LABUAN: Concerted efforts to boost the turtle population are bearing fruit after 1,309 hatchlings were released into the wild from the three landing sites in Labuan from January to October this year.

The number accounted for 76.59 per cent of the total 1, 705 turtle eggs hatched at the popular marine parks of  Rusukan Besar Island, Rusukan Kecil Island and Kuraman.

These marine parks are strategic landing places for three turtle species, namely hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata), olive-ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and green turtle (Chelonia Mydas), with 12 nests found on the beaches throughout the period.

Department of Malaysia Marine Park Labuan director Anuar Deraman said a total of 9, 543 hatchlings were released into the wild from the landing sites in Labuan from 2011 to 2015.

“Our efforts to conserve turtles by hatching their eggs and releasing the hatchlings into the sea since five years ago are succeeding,” he told Bernama yesterday.

“The strategic landing sites, with no beach erosion are the factor behind the increased number of turtles landing,” he said.

He said the experienced rangers who were well trained in handling the eggs during the transfer of the eggs to the hatchery also contributed to the increasing number of  hatchlings released into the sea.

Anuar also said Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Labuan was working closely to monitor any illegal activities within the waters of marine parks.

He said the turtle conservation and protection exercise in the marine parks could be transformed into an eco-tourism product of Labuan to support the efforts of the local tourism stakeholders. — Bernama

KENINGAU: The setting up of a special squad by the Social Security Organisation (Socso) has enabled it to track down the next-of-kin of  deceased members to offer its assistance, including helping to make arrangements for claims.

A testimony of this can be seen with the organisation being able to disburse payments totalling RM66,086.72 in claims to the next-of-kin of two of its subscribers, including  Ansat @ Ansapat Andaku @ Anduto, a labourer who died from high-blood pressure in 1993.

Lumah Binsaluk, who is  Ansat’s beneficiary, received a cheque for RM33,602.78 and pension grant of RM255.67 at a ceremony organised by SOCSO here today.

The other recipient is Jaminah Paling, the next-of-kin of security guard Savarinus Tamalang who died in 2012 from bacteria infection.

She received a cheque for RM32,483.94 and pension grant of RM475 a month.

The cheques were handed over by Keningau SOCSO manager Rijal Jamaluddin.

“This is possible through efforts by the SCSO Squad which was activated in Keningau early this month,” said Rijal when met by Bernama after the ceremony.

He said following investigation, it was found that the next-of-kin were not aware of the benefits provided by SOCSO.

“They also have problems with the documentation, but through the SOCSO Squad, we were able to resolve that.

“Our focus and objective are to protect the welfare of workers and assist their next-of-kin to make claims,” he said. — Bernama

BELURAN: Three churches in Beluran and Telupid received RM450,000 in financial aid from the government during a ceremony, yesterday.

The Saint Andrew Beluran received RM200,000, RTDS-Catholic Mission Telupid (RM150,000) and BCCM Murok Church of Kampung Bauto Telupid (RM100,000).

The financial aid was presented by Beluran member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee to the representatives of each of the churches. Also present was Beluran Umno Youth chief Samad Jambri.

Ronald said the financial aid was his effort to meet the needs of the churches around the Beluran parliamentary constituency.

He said the allocations to the three churches from the government were made possible by meeting directly with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

He said this proved that leaders from the federal were sensitive to the needs of churches in the country.

“This also shows that the government does not overlook and ignore the religious aspects of the country,” he said, adding that 15 new churches were built in Beluran to meet the religious needs of the people in the area.

Meanwhile, a representative from St Andrew’s Church, Beluran, Rev Fr. Arun Kuak said the granting of financial assistance was significant and evidence of the government’s concern over the needs of religious and church organisations, especially in the Beluran parliamentary.

He said the financial aid would be used for the construction of a new church at Kampung Rampek. He also said Ronald’s efforts in obtaining the allocation showed his initiative to meet the needs of the people.

KOTA KINABALU: Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) will postpone the launch of its service between Zamboanga City and Sandakan, Malaysia.

The service, plying between Zamboanga and Sandakan route four times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) starting October 29, 2017,  was to be operated by Cebgo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cebu Pacific, using its fleet of brand-new Aerei da Trasporto Regionale ATR aircraft.

“We apologize to all our partners, agents, suppliers, our stakeholders, and most importantly to all our guests who booked flights between Zamboanga and Sandakan for any inconvenience this postponement has caused.

