Friday, March 13, 2009
SMK Penrissen No 1 had only three students scoring straight As in all subjects but that was enough to make the teachers smile when the 2008 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results were announced yesterday.
In 2007, only two students scored straight As in the SPM.
This time round, more students qualified for a full SPM certificate based on a pass in Bahasa Malaysia paper.
A spokesperson for the school told Eastern Times yesterday that the passing rate this time was 84.62, compared with 80.18 for the 2007 SPM.
“With all the constraints that we faced and the environment of the school, we are generally quite satisfied with the achievements.
“Of course, we will not rest on our laurel but will strive harder in the future.
“This may include providing tuition classes to the weak students,” he said.
The spokesman added that the three students who scored straight As had sat for 12, 11 and 10 subjects respectively.
He said besides the top three scorers, two other students obtained 9As, three 8As, one 7As and nine 6As.
443 SPM candidates
SMK Penrissen No. 1, one of the rural schools in this district and about 20 kilometres from here, had 443 candidates sitting for the SPM examination last year.
The SPM results saw 6,277 students scoring straight As in all subjects throughout the country, compared with 5,060 in 2007.
Education Ministry Director-General, Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said 1,676 students scored A1s in all subjects, compared with 892 in 2007 while 181,416 or 46.7% passed all subjects compared with 175,452 in 2007.
“There were three excellent result achievers who scored A1s in all 16 subjects, two who scored A1s in 15 subjects while six scored A1s in 14 subjects,” said Alimuddin while announcing the SPM and STAM results in Putrajaya.
Last year, 442,936 students sat for the SPM compared with 439,255 in 2007; 435 Special students also sat for the examination last year, compared with 355 the previous year.
Goh Fui Phing
Riam Road Secondary School SPM Results for 2008 prove to be excellent. Out of the 77 candidates, 39 obtained at least five credits and above and 25 a minimum of five distinctions.
Among them Goh Fui Phing secured 16A1s, possibly one of the top in the nation. The CEO, Dato’ Dr. Fong Onn Min said that this is the first time he sees such a fantastic result and hopes that more students of Riam Road Secondary School will get such good result in the future.
Goh Fui Phing, Head girl of the school, under the motivation of Fong sat for 16 subjects. Her straight A1 in all 16 subjects has indeed brought glory not only to herself and family but also to the students, teachers and the whole school. This has proven that Chinese Independent School ‘boleh”!.
Goh was from Krokop Chung Hua Primary School. She obtained 7As in the UPSR and 8As in the PMR and the Chinese Independent School Examinations.
An all rounder in school, Goh Fui Phing hopes to secure a Government Scholarship to pursue a medical degree overseas.
Following closely behind Goh Fui Phing in the school is Hii Kah Yung who took 15 subjects and obtained 12As and 3Bs. Lesley Lai Hsien Ching, daughter of Miri City Mayor Lawrence Lai obtained all A in the 11 subjects she took, 10 A1s and 1A2. This is the result of the good parental care she receives.
Lesley is now overseas for further studies. Her cousin and classmate, Ginny Liew Shiang May, now studying Cambridge A-Level in Riam Institute of Technology obtained 10As and 3Bs. Together with Ginny in Riam Institute of Technology is Vivian Kong Sing Ung with 10A1s and 1B in the 11 subjects she sat for.
Fong commented that the excellent result is due to the conducive environment and the relentless effort of the teachers and students who are imbued with the Riam Road Secondary Spirit of “If I Want, I Surely Can” in their relentless effort to strive for excellence.
The other outstanding students include, Andy Tan Dih Xiang, Arvin Julian Kho Kai Xuan, Chia Kar Lynn, Edmund Tang Tuang Shen, Eleen Law Yi Lin, Goh Pik Cheng, Hudson Agan Yong Twan Tsen, Kiew Shook Ching, Kueh Mei Mei, Lin Mei Na, Pang Yee Fatt, Pui Jin Fatt, Wong Yew Hui, Wong Yew Yan, Yeo Hui Kiat, Huang Chyi Yenn, Connie Kuok Mong Wei, Esther Paya Avit, Tang Mean and Wong Mei Fen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
SMK St Joseph’s overall STPM results better but A scorers down
0 comments Posted by Welcome To The Club.... at 5:05 AMThe pass rate for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) at SMK St Joseph has improved although the number of straight A scorers has decreased.
Its deputy principal Belinda Lim said that those who obtained four principal passes have increased to 42.37 per cent from 34 per cent the previous year.
“This year we only have three 4As scorers as compared to the previous year when we had five. On the other hand, the number of students who passed all papers has increased. This year we have 50 students who achieved it out of 118 students who sat for the examination,” said Lim when met at the school yesterday.
Top scorer Gerald Sim who obtained 2As and 2A- aims to serve the people by applying to study medicine.
“After collecting my results today, I plan to try to apply into local universities majoring in medicine. My targeted institutions include Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas),” said Sim.
Sim, the middle child of three, plans to be the first doctor in his family, unlike his father who is an engineer and his brother who is studying accounting. He is also the first one to go to Form Six.
On his recipe for success, Sim said that he studied at least two hours a day from right after entering Lower Six. He said he was very happy and satisfied with his results.
Another top scorer, Jacob Su, was surprised that he obtained A in all subjects including physics and General Knowledge.
He named the National University of Singapore and several local public institutions as his choices in which to continue his studies. He plans to take up electrical engineering.
