Zahid speaking during the interview with Bernama Radio.— Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pointed out that the investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the misappropriation of more than RM100 million for a programme for the poor is transparent and does not involve any political element.

He said the MACC should be given the opportunity to investigate the misappropriation which, according to media

reports, involved a fund for the poverty group which was purportedly misappropriated by an official of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW) who conspired with 10 companies.

“In this matter, I am confident it is most transparent, it has no political element. We can place strong confidence in the MACC especially in determining that the public project is enjoyed by the people and not dropped halfway or leaked due to several individuals having their own agenda and not interpreting the Federal government’s agenda to the rural areas especially in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said at a media conference, here yesterday.

Earlier, he officially opened the 10 Asean Ministers’ Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, here yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid said he deeply appreciated the commitment of KKLW Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who promised that he would cooperate to ensure the smooth running of the MACC investigation.

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the actual amount of the ministry’s fund that had been misappropriated, Ismail Sabri said it had yet to be determined.

“Still too early to comment on it because the MACC is still carrying out investigation.

Wait for the MACC investigation to be completed,” he added. — Bernama

Datuk Azam Baki -(File photo)

KOTA KINABALU: An estimated RM1.5 billion allocation by the federal government was siphoned from a ministry to implement projects in Sabah from 2009 to

2015 said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki.

He said the amount was part of a RM7.5 billion government allocation which was channeled through a ministry to implement rural projects in Sabah.

“The projects were related to water, electricity and road development and some of the projects may not have been implemented properly.

“We also see elements of corruption in this case. Possibly the contractors involved gave bribes to certain parties,” he told reporters here yesterday.

He said over 60 companies would be investigated and the agency would bring those believed to have been involved to court and so far three individuals have been detained.

“We have investigated some of the companies. Some of them have ceased operation and we have sent our officers to locate witnesses involved,” he said.

Azam said they received information on the case from the public and began investigating following the Sabah Water Department case last year.

On Thursday the MACC arrested three individuals including a former deputy secretary of a division in a ministry for investigations into alleged embezzlement of funds in a ministry in Sabah. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: A 17-gun salute reverbrated through the heart of the city as the Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s official 64th birthday celebration here began with a ceremonial marching parade competition yesterday morning.

Padang Merdeka was filled with some 10,000 people as the customary firing of cannons attracted foreign tourists and local spectators to witness the ceremony involving 85 contingents.

Sabah’s 10th Head of State and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R M Jasni were joined by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and wife Puan Sri Faridah Tussin, State Dewan Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Syed Abas Syed Ali and wife Datin Seri Panglima Nuraini Habib Kadir, state cabinet ministers and other dignitaries at the ceremony.

Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Enforcement Department beat 16 other contingents and reigned as champion for the government department in official uniform marching category.

The Malaysian Royal Customs Department and Volunteers Department (RELA) took the second and third places respectively in the same category.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) won the government department not in official uniform category, which was participated by 27 contingents.

Close behind JKR were the Sabah Town and Regional Planning Department and Chief Minister’s Department in the second and third places respectively.

In the non-governmental organization or association or ethnic category, Akademi Jahitan Kota Kinabalu won by beating 11 other contingents, followed by Pasukan Tindakan Cemas Malaysia and Persatuan Pandu Puteri Malaysia Cawangan Sabah.

Yayasan Sabah Group beat seven other contingents in the private or commercial category, whilst the Sabah Forestry Development Authority and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) took the second and third places respectively.

Among the six contingents participating in the higher public or private learning institution (IPTA/IPTS) category, Komander Kasatria UiTM Sabah took the first place, whilst Petronas Briged Bomba and Institusi Latihan Kesihatan Malaysia took second and third places.

In the secondary school category, Kadet Remaja Sekolah SMK Sri Nangka Tuaran beat nine other contingents and took the first prize home whilst SMK Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu and SMK Taman Ria took second and third places.

For the primary school category, Pengakap Kanak-kanak SK Sri Gaya reigned among the five contingents, whilst SK St Francis Convent (m) took the second place and Pemimpin-pemimpin Kecil SRK Sacred Heart were placed third.

TAWAU:  The Tawau Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) faces a huge challenge in addressing smuggling activities in Tawau waters, says its director Romli Mustafa.

According to him, the Malaysia-Indonesia maritime border, which could be crossed in 20 minutes using a speedboat was a factor which caused the high number of smuggling cases.

“Geographically, (the distance between) Sungai Nyamuk in Indonesia and Kampung Titingan here is only four miles, and to reach Tawau, Malaysia, it only takes 10 to 20 minutes.

“The perpetrators have made it a trend to do quick smuggling, with the sender (from Indonesia) waiting for the signal from the receiver (in Malaysia) such as a green light (signalling a ‘line clear’),” he said when met at his office here.

Romli said the deliveries, which usually took place during the night or early morning, made it difficult for enforcement officers to catch the speedboats.

“During the night, its confusing because at sea there are many lights coming from other boats and the perpetrators are cunning, and make use of the opportunity,” he said.

According to him, there were many settlements over water in Tawau, and the houses were also used by smugglers as hotspots to land smuggled goods, especially cigarettes.

