Parliament: Pan-Borneo Highway Project To Be Tendered Out For Earlier Completion

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The Pan-Borneo Highway project linking Sematan, Sarawak and Serudong, Sabah, will be tendered out to enable it to be completed in a shorter period, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Monday.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said if the project were implemented in a conventional manner through the government's five-year development plan, it would only be completed in 2025.

This will enable the project to trigger socioeconomic development in both states for the benefit of the people, she in a reply to a supplementary question from Wong Sze Phin (DAP-Kota Kinabalu).

Rosnah said the initial consultations were being conducted with prospective companies but information on the bidders involved and the implementation method could not be made public as the negotiations were still at an early stage.

To the original question from Wong, Rosnah said so far, the government had approved four segments of the project through a conventional manner since 2013 accounting for RM647 million.

This includes upgrading of Jalan Donggongon-Simpang Papar Spur for a distance of 13.7 km at costing RM233 million and Jalan Petagas-Lok Kawi (6 km) costing RM136 million.

The others are upgrading of Jalan Tawau-Semporna from the Tawau Airport junction to Semporna (phase one) costing RM170 million and Jalan Segama-Lahad Datu (phase one) (5.6km) costing RM108 million, she said.

-- BERNAMA

Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2014

The Bill is to ensure that all transactions involving native customary rights (NCR) land from one Bumiputera to another from a different area is more systematic, Abdullah Saidol (BN-Semop) told a press conference when clarifying his debate over the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

The passing of the Bill would be a ‘landmark’ moment because it involved Bumiputera land and acceleration of development in rural areas, he said, suggesting that he and BN backbenchers whom he headed would support the bill.

Abdullah however said he hoped that there would be good guidelines and practices for those dealing with Bumiputera or native customary rights (NCR) land to encourage responsibility towards the community at large.

“To a certain extent if there is any bad practice or irregularity we (BN) will not welcome it. Any party who develops any area must have the moral duty or responsibility to assist our community and (should) not be there just to make profit. I think all Bumiputera elected representatives have the same sentiment which is protection of Bumiputera land from unscrupulous people,” he stressed.

Having said that, Abdullah acknowledged the contribution of the non-Bumiputeras, particularly the Chinese, for developing towns and cities.

“We do believe in their (Chinese) contribution. But then again it is time that we looked at development in rural areas. To some of us Bumiputera elected representatives, we see this Bill (if approved) as an opportunity to see our rural areas developed in the future,” he added.

“In my area, we welcome anyone to develop our land and for that reason we (BN) support this amendment bill. There are a lot of rural areas to be developed. Part of the (State) Budget which is rural-biased is to get our areas developed,” he continued.

Abdullah hit out at the opposition for implying that BN did not represent the rural folks when supporting the Bill.

He claimed that some DAP members of the august house were arguing for the sake of political mileage and not because they were really concerned for the affairs of Bumiputeras, saying their concern, if any, was superficial.

“Implying that we do not represent rural folks is too much,” he said, adding that Bumiputera elected representatives would not allow Bumiputera land owners to be manipulated by irresponsible people.

He denied that the State Legislative Assembly would bulldoze the Bill into law to allow rich Bumiputeras to acquire NCR land from another Bumiputera from other areas. It would be wrong for the opposition to imply that only the rich and powerful Bumiputeras would benefit from the amended law, he added.

“How many of them are in the Top 10 or Top 50 list of the rich and powerful in the nation?” he asked.

“If there are things that do not favour the Bumiputeras, we will tell the Chief Minister. We will not allow the Bumiputeras to be manipulated by unscrupulous persons. However we do accept good points that can help Bumiputeras regardless if they (points) come from the opposition or government,” he said.

Abdullah was among the 11 assemblypersons who debated on the bill, which will be debated again or wound up by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang who is also Rural Development Minister today.

Yesterday, Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (BN-Nangka) told the august house that if NCR land were not allowed to be sold, they would be left idle and some land owners might be plucking ‘Midin’ for livelihood.

The Bill, if passed he argued, would not only allow them to sell their NCR land for financial gain but would enable them to enter into joint ventures to develop their land.

When countering the opposition’s argument that the Bill was aimed at legalising transactions which are illegal, Dr Annuar said it would be better to do things that are legal rather than illegal as there would be safeguards for NCR land owners against exploitation and manipulation.

He said it was an insult to the Dayaks for the opposition to claim that they would be easily manipulated by the rich and powerful Bumiputeras because Dayaks now were educated, and even if the parents were not educated their children were, he argued.

