata, kerajaan sedar bahawa langkah-langkah tambahan biasanya tidak diumumkan dalam ucapan penggulungan dan mungkin merupakan tindakan yang tidak pernah berlaku tetapi 'ini perlu dalam suasana global yang semakin getir'.

Menurutnya, perubahan perkembangan ekonomi global yang mendadak sejak akhir-akhir ini memerlukan kerajaan mengambil tindakan proaktif untuk menangani kesan daripada krisis global ini.
"Keadaan yang luar biasa memerlukan tindakan yang juga luar biasa," katanya.

Dalam ucapannya itu yang beberapa kali terganggu sehingga akhirnya ahli-ahli Parlimen pembangkang keluar dari Dewan, Najib menegaskan, kerajaan akan terus mengamalkan dasar yang bersifat mengembang, bukan menguncup seperti bajet alternatif pembangkang.

''Ketika ekonomi dunia menguncup, langkah yang tepat ialah menyuntik dana tambahan agar ekonomi tidak mengalami kemelesetan. sebaliknya boleh terus mengembang.

"Inilah perbezaan yang amat ketara antara cadangan bernas kerajaan dan cadangan hampas pihak pembangkang," katanya merujuk bajet alternatif pembangkang yang mencadangkan potongan RM24 bilion daripada jumlah Bajet 2009.

Untuk itu, menurut Najib, kerajaan akan menyemak semula projek-projek dengan tujuan memberi keutamaan kepada projek yang boleh dilaksanakan segera serta mempunyai kesan pengganda tinggi dan kandungan import rendah.

Jelasnya, dasar itu akan dilaksanakan tanpa menjejaskan jumlah perbelanjaan pembangunan yang telah diperuntukan bagi tahun 2009 sebelum ini.

"Sebagai contoh, kerajaan telah menangguhkan pembelian helikopter untuk Kementerian Pertahanan dan Kementerian Dalam Negeri, supaya penjimatan ini boleh digunakan bagi projek pembangunan lain," tambah Najib.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, penjimatan RM7 bilion itu merupakan suatu rahmat untuk diagihkan kepada rakyat di samping dapat menjana pertumbuhan ekonomi yang akan memberi kesan positif antara lain dalam sektor pembinaan, perumahan, pengangkutan, pelaburan, latihan dan teknologi maklumat.

Dalam usaha untuk melaksanakan pelbagai langkah tambahan itu secara pantas, katanya, kerajaan akan menubuhkan Unit Pengurusan Projek di bawah Kementerian Kewangan bagi memantau dan menyelaras pelaksanaan projek kritikal dan berimpak tinggi, ke arah memastikan pelaksanaan yang cekap dan berkesan.

Najib menjelaskan, tumpuan akan diberi bagi projek yang mempunyai kesan pengganda yang tinggi serta kritikal bagi menjana pertumbuhan ekonomi.

Kerajaan juga tambah beliau, bercadang untuk memaksimumkan pulangan daripada semua aset sedia ada termasuk tanah-tanah yang belum dibangunkan lagi bagi menjana pendapatan tambahan dan mencetuskan kegiatan ekonomi tempatan yang lebih rancak.

Beliau yang menyeru semua rakyat untuk sama-sama menyumbang ke arah memastikan krisis ekonomi global ditangani dengan jayanya, berkata, semua pihak perlu belajar daripada pengalaman lalu.

Tegas Timbalan Perdana Menteri: "Sebesar mana dan setinggi mana pun rempuhan badai kemelesetan ekonomi dunia, akan kita hadapi dengan persiapan rapi. Benteng pertahanan kita wajar semakin tegap dengan sokongan akrab dan dokongan mantap semua pihak."

Monday, November 3, 2008

'Unite, have determination to face economic uncertainties'

Malaysians must be united and have a strong sense of determination to face economic uncertainties, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

Stressing the importance of the rakyat having faith in the country’s economy and its ability to weather global challenges, the Prime Minister said this is not the time for anyone, particularly civil servants, to isolate themselves as it would only weaken their spirit and confidence.

“This is not the time to be lacking in confidence as it will affect our work. We must have a strong sense of determination and work together as one.

“We should not be overly concerned about the country’s economic climate. We should be objective and confident of its strength and ability to remain resilient and continue to be attractive to investors.

“We should not get too carried away with our concern. Have faith in our economy,” he said Monday at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan.

He said the country’s economic fundamentals are still strong and the ringgit’s stability does not raise concern about the country’s security.

“Our banks and banking system are still solid and we hope to see them continue to provide loans so that there can be continued progress and development in the country,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia continues to attract both local and foreign investment, especially with an efficient implementation and administrative system in place. He said the country has an advantage in attracting foreign investors because of the Government offers political stability, which in return brings about progress and prosperity.

“Furthermore, there are still areas and sectors that can be developed such as tourism, Islamic banking and insurance.

“More measures will be taken to spur the economy which will be announced by Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) in Parliment Tuesday,” he said, adding that the priority would be implementing what has “direct and quick” benefit to the rakyat.

Abdullah said it is the duty of civil servants to convince investors that doing business in Malaysia “is a breeze”, where they need not face red-tape and bureaucracy.

Malaysia masih bebas kemelesetan ekonomi

Malaysia tidak akan mengalami kemelesetan ekonomi pada tahun ini dan tahun depan walaupun ekonomi global menghadapi cabaran yang getir, kata Menteri Kewangan Kedua, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Katanya, walaupun sebuah negara terbuka, Malaysia mempunyai kekuatan dan ketahanan kerana ekonomi negara ini sudah dipelbagaikan dan tidak bergantung kepada satu-satu negara untuk eksport.

