Sarawak Latest News

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.

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

Climate & Weather

Miri's proximity to the equator and hence has a tropical climate. Miri does not have four seasons. Temparute is fairly constant, averaging between 22-33 C (72-93 F) all year round. However, it may get quite cool up in mountains such as Mulu.

The climate is monsoonal, and there is a wet season (called Landas - an Iban term) between November and February, when there is higher and more constant rainfall. This can make hiking difficult and possibly uncomfortable, particularly if climbing is involved. Flooding can also occur during the wet season, making it hard to access some areas; and it can be difficult to reach Bako and Tanjung Datu National Parks (which require boat trips) because the seas become choppy. The wet season is most pronounced on the coastal areas.

To check the current weather, visit the Malaysian Bureau of Meteorology website, which provides weather conditions and forecasts for major cities - and several national parks as well.

Humidity & Time Zone

Humidity is high (usually around 80%), and there is high rainfall all year round - although this usually comes in short, heavy bursts of an hour or so during the afternoon - it can be clear and sunny the rest of the day! The Kuching region tends to have higher annual rainfall than the areas around Miri.

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8

When best visit?
The best times of year for trekking are therefore March to August and October - November (there may be problems with haze from forest fires and clearing in Kalimantan during August-September).

How to get here?

By Air
Miri modern airport, capable of handling A330 Airbuses, Boeing 737s and 747s, is well served with flights to many domestic and international destinations soon. There are 3 major airlines which service Sarawak are the national carrier MAS, and a discount airline, Air Asia. Flight flies direct to Miri from Kuala Lumpur, Johore Baru (just across the border from Singapore, and cheaper because it is a domestic flight), and from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. By Using Brunei Airlines(Which is about two hours drive to Miri), also has direct flights from Perth in Shanghai, Manila, Darwin, Brisbane (->Aucland), Sydeny, Perth, Bali, Surabaya, Jakarta, Singapore, Sharjah(->Jeddah), Dubai(->London), Bangkok(->Frankfurt) & Hong Kong. Royal Brunei often has some special deals. Airport tax is charged upon departure and costs RM5 for domestic flights and RM40 for international flights.

Please refer to the MAS, Air Asia and Royal Brunei Airlines websites for current schedules, fares and booking details.

By Road
Miri is accessible by road from Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) and all major towns in Sarawak. Connected to major towns in Sarawak and to Brunei and Sabah by the Pan-Borneo Highway. There is no pay-toll along these highway as the road are contructed by the local goverment.

Languages

Although Bahasa Melayu is the official language of Malaysia, you will find that nearly everybody in Sarawak (particularly in the cities) speaks fluent English. Further upriver into the interior and Bahasa Melayu and Iban are more likely to be used in preference. Also, there many variety of dialect the local people communicate with each other. You may find interesting to witness there are many people in the same area but conduct many different languages.

See our Useful Words page for some Iban and Malay words which you might not find in your standard guidebook.

Money

The local currency called Ringgit Malaysia (RM). One ringgit comprises 100 sen.

The currency comes in the form of both notes and coins. Ringgit banknotes are issued in the following denominations RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 while coins are issued in one sen, five sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM1 denominations.

Foreign currency and traveller? cheques can be converted into Ringgit at banks or authorised moneychangers throughout the country. Resident travellers are allowed to carry into and out of the country any amount not exceeding RM1,000 per person and also export foreign currency not exceeding the equivalent of RM10,000 per person. Those who are carrying in excess of these - when entering or leaving the country - are required to obtain permission from the Controller of Foreign Exchange and declare in the Traveller? Declaration Form the exact amount of Ringgit carried. Approval is usually given within one day of application. Non-residents are allowed to bring in any amount of foreign currency (including traveller? cheques). However, declaration in the Disembarkation Card issued by the Immigration Department is required when an amount in excess of US$2,500 is brought into the country.

Non-residents must also obtain permission and declare Ringgit exceeding RM1,000 when leaving or entering the country.

