Robbers steal RM3.3m from security van

Robbers steal RM3.3m from security van
Home decoration contest weaves relatives closer
ALL GEARED UP TO FACE NEW CHALLENGES
94,680 traders checked for price hikes
March posting for teachers
'We were shot at on the way to Sector C'

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

29 January 2014| last updated at 12:15AM

KUALA SELANGOR: A GANG of robbers escaped with RM3.36 million in cash during a security van robbery at a petrol station in Ijok, here, yesterday.

In the 10am incident, the van had stopped at a petrol station to transfer money to an automated teller machine.

As soon as the van stopped, a man in a white van and another man on a motorcycle who were at the station headed towards the van. They held up the four security guards accompanying the van, seized their pump-action shotguns and drove off with the security van with the guards inside.

District police chief Superintendent Mohd Taib Ahmad said two other suspects tailed the security van.

"They were brought to an oil palm plantation about 1.5km away from the scene of the crime," he said.

There, the robbers transferred nine bags containing the cash into their own van before setting the security van on fire.

Taib said the guards were forced to lie face down on the ground and two of them suffered burns from lying too close to the burning van.

"The injured guards received treatment at the Sungai Buloh Hospital."

Police are reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the petrol station for clues.

The security van which was set on fire by robbers in an oil palm plantation in Jalan Makmur, Ijok, Selangor, yesterday.

Home decoration contest weaves relatives closer

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

29 January 2014| last updated at 12:22AM

While most contestants hired professional designers and decorators, the family of Cham Ah Keng, 51, felt it was better for its members to work together for the competition.

She said the competition aspect came second as it was more important to strengthen the bond between family members.

"We joined the competition just to liven up the atmosphere for Chinese New Year. We are not aiming for the top spot."

Although the family had played down their chances, it has not stopped them from putting in serious work towards making their home look spectacular for the Year of the Horse.

The centrepiece of their decoration is a horse sculpture made from polystyrene, placed prominently in front of their ancestral shophouse.

Cham's brother-in-law, Chan Wah Beng, 42, is in charge of creating the sculpture.

"Chan is very talented in drawing and sculpting. He is the artist in the family as art is his hobby."

She said it was not the first time Chan had made a decorative centrepiece as last year, he had sculpted a snake to welcome the Year of the Snake. Other materials used in their decorations included red lanterns, trees, as well as paper origami butterflies.

"The 'mei hua' we use is a Chinese traditional flower which will bloom during Chinese New Year while the calligraphy scrolls of Chinese proverbs is a family tradition.

"Most of the materials were recycled from past years so we don't have to fork out too much money."

Cham is hoping her family would be blessed with good health, longevity and prosperity this year.

Chinese Assembly Hall Youth leader Lim Chen Hee said the competition was an annual tradition in the historic Chinese enclave.

"The competition is open to individuals, companies, hotels and associations here.

"The judging sessions will be conducted tonight (last night) and tomorrow night (tonight) by our panel of judges comprising school teachers, advertising designers and other professionals."

"Contestants can observe other competitors' decorative styles to gain more ideas so that they can improve and get better marks in the second judging session."

Muhammad Shahril Ramli, 23, said this was the second time his company, Monna Ong Company, was taking part in the competition.

"Last year, we grabbed the third place. This year, we hope to clinch the top prize although the competition is much tougher this time," said the lighting programmer.

The 'balik kampung' fever is evident at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang yesterday. With the Chinese New Year just two days away, scores of people have taken leave to go home to celebrate the festival with their families. Pic by Ahmad Irham Mohd Noor

Chan Wah Beng, 42, (right) working on a horse sculpture made from polystyrene while Chen Yong De, 15, is decorating a plant at their home in Kampung Cina in Kuala Terengganu yesterday to welcome Chinese New Year on Friday. Pix by Tengku Syamim Tengku Ismail

Terengganu Teoh Chew Association Women's Section members putting the final touches to flower decorations to usher in the Year of the Horse on Friday.

ALL GEARED UP TO FACE NEW CHALLENGES

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: DESPITE many challenges in 2013, the Transport Ministry had not only survived, but succeeded on many fronts, such as gaining a seat in both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Nov 29 and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on Oct 1.

This had elevated Malaysia to become an industry player in aviation and maritime, alongside other developed countries, and contributed towards the development of other sectors, including tourism, for Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Among its string of accomplishments include the implementation of high-security licences, bearing features designed to avoid forgery and licence fraud.