“We had to make the difficult decision to postpone the launch of our Zamboanga-Sandakan service to give more time to work on operational details,” said Alexander Lao, President and CEO of Cebgo.

Passengers who booked a flight from Zamboanga to Sandakan, vice versa, or a round-trip ticket will be refunded in full.

In addition, CEB will give each passenger a round-trip travel voucher that they can use for any other short-haul international destination of Cebu Pacific.

“We remain committed to flying between Zamboanga and Sandakan. Cebu Pacific will continue to support the drive for seamless logistics connectivity within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).”

CEB flies to two other destinations in Malaysia – nine times weekly between Manila and Kuala Lumpur; and three times a week between Manila and Kota Kinabalu.

The Cebu Pacific route network comprises 25 international and 37 domestic destinations.

KUNDASANG: A few days ago Kundasang saw the rise of a new mini-industry to produce the famed Korean delicacy – Kimchi, no less!

A course in the processing of the kimchi, as well as sauces and krepek, was held at Nabalu Lodge here for three days, from October 11 to 13, organized at the initiative of the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR).

At the course’s launching, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development’s (MID), Datuk Haji Hashim Paijan remarked that “Kundasang is now all set for an exciting and vibrant development in the temperate vegetable industry. This is because of this ministry’s initiative to introduce new food production which will leverage on the abundant vegetable resources of Kundasang such as cabbages, tomatoes, carrots, etc.”

Stephen Sampil, the chief co-ordinator of the course who is also the Deputy Director of DIDR announced that said the course was well attended with a 100-per cent practical participation rate out of 30 attendants.

“The initial feedbacks from the enthusiastic participants were very encouraging indeed. Many were saying that they had been anxiously waiting for quite sometime for this kind of course so that they could utilize the excess vegetables that they are not able to sell to be turned into something valuable,” Sampil said.

“They were very glad that they no longer have to throw away their excess cabbages, tomatoes and other vegetables because they can now process them into kimchi, sauces and krepek.

“The participants were also very grateful and expressed their appreciation to the State Government for giving them the opportunity to learn new money-making skills to improve their economic and business life.”

Sampil also said that DIDR’s move  to organize the course was timely and appropriate as the initiative would definitely assist to further develop rural industries, create new niche products, develop new entrepreneurs and generate income to improve the standard and quality of life of the people in line with the Satu Daerah Satu Industry (SDSI) program or One District One Industry (ODOI) program.

“This will also contribute to the overall development of SME’s in Sabah. In the case of Kundasang, this area is well known for its thriving temperate vegetables industry not only throughout Sabah but also in the whole of Malaysia,” he added.

“However, almost all of the produces here are sold fresh with much competition, making the vegetables vulnerable to volatile price fluctuations, which is also a factor in over-supply.

“In many cases unsold vegetables are left to rot, thus wasting the valuable food resource. Thankfully, with the DIDR’s course, I am confident that the would-be entrepreneurs course participants will be able to make new and higher value-added products, thus earning a higher return and income.”

He is confident that in time to come these new products of kimchi, sauces and krepek will become highly popular and fast-selling niche products of Kundasang, which  visitors to this popular highland region of Sabah, will come to buy on top of their usual haul of fresh raw vegetables.

KOTA KINABALU: The Tuaran Town Foodcourt owned by the Tuaran District Council (TDC) won the Local Authorities (PBT) category of Best Foodcourt in the Cleanliness, Safe and Healthy (BeSS) Competition 2017.

TDC executive officer Sadan Hj Hussain on Thursday received the prize from Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Hj Hajiji Hj Noor at the State-level BeSS Foodcourt Award at the Integrated Health Science College here.

He was accompanied by one of the stall owners of Medan Selera Pekan Tuaran, Lisa Chong.

Runners-up in this category were Grace Point Foodcourt at Sembulan operated by Sutera Harbour Resort, followed by Anjung Senja Foodcourt owned by Sedcovest Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The Private Category was won by the Giant Hypermarket Foodcourt in Keningau operated by GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd. Second and third places were won by the Sandakan Futsal Foodcourt owned by the Sandakan Municipal Council (SMC) and the Imago Food Street operated by Asian Pac Property Management Sdn Bhd.

Present were State Health Director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, Local Government and Housing Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Ginun Yangus and SMC president Datuk Ir. James Wong.

Meanwhile, 33 foodstall operators housed within foodcourts throughout the State were given BeSS recognition during the event. The Tuaran Town Foodcourt stole the show with eight of its stalls being given recognition.