“These jockeys are believed to keep these smuggled goods under the houses, and enforcement vessels cannot even enter the area,” he said, explaining that the boats the jockeys used were lightweight and small.

Smugglers he said, often used the services of experienced jockeys who knew the ins and outs of Tawau waters, and had good networking with recipients.

“The jockeys bring items of high value, but it is believed the items do not belong to them because they just send it from point A to point B, with a one-time delivery charge of RM1,000. The higher the risk, the higher they are paid,” he said, adding that most of the jockeys were either Indonesians or Filipinos.

Romli said in the event MMEA managed to catch up with one of the boats, the jockeys would plunge into the water and swim to the water villages.

“If we enter (one of) the villages, the bridge has many exit routes, making it confusing,” he said.

The MMEA, he said, also faced challenges from ‘spies’ who tracked the movements of enforcement officers at sea.

“This very short crossing time is used by smugglers, and we cannot just remain in one area, as Tawau waters comprise a vast area.

“We are constantly looking for the recipe to curb smuggling activities which are detrimental to the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Romli said as of yesterday, there had been 24 smuggling cases brought to court this year, involving cooking gas tanks, cigarettes, and migrants.

“The boats we detain are often slow, and the skipper often takes a gamble, including hiding the smuggled goods with legitimate ones.

“When the skipper is stopped, he tries his best to explain to the law enforcement officer that the goods being carried are in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that the department worked closely with the Marine Police to keep Tawau waters free from smuggling activities.

The effort could be improved further, he said, if there were proper checking systems in place at jetties, including private ones.

Romli also urged the public to channel information on illegal activities as well as emergency situations at sea by contacting MERS 999 or the Tawau Maritime Operations Centre at 089-752115. – Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: Heart disease is the number one killer for women, said Sabah Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.

Jainab said the ‘Go Red For Women’ campaign was aimed to raise  awareness through empowering and inspiring millions of people across the globe on making a ‘small change’ such as a healthy lifestyle in order to make a powerful difference to heart health, she said in a speech during the Kota Kinabalu Heart Week Campaign ‘Go Red For Women’, in conjunction with World Heart Celebrations & Welfare Month 2017 at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall here on Saturday. Jainab was represented by Sabah Welfare Services director Mohamad Noor Wahab.

“Medically, heart disease can mostly be prevented or addressed at its source.

“We all know, smoking, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet increase your risk of heart disease.

“The good news is that quitting smoking has immediate benefits on your health and within a year, your risk of smoking-related heart diseases drops by 50%,” she said.

Jainab also said increasing physical activity not only helped reducing one’s risk of heart disease but also would improve balance and coordination, prevent falls and reduce stress and anxiety.

Moreover, she encouraged people to pick up tips and learn more about cardiovascular disease during the event.

“It is important to lead an active lifestyle, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“In addition, it is also important to go for regular health screening for chronic diseases and not wait for signs and symptoms to appear.

“Detecting these conditions early together with good management of your health conditions will allow you to lead a better quality of life,” she added.

This year, the campaign was themed ‘Go Red for Women’, and started from October 4 until 8.

Various health booths provided during the event, included health screening, dietitians, anti-smoking and blood donation.

A short health talk on heart disease was presented by cardiologist consultant and head of department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) 2, Liew Houng Bang.

Also present were the City Hall Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, The Society for Sabah (SOS) Heart Fund Datuk Christine Vanhouten, director for Malaysia Heart Foundation and Go Red for Women Ainon Kuntom, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu chief executive officer Jean Francois Naa, Hospital Queen Elizabeth directors and doctors.

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PB) Youth is in the process of reinventing its approaches with the departure of its chief last month.

“Our objectives and direction remain. PBS Youth needs to reinvent its strategies and approaches in order to achieve the party’s goals and aspirations,” PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said yesterday, adding it was possible through best approaches and smart methodologies.

He said the movement would also need to re-organise its political strategies, recruit new members as well as plan activities as part of its effort to create closer rapport among its members.

“Through such programmes, the movement can reach out to the grassroots, and listen to their needs and grouses,” he said at a special gathering with PBS Youth Movement here yesterday.

The Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister said the PBS Youth Wing would also continue to play its roles in strengthening the party’s position in the state, as well as contributing its support to the party’s election machinery.

“With the support from the Youth Movement, we believe the six seats PBS lost in the last general election can be recaptured,” he said.

Last month, former PBS Youth Chief cum PBS Liawan Division head Datuk Jake Nointin and several hardcore supporters exited the party.

They have yet to announce their political directions.

Nointin’s Number Two, Christopher Mandut, was recently tasked as the acting Youth Chief and that the PBS Liawan Division’s administration is currently put under the headquarters supervision.

Indicating Nointin’s departure was due to his disappointment over failure to be a candidate, Ongkili said “PBS is not a ticket for members to be a YB (Yang Berhormat)”.

“What’s important is that we need to identify new strategies to win back the lost seats. Everyone needs to go down to the ground,focusing on the lost seats,” he said.

At the event, Ongkili also reminded members that PBS had done a lot, including fighting for the rights of Sabah and Sabahans as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, but noted that the party never gloat over its successes.