Another accomplishment was the impending introduction of "One Community One JPJ" in April this year, a programme aimed to enable more drivers in rural areas to have valid driving licences via MyLESEN.

This would complement the revision of the driving school curriculum, also to be carried out this year.

As part of its social engagement efforts, the "1JPJ Young Squad" was set up to convey its message of road safety, peace, unity and patriotism.

This is in line with the target of increasing the Perception of Being Caught (POBC) index from 35 per cent to 75 per cent by 2020 and reducing the Fatality Index to 2.0.

To enhance the services of the Road Transport Department (RTD), a RM4.8 million allocation was approved on Nov 21 last year for the purchase of 12 1JPJ mobile counters.

These counters will offer services such as licence renewals, including obtaining copies and duplicates, blacklist checks, summons payments and other services.

Meanwhile, MySikap, an online system that oversees all other RTD services, was also launched and could be used for checking not only summonses, but also blacklist and vehicle details, and to apply for international driving licences.

To date, 35 per cent of its transactions can be done online, which is on track towards the 80 per cent online transactions target by 2014.

To boost the public transportation penetration rate, the ministry has achieved a 81.7 per cent increase in public transport use by commuters in the Klang Valley compared with 2010.

In 2014, more "Park and Ride" facilities would be extended to LRT/KTM Komuter stations and ERLs, with covered pedestrian pathways and more routes for transit buses.

In the aviation sector, under the "Open Skies" agreement, Malaysia conducted negotiations with 13 countries last year. It is targeting 14 more countries in 2014.

The Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign would be complemented by the opening of KLIA2, which would cater for up to 85 million passengers.

Under the ministry's initiatives and the National Automotive Policy (NAP), industry players would be invited to sit together and discuss issues pertaining to national interests despite being competitors.

Last year, the ministry ratified three international conventions -- the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, the Nairobi International on the Removal of Wrecks 2007, and the Protocol of Preparedness, Response and Cooperation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances 2000.

Meanwhile, in increasing the level of road safety in the country, various campaigns and programmes were launched with the cooperation of government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has also made its way into the The Malaysia Book of Records for setting up Malaysia's first Full Scale Crash Test Laboratory.

In dealing with the challenges of the Automated Enforcement System (AES), the government had decided to continue the operations of 14 AES cameras and have its operations handled by AES Solutions.

The Royal Malaysian Police have been tasked with matters pertaining to AES' operations and enforcement while RTD would be responsible for the Kejara demerit system, set to be implemented soon.

The AES summons rate was also reduced to a starting rate of RM150, effective Sept 18 last year, with the concept of "the more you delay, the more you pay".

In playing its role, the ministry would also be working with Pemandu and SPAD as part of a committee to tackle the rising cost of living and a laboratory to identify ways to ease the people's burden.

It is hoped that 2014 would bring a series transformations that would aid the Transport Ministry in bringing the best services, befitting a ministry that is committed to the needs of the people.

Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad with members of the 1JPJ Young Squad at Politeknik Seberang Perai in Permatang Pauh recently.

An AES camera keeping a watch on the PLUS Kajang Highway. The AES summonses rate has been reduced to RM150 since last year.

The ministry is planning more 'Park and Ride' facilities, like the one at the Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT station, to boost public transport ridership.

94,680 traders checked for price hikes

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

29 January 2014| last updated at 12:18AM

By AKIL YUNUS | news@nst.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 94,680 business premises nationwide have been checked for arbitrary price increases under Op Harga 2014 which began on Jan 1.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry enforcement division director Mohd Roslan Mahayudin said 99 notices had so far been issued under Section 21 of the Price Control and Profiteering Act 2011, ordering errant traders to explain why the prices of their goods were increased.

"If they fail to provide reasonable justification within the time period given, or if they provide us with false information, we can initiate legal action against them.

"Offences committed under Op Harga are not compoundable.

"Instead, the overpriced products will be seized to be used as evidence in court," he said during a briefing on the ministry's action plan to monitor the rising cost of goods.

The ministry has seized more than RM168,000 worth of items since the start of the operation.

Roslan said Op Harga was targeted at three key business sectors -- wholesale and wet markets, sundry shops and eateries.

"We have a total of 1,800 enforcement officers on duty to conduct checks, including plainclothes officers who are tasked with observing these business premises for signs of cheating.

"The police force is also helping us monitor these premises, but they are not authorised to take action against errant traders.

"If they spot any wrongdoing, they will report it to the ministry for us to take action."

