Special panel to probe blackout

Special panel to probe blackout

Special panel to probe blackout

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

19 January 2014| last updated at 12:51AM
By OLIVIA MIWIL AND AVILA GERALDINE | news@nst.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: SABAH Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has set up a special task force to probe into the major blackout that struck  the state on Friday.

Its senior general manager (Asset Management) Muhamad Nazri Pazil said the task force would be headed by the utility company and the Energy Commission for Sabah East Coast.

"Once we obtain the full report, it will be forwarded to the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry," he said yesterday, adding that at press time it had yet to determine the cause of the power failure.

The utility company conveyed its apology to the 500,000 users hit by the blackout.

Meanwhile, a Barisan Nasional component party urged SESB to inspect its independent power producers (IPPs).

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) secretary general Datuk Donald Mojuntin said there had been allegations that equipment used by the IPPs was obsolete. While he appreciated SESB's efforts in restoring power supply, he said there must be something wrong if blackouts persist.

"It also begs the question whether the IPPs engaged by SESB are performing as expected. This should be looked into.

"My understanding is that whether or not these IPPs are in operation, contractually, SESB is still required to pay them.

"Surely these IPPs should use state of the art equipment as SESB and the consumers rely on them," he said yesterday.

Mojuntin said such "inefficiency cannot be tolerated" and stern action should be taken against those in authority and those involved.

Mojuntin, who is also Penampang Upko chief, said the Federal Government had allocated about RM1.4 billion over the next five years to replace hundreds of kilometres of cables and to complete the loop from Tawau to Keningau.

"We appreciate it but it cannot be just that. How long more do the people have to wait before we see an end to the frequent blackouts, not only daily but in some places a few times a day?"

Petrol stations were out of service all over Kota Kinabalu because of the major blackout on Friday. Pic by Malai Rosmah Tuah

PM: Waive hawker licence fees

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

19 January 2014| last updated at 01:01AM
By ALANG BENDAHARA AND SUKHBIR CHEEMA | news@nst.com.my

SEREMBAN: PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has pledged his support for the creation of  more micro-entrepreneurs by calling for the abolition of petty trading licence fees.

  He urged local authorities nationwide to abolish the licensing fees for petty traders and hawkers in a bid to spur more micro-entrepreneurs and make it easier for them to supplement their  income.

   "I  support all local councils to abolish the permit (for trade licence fees for hawkers and petty traders) and hope all local councils will follow  the initiative by Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

"It will create more places for hawkers and petty traders to operate," said Najib when launching the 2nd National Hawkers and Petty Traders' Day celebration at Dataran Senawang here yesterday.

  Mohamad had earlier announced  in his speech that  local councils in the state would stop charging hawkers and petty traders for their trade licences, starting this year.

  He said the policy would run for the next three years and urged enforcers to be lenient with petty traders who wished to set up businesses  as it was done to support their  families.

  Najib also had good news for Muslim hawkers and petty traders who lacked funds to set up businesses during Ramadan.

  "The government agrees in principle to set up a Ramadan Bazaar Scheme to provide interest-free loans, to be repaid in six months.

  "We will refine this scheme and announce it in June, prior to Ramadan," said Najib.

 He was referring to a request for incentives for such traders made by Coalition of Malay Petty Traders and Hawkers Associations Malaysia president Datuk Ramli Norani.

   Najib also  warned  hawkers and petty traders not to   rent  out their business premises to foreigners.

  "I have zero tolerance for hawkers and petty traders who do this.

"They must be responsible and not make an income by renting out these premises, which are provided by the government."

   Later, Najib presented a posthumous award to the late president of the Malaysia Petty Traders Association, Roslan Shariff, in recognition of his contributions.

  Other award recipients were Sarawak Hawkers and Petty Traders Association secretary general Kani-Isa Marican Sheikh Ismail;  a fried chicken entrepreneur from Seremban, Datin Siew Swee Kuan; and  tailor P. Selvam.

LV's coming of age

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

19 January 2014| last updated at 12:13AM

 AMID news of  a  changing of the guard at the French luxury house, Louis Vuitton Malaysia comes of age with the establishment of their first Global Store in Kuala Lumpur after being present in the country for 30 years.