They were Peridah Enterprise, Farrah Catering, Fatimah Corner & Catering, D’Rasa Cafe and Catering, Monalisa Cafe, Cili Padi Borneo & Catering, Seri Armona Catering and Adys II Restaurant & Catering Services.

KOTA KINABALU: A uniquely Sabah approach and the grassroots participation will turn the Sabah creative industry into its future dynamic sector.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman is confident that the creative industry can grow in both urban and rural Sabah if the local development of the creative industry focuses on the various strengths and advantages that the state has in terms of creative resources.

“Today’s seminar is relevant, especially when the success of our State’s development efforts today partly hinge on grassroots participation,” said Musa, whose keynote address was delivered by Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, at the Nurturing Sabah’s Rural Creative Communities Seminar launch in Tanjung Aru here on Thursday.

“Sabah is well recognized as culturally diverse with vast resources in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, film and handicraft. The State also has a substantial pool of creative talents who have consistently proven their abilities at national level, as well as actors and film-makers currently involved in the screen industry locally and nationally.

“Sabah is also an internationally-established tourist destination, particularly in nature tourism.  Our assortment of world class natural attractions, abundance of flora and fauna and unique wildlife also makes Sabah an attractive destination for documentary projects and commercial photography, apart from film-making.

“The three main niche areas Sabah could focus on are Cultural Heritage, Performing Arts and Creative Media. This “Uniquely Sabah” approach will provide the best prospect for us to position the State in the national and global creative industries market,” he added.

Musa said although most measures surrounding the development of the creative industry were centered in urban areas, most of Sabah’s creative assets are ‘rural-centric’ and particular key ‘creative place’ strengths that exist in rural areas can attract creative workers.

“Rural innovations could be driven by ‘urban demand’ and the creative industry often disperses a range of creative products, services and experiences that have been pioneered in urban areas but are new to the economy of many rural places.

“Developing creative industries in rural areas generates potential for sustainable high-quality enterprise and employment opportunities and contribute to rural diversification. Growth in such products and services correlate with rising levels of disposable income and better education.

“The role of the creative industries in rural areas needs to be more widely acknowledged and better understood by local governments in order to pursue innovation policies and plans aimed at rural development.

“In particular, policy should routinely integrate the creative industry in plans for town centre re-development, as well as tourism strategies and marketing initiatives to help attract and retain skilled and creative individuals.

The Chief Minister emphasized the development of government institutional support could be driven by groups in the creative industry.

He stressed this includes the positive and encouraging work through the Creative Industries cluster under the Working Committee on Nurturing Human Capital in Sabah co-chaired by Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah and Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA).

“The first multipurpose community theatre or Black Box Theatre in Sabah has been established and is gaining popularity among Sabahans and tourists alike,” noted Musa.

“In addition, the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) which is expected to be completed by next year will include a world standard Performing Arts Centre to cater for regional and international concerts and events.

“There is an increasing number of creative events such as the ongoing community awareness project, Sabah Glow, which was successfully organised by IINSCAPE recently,” he added.

The seminar was organized by IDS (Sabah) in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and in collaboration with the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS).

IDS (Sabah) chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence B Malakun, IDS (Sabah) executive director and CEO Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub, senior research associate cum organizing chairman Richard T Koh, SPArKS president Roger Wang and Tan Sri Herman Luping were also at the launch.

KOTA KINABALU: MCA Sabah Public Services and Complaints Bureau secretary Arthur SK Sim has described as absurd and very ungentlemanlike for Rekan Husin, the president of Perkasa Sabah Chapter and his national youth leader Burhanuddin to accuse Datuk Francis Goh of twisting Ibrahim Ali’s statement about minority rights and ketuanan Melayu spirit in Sabah during the launch of the Perkasa Libaran AGM.

Sim  said: “Not only MCA’s Datuk Francis Goh, but PKR’s Christina Liew, Upko secretary Datuk Donald Mojuntin and The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) Tan Sri TC Goh had also called for the state government to ban radical racists like Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali from entering Sabah.

“It is clear  how unwelcome  Datuk Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa is in Sabah.

“Our MCA deputy chairman Datuk Francis Goh is himself a sino-Kadazan and a pure blue blooded Sabahan. He was just being honest and blunt by pointing out the outrageous contents of the speech by Ibrahim Ali.

“By saying a citizenship is not granted to him is again proof that Perkasa is a bunch of racists who always think that all Chinese in Sabah are ‘pendatang’.