Most major credit cards are accepted fairly widely in the major shops. There are plenty of money changers in the Airports and city, but ATMs offer one of the most convenient means of obtaining cash for travellers.

Tipping

The custom of tipping is not practised in Malaysia. To tip or not depends entirely on you. Most hotels and large restaurants have already included a 10% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the bill (indicated by the ++ sign on menus and rate cards) so tipping is unnecessary.

What to bring?

Recommended clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout the year. Waterproofing is advisable all year.

Business Hours

Miri runs on a normal eight-hour working day system with Saturdays as a half-day workday and Sunday as a day of rest. All public service departments and some banks usually close on the first and third Saturday of the month.

Private sector hours are generally from 9am to 5pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday) while government office hours are usually from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Many private sector companies operate on a five-day week.

Visas

Sarawak maintained separate control over immigration when it joined the Malaysian Federation. As a consequence, even if you are coming from Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah, you are required to obtain a separate visa for Sarawak (Malaysians coming from other parts of Malaysia are also required to do so). 1 month social visas are automatically issued at the airport. Extensions (1 month at a time, up to 2 extensions) can be obtained from the Immigration Department with relatively little fuss.

Visitors entering Malaysia must possess a valid passport or an internationally recognised travel document (valid for travel to Malaysia). Those who are not in possession of any of these must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport from the Malaysian Representative Office abroad. A passport is necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, as well as between Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysians from the Peninsula need either a passport or their identity card to enter Sabah and Sarawak. Visitors who come to Malaysia on a visa must get the document from the Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country. A visa must be used within its validity period (normally three months).

However, visitors should note that a visa is not a guarantee for entering Malaysia. The final decision rests with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

Tourist Police

Visitors who face unforeseen problems can always seek the aid of the Malaysian Tourist Police. You can identify an officer by his or her attire - checkered hatband, dark blue shirt and trousers and a red and blue badge (with the letter "I" for information) displayed on the breast pocket.

These officers usually patrol tourist spots and protect the attractions/monuments as well as the safety of all visitors.

Power supply and water

3-pin plug. 240V, 50Hz.

Recommender Boil

Important Number

Airport Information	085-615433
Air Asia	085-438022,616022(airport)
Hornbill Skywats	085-423221,426100
Royal Custom Malaysia	085-433611
Immigration	085-429191
Telekoms	085-429191
Resident & District Offie	085-433203
Miri City Council	085-433501,424111
Post Office	085-433423
Post Laju(Express Post)	085-422388
National Park Office	085-433611
Police	085-433222,43367,433730
Tourist Police	085-433177
Fire and Rescue	994
Taxi Service	085-432277
Bus Station	085-433423
Rescue
Ambulance	999
Dialling Code	60

Miri City Council has received the list of appointment of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors for the period of service from 1/1/2009 till 31/12/2009.

List of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors

1.	Encik Lawrence Lai Yew Son	-	Mayor
2.	Encik Mohd. Chee bin Kadir	-	Deputy Mayor
3.	Puan Suzanne Lee Tze Ha	-	Councillor
4.	Encik Yong Kar Seng	-	Councillor
5.	Puan Lim Shian Shiuh @ Bernice Lim	-	Councillor
6.	Encik Chin Fook Kim	-	Councillor
7.	Encik Gilbert Chin Yung Hua	-	Councillor
8.	Encik Koh Ek Chong	-	Councillor
9.	Encik Kong San Hoe	-	Councillor
10.	Puan Liew Mei Yin	-	Councillor
11.	Puan Chong Nyuk Lain	-	Councillor
12.	Encik Abau anak Nawing	-	Councillor
13.	Encik Chia Chhau Khiong	-	Councillor
14.	Encik Julaihi bin Haji Mohamad	-	Councillor
15.	Encik Mohamad Sardon bin Zainal	-	Councillor
16.	Encik Dennis Ngau	-	Councillor
17.	Puan Hajjah Khadija binti Datuk Muip	-	Councillor
18.	Puan Lila @ Laila binti Mohamad	-	Councillor
19.	Dr. Philip Raja	-	Councillor
20.	Dr. Nuing Jeluing	-	Councillor
21.	Encik Wendel Crocker	-	Councillor
22.	Encik Renggan ak. Belatong	-	Councillor
23.	Encik Narmal Singh	-	Councillor
24.	Encik David Tan Thiam Hua	-	Councillor
25.	Encik Robert Ayu	-	Councillor
26.	Puan Kijan Toynbee	-	Councillor
27	Encik Inging anak Wil @ Robert	-	Councillor

