Three Lamborghinis go up in flames in pile-up

Three Lamborghinis go up in flames in pile-up

Three Lamborghinis go up in flames in pile-up

Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:03 AM PST

07 December 2013| last updated at 12:12AM
By MAIZATUL RANAI | maizatulranai@nst.com.my

In the 9.55am incident, the cars, part of a convoy of five luxury vehicles, went up in flames following the collision, causing a 5km traffic snarl. The drivers and passengers were believed to have escaped unhurt.

Negri Sembilan Fire and Rescue department chief Norazam Khamis said two fire engines with 14 men arrived at the scene seven minutes later, but one of the vehicles had been completely burnt by then. The other two cars were also burnt.

"However, no casualties have been reported," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.

It is believed that a green Lamborghini hit the divider and the other two vehicles trailing it, a black and an orange Lamborghini, crashed into it.

Seremban deputy police chief Superintendent Baharudin Mustafa said police were still investigating the incident, including identifying the model of the cars, as the vehicles were badly burnt.

He urged the drivers to come forward to lodge a report and assist in investigations.

"So far, no reports have been lodged by either the drivers or the passengers," he said, adding that none of those involved were around when police arrived at the scene.

Lamborghinis such as the Aventador LP700-4, Aventador Roadster LP700-4 and Gallardo LP550-2 MLE cost between RM1.6 million and RM3 million each.

The Aventador Roadster, with its carbon-fibre monocoque, tops the list in terms of power.

The car is said to be able to reach 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of about 349 km/h.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old mother, identified as Rasidah Abdul Latip, and her 10-month-old child were among three people who died in an accident involving six vehicles at Km244.6 of the North-South Expressway near Senawang here yesterday.

The 4.30pm incident involved two lorries, an empty express bus, a Perodua Myvi, a Toyota Innova and a motorcycle.

Rasidah's husband, Khairol Nazri Yusof, 34, who suffered serious injuries was sent to Tuanku Jaafar hospital (HTJ).

The motorcycle rider broke his leg while the two lorry drivers and four passengers in the Toyota Innova suffered minor injuries.

Khairul, when met at HTJ, said he, his wife and their 10-month old child were on their way from Klang to his niece's wedding in Johor Baru.

He said he suddenly saw a tanker lorry in a vertical position, blocking all three lanes.

"It was too late for me to brake. The last thing I remembered was my car was knocked from behind.

"I fell unconscious until I woke up to people rescuing me from the wreckage."

The third victim was identified as bus driver Ahmad Zaki Kassim.

Flames engulf two of the three Lamborghinis that were involved in a pile-up at Km260 of the North-South Expressway near Seremban yesterday. Pic courtesy of NST reader this morning.

'Make Sunni Islam official religion'

Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

07 December 2013| last updated at 12:18AM

 THE Home Ministry will be referring the suggestion to insert the Sunnah wal Jamaah (Sunni) word for Islam in the Federal Constitution to curb the spread of deviant teachings in the country.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said he would forward the motion to the government for discussion to weed out the threat of deviant movements.

"The move might be necessary to protect the sanctity of the teaching of Sunnah wal Jamaah and to stop the spread of other teachings in the country," he said in response to a proposal by Penang Umno delegate Datuk Shabudin Yahaya in his Islamic and education motion yesterday.

The Tasek Gelugor Umno division chief was supporting the call by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Shabudin said the move was necessary to weed out deviant teachings disguised under the Islamic religion, such as Shia, which were becoming more widespread within the country.

He proposed the government establish a commission to safeguard the interests of Islam and the rights of Muslims.

"It is crucial for the government to set up a commission to supervise, manage and handle the interests of Muslims and address threats to Islam as the country's main religion."

Puteri wing delegate Isfarina Mohd Bali from Ipoh Barat stressed on moderation, a value which Islam emphasised in many aspects of a Muslim's life.

She said the country and the party must take a firm stand in facing threats that might endanger the sanctity of Islam.

"We have to stand united in defending the faith. We also have to fortify and improve existing syariah laws, judicial facilities and Islamic institutions," said Isfarina, who seconded the motion.

She said non-governmental organisations should also come together to defend Islam.

Isfarina then called for religious education to be given throughout the life of a Muslim.

"I cannot stress how important religious education for Muslims is, as without faith, there will be no guidance or direction."

Bernama, meanwhile, reported that Kelantan Puteri Umno leader Norwahidah Patuan had proposed setting up a counselling house to help abused children and women with domestic problems.

Besides counselling services, she said, motivational talks and religious education could also be arranged for participants.

"Puteri should be on the front line on issues of abused children and women, as well as marital problems and social problems among teenagers."

Norwahida, who is also Jeli Puteri Umno leader, said when addressing social problems, the movement should not only focus on the victims, but also the victim's family members. For this purpose, she said Puteri Umno should set up a secretariat in Kuala Lumpur.