“Goh believed that it was imperative to tell Ibrahim Ali in order to safeguard the precious peaceful and harmonious environment which the multiracial people of Sabah has since time immemorial.”

Speaking at a Perkasa special annual conference in Tuaran over the weekend, Ibrahim Ali emphasized that the minorities should not cross the line to the point of denying the rights of the indigenous people in Sabah. He was actually referring to the Chinese community’s demand for the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), adding that such demand was akin to stepping on the heads of the indigenous people.

Goh reiterated that Ibrahim Ali had gone too far in seeking attention for himself when he had atrociously pitted the local Chinese against the indigenous people of Sabah. Goh further added that spreading extreme racial hatred by racist bigots hiding under the umbrella of Ketuanan Melayu has no place in Sabah.

Sim blasted the national youth leader of Perkasa, Burhanuddin that to compare MCA to a well-known extreme racist NGO in Malaysia is beyond absurdity.

“MCA is a coalition partner of BN and her presence in Sabah is solely to assist the people in every possible way she can, regardless of race and religious affiliation. Whereas for Perkasa, her ultimate aim is to destroy the co-existence of the social fabric of the multi-ethnic and  multi-religious unity and harmony. Sabah needs MCA; Sabah does not need an extreme racist NGO like Perkasa,” said Goh.

Sim stressed that  Chinese education had contributed significantly to the indigenous people whereby there are quite a large number of indigenous students studying in  Chinese schools in Sabah.

Even the Sarawak state government had in 2015, officially recognized the UEC as the entry requirement for its public university and allowed its holders to secure jobs in the public sector.

Goh feels that Ibrahim Ali should give a satisfactory explanation on how the demand for recognition of UEC is akin to stepping on the heads of the indigenous people.

“Failing which he should publicly apologise to the entire Chinese community in Malaysia and Sabah in particular,” he said.

According to Sim, what is there to twist if Ibrahim Ali had admitted that he is the King of Racist in Malaysia.

KOTA KINABALU: The daughters of Hamid Apdal, who was detained by Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), have denied their father is wealthy, saying it is far from the truth.

Hamid’s eldest daughter Nurul Azirah, 26, told a press conference at the Parti Warisan Sabah premises here that her father was issued with a bankruptcy notice in 2014 and their first house had to be auctioned off seven years ago.

“Like other families, we have our struggles,” she said, adding that there are three families comprising 15 members living in their terrace house in Petagas.

Nurul Azureen said they have been living in that house since 2007, which had to be renovated to increase the number of bedrooms from three to six.

She said though she and her sister Nurul Amizah were married with their own families, they continued to live with their parents.

Nurul Azureen said their father was working as a car salesman even before they were born and had additional income from Felda which was using family land to cultivate oil palm in the east coast Semporna district.

She said they last saw their father when he was brought by MACC officials to their house on Oct 10.

Hamid, the younger brother of Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, was arrested on Oct 10 by the MACC in its probe into the alleged siphoning of up to RM1.5 billionin rural development funds for Sabah.

He is among seven detained and remanded in connection with the MACC probe.

MACC logo. Bernama file photo

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Datuk Peter Anthony was released on RM50,000 Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) bail by magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus yesterday morning after his remand expired.

His lawyer Martin Tommy said the bail was undeposited with two local sureties.

The release order was issued by Cindy at the Damai Specialist Hospital where Anthony was being warded for treatment.

Tommy, when met by reporters, said: “My client is doing fine.”

“He is recuperating,” he added.

MACC prosecuting officer Mohd Faliq Basirudin said that the paperwork for his release would be done at the Sabah MACC office later.

It was earlier learned that Peter would be released from hospital at 9.45am and was scheduled to present himself at the MACC office to sign the release form but due to the condition of his health, MACC decided to bring the paperwork to the hospital.

Peter, 46, was detained by MACC on October 5 for investigation into alleged siphoning of federal funds for rural projects in Sabah since 2009.

Six other individuals comprising three politicians, two contractors and a federal ministry official were detained in connection with the case.

There are Parti Warisan Youth chief Datuk Azis Jamman, 43, Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar, 43, Tawau Umno Youth chief Ariffin Kassim, 44, Umno Semporna division member Hamid Apdal, 52, who is also the younger brother of Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and a 52-year-old businessman.

A 40-year-old former deputy under secretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was detained in Putrajaya.

They were remanded under Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, five individuals were called by the police to give evidence under Section 9 (5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

City police chief ACP M. Chandra said the individuals were involved in participating in a solidarity gathering that was organised by Parti Warisan Sabah supporters in Suria Sabah and the Kota Kinabalu Court.

