» »Unlabelled » Only rural shops to sell subsidized rice from April 1 BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

06:22:00

Only rural shops to sell subsidized rice from April 1 BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

Only rural shops to sell subsidized rice from April 1

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 11:42 AM PDT

SANDAKAN: Sandakan member of parliament Stephen Wong Tien Fatt has questioned the new directive by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry to restrict the distribution of subsidized rice to non-urban retail outlets.

Under the order dated 18 February 2014 issued by the Director General of the Paddy and Rice Control Section of the ministry, beginning April 1, wholesalers are no longer permitted to sell subsidized rice, consisting of 15% broken rice in 10kg blue packages (ST15%/S15%) to many of the usual retail outlets such as hypermarkets, supermarkets and grocery shops.

Those retailers who are allowed to sell the subsidized rice have been restricted to those under the categories of, or within the areas of, FELDA, co-operatives, e-Kasih, Kedai Runcit 1 Malaysia, rural, low cost housing, etc.

"In other words, retailers in urban areas are no longer allowed to sell the subsidized rice. Many retailers in town areas in Sandakan, including the traditional grocery shops and supermarkets have complained to me that they and their customers would be affected comes April 1," said Wong.

According to the order, the purpose of such restrictions is to ensure that the subsidized rice would reach the intended beneficiaries, i.e. the low income group and the poor.

Wong asked, "Is the ministry saying that there are no low income or poor people in urban areas? Or is this a ploy to punish the urban voters for not voting for Barisan Nasional in last year's general election? In fact, given the higher costs of living in urban areas, many of the lower income or poor urban folks are equally deserving of the subsidized rice as the rural population."

It is widely known that in the last election, most of the seats in urban areas across the country had been won by the opposition alliance of Pakatan Rakyat.

Further, Wong also resented the implied suggestion that the retailers in urban areas would not be able or willing to obey the ministry's directive to restrict the sale of the subsidized rice to the intended beneficiaries and Malaysian citizens only. "Urban retailers are equally capable as the rural retailers to ensure that the sale of the subsidized rice would not be abused. There is no good justification for discriminating against the urban retailers, which would in turn adversely affect the poor urban folks."

Wong also expressed his worry that by being selective in distributing the subsidized rice, it would only create opportunities for misuse and corruption.

"Rarity will only create opportunities for middlemen. The problem could be overcome by requiring all retailers, whether rural or urban, to verify the identity of the purchasers of the subsidized rice to ensure that they are Malaysians. Discrimination would only worsen the situation," he said.

Wong therefore called on the ministry to treat the urban retailers, and therefore the urban population, equally.

"Poverty does not discriminate. Therefore, the government should not," he said.

Print Friendly

Juhar conferred Honorary Doctor of Laws degree

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 11:41 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Wolverhampton (UoW), United Kingdom in a convocation ceremony held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here yesterday.

The conferment was in recognition of Juhar's significant contribution to his work in law and politics over the years. In addition, Juhar was also appointed as the inaugural president of the UoW Malaysia Alumni Association.

Tun Juhar expressed his gratitude towards the Board of Governors and Academic Board of UoW for conferring him with the honorary degree.

"I am most privileged to receive this Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from a university that has shaped, in many ways, my perspective on laws. When I received my first degree in Wolverhampton Polytechnic in 1979, I never dreamt that I would be standing here to receive such a prestigious award from the very same institution," Juhar said in his acceptance speech.

Juhar was a student at Wolverhampton Polytechnic which is now a university.

"Studying law was very exciting at the Wolverhampton Polytechnic; I met wonderful friends and lecturers there," he recalled.

Juhar said he was fortunate to be accepted into Wolverhampton Polytechnic as the entry requirement at that time was competitive. He completed his law degree in three years.

The Head of State believed that laws must be applied equally to everybody, including the government, whose actions must be, and be seen to be, subject to those laws. However, freedom without law is freedom only for the strong at the expense of the weak.

"Freedom without law is therefore no freedom, but rather anarchy or tyranny. Suffice to say that law is the bond of all civil society," Juhar said when sharing his perspective on law.

Juhar said obedience to the rule of law was necessary for the continuance of liberty itself.

"As such this is the foundation of justice. The chief purpose of the law itself is to ensure justice. An unjust law is no law," he stressed.

Juhar further elaborated on Greek philosophers who believed that the soul consisted of the faculty of desire, anger and knowledge or reason, and Muslim philosopher, Al-Ghazali, who introduced the fourth faculty of justice which produced the virtue of justice.

On his final note, he said the university and the occasion would remain in his thoughts and close to his heart in the years ahead.

"With these thoughts in mind, I proudly but humbly stand before you to accept this Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws which you (UoW) have so kindly bestowed upon me."

Meanwhile, UMS vice chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah said the event yesterday was a few firsts of its kind, namely, the first conferment of an Honorary Doctorate to a chancellor of UMS (Juhar), the first commemorative convocation ceremony awarded by a foreign university to a local recipient in UMS and the first commemorative convocation ceremony held in the Chancellor Hall for the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate awarded by a foreign university.

