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240 Menggatal apartment units hit by water cut BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

240 Menggatal apartment units hit by water cut

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:27 AM PST

KOTA KINABALU: The occupants of 240 Taman Fajar Apartment units in Menggatal had their water supply cut off for three days due to non-payment of RM120,000 in overdue water bills owed to the Water Department.

Solivalue Sdn Bhd, the management corporation of Taman Fajar Apartment, managed to scrape together RM15,000 yesterday to settle the outstanding water bills and made an appeal to the Water Department to restore water supply to the residents.

The Water Department was reported to have agreed to temporarily restore water supply in 24 hours.

However, the Water Department has demanded the management corporation pay up RM35,000 within the next two weeks, and pay RM27,000 more owed by installments in the next five months.

Solivalue Sdn Bhd director, Chong Choong, urged the defaulting residents to settle their long overdue water bills to the management corporation, so that the corporation could clear the outstanding amount due to the Water Department, to avoid water disconnection to all residents.

Chong, who is also the developer of the apartments, said Taman Fajar Apartment phase two to phase four have been managed by Solivalue Sdn Bhd for the past 11 years.

The management corporation collects RM50 every month from the occupants of the 240 units in phase two, three and four for maintenance and repair purposes, he said.

The management corporation is also tasked with collecting water bill payments from the residents, and to subsequently pay the Water Department, he added.

Chong said that as some of the residents did not pay their water bills on time, some even had long overdue bills, the management corporation was unable to pay the amount due to the Water Department.

"Although we have asked the residents to pay their long overdue water bills numerous times, they remained uncooperative, which is why we now owe the Water Department RM120,000!" he said.

Chong said they received a warning letter from the Water Department around 10 days ago, demanding that the company settle their outstanding bill of RM120,000 or else the water supply would be disconnected.

"As the management corporation could not pay the sum demanded, the Water Department cut off the water supply at around 11am on November 26.

"For the next three days thereafter, residents of the 240 units in phase two, three and four will not have any water supply," he said.

The disconnection of the water supply has angered many residents, especially those who have paid their bills on time, but now bear the consequences caused by residents who refused to pay their water bills.

The management corporation held an emergency meeting at noon yesterday which was attended by 60 residents. At the meeting chaired by Chong, two resolutions were passed.

The management corporation resolved to continue to demand the residents to pay up on their overdue bills. The management corporation also resolved to negotiate with the Water Department on the settlement of the outstanding amount.

Chong urged residents who have overdue bills to settle their bills immediately to prevent another water supply disconnection.

"We all live under the same roof. Everyone should look after each other, you should pay your bills, and not cause inconvenience to all the other residents."

Also present were Solivalue Sdn Bhd manager, Julien David and Taman Fajar Apartment resident representative, Clifford F. Spencer.

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Sabah prepares for second World Heritage Site listing

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:26 AM PST

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is continuing its effort to have Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon recognized as World Heritage Sites (WHS) by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said a state-level committee entrusted with the task was preparing all the required feedback and documentation required for the listing.

"After it is completed the whole thing will be submitted to the relevant federal ministry in Kuala Lumpur to make the official proposal to Unesco," he said to reporters after officiating at the launch of a book on traditional customs of ethnic communities in Sabah, at a leading hotel here, yesterday.

Masidi said once the Unesco had received the official proposal, it would send its experts to make the necessary evaluation, and should they be satisfied with all the endorsement given by the relevant authorities, the sites would be listed as WHS.

This would be the second WHS in Sabah after Mount Kinabalu.

"It is taking some time because we are proposing simultaneously three sites and these involves collection of data which is a bit technical," he explained.

He added that all technicalities were expected to be completed soon, and more importantly they would be completed properly to make it easier for Unesco to make its decision.

On another development he informed that his ministry had yet to receive any official application on the proposal to turn Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary (KKCBS) into a Ramsar Site, which will also be the second for Sabah after the Lower

Kinabatangan Sanctuary.

"Officially, the ministry has yet to receive any official application, although we have read about the proposal in the media. To me an expression of intention has already been made on this matter and I assume that there will be an official application – but nothing has reach to my attention so far," he said.

Masidi said it was also the hope of the ministry to see KKCBS recognized as a Ramsar Site but reminded that complying with all the conditions and requirements for such international recognition was not easy.

What was important for now, he said, was for all parties involved to take the necessary initiatives to ensure that the KK Bird Sanctuary was taken care well.

