Adenan stands firm on English

KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem will not back down on English as the second official language for Sarawak despite opposition from many parties.

“Whether they agree with me in theSemenanjung (peninsula) or not, I don’t care,” Adenan said to loud applause during a ceremony to hand over native land titles to residents in Serian, about 60km from here, yesterday.

“I made English the second language in Sarawak. Of course, Bahasa Malaysia is still the main language. We agree and have no issue with that.

“But what is wrong with us also being proficient in English? It’s the language of science, learning, literature, technology, business, research, communication and international relations,” he added.

Last month, Adenan announced that English would be the state’s second official language, leading to criticism from Yayasan Karyawan, Perkasa and former Cabinet minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim.

Yesterday, Adenan also repeated the state policy of allowing non-Muslims to use the word “Allah” to refer to God.

He remarked that there were more non-Muslim bumiputra in Sarawak than Muslims.

“You can use ‘Allah’ any time you want. No problem. Just use it with respect,” he said.

Adenan added that he did not want extremism to take root in Sarawak.

“I will not tell you how to practise your religion. I am a Muslim and I try to be a good one.

“But I will not tell my Christian friends how to worship. It is their business,” he said.

On oil royalty, Adenan admitted that the Federal Government had not agreed to hike the rate from 5% to 20% yet.

“But we won’t give up, even though the price of oil has fallen. We’ll stop (negotiating) for a bit. When the price goes up again, we’ll continue.”

Adenan Satem reassures Sarawakians no bibles will be seized

Adenan Satem reassures Sarawakians no bibles will be seized

Adenan Satem

 

KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem has repeated his government's promise not to interfere in matters of faith.

"Let me reassure my Christian friends no bible will be taken from you and there will be no restriction on the use of the bibles among  Christians in Sarawak," Adenan said in his Christmas message on Thursday, delivered in English and Malay.

He said he was in "no position" to tell individuals "how to worship".

"How to manage your religion is your business. I have as well declared that Christians in Sarawak can use the word 'Allah' provided it is used with respect and reverence."

These reassurances, he added, were not mere rhetoric as in the last 20 months the Government had "provided millions of ringgit in allocation to build churches and temples".

"Living in peace and harmony with each other is our tradition. I want to thank Sarawakians for recognising the need to ensure racial and religious harmony continue to prevail.

"It is alright to have differences in opinion and in ways of doing things. I do not expect people to agree with me all the time.

"More importantly, we must respect others and different opinions. We should be open to discuss and work for the greater interest, welfare and well being of all Sarawakians."

He said the Sarawak Government would spend RM600mil next year to build rural roads and bridges not allocated for by the Federal Government.

Sabah, Sarawak Bumiputeras benefit from specific development programmes in 2016 budget: Uggah

KUCHING: The RM115 million allocation in the 2016 Budget for the Special Programme for Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak for Native Customary Rights (NCR) land mapping and perimeter surveys will allow the rightful owners to consider developing NCR lands commercially.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was the Barisan Nasional (BN) government’s commitment to ensure that more genuine NCR landowoners would eventually get the titles for their land.

“This in turn will reduce ownership disputes,” Uggah who is also Betong Member of Parliament told Bernama here today.

For the NCR land mapping and survey, a sum of RM30 million is for Sarawak to continue on with existing exercises and RM20 million for Sabah.

He said another specific goodie was the setting aside of RM70 million as interest free loan to be managed by the Bank Simpanan Nasional for longhouse construction. It willl benefit over 60 per cent of Sarawak’s poulation of 2.4 million residing in rural areas.

“Each family will get up to RM50,000 for the purpose. We may lobby from the government for more if this proven to be very helpful for them,” he said.

Uggah also said the decision by the government to raise the Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) price activation mechanism was another beauty of the budget.

“The price activation has been raised to RM5.50 from RM4.60 per kilogram for the SMR (Standard Malaysian Rubber) 20 and RM2.20 per kilogram for the cup lump from the RM1.75 now.

“This new rate will come into effect on Jan 1, 2016 to benefit more than 300,000 rubber farmers, who are mainly rural smallholders nationwide when the prices drop,” he said.

Uggah said this was basically to encourage the rubber tappers to keep tapping their rubber so that the country production would not be adversely affected.

He reminded them to register with their relevant agencies, such as the state Modernisation of Agriculture Department in Sarawak for the necessary PAT-G card (Rubber Smallholders Transaction Authority Permit), which allowed them to enjoy the incentive.-BERNAMA

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/10/24/sabah-sarawak-bumiputeras-benefit-from-specific-development-programmes-in-2016-budget-uggah/#ixzz3pXzal3NK

Bario

No more rallies, says DPM Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Zahid says government will not tolerate any more demonstrations in the streets, racial provocations

Ahmad Zahid, with Manyin on his right and Riot on his left, being greeted by the local community leaders upon his arrival at Kampung Terbat Leban.

