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United Nations rep visits Kaiduan village BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

United Nations rep visits Kaiduan village

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 02:52 PM PST

by Amy Dangin. Posted on December 15, 2013, Sunday

PENAMPANG: United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter yesterday visited Kg Terian, which is one of the villages that will be inundated should the Kaiduan Dam project proceed.

Schutter was on a visit with two other delegate members of the UN to understand how the Kaiduan Dam project will affect the communities in Ulu Papar, or more specifically, their right to food, whether or not there has been or will be any human rights violation concerning food resources.

"I'm here to understand the situation that is developing on the ground, by speaking to the communities, listening to their testimonies will help expand my understanding of the issues," said Schutter, when met at the session at Kg Terian, here yesterday, in a visit which included Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) members from across Malaysia.

The visit was also part of JOAS' quarterly coordination meeting, attended by four JOAS members from West Malaysia, seven from Sarawak, and six from Sabah.

Schutter disclosed that prior to the site visit, he had spoken to various agencies of the state government as well as those of the federal government.

"And it's very useful for me to conduct these visits and also get the views of the communities first-hand."

Schutter revealed that his preliminary conclusions will be delivered on December 18, at the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, and later to the UN Human Rights Council, of which Malaysia has been a member for the past six years, in Geneva, on March 10, 2014.

"I think that the UN human rights system is a broad system but usually functions from Geneva and New York, and that is not very effective.

"It's much more effective to be in the countries concerned, to meet with the grassroot communities who have never travelled to Geneva and New York themselves, and see the context in which they interact with the authority," he told reporters when asked as to why he felt the visit was important.

During the visit, Schutter, who communicated via language translation by former SUHAKAM commissioner, Jenny Lasimbang, had asked the communities of Terian, Buayan, Pongobonon, Timpayasa, Tiku, Babagon Laut on their knowledge of the Kaiduan Dam updates.

Communities from the other two villages that will be affected by the mega dam project, Longkogungan and Kalanggaan, could not make it to the event as it would take them five hours of travelling by foot to Terian.

Member of the Task Force Against Kaiduan Dam, Mary Giun, answered on behalf of the communities how they have been left in the dark about the issue, which was supported by the communities present.

Meanwhile, Jenny Lasimbang expressed hope that the site visit would get the attention of the Malaysian government and make them listen to the voices of the indigenous communities, specifically those who will be affected by the Kaiduan Dam project.

"For me, I think the site visit is good and I hope that the government will take note of the upcoming report from the Special Rapporteur, which will hopefully highlight the issues pertaining to the rights of the indigenous communities.

"It's special that the UN has created a mandate like this, that they can go and visit and advise governments. Malaysia is part of the UN Human Rights Council. So this kind of mandate is important to remind the government that they are part of it and if they care for human rights, it will be shameful for us Malaysians not to take their duties and responsibilities accordingly," she said.

She added that the Malaysian government should also invite other special mandate-holders like Schutter, on the right to various issues related to the indigenous people.

Supporting the delegates on the visit yesterday was Moyog assemblyman, Terence Siambun and his crew, who provided four-wheel drive transportation for the visit. Also present were members of Persatuan Anak Negeri Sabah (PANSA), and PACOS Trust.

The current proposal to construct the RM2.8 billion mega Kaiduan Dam project threatens to directly submerge an area of 12 km sq, consisting of six villages, and would result in the gazetting of approximately 350 km sq as a water catchment reserve.

The flooding of the 12 km sq will cover fruit and vegetable gardens, rice mills and rice fields, and forest areas rich in biodiversity, traditional hunting and foraging areas that have been critical sources of food for the communities within Ulu Papar, Penampang.

Hence, the Kaiduan Dam will also threaten the right to food for approximately 1,400 indigenous Dusun community members of Ulu Papar, Penampang, since a large majority of the people in this area are subsistence farmers, relying principally on hill rice, animals and freshwater fish, as well as gathering of forest products for their daily needs, threatening their traditional production and consumption practices.

The task force urged the government to take immediate action to reconsider alternative means of improving clean water supply accessibility in Sabah, in a way which does not directly threaten the Ulu Papar communities' right to food.