Beliau menjelaskan eksport negara seperti kelapa sawit dan barangan juga semakin tertumpu kepada China dan India yang meng-alami pertumbuhan yang tinggi walaupun berlaku penurunan, iaitu lapan hingga sembilan peratus.

"Tahun depan pun kita tidak akan menghadapi keadaan kemelesetan ekonomi," katanya selepas menghadiri majlis Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri dan Deepavali Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd di sini, semalam.

Beliau diminta mengulas kedudukan ekonomi negara berikutan perkembangan terkini ekonomi di seluruh dunia yang dijangkakan mengalami kemerosotan.

Kelmarin, pasaran saham global menjunam lagi susulan aktiviti jualan secara besar-besaran oleh pelabur berikutan jangkaan kemerosotan ekonomi global yang sukar dielakkan.

Bagaimanapun, Nor Mohamed mengakui negara ini tidak akan terlepas daripada terkena tempias akibat keadaan yang berlaku pada peringkat global. Sehubungan itu, katanya, kerajaan akan mengambil langkah perlu bagi menghadapinya.

"Kita perlu mengurangkan sedikit unjuran pertumbuhan ekonomi untuk tahun depan dan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, selaku Menteri Kewangan akan mengumumkan ketika menggulung perbahasan di Parlimen nanti," katanya.

Mengenai pandangan penganalisis bahawa Indeks Komposit Kuala Lumpur (KLCI) akan jatuh sehingga 780 mata pada minggu depan, Nor Mohamed berkata, beliau tidak mengetahuinya kerana ia selalu turun naik. Kelmarin KLCI jatuh 32.21 mata kepada 859.11, iaitu paling rendah dalam tempoh empat tahun.

Ditanya kemungkinan masalah akan lebih teruk pada masa depan, beliau berkata, kerajaan tidak pasti perkara itu dan apa yang pasti ekonomi dunia menghadapi cabaran getir.

"Apa yang penting pada masa ini kita memperkuatkan lagi ketahanan negara kita," katanya.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Hakim Chin letak jawatan

HAKIM Mahkamah Tinggi, Datuk Ian Chin Hong Chong, yang pernah mendedahkan bahawa hakim diugut pecat jika membuat keputusan tidak memihak kepada kerajaan, mengemukakan surat peletakan jawatan berkuat kuasa 1 Disember depan.

Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Senator T Murugiah, berkata Chin menghantar surat peletakan jawatan itu kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong pada 16 Julai lalu. Beliau kini bercuti sejak 21 Ogos lalu sehingga 30 November depan.

“Dalam hal ini tidak timbul lagi kenapa perlu kita siasat kes ini kerana dia (Chin) sudah meletak jawatan,” katanya menjawab soalan Chua Tian Chan (PKR-Batu) yang ingin tahu langkah kerajaan menyiasat isu-isu dibawa Chin pada persidangan Dewan Rakyat semalam.

Pada 11 Jun lalu, Chin ketika mendengar kes pertikaian terhadap keputusan pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lalu di Sarawak, berkata kononnya bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad pada satu persidangan hakim pada 1997 pernah mengugut akan menggunakan tribunal khas untuk menyingkirkan hakim yang membuat keputusan tidak menyebelahi kerajaan

Sarawak: Empangan Hidroelektrik Murum siap ikut jadual

Pelaksanaan projek empangan Hidroelektrik Murum berkuasa 944 megawatt yang dijangka siap sepenuhnya menjelang 2013, diyakini tidak akan terjejas di sebalik keadaan ekonomi dunia tidak menentu pada masa sekarang.

Malah, kos pembinaannya yang pada asal dianggarkan RM3 bilion dijangka menurun sedikit, berikutan tempahan terhadap bahan binaan berkaitan terutama daripada Amerika Syarikat dan China semakin berkurangan, sekali gus membawa kepada penurunan harga bahan terbabit.

Sarawak Energy Berhad sudah memberikan kontrak bagi melaksanakan projek Murum pada asas siap bina kepada Yangtze Three Gorges Technology and Economy Development Co Ltd.

Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan Sarawak Energy Berhad, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain, berkata ujian operasi bagi unit pertama stesen janakuasa Murun dengan kapasiti 230 megawatt akan dilakukan Disember ini, diikuti unit kedua dengan kapasiti 430 megawatt pada Februari tahun depan.

Katanya, keseluruhan projek stesen janakuasa itu dijangka akan beroperasi sebelum 2013, sekali gus akan memenuhi permintaan yang semakin meningkat yang kini mencecah 800 megawatt.

"Saya tidak melihat krisis ekonomi yang melanda dunia akan menjejas projek Murum, apa lagi kita sudah menandatangani perjanjian dengan kontraktor terbabit. Sebaliknya kita menjangka kos pembinaannya akan menurun dan mungkin akan mempercepatkan pelaksanaan projek," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pemberita selepas majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri Sarawak Energy Berhad di sini, semalam. Menteri Perancanghan dan Pengurusan Sumber II, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, menjadi tetamu kehormat pada majlis itu.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Eurocopter deal suspended, priority for people's projects



The Government has put on hold the RM1.7bil purchase of Cougar EC 725 helicopters due to the current economic climate.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the money would now be used for other public programmes which would benefit the people.