Chandra said the organiser did not obtain any approval or notice to stage the gathering from the authorities.

He added that the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Light Strike Force (LSF) were ready to face any eventuality to maintain peace and public security.

“Everything is under control at the moment and we will be present to control the situation if needed.

“Therefore, I would like to remind any parties or organisations intending to stage any public gathering to first get approval from the police or the relevant authorities as police will not hesitate to take stern action,” Chandra said.

MACC logo. Bernama file photo

KOTA KINABALU: The remand order for three politicians into the alleged siphoning of federal funds for rural projects in Sabah have been extended for three more days.

Magistrate Mohd Aizat Abdul Rahim made the decision against Parti Warisan Youth chief Datuk Azis Jamman, 43, Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar, 43, and Tawau Umno Youth chief Ariffin Kassim, 44.

All three individuals will be remanded further until next Tuesday after they were first detained by the Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) for investigation on October 10.

The application for the remand was made by MACC Investigating Officer Mohd Faliq Basiruddin at the magistrate court at 10am today.

They are being charged under Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009.

Azis is being represented by lawyers Martin Tommy, Loretto J Padua, Cedric Choo, Norazmi Alimat, Jaikol Situn and Darell Leiking.

Jamawi is being represented by lawyers Azhier Farhan Arifin, Shahlan Jusri, Arthur Bonnie, Mohd Razali Razi and Jafar Esteben, while lawyer Hamid Ismail is representing Ariffin.

Meanwhile, the 52-year-old businessman who was also detained by MACC since October 5 was released on RM200,000 MACC bail with a deposit of RM100,000 with two local sureties.

On Friday, Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Datuk Peter Anthony was released on RM50,000 MACC bail by magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus after his remand expired.

Peter, along with Azis, Jamawi, Ariffin, the businessman, Umno Semporna division member Hamid Apdal, 52, and a 40-year-old former deputy under secretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry were detained by MACC into the alleged siphoning of federal funds for rural projects in Sabah since 2009.

Hamid is the younger brother of Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

SANDAKAN: Efforts and coordination by the enforcement and security forces in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) should continue to be intensified in regulating the east coast of the state.

Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said this was to ensure the peace, security and sovereignty of the people and state were safeguarded.

“We cannot be complacent or satisfied with the current situation but instead need to be ready in the security aspects to face any eventualities,” he said when officiating at the ‘Semarak Rakyat Bersama ESSCom-Sabah Tanah Airku’ programme here yesterday.

Also present was ESSCom Commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali.

He said security was a very important aspect and was always given priority by the government, scrutinised and dealt with by the government and people.

Hence, he said the cooperation, solid support and understanding between the enforcement and security forces needed to be strengthened from time to time.

On the programme, Musa, who is also ESSCom Advisory Board chairman, said it gave the opportunity to ESSCom to reach out to the people and to create awareness of the responsibility of safeguarding the areas involved. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Employees Association (SEA) has urged the Human Resource Ministry to bridge the economic gap before bridging the minimum wage gap.

This is its official response to the latest news that the ministry will announce the 2018 minimum wage review and bridge income gap.

SEA believes that before the ministry begins with review, there are two critical shortcomings to be ratified beforehand.

Firstly, to ensure that there is a real private sector representation in the National Wages Consultative Council (MGPN). This blatant omission has still not been addressed despite several years of protests from majority of Sabah chambers and associations.

SEA pointed out that the inclusion of State Secretary office’s representative into MGPN is a complimentary albeit delayed move; culminating in now having both union and governmental representatives for Sabah. The final piece in the puzzle now is to appoint Sabah’s private sector representative in the council, in the true spirit of tripartite-discussion for the state.

This is important to ensure that the collected views of almost 39,800 employers in the state be heard and taken into consideration, the association said in a statement yesterday.

Secondly, before bridging the so-called minimum wages gap between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, SEA said the fundamental economic discrepancies must first be solved.

According to SEA, Sabah poses tremendous challenges for businesses. Up to 70% of Sabah’s employers run business classified as either micro or small enterprises, with key concern of simply staying afloat.

The latest release of Sabah’s 2016 economic figures showed only pocketed growth in certain sectors. Three major sectors have seen sharp decrease in activities ¨C agriculture, construction and manufacturing.

Taking out major growth contributor of Oil & Gas (which is the smallest employer by size; hiring only 7,500 employees in the state) would show the state’s economy to be in worse shape than appears.