The fourth child in a family of five siblings said group study was the best way to obtain excellent results, while being calm and cool during examination helped to keep him focused.
Another student who scored four As is Pauline Liaw while two others, Darren Chin and Aida Adilla, scored 3As.
Meanwhile, another top scorer from SMK St Thomas, Fiona Liew Chee Wei, revealed that her success came from studying very hard especially the last few weeks before examination.
“I prepared my revision rather last minute sort of. I really stayed up late in the last few weeks before the examination,” she said when met at the school yesterday.
Asked whether the result was what she expected, Liew said she was confident that she could score 3As, pointing out however, that she was less certain about scoring high marks for Mathematics.
“I wanted this result (4As). But I was not confident with Mathematics after the examination. I thought it was difficult,” she pointed out.
Currently a temporary teacher at the school, Liew scored A in General Knowledge, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. She said she would study medicine in university and hopes to be a doctor.
Liew was one of the two students in SMB St Thomas who scored Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.00. The other student was Phang Nyuk Choo.
Phang who came to the school to collect her result slip, said she was happy with her result and thanked her family for their support.
She said the secret of success was time management. “It is essential to manage our time wisely,” she stressed.
She scored A in General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. She said she would apply for courses related to Physics or Mathematics at a local university.
Another student, Pui Chai Fuen, who wished to further her study in either engineering or information technology, said she spent around six hours a day for revision. The girl who lives in Matang Jaya here scored A in General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
“I normally studied six hours a day. After finishing my revision and assessment exercises, I’d watch TV to relax my mind,” she said.
Another top scorer, Tang Chew Yong, said she felt disappointed with her result as she was expecting to score four As but managed only one A and three A- instead.
She scored A for General Knowledge and A- in Literature in English, Business Study and History.
Tang, currently a temporary teacher in SMK Kuching High here, wished to further her studies in education. Tang thanked her teachers for her success, saying: “I did not attend any tuition class. Besides studying by myself, my teachers had helped me a lot.”
Whenever she felt stressed, she would pray to release her tension, she said.
The Borneo Post was unable to get the overall result of SMB St Thomas as the school was still compiling its statistics.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pak Junoh
Fariza bin Gom holding Pak Junoh’s hat which was found by the rescue team.
Three colleagues watched in horror as a crocodile stealthily swam towards their foreman, grabbed him by the stomach, and dragged him into the placid water of Demak Laut river yesterday.
In the 11.00 am incident, Pak Junoh, a 43-year-old foreman of a sawmill nearby, was fishing with Fariza bin Gom, 31, from Samarahan, Jamadi bin Radat, 20, from Kuching and Sarizak, 18, from Sibuyau when he was attacked.
Relating the ordeal, Fariza, who was in the water with Junoh, said he was even further from the river bank than Junoh when the crocodile attacked.
“Both of us were casting our nets while Jamadi and Sarizak were waiting near the river bank to bring the catch in.
“After the crocodile grabbed Junoh it disappeared, and a moment later, it re-appeared with the latter’s leg flapping in the air. All of us immediately screamed for help,” said Fariza.
Police and 999 were alerted and they arrived promptly to conduct a search for the victim.
Fariza said that because of the economic downturn, his colleagues and he used to do some fishing at Demak Laut river to earn side income.
Junoh’s wife, Ramliebi, 42, who was picking “paku” (jungle fern) near the barrack where they are staying when the incident happened.
The couple have four children aged 21, 18, 13 and 5 years. Two of their children are staying in Pontianak and the other two are with the parents.
At press time, Junoh’s remains were still at large. The search and rescue party has thus far found a hat belonging to Junoh. Fariza said Junoh was wearing a white shirt, blue trousers and a pair of yellow boots at the time of the attack.
Here’s a list of HALAL eateries in Sarawak that we got from Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak’s website. For full and updated list, do click on the link. You can also get to see what they serve in the eatery.
However, we noticed that some of the eateries that we saw with the HALAL certificate displayed aren’t listed in the website. You can always contact Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak to confirm as they might have not updated the list in the website, only do so once in a blue moon.
We had visited some of them, you can try to make a search to see whether we’ve been to those places already or not. If you can’t find anything, it means we haven’t go there yet. Hopefully this little list will help you in finding out which place in Kuching or other parts of Sarawak are Halal so that you can enjoy the food without much worries.
KUCHING
- BABA GANOUSH, Kuching
Yoshi Square Parcel A2-1, A3-1, Lot 67, Section 66,
KTLD, Jalan Pending Industrial Estate, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel :082-481121
Fax :082-481121 - NORMAH MEDICAL SPECIALIST (KAFETERIA), Kuching
Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman, Petra Jaya, 93764 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082-440055
Fax :082-442600 - THANK FOOD SDN BHD (601772-K), Kuching
Kelab Golf Sarawak,
Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching
Tel :082-311878
Fax :082-311128 - TEN PIN CAFÉ, Kuching
5th Floor, Riverside Shopping Complex,
Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching,
Sarawak
Tel :082-256063
Fax :082-256063 - QESTURY KAFETERIA [AISHAH CATERING], Kuching
Lot 5205, Ground Floor, Sublot 7, Bangunan Shahnur, Jalan Astana, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel :019-8860373
Fax :082-647484 - J & J CAFETERIA [TABUAN STUTONG], Kuching
Sublot 3-4, Ground Floor, Lot 9683, Block 11, MTLD, Tabuan Stutong Commercial Centre, Phase II, Jalan Setia Raja, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel :082-367776
Fax :082-368881 - PITA’S FOOD STALL, Kuching
No.9, Level 3, Tun Jugah, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel :012-8891168 - ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT SDN BHD, Kuching
Lot 1229-1231, [1st Floor], Jln Batu Kinyang, 93200 Kuching,Sarawak
Tel :082-241575
Fax :082-255261
Email:jameslee@rockrd.com - TIM’S STEAK [STALL NO 20], Kuching
Top Spot, Taman Kereta, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching
Tel :012-8861113 - CHILLI PEPPERS (JALAN SIMPANG TIGA BRANCH), Kuching
No 12, Block B, King’s Centre
Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082 576910
Fax : 082 253661 - CHILLIPEPPERS [JALAN SONG THIAN CHEOK], Kuching
Grd Flr 1, Lot 187, Section 47, Jln Song Thian Cheok, 93100 Kuching.
