Close-up look at brave volunteer mechanics BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » thesundaypost - New 2 Borneo |
- Close-up look at brave volunteer mechanics
- Restaging a local arts extravaganza
- No debt-free guarantee for guarantors
- When the buying stops, the killing can too
- Saving rare wildlife from extinction
- Don’t take dengue fever lightly
| Close-up look at brave volunteer mechanics Posted: 26 Jul 2014 12:19 PM PDT by Chang Yi. Posted on July 27, 2014, Sunday SARAWAK has a very interesting history, covering topics ranging from the White Rajahs, Borneo headhunters and legends of Santubong to real life stories of Turtle Islands. Many books have been written about Sarawak but not many by Sarawakians themselves. The history of Sarawak has been written in many different languages – Jawi, English, Chinese, Iban and Bahasa Malaysia. A few Sarawak history books have even been written in Dutch and Japanese. Some Korean writers have also written articles on the history of Sarawak. Sarawak's own writer and former educator Julitta Lim's The Intrepid Sarawak Volunteer Mechanics, 1937-1945 is a very interesting close-up look at about 100 Chinese mechanics and drivers who volunteered "their service in the Resistance War against the Japanese in China. Lim wrote: "This epic event is not only a part of the Sarawak Chinese history but also an integral part of the history of Malaysia, China and the world." The recent launching of the book at Sibu's Heritage Centre attracted more than 100 members of the public. The VIPs included the local Chinese penghulus and association representatives. Datuk Lau Nai Hoh lauded the splendid effort of the writer in bringing out the heroic stories of the volunteer drivers and mechanics. Lau, Sarawak branch chairman of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, has been in touch with investors from China on industrial building in Sarawak, other investments and cultural exchanges. A timely publication of such a book would help strengthen ties between China and Sarawak, he added. The book drew attention to a publication in the Sarawak Gazette (August 1, 1939) which reported: "A batch of 57 motorcar drivers and mechanics left for Singapore on July 31, for China, where they propose to offer their service to the Chinese government." At that time, almost all the Chinese in Sarawak were still considered Chinese nationals until they purposefully asked for citizenship under the Rajah. However, to most Chinese back then, it was not really necessary to obtain a paper to be the Rajah's subjects. The notion of becoming a Sarawakian was still in its infancy among the Chinese who arrived to trade, farm and eke out a living in what, at the time, must be a backwater state of the White Raj. The economic migrants were still under a kind of "agreement with the Rajah,"predicated on the promise of good behavior, and the cultivation of specific food crops on land assigned to them. In fact, there wasn't any offer of citizenship, according to an old timer who has held a red IC for many years. The elder, a Chinese national living in Sarawak in the 1930's, only became a Malaysian citizen in the 1970's after quite a long process. Julitta Lim's book, first co-written and published with her husband, Hong Hon Kah, in 1998, is now seeing a more complete edition (2013) in two languages – Chinese and English. The original book came into being in 1997 when Sarawak Museum photographic seciton head Lim Yu Seng introduced Teo Tian Shu, the first of the Chinese mechanics in Kuching, to the couple. Soon an article appeared in a local Chinese newspaper. Four other mechanics were later interviewed with their stories published in the same daily. Many readers were interested in reading the articles and it was suggested the couple compile the articles into a book. Thus, the idea of the book started taking form. In less than a year, the first edition was published. The book traces in detail the years of activities, sacrifices, experiences, thoughts, agonies and post-war life in China of the mechanics from Sarawak. It includes a chapter each on Sarawak Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics on the world political stage; Overseas Chinese Drivers on the Burma Road and In Search of Relatives from Sarawak to Yunnan. The other chapters are based on 21 interviews and other documents. The book, so well-researched, also records the post- 1947 lives of the volunteers from Sarawak, making it a very interesting read. And indeed, one of the most interesting chapters – Chapter 18 – under the heading The Sarawak Chinese Movement in China's Resistance War against Japan, contains revelations many Chinese worldwide and, especially in China and Sarawak, will not really know about. This chapter also shows how deeply the overseas Chinese (most of whom had not been given local citizenship and therefore still had allegiance to the Chinese flag of Sun Yat Sen according) felt for China when Japan started to attack its coast. The Rajah then approved the Sarawak China (War) Relief Fund. These contributions were, in fact, published in the Sarawak Gazette. When war broke out in Europe, the Chinese community joined the British and Malayan war efforts and fund-raising organisations as well. Julitta paid tribute to Chinese newspapers in Sarawak which helped the war efforts tremendously. She made a special mention of the Sibu China Relief Fund Committee and the journalists who wrote anti-Japanese articles. "In the same period, a newspaper – Sibu News Daily –had its inaugural issue on July 1, 1939 and its director was Liu Zi Qing. The newspaper ran news about the battle front but its literary corner Ben Liu (Swift Current) appealed to most readers. The editor Liu Xian Ren was born in Mingqing and employed to teach in Sibu in 1926. Being a prolific writer, he was made publicity director of the Sibu China Relief Fund Committee. When the Japanese occupied Sibu, he topped their wanted list but managed to escape. During his self-exile from Sibu, he wrote a novel – The Bitter Cup. After the war, he concentrated his work on education and was principal of Wong