She also proposed the setting-up of a political academy to mould young people into credible and great leaders, who are capable of understanding and pursuing Umno's aspirations.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he will forward the motion to the government for discussion to weed out the threat of deviant movements.

Armed Forces to help send supplies

Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

07 December 2013| last updated at 12:30AM

KEMAMAN: THE Armed Forces will help send food supplies and essential items to flood victims in the east coast as many areas are inaccessible by road, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Describing the severity of the floods as unexpected and widespread, he also asked all relief centres to stock up extra food and essential items that could last for at least three days.

"We will also ensure the relief centres get clean water supply as some of them are affected by power outage after TNB sub-stations were inundated with floodwaters," he said after visiting flood victims at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Banggol in Paya Berenjut here yesterday.

He said clean water supply would be brought in from outside while mobile filtration systems would also be installed at relief centres.

Muhyiddin, who is the Umno deputy president, took time off from the second day of the party's general assembly at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur to visit and check on the floods and victims yesterday.

On arriving in Kuantan in the morning, he took a helicopter ride to observe conditions in flooded areas.

He landed at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sultan Ismail before boarding an army truck to visit SMK Banggol, where more than 5,000 evacuees are taking shelter.

Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who is the Kemaman member of parliament.

"We never expected the flooding to occur this early and affect areas that have never experienced it before.

"The National Security Council (NSC) and the National Disaster Relief Committee will look into our weather forecast and early warning systems and find ways to improve them," said Muhyiddin adding that advanced technology could help relevant agencies to make better weather forecasts and give early warnings before floods occur.

"With the use of modern technology, we can issue warnings much earlier.

"At present, many of the victims are being evacuated at the last minute," he said, adding that the public must also heed advice given by relevant authorities when natural disasters occur.

On the lack of food and other basic items at some of the relief centres, he said the agencies involved should not use financial excuse as reason not to prepare sufficient stock.

"I've asked NSC to ensure there is adequate stock at each relief centre and it must buy extra food and other items."

Muhyiddin, who also listened to grouses of the flood victims at SMK Banggol, said the cramped condition at the relief centre could not be avoided as it had to house a big number of evacuees, more than its usual capacity.

One of the evacuees, Rosyanti Mohd Sidek, 37, said the conditions at the relief centre were bad as food and other essential items were inadequate.

"There's also no electricity and water supply for the past three days," said Rosyanti, who has to nurse her month-old baby at the centre.

Zainab Ismail, 50, said some of the evacuees had to fast as they dared not scramble for the food distributed by the agencies involved.

"The people here are hungry and will grab whatever they can every time the truck or helicopter comes," said Zainab, who was relocated to the centre with seven children and a three-day-old grandson.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (left) and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (centre) chatting with Alifa Narmasyara Ali, 30, (right), who is taking shelter with her 48-day-old twins Nur Damia Hawani Nordin and Nur Damia Hubairah Nordin at SMK Banggol in Paya Berenjut, Kemaman, yesterday. Pic by Aswadi Alias

'A shining symbol of reconciliation'

Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

07 December 2013| last updated at 12:22AM

DATUK Seri Najib Razak conveyed his deepest condolences to South African President Jacob Zuma on the death of the country's freedom-fighting icon, Nelson Mandela.

Mandela, South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid hero, died peacefully at his Johannesburg home on Thursday after a prolonged lung infection.

The prime minister, in his condolence message to Zuma, said Mandela's death was a loss, not only to South Africa and the African region, but to the world.

"It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the death of former president Nelson Mandela. He was a statesman of peace, a gallant son and great leader of South Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Bernama quoted the prime minister as saying that Mandela would be deeply missed in many parts of the world for his influence in the struggle for equality, humanity and reconciliation.

Najib said Mandela's strength of character, perseverance and leadership were instrumental in overcoming the challenging times that South Africa had to face during his crusade against the apartheid regime and in the formation of a democratic South African nation.

"On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, I wish to convey my sincere and deepest condolences to Your Excellency and through you to the government and people of South Africa on this tragic loss.

"Our prayers are with the people of South Africa, particularly the bereaved family, with the hope that they will find strength and solace to overcome their sorrow during this period of grief."

On Twitter, Najib thanked Mandela, whom he referred to as Mandiba (Mandela's clan name, which means the "revered one"), for the global icon's legacy in upholding democracy and freedom.

"Mandela lives on in the spirit of every human who believes in democracy and freedom. Thank you for your legacy Madiba."

Najib said the popular Malay saying comes to mind -- Harimau mati tinggalkan belang, manusia mati tinggalkan nama.