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Another PPRT farm for Nabawan – Radin

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:25 AM PST

by Johan Aziz. Posted on November 29, 2013, Friday

KENINGAU: Another hardcore poor people development programme (PPRT) farm will be implemented in Sumatalun, Nabawan district next year, said Rural Development Minister, Datuk Radin Malleh yesterday.

He said the farm, which is the third in the state, is expected to involve a total of 360 hardcore poor households (KIRMT).

"Two other PPRT farm in the state is in Kalabakan and Tongod with 1,117 KIRMT involved in both of these farms," he said, when officiating the Management and Administration courses for Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Urban Community Committee (JKDB) for Nabawan district at Sento Hotel here.

According to him, the state government's main challenge, in particular his Ministry's, is to bring the rural people to move in tandem with the country's development.

In this regard, he said, the first thing that needs to be accomplished is to bring the poor and the rural hardcore poor out of the poverty line.

"To this end, I urge all levels of leadership, especially JKKK/JKDB leadership to help locate and identify qualified local people for receiving assistance provided by the government," he said.

Accordingly, he urged the leadership and presence of the JKKK/JKDB to be filled with values ​​of integrity, ability and dedication in carrying out the duties and responsibilities entrusted on them.

He said, based on the Statistics Department report on the country's population in 2009, about 1.4 million people or 44 percent of the State population is made ​​up of young people aged between 15 to 40 years.

"As we all know, young people are the most important resources and assets that need to be addressed in society. The future of our country depends on the ability of young people today. If the youths today are among the good and virtuous character, of course, the face of our state in the future can be described as a state of progress, peace and prosperity," he said.

Radin called on the leaders to immediately reach out and understand the needs and expectations of the youths in their village. What is of concern is that if we do not create hope and opportunity for them, most likely they will migrate or leave the village without knowledge and skills.

He said if such situation arises, it will encourage more migration and the negative influences of the larger urban areas will trap them into becoming social problems.

"Therefore, listen the whispers of their hearts and bring them together in working planned development and activities of the village. Such actions will indirectly make room for the younger generation to learn and together attain their aspirations.

"I am fully confident that if there is continued effort, cooperation and commitment of the leadership, the government's dream to bring progress and prosperity to the rural people can be achieved more quickly," he said.

He said, in line with the State Budget for 2014 which was tabled by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government has shown its commitment for continuous and sincere assistance to the people to provide a better future, a more prosperous life and to make the state to be more peaceful, harmonious and prosperous.

"With the development allocation amounting to RM103.92 million proposed under the 2014 Budget, the Ministry of Rural Development will continue to implement projects to eradicate poverty especially on the Prosperous Agricultural Mini Estate (MESEJ), Aquaculture Mesej , Integrated Mesej, Micro Mesej, beside implementing Amenity development projects and the Village Economy, Prosperous Village Programme, Village Entrepreneurship Program and rural development projects to improve the quality of life of the people, especially in the rural areas.

"The implementation of the Mesej program which was initiated in 2004 with priority to those poverty areas in almost all the State has shown a significant impact. So far, there are 45 Mesej in various stages of implementation and included three from Nabawan district, namely Kampung Salinatan Mesej, Kampung Labang 1 and Kampung Labang 2 Mesej, which will benefit 99 hardcore poor household (KIRMT) when it is completed," he said.

Also present at the function was Nabawan District officer, Bubudan OT Majalu, and heads of Nabawan state and Federal Department.

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Unhappy over sewage pipe above ceiling

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:24 AM PST

by Natasha Sim. Posted on November 29, 2013, Friday

KOTA KINABALU: The Housing Purchasers' Claim Tribunal here yesterday urged consultants involved in housing development projects to ensure the rights of purchasers are protected.

Tribunal President Ahmad Sedik said this following a claim by Rosnah @ Senandung Asri, who was dissatisfied with the construction of the sewage and kitchen pipes that runs through her apartment unit.

The Tribunal was hearing claims against a local housing developer for one of its apartments in Menggatal.

The tribunal ordered that a joint inspection be made on December 22 this year and a report on the inspection be submitted immediately after.

"The sewage and kitchen pipes from the unit above my floor is located on the ceiling of my unit," Rosnah said.

When asked if there were leakages from the exposed pipes, she said there was none but had expressed concern for the future of her home.

In reply, the respondent said the the design complied with requirements of the local authorities and had been approved accordingly.

Sidek, however, remarked that structures like piping should not interfere with other units, and he urged housing developers to be mindful of this issue in the future.

