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SUCCC chief: No exchange of gunfire in Semporna as reported in the media BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

SUCCC chief: No exchange of gunfire in Semporna as reported in the media

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 11:50 AM PDT

SEMPORNA: Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) president Datuk Seri Panglima Gan Sau Wah was disappointed at the media for sensationalising the report on the warning shot fired by security personnel in the waters off Semporna.

Gan, who is also Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) president, said the security personnel noticed three suspicious individuals on a speedboat around 6.30pm, close to the start of the curfew time. Hence, the security personnel fired a warning shot into the sky and pursued them.

But there was no exchange of gunfire as reported in the media, he said in a press statement issued yesterday.

"Based on my understanding, there was no exchange of gunfire in the whole incident. Regrettably, media reports have depicted the incident as more serious than what it really was.

"This not only raised anxiety among the people, but also put on much more stress on the people's livelihood in Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna," he said.

Gan added that businesses in the three districts were equally affected as such news would discourage tourists and investors from coming to Sabah.  Gan disclosed that many of his overseas friends contacted him when the news was out, some investors have also 'run away in fear'.

"Hence, I hope that the media will be cautious in reporting highly sensitive topics. Playing up these kinds of negative topics benefits no one, instead, it will cause major damage to the people and business community.

"The media should be more responsible and cooperate with the government, as well as refrain from reporting issues that can bring negative impact."

He also hoped that leaders of the enforcement agencies, including The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), would be cautious about their press statements to avoid serious consequences they might bring to the people.

"I think that the security enforcement agencies should practise restraint, and avoid mentioning 'small matters' if possible to prevent the incidences from being sensationalised."

SUCCC recently set up an East Coast Security Committee headed by Lahad Datu Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Mok Teng Sang in light of the recent spate of kidnappings in the east coast.

The committee will work with the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of Chinese businessmen and tourists in the The East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), as well as to provide input to the government on issues relating to security.

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Sabah thanks Najib for 10 pct stake in LNG 9 plant

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 11:06 AM PDT

RANAU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman said that the state government thanked and welcomed the decision of the federal government to give the state government a 10 per cent stake in Liquefied Natural Gas Sdn Bhd 9 (LNG 9) plant in Bintulu, Sarawak.

He said, as a "Commission Agent", it would be beneficial to the state government in terms of the development of the state economy, bringing prosperity to the people of the state as a whole.

This clearly showed that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is concerned about the people of Sabah as he agreed to give 10 per cent shareholding in LNG in Bintulu as a result of a series of negotiations with the State Government, said Musa when opening the Ranau Umno division delegates conference here yesterday.

Musa, who is also Sabah Umno Liaison Committee chairman, said he was very pleased to see the strong and undivided support of the people, especially in the district of Ranau.

Hence, he said, the Barisan Nasional government would continue to ensure that the people in Sabah are accorded under the BN government in accordance with the mandate given by the people in the last general election.

Also present were Ranau Umno division head Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, division deputy chief Hj Jaimin Samitah, vice chief Michael John Dunggi and other leaders from the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

Meanwhile, in Papar, Musa who is also Sabah BN chairman, reassured that Umno/BN would serve all Malaysian citizens regardless of their race and religion.

"In Sabah, we not only serve the Muslim Bumiputera community, but also the non-Muslim Bumiputera, including Kadazandusun Murut (KDM).

"We have several Umno divisions that have many members from the KDM community," he said when opening the Papar Umno division delegates conference.

The Chief Minister also advised Umno members to avoid any forms of incitement that could undermine the solidarity members, create antagonisms between leaders and destroy the party.

"If you have any issues, problems, discussed through BN channel, hold a meeting to achieve consensus and resolution.

Musa also cautioned party members not to be influenced by the propaganda of certain parties, especially the opposition who have been denying and criticising the progress and development brought by Umno/BN government.

"I admit there is no government in the world can be 100 percent perfect without any weaknesses.

"But we should be thankful because we managed to bring major changes to the state and the country and the benefits can be felt by people," he said, adding that achievements made by  the country and the government  have gained international recognition.

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Sahid begins solo cycling expedition from Tawau

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 11:05 AM PDT

TAWAU: Sahid Selamat, 51, who is representing the Royal Malaysian Customs in a 44-day Solo Cycling Expedition, departed from Tawau Customs building yesterday morning, heading towards Semporna.