Tel :082-257933
Fax :082-257933
Email:lingfirdaus@yahoo.com - CHILLIPEPPERS [JALAN IMPANG TIGA], Kuching
No. 12, Blok B, King’s Centre, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93050 Kuching
Tel :082-576910
Fax :082-576910
Email:lingfirdaus@yahoo.com - ABC SEAFOOD [STALL NO 10,11 & 12], Kuching
Top Spot, Taman Kereta, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :019-8885940 - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [TAMAN TIMBERLAND], Kuching
Lot 7488-7489, 1st Floor, Block 16, Taman Timberland, 3rd Mile, Jalan Rock, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233191
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [JALAN SONG THIAN CHEOK], Kuching
Lot 176-177, Jln Song Thian Cheok, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233191
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [LOT 149-150, JALAN RUBBER], Kuching
Lot 149-150, Jln Rubber, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233191
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [LOT 476-477, JALAN RUBBER], Kuching
Lot 476-477, Jln Rubber 93200 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233191
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [LOT 217-218, JALAN KULAS], Kuching
Lot 217-218, Jln Kulas 93400 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233191
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [MJC BATU KAWA NEW TOWNSHIP], Kuching
CC 109, C2-G-27[C], MJC Batu Kawa New Township, 93250 Kuching,Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233800
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [JLN MATANG JAYA COM. CENTRE], Kuching
Grd Flr, Lot 6809, Jln Matang Jaya Commercial Centre, 93050Kuching, Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233800
Email:scror@tm.net.my
KOTA SAMARAHAN
- J & J CAFETERIA [KOTA SAMARAHAN], Kota Samarahan
Sublot No. 28 & 29, Ground Floor, Phase 17, Desa Ilmu, Jalan DAtuk Mohd. Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
Tel :082-865666
Fax :082-368881
SIBU
- RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [JALAN BROOKE DRIVE], Sibu
30, Grd Flr, Lane 1, Jln Brooke Drive, 96000 Sibu Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233800
Email:scror@tm.net.my - RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [JALAN KAMPUNG NYABOR, TANAH MAS], Sibu
58, Jln Kampung Nyabor, Tanah Mas 96000 Sibu Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233800
Email:scror@tm.net.my - FARLEY PINNACLE, Sibu
No. 49, Lorong Salim 17,
96000, Sibu, Sarawak
Tel :084-212499
SARIKEI
- YUSUF ISLAMIC CAFE, Sarikei
No. 6, Grd Floor, Lorong 3, Jalan Jubli Mutiara, 96100 Sarikei, Sarawak
Tel :084-655369
KAPIT
- MADAM MA’S KITCHEN, Kapit
Shoplot ‘D’, Lot 334, Jalan Airport,GF, Bangunan Hotel Maligai, Peti Surat 129, 96807 Kapit, Sarawak
Tel :084-796119
Fax :084-796119
MIRI
- RESTORAN SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [SOON HUP TOWER, JLN MAJU], Miri
G 9, Soon Hup Tower, Jln Maju, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Tel :082-233822
Fax :082-233800
Email:scror@tm.net.my - MALAYSIAN WOK, Miri
Lot GL 06, Grd Flr, Public Concourse, Terminal Miri Airport, 98000Miri, Sarawak
Tel :085-614315
Fax :085-615315
Email:suhaimi@sajibumi.com.my - JASMINE CAFE, Miri
Lot 843 & 844 Ground Floor, Jalan Merpati 98000 Miri
Tel :085-424382
Fax :085-414424
MUKAH
- OLD TOWN CAFE, Mukah
No.36,1st Floor Jalan Lintang,
96400 Mukah, Sarawak
Tel :019-8898806
Fax :084-871781
Email : siang_33@Hotmail.com
BINTULU
- SINGAPORE CHICKEN RICE [NASI AYAM SINGAPURA], Bintulu
No. 98, Medan Jaya Commercial Centre, 97000 Bintulu
Tel :086 336822
Fax :086 951182
Food Centres: These are the most popular eating-places amongst locals. There is always a wide selection of value-for-money stalls and you can select food from as many as you like. If you are not familiar with a dish, just be adventurous and try it. Nine times out of ten you will be delighted, and if you don’t like it, nobody will be offended.Chinese Food Centre: Jln Carpenter (opposite temple). A range of Chinese food stalls. One stall sells excellent fish balls and prawn balls (afternoon only). Another stall sells superb fish and prawn soup from late afternoon until late at night.