“We know we have played our part, but we don’t have to go around shouting and gloat about what we have done.

“It’s enough to say that the people had benefitted from PBS’ struggles and we are happy that we have served the rakyat well,” he concluded.

KOTA KINABALU: The police have recorded the statements of 18 individuals and seized the recording of a closed circuit television (CCTV)  over a rape case involving a national woman diver at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex on Sept 26.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police had also referred to the forensic, chemist and pathologist to complete the investigation process before submitting a complete report to the Attorney-General Chambers.

“So far, only one guy (arrested). I think we can consider (him) the main suspect, but it depends on the development of our investigation. If there is a

need, the police will make more arrests to complete its investigation.

“We will conduct a detailed investigation and hope the investigation papers can be completed as soon as possible,” he said.

Mohamad Fuzi said this when met by reporters after being conferred the award Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu which carries the title of ‘Datuk Seri Panglima’ in conjunction with the 64th birthday of the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri  Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Negeri, here yesterday.

On Oct 2, a national diving coach was detained on suspicion of raping a woman national diving athlete at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex on Sept 26.

The 35-year-old national coach from China was detained after the police received a report from the victim and was remanded to help in investigation under Section 376 of the Penal Code. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said the implementation of development projects especially under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11MP) in Sabah is progressing smoothly.

He said in the first year of the 11MP implementation in 2016, 81 per cent or RM646.874 million of the total allocation for State Government funding had been spent.

He said in the second year of the 11MP implementation, the Federal Government’s development funding increased by 12.6 per cent to RM4.277 billion compared to 2016.

“As of September 25, 2017, the number of projects approved were  647, that is 304 extension projects and 343 new projects.

“Among them are the implementation of Sabah’s Pan Borneo Highway, rural water supply and electricity, rural road links, public housing programs, building and upgrading roads including three tiered intersections in Kota Kinabalu, enhancing the communication sector, education and security infrastructure,” said Musa at the State Awards Investiture ceremony at the Istana Negeri here yesterday, in conjunction with the Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Mahiruddin’s 64th birthday celebration.

On the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), Musa said as of June 30, 2017, RM2.5 billion was channelled by the Federal Government for the project under the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Malaysia Plans.

Of the total figue, RM2 billion, or 93.6 per cent, had been channelled by SEDIA. Meanwhile, since the launch of the SDC in 2008 until the second quarter of 2017, a total of RM163 billion in cumulative investments has been recorded.

Musa said the tourism sector continued to strengthen by registering a total of 2.109 million tourists in the first seven months of the year and it was a double digit increase of 10 per cent over the same period in 2016.

“The State of Sabah remains the most popular tourist destination among foreign and domestic tourists.

“At the same time, the State Government has also undertaken various aggressive efforts to attract more investments in the hotel sector including the construction of five-star hotels.

“Additionally, new iconic projects to be implemented such as the Sabah International Convention Center (SICC), Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED), Jesselton Quay and Kota Kinabalu Convention City projects will attract more tourists and investors to the state.

“The government is also actively exploring high potential tourism destinations in every district in the state,” he explained.

The Chief Minister said the manufacturing sector also showed encouraging growth momentum through a 3-per cent increase in total exports of manufactured goods in the first half of this year amounting to RM1.194 billion.

Musa said at the same time, the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) continued to attract more investors with the development of the Digital Free Trade Zone, besides the Shared Services and Outsourcing Center (SSO) which helps Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) market products locally and internationally.

He added that as a step forward, the implementation of the Third Sabah State Agricultural Policy (2017-2027) would continue to focus on strengthening the contribution of the agricultural sector to the state’s economy to enhance the standard of living of the people, especially in the rural areas.

In order to encourage the commercial youth participation in the agricultural sector, he reckoned that the Young Agropreneur Development Program would be strengthened with strong support from Agro Bank and TEKUN Nasional through the Special Loan Scheme (easy loan).

In his speech, Musa also congratulated 22 of the 31 state’s ministries, departments and agencies that had been audited last year, for receiving the highest five-star rating, the most accredited state in terms of recognition compared to other states.

KOTA KINABALU: Police have arrested three men suspected of being involved in stealing spare tyres of four-wheel-drive vehicles parked in and around the state capital.

The three men, aged between 20 and 33 years old, were from Tuaran, City police chief ACP M Chandra, said.

Two of the men were ex-convicts and all three tested positive for drug abuse, he added.

According to him, the police had received a report from a staff of the Land and Survey Department informing that the spare tyres of two of the department’s vehicles had been stolen.

The theft was discovered about 9.30am on October 4 and a police report was lodged immediately. Based on the report, police began their investigations which led to the arrest of the three men at Manggatal town about 8.30 pm on Saturday.

One of the suspects led police to Telipok Ria near Tuaran where they recovered 10 tyres and five rims which were believed to be part of the suspects’ stolen merchandise.

“The police team also seized a Perodua MyVi car, a modified iron rod, three spanners and a wire cutter, all of which are believed used in the criminal activities,” Chandra said, adding that initial investigations revealed that the three men had stolen the department’s vehicles’ spare tyres on October 6.