Nai Siong Secondary School. The photographs in the book have become a treasure for many family members of the mechanics, and others interested in that particular period of Sarawak history. Some photographs have never been seen by the public. During her speech at the book's recent launching in Sibu, Julitta said many records of names were still available in the Yunnan Archives, adding that she would be happy to meet up with relatives and descendants of the mechanics from Sibu. Had Julitta and her late husband not made an effort to record this particular aspect of Sarawak history in both Chinese and English, the sacrifices of these heroes would have been forgotten. The book's launching was also in conjunction with a photographic exhibition of the contributions of the Driver Mechanics. Many of the photos were seen for the first time by the public. Officials from Xiamen University as well as Huaqiao Univeristy of Xiamen were present to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics who served in China. The function was also sponsored by the Association of Sarawak Chinese Academic Research of which Julitta is the president. "It has been our mission to collect and retrieve as much information as possible regarding the patriotic spirit of these volunteers in this period of Sarawak history so as to give our young people an example to emulate. "For those volunteers who had sacrificed their lives and whose names might never be known, history will always remember them for the sacrifices and contributions they had made for peace," she wrote.   |
| Restaging a local arts extravaganza Posted: 26 Jul 2014 12:12 PM PDT SPECTACULAR! Delightful! Magical and of a professionally high standard. These words are among the audience's descriptions of the Life in the Jungle ballet production this past January. In response to popular request, this local arts extravaganza will be restaged in Kuching this August. The multi-faceted production, involving more than 150 local youth performers from LayNa Ballet Academy, Institute of Teacher Education Batu Lintang Campus and the Sarawak State Symphonic Orchestra (SONS), made its three-night debut in January at the former Legislative State Assembly building in Petra Jaya. The proceeds of RM65,000 raised from individual and corporate sponsorships, as well as ticket and souvenir sales, were donated to Sarawak Kidney Association, Community Based Rehabilitation Centre and Kuching Society for the Urban Poor. This restage will feature differences from the January production. Besides benefiting a different group of local charities – the Lions' Club Cornea Transplant project, Meeting Needs and the Sarawak Kidney Association – the restage offers a better audience experience. "One of our biggest challenges has been to improve the audience experience in a cost-effective way" said Megan Chalmers in addressing the difficulties of viewing the stage from the back parts of the performance venue. "We are, thus, going to raise the audience up on platforms hired for the event to improve their view of the show." The performers, ranging from ballet dancers, vocalists and narrators to instrumentalists and cultural dancers, after having spent countless hours rehearsing for the January show, are now eager to reunite in bringing alive this Iban legend for Kuching audiences once again. Background The ballet is based on the works of Heidi Munan and Julia Chong for an operetta of the same name, staged 30 years ago in Kuching. In 1984, vocalists from the Polyhymnia Choral Society told the story through Munan's witty libretto put to Chong's music with live musical accompaniment, provided by Marcus Leong's orchestra. In January, in memory of the 30th anniversary of Chong's passing, 100 ballet dancers portrayed the Iban legend of the Pong Kapong bird through Chan Lay Na's choreography, aided by a 30-member choir under the direction of Chong's daughter, Pek Lin, together with a full symphonic orchestra conducted by Leong's son, Victor. Anthony Wong provided the orchestral arrangement of Chong's music and made it complete for the ballet with additions of his own compositions, working closely with the three directors. Two narrators strung together the three acts of the ballet with their lines based on Munan's script while more of their ITE Batu Lintang colleagues grounded the audience in a Borneoan experience through their roles as cultural dancers, actors and instrumentalists. The costume and set designs, headed by Chalmers, further enabled the performers onstage to internalise their roles as inhabitants of our local rainforests. Following the January production, the committee received numerous exaltations from members of the audience. Thoroughly enjoyable "I do believe this work should be one of the mainstays of ballet companies around the world,"commented Angela Chong, a doctor based in Singapore. Jo Williams from Kuching wrote: "We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and were transported to the colorful world of the jungle through the music, the dance, the deceptively simple sets and the amazing costumes." Chong Pek Sian, from Melbourne, was also full of praises. "Anthony's orchestration under Victor's skilled baton thrilled with its pulsing rhythms. The performance of Pek Lin's choral arrangement for the travellers' song – A Sing Sing So – was also most effective. Close your eyes, and you are lulled into a gentle sea, drifting off to Sumatra." She added that for her personally, "perhaps most impressive was the Silat," referring to the martial arts item performed during the Sumatran Batak village scene. Elaine Langshaw, an Australian educator and music-lover, enthused: "This production is of such a high standard that it deserves to be seen by a wider audience." The January performances and the upcoming restage in August are the products of more than a year's work, spearheaded by a voluntary organising committee, led by Michael Lim (organising chairman), Lee San San and Chalmers. Treasured experience "It has been most rewarding to see the dedication of the commitee in bringing about a much-needed artistic and musical experience to