» »Unlabelled » ‘Use scientific analysis to rebut claims’ BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

17:29:00

‘Use scientific analysis to rebut claims’ BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

‘Use scientific analysis to rebut claims’

Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:30 PM PST

by Joanna Yap, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 6, 2013, Friday

KUCHING: Local researchers are urged to use research and scientific analysis to rebut claims made by non-government organisations (NGOs), especially on palm oil.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu gave this reminder at a dinner of the 26th Regional Symposium of Malaysia Analytical Sciences here on Wednesday.

"We must fight these irresponsible and negative NGOs. We have to beat them with facts, based on analysis and chemical findings of the positive values of our products," he said.

He said that in the past, scientific research had helped to vindicate claims against palm oil made by certain industry lobbyists.

"For every one hectare planted with oil palm which can produce about four tonnes of crude palm oil, it takes four to 10 hectares to produce rapeseed, canola, sunflower, and soya bean oil. They require more land to produce the same amount of oil.

"Therefore, the condemnation by lobbyists to say we are destroying our biodiversity is not true because when you utilise a lot more landmass you are destroying a lot more biodiversity, whereas here in Malaysia, we are very efficient utilizers of our land," said Jabu.

He told the symposium participants not to be apologetic for their research findings and that the state government dared to stand by the fact that the advancements in science speak louder than any attempts by negative NGOs to discredit the state government.

Vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Prof Dato Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, meanwhile reminded the symposium participants that it was their responsibility to ensure that their research was well planned and that it effectively utilized resources and considered the conservation aspects.

He urged them to make use of the symposium to hold discussions to find effective solutions to identified problems.

"Your opinions on the latest studies and discussions which will be held throughout this symposium will result in comprehensive ways to complete and strengthen research in the field of analytical sciences.

"The network of cooperation between researchers in public and private higher education institutes as well as industry must be made stronger for the sake of more systematic education and also to commercialise research findings," he said.

Meanwhile, the president of Malaysia Analytical Sciences Society (ANALIS) Associate Prof Dr Zaini Hamzah said that he was pleased to see a healthy turnout of younger members taking part in this year's symposium.

The symposium was organised by Unimas' Faculty of Resource Science and Technology in cooperation with ANALIS.

This is the second time Unimas is hosting the event, the last being 10 years ago.

About 260 local and foreign participants representing higher education institutes, research organizations, and various industries took part in the two-day symposium which ended yesterday.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.

Integrity determines our behaviour – Abg Jo Johari

Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:28 PM PST

by Marilyn Ten, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 6, 2013, Friday

KUCHING: Integrity is often associated with leadership because it is about making the right decisions that have impact on others while also embracing ethics and 'doing the right thing'.

However, Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg remarked that in today's rapidly changing world, integrity has become increasingly important and can be the very thing that makes one stand out.

"Integrity is a vital quality in work and life where it has an impact on how we behave and treat others.

"Lack of integrity creates mistrust and lowers respect and openness and therefore you need integrity to live a life aligned to values and accountability," he said at the launch of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Integrity Day 2013 here yesterday.

In his speech, Abang Johari also pointed out that besides being honest, decent and trustworthy, integrity in the workplace also meant being accountable, proactive and responsible.

"But the realities of the 21st century business can make accountability seem daunting such as what was reported in the Auditor-General's report where there were serious cases of abuse and leakage of public funds, lack of attention in the implementation of programmes and project planning, delays, wastage and poor management of income resources and assets.

"As such, public employees should be ever conscious that integrity is not only about treating public monies as they would treat their own because integrity is also about speaking the truth to the powers that be on matters of financial probity," he said.

Noting that good governance is regarded as a critical element of an organisation's culture, Abang Johari also commended SEDC for adopting the right strategy to inculcate and internalise integrity as a core value amongst its workforce.

"You have already laid the foundation or bedrock of integrity and you must have not only competent and capable people, but also people who are brave and honest who can work without fear or favour," he said.

Nevertheless, he also advised SEDC not to rest on its laurels and to continue "walking this road less travelled".

Meanwhile, SEDC chairman and Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip earlier in his speech disclosed that SEDC registered an audited Profit Before Tax (PBT) of RM21.51 million against a budget of RM11.7 million last year.

"SEDC has already registered actual PBT for the period ending September 30, 2013 to the tune of RM14.6 million against a budgeted PBT of RM6.9 million for the same period.

"Against this backdrop and global economic downturn, SEDC continued to post positive PBT for the past ten years till today.

"I am confident that SEDC will remain in the black for 2013 and 2014 as well despite the forecast of a weak economy for the two years," he said.