To date Sabah’s GDP Per capita is the third lowest in the country.

Yet in spite of all these, Sabah’s employers have steadfastly held on to their responsibilities: providing 12.7% wage growth to employees in 2016 (third highest in the country), while retrenching on average only 254 employees per year.

Private sector cannot afford to support the economy alone. SEA urges emphasis on improving the air/sea/road connectivity of Sabah with its external trading partners, infrastructural developments be expedited, all within almost immediate timeframe.

SEA stressed that bridging minimum wage gap should be in line with bridging macro-economic developmental gaps between East and West Malaysia. Only when Sabah grows inclusively with the country can the economic pie be sustainably enjoyed by all.

“It is incorrect to push for one rate one country, when situations are different everywhere.

“The focus should be to bridge the economic gap first, before bridging the minimum wage gap,” it added.

KOTA KINABALU: The government is doing its best to resolve the flooding problem in Kota Belud, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said.

Abdul Rahman who is also Kota Belud member of parliament, said one of the steps taken by the government was to deepen the rivers in the district.

“This is because most of the river beds in Kota Belud are shallow due to heavy siltation,” he said after inspecting the work on Sungai Tempasuk in Kampung Bobot yesterday.

Abdul Rahman explained that most of the rivers in Kota Belud originate from the foot of Mount Kinabalu.

“As a result of the earthquake debris, rocks and soil flowed down rivers resulting in the riverbed downstream becoming shallow and clogged by siltation. As this situation has affected the river flow, it resulted in floods occurring more frequently in Kota Belud,” he lamented.

According to him, the deepening of Sungai Tempasuk is a flood mitigation measure for Kota Belud and the overall cost for the remedial measures in the district will cost more than RM50 million.

“We sympathise with those residing along the river banks and the challenges they face every time it rains. The government is doing its best to resolve the problem. I therefore urge the rakyat there to be patient,” he said.

Abdul Rahman also visited the site of the proposed Politeknik Kota Belud in Kampung Kesapang.

He told reporters this that the area had been earmarked to be the site for a second township in Kota Belud.

“There is a need for a higher learning institute in Kota Belud and this polytechnic is expected to be completed in 2021,” he said, adding that this was the government’s effort to develop infrastructure and high quality educational facilities for the young in Kota Belud.

The land acquisition is being carried out now and construction, once it starts, is expected to be completed within two to three years.

He disclosed that the initial intake would be about 500 students but the polytechnic was built to cater for more in the future.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman also said that more than 69 per cent of residents in Kota Belud were enjoying treated water supply and the situation in the district had improved tremendously.

AFP File Photo for illustration purposes. 

KOTA KINABALU: Prospective Airbnb operators have been urged to do their homework by reviewing their respective local laws before signing up for the online marketplace and hospitality service Airbnb.

Christopher Chin, a lawyer from the Sabah Law Society (SLS), said that Airbnb’s contractual obligations work in such a way that the burden to ensure that Airbnb is actually legal in a particular country lies on the operator.

“When you lease your property on Airbnb, Airbnb will assume that you have done your homework and that you have established that Airbnb’s operations are legal in Kota Kinabalu,” Christopher said at the Airbnb: Challenges and the Way Forward seminar at the Sabah Golf and Country Club (SGCC) yesterday.

He also said that local authorities would vary on how they regulate Airbnb operations. For example, Airbnb has been banned in several cities, such as Singapore, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam and even London.

Christopher noted that is vital for the host (the owner of the property) and the guest to understand that the latter’s occupation in the former’s property is by way of license and not tenancy.

As opposed to tenants, a licensee (guest) will not have exclusive possession as the licensor (host) will have the right to enter and access to the rented premises, Christopher said, adding that Airbnb is a commercial activity.

“Airbnb is a commercial activity because it has the following characteristics, namely, short-term use, absence of exclusive possession, housekeeping services and the fact that it is subject to the Innkeepers’ Ordinance.

“For a building to qualify for Airbnb it must be designed for commercial use under the Development Plan (DP),” he said, adding that fire safety requirements by the Fire Department (Bomba) must also be fulfilled.

The seminar was organized by the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) together with the Subsidiary Title Owners and Purchasers Association Sabah (Stops).

Also present at the seminar was head of Building Plan Section, City Hall Planning Department, Sally Edward Ghani who gave a talk entitled “Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s (DBKK) Planning Guideline for Airbnb”.