"We are indeed proud and on behalf of UMS, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartiest congratulations to His Excellency Tuan Yang Terutama Tun on his conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by UoW, UK; a university that has come a long way since its inception in 1827, that's 190 years of invaluable experience and dedication to the world of higher education."

Harun said there was much to be emulated by UMS looking at the achievements of UoW.

UoW is the first university in the UK to establish a virtual learning environment across their campus, its research is ranked among the best in the world and UoW is one of UK's highest ranked providers in the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, he said.

As a university celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Harun said, UMS continues to strive to achieve its aim in being a research university by the year 2015.

"Although still in its infancy compared to UoW, UMS has already embarked on a few changes pertaining to its criteria imposed on postgraduate students undertaking their doctoral degrees or PhD, to have their research published in high-impact journals as one of the many ways to propel UMS to achieve global standing."

Harun believed that Juhar had not thought that his journey to Wolverhampton Polytechnic almost 40 years ago back in 1977 would bring him to the conferment of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by the UoW yesterday in UMS.

"But because of that first step, a special friendship exists between these two universities, bringing two continents closer together not only in terms of personal relationship but also in matters pertaining to future collaboration in higher education.

"Indeed, UMS is proud and honoured to have His Excellency Tuan Yang Terutama Tun as its capable leader working towards achieving the mission and vision of UMS, to strive to be an institution of higher learning with global standing."

Print Friendly

251 illegals detained in KK, Penampang

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 11:41 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: The Special Task Force detained 251 illegal immigrants in a two-day operation in the state capital and Penampang.

Its deputy director (enforcement chief) DSP Annuar Ali said the immigrants comprised 162 men, 42 women and 43 children from the Philippines, and four men from Indonesia.

The operation on March 16-17 saw the immigrants taken to the temporary detention centre in Papar after failing to produce any valid travel documents.

Annuar said that after investigations have been carried out, the detainees would be deported to their countries of origin as soon as possible.

The Ops Tanduk is a joint operation with the Sabah Immigration Department, the Chief Minister's Department, the National Registration Department and the police.

Print Friendly
We encourage commenting on our stories to give readers a chance to express their opinions; please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. While the comments here reflect the views of the readers, they are not necessarily that of Borneo Post Online. Borneo Post Online reserves the right not to publish or to remove comments that are offensive or volatile. Please read the Commenting Rules.

No choice but to develop aquaculture – Ewon

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 11:41 AM PDT

by Nancy Lai. Posted on March 19, 2014, Wednesday

KOTA KINABALU: Human interaction in the coastal marine ecosystems has been so intense that the stress level can only be managed by innovative ideas with a strong scientific basis for sustainable development, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin.

Human actions in the form of overexploitation of biological resources, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution and excessive nutrient loading resulting in recurring episodes of harmful algal blooms are threats to sustainability, he added.

Ewon told participants at the 'International Conference on Marine Science & Aquaculture 2014' that a formidable challenge to sustainable development is posed by climate change, especially its impact in the form of ocean acidification and expansion of dead zones in the sea among others.

"I would like scientists of our country to focus on such challenging problems and develop collaborative links with international institutions," he said.

According to him, climate change and ocean acidification are global problems that require global efforts.

"I think international meetings such as this one which bring scientists from around the world in one forum can facilitate the development of joint action plans."

Ewon said the other seafood producing sector is aquaculture which is gaining attention around the world so there is no alternative but to develop the aquaculture for seafood security.

He also disclosed that Malaysia tops South-east Asia in seafood consumption and Sabah leads in this activity.

"We also want to step up production for export. I hope innovative research in this field is in our national strategic interest," he said, adding that the paradigm of aquaculture research is also shifting towards an ecosystem approach with the aim of integrating this activity within the wider ecosystem for the sake of sustainable development, benefit-sharing and resilience of interlinked social and ecological systems.

"I am aware of the good work being done at Borneo Marine Research Institute leading to the emergence of this national level UMS Centre of Excellence with the recognition granted by the Ministry of Education as a Potential Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (or HICoE) last year.

"It is a wise strategy on the part of UMS to have identified aquaculture as its niche area of research. This will probably build necessary momentum towards significant strides in this field," he stressed.

Dr Ewon was confident that with the new knowledge these aquaculture programs will create and knowledge management strategies that will be established, Borneo Marine Research Institute will be able to contribute to fill in the knowledge gaps and support the development of a critical mass of experts needed to propel this sector of international importance to new heights.

"I wish [for] successful deliberations in this conference. I believe the conference output will be purposeful and some of your scientific resolutions will be useful in policy review.

"I think this is a globally relevant topic and is especially very important for Sabah where marine and aquaculture resources play a significant role in socio-economic development.

"As we all know, sustainability of marine biological resources and aquaculture production is essential for meeting the ever-growing seafood demand in our country and elsewhere," he said and stressed that it is becoming increasingly evident that neither fisheries, nor aquaculture alone can meet the seafood demand, but a collective contribution of these two sectors can achieve it.

Managing fisheries and aquaculture systems require different methods and strategies, but one thing which can be common to managing both is the ecosystem approach, he said, adding that the issues are complex and the challenges are becoming stronger with every passing method.