He will end his trip in Johor.

Sahid, who hailed from Johor, likes cycling since he was 14 years old.

He had taken part in cycling programme three times in Peninsular Malaysia and twice in East Malaysia.

In this year's expedition, he will spend 23 days in Sabah and is expected to arrive in Kuching on Sept 13 before cycling  to Peninsular Malaysia.

Apart from promoting the spirit of country's independence, he also will disseminate Goods and Services Tax (GST) information to the people throughout the country especially those residing in the rural areas.

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Esscom to study short, long term impact of withdrawing curfew

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 11:04 AM PDT

BEAUFORT: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) will study the short and long term impact of completely withdrawing the curfew at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the complete withdrawal of the curfew was seen as giving 'room and opportunity' to groups of intruders to conduct guerilla activities in the security zone.

"This is due to the vengeful nature of these groups of intruders from the southern Philippines who are willing to die in order to achieve their requirements and wishes.

"I am very confident that if we fully withdraw the curfew, they (intruders) will surely enter our country and jeopardise the safety of the people and tourists in the waters off Sabah east coast," he told a media conference after officiating the Beaufort Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings delegates meeting here yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno vice president, was satisfied with the outcome of the changes and steps taken by the police following the restructuring of the ESSCom administration.

He said the changes had brought positive impact in curbing any intrusions in the Sabah east coast waters despite facing all kinds of challenges in ESSZone.

Prior to withdrawing the curfew, he said ESSCom would need to coordinate its personnel and assets with other enforcement agencies to conduct patrol operations besides improving its intelligence information.

He also advised fishermen in ESSZone to comply with the directive issued by the authorities, including applying for special permits to ensure their safety when catching fishes in the permitted area. — Bernama

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15,000 in fun run for a noble cause

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 09:28 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: More than 15,000 city dwellers joined the 14th Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run at the Covered Tennis Courts at Sutera Harbour Marina Golf and Country Club here, yesterday.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan officiated at the flag-off where runners were gathered by the thousands, some dressed in creative costumes hoping to finish the Run within the 77minutes time limit to qualify for lucky draw prizes.

City Hall director of Hygiene and Environmental Health, Robert Lipon also flagged-off on behalf of Mayor, Datuk Abidin Madingkir. There was a second batch of runners who accompanied children of the Sabah Thalassaemia Society and Special Olympics Sabah and other invited guests.

Those, who chose not to run, enjoyed themselves at the 7K Carnival with the mouth-watering of local and international delicacies as well as wonderful offerings from the sponsors.

As the last batch of runners returned, the emcees, Miss earth Sabah 2010, and second runner-up of Miss Malaysia Universe 2013, May Salitah Naru Kiob and aspiring comedian from Kota Kinabalu Dan Darby entertained the crowd with bubbly and energetic personality.

There were also performances by local talent Ridah Malanjang, Ezani, Ateng, LP Raphael, Kimara Band, Cabrine Solibun, Aye, Aegy Ryan, The Ariez, Claire Petrus Edwin, Myra Lily Aduk, Peter Dicky Lee, RIMBA, Andalusia and The Divine Masters Band with three performances by Mergers Crew, The Flexible Crew and Swagger Squad.

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Impact of curfew on smuggling yet to be seen

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 09:25 AM PDT

TAWAU: Despite the curfew imposed within a 3 nautical mile radius from the shoreline, the impact on smuggling activities has yet to be identified.

State Customs Department director Janathan Kandok said the department is not involved in the curfew, therefore any impact has not been identified as the curfew is new and the effect has not been seen yet on the custom side.

However, he said the department continues with its enforcement operations including integrated operations.

Speaking at the handing over of Tawau Customs chief's duties from Yunos Hj Tahir to Dato Kassim Dato Bangsawa on Friday, he said cases such as cigarette smuggling will be brought to court and not compounded anymore, which shows the determination of the department.

On small scale smuggling of controlled goods, he said integrated operations will ensure that the goods are not smuggled out.

Meanwhile, he said the three cases of drug trafficking have been the biggest cases this year involving three Filipinos who have been charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

He said tight security at airports had succeeded in detecting 11 cases since 2012, with one case in Tawau, one in Sandakan and the rest at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

After the handover, Yunos will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu and promoted to State custom deputy director, while Kassim is promoted to Tawau Customs chief.

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