Kubah Ria: (across the river near suspension bridge). A bit difficult to get to unless you have transport. If you can make it, try the delicious Sop Kambing (mutton soup) at Doreen Abdullah’s, served with noodles, rice or crusty French bread.
Top Spot Food Court: Jln Bukit Mata Kuching. A wide range of food stalls set in landscaped surroundings on the breezy top floor of a car park. Choices include Malay curries, Malay and Chinese seafood, claypot dishes, satay, and even steaks. Unusual and very popular.
Satok Bridge
: (on river front below Satok bridge). Excellent barbecued chicken and seafood.Muslims should avoid conflicts with each other so that they will become good examples for the followers of other religions, said Mukah Member of Parliament, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad.
He said this while officiating at the Maulidur Rasul Celebration organised by Dalat/Mukah District Council (MDDM) at Pehin Setia Raja Square here yesteray.
Dr Muhammad added that the history had proven that the civilisation of a race would not last long if the people were not united and always at loggerheads with one another.
Muhammad (sixth from right) and others leading the Mukah Maulidur Rasul procession at Pehin Setia Raja Square on Monday.
“A nation will not become strong and progress if the people and leaders are not united.“In Islam, wahdatul ummah (unity among ummahs) is very important and must be given special attention. Hence, we find a lot of sentences (ayat) in the Al-Quran and Al-Hadis which urge the ummah to be united and to avoid any division,” he said.
Good Ummah
“Our government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has targeted to make Muslims good ummah,” he added.
Meanwhile, MDDM Walikota, Ali SuhailI, who also spoke at the event, thanked all those involved in making the occasion meaningful.
He said the celebration was not only to commemorate the birth of the prophet but also his achievement as a great leader.
Muhammad then led more than 3,000 Muslims from 48 contingents on a 2.4 km procession from the square to the Setia Raja Mosque.
Also present were Mukah District Officer, Mohamad Nawawi, MDDM Secretary, Gustian Haji Durani, Mukah Division Imam, Uztaz Mohd. Fauzi Khairani, Mukah Division Public Works Department Divisional Engineer, Hipani Haji Alwi, Mukah Divisional Health Officer, Dr. Haji Othman Rafaiee and Mukah Combined Education Department Officer, Abdul Wahab Haji Sapawi.
If parents come across their children getting hooked on drugs, they must immediately report to the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
Head of National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) District Office Eva Anak Lichok said that some parents did not seek help until it was too late to save the children.
“AADK District office at Jalan Ong Kee Hui will always welcome the public seeking help to overcome the drug problem among youths,” she said, advising parents to refer their children to the agency for urine tests if they suspected that their children were on drugs.
“The agency has a programme where all the patients under monitor must report to AADK District Office weekly until they are free from the influence of drugs.
“Besides monitoring drug addicts, the agency also works with the Education Department to hold talks and seminars for students to warn them of the dangers of drug taking,” Eva said, adding that AADK statistics showed in 2005, out of the 669 cases referred to the agency, 71 were females.
“In 2006, 712 cases (79 females) were referred to the agency and in 2007 and 184 cases (17 females),” Eva added.
The Sibu Kidney Foundation (SKF) here will be organising free blood pressure checking from 11.00 am to 4.30 pm on March 15 at Delta Mall Shopping Centre.
This blood test would be on a first-come-first-served basis as it would only accept 200 persons only for uric acid test and 100 persons for blood glucose test.
The event would be held in conjunction with its exhibition day.
There would also be a poster exhibition on what is renal failure, its causes, the type of treatment available for end stage renal failure available in the country and how to prevent renal failure.
The exhibition would also include different types of recycling programmes the people could undertake in helping to save the earth from global warming.
Meanwhile, it would also hold an Electro Somato (ESG) body scan. The scan could be done in only four minutes and the result would be available instantly.
The normal price is RM200 but on that day the foundation is only charging RM120. Besides that, the participants would also be given a RM20 voucher for future scan.
All monies collected on that day would donated to the foundation for its running cost.
Booking for the RV Orient Pandaw Rajang River Cruise is already full for this year and beyond the expectation of the company, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company.
The founder of Pandaw Cruises, Paul Strachan, in an email to Eastern Times yesterday, said although the Pandaw Cruise would only start in July, bookings for the upcoming cruise was already full.
He said response was that overwhelming due to the active selling of the cruise by company to their long established list of clients who had experienced such cruise in Vietnam and Cambodia.
“It seems that hundreds of our old passengers are just waiting for a really exciting new product like this to come along,” he said, adding that Pandaw Cruise was also actively promoting stop-over in the state capital of Kuching and other towns in Sarawak to be added to the Rejang river cruise.
The cruise would be Malaysia’s first luxurious cruise when the Pandaw Cruise began operation in July this year.
Operated by on the RV Orient Pandaw, a ship that is a replica of the old colonial river steamer, this cruise will sail along the Rejang River.
The RV Orient, with 30 staterooms, will make a nine-day voyage along the Rejang which is adorned with picturesque scenery provided by the lush rainforest and longhouses by the riverbank.
The founder of Pandaw Cruises ,Paul Strachan, described the journey as a rich eco paradise and this is a true reflection of Sarawak’s new destination tagline “Sarawak-the paradise within”.
Starting from Sibu,the cruise will sail up-river to smaller towns of Kanowit and Kapit before turning into Rejang River’s main tributary of Balleh and heading towards the Pelagus Rapid.