"What we need to do now is to implement a more holistic and ecologically oriented strategy for assessing, monitoring and managing the coastal marine ecosystems for enhancing the health, biomass yield and sustainability of marine resources," he explained.

Without improving the life-support systems and protecting the marine biodiversity, Ewon pointed out, the productive capacity of the ocean cannot be increased and the full potential of marine living resources to meet human nutritional needs and socio-economic development goals cannot be achieved.

According to him, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) is intensively involved in developing ocean policy and making national, regional and international efforts towards the development of scientific framework and integration of cross-sectoral research.

In this context, the scientific contribution of Borneo Marine Research Institute of UMS will certainly be highly valued and purposeful, he said.

He also told participants to bear in mind that they need to take advantage of the rich biological resources of this region while discussing the conference themes, adding that Sabah is a repository of marine biodiversity which is an underwater tourism attraction.

Sabah, he pointed out, also has the largest cover of mangroves in the country and thus a rich blue carbon stock that should be valued. Most of the coral reef resources of the country are in Sabah and these need to be protected for sustainable benefits.

"These marine critical habitats of Sabah have enormous potential for mitigating the effects of climate change, and I request the scientific community gathered here today to please discuss in what ways we can build resilience in these ecosystems in the face of challenges posed by climate change.

"We also need to seriously work towards climate change adaptations to minimize the damage to our societies and services," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Ewon lauded the Borneo Marine Research Institute's good work and success in their research.

"This is one thing we want to emphasise and my ministry is inviting innovative research that is connected with fisheries and marine biology as we are very concerned about food security," he said adding that his ministry also provides grants for research.

Print Friendly

Cooperate with security forces to ensure safety – CM

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 11:39 AM PDT

by Azmie Lim. Posted on March 19, 2014, Wednesday

LAHAD DATU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman called on the people, including community leaders, to strengthen the patriotic spirit and work together in providing support and cooperation to the security forces to ensure the safety and well- being of our country.

Musa in his speech at the Ops Daulat Heroes Commemorating Ceremony yesterday, said the commitment of the people was very important so that efforts to secure peace and security could be implemented more effectively and comprehensively.

"The intrusion incident and Ops Daulat are part of the historical record that will never be forgotten and will always be remembered by the people throughout the country. This incident also saw Malaysians from all walks of life uniting and rising to give moral support to the security forces.

Musa, representing the people of Malaysia, especially Sabah, expressed his gratitude for all the sacrifices made by the security forces.

He said the state government also appreciated the cooperation and support of the federal government, including the various ministries involved during the Sulu intrusion.

He added that strong cooperation and coordination established between all parties involved clearly showed the government's firmness in dealing with any attempt that threatened the peace of the country.

During the ceremony, Musa presented the National Medals to 35 police officers involved in 'Ops Daulat'.

Some of the widows of the fallen heroes of 'Ops Daulat' also received plaque of appreciation from the Chief Minister on behalf of their late husbands.

Ops Daulat was launched by the government on March 5, last year to flush out the Sulu terrorists that were holed up at Kampung Tanduo, since February 12.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who was also present, expressed his pride on the spirit and heroism shown by the security forces during Ops Daulat.

He also thanked the government for creating a special medal of honor, 'Pingat Kedaulatan Negara' to appreciate efforts of the security forces who were directly involved in the operation.

"It is a form of appreciation for their service, courage and sacrifice during Ops Daulat and I hope the recipients will appreciate the award, as it is the government's recognition of the struggle and services that they provided in order to defend the country's sovereignty.

"I also hope the families of those heroes who were killed and injured in these operations can take advantage of the contribution, as it is hoped that their plight will always be protected and their children will grow up to be good citizens," he added.

Also present at the function were Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, Minister of Rural Development Datuk Radin Malleh, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Federal Secretary to Sabah, Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan and Director of Management, Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Mohd Fuzi Harun.

Print Friendly

Rape suspect leaves ‘call card’ to victim

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 11:39 AM PDT

SANDAKAN: Police are looking for a man who left his 'call card' after raping a 20-year-old store assistant in her room about 1.30am on Monday.

The suspect entered the room after breaking into the two-storey house through the kitchen door in Sandakan.

After warning the woman to keep quiet, he covered her mouth with his hand and raped her. He left his name and number on a piece of paper before fleeing.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Rowell Marong yesterday said the victim had immediately informed her sister who was sleeping in the next room about the incident, who later told their parents who were sleeping on the lower floor of the house.

Rowell said police were still locating the man based on the information he left on a piece of paper.

"We are hoping to make an arrest soon," he said.

Rowell also disclosed that two women were arrested for prostitution during the Ops Noda operation to curb the growth of prostitution in Sandakan.

He said the women had offered sexual services for RM130 to two policemen in the 2.30pm raid on Monday.

The women, aged 19 and 20, were arrested in a house during the raid, and were also found to possess no travel documents.

Rowell said further investigations also led to the discovery of nine packets of condom stored inside a drawer in the kitchen.

"We believe these two women are involved in prostitution activities," he said.

Print Friendly