During the event, Abang Johari also presented the SEDC Integrity Award to 18 recipients for their honesty, integrity and personality, punctuality, overall work performance and achievements relating to integrity.

Also present were a political secretary to the chief minister Abu Seman Jahwie, Kuching Hotels Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Nor and SEDC general manager Soedirman Aini.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.

PBDS Baru to formally claim ownership of old headquarters

Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:28 PM PST

KUCHING: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru has decided to proceed with plans to formally claim the building that was the headquarters of the old PBDS at Jalan Wan Alwi.

A delegation from the party's new central committee has submitted a letter to the director-general of Malaysia Department of Insolvency (MDI) with copies extended to MDI Kuching office and Registrar of Societies (ROS).

PBDS Baru deputy president Patrick Anek Uren said he was very optimistic of the party's move. On the success of laying claim to the building the former Mas Gading MP and Tasik Biru assemblyman preferred not to pre-judge the situation.

"One of the legal grounds the party could resort to is to lay its claim based on Section 17B of the Societies Act 1966 which says that the properties of the de-registered Society shall be vested in a new registered Society of similar make-up and constitution with the de-registered party," he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Anek a lawyer by profession, was confident that there were enough justification for PBDS Baru's claim of ownership of properties and other assets considering that the party – based on its constitution, its logo and membership – is substantially the same as the old de-registered Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak.

PBDS was de-registered on Dec 5, 2003 but reinstated on March 9 the following year, only to be dissolved again on Oct 21, 2004. Question of ownership of properties and assets of the old party has been in limbo since.

Following their recent triennial delegates conference (TDC), members resolved to make a formal claim to the properties and assets (if any) including the headquarters of the defunct Parti Dayak on grounds that PBDS Baru is the true successor.

Anek said the recent re-registration of PBDS was a positive sign for the community and that the party was ready to continue its objective of representing the Dayak people in the arena of politics:

"The new leadership of PBDS faces new challenges that are in many ways quite different from what the community faced in the 1980s, 90s or even in the last decade.

"The leadership of old had their own way of doing things and the consequences, in retrospect, may serve as a good guide for the new party to move forward. As we face uncertain future, we should have the confidence that all our past friends, members and supporters rally behind the new PBDS Baru."

He added that new leadership would operate as a team and to bring the multi-faceted interests of the community to the fore.

Calling for political unity among Dayak leaders, Anek suggested: "A lot of issues could be resolved if we look at things positively and work for unity among Dayak political leaders. Our community is small and yet we are truly divided and factionalised.

"It could do a lot of good if we could push for more space to accommodate our commonness and narrow our differences.

"To realise this noble aim, the leadership of PBDS Baru is prepared to sit down and discuss with any group, especially those who were in the defunct PBDS, and those having common ideas to seeing the Dayak people having a decent and reasonable place in this country."

PBDS Baru was among five new political parties in the state given the official nod of approval from the ROS in September after submitting its application on March 26, 2010.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.

Flooding causes havoc on Miri-Bintulu road

Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:27 PM PST

MIRI: Heavy rain early yesterday morning caused flooding at KM31 Miri-Bintulu road.

The flood level was high enough to prevent even express buses and lorries from using the road.

This caused delays for many road users, especially villagers from longhouses and villages nearby.

Several mobile patrol vehicle (MPV) teams were seen in the area to control traffic and ensure the safety of road users.

Flooding only began to subside in the afternoon, allowing larger vehicles such as buses, lorries and four-wheel drive vehicles to pass.

However, smaller vehicles were still forced to pull over or turn back.

Meanwhile, Civil Defence Department (Jpam) personnel were also seen heading to Rumah Chabu Makum in Sungai
Liam.

At Kampung Raan, Bakam, more than 50 houses were affected by flooding up to two feet.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.

‘Remove barriers that restrict the disabled’

Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:27 PM PST

by Eve Sonary heng, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 6, 2013, Friday

KUCHING: Disability is about functional limitation and difficulty of performance which arises directly from such limitation.

What makes it worse is when there is social exclusion, restriction of participation and mobility by society, whether intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly, said Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah when launching the 'State Level Paralympic Tournament 2013′ yesterday.

"Let us as responsible members of society, heads of departments and non-governmental organisations, planners and implementers remove these barriers (physical, mental, social, psychological) that prevent full inclusion of disabled individuals in our society.

"The existing barriers are due to ignorance or indifference to the issues and needs of disabled people.