From Pelagus, the cruise will return downstream to the town of Song and continue on to Sarikei and Tanjung Manis towns before returning to Sibu.
Apart from stopping and enjoying the rustic attractions in Sibu, Kanowit, Song, Kapit, Sarikei and Tanjung Manis, passengers can also take a smaller boat to visit the longhouses and enjoy the hospitality of the Iban community living along the river.
Steeped in tradition, the Ibans are known for their friendliness and rich cultural heritage. Other activities that passengers can do during the cruise include jungle trekking and visit to farmland where fruits, rice and pepper are grown. For the adventurous ones, they can also go shooting the rapid. Sibu is accessible by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching provided by Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia.
The flight from Kuching to Sibu only takes an hour and Kuching being the main gateway to Sarawak, is also connected by direct flight from Brunei, Jakarta, Pontianak, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.
These flights are currently operated by Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Air Asia, Tiger Airways and Batavia air. In March Kuching will see another airline, Jetstar Asia, making a direct flight into the city from Singapore.
Muslims are urged to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to upgrade themselves while helping to revive the glorious era of Islam.
Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud said Islamic teachings could produce strong and high quality Muslims in future.
“Emphasis on knowledge as the cornerstone of progress and strength, as taught in the Al-Quran, is as relevant and essential in present times as in a past civilisation that the world looked up to for advances and leadership in many fields” added Taib.
Salahuddin (right), accompanied by (from left) Daud, Awang Tengah and others, leading the procession in Bintulu.
He stated this at a mass gathering held at the Civic Centre here yesterday morning in conjunction with the state-level Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) celebration here.
His text of speech was read by Second Resource Planning and Management Minister and Public Utilities Minister, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
As such, Taib said they should be smart and work diligently to grab every opportunity made
available.
“Only those who can identify their weaknesses and redress them in the efforts to revive the glorious days of Islam will be able to prove that they are the best and the chosen
ones.”
Taib pointed out that this called for revival of the basic, as taught in the Al-Quran, to pursue knowledge and excellence which were the past foundations of success, as spelt out in the teaching of Islam which called for determination and commitment to progress.
He added that Prophet Muhammad’s exemplary leadership and teachings emcompassed all the values of Islam which united people and factions while emphasising unity, justice and progress based on knowledge in all fields.
Main asset
“Consolidation and unity are still the main asset. In the context of Malaysia, various agenda and programmes have been drafted to overcome the various problems affecting the ummah and the multi-religious society,” remarked Taib.
Earlier, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs), Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman exhorted the Muslims to cooperate among themselves and work closely with other non-Muslim communities for greater progress, unity and harmony.
He said the teachings of Islam should spur the Muslims to live exemplary lives and become role models for others since Islam was one of the main religions in the world.
Later, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin and wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Norkiah, Tengah and wife, Datin Amar Dayang Mordiah binti Datuk Haji Awang Daud, Daud and other dignitaries led the procession around Bintulu Town which started and ended at the Civic Open Field. It covered a distance of 3.5 kilometres.
An estimated 10,000 p articipants from 113 contingents from various government departments and agencies, private sector, statutory bodies, corporate bodies, mosques, suraus, clubs, associations, learning institutions and hadrah groups took part in the procession.
Among those present were Assistant Environment Minister, Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zain, State Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya, Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Haji Putit Martzen, State Director of JAIS, Datu Misnu, Jepak State Assemblyman, Datuk Haji Talip Zulpilip and Kemena State Assemblyman, Dr Stephen Rundi anak Utom.
Larry Sng, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Economic Planning) cum Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Planning), said since the United Nations’ declaration of rights for women many years ago the lot of women in society had progressed much to catch on equality in comparison to the status of men.
“In the past, many years ago in the history, women were being discriminated and their roles were confined to merely family upbringing and in the kitchen. Today, their social status is on par with men as the society progress. Like their male counterparts, they too are playing prominent roles in society as they were also armed with the relevant knowledge and skills,” said Larry while speaking at the World Women Day Celebration last Saturday evening held at Chong Seng Food Court which was attended by some 150 guests.
The function was jointly organised by women from six bodies, namely, SUPP, Foochow Association, Chiang Chuang Association, Tai Chi Association, Lions Club and Kapit Chinese Women (KCWA) Association’s women’s wings respectively. Also taking part in the celebration were the Women Institute of Kampung Baru and OUNA (Orang Ulu National Association).
HAPPY WOMEN DAY … Larry (6th left) with the women members here to celebrate the occasion of World Women Day celebration.
“Some countries have recognised women rights better than Western countries; for example, China and Russia have declared women day as public holiday. I think this is quite a good move because they recognised the important the role played by women in the society.
“Our government also make sure that every ethnic group celebrates their festive seasons as Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year. We cater for every ethnic groups,” said Larry.
“We appreciate women’s effort just like tonight we feel very proud able to show the women of Kapit working together despite coming from different ethnic backgrounds. When everyone is great I am great also,” he said.
Larry also reminded the people of Kapit to be united and work together to bring progress to the community.
He added that Pusat Khidmat Pelagus (NADI) last year successfully organised a course on ‘Gender Against Violence’.
“It was a success and we will continue to organise more courses to be participated by women this year,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Organising Chairperson, Ma Bee Kuan, who also spoke at the function, said the theme of the celebration this year was, “Men and Women Together Against Violence”.