"Mandela left more than a name; he left behind a country that emerged from the darkness of apartheid to become a shining symbol of democracy and reconciliation. I look up to him as a leader among leaders. His biography, A Long Walk to Freedom remains a great source of inspiration to me." Additional reporting by Aliza Shah

The South African flag flying at half-mast as a sign of respect for the late president Nelson Mandela at the South African High Commission in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Kamarul Izzat

'Extend AP system to 2020 to help Bumis'

Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

07 December 2013| last updated at 12:55AM

  THE Approved Permits (APs) for importing cars, which are due to be scrapped in 2015, should be extended until  2020.

In proposing this, Wanita Umno delegate Dr Azizah Johor, in seconding the motion on economy, said the AP system had helped many Malay businesses.

She said it had also generated RM2.25 billion in revenue to the government.

"There is a need for the government to extend the AP system until the year 2020.

"It has brought about a lot of assistance and helped empower Malay businesses," said Azizah, the Lumut Wanita Umno chief.

In echoing Azizah's call, Perak Umno representative Datuk Wan Mohamad Khairil Anwar Wan Ahmad said the AP extension would benefit Malays and Bumiputeras.

He said this was because he was informed that spare parts dealers, who were mainly non-Bumiputeras, had their import permits extended until 2020.

"I know there are many AP holders in this hall. I call on the distribution of APs among Bumiputeras to be continued and extended, if not increased," he said.

Kelantan Umno representative Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin suggested the setting up of an independent audit body to prepare progress reports on the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment plan.

Awang Adek, the Bachok Umno head, said the body should be placed under the Prime Minister's Department.

"By being under the department, those tasked with carrying out the agenda will give their full cooperation," he said when proposing the motion on economy.

Awang Adek said the objective of the audit body should be to ensure effective implementation of programmes on empowering Bumiputeras in the economy.

He said the audit would focus on economic programmes that were being carried out by various government-linked companies (GLCs), ministries and government departments.

"The audit reports should be tabled at the party's assembly annually so that the findings can be shared with us."

Selangor representative Datuk Mohd Haniff Koslan said the government needed to have a body to look into why Malays and Bumiputeras were unable to be successful entrepreneurs.

"GLCs should be tasked with creating more Malay and Bumiputera millionaires," he said, adding that an internal audit and key performance indicator system should be introduced to monitor the implementation.

"Malays are not lazy, they are hardworking and diligent. We have the ability.

"We are good and decent people but we should not lose our rights because we do not want to end up being poor."

Dr Azizah Johor wants the Approved Permit system extended to 2020.

MyEG, Tesco contribute to flood fund

Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST

07 December 2013| last updated at 12:27AM

E-government service provider My E.G. Services Bhd (MyEG) contributed RM100,000 to the fund at a ceremony on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre.

Its executive chairman, Datuk Dr Norraesah Mohamad, said the floods had caused much hardship and suffering to local communities and that it was only right that the corporate sector chipped in to help.

"Hopefully, our contribution will help flood relief efforts," she said after handing the cheque to Media Prima Berhad (MPB) chairman Datuk Johan Jaaffar.

Tesco Stores Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Tesco Malaysia) also chipped in by donating basic necessities worth RM100,000 to the relief fund.

Its chief executive officer, Georg Fischer, said the aid comprised food, daily essentials and personal hygiene items.

He said Tesco had also started collecting funds for the flood victims as well.

"Those who wish to lend a helping hand can make a donation at all Tesco stores," he said after handing a mock cheque to MPB corporate Social Responsibility group adviser Datuk Ahmad A. Talib.

Fischer said Tesco was glad to join MPB in the effort.

"MPB is no stranger in leading coordination of relief efforts in flood-hit areas, for victims of war and other disaster victims in Malaysia and the region."

Present was Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also flagged off more than 30 vehicles under Umno Youth's "Op Banjir" project to transport 4,000 boxes of items, including rice, baby diapers and milk, to be distributed to flood victims.

All three Umno wing chiefs yesterday slammed critics who condemned the party for proceeding with its assembly while thousands had been displaced in the flood-hit states.

Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil rapped the opposition for accusing Umno of not doing anything to help flood victims.

"This is totally absurd. We have deployed our members to help the victims since day one," she said, adding that about 4,000 Wanita Barisan Nasional Skuad Sayang members had been deployed since Thursday to help flood victims.

Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the ongoing Umno assembly had not stopped leaders and members from helping flood victims.

"They (the opposition) must understand that Umno has three million members (who can help).

"Although some gather here (in the assembly), many leaders have returned to their constituencies to help flood victims."

(From left) MyEG executive director Raja Datuk Munir Shah Raja Mustapha, MyEG project director Nor Adnan Zainal Abidin, Datuk Dr Norraesah Mohamad and Datuk Johan Jaaffar showing the contribution to the fund at PWTC yesterday. Pix by Salhani Ibrahim