"We have not only grown bigger, but the expansion and renovation has enabled us to achieve our objective of providing an intimate and comfortable shopping environment at Louis Vuitton. The fluid layout and interior design allows the customer to enjoy a new experience and discover the luxury within this extraordinary space," said Louis Vuitton Malaysia general manager Kathy Lam.

To mark the opening of this milestone in Louis Vuitton's journey in Malaysia, the store will host a special exhibition starting from Jan 28 to honour eight Malaysian women who have moved frontiers in their fields of expertise. These women include movie star Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and songstress Datuk Sheila Majid.

THE GLOBAL STORE

The newly expanded store measures 1,324 sq m and encompasses a residential feel that is based on the design idea of a luxurious apartment, complete with split levels and private rooms for discreet VVIP customers.

Portals separating the vast space create a sequence of intimate rooms that are further enhanced by the use of different materials, ranging from ceruse oak with gold leaf to eel-skin accent panels and mood-lighting fading smoothly from light in the Women's universe to dark in the Men's universe.

In line with the culture of Louis Vuitton global stores worldwide, the Malaysian store will feature an art installation by local artist Ivan Lam.

THE WOMEN'S UNIVERSE & HAUTE MAROQUINERIE SALON

Upon entering the upper level, one is immediately drawn to the generous space, similar to a luxurious living room at home, housing a selection of ready-to-wear, shoes and the exclusive Haute Maroquinerie Salon.

Designed by Julie de Libran, LV women's design director, the latest Cruise 2014 collection is inspired by the French girl -- a modern-day sophisticated bohemian who likes to mix and match her wardrobe in a chic Parisian manner. Whether it's a boyish double-breasted pantsuit in denim, tweed dresses with fray ends or a drop-waist chambray sundress worn with a white satin jacket and chunky 70s clogs, the options are aplenty and easy-to-wear.

"The positive responses for our ready-to-wear reaffirms that it is the right time to reintroduce this category to the market" said Lam.

The season's star bag is a reinterpretation of the Fall/Winter 2013 show's crocodile pochette, this time in supple taurillon leather, while the iconic LV Sac Plat is modified to carry as a tote or folded over as a clutch.

As for those who crave their own version of the LV handbag, the exclusive "Haute Maroquinerie" room -- one of only twelve such salons in Asia -- offers a made-to-order service from a selection of five iconic shapes -- Noé, Triangle, Lockit, Milaris and Neo Steamer -- in a choice of eight leathers and 27 colours.

Each handbag is handcrafted in the House's historic workshops in Asnières and takes up to six months to complete.

The Travel Room in the Global Store is dedicated to the art of travel for today's voyageur

Bags and a denim loafer from LV Cruise 2014 collection.

Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh wearing a tweed dress from the LV Cruise 2014 collection

MB: Teach kids to preserve environs

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

19 January 2014| last updated at 12:39AM

He said environmental awareness should start at homes and schools, with the children being first taught not to throw rubbish indiscriminately.

"Parents and teachers must teach children about environmental protection and stress how it could help preserve the environment for the benefit for all of us," he said at an environmental awareness programme organised by the Sultan Ahmad Shah Environment Trust (Saset) at SMK Pelangai here.

Present were Saset adviser Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Kalsom, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Marry Yap, Kelab Putera 1Malaysia president Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri James Dawos Mamit.

Adnan said lack of awareness had also resulted in people discarding various items in the rivers, including food leftovers and plastic bags that could affect the ecosystem.

Govt to boost anti-flood measures

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

19 January 2014| last updated at 01:00AM

 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the  cabinet had accepted the recommendations made by the Natural Disaster Management Committee which, among others, proposed that the Meteorological Department and the Drainage and Irrigation Department use the latest technology for better weather forecasting and public announcements.

 At the same time, he said the government would also consider the flood mitigation plans for areas  affected by floods, which would involve huge allocations.

 "Flood mitigation projects are costly and we need to look at our financial ability before we can approve them," he said at a function to distribute aid to flood victims in  Pekan  yesterday. He also presented certificates to volunteers.