She said the celebration was not merely eating and merry making but “more importantly, we are able to work together, to motivate one another and train ourselves to enhance our knowledge and capacity to serve the community to the best of our ability”.
“It is not just fellowship and gathering but I urged the women to stand up to do something together not just for our family but the society and the country at large,” she said.
Those present at the function were the Chairlady of Kapit Chinese Women Association, Wong Ke Ing , the Chairladies of Foochow Women Wing Association, Tie Weng Fong , Hu Le He (Tai Chi), Moonly Tiang (Lions Club), Evely Biju (SIDS) and Jenny Yu (SUPP) respectively.
Among the invited guests were administrative officer-in-charge of social development at Kapit resident Office, Yii See Yong, ex-Temenggong Sng Chee Eng, Kapitan Micky Ngu, Kapitan Yong Thu Fook, Chairman United Chinese Association, Yong Hua Sying, Chairman Foochow Association, Liew Siong Swee, Chairman Chiang chuan Association, Yeo kim Teck and Chairlady of the Women Wing of Kwang Tung Association, Lee Kung Chen.
Two youth who went to a house at Kim Chu Sin Road, Batu Kawa, to collect debts yesterday ended up with over 60 pellet wounds on their bodies and hands.
Their wounds were inflicted by a 52-year-old man who fired two shots at them when they came a calling at about 7.00 am.
When contacted, Sarawak Head of Crime Investigation Department, SAC 11 Huzir bin Mohamad, confirmed that a man had been arrested for firing at two youth.
“The duo had gone there to collect debts and we are now investigating what sort of debts,” he said.
Police seized a shotgun and a box of cartridges from the house. It is understood that the shotgun was not licensed to the man who fired the shot.
“People should not take the law into their own hands. Even if there are people coming to your house to cause nuisance, you should lodge a police report, not shoot at them,” Huzir said.
According to the house owner, the duo had come a week ago and hurled a bottle into his house.
He claimed that when they showed up again yesterday, they broke his window panes with a brick. It was then that he rushed out and fired two shots at them from a distance.
Meanwhile, the two youth, both aged 23 years, had lodged police reports.
One of them, from Stutong Baru, claimed that he did not know what his friend was up to. When they were having breakfast, his friend received a call. He (friend) then asked him to accompany him to collect money from a “friend”.
The purportedly ignorant victim ended up with over 20 pellets on both his hands and back.
The other youth, from Foochow Road, claimed that the house owner’s son had called him to collect money at about 7.30 am.
He said the two went there and called out the house owner’s son for more than 10 times, but nobody showed up.
As they were about to drive off, the house owner came out, opened the back door of their car and shot them at close range. Both victims have been warded at the hospital.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ten potential new species of fish discovered
0 comments Posted by Welcome To The Club.... at 8:01 AMTen species of fish collected during surveys in the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary could be new to science.
“Still unidentified, they are potential new species,” said Sarawak Museum curator of natural history Dr Charles Leh.
“These are smaller species which have aquarium value but no commercial value,” he added when asked after presenting his findings on a survey of the fishes in Lanjak Entimau during last year’s scientific expedition at Grand Margherita Hotel here.
He said funds were needed to study the unidentified fish as checks had to be carried out with the original description of the fish specimens in Holland and America.
Leh said the sole new fish species in Lanjak Entimau, which had been described was gastromyzoli katibassenis. It was named after the sanctuary in 2003.
“About 4,000 specimens consisting of 83 species were collected during the two-month survey. Only 10% of these are endemic to Borneo,” he added.
He said many of these fish species were similar to those found in the peninsula and Sumatera, Indonesia. Leh said the studies revealed that in logged-over forest in the sanctuary, the fish diversity had decreased.
However, he said shifting cultivation did not kill the fish as farmers did not use pesticides or chemicals for their crops.
Government officers were reminded not to be bureaucratic in responding to crisis situations such as floods.
Deputy State Secretary (Human Resources) Datuk Abdul Ghafur Shariff said that normal procedures such as filling out forms could not be followed in times of crisis.
“There are two levels of operation. One is crisis situation and the other is normal. In normal circumstances you follow the rules but you cannot always do this when a crisis comes.
“For example, when giving out provisions to flood victims, you cannot bring the forms and ask them to fill it first. This is being too bureaucratic,” he said.
Ghafur said the civil service coped quite well with the recent floods in Sarawak apart from one or two instances where flood victims were reportedly asked to fill out forms before receiving provisions.
“We always try to do the best we can in any circumstances. If I go to the ground, I will impart this message to the officers not to be too bureaucratic in times of crisis,” he told reporters after opening a workshop on developing key performance indicators here.
The two-day workshop was organised by the human resource planning unit of the Chief Minister’s Department and the Centre for Modern Management.
On the state’s civil service, Ghafur said it would continue to recruit staff as and when vacancies arise.
“We are not stopping recruitment this year,” he said, adding that there was currently no shortage of staff.
Sarawak has 13,000 civil servants and a further 5,000-7,000 in statutory bodies, government-linked companies and local authorities.
World Vision Malaysia is targeting 1,000 participants for its 30-Hour Famine event to be held here on March 21-22.
During the event, participants will go without food for 30 hours to raise funds for local and international organisations and programmes aimed at helping those in need.
They would begin their fast from noon on Saturday and end it at 6pm the following day at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here. However, they would be allowed to drink water during their fast.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan will officiate the event, themed ‘You’ve Got the Power’.