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Back to school, Christmas cheers for kids

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 02:52 PM PST

by Sandra Sokial. Posted on December 15, 2013, Sunday

KOTA KINABALU: Esther's eyes lit up as she carefully scanned for school bag at one of the departmental stores in Wisma Merdeka Shopping Complex yesterday.

And when she saw the perfect bag of her choice, Esther smiled happily, for her search is finally over – and her back to school collection is complete.

In fact, Christmas came early, not just for the 14-year-old from the west coast of Sabah, but also for 10 other children and teenagers from a charity home – the Rumah Kanak-Kanak Kota Kinabalu in Kampung Beringgis, Papar, thanks to the AmBank Group.

"This is just part of our Corporate Social Responsibility through our AmKasih programme which focuses on reaching out to the community, and serves as an umbrella for all AmBank Group's CSR efforts to help the people," said AmBank Group Corporate Communications and Marketing senior general manager, Syed Anuar Syed Ali, adding that each child was given between RM100 and RM150 to spend for their school needs.

He said being a financial institution, they hoped to share their part as a "bank with a soul", by reaching out and lightening the burden of those in need, especially orphans, single mothers and widowers.

"The Back To School Charity Programme is basically organised through our sports club dubbed the Kelab AmBank Group, or KAG in short.

"Sabah is our fourth stop after Kuala Krai in Kelantan, where we did a similar programme for children who are affected by the floods, Subang Jaya in Selangor, and Kuching, Sarawak before we came here.

"We will be going to Kluang in Johor next and lastly to the Portuguese settlement in Malacca where we will be taking the children, old folks and single mothers to buy their Christmas attire," said Syed Anuar, who is also the KAG president.

Stressing that AmBank has adopted the programme, which they started about four years back, as an annual event, he said they had also extended a food aid programme dubbed the AmBank MyKasih to Sabah, which has benefitted some 100 families, with about 50 each in Sandakan and here.

"Under the programme, we will be working closely with non-governmental organizations that would be identifying deserving recipients, who are mostly from the hardcore poor category. We will channel RM80 per month, half is paid on the first two weeks and the remaining on the second half  of the month to the recipient, and they are allowed to buy essential goods at selected outlets.

"We do not give the recipients cash, but instead channel the amount to their MyKad. This means only those with genuine documents will benefit from the programme. Since its inception, we have seen quite a number of success stories, as apart from assisting them, we also share with them how they can save money, just like the saying – teach a man to fish and you feed him a lifetime.

"Some of the recipients had developed the strength and ability to stand on their own two feet, and back out of the programme to give others the same benefit. It is a success story and we are proud to be part of it," said Syed Anuar.

He said a total of RM1 million was allocated for AmBank MyKasih, and yearly, they would identify areas to channel the assistance.

The AmBank Group, he added, continuously plays CSR role for the community at large, irrespective of race, creed or religion, as they contribute to the sustainable development of the community within which they operate.

"This programme has been and will continue to be the mainstay of our approach to community care programmes. A project such as this helps to meet our objective of playing an effective corporate role as a socially responsible corporate citizen," he said.

Meanwhile, Rumah Kanak-Kanak Kota Kinabalu principal Dg Rugayah Ag Besar said that another 39 children would benefit from the programme, adding: "We will get their school uniforms, bags and shoes once they are back from visiting their family members."

She added that a total of 115 children are under their care and 85 of them are boys.

"We are also providing shelter to 15 babies and 19 toddlers who come from every part of Sabah. The centre also doubles up as a safe house for these children who are in need of protection from their abusive parents or family members, some are physically harmed and there are also abandoned babies. Some are with us because their parents are in jail.

"Since the Centre's capacity is only about 100, we are overcrowded and are in need of things such as mattresses, baby courts, beds, stationery and books for the children. We receive government grant but we also survive on public donation," she said.

She, therefore, called on the people to offer them a helping hand.

At the event, on behalf of the Ambank Group, Syed Anuar also presented RM5,000 to the centre.

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Charity cruises for Sabah Kidney Society

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 02:50 PM PST

by Nancy Lai. Posted on December 15, 2013, Sunday

KOTA KINABALU: In keeping with the season for giving, Star Cruises will be hosting a series of cruises in aid of the Sabah Kidney Society.