Most of the opposition elected representatives who debated the bill yesterday called for safeguards for NCR land owners from possible exploitations and manipulations. Among the proposed safeguards were setting up a body to monitor transactions and also the imposition of restriction on the acreage to be sold, so that Bumiputeras would continue to possess land for farming purposes.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/11/land-code-bill-not-to-legalise-what-is-illegal-abdullah/#ixzz3J6O3jBPs

From 71 to 82 in next election

Bill to increase number of state seats passed after heated debates, Sarawak set to have largest state assembly

Abang Johari (fifth left) on his way out of the DUN building with other members of the august house after the session adjourned yesterday.

KUCHING: Sarawak will have the highest number of state constituencies in the country with the passing of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2014 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the bill, which proposed to increase the number of state assembly members from the current 71 to 82, was due to the growing number of voting population consequent upon the accelerating pace of development and extension of economic activities in the state since the last review of electoral constituencies in 2005.

“Constitutionally, electoral constituencies are reviewed at the interval of not less than eight years. The increase in the number of state constituencies to 82 is a fair reflection of the rate of increase in electorate in the state.

“It is a reasonable number in terms of providing adequate and effective democratic representation for our people in this august house,” he said when tabling the bill.

Abang Johari said that when the first direct election was held in 1969, the number of state assemblymen was 48 before it increased to 56 in 1985, 62 in 1995, and to its current number of 71 in 2005.

“Having regard to the physical size to the state and the vast areas that some assemblymen from rural constituencies have to serve, the proposed increase in the number of elected representatives for DUN is justified and necessary to provide effective representation of the people and to enable the elected representatives to serve the ‘rakyat’ better,” he said.

Abang Johari said the bill would be enforced on a date to be fixed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri in time for the next state election.

“In other words, the new composition of this house will take effect at the next state election when the voters will elect 82 assemblymen to this august house,” he said.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/12/from-71-to-82-in-next-election/#ixzz3Iw7g12Ed

Adenan earns respect of Bidayuh community

By Johnson K Saai

BAU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has earned great respect from the Bidayuh community for allowing them to own the mountains their ancestors used as hideouts from enemies in the past.

Former Kuching Bidayuh community leader Datuk Stephen Jussem said the move shows that Adenan is a reasonable, understanding and knowledgeable leader.

“From what I know, the various Bidayuh tribes, such as the Bisingai, Bijagoi, Bratak, Biperoh, Pinyawa, Bisapug, Bisitang, Biatah, Bibukar and Sadong, have different places for them to take defence in the old days.

“Their place of defence is called ‘Bung’, which means top because they usually used mountains as their hideouts and defence against enemies, but many people were not aware about this as no one brought it to light.

“Now that the chief minister has agreed to recognise mountains occupied by the Bidayuh community and gazette them as communal land, we should give him great respect,” he told thesundaypost during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak (Redeems) and Agriculture Department yesterday.

Penghulu Jidokson Raway

A Singai community leader, Penghulu Jidokson Raway, said this was the most exciting news for the community and something they had been waiting for years.

“I really salute our chief minister for that because in fact this is something our community had been asking for all this while, so for this he (Adenan) deserves the highest respect from the Bidayuh people in particular,” he said.

On Friday, Assistant Community Development Minister Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie revealed that Adenan recently said the state government had agreed to give rights to the Bidayuh community over the mountains they occupied in the old days.

Nansian said the community leaders would need to apply to the state government and provide evidence to prove that their ancestors occupied the mountains.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/09/adenan-earns-respect-of-bidayuh-community/#ixzz3IWzHsjDv

Smoother, safer drive in 5 years in Borneo

KUCHING, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry would prioritise three main projects in the Pan Borneo Highway development programme in Sarawak, involving RM490 million.

Its minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said RM110 million of the amount would be for the construction of 22 overtaking lanes along the proposed highway.

"The companies that would be building the overtaking lanes have already been appointed," he said, while launching the Unitar International University, Sarawak open house here Saturday.

He said upgrading of the road stretching five kilometres, from Km16 to Km21 along Jalan Kuching-Serian costing RM80 million would likely commence in May next year.

Fadillah said the long-haul route between Sibu and Bintulu would be upgraded at a cost of more than RM300 million.