 Najib said the Terengganu state government had requested RM480 million for  flood mitigation projects for the state, while  Kuantan would require RM700 million to help resolve its flood problems.

 He said the government would first procure more assets that could be used during natural disasters, including boats and larger trucks.

"We are also reviewing our  standard operating procedures (SOP) to provide a more efficient machinery to assist victims when a natural disaster strikes."

Najib said climate change had also affected developed countries, including the United States, where the temperature in certain areas plummeted to negative 52 degrees Celcius recently due to an Arctic blast.

He said it was not right to blame anyone for the recent floods in the east coast and urged all parties to find ways to reduce the impact of the floods and to assist the victims.

Citing Pekan as an example, Najib, who is also its member of parliament, said the district was often flooded when high volume of water upstream of Sungai Pahang met the high tide.

"But now the floods are caused by heavy downpours, as seen on Dec 2," he said, adding the Kemaman district recorded an extraordinary amount of rainfall on the same day, which was higher than the whole month in previous years.

Najib said Barisan Nasional leaders would find ways to increase aid to flood victims, as the RM500 cash assistance for each family affected by floods was no longer sufficient.

"The BN government will always be with the people through thick and thin. I will ensure victims get more this time around."

A total of 1,504 families received RM750 cash assistance each with RM500 contributed by the Federal Government and RM250 from the state.

Each family also received various items, including a mattress and two pillows from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia, an LED television set from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, a refrigerator from the Pekan Umno division and a rice cooker, which was Najib's personal contribution.

Recipient Fatimah Ismail, 46, said the assistance given by the government proved that its leaders understood the difficulties faced by the people.

"We should be grateful, as our government provides us various types of assistance."

"If we look at other countries, their people were left struggling to rebuild their lives after natural disasters."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak presenting aid to flood victims in Pekan yesterday. Pic by Luqman Hakim Zubir

'Always take into account the law of the land'

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

19 January 2014| last updated at 12:57AM

Experts believe that while many Asian cultures have a clear understanding on using corporal punishment as a disciplinary tool, the same cannot be said for many Western countries, which view corporal punishment as crude, or even barbaric.

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's family and marriage counselling expert Associate Professor Dr Saedah Abdul Ghani said Malaysians who plan on living abroad for an extended period should educate themselves on their destination's laws.

Referring to the Malaysian couple in Sweden who were detained for allegedly physically disciplining their children, Saedah said by familiarising themselves with the law, Malaysians can avoid such situations.

However, she said countries should also review such incidents on a case by case basis.

"In this case, the couple were arrested for allegedly punishing their child for not praying. In Islam, parents are allowed to physically discipline their children who have reached a specific age if they do not pray.

"However, this is only permitted as a last resort, after advising, rebuking and repeated scolding has failed," she said.

She said, based on this context, the Swedish government should take into account other religious and cultural perspectives.

"The authorities should look at the religious and cultural aspects of the matter before arresting the parents, as this could have larger repercussions, such as the parents losing custody of the children, on top of causing negative psychological impact on the kids."

Saedah said the Malaysian government could play a role by advising Malaysians to be mindful of the do's and don'ts in other parts of the world.

Her views were shared by Dr Norani Othman, a former lecturer in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Department of Anthropology and Sociology.

Norani said it was one's responsibility to understand the law of the country one resided in.

She said, based on a sociological standpoint, each country has its laws and it was one's obligation to respect them.

"There are certain ways of teaching your child in Islam; however, some countries may have specific rules that contradict them.

"What is right for you may not be right in the eyes of others, and vice versa. It is wrong to assume that everyone has a mutual understanding on everything in this world," she said, adding that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.

However, she said as the damage had been done, the Malaysian embassy in Sweden must now initiate negotiations with the Swedish authorities.

"A cultural dialogue must be created to clarify the clash of cultures.

"Malaysians may think the case has a clear-cut solution, but we must remember the cultural setting and rules of where the crime was committed."

She said the public needed to understand the motivation behind European countries' negative view towards corporal punishment, as the latter's human rights movement was more empowered when compared to their Asian counterparts.

"People must make the distinction between discipline and abuse, not only in terms of religion but also culture."