The suspects also admitted to being involved in the theft of vehicle spare tyres around the state capital and they had been active since July this year. Their modus operandi was to target four-wheel-drive vehicles that were left in the parking areas, Chandra pointed out.

“I would like to remind the public not to purchase items of unknown origin. I would also like to express our gratitude to the public for providing information that led to the arrest of the three men,” he said.

KUNAK: A man and a woman died while five other persons survived when they were swept away by strong current while collecting cockles in the mangroves near Borneo Resort Farm near here on Saturday evening.

The group of foreign palm oil factory workers aged between 22 and 37 went to the area to find cockles when the water level suddenly rose up to their waists.

District police chief Superintendent M Nasaruddin M Nasir said the two victims were identified as Haslinda Abidin and Rolly Enning, both 25 years old.

“All of them were not aware of the tide rising quickly up to the waist and when they tried to save themselves, the strong current swept two of them away,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

He said the other five – Asdar Dahari, 22, Amran Haddise, 37, Rudy Hartono Bade, 25, Haryadi Amir, 36, and Frende Martin, 27 – were rescued by General Operations Force (GOF) members who heard their cries for help while patrolling in the area.

According to Nasaruddin, the Fire and Rescue Department could not immediately launch a search and rescue operation due to the strong current.

All the victims were taken to the Kunak District Hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, the body of the victim who went missing was found by his family members about 10.20pm and taken to the hospital.

Nasaruddin added that a post-mortem could not be conducted on the victim’s body as family members wanted to expedite the burial.

KOTA KINABALU: The arrest and investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) involving several individuals on the misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah should be welcomed instead of being deflected through various statements based on the witch hunt and occupational hazard theories.

National Umno Youth Exco member Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the move by the MACC had long been expected and should be supported because many stories had been heard since 2010 when the National Key Result Area (NKRA) (Rural) was alleged to have been abused by a federal ministry which resulted in the projects purportedly being delayed, uncompleted and also reported to be ready but could not be used.

“What is a bigger and more important issue is that it involved a very significant public fund. We frequently point our fingers at the Federal Government with our allegation that Sabah is neglected.

“We are thankful when millions of ringgit are channeled by the Federal Government for the people of Sabah through one of the main focus of Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, the Malaysian prime minister, beginning 2010 under the NKRA Rural Development agenda.

“It’s most unfortunate that the fund, channelled through a federal ministry, was not looked after in a trustworthy and responsible manner,”he said in a statement yesterday.

It was more unfortunate, said Amrizan, who is also Papar Umno Youth head, that the misappropriation was alleged to have involved individuals who were the people of Sabah themselves and the total misappropriation investigated was very considerable reaching about a billion ringgit.

Meanwhile, Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri claims that Sabah has become the hotbed of corruption scandals unprecedented in the political history of Sabah.

“Corruption cases are exploding on people’s faces to bring shame and inflict deep injury to their pride,” said its president, Datuk Henrynus Aminin, in a statement yesterday.

High-level corruptions unfolding before the people’s eyes are only the tip of an iceberg, he said.

“The corrosive effects of corruption weakened the moral fabric of the society and erode public confidence in our democratic system.

“MACC must investigate not only former Barisan Nasional leaders turned opposition but also those still in power who hung to their position for too long for pecuniary gains,” he stressed.

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last night called up another Parti Warisan Sabah leader for questioning into the alleged misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah.

Warisan Youth chief Dato Azis Jamman  left the MACC office after questioning for less than 15 minutes and asked to present himself again at 10.30am today.

Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking disclosed on his Facebook account that Azis had been called up to the MACC office at 9pm and the news went viral last night.

“No humanity as even this Sunday evening these people detain people! Lawan tetap Lawan!” said the Penampang member of parliament.

He also said that what happened was nothing new as it was ‘BN’s script which he and other PKR leaders had gone through when he was a member of the party.

Warisan secretary general Loretto Padua Jr said that most of the party’s top leaders were at the MACC office to give support to Azis.

MACC officials could not be reached for comment.

The MACC has arrested three people, including Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony, who is a close ally of party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Peter and a 52-year-old businessman have been remanded for five days in the investigation into the alleged siphoning of funds meant for rural projects in Sabah.

A 40-year-old former deputy under secretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was also detained in Putrajaya over the case and remanded for six days until October 11.

Aziz, a former Semporna Umno youth chief, left the party in 2015 to join Shafie when he quit Umno to form Warisan.

MACC is investigating how RM1.5 billion was siphoned from a total of RM7.5 billion funds allocated for rural projects in Sabah over the past six years.

Its deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said they were investigating some 60 companies that were awarded projects for the supply of water, electricity and roads to help people in rural Sabah.

National Umno Youth Exco member Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the arrest and investigation by MACC involving several individuals on the misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah should be welcomed instead of being deflected through various statements based on the witch hunt and occupational hazard theories.

He said the move by the MACC had long been expected and should be supported because many stories had been heard since 2010 when the National Key Result Area (NKRA) (Rural) was alleged to have been abused by a federal ministry which resulted in the projects purportedly being delayed, uncompleted and also reported to be ready but could not be used.