He said the decision was made during the Economic Council meeting on Oct 13.

“We need money but we cannot be borrowing. If we feel that some projects need to be postponed then we will decide accordingly,” Abdullah told a press conference after hosting a Hari Raya and Deepavali open house at the Defence Ministry yesterday.

Abdullah, who is Defence Minister, said the purchase of the helicopters would be reactivated once the economy improved.

“We have to decide by 2011 and we may buy earlier if we have the money or we may buy fewer than what we require,” he added.

Abdullah said the RMAF would have to continue using its 28 Nuri helicopters, which he said were old and had been involved in accidents which cost the lives of soldiers and civilians.

On the Letter of Intent issued to Eurocopter for the purchase of the Cougars, Abdullah said the Government would postpone the project and no compensation would be involved.

He said the Public Accounts Committee could still go ahead and scrutinise the Cougar helicopter deal.

On reports of irregularities over the project, Abdullah said the tender was participated by many companies.

On allegations that another company had offered lower prices he said: “The (Malaysian) specifications themselves mean that it will cost more.”

On reports that Brazil had bought the Couger at a lower price, Abdullah replied: “The Brazilian version was not fixed to the level that we required. If it’s only for transport, of course it will cost much less.”

Abdullah said the postponement of the purchase and reallocation of the budget did not mean that the economy was in a recession.

Agriculture sector will cushion impact of downturn, says PM

A global economic meltdown should not stifle measures to enhance our agriculture sector, said the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said efforts to improve people’s lives by developing the agriculture sector would assist the country cushion the impact of an economic downturn.

He said the National Economic Council had already identified agriculture as one of the primary sectors that should be developed further for the national economy.

In fact, he said, Malaysia’s efforts in agriculture had made it well-placed to weather the crisis, as acknowledged by, among others, the international advisory panel on biotechnology.

Abdullah said the panel members recently told him that Malaysia’s incorporation of information and communication technology (ICT) and biotechnology would be the catalyst to national development, especially in agriculture.

“This is more important as the world faces a food crisis,” he said at a gathering with farmers at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang near here yesterday.

Abdullah said that when he became Prime Minister, he wanted a renewed focus on the sector and to take advantage of its huge potential by value-adding.

“I did not want agriculture to continue to be seen as backward, without potential for development and as a last option for those who cannot get any other jobs,” he said.

He said the confidence in the sector as the third driver of the national economy was not a foolish dream but based on its real potential.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

SPR memohon kerjasama waris pemilih berdaftar yang meninggal dunia supaya menghantar salinan sijil kematian atau permit menguburkan kepada mana-mana p

Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia (MTUC) yang mewakili lebih 500,000 pekerja di negara ini meminta kerajaan memansuhkan lesen yang diberikan kepada 226 syarikat dan ejen pengambilan pekerja asing tempatan bagi mengawal kebanjiran tenaga asing yang semakin membimbangkan di negara ini.

Setiausaha Agung MTUC, G Rajasekaran, berkata dalam tempoh 10 bulan tahun ini, pihaknya menerima lebih 2,000 aduan daripada pekerja asing yang mendakwa ditipu ejen dan tindakan itu membawa imej yang buruk kepada negara.

Beliau berkata, antara aduan yang kerap MTUC terima daripada pekerja asing sejak kebelakangan ini ialah mereka tidak mendapat pekerjaan seperti yang dijanjikan oleh ejen, malah kebajikan turut diabaikan.

“Ada pekerja asing mendakwa mereka hanya sempat bekerja untuk tempoh singkat iaitu selama satu bulan atau dua bulan, dan terpaksa mencari pekerjaan baru. Ada segelintir pula mendakwa mereka diberikan wang saku sebanyak RM40 hingga RM50 oleh ejen sebelum mendapat kerja baru.

“Segelintir pekerja asing pula tidak tahu siapa ejen mereka sebenarnya.

Ejen tidak seharusnya terlalu ‘ghairah’ dalam membawa terlalu banyak pekerja asing melebihi keperluan sebenar kerana risau ia akan menjejaskan nama baik negara.

“Apabila semua pekerja ini pulang ke negara asal masing-masing, mereka tidak akan berkata mereka ditipu ejen, sebaliknya Malaysia sudah menipu mereka. Kita tidak mahu perkara seperti ini berlaku dan membawa imej buruk kepada industri tenaga kerja tempatan,” katanya kepada Berita Harian di sini, semalam.

Rajasekaran berkata, majikan yang memerlukan pekerja asing perlu melalui Jabatan Imigresen seperti yang dilakukan sebelum ini dan menyatakan jumlah tenaga kerja yang diperlukan kepada pihak berkuasa.

“Melalui cara itu, MTUC percaya pelbagai masalah dapat diselesaikan kerana sebelum meluluskan permohonan majikan, Jabatan Imigresen sudah tentu akan meneliti beberapa perkara termasuk tujuan kemasukan mereka sebelum meluluskan pengambilan pekerja asing.

“Selain itu, majikan juga perlu merujuk kepada Jabatan Tenaga Buruh dan menyatakan mengapa mereka mahu mengambil pekerja asing dan kenapa tidak mengutamakan sesuatu pekerjaan itu kepada rakyat negara ini.