SERIAN: Plans by some parties to hold rallies at Petaling Street and Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur must be stopped because it is not the way to solve problems in the country, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He stressed that the government did not want any more demonstrations, which would only lead to Malaysia having a bad image.

He also said there should not be any room for racial conflicts here, as well as demonstrations with the objective of toppling the democratically-elected government.

“Someone tried to run another rally in Petaling Street and Bukit Bintang. Enough is enough! The Sept 16 rally was enough. Let there be no ‘Red Shirt’, ‘Yellow Shirt’, ‘Green Shirt’ (or) ‘Blue Shirt’. Enough!

“The culture in Malaysia does not include street protests. We can accept differences in opinions as we have a platform for a discourse on it, but not through demonstrations,” he said before a 3,000-strong crowd during a ‘Leaders Meet People’ session at Kampung Terbat Leban here yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid also stated that even with him being the Home Affairs Minister, he did not want to meddle in affairs of the police, despite it being an agency under his ministry.

“I leave the operational matters to them (police) as I believe they know what to do. Do not think that if that person is my friend or of the same party as mine, I have to defend him. I am not like that. Law is supreme.

“It’s not that I do not want to defend a relative or friend, but we must respect the law to ensure peace in the country. What’s the point of having the best facilities and infrastructure comparable to developed countries if we are often inflicted by differences in opinions as well as demonstrations that are giving us the bad image, as portrayed on the media.

“Yes, assemblies are allowed by the law but it is not the best answer to solve problems.”

On another matter, Zahid revealed that he and Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun had been instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to expedite the issuance of MyKad and birth certificates to eligible, yet stateless Sarawakians.

He said there had been many instances where the stateless Sarawakian students were denied the opportunity to further their education, despite having scored good marks in school.

“Those without MyKad and birth certificates but are deemed eligible must be helped as soon as possible. I have chaired two meetings, while Joseph Entulu would be on the frontline together with the NRD (National Registration Department) to help these Sarawakians who are without identification documents.

“Those who are eligible, we will assist them immediately. This is the commitment of the federal and state governments.

“I have instructed NRD mobile teams to go to these areas. Whoever in need of MyKad replacements, get them replaced immediately free of charge. Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives must provide the support,” he said.

The programme yesterday was also attended by Human Resources Minister and Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot, state Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister and Tebedu assemblyman Dato Sri Michael Manyin, Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben and community leaders from this predominantly Bidayuh division.

Ahmad Zahid also assured the people here that the Bidayuhs would always receive attention from the government, telling them of his admiration for the community who had always been progressive when it came to education.

He revealed that during his Universiti Malaya days in the 1970s, he had several Bidayuh friends including Manyin.

Ahmad Zahid also brought good news to Terbat Leban folk through an announcement of an allocation worth RM300,000 for building the village hall, following a request by Riot whom he described as a ‘bro’ and a ‘friend’.

Meanwhile, Riot in his speech said the Serian folk should be honoured by Ahmad Zahid’s visit as he came down here less than two months after being appointed as deputy premier.

He also pointed out that Najib himself had visited the now-division three times in six years since becoming prime minister – his caring gesture for the people here.

“There was a former PM who never visited Serian throughout his 22 years in office. Nevertheless, I believe Serian would ‘balas budi’ (reciprocate the good gesture by) BN in the next state election.

“We must also appreciate our Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) who also cares for Serian,” Riot said.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/09/27/no-more-rallies-says-dpm/#ixzz3mtOQsupV

Mount Singai, Bau, Kuching: A place for worship and exercise

Mount Singai, Bau is a proper and suitable for religious outing and family retreat. An hour walk and you’d reach the top, and another 40 minutes to get back to starting point. If you are in Kuching this place is highly recommended for reqular exercise. The entrance fee is RM3.00 if you wish to have a proper parking place.

Belian is the official tree of Sarawak. Belian wood is categorized under heavy hardwood group and of high market value. The wood is very hard, does not rot easily and is naturally resistant because of the unique anatomical features, that it is nick-named as "Borneo ironwood".

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Don't forget to give some donation for maintenaince. May God bless you.

Beautiful Lawas

During my previous trip, I manage to took few photo of beautiful scenery in Lawas. I stayed at Hotel Sri Malaysia.

Forest Bill 2015 Passed

KUCHING: The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday passed the Forest Bill 2015 after 20 elected representatives, including the opposition, participated in the debate.

Before the passing of the Bill tabled by Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang gave DUN a 30 minute break before sitting resumed at 4.50pm.

During the third reading of the Bill after the break and before the Bill was passed, Awang Tengah said the Bill was to enhance the state’s forest conservation effort by empowering forest officers and increasing penalty for forest offences.

