Mishandled bag delays KLIA flights

Mishandled bag delays KLIA flights

Mishandled bag delays KLIA flights

Posted: 16 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

17 December 2013| last updated at 11:50PM
By KALAVAANI KARUPIAH | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: HUNDREDS of passengers were delayed  yesterday because of a system breakdown at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Operations Service senior general manager Datuk Azmi Murad said the incident, which happened at 6.15am, was caused by a malfunction of a luggage conveyor belt that caused the airport's operation system in the departure hall to collapse.

This happened after an oversized piece of luggage was placed on a wrong tray by a worker from an international airline.

"The luggage hit the baggage-handling system sensor, which triggered the breakdown, leading to the delay of three international flights."

Azmi said their technical support team responded immediately to investigate and diagnose the problem. The system was up and running by 8.45am.

"Similar incidents have happened before and we are doing our best to ensure that there will not be a recurrence."

He also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused.

Passengers waiting in line to check in at KLIA. Pic by Zahari Zakaria

'ETP has attracted RM220b in investments'

Posted: 16 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

PUTRAJAYA: THE  government's Economic Transformation Plan has proven to be a success, attracting RM220 billion worth of investments since its inception in 2010.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in announcing this yesterday, said the investments, from 195 projects launched under the National Economic Key Areas (NKEA), have also created 435,000 jobs and contributed RM144 billion to the country's gross national income (GNI).

Najib, who is also finance minister, said Malaysia's confidence was on a high note with such a dynamic economic footing, which would set a positive outlook for 2014.

"Despite the global economic outlook continuing to be uncertain, the country has targeted to achieve between 5 and 5.5 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth next year, with private investments expected to grow 12.7 per cent to RM153 billion."

He said next year, he was optimistic of developments in the pipeline to support the nation's pursuit to become the centre for global operations, services and trading.

"We have set our sights on attracting 13 large multinationals to base their operations in Kuala Lumpur.

"Six international trading companies, with a projected minimum total turnover of US$600 million (RM2.1 billion) could establish their operations in the country.

"In the financial markets, we are set to see an increased value in new listings, with a targeted market capitalisation of RM18 billion," Najib said at the ETP Turns 3 event here yesterday.

Present were International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Najib said Malaysia had not only become more efficient in its tax collection, but also broadened its tax base.

He stressed that stronger revenue would put the government in a better position to administer socioeconomic programmes, aimed at narrowing the income disparity.

"The results, as you can see, are an increase in government revenue of 14 per cent from 2010 to 2012, growing from RM160 billion to RM207 billion.

"We project to collect RM220 billion in revenue this year."

He said the country was also on target to reduce its fiscal deficit.

"One aspect that gives me great satisfaction is our performance in reducing the fiscal deficit.

"Where many governments failed to deliver, Malaysia by contrast, is on track to a balanced budget by 2020.

"From 6.6 per cent in 2009, we will achieve four per cent this year and further reduce the deficit to three per cent in 2015,"

To secure a strong investment portfolio for Malaysia, he said it was vital that various agencies collaborate.

"I have asked Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Datuk Seri Idris Jala and the (corridor economic) authorities to work together, to institute a plan of action by placing projects, where relevant, directly under their monthly steering committees.

"These projects will be rigorously monitored to ensure successful implementation."

He said Malaysia was at full employment, with a declining unemployment rate from 3.7 per cent in 2009 to three per cent last year.

"During my tenure, employment has increased by 1.8 million, while population growth stands at 1.7 per cent," said Najib, adding that currently, total employment was at 13.66 million.

Based on International Labour Organisation standards, any country with an unemployment rate of less than four per cent is regarded as having attained full employment. Additional reporting by Zarina Zakariah

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala ( right) arriving at Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya yesterday. Bernama pic

Online library for the public

Posted: 16 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

17 December 2013| last updated at 11:33PM
By ZAFIRA ANWAR | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: U-Library is an online library portal that makes access to books easier for Malaysians.  

National Library director-general Datuk Roslin Abu Bakar said the portal would allow users to browse, borrow and have books delivered to their doorstep, for a fee.

"The introduction of the portal was an initiative by the government to make information and knowledge more accessible by promoting the reading culture, and that Malaysians are moving towards becoming an inclusive knowledge society as a whole."

Echoing author Mark Twain, who said "A person who won't read has no advantage over a person who can't read", Roslin said u-Library connected society to a broader range of educational resources.

"The service allow users to create, share and exchange knowledge with others to promote life-long learning in improving the quality of work for a sustainable and productive life."

The portal was a collaboration between the Information Communications and Culture Ministry and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

The u-Library connects users to educational resources offered by the National Library, together with seven consortium members.

They are the Selangor State Library Corporation, Negri Sembilan State Library Corporation, Pahang State Library Corporation, Sarawak State Library, Kuala Lumpur Library, Intan Library in Bukit Kiara and Sabah State Library.

"All consortiums members are equipped with radio frequency identification, portal technology, and inter-lending services to smoothen the process of e-payment, deliveries and book return," Roslin said.

He said book-drop counters were made available to speed up the book-returning process.

Recognised internationally, u-Library won the The FutureGov Awards Malaysia 2013, APICTA MSC Malaysia 2011 and Runner-up for Best Poster in the International Conference 2013.

It was also nominated by an international jury at the 2013 World Summit Award for the "e-Inclusion and Empowerment" category.