Meanwhile, the ministry revealed a total of 9,115 premises were checked in the first two days of the price control scheme launched in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

From the total, 453 were wholesale premises and 8,662 were sundry stores.

Roslan said unlike Op Harga, the price control scheme conducted between Jan 26 and Feb 9 allowed ministry officials to compound traders who failed to display pink price tags for controlled items.

"Traders who fail to display the pink price tags can be fined up to RM10,000, while those who sell the controlled goods for higher than the ceiling price fixed by the ministry face a fine of up to RM100,000, or three years' jail."

Roslan said consumers should refer to the 1Pengguna online portal for a price guide of the controlled items to ensure they were not cheated by traders.

March posting for teachers

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

29 January 2014| last updated at 12:48AM

By AZURA ABAS | news@nst.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: GRADUATES from teacher-training colleges who completed their studies before August last year will receive postings by March.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Munyiddin Yassin said they would fill 8,000 vacancies, following the departure of those who had left under the compulsory retirement scheme.

"The issue of postings was settled by the Education Ministry two days ago. The rest, who graduated after September last year, will fill the available spots after the March posting exercise," he said after delivering his 2014 message for the ministry and launching its new logo yesterday. He said the ministry could not give the postings last year because of the extension of service to those who were scheduled to retire.

On those who applied for transfers, he said the requests would be reviewed based on availability, retirement and other options.

"We cannot simply transfer a teacher who is unqualified to teach a subject just to meet the request."

He said the ministry was waiting for the Public Service Department's feedback on a proposal to hire 10,000 staff to perform administrative duties to reduce teachers' workload.

On the water issue in Selangor, Muhyiddin said the Special Cabinet Committee would meet after Chinese New Year to look into the proposals by the state government for the Federal Government to take over the state's water management from four concessionaires.

"We have instructed the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and Attorney-General's Chambers to look into the matter to ensure there will be no problems later for the Federal Government. The committee will review all aspects before tabling it to cabinet," said Muhyiddin, who heads the committee.

In a Jan 7 meeting, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim told the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry that the state government had failed to finalise matters related to the takeover of the concessionaires and handed the task of restructuring the water distribution service in the state to the Federal Government by invoking Section 114 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006.

Khalid had given an undertaking that the state would give approval to build the RM4.14 billion Langat 2 water treatment plant.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin proposed the formation of the Revenue and Physical Development Implementation Audit task force to oversee the execution of basic infrastructure for education institutions.

"We want to ensure all education institutions have key basic infrastructure to ensure a safe, clean and conducive learning environment."

He suggested the restructuring of the National Education Advisory Council to make it more proactive, adding that the Education Ministry was reviewing the National Higher Education Strategic Plan (2007-2020) to ensure it streamlined with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin handing over a certificate for excellent service to Datuk Marina Chin Abdullah in Putrajaya yesterday as Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching (second from left) looks on. Pic by Fariz Iswadi Ismail

'We were shot at on the way to Sector C'

Posted: 28 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

29 January 2014| last updated at 12:10AM

By AVILA GERALDINE | news@nst.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: A VAT69 commando told the High Court here yesterday that one of his men was shot while heading towards Sector C to provide assistance to a close reconnaissance operation team in Kampung Tanduo on March 1 last year.

Deputy Superintendent Abdul Rani Alias, who led Team Delta (D), said he and Lance Coporal Mohamad Qaiyum Aiqal Zolkipli were on a trail leading to Sector C, which made them visible to armed intruders, while other team members were on both road shoulders. When they were fired at, he told the court he took cover and heard his men telling him that Qaiyum was injured from being shot.

Abdul Rani said he instructed medical personnel from his team to bring Qaiyum to the rear, adding his man was shot in the right shoulder.

When questioned by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, who led the prosecution team, he told the court that his team returned fire for about an hour.

Gani: How did your team retaliate?

Abdul Rani: We returned fire towards where the smoke and muzzle flash (of firearms) were, which were in the bushes in front of us and on our left.

Gani: Did you see the armed intruders?

Abdul Rani: I didn't see anyone, only smoke from guns and muzzle flash as we moved forward from one tree to another.

He said they joined with Team C in Sector C and discovered that the armed intruders had retreated. Abdul Rani met up with Team C leader Deputy Superintendant Anwar Rosli, and learnt that Corporal Sabaruddin Daud from his team and Inspector Zulkifli Mamat from Team C were killed.

Questioned by Abdul Gani whether he received instruction from Superintendant Mancha Laga (Team B leader) after that, Abdul Rani said they were told to conduct all-round defence until 4pm before returning to their camps.