"It is useful to know how and when to assist or help disabled people. What is more important is a change of our mindset and the social attitude towards disabled people," she added.

She stressed that it is vital that people recognise and acknowledge that they are capable of leading and living decent lives independently, with minimum or physical support or assistance from other members of the society.

"Let us look at what they can do rather than what they cannot do because of their disability. Physically-challenged people should not be left out from the country's development and agenda," she said.

Touching on the tournament, she said she was confident that the state paralympians would continue to come back as champions in the 'Malaysia Paralimpiad 2014′ in Perlis, as the contingent had been champions 10 times since their first victory in 1994.

She also said many Sarawak paralympic athletes had represented Malaysia in international tournaments.

Among them were Zul Amirul Sidi Abdullah, Jamery Siga, Yusup Dewa, David Wangyu Kulek, Fraidden Dawan, Catherine Timpang Siang, Matia Baun, Razak Tambi, Mohd Zamry Shafiee, Douglas Nyambong, Donny Jeranding, Julius Jeranding, Juliana Ngerambong, Stenley Jepit, Jeffery Nowel (swimming), Suhaili Laiman and Nabilah Ahmat (badminton), Ting Ing Hock (ping pong), Fatimah Wagimin (powerlifting), Jimmy Siang and Wong Kee Soon (10 pin bowling), Law King Kiew, Batricia Rachel, Hairuniza, Bajuri Ladis and Lawrence Kamis (athletics), Acheh Suhaili and Nicholas Terban (archery).

"They had all become role models to other young athletes to participate in Malaysia Paralimpiad.

"The swimming athletes were the most outstanding because they were the most to represent Malaysia in international tournaments such as Fespic Games, Para Asean Games, World Amputee Games, Asian Games, Canada World Championship, Open AUE Championship and Open UK Sheffield," she pointed out.

According to her, paralympic sport is the only platform for disabled people to show their talents in sports nationally and internationally.

As such, she hoped that such tournaments would make people realise their capability and ability.

In addition, she also hoped that the society, government agencies, private sector and even individuals would play their role in producing athletes from the disabled group so that they could shine in sports.

Around 300 athletes participated in the state-level Paralympic Tournament in seven categories; namely athletics, swimming, 10 pin bowling, power lifting, pentaque, chess and badminton.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.

SRB issues advice on boat safety

Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:26 PM PST

by Lian Cheng, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 6, 2013, Friday

KUCHING: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) reminds all river transport users to be more cautious as the river current is swifter and travelling can be dangerous due to the rainy season.

"All river users, especially those using longboats, must be more alert and careful during this rainy season.

"The current can be very strong and swift," said SRB chairman Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

He told The Borneo Post that so far this year, there were three fatalities in two river accidents.

The first was the high profile case where an express boat capsized at upper Rajang two days before Gawai Festival, with two deaths confirmed, and the second case happened in Sebuyau in the same month when an unregistered longboat capsized, resulting in one fatality.

"In 2013, SRB was able to save 16 from drowning in the Rajang River. Seven of them were from a capsized boat and the rest from a disabled speedboat due to engine failure," said Sagah.

To avoid any untoward incident and to ensure safety, Sagah said SRB would try its best to ensure overloading of passengers would not recur and the task would be their priority during this Christmas season.

"As we do not have enough enforcement officers, we will engage the police, marine police, Rela and the fire brigade to help us monitor all vessels this festive season," said the Tarat assemblyman.

However, aware that commercial vessels could pick up passengers at any wharf or jetty along the rivers which would make it hard for monitoring, Roland urged commercial vessel operators to abide by the rules by not overloading.

"The vessel might set off with no overloading at the terminal. But on the way, the vessel might pick up more passengers or some passengers might force their way onto the vessels when the vessels call on some wharfs or jetties.

"So I urge passengers not to board any vessel that is already full. For your own safety, don't overload any vessel as it may cost you your life," cautioned Sagah.

Expecting the number of passengers to increase this festive season, he reminded operators to apply to SRB to increase the frequency of their trips.

"The operators will have to apply if they want to increase the frequency of their service.

"Usually, we will approve their applications," said Roland.

On the registering of longboats across the state, the deputy speaker of the State Legislative Assembly said the response had not been encouraging but SRB would continue to pursue the matter for the safety of passengers.

"Not many see the significance of it. But we will continue to encourage longboat owners to register with us.

"The Sebuyau case is a typical example. The owner did not register with us.

"And it was overloaded when the accident happened. If the owner were to register with us and there was some form of monitoring, perhaps the accident could have been prevented or at least the passengers were all insured," said Sagah.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.