Sekiranya jabatan berkenaan berpuas hati dengan penjelasan majikan, mereka boleh meneruskan hasrat mereka,’’ katanya. Katanya, kemasukan pekerja asing melalui Jabatan Imigresen dan Jabatan Buruh, MTUC percaya kerajaan akan menetapkan kuota pengambilan tenaga asing bagi mengelak lebih ramai pekerja asing ‘terkandas’ di negara ini.

24,531 pengundi baru berdaftar

Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) menerima 24,531 permohonan pendaftaran sebagai pemilih baru dan 6,200 permohonan untuk pertukaran alamat pusat mengundi daripada pemilih sedia berdaftar pada Julai hingga September lalu.

SPR dalam kenyataannya semalam berkata, Rang Daftar Pemilih Tambahan bagi Suku Tahun Ketiga 2008 itu akan dipamerkan mulai hari ini (28 Oktober) hingga 3 November di 985 tempat pameran terpilih seluruh negara termasuk Pejabat Pilihan Raya Negeri, pejabat pos, pejabat majlis daerah atau perbandaran serta kompleks penghulu.

Sehubungan itu, mana-mana warga negara Malaysia yang baru memohon menjadi pemilih atau pemilih berdaftar yang memohon untuk bertukar alamat pusat mengundi dinasihat menyemak rang daftar pemilih itu.

Bagi warga negara yang baru mendaftar sebagai pemilih tetapi mendapati nama mereka tidak tersenarai di dalam rang daftar, mereka perlu membuat tuntutan dengan menggunakan Borang B dan dikembalikan kepada Pendaftar, iaitu Pengarah Pilihan Raya Negeri masing-masing dalam tempoh tujuh hari daripada tarikh rang daftar dipamerkan.

Bagi pemilih berdaftar di bahagian pilihan raya yang hendak membuat bantahan ke atas kemasukan nama baru dalam rang daftar pemilih pula, boleh membuat bantahan dengan mengisi Borang C dan dikemukakan kepada Pendaftar, iaitu Pengarah Pilihan Raya Negeri masing-masing dalam tempoh itu.

SPR juga akan mempamerkan nama pemilih yang akan dikeluarkan daripada daftar pemilih atas alasan meninggal dunia, lucut hak warga negara dan mereka yang bersara daripada angkatan tentera atau polis, yang bermakna hilang kelayakan sebagai pemilih melalui pos.

SPR memohon kerjasama waris pemilih berdaftar yang meninggal dunia supaya menghantar salinan sijil kematian atau permit menguburkan kepada mana-mana pejabat SPR.

Pemilih yang mahu membuat pembetulan ke atas kesilapan data direkodkan boleh menghantar pembetulan itu terus ke e-mel info@spr.gov.my atau menulis surat atau datang sendiri ke Pejabat Pilihan Raya Negeri atau Ibu Pejabat SPR di Putrajaya.

Pertanyaan lanjut boleh dibuat melalui nombor 03-88856500; atau faks 03-88889117 atau menghubungi mana-mana Pejabat Pilihan Raya Negeri; atau melayari laman web SPR di www.spr.gov.my untuk semakan Rang Daftar Pemilih Tambahan Suku Tahun Ketiga 2008.

11,834 pencarum KWSP pilih skim fleksibel

Seramai 11,834 pencarum Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) memilih pengeluaran caruman secara fleksibel apabila mencapai umur 55 tahun membabitkan tunai sebanyak RM728 juta sehingga Jun lalu sejak skim itu dilancarkan pada November 2007.

Pengurus Kanan Perhubungan Awam, KWSP, Nik Affendi Jaafar, berkata kaedah yang fleksibel ini membolehkan ahli menguruskan simpanan persaraan mereka dengan lebih tersusun selain terus berpeluang menikmati dividen tahunan sehingga berusia 75 tahun.

Beliau berkata, melalui skim ini bayaran pengeluaran boleh dibuat melalui dua kaedah iaitu pengeluaran sebahagian, iaitu ahli boleh mengeluarkan sekurang-kurangnya RM2,000 bagi setiap pengeluaran dalam tempoh 30 hari sekali. Ahli perlu mengemukakan permohonan pada setiap kali membuat pengeluaran.

Kaedah kedua, pengeluaran bayaran secara bulanan dengan kadar minimum RM250 sebulan bagi tempoh sekurang-kurangnya 12 bulan, dengan syarat ahli memiliki minimum RM3,000 di dalam akaun mereka. “Kaedah bayaran yang fleksibel ini bertujuan menggalakkan ahli supaya tidak mengeluarkan simpanan secara sekali gus.

“Kajian menunjukkan sebahagian besar ahli membelanjakan simpanan mereka dalam tempoh kurang dari 10 tahun selepas mengeluarkan secara sekali gus,” katanya kepada Berita Harian.

Beliau berkata pengeluaran fleksibel mengelakkan pencarum kehabisan sumber pendapatan dalam tempoh singkat sekiranya gagal mengurus kewangan mereka.

Sehingga Jun lalu KWSP membayar RM2.7 bilion kepada 62,270 pencarum yang membuat pengeluaran penuh sekali gus.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Minyak turun lagi

Dijangka tak melebihi 15-20 sen elak pengusaha rugi

Kerajaan akan menurunkan lagi harga minyak akhir bulan ini tetapi tidak akan melebihi 15 sen bagi petrol dan 20 sen bagi diesel berikutan penurunan harga minyak dunia ketika ini yang sehingga kelmarin turun kepada AS$62 (RM221.34) setong.

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, berkata penurunan sebanyak itu dilakukan bagi mengelakkan sebarang kerugian mendadak khasnya di kalangan pengusaha stesen minyak.