Kuching," said Lim, also fondly recalling the joyful glows on the faces of the cast as they took the stage on their performance nights. "I look forward to this restaging of the production serving as a catalyst for more such projects to come," he added. His expectations, indeed, should not take long to materialise. Many among the youths involved in this production have expressed their shared excitement at the opportunity to work together again in the pool of wide-ranging talents to stage the large-scale production. "The most rewarding part about being involved in Life in the Jungle is that I have so much fun working with the different groups of people," said Imogen Chan who dances the role of the Spotted Dove, Fruitfly and Fruitfairy. "Working with the orchestra and choir creates a very different atmosphere and feel for us when we are dancing." Bong Chee Xiung who sings the part of the Rhino, the leader of the animals, agreed. "It isn't an everyday opportunity to be able to work with both the State Symphony Orchestra and the LayNa Ballet Academy." His fellow Batu Lintang teacher trainee Heinny Selan reflected on her experience as part of the Iban dance ensemble, saying: "I'm really looking forward to working again with some of the most talented people I have ever met." However, participating in a production combining highly demanding skills in dance, singing, acting as well as live orchestral accompaniment has not come without its challenges. Behind the scenes Ursula Chai who dances as the Rhino this August, reflected: "The biggest challenge for me was learning the choreography of the various animal roles. Not only do you need to memorise the steps, you also need to act convincingly as each particular animal." Many of the dancers performed several roles during each performance night. "I tried my very best to act out my different roles as the motherly Mrs Pong Kapong bird, the fierce leopard as well as the tricky lizard," Ottilia Ting mused, describing how she was switching between three roles throughout the January show nights. To ensure a performance of the highest quality, the ballet dancers also had to compete with one another for the particular roles they desired. "It's hard to compete with your friends to get what you want but even if we don't get to perform our favorite roles, we are still happy to be able to perform onstage for an audienceto help the needy," Chai said. Bong added: "It has been challenging to synchronise our singing with the orchestra and the ballet dancers." The numerous recitatives, sung by the Rhino, proved to be among the toughest parts to perform seamlessly as the utmost cohesion between him, the orchestra and the different ballerinas dancing the role each night during the January show, was required throughout – even during the animal leader's sarcastic coughing! The intensive rehearsals in preparation for the performances also provided an opportunity for those involved to test the limits of their time management skills. A choir member, Kang Yan Ling, shared how she had to constantly complete most of her work much earlier than her teacher trainee classmates. Meanwhile, Jonathan Soon who plays the cello in the orchestra, mused: "For some of the musicians, the staging in January marked the end of a very busy season with two other high profile concerts preceding the rehearsals. "It was very exhausting, but worth it," he noted. Eager anticipation Juggling intensive rehearsals with their other various commitments, the performers are excited to take up their roles again for the enjoyment of the Kuching audience next month. Acknowledging the uniqueness of this production, Zoie Tok who dances as the bat, said it was very rare to have a chance to perform in such a large-scale production, exclaiming: "I'm looking forward to feel that rush of adrenaline again and to perform to the best of my ability!" Reflecting on the significance of such a large-scale project, Nacy Chan who plays the violin in the orchestra, said: "I really look forward to this production helping to inspire an increased support for the cultural arts in the local scene." Chai chipped in: "I hope our performances will run smoothly and we all have a great time," proceeding to unwittingly reveal her flair for the leadership role of the Rhino with "I would like to wish everyone good luck and express a big thank you to all the dancers, choirs, orchestra, and everyone that has helped in making this production a reality." In a month's time, the hall in Petra Jaya will, indeed, be ringing with choruses of the sung finale – Life in Sarawak is the life for me – as all the fully-costumed jungle inhabitants onstage and their fellow offstage artistes stand together to commemorate their second ever staging of this locally bred work of artistry. Life in the Jungle will be staged at the old State Assembly Complex in Petra Jaya, Kuching, on August 23 and 24. Tickets are priced at RM55 and RM100. Those interested in buying tickets or corporate sponsorship can contact 016 223 2108 or 017 228 0833. |
| No debt-free guarantee for guarantors Posted: 26 Jul 2014 12:10 PM PDT by Rintos Mail, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 27, 2014, Sunday SAM and Ling were in a relationship. They met when they were both students at a local college. After dating for a couple of years, Ling asked Sam to become the guarantor for her hire purchase (HP) loan. Sam agreed immediately and signed the guarantee without hesitation. As Sam decided to do this out of love and affection, he did not seek advice from anyone before signing the guarantee. Moreover, Sam was confident Ling would repay the HP loan on schedule and they would be married soon. Three months later, Ling started defaulting on her repayments. Sam helped pay her arrears – until he found out Ling was engaged to be married to another man. Shocked and broken-hearted, he broke off contact with her, changed his job and moved to another state. Unknown to Sam, Ling continued to default on her HP loan repayments and changed jobs and addresses frequently. As Ling did not service her loan, the financial institution repossessed and auctioned