He called for cooperation from various agencies like Forest Department, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Customs Department and other agencies to enable the Bill be enforced systemically and effectively.

He also called on the opposition to join the force, and regretted that some opposition members did not support the Bill in the debate speech.

“The Forests Bill 2015 is a clear manifestation of the state government’s resolute commitment to strengthen the state’s forest management and taking into account the environment and welfare of the local community,” he told the august house in his winding-up speech.

On the concentration of powers on the Minister and the Director with regard to the issuance and renewal of forest licence and the making of rules under the new Ordinance, Awang Tengah said the Bill proposed that the Director of Forests should primarily be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the new law, but has to give effect to the directions from the Minister who is accountable to the august house.

“Ultimately, this Dewan, its Public Accounts Committee and the Auditor General have oversight over how the powers conferred by the new law on the Director and Minister are exercised,” he said. He emphasised that the state government had always taken action to combat illegal logging, which he described as a menace.

“The government will intensify its effort to eliminate illegal logging and trade in illegal timber to safeguard the sustainability of the timber industry, both in the upstream and downstream,” he pointed out. On the seized logs handed over and sold to Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd, he said this was to ensure that the logs would not be obtained through devious methods by those involved in illegal activities.

He added that Harwood, which is wholly owned by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), will no longer invite tender for seized logs, while proceeds from the disposal of seized logs would eventually be directly or indirectly channelled to the state government through STIDC.

According to him, 46,216 cubic metres of logs with a royalty value of RM3,004,040 and estimated market value of RM13.9 million were seized from Jan to Dec last year.

Out of that, 23,173 cubic metres had been handed over to Harwood, while 492 cubic metres from the balance of 23,043 cubic metres were destroyed as they were found in remote areas or of poor quality and low commercial value.

Further 13,273 cubic metres were returned after cases relating to forestry management offences had been compounded, he said, adding that the compound fees during the period totalled RM2.4 million.

Another 9, 278 cubic metres were still under investigation, he said.

The Minister of Public Utilities and Minister of Industrial Development also told the august house that the government had established a taskforce on illegal logging, with members comprising the police, MACC, MMEA, Customs Department, major timber licensees and Sarawak Timber Association.

He explained that the taskforce has the responsibility to draw up measures to further strengthen efforts to combat illegal logging and other illegal activities.

Additionally, all licensees are held responsible for the activities of their contractors, workers and agents and required to sign corporate integrity pledge.

The Forests Bill, 2015 is tabled to repeal and replace the Forests Ordinance (Cap. 126) (1958) which is a 1953 Ordinance which came into force on Jan 1 1954, reprinted in 1972 and had been amended 28 times over the period to date since 1973.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/04/23/forest-bill-2015-passed/#ixzz3YNCGksM2

Sick sun bear in viral video found

KUCHING: The sick sun bear, which came to the attention of the public when a video clip of its sighting went viral earlier this year, has been found and handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).

The creature had previously eluded attempts at rescue but was finally captured by plantation workers under the guidance of SFC in Meradong district on Thursday.

The bear was surrendered to SFC's Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) in Sibu and is expected to arrive at Matang Wildlife Centre here later on Thursday.

"The sun bear will be checked by a vet on arrival and arrangements have been made to nurse it back to health at the centre," SFC said.

The animal had been spotted in January by Indonesian plantation workers, who were shocked by its strange and hairless appearance.

Sun bears are the smallest of the world’s eight bear species and are found throughout mainland Asia, Sumatra and Borneo.

They classified as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List and are at risk of becoming endangered unless circumstances threatening their survival improve.

In Sarawak, the sun bear is protected under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998.

Toll-free Pan Borneo Highway says PM

BINTULU: The Pan Borneo Highway will be toll-free as it is the main artery connecting Sarawak and Sabah and there are no alternative routes between the two states, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

In making this pledge when launching the first phase of the highway, the Pan Borneo Sarawak that costs RM13 billion yesterday, he said the situation was unlike that in Peninsular Malaysia where the North-South Expressway was the main link and there were many alternative routes.

Najib said toll was imposed on the North-South Expressway in Peninsular Malaysia but the people could choose to travel on the toll-free alternative routes.

He also said the subsequent phases of the Pan Borneo Highway would be built also this year, with the next launch expected to take place in September.

The prime minister pointed out the highway would not only improve the infrastructure of Sarawak but also open up economic opportunities for the people in the state.

“The project will bring long-term benefits for the people of the state and is not a mega project that drains public funds,” he said.

The whole Pan Borneo Highway, to be built at a cost of RM27 billion, involves the construction and upgrading of 1,663 kilometres of road in Sarawak and Sabah, with 936km in Sarawak and 727km in Sabah.

The current project in Sarawak involves the construction of 919 kilometres of a single carriageway from Tanjung Datu to Sematan and a dual carriageway from Sematan to Merapok.