Miss Malaysia 2007/8 and World Vision children’s rights advocate Deborah Henry and TV personality Owen Yap will be making an appearance at the event, while singers Francissca Peter and Danell Lee are expected to perform alongside local artistes.
World Vision Malaysia aims to raise RM300,000 from the event. The funds raised would be channelled to the Kuching Autistic Association, World Vision Hope Fund, World Vision Malaysia Children’s Development Fund and World Vision Capacity Building Fund.
Participation in the 30-Hour Famine is divided into two categories - students/senior citizens (55 years and above) and working adults.
Students and senior citizens are required to raise a minimum of RM80 and working adults RM120 each to participate. Non-participants are free to donate any amount towards the event.
For more information, go to www.worldvision.com.my or call 03-7880 6414.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
| Emergency | |
| Emergency Operator | 999 |
| Fire & Rescue | 994 |
| Ambulance | +60 85 420033 |
| Police | +60 85 433730(patrol), +60 85 433222(PoliceStation)/432533(PoliceHQ) |
| Miri General Hospital | +60 85 420033 |
| Polyclinic | +60 85 412322 |
| Miri City Medical Centre | +60 85 426622 |
| Columbia Asia Medical Centre | +60 85 437755 |
| Government Polyclinic | +60 85 412322 |
| Government Departments | |
| Custom & Excise Department | +60 85 433611, 433351 |
| Domestic Trade & Consumer Affairs Department | +60 85 412862, 436787 |
| Health Department | +60 85 424722, 429987 |
| Immigration Department | +60 85 442112 |
| Sungai Tujuh Office | +60 85 491659 |
| Visa & Entry Permit Section | +60 85 442104 |
| Road Transport Department | +60 85 611101, 613005 |
| Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board | +60 85 419876 |
| Miri Civic Centre | +60 85 417099, 417088 |
| Miri Municipal Centre | +60 85 433504, 433503 |
| Social Welfare Department | +60 85 419072, 419073 |
| National Park & Wildlife Office | +60 85 436637 |
| Jabatan Kerja Raya(JKR) Miri | +60 85 442244/442220(TrafficLight)/442226(Road) |
| District Office | +60 85 433205 |
| Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara | +60 85 415411 |
| Jabatan Pertahanan Awam | +60 85 422726/433389 |
| Labour Department Miri | +60 85 419949/420195/425114 |
| LAKU Water Board Miri | +60 85 426626/436626 |
| SESCO Miri | +60 85 661111 |
| Land & Survey | +60 85 435925(Enforcement) |
| Miri City Council | +60 85 424111 |
| Royal Custom Malaysia | +60 85 433611 |
| Social Welfare Department | +60 85 419072/419073 |
| TALIKHIDMAT | 082-555999 |
| Police Department | |
| Police Headquarter | +60 85 432533, 433730 |
| Miri Police Central Station | +60 85 433222, 433677 |
| Tourist Police | +60 85 433177 |
| Public Services | |
| Miri Post Office | +60 85 433423 |
| Poslaju Miri (Express Post) | +60 85 422388 |
| Miri Kidney Dialysis Centre | +60 85 436862 |
| Miri Red Cresent Society | +60 85 411121, 428033 |
| Telecom Malaysia Berhad | +60 85 424977 |
| Gas Supply Miri | +60 85 421423 |
| Malaysia Red Crescent ( Miri Chapter ) | +60 85 411121/428032 |
| National Park Office | +60 85 433611 |
| Park & Wildlife Miri | +60 85 436637 |
| Resident Office | +60 85 433203 |
| Transport Services | |
| Airline | |
| Hornbill Skyways | +60 85 611066 |
| Air Asia | +60 85 438022, 429677 |
| MAS: Reservation | 1300 883000 |
| Airport Office | +60 85 614144 |
| Flight Information | +60 85 615433 |
| Malaysia Airlines(MAS) HQ office | 1-300-88-3000 |
| Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Miri City office | +60 85 414144 |
| Airport Information | +60 85 615433 |
| Airport VIC | +60 85 615181 |
| Visitor Info Miri | +60 85 434180/615181(AirportMiri) |
| Taxi Station | 085-431000/013-838100(24 hours) |
| Bus Station | +60 85 433423 |
| Miri Transport Co. Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 433425, 423726 |
| Miri City Bus Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 432599 |
| Miri Belait Transport Co. Bhd. | +60 85 419129 |
| Express Bus Station | |
| Bus Express (S) Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 430396 |
| Bus Suria Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 430416 |
| Biaramas Express Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 434319, 321318 |
| Borneo Amalgamated Transport Co. Bhd. | +60 85 430420 |
| Lanang Road Bus Co. Bhd. | +60 85 433116 |
| Freesia Express Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 433898 |
| Perhubungan Besar Bas Express Sdn. Bhd. | +60 85 435816 |
| Information Centres | |
| Visitors' Information Centre Miri | +60 85 434180 |
| Visitors' Information Counter Miri Airport | +60 85 615181 |
Miri has excellent public amenities, medical facilities, and financial institutions as well as customs and immigration offices.Sports and recreation are high on the list.
A state-of-the-art Marina attracts the international yachting community,and divers who are keen to explore the ‘under water jungles’ below.
Miri is small enough for strolling, yet big enough to offer all amenities of life. It is also a staging point for trips to the vast rural hinterland drained by the Baram River, and some of Sarawak’s most famous national parks, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu, Niah, Lambir Hills, Loagan Bunut lake, and the cool highlands of Bario and Ba Kelalan.