her car. After the sale, there was still a shortfall of RM45,000 owing to the financier. As Ling could not pay up, the financial institution demanded the shortfall from Sam instead as he was the guarantor. However, even for Sam, the shortfall was too big an amount to settle. And because of this, the financial institution initiated legal proceedings against Sam to recover the debt. Worried about his financial predicament, Sam turned to the Credit Counselling and Dept Management Agency (AKPK) for help. This case study on a guatantor was made by AKPK. Now, how does the Agency help guarantors facing legal action as a result of borrowers' failures to service their loans? AKPK Sarawak region head Marlene Margaret Nichol said as long as the guarantor had not reached an advanced stage of litigation (creditor's petition stage in a bankruptcy proceedings), the Agency could help negotiate with financial institutions a repayment schedule that is within the guarantor's capability to pay. "This means the guarantor will be placed in our Debt Management Programme (DMP). The financial institutions will place a stay on legal action for borrowers who enrol in the DMP," she explained. Although statistics of guarantors, helped by AKPK in Sarawak, are not available, many of them have approached and received asistance from the Agency. To those guarantors facing such a financial predicament but have no way out, Margaret advises them to approach AKPK for assistance. "We can negotiate with the financial institutions on their behalf as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria to be placed in the Debt Management Programme (DMP). "AKPK wishes to remind individuals that becoming a guarantor is very risky. Think first before agreeing to become one. Ensure that you are guaranteeing a loan for a productive purpose and the borrower is capable of repaying the loan." Margaret said lenders would normally request for a guarantor if a borrower's credit-worthiness was questionable. She noted that although not the principal borrower, a guarantor is still responsible for the unpaid portion of the loan, including interest, if the principal borrower defaults. The guarantee for the borrower's obligation would last until the full settlement of the loan, she said, adding that a guarantor could not be discharged without the full settlement of the loan or prior to obtaining the lender's consent. Many people think a guarantor only provides a reference of good character of the borrower and is not legally bound to pay back the loan if the borrower cannot or will not pay. Margaret said this is a wrong perception. "Guarantors must be aware of their rights. There are certain rights accorded a person acting as a guarantor before and after the contract of guarantee is signed." She pointed out that one of the rights of a guarantor was to be indemnified by the borrower for any payment made to the financial institution. This means a guarantor can sue the borrower for the amount the former has paid to the financial institution. Margaret said Bank Negara Malaysia, in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Malaysia, had produced a "banking info" booklet on guarantors to provide information on the details and implications of guarantees given by individuals. "It is aimed at increasing public understanding on guarantees," she added. According to her, the booklet gives consumers guidelines on legal requirements and rights and liabilities of a guarantor as well as highlights the important issues a person should know before agreeing to become a guarantor. A guarantee, as defined in the booklet, is a legal contract that binds a person to pay the debt of the borrower if the borrower fails to do so. The financial institution can sue the person acting as the guarantor when the borrower does not repay the debt. Anyone can be a guarantor as long as he or she meets the legal requirements to be a guarantor. However, since a guarantor is liable to pay the debts of a defaulting borrower, one should consider becoming a guarantor only if one is sure one can pay the borrower's debts in the unfortunate event the borrower fails to do so. A person who becomes a guarantor straightaway has liabilities. The extent of a guarantor's liabilities will be as specified in the guarantee document. As stated in the booklet, a guarantor may be held liable for the liabilities of the borrower in accordance with the terms of the guarantee document. Unfortunately, more often than not, guarantors willingly sign the contract of guarantee without fully realising the impact it may have in the future. The booklet notes it is extremely important for a prospective guarantor to read and understand the contract of guarantee before signing. "It's also imperative for the prospective guarantors to obtain independent legal advice before affixing their signatures on the contract. "This will ensure they are aware of the true nature of the document and its legal implications – for example the guarantors' rights and liabilities under the guarantees, especially if the financial institution changes the terms and conditions during the tenure of the loan." The booklet also reminds consumers not to sign any guarantee if they:
Potential guarantors also ought to know a loan can be guaranteed by one or more guarantors. However, this does not mean the liabilities of the guarantors are shared equally among themselves. The financial institution has the right to recover the debt wholly or partially from any of the guarantors. Under a joint guarantee, upon the death of one of the guarantors, the obligations under the guarantee pass to the surviving guarantors. Also, under the joint and several guarantees, upon the death of one of the guarantors, the estate of the deceased guarantor will remain liable under the guarantee together with the other guarantors. AKPK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank Negera Malaysia, offers free services not just to borrowers but also potential borrowers, including guarantors. It offers financial education on the responsible use of credit and basic money management skills. Its financial education