“What is a bigger and more important issue is that it involved a very significant public fund. We frequently point our fingers at the Federal Government with our allegation that Sabah is neglected.

“We are thankful when millions of ringgit are channeled by the Federal Government for the people of Sabah through one of the main focus of Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, the Malaysian prime minister, beginning 2010 under the NKRA Rural Development agenda.

的t’s most unfortunate that the fund, channelled through a federal ministry, was not looked after in a trustworthy and responsible manner,派e said in a statement yesterday.

It was more unfortunate, said Amrizan, who is also Papar Umno Youth head, that the misappropriation was alleged to have involved individuals who were the people of Sabah themselves and the total misappropriation investigated was very considerable reaching about a billion ringgit.

Meanwhile, Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri claims that Sabah has become the hotbed of corruption scandals unprecedented in the political history of Sabah.

“Corruption cases are exploding on people’s faces to bring shame and inflict deep injury to their pride,” said its president, Datuk Henrynus Aminin, in a statement yesterday.

High-level corruptions unfolding before the people’s eyes are only the tip of an iceberg, he said.

“The corrosive effects of corruption weakened the moral fabric of the society and erode public confidence in our democratic system.

“MACC must investigate not only former Barisan Nasional leaders turned opposition but also those still in power who hung to their position for too long for pecuniary gains,” he stressed.

KOTA KINABALU: There is huge potential and broad prospects for pragmatic cooperation between Sabah and China, said Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide.

He said Malaysia and China served as an exemple of equal, mutually-beneficial cooperation between nations.

“Malaysia and China are good neighbours and good friends,” he added.

Liang said Sabah is an important stop on the Maritime Silk Road under the Belt and Road Initiative, as it is blessed with a strategic location and rich resources.

He said many direct flights connecting Sabah and China have been mounted recently.

“The Chief Minister (Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman) has also brought back good news from his recent visit to China about attracting more Chinese investors and one million Chinese tourists to the State,” he noted.

Liang said Kota Kinabalu would soon establish sister city ties with Hangzhou.

“This also translates to unlimited business opportunities,” he added

In view of this, Liang urged Sabahans to seize the opportunities that arose.

Liang said the consulate would serve as a bridge in facilitating mutually-beneficial and win-win cooperation between Sabah and China.

He said this during the Mid-Autumn Festival dinner hosted by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch here on Sunday.

On another note, Liang said the chamber was one of the earliest associations established which focused on promoting trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and Sabah.

He hoped that the chamber, under the leadership of Datuk Frankie Liew, would achieve greater heights.

Meanwhile, Liew said MCCC Sabah branch members share a common goal with the Chinese consulate, which was to promote Malaysia-China friendship and trade relations.

“We hope Malaysia and China will always remain as close comrades to promote peace and economic growth not only in either nations, but also the region or even the world to create a strong circle of mutual prosperity,” he said.

He called on the chamber’s advisors, committee and members to work closely with the consulate and contribute towards the friendship and economic growth of both countries.

“I believe as long as we work together, we will achieve not only the Chief Minister’s target of one million Chinese tourists, but also the successful implementation of the projects and plans under the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Liew said the chamber would also cooperate with Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and City Hall for the benefit of the city’s economic development.

“We will assist City Hall in disseminating information about its policies and plans to the business community and members of the public.

“At the same time, we shall also convey our members and business community’s views to the government when necessary.”

Also present were MCCC Sabah branch honorary advisors, including Yeo, former Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Datuk Haji Roselan Johar Mohamed, Datuk Clement Yeh, Datuk James Hwong and Datuk Dr Wilson Yong Tung Yung, vice presidents Foo Ngee Kee and Dexter Lau Wei Dick, secretary Michael Chin Wee Yee, vice secretary Tan Kian Min, treasurer Soh Poh Soon and vice treasurer Datuk Liew Siew Kian.

KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry office here seized RM30,365 worth of fake footwear from two shops in Penampang.

Its chief enforcement officer, Yahya Sujak, told a press conference yesterday that the raid on the two shops was conducted on October 4.

A total of 3,650 Fipper slippers and 263 Adidas slippers were seized from the two premises, he said, adding that all of them were fake.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 8(2) (b) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.

The seized goods will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis and further action will be referred to the prosecutor, he said, adding that this would ensure that the case would either be charged in court or compounded.

Yahya said the raid was the result of a complaint by the trademark owner of Fipper and stressed that the case was an important one  even though it did not involve food items.

This is because it involves research and development to make high quality counterfeit goods, he stressed.

Yahya also disclosed that this year, the ministry was focusing its operations against the smuggling of goods that are used daily and the area they prioritised is in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

“So far, we have prevented the smuggling of 4,794 kilograms of cooking oil worth RM83,365 and LPG worth RM170,915.20. This is from 16 cases, seven in Tawau, five in Kudat and two each in Sandakan and Lahad Datu,” he said.

Some of the cases have been charged in court while others are still under investigations, he added.

He disclosed that this year, the ministry recorded 597 cases with a total of RM1,985,032 goods seized, RM208,250 in court fines and RM387,470 in compounds collected.