"Kita tak mahu penurunan harga yang tinggi hingga menjejaskan pengusaha stesen minyak di seluruh negara," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan pameran Minggu Kesedaran Kewangan di Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa Persada Johor di sini, semalam.

Katanya, harga petrol dan diesel akan dikurangkan secara berperingkat sehingga ke paras harga yang berpatutan kepada pengguna.

Sementara itu, di KUANTAN, Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak berkata, Majlis Ekonomi yang dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi akan bermesyuarat pada waktu terdekat untuk membuat keputusan mengenai harga minyak itu.

"Langkah itu selaras janji kerajaan yang akan menurunkan harga minyak supaya ia melambangkan harga sebenar pasaran minyak dunia.

"Kabinet sudah memberi mandat kepada Majlis Ekonomi yang dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri untuk membuat keputusan dan ini bermakna, jika harga minyak dunia semakin menurun, maka harga minyak tempatan juga akan melambangkan penurunan harga itu," katanya.

Ketika ditanya sama ada harga petrol dan diesel akan diturunkan ke paras bawah RM2, Najib sambil ketawa berkata: "Tunggu dululah (pengumuman harga baru itu). Setakat ini, kita tidak boleh beritahu bila ia akan turun tetapi akan berlaku dalam masa terdekat ini.

"Mungkin hujung bulan ini tetapi tertakluk kepada bila mesyuarat Majlis Ekonomi itu dan tunggulah berapa harga yang akan diturunkan kelak," katanya selepas menyampaikan sumbangan kepada 180 bakal haji Parlimen Pekan, di kediamannya di sini, semalam.

Harga minyak dipam turun tiga kali sejak Ogos lalu iaitu pada 23 Ogos, 24 September dan kali terakhir 15 Oktober. Harga petrol Ron97 turun dari RM2.70 seliter kepada RM2.55, RM2.45 dan RM2.30 manakala petrol Ron92 dari RM2.62 seliter kepada RM2.40, RM2.30 dan RM2.20. Diesel pula turun dari RM2.58 seliter kepada RM2.50, RM2.40 dan RM2.20.

Tiga bulan lalu harga minyak adalah AS$147 setong berikutan kelembapan ekonomi global yang menyebabkan permintaan terhadap sumber tenaga semakin berkurangan.

Ditanya mengenai trend penurunan harga petrol dan diesel ini dilihat tidak menjurus kepada penurunan harga barang, Najib berkata, kerajaan sedang mengambil beberapa langkah untuk mengatasi perkara itu.

Beliau berkata, setakat ini, sudah ada pengeluar bersetuju menurunkan harga beberapa barangan atau produk yang akan diumumkan dalam tempoh sehari dua ini.

Ketika berucap, Najib berkata, kerajaan akan terus menjana pembangunan hingga ke luar bandar walaupun menghadapi banyak cabaran akibat krisis kewangan dunia yang berlaku sekarang.

Beliau berkata, Malaysia mampu bertahan walaupun keadaan semakin tidak menentu, malah yakin mencatat pertumbuhan ekonomi lima peratus pada tahun ini.

"Malah, mengikut perkiraan Dana Kewangan Antarabangsa (IMF), kita boleh mencapai pertumbuhan ekonomi 4.8 peratus tahun depan tetapi kita akan kaji semula unjuran itu.

"Jadi, saya akan memberi beberapa langkah lebih terperinci berhubung usaha mengelakkan negara daripada terjerumus dalam kemelesetan ekonomi pada penggulungan hujah di Parlimen, 4 November ini.

"Selain itu, rakyat juga digesa berbelanja secara berhemah dan memanfaatkan setiap ringgit yang ada sebaik-baiknya," katanya.

Parts of northern Sarawak cut off after floods

The people of interior Baram district in northern Sarawak have been cut off from the outside world following widespread floods and a fuel shortage.

The district, with a population of some 30,000 people living in an area the size of the state of Johor, was inundated with flood waters that measured more than a metre deep following heavy downpour over the past 24 hours.

Road access linking towns, bazaars and longhouses were severed while rivers overflowed their banks and swelled to dangerous levels. As at 2pm Monday, Marudi town and six remote bazaars inside Baram district were affected.

A spokesman of the flood operations centre in Marudi said land linkages with people in longhouses and riverine villages in Long Bedian, Long Bemang, Long Wad, Long Panai, Long Banyok and Long Ikang have been severed.

SK Benawa has been shut down, and more than 200 pupils are now stranded in more than a metre of water.

The ferry that links the two banks of the mighty Baram River near Marudi town have also been halted because of dangerous river currents.

This means that those who had gone by road from Miri to Marudi are now stranded because they cannot get back across the Baram River to travel back to Miri.

Baram MP Datuk Jacob Sagan held an emergency meeting on Monday at noon with the various heads of departments to discuss plans for evacuation if the situation worsens.

A police spokesman in Marudi and Long Lama, when contacted, said those villagers stranded are still living in their longhouses.

“Some longhouses are under more than a metre of water, but the residents are still staying put, hopeful that the rain will stop soon. We have not received any request to initiate any evacuation,” said the spokesman.

The situation in Baram was made even more chaotic when fuel supplies depleted Monday.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry chief for Miri Division Zakaria Awang on Monday confirmed that the fuel shortage in Baram had reached critical level.