According to him, other phases in the construction of the Pan Borneo highway would be undertaken by a company to be appointed by the economic planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said while tabling the Budget 2015 last week, that RM27 billion would be allocated for the development of the 1,763-kilometre Pan Borneo highway linking Sabah and Sarawak.

Fadillah who is also Petra Jaya member of parliament, said a new bridge across the Sarawak River would also be built next year to link Kuching South City to a booming commercial and residential area.

He said the road network in the area would also be upgraded to four lanes.

-- BERNAMA

Pan Borneo Highway to be ready by 2025- Fadillah

MELAKA, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The construction of the RM27-billion Pan Borneo Highway, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Friday, is expected to be completed by 2025, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said here on Saturday.

He said the Finance Ministry, Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and the Public- Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) were at the discussion stage of implementing the construction of the 1,663-km highway, which was expected to start next year.

"The construction of the highway may be a public-private effort with the Works Ministry monitoring the implementation.

"Under conventional methods, it will take up to 2025 to complete. However, construction can be expedited using the public-private partnership initiative," he told reporters after an investiture held in conjunction with the 76th birthday of Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, here.

Najib, in tabling the budget yesterday, said the government would build the Pan Borneo Highway, involving 936 kilometres in Sarawak and 727 kilometres in Sabah.

Fadillah said the four-lane toll-free highway would facilitate travel and transportation for the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

He also said that Melaka would receive an allocation of about RM500 million for the construction of several roads as well as two flyovers to address traffic congestion in the state.

At the investiture, Fadillah was conferred the Gemilang Seri Melaka (DGSM) award which carries the title 'Datuk Seri'.

-- BERNAMA

RM27 billion for upgrading 1663km Pan Borneo Highway

KUALA LUMPUR: Following are the highlights of the 2015 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, at the Dewan Rakyat today.

The budget proposals were crafted based on the theme ‘People Economy’.

To this end, the 2015 Budget outlined seven main strategies, namely strengthening economic growth, enhancing fiscal governance, developing human capital and entrepreneurship, advancing Bumiputera agenda, upholding the role of women, developing national youth transformation programme, and prioritising well-being the people.

* 2015 Budget allocates RM273.9 billion, up RM9.8 billion compared to 2014 initial allocation.

* RM223.4 billion is for operating expenditure, RM50.5 billion for development expenditure.

* RM65.6 billion is for emoluments, RM38.1 billion for supplies and services.

* RM29.3 billion allocated to the economic sector.

* RM12.6 billion allocated to the social sector for education, training, health, housing and well-being of society.

* RM4.9 billion earmarked for the security sector, RM1.7 billion for general administration and RM2 billion for contingencies.

* In 2015, Federal Government revenue collection estimated at RM235.2 billion, a RM10.2 billion increase from 2014.

* For 2015, economic growth expected to remain strong between 5 per cent and 6 per cent, fiscal deficit projected to further decline to 3 per cent of GDP.

* In 2015, government revenue estimated at RM23.2 billion with implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

* Government to exempt goods from GST amounting to RM3.8 billion.

* With GST implementation, Sales and Services Tax (SST) abolished, resulting in revenue foregone of RM13.8 billion.

* RM4.9 billion to be channelled back to the people through assistance programmes, such as the increase in Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M).

* RM690 million net revenue collection from GST

* Government to continue providing conducive and comprehensive ecosystem to accelerate domestic and foreign investment.

* In 2015, several infrastructure projects will be implemented — 59-km Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Expressway (SUKE) with total construction cost of RM5.3 billion; 276-km West Coast Expressway from Taiping to Banting (RM5 billion); 47-km Damansara-Shah Alam Highway (DASH)(RM4.2 billion); 36-km Eastern Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE)(RM1.6 billion); 56-km Second MRT Line from Selayang to Putrajaya (estimated RM23 billion); LRT 3 Project linking Bandar Utama to Shah Alam and Klang (estimated RM9 billion); and RM150 million upgrading of East Coast railway line.

* Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex project with total investment of RM69 billion expected to create over 10,000 jobs.

* In an effort to develop electric vehicle manufacturing industry, RM70 million Sustainable Mobility Fund to be established under SME Bank, 50 electric buses will be introduced initially.

* RM100 million Digital Content Industry Fund to be set up under Communications and Multimedia Commission to further promote creative industries like animation, filming, designing and cultural heritage.

* Retail sale of RON95 petrol, diesel and LPG given relief from payment of GST, meaning consumers and targeted groups will not have to pay GST on the purchase of these items.

* Electricity consumption not subject to GST increased from the first 200 units to 300 units, move to benefit 70 per cent of households.