programmes include ad-hoc tailor-made talks and briefings to various target groups, a personal financial management education programme (which normally targets university students) and the POWER1 programme, designed to equip individuals with essential financial knowledge and ability to make responsible financial decisions. Its counselling and advice on financial management include financial budgeting to manage expenses. AKPK also offers DMP to assist financial distressed consumers in regaining their financial control. "Borrowers, potential borrowers and guarantors in Sarawak who require our services can come forward to AKPK Sarawak Region office at Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia here anytime during week days," Margaret said. Individual borrowers can seek AKPK's assistance in rescheduling their house loans, hire purchase loans and personal loans from, or outstanding credit-charge card balances due to, financial service providers under the purview of Bank Negara Malaysia. |
| When the buying stops, the killing can too Posted: 26 Jul 2014 10:40 AM PDT by Asha Kaushal. Posted on July 27, 2014, Sunday IF you are an avid follower of nature-oriented television channels, you would have heard the tagline: "When the buying stops, the killing can too." Reiterating this was Dr Ronald Orenstein, who recently presented a talk entitled 'Ivory, Horn and Blood' in Kuching. During his presentation, which was organised by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and the Kuching branch of the Malaysian Nature Society, Orenstein enlightened the audience on a very little known crime – poaching. Unknown to many of us, wildlife poaching has long been an international criminal enterprise, equivalent to the illegal arms and drugs trade. Rhinos have long been killed for their horns, which are believed to hold medicinal and healing properties. East Asian communities believe that the horns, when ground and consumed, can cure everything from fever to cancer. It is also believed to be an aphrodisiac and all-purpose health tonic. This is a myth that has not been proven. These claims are merely marketing ploys that victimise the ill, increase profitability for the irresponsible involved in the illicit wildlife trade, and cause the murder of thousands upon thousands of wild animals. Horns are made of the same type of protein (keratin) that make up our hair and fingernails. In other words, consuming rhino horn is essentially equivalent to biting and swallowing your fingernails or hair. Orenstein explained the need to debunk myths related to the therapeutic uses of rhino horn. Rhino horn and elephant tusk ivory have also been associated with wealth and status all around the world. Those who can afford genuine and exclusive decorative items made from horn and ivory have encouraged the trade of these two items on the black market. Orenstein pointed out that rhinos and elephants are at risk of disappearing, thanks to the menacing automatic rifles brandished by poachers who are funded by the very same international gangs that back wars and the illicit drugs trade. Rhino horn is said to be as valuable as gold or cocaine, and in this horrendous trade, hundreds of park rangers and those responsible for protecting these animals, particularly in Africa, have been murdered. During his presentation, Orenstein showed graphic photos of murdered park rangers, and rhinos and elephants left for dead after being brutally mutilated for their horns and tusks. In his plea to the audience, Orenstein emphasised the need to educate and sensitise the general public to the carnage and atrocities that take place just to acquire horn and ivory. Orenstein's talk was based on his recently published book entitled 'Ivory, Horn and Blood – Behind the Elephant and Rhinoceros Poaching Crisis', which examines the historical and current situation faced by elephants and rhinos, and trade in ivory and horn. Orenstein is a Canadian and part-time resident of Kuching. A wildlife conservationist, he has authored eight books on science and nature. He is a recognised expert on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites). He acts as a consultant for Humane Society International (HSI) and has represented HSI and other organisations at many Cites meetings, including all Meetings of the Conference of the Parties since 1987, as well as at other treaty meetings including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). At the 1987 Cites meeting, Orenstein was seconded to the official delegation of Malaysia, and oversaw the successful adoption of three Malaysian government proposals to protect Malaysian wild species. At the 1989 meeting, he was one of the engineers of the compromise amendment that led to an international ivory ban. He served on the official working group that prepared revised criteria for listing Cites species, adopted in 2004. Orenstein has worked for many years on elephant and rhinoceros conservation issues. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Species Survival Network (SSN), a coalition of over 80 non-governmental organisations working with the Cites treaty, and also of the Elephant Research Foundation (ERF). He is also a member of MNS Kuching branch and frequently posts about Sarawak's natural history on his blog 'A Wandering Naturalist' (ronorenstein.blogspot.com). The Malaysian Nature Society |