The Swearing In Ceremony was held on Saturday 14th February 2009 at the council office thereby the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillorshave declared acceptance of their appointments during the solemn ceremony held in the presence of YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak (1), the Minister of Industrial Development and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture together with other localYang Berhormat, Datuk-Datuk, community leaders, local dignitaries, heads of government departments, council staff and theirfamily members.

The Sarawak Forestry will put signboards at certain sites along the river bank at Kampung Pulau Melayu here to warn the public of the presence of crocodiles in the river.
Sarawak Forestry General Manager, Wilfred Landong, when contacted yesterday, said a spot check had been conducted at the area last Wednesday, including interviewing several of the villagers.

“Four Wildlife Rangers have been deployed to continue their surveillance, especially at night, at Kampung Pulau Melayu and along the river banks from Kuala Miri to Pujut Adong,” said Wilfred.

He added that the surveillance would be conducted at certain intervals.
Wilfred pointed that so far, no crocodile had been captured in the area.

He disclosed on last Tuesday, an English daily reported about the sudden presence of crocodiles in the river, causing concerns among the residents of Kampung Pulau Melayu.
The villagers had claimed at least four of the reptiles of different sizes had been spotted in the river, especially during low tide, or basking on the river banks since end of January.

MIRI: A MASwings Twin Otter aircraft veered off the runway after landing at the Bario airstrip at about 1.00 pm last Tuesday.
Fortunately, all 16 passengers on board MH3434, as well as the pilot and co-pilot, were safe.
The two pilots managed to bring the aircraft, which had taken off from here, to a safe stop on the grass verge.
MASwings Managing Director, Mohd Salleh Ahmad Tabrani, said in a press statement yesterday that the airlines’ engineers were rushed to Bario at 4.45 pm last Tuesday but they found no damage to the aircraft.
He added that the aircraft was given the clearance by the engineers to take off for Miri at about 6.20 pm the same day.
However, the incident forced the airline to cancel four flights involving Miri, Lawas and Marudi. The affected passengers were flown to their respective destinations yesterday.

‘Buah puak’ - also known as ‘buah tampoi’ - is among the fruits in season now.

IN ABUNDANCE: Iswan at his ‘buah tampoi’ stall.

The fruit is gradually making its appearance in various markets in the city since a fortnight ago.

Many think ‘buah tampoi’ is a wild fruit collected from the jungle.

“This may be true in the past. But the fruit we see in the market nowadays is the cultivated one,” said Johnson Bujang, the owner of an orchard in Bukit Peninjau near here.

According to Johnson, the fruit is of two types ‘puak bubur’ and ‘puak batu’.

The ‘puak bubur’, he explained, has a tougher orange-coloured shell that has to be squeezed hard between the palms to open, while the reddish shell of ‘puak batu’ is easy to crack open. And the flesh of ‘puak bubur’ is white and much tender than that of ‘puak batu’ which is yellowish and tougher.

Johnson said most people, if not all, regarded ‘puak bubur’ as of better quality.

Many eat ‘buah puak’ with its seeds, and if too much is consumed, it can cause constipation, unless one drinks more water after eating it. It is believed that eating ‘buah puak’ with its seeds together with some bananas is good for ‘cleaning’ the digestive system.

Harvesting ‘buak puak’ is similar to harvesting ‘langsat’, said another orchard owner who is an expert tree climber in Sungai Mallang Atas in Bukit Peninjau.

He is sought after to climb fruit trees.