Roslin hoped Malaysians would use the government's initiative in bringing the library closer to their homes by logging on to www.u-library.gov.my.

U-Library users at seen in front of the book-drop counter.

2 senators sworn in for 2nd term

Posted: 16 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

17 December 2013| last updated at 11:36PM

They took their oath before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang at the Dewan Negara here.

Kedah-born Boon, 52, is a former journalist with 22 years' experience.

Boon, who was first sworn in 2010, said he was grateful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for re-appointing him to represent the Siamese community for another three-year term.

He said he would continue to fight for the rights and future of the Siamese community, especially in ensuring they enjoyed the same rights as the Bumiputera community, as recognised by the government.

Mariany, 47, is a lawyer and former Federal Territory Wanita Umno vice-chief.

She currently serves on the board of directors of the National Higher Education Fund.

Senators Datuk Boon Som Inong (right) and Mariany Mohammad Yit after taking their oath at Dewan Negara, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Pic by Khairull Azry Bidin

Tuhan Harun leader, wife and followers charged

Posted: 16 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

17 December 2013| last updated at 11:42PM
By T.N. ALAGESH | news@nst.com.my

KUANTAN: THE court complex here was under heavy security at the arraignment of four suspects allegedly linked to the assassination of Pahang Islamic Religious department enforcement chief Ahmad Rafli Abdul Malek yesterday.

The four suspects -- Tuhan Harun sect leader Harun Mat Saat, 43, his third wife, Azida Mohd Zol, 30, and followers Sumustapha Suradi, 39, and Shaizral Eddie Nizam Shaari, 37 -- were escorted by dozens of uniformed and plain-clothes policemen, some armed with sub-machine guns.

Sumustapha, of Sandakan, Sabah, appeared calm when he was charged with murdering Rafli on Nov 10. He claimed trial.

He is alleged to have committed the offence along with two others, who are still at large, at 7, Bandar Indera Mahkota about 1.50pm.

Harun, Azida and Shaizral Eddie, who were jointly charged, pleaded not guilty to criminal conspiracy to commit the murder, along with Sumustapha and the other two suspects still at large.

Sumustapha, Azida and Shaizral Eddie nodded their heads to indicate that they understood the charges against them. Harun, who was confined to a wheelchair after suffering stroke-like symptoms, used sign language.

The prosecution team was led by deputy public prosecutor Salim Soib@Hamid while all four accused were represented by counsel Hermes Media Putra Ibrahim.

Hermes informed the court that Harun was a stroke patient and would need to continue receiving treatment, which he previously sought at Sungai Buloh Hospital.

"My client received treatment at the hospital since July and all his medical records are there.

"I hope the court will allow him to continue his treatment," he said.

Salim said since Harun, of Ketereh, Kelantan, would be sent to Penor Prison near here, he could receive treatment at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital.

Judge Datuk Ab Karim Abdul Rahman allowed the application and ordered Harun's medical records be sent to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital. He also allowed an application for Azida, of Kuala Terengganu, to be detained at Bentong Prison as Penor did not provide for female inmates.

Ab Karim, who allowed a joint trial for the four accused, fixed Jan 28 for case management.

Tuhan Harun sect leader Harun Mat Saat (in wheelchair) and Shaizral Eddie Nizam Shaari (left) being escorted out of the High Court in Kuantan yesterday. Pic by Luqman Hakim Zubir

'US to relook role of spying'

Posted: 16 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

17 December 2013| last updated at 11:34PM
By ZULITA MUSTAFA | zulita@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: UNITED States President Barack Obama has promised to look into the spying issue and how to get the balance  between privacy and security, said US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun.

He said striking the balance was not easy and after the revelations by US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, the president had formed a committee to provide him with recommendations. Obama, Yun added, had put "quite a tight timeline on the committee's recommendations".

"Obama said he will form a committee that would recommend the best way forward. I think we need to see what come out of that," he said after visiting Balai Berita yesterday.

"We have incredible technology, and if we let it out of control, it will damage privacy. At the same time, there are greater risks and if we can stop them somehow, I think we should."

On his take of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Yun said the negotiation was never easy because in trade negotiations, "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed".

He said TPPA would play a key role in attracting more investments and making them easier for American companies.

He said US companies in Malaysia had employed about 100,000 workers and "these are all good jobs".

"I hope the assessment of the TPPA can be done on the basis of its substance from trade and investment and I look forward to our two sides continuing negotiations with 10 other members and coming to a conclusion."

He said it was obvious the agreement could not be concluded by year-end.

"We need to find measures to make it easier for Malaysians to travel to the US. That is something I am working on at the moment.

"We want to get more students involved in exchange programmes."

Earlier, Yun and his delegates were briefed on the New Straits Times Press operations.

Present were NSTP chief executive officer Mohammad Azlan Abdullah, NSTP group managing editor Datuk Abdul Jalil Hamid, Harian Metro deputy group editor Abdul Ghafar Ismail, NST Business/Lifestyle managing editor Mustapha Kamil Mohd Janor, NST executive editor (news) Yushaimi Yahaya, Berita Harian executive editor (feature) Zainor Said, BH foreign editor Azman Abdul Hamid and HM foreign editor Kamarudin Mohamed Salleh.

NSTP CEO Mohammad Azlan Abdullah (centre) presenting a picture to US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun (left) at Balai Berita yesterday. Looking on is NSTP group managing editor Datuk Abdul Jalil Hamid. Pic by Yazit Razali