| Saving rare wildlife from extinction Posted: 19 Jul 2014 10:58 AM PDT by Irene C, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 20, 2014, Sunday She is fighting for the welfare of animals, especially the rhinocerous, because she says 'they do not have a voice to speak out for their rights.' IT's not the choice job for youths who aspire to make a name for themselves overnight but for Fadzillawati Zahrah Hamdan, the satisfaction of knowing how her sweat and tears can save a single animal from extinction — like the rhinocerous — is worth all the effort. While the 33-year-old loves Nature, wildlife and the environment, she never imagined her calling would be fighting for the welfare of animals which "do not have a voice to speak out for their rights." The care for animals may be in her blood — or nurtured — because as a student, she spent her school holidays helping out at national parks and nature reserves. Moreover, her late father worked at the Forest Department, and her stepfather worked there as well — and now at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Fadzillawati started out in 2005 at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, tracking rhinos in the wild. Why conservation? Well, it's certainly not for money – in fact, she doesn't really know why she chose this path. But she pointed out that the experience she gained from the job could not be bought with money. Simply priceless, she enthused. "The best was when I woke up in the morning and an elephant greeted me at my doorstep. It was a fantastic start to my day." Fadzillawati said seeing the pachyderm made "the whole world seem marvellous," especially when her base camp at the Reserve was a building with neither water nor electricity. Even her bed was hand-made by the staff and the thin mattress was also donated. The salary back then was very low — only RM300 to RM700 a month without bonus. What made the workers stay on was their love of animals. Even now, there is still a big shortage for conservationists. The work at the Reserve is no stroll in the park. A typical work day involves lugging between 15kg and 20kg of tools and supplies plus walking some 10km. There are also risks as the workers not only can be attacked by wild animals but also shot by poachers. Though Fadzillawati has never seen a rhino during her stint at the Reserve, just discovering its few footprints made her heart race as this meant there was a chance of encountering one. A few months later, oil palm plantation workers reported the sighting of a rhino in the area and she rushed with a few others to the plantation. They stayed at the staff quarters and the next morning, she was delighted to see not a handful but hundreds of rhino footprints along the logging road – in fact, so many that it was hard to determine how many animals were there or in which direction they went. "During our stay, we didn't see any rhinos but a few months later, the staff managed to video-tape one. "I was moved to tears — it was a touching moment for me. Although I have never seen one with my own eyes, the video proves there are still rhinocerouses in the wild and this gives me strength to continue conserving the natural habitat so that these precious animals can survive." Fadzillawati spent one whole year looking for rhinos and she and her co-workers even started to joke that the animal was a myth because they had never found one. "So you could imagine the satisfaction I felt after watching the video," she said. Protecting rhinos does not only mean keeping them safe from the traps set by poachers but also conserving their habitats so that they can thrive, re-populate and be around for generations to come. Like most school leavers, Fadzillawati took the traditional path of getting into universities before discovering her love for conservation and the environment. Learning theories about conservation in the classroom is one thing, what happens in practice on the field is quite another. "The wild can turn up things quite unlike what you find in textbooks. Practical experience is more important," she said. The following year, Fadzillawati was offered a position with WWF-Malaysia as programme officer for Totally Protected Areas. It was the perfect opportunity for her to move further afield in her vocation. Without proper job designation, her conservation efforts had been a drop in the bucket but attached to WWF-Malaysia, she could work in many areas with the help of the Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) management, staff and stakeholders, and make a bigger difference immediately. "In Sarawak, I lead the WWF-Malaysia Protected Areas programme by co-ordinating a network of conservation organisations and other related stakeholders in the implementation of the programme. "I have been leading and coordinating the assessment of 29 TPAs in Sarawak, covering an area of 700,727 hectares, using Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) developed by WWF and the World Bank. "Protected Areas is key to the governance and management of representative ecosystems, therefore ensuring that the health of forests and ecosystems in important areas is increased for the benefit of humankind and Nature," she explained. As one of the main contributors to the WWF-Malaysia Sarawak programme, Fadzillawati identifies priority conservation areas (PCAs) which contribute to identification of habitat connectivity. For the national level of Protected Areas, she contributes to the development of Malaysia National Protected Areas Masterlist. She is also directly involved in a few of WWF international networks based on the Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiatives:
Her job scope involves leading, co-ordinating, and ensuring the implementation conservation strategies and action plans as well as monitoring and evaluating programmes and projects pertaining to Protected Areas in Sarawak and contributing to the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative area. She is also the focal person on matters related to Protected Areas in Sarawak and also suppoprts Protected Areas National Team in fundraising and capacity-building programmes for work relevant to WWF-Malaysia's thematic and landscape programmes and projects. Before holding her current position, she was the WWF-Malaysia Heart of Borneo Species officer from 2008 to 2010. She was directly involved in WWF structure of Heart of Borneo Initiatives, especially on wildlife issues, working closely with her counterparts in Indonesia and Brunei for a strategic approach and implementation of the initiatives on the ground. She also advises on WWF directions on the ground, supporting the network initiative in delivery of the programme and overseeing internal WWF programmes or projects related to or contributing to HoB. She also played an active part in ensuring effective engagement and involvement of various stakeholders, and monitoring issues on HoB as well as outside the HoB boundary in the case of Sarawak. Fadzillawati is the longest serving WWF employee in the Sarawak team. |