* Individual income tax rates will be reduced by 1 to 3 percentage points. With this measure, 300,000 individual taxpayers will no longer pay income tax.

* Taxpayers with family and income of RM4,000 per month will not have tax liability.

* For year of assessment 2016, corporate income tax reduced by 1 percentage point from 25 per cent to 24 per cent, and income tax rate for SMEs reduced by 1 percentage point from 20 per cent to 19 per cent.

* RM40.5 billion allocated for various subsidies in 2014, RM588 million in 1994.

* New mechanism for providing petroleum subsidy to be announced soon.

* RM56 billion allocated to Education Ministry for various teaching and learning programmes, emphasis on strengthening schools requiring guidance and special assistance.

* 12 new schools comprising seven primary, three secondary and two boarding schools to be built nationwide.

* RM1.2 billion set aside for vocational and technical transformation programme and upgrading of colleges.

* RM800 million allocated for development and maintenance of educational facilities.

* Electricity and water bills of all National-type schools under Education Ministry to be paid in full up to RM5,000 maximum limit compared to RM2,000 previously.

* RM3 billion set aside for sponsoring education – RM1.9 billion to Public Services Department, Education Ministry (RM759 million) and Health Ministry (RM258 million).

* National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans worth RM47.8 billion taken by 2.1 million borrowers to date; as at Aug 31, 2014, only RM5.36 billion or 46 per cent of RM11.76 billion collected.

* 174,000 PTPTN borrowers have not made any payments since 2010, government to take new measures to recover outstanding loans.

* 10 per cent rebate proposed for PTPTN borrowers who continuously make repayments for 12 months until 31 Dec, 2015, additional 20 per cent discount offered to those making lump sum repayments from today until March 31, 2015.

* Employment Act 1955 and related labour acts to be reviewed to safeguard the welfare of workers.

* Government to introduce Employment Insurance System to assist retrenched workers.

* RM600 million allocation to increase Bumiputera ownership in private companies and government-linked companies (GLCs).

* RM2 billion allocated to MARA to sponsor eligible Bumiputera students.

* Government intends to start construction of 1,663-km Pan-Borneo Highway – 936 km in Sarawak and 727 km in Sabah – costing RM27 billion.

* RM660 million earmarked to enhance security in Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) and Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom)

* Lahad Datu airport runway to be upgraded; Squadrom Hawk to be relocated from Butterworth to Labuan, with an allocation of RM50 million.

* RM2.26 billion allocation for Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

* Government to establish 1Malaysia Youth City, with RM100 million allocated for three pilot projects in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

* Youth Housing Scheme – a smart partnership between the government, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Employees Provident Fund and Cagamas – announced.

* Starting January 2015, 5.4 million primary and secondary school students to receive RM100 each, RM540 million allocated for this purpose.

* RM6 billion allocated to Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry to strengthen food supply chain.

* RM23.3 billion allocated for health services and facilities for the people, such as building Hospital Dungun in Terengganu and Hospital Seri Iskandar in Perak, establish additional 30 1Malaysia clinics, replace 635 units of haemodialysis machines in government hospitals and clinics.-Bernama

MORE TO COME…

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/10/10/2015-budget-highlights/#ixzz3FmsNryU2

Borneo Convention Centre defies the odds for business tourism by Dunstan Chan

The BCCK sits on the Kuching Isthmus ringed by the Sarawak River.

WHEN the idea of building a Convention Centre here in Kuching was first mooted there was quite a bit of scepticism about its viability.

“We are not a travel hub. International attendees will have to spend extra days travelling via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.”

“Air connectivity is going to be a challenge.”

“We don’t have professional event organisers to service the clients.”

These were some of the negative comments. However, the State Government ploughed on with the scheme and went on to engage a team of dynamic locals and internationals to manage the place and to market it as a choice convention and exhibition destination.

In less than ten years BCCK has proven to be a success and now poses as a serious competitor to the more established conference centres in the region.

The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) is the first purpose-built convention centre on the island of Borneo. It was hoped that it would be a catalyst to spur the Conferences and Exhibitions business and to further enhance the tourism sector in Sarawak.

It sits on the Kuching Isthmus and is ringed by the Sarawak River. It is away from the hustle and bustle of the Kuching city centre, yet is only a few minutes ride by land and even river transport.

The interior design and décor reflect the rainforest of Sarawak.