As most people are aware of, Airbnb is yet to be deemed as legal in Sabah.

However, in August this year, the DBKK had announced that it might be coming up with a set of guidelines for Airbnb operators, thus showing them the light at the end of the tunnel.

When asked whether local Airbnb operators were given the chance to weigh in their thoughts on the proposed guidelines, Sally said it was not possible for the DBKK to do so just yet.

“We had conducted two meetings so far. During the second meeting, we had invited all the professional bodies, hotel associations, Stops and Shareda.

“At the moment, Airbnb is illegal in Sabah. We cannot establish who is the operator for Airbnb. We do not have the list,” she explained.

It is understood that a group of local Airbnb operators had even made a courtesy call to Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai on the said matter.

She reiterated that the DBKK would not be able to invite the Airbnb operators for a meeting if the draft for the proposed guidelines had not been completed yet.

Also present at the event were Stops president Ken Lo and MIEA immediate past chairman Henry Tai.

SANDAKAN: The role of Utusan Borneo Sabah as a newspaper which disseminates the unity agenda in the state was appreciated and was chosen to be the recipient of the Special Media Award 2017.

The Special Media Award was given to Utusan Borneo for its commitment to publish news on programs organized by the Department of National Unity and Integration (DNUI), including programs organised by Rukun Tetangga, Jiran Wanita, Jiran Muda, Tunas Jiran, Jiran Emas, Voluntary Patrolling Scheme, Tabika Perpaduan and so forth through the newspaper’s ‘Jejak Perpaduan’ column, every week.

The Special Media Award 2017 was presented by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman during the Sandakan Rukun Tetangga Carnival in conjunction with the 2017 Unity Week celebration at Sri Libaran Hall on Saturday.

The award was received by Utusan Borneo senior journalist Abd Naddin Shaiddin representing Utusan Borneo Sabah newspaper, the most prestigious Malay language newspaper in the state.

Also receiving the Special Media Award was RTM while another newspaper also received the award.

For the Excellence Neighbourhood Management Award for Sandakan district, KRT Taman Merpati won the first place, Kampung Karamunting Baru KRT (second place) and KRT Apartment Indah Jaya (third place). For Beluran district, KRT Kampung Muanad Satu won first place, KRT Kampung Seri Menanti (second place) and Kampung Keniogan KRT (third place).

As for Kinabatangan district, KRT Batu Putih won first place, KRT Kota Kinabatangan (runner-up) and KRT Kampung Paris 3 (third place). For Telupid/Tongod district, KRT Kampung Wonod Zon 2 won the  first place, KRT Kampung Kuala Tongod (runner-up) and Kampung Talibu KRT (third place).

The  Sandakan District Excise Patrol Scheme Management Award was given to SRS Homestay Sim-Sim (first place), SRS Kampung Bokara (runner-up) and in third place was SRS Taman Murni Batu 7.

Twelve KRT district committees from Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Beluran received the Jasamu Dikenang Award.

Also present were deputy director-general (operations) of National Unity and Integration Department, Haji Karim Abu Seman representing Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and  Assistant Local Government and Housing Datuk Minister Zakaria Mohd Edris.

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday summoned a businessman with the title of ‘Datuk’ to help in the investigation on the misappropriation of rural development funds in the state.

According to sources, the businessman was said to have at least seven companies under his control, including his own, which obtained contracts from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

Other than the seven companies, the businessman also borrowed licences from his colleagues by paying involvement fees of RM30,000 for every licence.

“The aim of borrowing the licences is to fulfill limited tender qualifying conditions, namely, 10 companies for every project being applied,” said the source.

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki, when contacted, confirmed that the individual had been summoned for his statement to be taken down but declined to comment further. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: The remand on the younger brother of former Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has been extended for another five days, beginning yesterday, to assist investigation into the alleged embezzlement of rural development funds estimated at RM1.5 billion.

Magistrate Afiq Agoes made the decision after hearing an application by deputy public prosecutor Rustam Sanip, representing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The 52-year-old man, who was detained by the MACC on Oct 10, was earlier remanded for five days to assist investigation into the case. The court also allowed the man’s application to be referred to a private hospital for treatment for his health problem.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old businessman detained over the same issue was also remanded for five days begining yesterday, to facilitate investigation. The man was detained when he came to MACC’s office here to give his statement. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: The government is planning to turn the Tawau port into a regional one for Kalimantan, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

Abdul Rahman said the state government informed him that the National Security Council had approved the construction of a road connecting Serudong in Tawau to Simanggaris in Indonesia.