KOTA KINABALU: As the Shell LiveWIRE programme enters its third year in Sabah, Shell has introduced a new and more competitive element that will hopefully give young entrepreneurs a taste of the real business world.

After a rigorous business model assessment competition, held live during the Shell LiveWIRE 2017 Pitching Workshop in Plaza Shell, five young Sabahans emerged as winners of Shell LiveWIRE2017 programme last Saturday.

They are Aisyah Aqilah, Anis Nadia, Eva Tan Kim Yen, Sariyaman Sabur and Zurainizam Osman who will each receive start-up funding of RM10,000 and support from Shell LiveWIRE facilitators for the next three years to help them navigate around the learnings of starting a business.

Through her research, Aisyah has found a way to process coconuts into a wider variety of consumer products, including desserts, supplements and fresh coconut under the brand of Healthy Buko Pandan.

Anis from Kota Belud,  intends to establish a agro-tourism facility that not only provides a wide variety of fruits for her to make juices under the FruitJoey brand, but also to create a bigger tourist attraction from the thousands of tourists that travel through Kota Belud.

Using the knowledge from her family’s business of manufacturing noodles, Eva has developed Fun Noodle; that have fruits and vegetables embedded into the flour, creating vibrantly colored noodles that are nutritious and fun.

Sariyaman upon discovering that the community of Kunak have excess tapioca production, has ventured into contract farming with the community and has developed tapioca nuggets and other products under the brand of PADAidi.

As a mother of two, Zurainizam is aware of the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers. Through her established cookie baking business, she married her experiences to develop cookies that stimulate lactation for the benefit of breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

However, as a pre-condition to actually obtaining the once-off funding, these winners will have to officially incorporate their businesses, finalise their business plans and models, and begin marketing their products and services.

Previously, participants attend business modelling and canvassing workshops to develop, present and improve on their business ideas. After which, they would submit their refined business plans to a selection committee whom will assess the business plans based on originality and sustainability of the idea.

This time, participants were required to actively pitch to a panel of judges that consist of business leaders and senior managers from the public and private sectors.

“The purpose of this competitive model is to inculcate a tenacious and results-driven mindset among young entrepreneurs. Everyone begins with an idea and Shell has provided funding and support to bring these ideas to life. But true success is measured by how these entrepreneurs grow that idea and sustain it independently,” said Zaiton Bakri, Group Manager of Pusat Kraftangan Sabah, Yayasan Sabah, who served as one of the judges.

The other judges include Danny Murshidi, Wells Reservoir Facilities Management, Sabah Shell Petroleum Company and Ariff Shahbudin, District Manager, Retail-East Malaysia, Shell Timur Sdn Bhd. All judges bring their perspectives on business and project management, based on experiences in their respective areas of responsibilities and the industry they represent. Collectively, they aim to impart knowledge on the current market forces to help equip the entrepreneurs to be able to succeed in their respective businesses.

One of the more highly successful Shell LiveWIRE participants hailing from Sabah is Rahmawati.  Being a winner of the 2016 Shell LiveWIRE programme, the initial seed grant of RM10,000 was used to purchase additional ovens to increase her production capacity. Since then, under the tutelage of Shell LiveWIRE facilitators, she has managed to gain financial and exposure support from governmental agencies which promote home-grown cottage industries.

After witnessing Rahmawati’s journey and realizing that past participants would also proactively seek out support and resources beyond what is provided in the Shell LiveWIRE programme, the company decided to include external business leaders to be part of the judging panel.

“There is so much potential in Sabah and we’re always amazed with the ideas that our Sabahan youths bring to the table. It really shows how visionary and eager they are to learn, seek guidance, and give back. What’s truly impressive is the confidence they have for their business ideas that will contribute to Sabah’s growth — whether through community empowerment, environmental sustainability, or economic development. We consider it a privilege to be able to be part of the vision that these youths are charting and leading for the state,” said Ian Lim, general manager of Sabah Shell Petroleum Company.

Shell LiveWIRE is an entrepreneurial programme that seeks to uncover business start-up potential in Sabah and Sarawak, supporting and inspiring young entrepreneurs to innovate and provide real business solutions that meets today’s socio-economic needs.

The programme was first introduced in Sabah in 2015. Since then, a total of 197 participants between the ages of 18 to 35 have participated in the Sabah Shell LiveWIRE programme. The winners of the 2017 Shell LiveWIRE programme bring the total number of winners to 13, who have received the seed grant and will continue to enjoy the benefits of learning from the experienced facilitators.

“It has been a wonderful and eye opening journey with Shell LiveWIRE. I never thought my small idea could have such a potential and now with Shell LiveWIRE. I am truly grateful for this experience and thankful for Shell who has continuously invested in building talent in Sabah to equip the future generation of Sabah,” said Sariyaman.

“It was a lot of hardwork throughout the programme. But what really pushed me was to build confidence to present to an experienced panel of people in the business. They have so much knowledge and I’m eager to learn more from my mentors. I’m confident the wisdom they impart will not just help me with my business idea, but also for the community I belong to,” said Eva.