The Centre boasts of an available space of more than 3,700 square metres and is designed to offer flexible functional spaces for plenary sessions, meetings, exhibitions and banquets.

The pride is the pillarless Great Hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 delegates. Complementing this is the state-of-the-art facilities such as audio visual equipment and latest Internet technology that can cater to the demands of conference organisers.

BCCK has hosted more than 500 local, national and international events since 2009 – from congresses, meetings, seminars, concerts to wedding receptions, and more. Among the notable high profile events are the 2012 Commonwealth Dental Association/Malaysian Dental Association/FDI World Dental Federation Joint International Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist 10th International Scientific Congress, The 14th Asia Pacific Congress of Pediatrics and 4th Asia Pacific Congress of Pediatric Nursing and the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards 2013.

“BCCK together with Sarawak’s unique leisure offerings have shown their mettle of being able to compete favourably in the business event arena in Malaysia and beyond. With strong backing from the state government of Sarawak, BCCK offers an attractive proposition to conference buyers – pairing world-class convention facilities, international-branded hotels and modernity with culture, nature and adventure-based tourism – at favourable prices to conference buyers and delegates. These offerings are all within comfortable reach from the heart of Kuching,” proffered Eric van Piggelen, CEO of BCCK.

A recent Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu convention held at the pillarless BCCK Great Hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 delegates.

One of the feathers in its cap is the winning bid against Prague (Czech Republic)to host the prestigious International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Annual Congress 2016. Support for this bid from the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and BCCK’s other Team Malaysia partners demonstrates the confidence that BCCK has earned from the authorities and players in the industry.

“Come 2016, Kuching will welcome about 700 ICCA members from the world over. Through the lens of the 2016 Congress, ICCA members comprising conference planners and buyers will experience Sarawak and especially Kuching – our diversity of culture, nature and history as well as our capability to deliver major and prominent business events. We are looking beyond 2016 at the potential international associations business that we can tap from the 2016 Congress. The Congress augurs well for the state’s tourism sector as conference delegates also contribute significantly to tourist spending,” said van Piggelen.

Kuching’s rise as a choice destination for business tourism is being solidified as the tourism, airport and airline industries take note by appointing Kuching as the host city for a range of tourism-related events.

The more recent events of this type hosted at BCCK were the Global Tourism Cities Conference 2013, Asia Pacific Tourism, Hospitality and Technology Conference 2013, ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2014 and Routes Asia 2014.

While it is carving a niche in the international market, BCCK also attracts more local event organisers now that an extensive network of new roads and bridges connects it to the city centre and Kuching International Airport which is only twenty minutes away.

Local organisers recognise BCCK’s status as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) venue which enhances the presence of their events in Kuching.

Plans are now afoot to further develop the area around the Kuching Isthmus into a fully-fledged commercial hub. A new 500-room hotel is on the drawing board. Future visitors will have access to all the modern public amenities within a stone’s throw of the convention centre.

Raintree Restaurant provides a five-star dining experience at the BCCK.

Culinary services form an integral part of BCCK’s overall offerings, both from its in-house and special arrangement with outside suppliers to cater for numbers ranging from the tens to thousands.

Food lovers will also find a trove of gastronomy delights at the Raintree Restaurant, a five-star fine dining restaurant that BCCK owns and operates on its premises. This in-house culinary production team offers a wide variety of menu options for international, Malay and Chinese cuisines.

BCCK started off hesitantly but with perseverance of its management and marketing team and the upgrading of its services it is now making a name in the region as a choice convention venue.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/10/05/borneo-convention-centre-defies-the-odds-for-business-tourism/#ixzz3FGptKOiY

Bario-Amazing Borneo

Bario Kelabit is a Malaysian village located in the centre of the Kelabit Highlands in the northeast of Sarawak, very close to the international border with Indonesian Kalimantan, and 3280 feet above sea level. It is the main settlement in the Kelabit Highlands. There are regular flights between Bario Airport and Ba'kelalan, Marudi and Miri.

History

Over a century ago, the Kelabits were somewhat involved in headhuntingraids, not so much for ritual purposes but as a means to prove one’s courage, bravery or valour, and to get even with their enemy. However, things have changed. Today among other things, the Kelabits are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. They embraced Christianity during the 1940s through the influence of Guru Paul, also known as Nimang Tepun.

In the year 1946, the first school was opened by Tom Harrison, who lived with the Kelabits for two years after the Second World War. In 2001, the Bario community was named as one of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities by World Teleport Association.

The wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), also known as the bar-pouched wreathed hornbill, is a species of hornbill found i found in Bario

The wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), also known as the bar-pouched wreathed hornbill, is a species of hornbill found in forests from far north-eastern India and Bhutan, east and south through mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas, except Sulawesi. It is 75–100 cm (30–39 in) long. Males weigh from 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) to 3.65 kg (8.0 lb), and females weigh from 1.36 kg (3.0 lb) to 2.7 kg (6.0 lb).^[2] Both sexes are similar to the respective sexes of the closely related plain-pouched hornbill, but the wreathed hornbill can be recognized by the dark bar on the lower throat (hence the alternative common name, bar-pouched).^[3] Though commonly considered monotypic, evidence suggests some geographical variation in the appearance.^[3]

Sago larvae – a ‘must try’ delicacy

Photo by Zulzazhar The Star

MUKAH: What you are looking at on this page are sago larvae, people who sell the worms for a living, and people who enjoy eating them in a variety of ways. 

The sago worm is a delicacy in Mukah. From the sago palm, the Melanau community has been collecting these high-protein, high-fat grub for food for centuries. It can be dried, smoked, grilled, stir fried with soy sauce, butter, salt and chillies, or for the real connoisseur, eaten alive – still squiggly, warm, and apparently, juicy upon the bite.

For many tourists, holding a live sago worm in the palms of their hands more or less is a “must do” when in the Sarawak coastal town. The adventurous who agree to try a live worm always gain the respect of locals (whom will also kindly tell the unaware that the larva’s head should be peeled off before consuming the body, tail first).

The taste of the live ones has been described as creamy, and even like soft melted toffee, without any of the foulness one might associate with eating larva. Cooked, it tastes of meat, some say chicken, others say pork.

Locals advise, when cooking the live worms, to never overdo the larvae. Leave it in the wok for too long and the creamy texture of the delicacy would be lost. Worse, if the heat is set too high, the bellies would boil from the inside too quickly, causing it to pop.

The delicacy is easy to find at Mukah’s markets and restaurants. A kg of the fresh stuff cost from RM40. They can also be bought in small packets or even individually. Sellers go to the trouble of packaging worms into small individual bags, usually for export.

Elsewhere in Sarawak, the delicacy is harder to come by. In Mukah there are sago-eating competitions organised during festive occasions, where in places like Kuching, sago larvae are only available at specialty food stores.

Mukah Wet Market trader Letu Ramping (right) sells many things including sago larvae, called ‘pejah siet’ by locals. The larvae is one of the best sellers. Letu herself loves the delicacy, saying it tastes just as good as chicken and beef, if not better.

 

The sago worm is actually the larva of a beetle. They burrow into palms and are considered pests. The reason why the heads of the larva cannot be eaten is because they include hard and sharp pincers that are used to cut through the sago palms.

100 Oil Palm Smallholders Protest

by Norni Mahadi, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on August 26, 2014, Tuesday

MIRI: About 100 oil palm smallholders from Tinjar and Bakong staged protests at the Land and Survey Department and at Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) branch office here yesterday.

Ling (middle) with the protesters.

Litus (second right) airs problems faced by smallholders in Tinjar and Bakong to MPOB staff. Ling is on third right.

They first carried banners to Wisma Pelita before going to the Land and Survey Department’s Miri office.

They claimed the department had denied them their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land when it permitted oil palm companies to open up large scale plantations.

The protestors then went to MPOB Miri office at Centrepoint Commercial Centre.

MPOB’s directive to agents of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) not to get their supply from smallholders, especially those with land dispute cases, had angered the protestors.

It was understood that allegations of smallholders stealing FFB from a company had prompted MPOB to issue the directive.

To show their frustration, the protesters brought along some unsold oil palm fruits and dumped them onto the staircase leading to MPOB’s office on the first floor and onto the front of the office’s counter.

Saying that they were prepared for dialogues, they demanded MPOB to resolve the issue by the end of this month.

Planter Litus Jau, from Logan Bunut, described MPOB’s directive as ‘unfair’.

He said he had a legitimate licence and, thus, could not understand why his oil palm fruits were rejected.

“It is really unfair, particular to those with licence. The decision by MPOB has cost me over RM10,000 in losses.”

He hoped MPOB would settle the issue quickly.

“We are fulltime oil palm planters, and our income depends on selling our FFB.”

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/08/26/100-oil-palm-smallholders-protest/#ixzz3BURisJEJ