He said the proposal had been endorsed by the state National Security Council and would be referred to the national level for acceptance.

“Once this link between Sabah and north Kalimantan is established, Tawau port can be used by BIMP-EAGA for import and export activities. This is the best opportunity for Tawau port to be upgraded,” he said, adding that a study by the Asean Development Bank showed that Tawau port has the potential to be upgraded after taking into consideration the BIMP-EAGA trade in the area.

“So it is a very exciting proposal for Sabah Ports for Sepanggar and Tawau for the regional trade and not to mention Kudat to take advantage of the trade with southern Philippines.

“I believe the state government has the right policy and vision and I foresee for the next 10-20 years Sabah is going to be very efficient in ports management which can help to reduce the pressure we face from the aspect of transportation cost in the state,” he said at a press conference after a briefing at Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (Sabah Ports) in Sepanggar yesterday.

Abdul Rahman also said that the road from Serudong to Simanggaris will be connected to the Pan Borneo highway and this would facilitate the movement of people and goods as well as generate economic activities in this part of the world.

The minister expressed his commitment to help the development and growth of the state’s economy as he believed that Sabah and Sarawak will be the next catalysts of Malaysian economy. This is because the both states have availability of land and under-utilised resources.

“That is why the Prime Minister is spending serious money in Sabah, together with the Pan Borneo highway, it will open up tremendous opportunities throughout the state. These next few years will be very exciting for Sabah with the ports improvement, and we are going to improve the Sandakan airport, so there will be a lot of things going on. The vision of Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman is gaining traction.

“If I look at the development taking place in Sabah, it is very interesting as we are equivalent to many cities around the world. In 10 years’ time you will see Sabah in a different light,” he promised.

Elaborating on the briefing he received from Sabah Ports and SEDIA, Abdul Rahman said it concerned the development of ports in Sabah taking into consideration the ability and Sabah’s future in the context of regional trading and economy.

He disclosed that the federal government had allocated RM1.027 billion for the upgrading of Sepanggar Bay container port and work on that is in progress.

He pointed out that the Sepanggar Bay container port is very important for Sabah and the state’s location is very strategic for it to be the transhipment hub of the region and BIMP-EAGA.

The Federal government, he added, is committed to ensure the efficiency of ports in Sabah from the aspect of infrastructure and operation.

“By having efficient ports which are operating well, this can reduce business costs and in the end may help to reduce transportation costs in Sabah. This does not mean that there will be an immediate decrease in price of goods as there is the factor of inland transportation that is important too. But this is a start,” the Kota Belud member or parliament said.

He also dislosed that the Federal government has allocated RM13.5 million for the construction of a new bridge at Kampung Gentisan in Sepanggar.

Abdul Rahman said this is because the existing bridge which connects the village and the navy base to the main road is not stable.

Navy personnel and villagers from Kampung Gentisan are now using a temporary bridge, he said.

Abdul Rahman said the tender for the bridge construction at Jalan Mawilla II had been called by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

“We have approved the allocation for the 52.7-metre long bridge and expect the project to commence soon to ease the inconvenience experienced by the residents and the navy,” he said.

TAWAU: Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid supports procedures that are against corruption but too many of them may create a red tape situation and prevent projects from being carried out.

She suggested that the procedures should not be too rigid to the extent that it would cause difficulties for the assemblyman to help the people.

As an assemblywoman, she said many of her allocations could not be utilized because of the many procedures. Villagers, she said, get the impression that the assemblymen are stingy when in actual fact they are just following procedures. She said in her area, many projects to help the people were being queried and as a result it had not been approved yet.

“The people do not know this that there are many procedures that had caused a lot of red tape situation,” she said after handing out certificates to Tawau Old Folks Activity Centre (PAWE) committee members for 2017-2019 chaired by Cahaya Hj Sulaiman.

Also present was Tanjong Batu assemblywoman Datuk Hamisa Samat.

Jainab proposed for a bureau to be set up by the PAWE to carry out more activities and programs.

For a start, she said a bureau for economy, health, welfare, culture and sport with committee members can be set up and appoint others who are not from the existing 15 committee members of PAWE.

The bureau committee can also appoint members from the younger generation, she said, so that they will understand how to treat older people as they too will get older in time.

She said they can organise programs, have it recorded and sent to her ministry.

Jainab also said a competition will be held next year among the four PAWE centres in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Beaufort and Tawau, so they will have to think out of the box and do something different that can be an example for all.