According to Star Cruises' Vice President of East Malaysia Operations, Edward Johann Leong, the sponsorship from Star Cruises is a joint initiative to help patients suffering from kidney ailments and the society's day to day operations.

Star Cruises, the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, will allocate a substantial number of cabins on three of its 2 days- 1 night cruises, and all sales proceeds from these cabins will go to the Sabah Kidney Society, Leong told a press conference yesterday.

The three SuperStar Aquarius special charity cruises will sail from Kota Kinabalu for a night of high sea fun on December 21, January 4 and January 18, 2014, he said.

"Our company has always been committed to giving back to the community. We have organized various charitable activities, supporting different causes in respective communities across Asia. SuperStar Aquarius is the first international cruise ship home ported in Kota Kinabalu. Recently we have just sponsored 100 breast cancer survivors from Kinabalu Breast Cancer Support Association (Kinabalu Pink Ribbon), their families and caregivers to join us for a free high seas cruise.

"We are more than happy to help raise funds for the Sabah Kidney Society's programmes this time," Leong said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Kidney Foundation Society chairman, Chung Kee Hung, expressed their gratitude to Star Cruises and said that it was heartwarming to know that there are corporations out there who still care.

"Star Cruises has stepped up to the mantle generously by donating all proceeds from the cabins set aside for this purpose and we are very grateful for it," he said at the press conference.

Chung said that the Sabah Kidney Society is a non-governmental organization and a non-profit association providing quality as well as affordable haemodialysis treatment to patients suffering from end stage renal failure as well as giving advice and care to kidney patients with poor financial background.

Chung said that at present there are 36 patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment at their centre which has 10 machines and manned by eight full time staff.

According to him a haemodialysis treatment costs about RM150 per session but the Sabah Kidney Society's patients need only pay between RM10 to RM60 per treatment session, depending on their level of income.

Those interested to do their bit for charity by supporting the charity cruise can call the Sabah Kidney Society secretary, Rosalind Lau at 016-8401872 or the society's office at 088-219901.

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193 Sabah premises yet to have fire cert

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 02:48 PM PST

by Rebecca Chong. Posted on December 15, 2013, Sunday

SANDAKAN: The State Fire and Rescue Department is taking the friendly approach to encourage more premises owners to apply for a fire certificate (FC) for their buildings in Sabah.

The department's director, Nordin Pauzi, said that it is against the law for identified premises of nine fixed categories not to have a FC for their premises, a requirement under Section 33 of Fire Services Act 1988.

Those who do not comply faces the risk of punishment of up to three years imprisonment and be liable for up to RM5,000 in fines. To date, he said, there are four court cases relating to premises owners not having a FC.

However, Nordin stated, he does not want owners of premises to get a FC just for the sake of complying with the law, but he wants to target people to apply for a FC more for their awareness on the importance of fire safety.

"In order for us to spread awareness on how vital fire safety is to a premises, we organize seminars such as this," he said during a press conference after officiating a Fire Certificate Seminar at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel here, yesterday.

The Fire Certificate Seminar was attended by over 300 people from all over the east coast of Sabah who are interested in getting a FC or to get to know premises' fire safety better, including premises' owners, architects, and engineers.

The seminar aims to share information on fire safety procedures and fire hazards identification techniques that could be of benefit to FC practitioners from all over the State.

Nordin later revealed statistics showing that there are 474 premises in Sabah that have been identified under the nine categories which must possess a FC, but only 281 have applied.

The nine categories of premises includes library, hospital and medical treatment centre, hotel, hostel and dormitory, office, shop lot, factory, assembly centre, and storage house.

He further explained that the Fire and Rescue Department does not only function to save people's lives and put out fire, but they also carry the responsibility to make the public aware of fire hazards.

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Designer kitchen for Pacific Heights homes

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 02:47 PM PST

by Murib Morpi. Posted on December 15, 2013, Sunday

KOTA KINABALU: Buyers of the luxurious Pacific Heights home units currently being developed at Likas Bay will get to enjoy added value for their money.

The developer, Pacific Sanctuary Holdings Sdn Bhd, has decided to throw in some extras to the already impressive property, in the form of a high end designer kitchen furnishings and appliances.