SEMPORNA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe on the alleged embezzlement of rural infrastructure development funds should not be linked to political elements as it is being conducted based on information and evidence.

State Umno Information deputy head Datuk Ramlee Marahaban who is also the Assistant Minister of Finance, said Umno was not involved with MACC, let alone to give orders to the body.

Ramlee said the accusation that Umno was the mastermind that initiated the investigation and detention of opposition leaders related to MACC’s case was baseless.

“MACC is a transparent and trustworthy body that conducts investigations and takes action on any individual based on information and evidence.

“There is no abuse of power as actions are taken against individuals who are involved with corruption or abuse of power, including those from Barisan Nasional and Umno,” he said after officiating at the Jalinan Kasih programme with the community at Pulau Larapan.

According to Ramlee, instead of blaming any party or individual, the opposition should just remain silent and assist in the investigation.

He said the opposition’s act of blaming others only showed that they had a guilty sense and biased as they only would support MACC’s action when it involved the BN or Umno leaders.

Meanwhile, Ramlee, who is also the assemblyman for Bugaya, reminded community leaders to work sincerely for the sake of race, state, religion and the people, and not to gain support or votes.

He said once they were entrusted with trust and responsibility, community leaders must work hard to help the people and develop their respective areas.

“We (community leaders) are the hopes of the people. We must listen to their problems and work together to find solutions to help the people,” he added.

During the programme, Ramlee approved the application of canopy and chairs for the use of the community at Pulau Larapan.

KOTA KINABALU: Lowering the RM200,000 tour business capital will increase the employment rate and help eradicate illegal tour operators in Sabah, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Nyuk Ming.

Pang said due consideration should be made to lower the capital to RM30,000 or RM50,000 as the IT-led world today made it possible for entrepreneurs to do away with the expensive physical office setup.

He shared that he had already met up with the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) secretary general to discuss the proposal.

“Today, the way to do business is different, has changed. Don’t maintain and put a requirement of RM200,000 to open a travel company,” he said when officiating at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Tourism Day: Future Careers in the Tourism Industry opening ceremony at the university campus here yesterday.

“Today, as a tour agent, I need only a hand phone, the internet and a laptop. That is all that is needed to open up a business. It is no longer about opening up an office here and there,” said Pang.

The assistant minister emphasized that this would not only allow university and even school graduates to enter the tourism sector, but also help Sabah continue to nurture the talents needed for an even greater tourism industry growth that is 90% to 95% dominated by local Sabah tour businesses.

“So we appeal to the ministry to consider this for our young generations, to lower that requirement to about RM30,000 or RM50,000,” said Pang.

“The most important thing is that they have an IC, citizenship. They should have knowledge about tourism that is important. If they do not have a degree, tell them to take a tour guide course.

“Why do I want to encourage this? Because I believe the people can work for themselves, can deliver greater service compared to working as a tour guide with other people.

“If it is self-owned business, until middle of the night the people will answer the phone. If you work for other people at 5pm you will switch off your phone and say that is the boss’ problem. So your service cannot be better and that is why today we have many illegal tour operators,” he reasoned.

Pang highlighted that tourism is not only big in Sabah as it is the world’s biggest commercial service sector that provides employment to about 292 million people globally.

He said this powerful sector had contributed greatly throughout the globe and had reached 10.2%, USD7.6 million of the total world GDP in 2016.

Pang added that in South East Asia, the number had hit around USD300 billion and in five to 10 years, tourism is expected to be the biggest industry in the region.

In a recent year, the assistant minister revealed that 110 million tourists had visited Asean countries, and the number is expected to increase to about 190 million tourists in 2030.

In Sabah, he said statistics had shown tourist arrivals of 3.2 million, and about 1.2 million of that are visitors from outside the country.

He said the arrivals had brought RM7.5 billion to the Sabah industries and the number is expected to increase by some 10% each year.

“We see that up to July this year, the number of international arrivals in Sabah is expected to be around 690,000 and for our people it is expected to be 1.2 million, giving us a receipt of about RM4.5 billion in the first seven months,” said Pang.

Pang pointed out the income per capita has also increased from an average of more than USD3,100 in Asia in 2005 to almost USD6,000 in 2015.

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun affirmed the state cabinet has yet to discuss bringing in a pair of male and female Malayan tapirs to Sabah.

When met at the Royal Institution Academy (RIA) graduation ceremony yesterday, Masidi said he was ‘shocked’ by a statement in a local daily that claimed the tapir would be reintroduced to Sabah.

“I’m shocked by the statement because as far as I know the state government has not discussed the issue.

“Maybe what took place was a discussion amongst scientists and specialists, but it has not been brought up to the state cabinet,” he said, stressing that at the end of the day, the power to make such decisions was with the state government.

As of now, Masidi said he considered the statement a mere suggestion as there were still issues that needed to be resolved and taken into account.

“A lot of things need to be discussed before the tapirs can be brought to Sabah, for instance, suitability.

“Tapirs have not been here for a long time and we need to consider its effects on other animals.

“This is not an overnight, snap decision that can be made today and have the tapir brought in tomorrow.