“Over the past few days, there was a lot of overbuying because the price of fuel had dropped. However, the supplier in Marudi town did not replenish his stock because he lost more than RM20,000 following the fuel price adjustment.

“He had ordered a large amount of fuel based on the old price. The stock that came from Bintulu (500km south of Marudi) was sold at the new price and he had to sell the stock he bought (at the old price) using the new price structure, that was why he lost a lot of money.

“However, my ministry had directed him to start ordering new stock as the shortage in Baram may worsen. I have spoken to the Shell depot in Bintulu and asked them to send up emergency supplies to Baram as soon as possible.

“However, they are concerned about the floods in Baram. Access roads had been cut off and the rivers had swelled to dangerous levels and they may not be able to send in the emergency supplies,” he said.

Bintulu is about 400km south of Baram district. There are two ways to ferry fuel from Bintulu to Marudi town which is the transit town into other settlements in Baram.

First is via road link from Bintulu to Miri and then using timber road to Marudi, but the timber roads are now flooded and impassable.

The other way is to send fuel to Marudi using the Baram River, but this will take a long time.

Furthermore, boats can only accommodate very limited number of fuel drums and the Baram river is too dangerous for cargo vessels due to the heavy rain and rising water.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Ammonium bicarbonate for biscuit-making tainted with melamine

The import of ammonium bicarbonate from three manufacturers in China has been banned as the substance has been found to be tainted with melamine.

Ammonium bicarbonate from Broadtech Chemical Int. Co Ltd, Dalian Chemical Industries and Tianjin Red Triangle International Trading Co Ltd has been categorised under Level 6 which means automatic rejection.

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said having pinpointed the contaminant source, the ban of ammonium bicarbonate made by other China manufacturers would be relaxed to a “hold and test” status.

Ammonium bicarbonate is a raising agent used in biscuit production and local biscuit makers get almost 95% of the ingredient from China.

Liow said the tainted ammonium bicarbonate was most likely due to cross contamination as some factories that produce food-grade ammonium bicarbonate also produce other chemicals such as urea and melamine. There is no benefit in using melamine in biscuit production.

Ammonium bicarbonate from other manufacturers in China has been placed under Level 5 (to be tested before release) and that from other countries has been placed under Level 4 (under surveillance).

Liow, who was not certain of the market share of the three companies, was speaking to reporters after meeting 50 representatives from biscuit manufacturers and ammonium bicarbonate suppliers.

Last week, Malaysia banned all import of ammonium bicarbonate from China after it was found to contain traces of melamine, leading to the recall of 18 types of biscuits from local makers Khong Guan and Khian Guan.

Malaysia Foodstuff and Toy Merchants Association president Yeow Kock Tiong appealed to the ministry to relax the ruling on milk-related products from China from Level 6 to Level 5.

“Many imported products are already in the market and they have been tested and cleared.

“It is the same product and the same brand. Why bar them at the entry point when there have been no problems with the products?” he said.

SARAWAK : Krisis kewangan dunia tidak jejas pelaksanaan Score

Krisis kewangan yang melanda dunia ketika ini dijangka tidak menghalang kemasukan pelaburan bagi pembangunan Koridor Pembaharuan Tenaga Sarawak (Score).

Menteri Kewangan II Sarawak, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh berkata, sehingga kini Sarawak masih belum menerima sebarang kesan ekoran masalah kelembapan ekonomi dunia itu namun menjangkakan pengaruhnya selepas tiga atau enam bulan akan datang.

Menurutnya, ini kerana krisis kewangan dunia itu tidak membabitkan negeri ini secara langsung bagaimanapun mungkin tempias kesannya akan dirasai tetapi bukan secara serta merta.

''Walaupun keadaan ekonomi dunia mengalami krisis, namun ekonomi Sarawak dalam keadaan baik, mungkin ia (krisis kewangan) berlaku di kawasan-kawasan yang lain.

''Selain itu, kita yakin pelabur akan terus melakukan pelaburan di Score malah pada masa ini pembangunan wilayah tersebut telah menerima pelaburan daripada para pelabur China, Singapura dan Jepun," katanya kepada pemberita di sini hari ini.

Beliau diminta mengulas mengenai perkembangan ekonomi Sarawak dan Score sama ada telah terjejas selepas krisis kewangan melanda dunia pada ketika ini.

Dalam perkembangan lain, ditanya sama ada beliau akan mencalonkan diri dalam mana-mana jawatan tertinggi Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak (SUPP) pada Mesyuarat Perwakilan Tiga Tahun Sekali (TDC), Soon Koh memberitahu, beliau memutuskan biar ahli di peringkat akar umbi yang bersidang menentukan kedudukannya.

Beliau yang kini Timbalan Setiausaha Agung SUPP turut menafikan desas-desus namanya disebut-sebut untuk dicalonkan ke jawatan nombor dua parti.

Katanya, kedudukannya dalam parti adalah terpulang kepada suara pemimpin tertinggi, delegasi serta akar umbi yang akan bersidang pada 13 dan 14 Disember ini.

''Kita mempunyai tradisi sendiri dalam memilih pemimpin-pemimpin utama dalam parti, dan saya tidak fikir TDC akan datang mencetuskan ketegangan atau 'panas' malah ia akan berjalan dengan lancar seperti biasa," ujarnya.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

King to launch anti-war foundation

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, will launch the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War Incorporated at a royal charity dinner at the Putra World Trade Centre here on Friday.