He said rectification of the original design of the unit would be difficult as it involves a total of 2,000 apartment units at the Menggatal location.

"Because of the prior approval of the plan, any action, should it be taken, would involve the housing developer, consultants and the local authorities that approved the plan in the first place," Sedik said.

Rosnah also claimed that the main door of her apartment was made of poor quality timber and that there are cracks at the staircase area of her apartment building.

On this, the Tribunal President said that he had noticed some chipping at the side of the staircase and also cracks during his site visit of the apartments two days ago, on November 26, this year.

He stated that the claimant can pursue the issue even after the defects liability period had lapsed.

Sedik said action can be taken at the Small Claims Court for claims under RM25,000, or at the Civil Court if the housing developers ignore their responsibilities after the Tribunal hearing.

On Wednesday (November 27), Sedik said that he would mediate between the claimants and the respondent on non-technical issues such as the maintenance and service fees.

"The issues on non-technical claims are similar amongst all the claims, therefore this hearing is adjourned until I can bring the whole group in to settle it once and for all," he said.

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Alwie is Penampang Sabah Idol

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:23 AM PST

KOTA KINABALU: Alwie Jusli, 20, from Kota Marudu singing a Kadazan song 'Oulou' stole the hearts of the judges during the final of the Sabah Idol Penampang Selection held at Buhavan Square, Donggongon, last weekend.

Pint size but otherwise big in voice, he beat twenty power-packed finalists to bag the Penampang Sabah Idol title and RM1,000 cash, a trophy, a certificate and the right to represent Penampang District at the Sabah Grand Final to be held in Lahad Datu at the end of the year.

Second placing went to Nurul Atikah who sang a very credible version of 'Bertakta Di Hati' much to the satisfaction of the panel of judges who were also impressed with the depth and power of her voice to hit the high notes.

Third place winner, 20-year old Flora Petus' superb rendition of Adele's 'Someone Like You' managed to sway the judges into giving her the third placing, a well-deserved placing considering the tightness of the competition and the fierce battle put up by the other singers.

The Most Popular title was won by a very determined 18-year old contestant from Lahad Datu, Farman Hababa in his third attempt, having contested in Lahad Datu last month and Keningau a fortnight ago.

The Best Showmanship title went to Sahidan Mohd Ramli who was also a finalist last year, while the Most Creative title was won by Jouney Emith. The Best Costume award went to Yafieda Jasmi with her long flowing gown.

Held in conjunction with the annual traditional Sport and Tamu Besar Festival organized by the Penampang Village Homestay, it was also to celebrate Sabah's 50th year in Malaysia.

Puan Evelyn Masudal, the organizing coordinator expressed her delight at the opportunity to join forces with Sabah Idol to make this year's festival more exciting and attractive.

" We hope to continue this winning partnership for many years to come," she said.

The national Anti-Dadah Agency Sabah also participated to spearhead their campaign against drug usage, especially among youths.

The Sabah Idol series, with its big following in the state, is the best platform to spread the anti-dadah 'Say No to Drugs' slogan. It also aimed to show that one can succeed in show business without resorting to drugs.

Penampang Umno head Datuk John Ambrose officiated at the event. In his speech he thanked Sabah Idol for organizing the event again in Penampang and he also stressed the negative impact of drug usage, especially among youths.

Because of the closeness of the points, six wild-cards, Azlee Bin Mualip, Jaidizah Binti Jaidi, Nicolette Ann G Tojimo, Aivin Clint Lim, Mohd Maswan Bin Anwar and Yafieda Jasmi were also selected to undergo another audition before the grand final.

For more information please contact 013-8651998 and 012-8498688

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Book on customs, taboos of Sabah ethnic groups launched

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:22 AM PST

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun launched the book " Customs and Taboos of Ethnic Groups in Sabah" at a leading hotel here, yesterday.

The book highlights the different customs and taboos practised traditionally by the various Sabah ethnic groups , namely the Kadazan of Penampang, Bajau Sama, Iranun, Bisaya and Rungus Dusun Bonggi.

Published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Sabah branch, the book was authored by five writers, Rita Lasimbang (Kadazan Penampang), Hajah Siti Aidah Lokin (Bisaya), Raymond Majumah (Rungus and Bonggi), Abdul Naddin Shaiddin (Iranun) and Radik Taim (Bajau sama).

Masidi said Sabah was blessed with rich traditions, customs and taboos from more than 32 recognised ethnic groups and was a treasure that should be safeguarded.

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