Pacific Sanctuary announced on Friday evening that it has entered into an agreement with world-renowned European company, Signature Kitchen, who will source and fit out the furnishing and appliances for all the housing units.

General Manager, Jonathan Wheeler, said a special company has been formed between the two partners for the specific collaboration and that the agreement is worth a substantial value.

"This is something not yet done here in Sabah, at least not to this level. It provides an immediately usable property, whether they are buying to rent out or for their own use, they don't need to put in extra investments and can just move in straight away," he said.

Every unit on the 24-storey building will come fully designer furnished from bedroom to living room, and with the new addition for the kitchen area, it promises to be a hit specially among high-earning locals and foreign buyers looking to invest in Kota Kinabalu's booming property sector.

In fact, many of the buyers so far are from overseas, including Sabahans returning home from working or studying abroad, while others are foreigners who wanted a second home here.

Having it fully equipped from floor to ceiling, according to Wheeler, presents a very attractive option for buyers as they need not worry about hiring contractors to fit out their units once completed. All they have to do, he said, is to move in and enjoy the convenience of an immediately usable home.

"So we provide value, convenience and high-end branded appliances. Everything you see here comes with the unit, including the sofas, television, the furniture and the fully equipped kitchen," said Wheeler, revealing that Pacific Sanctuary was also discussing with other companies for fitting out high end electronic appliances.

Comments from buyers has been very positive with potential customers visiting the show unit saying they were pleased with the furnishing, according to him.

Signature Kitchen representative, Jackson Low, said they will be featuring a minimalist contemporary concept of black and white for the kitchen furnishing appliances by the famous France designer, Ora-Ito.

The package will include basic appliances such as oven, stove and specially designed kitchen hood.

As Signature specializes on creating lifestyle through distinguishable design, he said, the collaboration with Pacific will involve more than just designing the kitchen but also the overall fitting out of the entire unit.

"We hope to bring the collaboration between Signature Kitchen and Pacific Sanctuary to a next level, not just supplying the kitchen appliances but more on creating a lifestyle which I believe the buyers will appreciate.

"For Kota Kinabalu, we are currently focusing solely on Pacific Sanctuary because we believe they have all the values that we are looking for in a partner," he said.

Pacific Sanctuary will be conducting a promotional campaign for the property in Sabah east coast towards the end of this year.

Apart from residential units, the project will also include offices and commercial lots. The first residential block is scheduled for completion by 2016 offering 204 units in six different types.

Pacific said their primary target is Sabahans but foreigners too were very keen to own the housing units, making roughly 10 to 15 percent of the confirmed buyers so far.

The smallest unit is 1,060 square feet and selling at RM700 to RM720 per sq ft, inclusive of up to RM100,000 worth of readily fitted furnishing and appliances.

"We have only marketed the property in Kota Kinabalu but to our surprise even during our launch we have buyers flying in from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore.

"The cheaper units were snapped up by locals while foreigners were settling for the more expensive ones," he said, adding that 40 per cent of the available units have been sold.

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Motorcyclist killed in collision with 4WD

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 02:46 PM PST

by Johan Aziz. Posted on December 15, 2013, Sunday

KENINGAU: A motorcyclist died on the spot when his machine collided with a four-wheel-drive vehicle at Km 9, Keningau-Tenom road at 7.30pm here on Friday.

District police chief Deputy Superintendent Robert Salisip @ David said the fatal accident occurred near the junction to Kampung Meninipir here.

He said the four-wheel drive Land Cruiser vehicle was driven by a 38-year-old man who was travelling with his family from Tenom  to Keningau while the motorcyclist was moving from the opposite direction.

Robert said the Land Cruiser driven by a 38-year-old man and was travelling with his family from Tenom to Keningau when the incident took place.

He said the identity of the motorcyclist, in his 30a, was still not known because no document was found on him.

The victim died of head injuries on the spot, he added.

Robert said it was believed that the motorcyclist lost control of his bike and collided with the Land Cruiser.

"The victim's body has been sent to the Keningau Hospital for a post mortem ," he said.

Police are still identifying the identity of the victim and his family members.

The case would be investigated under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

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