Held under the joint patronage of Tuanku Mizan and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, dinner organising committee chairman Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali said it hoped to raise about RM3 million to fund the foundations activities. This includes acquiring a building here for its headquarters and the establishment of the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim and Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal have also been invited to attend the dinner.The foundation, a non-govermental organisation established under Malaysian laws, was founded by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on March 12, 2007.

Dr Mahathir had said that war was not an option in this modern world, not just because of the massive deaths and destruction that modern weaponry can inflict, but also because the cost of war had gone up so much that even rich countries like the US could be bankrupted.

Among the foundations principal objectives are to undertake all necessary measures and initiatives to criminalise war and energise peace, and to provide relief, assistance and support to individuals and communities suffering from the effects of war and armed conflict wherever they occur and without discrimination on the grounds of nationality, racial origin, religion belief, age, gender or other forms of impermissible differentiations.

It will also promote the education of individuals and communities suffering from the effects of war or armed conflict and foster schemes for the relief of human suffering as a result of war or armed conflict.

Dr Siti Hasmah told a news conference here that there would be cultural performances by children who had been affected by armed conflicts and a multimedia presentation during the dinner.

She said seats were still available for the dinner and donations to the foundation would be tax-exempted. Details are available from tel. no. 03-8885 8900.Elaborating on the activities of the foundation, its secretary-general and one of its trustees, Datuk Dr Yaacob Hussain Merican, said it had four departments — the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission; Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal; Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Legal Team; and Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Secretariat.

Under the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Legal Team, it would have four divisions for investigation, prosecution, defence and victims.Dr Yaacob said persons identified for prosecution would be notified directly or through their embassies or high commissions.

If they refused to attend the trial in Kuala Lumpur, they would be tried in absentia and all the principles of international law would be applied. Accused persons would also be assigned defence lawyers of international standing.

Dr Yaacob said that while the tribunal had no legal powers under international laws to enforce its verdict, the convicted persons would bear the stigma of being labelled war criminals.

He said several retired judges and law professors from abroad and locally had volunteered to serve in the foundation.Dr Yaacob said the foundation would be looking at war crimes committed after the Second World War.

— BERNAMA

Felda settlers get RM144 million windfall

Some 85,000 Felda settlers across the country will be paid incentive bonuses totalling RM144.44 million in December, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The total is less than the RM146.39 million paid out last year but the payment rate was improved because of higher palm oil and rubber prices besides the increase in acreage in replanting which further boosted production,” he said.

Najib said although the number of recipients this year totalling 84,581 was less than last year’s total of 90,322 settlers, there were more settlers eligible for the top bracket of the incentive scheme, which was also increased from RM1,800 to RM2,000.

He told this to reporters after chairing Felda’s top management’s monthly meeting here today.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the minimum payment was also raised from RM600 to RM700.

The maximum rate involved 59,924 settlers or 53.2 per cent while 7,283 people or 6.47 per cent received the minimum rate. Najib said 28,055 settlers or 24.9 per cent did not get any incentives because they did not file in their production reports or did not qualify.

“Settlers who manaqe their acreage themselves are also not eligible for this incentive,” he said, adding that the payment would be in the form of cash and not share certificates in Koperasi Permodalan Felda Bhd (KPF).

He said the government hoped the incentive payments would spur the settlers to further increase their productivity. He added that the government was committed to ensuring their monthly earning did not dip below RM1,000 in the current bearish market.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

MCA ELECTIONS

Newly-elected MCA president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said one of his first tasks was to collaborate with the other elected leaders.

The Transport Minister polled 1,429 votes to beat former vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng who got 917.

Ong said he now had more than one task to tackle.
On working with newly-elected deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, he said he could work with anybody.

Dr Chua: I will work together with the new leadership

Newly-elected MCA Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek says he is ready to help re-invent the party.

Chua said he would continue to work towards his vision for the party and community despite his defeat.

His vision, as outlined in his manifesto, included fighting for fairness for all Malaysians and eradicating corruption


Saturday, October 18, 2008

Malaysian shuttlers sweep gold, silver, bronze medals at Commonwealth Youth Games

Up-and-coming young Malaysian shuttlers made waves at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 (CWYG), winning gold, silver and bronze medals on the last day of the badminton event late Friday.

It was an all-Malaysian affair in the men’s doubles finals, where the Yew Hong Kheng and Ow Yao Han pair beat Lim Yu Sheng and Low Wei Sheng for the gold in an exhilarating three sets which took 30 minutes. Yew and Ow lost the first set 14-21 but bounced back to win the next two sets, 21-13 and 21-14.

Earlier, Ng Hui Ern and Lim Ee Von easily defeated the New Zealand pair of Jonggowisastro and Mary O’Connor 21-8 and 21-19 for the bronze in the women’s doubles.

With the victory in badminton, Malaysia’s medal haul in the third CYWG games rose to 13 in total — three gold, four silver and six bronze. India, using the Pune games as a training platform ahead of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, topped the table with 33 gold medals. Malaysia is in seventh spot.

— BERNAMA

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Hindraf declared an illegal organisation by Home Ministry

The Hindu Rights Actions Force (Hindraf) has been declared an illegal organisation from Wednesday.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said in a statement the decision was made following the ministry being satisfied with facts and evidence that showed Hindraf, had and was, being used for unlawful purposes and posed a threat to public order and morality.

FUEL GOOD: Drop in pump prices reflects global reduction

Pump prices for fuel have been reduced by up to 20 sen a litre from today.