Tiong blamed HCM Engineering for Bintulu-Sibu road poor condition
0 comments Posted by Welcome To The Club.... at 6:41 PMThe poor condition quality of road maintenance works along the Bintulu-Tatau road irked Bintulu Member of Parliament, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing.
According to Tiong, HCM Engineering a peninsular based Class A contractor was doing a poor job in repairing and maintaining the Bintulu-Sibu road.
“During fine weather, there are plenty of pot holes along the road, and the road condition worsens during the rainy season,” he told reporters yesterday after paying a site visit to the Bintulu-Tatau Road where a section of the road caved in last week.
He said he had received numerous complaints from motorists who had suffered punctured tyres while travelling between Bintulu and Sibu. Tiong admitted he was unhappy what the contractor had done in carrying out maintenance work along this stretch of road.
A visibly upset Tiong said the diversion constructed by the contractors should be compact and solid enough for motor vehicles to past through and should not be full of mud.
“The contractor should not justified poorly done works by blaming the weather” Tiong said.
“In Peninsula Malaysia, the diversions are constructed within days and are in tip-top condition, even for heavy vehicles,”
he said.
The Bintulu MP said he would brought up the problem in the next Parliament sitting and recommended that that their contract be reviewed or terminated.
Tanjung Manis Sets To Be Malaysia's Largest Halal Hub
0 comments Posted by Welcome To The Club.... at 5:42 AMIn the early 1990's, the mere mention of Tanjung Manis would make people link the town with Sarawak's lumber industry. However, last Feb 18 marked the transition of Tanjung Manis into an industrial hub.
Among the industries set to flourish here are deep-sea fishing, palm oil, gas and petroleum as well as shipping.
At the launch of the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub last Feb 18 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, witnessed the signing of agreement between 11 companies, including six from Taiwan, and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) worth close to RM4.0 billion.
With the launch, the halal hub is expected to diversify the existing economic activities at Tanjung Manis.
AQUACULTURE
Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the companies would venture into projects like aquaculture, biotechnology, farming, halal food processing apart from research and development.
"The state government welcomes foreign investors Sea Party Group to implement large-scale aquaculture, fish and prawn breeding projects as well as poultry and seaweed farming using modern and environmental-friendly technology", the minister said in his speech at the function to launch Tanjung Manis Halal Hub here recently.
The six Taiwan companies are Sea Party Microbes Sdn Bhd with RM1.04 billion investment, Sea Party Aquaculture Sdn Bhd (RM113 million), Sea Party Technology Sdn Bhd (RM480 million), Sea Party Industry Sdn Bhd (RM90 million), Sea Party Biotech Industry Sdn Bhd (RM150 million) and Sea Party Technology R & D Centre Sdn Bhd (RM20 million). The total amount is RM1.8 billion.
PROJECT PROPOSALS
The five Malaysian companies investing there are Najee Brothers Sdn Bhd (RM2.0 billion), Golden Priority Sdn Bhd (RM45 million), Intigrati Sdn Bhd (RM100 million), Pertanza Sdn Bhd (RM10 million) and Musyati Sdn Bhd (Sarawak) (RM30 million) and the total investments is worth RM2.1 billion.
Awang Tengah said the STIDC has been entrusted to develop Tanjung Manis and it has been allocated RM135 million to provide the basic infrastructure for the halal hub.
Since the announcement on the Tanjung Manis project during the World Halal Forum in Kuala Lumpur May last year, STIDC has received many project proposals on halal-based industries that would cover 16,000 hectares of area and providing job opportunities for 3,000 people.
Apart from Tanjung Manis, the country has three more halal hubs in the 'pipeline'. They are Malaysia International Halal Park (MIHP) in Selangor (2,756 hectares), Zamcorp Niaga (Kumpulan Halal Hub) also in Selangor (2,000 hectares) and Halal Park Hadhari Cattle in Kedah (1,000 hectares).
Malaysia's existing halal hubs are at Pulau Indah (Selangor) launched in 2003 and Tanjung Pelepas Fee Trade Zone (Johor) unveiled in 2006. The country also has halal parks at Gambang in Pahang (100 hectares), Pedas in Negeri Sembilan (55 hectares), Serkam in Melaka (127 hectares) and Perda in Pahang (10 hectares).
INFRASTRUCTURE
In line with the move to develop Tanjung Manis as Malaysia's biggest halal hub, the Sarawak Government has tasked the STIDC to provide more facilities and basic infrastructures for this township.
Among the infrastructures is the 20km-long Jalan Serdeng at the cost of RM121 million that would link Sibu and Tanjung Manis.
STIDC also plans to spend almost RM5.0 billion to upgrade the port, airport and roads as well as banking facilities at Tanjung Manis.
The move to make Tanjung Manis a halal hub is timely as non-Muslim countries like Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, China and Thailand dominate almost 80 percent of the globe's halal food products.
Currently Malaysia produces US$10.0 billion worth of halal products but some 85 percent is from non-Bumiputera companies.
With the world Muslim population reaching 1.61 billion, West and South Asia with 584 million Muslim population is the globe's major market for halal products at US$175 million a year while for Africa (461 million population), the market is worth US$115 million annually.
Malaysia, as a Muslim country has the ability and advantage to be among the world's major producer of halal goods and services