“My services are needed because the fruits will easily split if they fall to the ground,” said the man who did not want to be identified.

The ‘buah tampoi’ in the markets here is available at RM5 per kg or RM8 for two kg. A trader in the tamu at the E-mart Commercial Centre, Iswan Ali said good quality ‘buah puak’ with smooth attractive skins could cost as much as RM8 per kg.

“This fruit is very sweet, but can last only for about a week after it has been harvested,” he said.

Gradates suffer serious slash, cut wounds; cops find cannabis in blood-splattered house

A young couple – both university graduates – was found with serious slash and cut wounds in a house at Desa Senadin near here yesterday.

Policemen who rushed to the scene to investigate also found what is believed to be four cubes of cannabis or ganja in the living room and a bedroom of the blood-splattered house.

It is learnt that a member of the public called the Miri police operations room after he heard a couple quarrelling in the house around noon.

A Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) unit and other police personnel from Lutong Police Station were the first to arrive at the scene.

Policemen, however, were unable to enter the house as it was locked from inside, and thus they have to rope in personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department to cut the locked side door house grille before policemen forced open the door and rushed in to arrest a man who was covered in blood.

The man was found in the kitchen.

According to sources, the man, who is from Bintulu had just completed his tertiary education while his girlfriend who is from Batu Niah near here graduated about a year ago.

They were said to be staying in a house belonging to a relative of the girl.

A source said the knife-wielding man resisted arrest, and a police officer was slightly injured on his cheek in the scuffle.

He was later subdued and handcuffed.

The man sustained cuts on his neck, chest and arms while the woman suffered a deep cut on her neck and cuts on her hands, believed to have been inflicted with a kitchen knife and a pair of scissors which were found at the scene.

Blood was found in the kitchen and living room.

The man, who could still walk, was handcuffed and brought out of the house while the seriously injured woman was brought on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance before she was rushed to Miri General Hospital for treatment.

The duo was believed to have lost a lot of blood.

Infrastructure Develop-ment and Communication Assistant Minister Lee Kim Shin who was told of the incident later checked with hospital and was told that the injured female patient was in serious, but stable condition.

Miri CID chief DSP Mohd Zaini Che Din and senior investigating officer ASP Zainan Azili were at the scene to investigate.

A police dog unit team and narcotics police personnel were later dispatched to the scene.

The motive of the tragic incident is not immediately known, but the police are not ruling out jealousy or drug-driven frenzy which led to the bloody incident. Miri OCPD ACP Jamaluddin Ibrahim confirmed the case but refused to give details except to say investigations were underway.

Source : Mohd Abdullah and Philip Kiew

Geology experts who are currently in Miri now to study the land structure of Canada Hill will present the initial report on their findings today.

The report would be presented to the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Peter Chin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Miri, during a briefing session at the Miri Resident office.

Eights experts from different authorities in Kuala Lumpur arrived here yesterday to join the earlier group of three experts led by PWD’s Head of Research and Development, Dr. Che Hassandi Abdullah.

The eight are Selangor Director of Natural Resources and Environment Board, Dr. Zakaria Mohamad, Director of International Research Center on Disaster Prevention (IRCDP) UiTM International Centre, Prof. Dr. Roslan Zainal Abidin, Yang Emirza-Ain Mat Aris and Fadullah Jili Fursani Kemrry (both from IRCDP), and four from Mineral and Geosciences Department of Malaysia - Syed Omar, Zaidi Daud, Mohd Azhar Abdullah and Robin Junang.

Another expert, Deputy Director of NREB Sarawak, Dr. Richard Mani, will be joining them today.

Upon arrival in Kuching, the eight experts were brought to the Miri Division Disaster Operation Room for a briefing conducted by Deputy Miri Resident, Boniface Intang.
Meanwhile, eight houses in Kampung Lereng Bukit, at the foothills of Canada Hill, were destroyed when a landslide occurred at 1.04 pm last January 30. Fortunately, all the 78 affected victims managed to escape in time.