“There are many factors we need to evaluate, especially whether reintroducing the pair will bring more good or bad,” he said.

When asked to comment on Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai’s statement that his ministry was prepared to engage more airlines to use Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to fly more tourists to the state, Masidi said we must first ensure we are equipped to receive them before working to increase the number of tourist arrivals to the state.

He said tourist arrivals were always welcome, but many factors needed to be taken into consideration.

“We welcome the move but what’s important is the decision-making process. From my experience, what is crucial, especially for the airline industry is efficiency in making decisions.

“Before we say there must be more flights coming in, we must also consider the demand.

“Airlines will only create a network of flights if there is a demand because they are also dependant on the profit factor.

“Another thing is accommodation. I’ve said before that we are at a point in our tourism industry where we need more hotels,” he said.

Masidi said he welcomed the idea but clarified that all parties must be realistic about the situation and current factors, which he said was demand, because airlines would only fly if it was profitable.

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday arrested three more politicians to assist in the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion from a Rural and Regional Development Ministry allocation meant for development projects in Sabah.

They were Warisan Youth chief Datuk Aziz Jamman, 43, Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar, 43 and Tawau Umno Youth chief Ariffin Kassim, 44.

Aziz was detained at 5pm Monday at the Sabah MACC headquarters in Kota Kinabalu after he was questioned by three investigators.  Jamawi  and Ariffin Kassim were detained at the Sabah MACC headquarters and Tawau office respectively.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests but declined to elaborate.

Azis had earlier yesterday morning presented himself at the MACC Sabah Prevention Sector’s office at Wisma 1Sulaman for questioning into the alleged misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah.

Warisan secretary general Loretto Padua Jr in a statement also confirmed Azis’ detention by MACC.

“Application for remand is tomorrow (today) at the Magistrate’s Court,” Loretto disclosed.

Azis, accompanied by his lawyer Norazmi Alimat, family members and party supporters arrived at the MACC Sabah Prevention Sector’s office at Wisma 1Sulaman about 10am. He was seen hugging his relatives and posing for some photographs with his supporters before walking into the building at 10.30am.

He was not seen thereafter and only at 4.45 pm did Norazmi speak to the media informing them that Azis was no longer in the building.

“I went inside to find out the latest development and was informed that my client and the investigating officer(s) were no longer in the building,” he said.

About an hour later, he contacted the media to inform them that he had spoken to Azis and the latter had informed him that he was with MACC officers.

“Azis also confirmed that he was detained  about 5 pm,” said Norazmi.

MACC has arrested three people, including Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony, who is a close ally of party president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Peter and a 52-year-old businessman have been remanded for five days to assist investigation into the alleged siphoning of funds meant for rural projects in Sabah. Their remand expires today.

A 40-year-old former deputy under secretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was also detained in Putrajaya over the case and remanded for six days until October 11.

MACC is investigating how RM1.5 billion was siphoned from a total of RM7.5 billion funds allocated for rural projects in Sabah over the past six years.

Its deputy chief commissioner (operations), Datuk Azam Baki, said they were investigating some 60 companies that were awarded projects for the supply of water, electricity and roads to help people in rural Sabah.

Azis (wearing cap) arriving at the MACC office yesterday morning.

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) Youth chief, Dato Mohd Azis Jamman, was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at 5pm yesterday.

Azis presented himself at MACC Sabah Prevention Sector’s office at Wisma 1Sulaman at 10.30am for questioning into the alleged misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah.

Warisan secretary general, Loretto Padua Jr, in a statement confirmed Azis’ detention by MACC.

“Application for remand is tomorrow (today) at the Magistrate’s Court,” Loretto disclosed.

Azis, accompanied by his lawyer Norazmi Alimat, family members and party supporters arrived at MACC Sabah Prevention Sector’s office at Wisma 1Sulaman at about 10 am. He was seen hugging his relatives and posing for some photographs with his supporters, before walking into the building at 10.30am.

He was not seen thereafter and only at 4.45 pm did Norazmi speak to the media informing them that Azis was no longer in the building.

“I went inside to find out the latest development and was informed that my client and the investigating officer(s) were no longer in the building,” he said.

About an hour later, he contacted the media to inform them that he had spoken to Azis and the latter had informed him that he was with MACC officers.

“Azis also confirmed that he was detained at about 5pm,” said Norazmi.

The MACC has arrested three people, including Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony, who is a close ally of party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Peter and a 52-year-old businessman have been remanded for five days to assist investigation into the alleged siphoning of funds meant for rural projects in Sabah.

A 40-year-old former deputy undersecretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was also detained in Putrajaya over the case and remanded for six days until Oct 11.

MACC is investigating how RM1.5 billion was siphoned from a total of RM7.5 billion funds allocated for rural projects in Sabah over the past six years.

Its deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Azam Baki said they were investigating some 60 companies that were awarded projects for the supply of water, electricity and roads to help people in rural Sabah.

Meanwhile, a Bernama report from Kuala Lumpur quoting MACC sources said the commission yesterday arrested three more individuals to assist in the investigation into the alleged embezzlement.

Azam when contacted by Bernama confirmed the arrests but declined to elaborate.