Premium unleaded petrol (RON97) is now priced at RM2.30 per litre after a 15-sen reduction, while unleaded petrol (RON92) will sell at RM2.20, 10 sen lower.

The biggest price cut is for diesel, which now costs 20 sen less at RM2.20 per litre.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the decision to reduce pump prices, less than three weeks after a 10-sen cut, followed the drop in world prices for crude oil.

"The government decided to expedite the reduction of retail fuel prices, so as to enable the people to quickly benefit from it," he said yesterday.

This is the third time the government has brought down fuel prices since it cut subsidies in June, resulting in the price of petrol reaching RM2.70 a litre.

The last review was on Sept 24.

In the first review on Aug 23, the retail price of RON97 was reduced by 15 sen and RON92 by 22 sen to RM2.40 per litre.

Diesel then saw a drop of eight sen from RM2.58 per litre before being reduced further to RM2.40 per litre last month.

The government had announced on Aug 1 that pump prices would be adjusted according to world crude oil prices on the first day of each month, starting Sept 1.

A minimum subsidy of 30 sen a litre and a ceiling price of RM2.70 a litre for petrol had been fixed until at least year-end.

In Kota Kinabalu, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the decision was made now because of the risk of the world crude prices falling steeply.

"The drop (in retail prices) has to be gradual" in order to prevent severe shortages of fuel.

He said there was no reason for petrol station owners to fear losses as they had been informed on Monday not to replenish their supplies until today.

Shahrir said a proposal to speed up decision-making on fuel price changes would be tabled in cabinet on Friday.

Under the proposal, prices would be determined by a committee comprising the prime minister, finance minister, second finance minister and the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister instead of the full cabinet.

"The point of this is we should deliver the price reduction as fast as we can," Shahrir said.
"In situations like this month when the crude prices have dropped rapidly, a decision needs to be made speedily."

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Malaysians told to brace for tough times

Although not in recession, Malaysia must nevertheless steel itself for tougher times as the world economy continues its downward spiral, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

He said the domestic economy, with its strong fundamentals, would be able to ride out the crisis in credit and stock markets worldwide.

Speaking after a keynote address at the US-Islamic World Regional Forum here, Abdullah repeated his assurances of the economy's resilience but cautioned that the way forward would not be smooth.

"God willing, we are not going into a recession. We have strong reserves, a good trade surplus, our savings are high and our currency is stable, so I think we will be able to withstand the shockwaves of the crisis.

"Asian and European stock markets rallied yesterday as the Group of Seven rich countries and 15 European Union leaders moved to salvage their beleaguered banks.

"We have the strength and resilience as we have faced this before and our banking system is strong. There's stability in the country and predictability in terms what's going to develop politically. We are not in turmoil, but I am not saying that it will be easy.

"It is going to be tough, but if the rakyat stand united behind the government and if we can work with a private sector that acts as one, we can weather the storm.

"He said there was no plan to peg the ringgit or to inject funds into the flagging local bourse.He acknowledged that the panic that gripped stock markets worldwide last week would affect Malaysia but said its impact would be limited.

"A little bit of damage, but we'll be okay." Abdullah was responding to a question on Malaysia's economic situation as countries such as Singapore, the United States, Britain and other developed countries slide into negative growth.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Melamine: Authorities clear 11 more products

The Health Ministry has cleared 11 more products containing melamine after it found they were at a permissible level.

The products are Japanese Green Tea Stick (Green Tea Flavour); Milk Candy (Omilk); Soda cracker (Bairong); Chocolate Biscuits (My Bis); Orange Cream Biscuits (Kinshan Bridge); Grape Layer Biscuit (Golden Fuji); Milk Chocolate Peanut Sandwich Biscuits (Guang Zhan Yi Rui Feng Food); Orange Sandwich Cookie (Lai Li Hong); Xylitol Tea Polyphenol Biscuit (Yi Yi Brand); Crystal Red Bean Cracker (Yang Ye Pacific Food); and Potato Gong Fang Cracker (Jia Yau Food).

Ministry Food Safety and Quality Division director Nooraini Mohd Othman urged concerned consumers to call the division for further clarification at (603) 8883-3655/ 8883-3503/ 8883-3652/ 8883-3500 from 8am to 9pm daily, including public holidays.

Consumers can also get more information at http://fsq.moh.gov.my.

Malaysia not slipping into recession: PM

Malaysia is not going into recession at the moment because of its strong economic fundamentals, reserves and trade surplus, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

The country also had high domestic savings and a stable currency which was not subjected to fluctuation, the Prime Minister said when commenting on Malaysia’s current standing following Singapore’s announcement of anti-recession measures.

“I believe, insya-Allah (God willing), we can weather the storm. We still have strong economic fundamentals. We have very strong reserves. Our trade surplus is still strong. We do have high domestic savings.

“We are not in any kind of turmoil. We have a healthy democracy,” Abdullah told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the US-Islamic World Regional Forum here on Monday.
He said the country would have to generate greater domestic consumption and he wanted to see more investments in the country.

However, he said that the Government had no intention of pegging the ringgit like it did to weather the 1997 Asian currency crisis, and would remain “pro-business.”

“We have a lot of assets that we can use to withstand the impact of the situation we are facing today, but I’m not saying that it’s going to be easy.

“It’s going to be tough. If we stand together, if the rakyat (citizenry) supports the Government, we can continue to work well with the private sector as a unit. We should be able to weather the storm,” he said.