The construction officially begins today in Sarawak, with the first phase of 43 kilometres from Nyabau to Bakun expected to be completed at the end of 2017, followed by the Tanjung Datu- Sematan-Miri-Limbang-Lawas stretch that is expected to be ready in the middle of 2023.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who also spoke at the launch, said negotiations with bridge concessionaires in Kuching, Sibu and Miri had yet to reach a decision on whether to reduce or abolish toll on the bridges.

“If possible, we want to abolish the toll, but this has yet to be decided. We want to reduce the burden on the road users who have to pay road tax, and reduce the cost of living now that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is to be imposed ,” he said.

Adenan said the federal government decision to waive toll on the Pan Borneo Highway was apt because the road was an important link for the people of Sarawak for economic and social reasons.

He also said that the construction of the highway reflected the strong commitment of the federal government in fulfilling the pledges made in the manifesto of the 13th General Election.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu; Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf, other federal and state ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa also attended the launch. — Bernama

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/04/01/pm-promises-toll-free-highway/#ixzz3W0Txg0Wx

Solar Energy Lights up lives of remote villagers

KUCHING: Some 200 villagers from two longhouses in the interior of Batang Ai are enjoying 24-hour power supply from solar panels as a result of Sarawak Energy’s (SEB) quest for sustainable power generation.

Households at Rh Kino and Rh Manggat are now equipped with a Solar Home System (SHS) set, comprising eight ceiling lights and four switch socket outlets to power basic electrical appliances.

Rh Kino and Rh Manggat are not connected to the grid due to their remoteness. They can only be accessed by longboat over the Batang Ai reservoir – 45 minutes to Rh Manggat and one hour 30 minutes to Rh Kino.

“This initiative complements the government’s rural electrification programme to provide electricity to all rural households by 2020. The SHS provides a viable interim measure until a more permanent solution can be implemented.

“It shows how committed we are in making sure every household has a continuous supply of electricity,” SEB general manager for research and development Dr Chen Shiun said in a press statement yesterday.

He sees solar energy as the best alternative power source for this community for now as connecting both longhouses to the grid will take years, and may not be viable due to the small population.

SEB worked closely with the villagers in developing the initiative, starting with a series of stakeholder dialogues to determine project feasibility before implementation began in November last year.

Once the go-ahead was given, the villagers helped Sarawak Energy’s R&D team to ensure implementation ran smoothly.

With both longhouses only accessible by boat, the villagers engaged in a gotong-royong to transport the equipment from Batang Ai jetty.

After rigorous testing of the solar sets, the villagers were briefed on how to operate and maintain them while SEB provide technical support to the longhouses.

Although the installed solar capacity doesn’t cater for appliances requiring higher power like refrigerators and washing machines, having a constant supply is already making a difference.

Tuai Rumah Manggat Meringai said villagers can now switch on their lights and use electrical appliances anytime of the day. Prior to this, each family had a generator set for which they spend about RM80 per month on diesel while those with a petrol generator set spend more than RM100 per month.

“When we use generators, lights are switched on from 6.30pm to 10pm only. On festive occasions like Gawai Dayak and weddings, the generator set will run until midnight or the early hours of the morning. We also provide homestay to tourists so a continuous supply helps a lot,” explained the 58-year-old farmer.

At Rh Kino, William Indap, 46, said the longhouse used to have a 15 kilowatt diesel generator running from 7pm to 10pm, four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

“Now with the solar system, the children can watch television during the day and there is no need to use torch light in the early morning or late at night. It has made life convenient for us!” said the father of two who is also a member of the village security and development committee.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/02/26/solar-energy-lights-up-lives-of-remote-villagers/#ixzz3Squw2LvP

Farmers' market in Serian

Serian : A small market town about 1 hour from Kuching.  The main attraction is an excellent farmers' market selling all manner of fruit, vegetables and forest produce and a thriving fish market. If you are lucky you will also see sago worms, a favorite local delicacy, offered for sale. The Serian District Council has a number of chalets at nearby Ranchan Pools, a local beauty spot. Chalets RM 50-100, Dormitory RM 100 10 beds). Tel: 876681 Fax: 874799.

Balai Ringin

Balai Ringin is a town and constituency in Sarawak, Malaysia,^[1] about one hour's drive from the town of Serianalong the Pan Borneo Highway.^[2] It lies approximately 75.3 kilometres (47 mi) southeast of the state capital Kuching. The area is predominantly inhabited byIban tribespeople, though there are a few Malay villages.

Neighbouring settlements include:

• Kampung Sepan 2.6 kilometres (1.6 mi) northwest
• Kampung Bayur 2.6 kilometres (1.6 mi) southwest
• Kampung Batu Kudi 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi) west
• Kampung Muboi 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi) west
• Kampung Linsat 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi) west