| Don’t take dengue fever lightly Posted: 19 Jul 2014 10:55 AM PDT A YOUNG housewife was not bothered about mosquitoes until she came down with dengue fever about four years ago. It started as a mild headache before morphing into a burning fever.There was a rash of tiny red spots over her arms, chest and back. "The fever was awful but the headache was the worst — like being tortured," recalled the 35-year-old from a suburban village accessible by all vehicles. Taking paracetamol did not prove very effective and it was worse when she tried to sleep. "The headache — it was horrible," she said on condition of anonymity. She suffered for two days and one night before seeking medical help. "I was first examined by a medical assistant from one of the rural clinics. He immediately referred me to the Sarawak General Hospital. "I was too weak to go to the hospital — and thank goodness, my husband was there to help me," she said. At first, the hospital was unable to confirm the dengue virus but because there was an outbreak in Kuching back then, they put me in the ward. "I was prescribed paracetamol but on my first night in hospital, I just felt awful. The next day, my blood test confirmed it was dengue. Luckily, I did not have any serious complications," she added. The housewife started feeling a lot better after the first day in hospital with the doctors monitoring her condition. On the second day, she was informed the fever had peaked and the worst was over. She stayed in hospital for two nights and three days. She said the illness made her "incredibly weak" for a week after she was discharged and it took a while for her to fully recover. The mother of four said she would never again be casual about protection against mosquitoes. "I don't ever want to go through the same ordeal. I have learnt my lesson and will always make sure mosquitoes have no place in our home," she said. Chills and headaches A general worker in his mid-40s had also struggled with Dengue fever about a year ago. It started with fever, chills and headaches. "When I first got it, my days were spent under the blanket in my bedroom. It was horrible and I didn't know I had Dengue fever until the doctor told me,"said the man who also preferred not to be identified. He first felt something was wrong when he woke up one Sunday morning with "one of my worst hangovers ever." The night before, while clubbing, he had a few cans of beer but the morning after, he felt as though he had downed a whole bottle of whisky. He had pounding headaches all day, chills even when the weather was hot and muscle aches all over. Miraculously, the next day, his fever subsided — the headaches were gone and he felt better. "In fact, I felt so good I decided to return to work. As I got started, the pain came back — my feet were really sore and my fingertips hurt. "I felt something was wrong when I could not move my fingers — the pain was so bad. Red dots started appearing all over my hands and feet. So I asked my friend to drive me to a private clinic." He claimed at first the doctor seemed doubtful it was Dengue because most patients suffered a lot more than he did. Nevertheless, he was referred to the Sarawak General Hospital where he was given a blood test. About an hour later, the results confirmed he was infected by Dengue fever. His platelets count was low but not so low as to require hospitalisation. Severe cases of Dengue are called hemorrhagic fever and can result in internal bleeding, low blood pressure and death. The man said the doctor told him he must have a very strong immune system to suffer fever for only one day. Normally, victims are out for a week — or require hospitalisation. He was also told there is no real medical treatment for Dengue fever other than rest, hydration and removal of mosquito breeding grounds. He made sure he heeded the doctor's advice to get plenty of rest and drink a lot of water over the week. "My brush with Dengue was a mild one — I was lucky," he said. The two above narratives should serve as an eye-opener to all that Dengue fever is a painful affliction. Dengue fever is caused by a tropical virus and spread by mosquitoes. It is a serious disease that can leave sufferers bed-ridden for weeks — and also kills tens of thousands people worldwide every year. Dengue has been in the news in Malaysia everyday for weeks now. The state of Dengue has, in fact, reached endemic level as reported cases continue to rise. As such, the government has set a two-month target to reduce Dengue fever cases, especially in the 492 localities where the disease is active. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced this on July 14 after chairing the inaugural meeting of the National Committee on Dengue in Putrajaya. He said the Committee would endeavour to achieve the target by initiating "optimum measures" to control the disease. "We hope to see a positive impact over the next two months. Dengue fever cases and deaths are reportedly rising — and this is alarming," he was quoted as saying by Bernama. According to media reports, Selangor has the highest number of localities where the disease is active at 264, followed by Kelantan (66), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (45), Negeri Sembilan (41), Johor (28) and Sarawak (14). Between January and July this year, 48,845 cases of Dengue fever have been reported — up 34,719 (246 per cent) over 14,126 for the corresponding period last year. Ninety-two deaths were also reported. State Health Department director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan said as of June this year, Sarawak recorded 674 cases of Dengue fever with three reported deaths. However, overall, cases in the state this year were down 14.2 per cent compared to 786 cases in the corresponding period last year. Even so, the public cannot be complacent but must continue taking measures to curb the spread of the disease by destroying the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes in their compounds. The community's participation is the key to Dengue prevention. Facts on dengue Dengue fever — severe dengue Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are four serotypes of the virus that causes dengue and are known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4. Severe Dengue is a potentially lethal complication which can develop from dengue infections. It is estimated there are over 50-100 million cases of Dengue worldwide each year and three billion people living in dengue endemic countries. Where does the disease occur? Dengue is mainly transmitted by a mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and distributed across all tropical countries. Travellers already infected with the virus also spread the disease when they get bitten by the local Aedes mosquito population. Dengue outbreaks can occur anytime — as long as the mosquitoes are still active. However, in general, high humidity and temperature are conditions that favour mosquito survival, increasing the likelihood of transmission. Symptoms Dengue fever causes flu-like symptoms and lasts for two to seven days. It usually occurs after an incubation period of four to 10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito. High fever (40°C/104°F) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: Headaches, pain behind eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, joint, bone or muscle pains and rash. In severe Dengue, the critical phase takes place around three to seven days after the first signs of illness. Temperature will decrease although this does NOT mean the person is necessarily recovering. Special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue: Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, rapid breathing and fatigue/restlessness. When severe Dengue is suspected, the sick person should be rushed to the emergency room or to the closest health care provider. Treatment There is no vaccine or specific medication for Dengue fever. Patients should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains. However, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken since they can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients can transmit the infection via Aedes mosquitoes after the first symptoms appear (within four to five days — maximum 12 days). As a precautionary approach, patients can adopt measures to reduce transmission by sleeping under a treated net, especially during the period of illness with fever. Infection with one strain will provide life-time protection only against that particular strain. However, it's still possible to become infected by other strains and develop into severe dengue. When warning signs (listed above) of severe dengue are present, it's imperative to consult a doctor and seek hospitalisation to manage the disease. With proper medical care and early recognition, case-fatality rates are below one per cent. However, the overall experience remains very discomforting and unpleasant. What should I do? If you suspect you have Dengue, you need to see a doctor immediately. Who spreads the disease? Dengue is spread through the bite of the female mosquito (Aedes aegypti). The mosquito becomes infected when it takes the blood of a person infected with the virus. After about one week, the mosquito can then transmit the virus while biting a healthy person. The mosquito can fly up to 400 metres looking for water-filled containers to lay its eggs but usually remains close to the human habitation. Aedes aegypti is a daytime feeder: The peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person. However, a person infected and suffering from Dengue fever can infect other mosquitoes. Humans are known to carry the infection from one country to another or from one area to another during the stage when the virus circulates and reproduces in the blood system. Breeding grounds The mosquitoes thrive in areas close to human population (urban areas). The Aedes mosquito lays its eggs in water-filled containers inside the house and surrounding areas of dwellings. The eggs hatch when in contact with water. Eggs can withstand very dry conditions and survive for months. Female mosquitoes lay dozens of eggs up to five times during their lifetime. Adult mosquitoes "usually" rest indoors in dark areas (closets, under beds, behind curtains). Reducing the risk The best preventive measure for areas infested with Aedes mosquito is to eliminate the egg-laying sites – called source reduction. Lowering the number of eggs, larvae and pupae will reduce the number of emerging adult mosquitoes and the transmission of the disease. Examples of breeding habitats: Indoor, ant traps, flower vases and saucers, water storage tank (domestic drinking water, bathrooms), plastic containers, bottles, outdoor, discarded bottles and tins, discarded tyres, artificial containers, tree holes, potholes, construction sites, drums for collecting rainwater, shells, husks, pods from trees, leaf axils of various plants, boats and equipment. Items that collect rainwater or are used to store water should be covered or properly discarded. The remaining essential containers should be emptied and cleaned and scrubbed (to remove eggs) at least once a week. This will prevent adult mosquitoes from emerging from the egg-larva-pupa stage. Protection Reduce exposed skin to mosquitoes bites. Long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellents are the most viable options. Window and door screens, air-conditioning reduces the risk of mosquitoes coming into contact with the household members. Mosquito nets (and/or insecticide-treated nets) will also provide additional protection to people sleeping during the day or protect against other mosquitoes which can bite at night (such as Anopheles (malaria). Household insecticides, aerosols, mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporisers maybe also reduce biting activity. Generally, breeding grounds in the environment are destroyed through periodical fogging. (Source: World Health Organisation) |
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