Sabah needs infusion of 600 medical officers

Sabah needs infusion of 600 medical officers

Sabah needs infusion of 600 medical officers

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:01 AM PST

 KOTA KINABALU: SABAH is facing a critical shortage of medical officers, with another 600 needed for hospitals and clinics.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said there were 700 doctors in the state, while existing posts for housemen and specialists had been filled.

However, he said, there was a shortage of medical officers and the ministry was considering options to employ more doctors from the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak.

Speaking after making his rounds at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital's twin tower blocks here yesterday, Dr Subramaniam said he would discuss the matter with the Public Service Department to facilitate the movement and review incentives to attract more medical officers to the two states.

Meanwhile, operations at the new RM365 million twin building blocks are expected to start in June.

"We are now bringing in equipment. This will cost RM120 million and there will be 931 beds in the two blocks," he said, adding that the state capital now had three government hospitals that housed 1,500 beds.

Dr Subramaniam said the ministry would look into establishing health development zones that include seven districts: Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Beaufort, Sipitang, Keningau and Kota Marudu.

This is to ensure patients are given medical attention in their area, hence reducing the number of patients referred to Kota Kinabalu.

On the issue of foreigners having to bear full medical payment, Dr Subramaniam said the ruling would also include refugees.

"We will speak with the United Nations on how this will be done. In theory, anybody who is a foreigner has to pay, regardless of whether he is an expatriate, illegal immigrant or legal worker."

On whether there would be a system put in place to ensure foreigners would not cheat their way into hospitals, he said it would need co-operation from other ministries.

"I know the special situation (large presence of illegal immigrants) in Sabah, but the issue is beyond the Health Ministry.

"It will need the involvement of relevant ministries."

Independent economic macro-analyst Professor Dr Hoo Ke Ping said the government should have imposed the full medical fees 20 years ago when foreigners from neighbouring countries sought treatment.

"We have not taken any action on this and we have been generous. However, times are tough now given the financial condition.

"The Health Ministry has the third largest budget but there is no budget to build hospitals or enough beds.

"Ideally, employers should bear the cost for their foreign employee."

Now, by adding the medical to the employment, it could discourage them from hiring foreigners, who are weighing down the wage market with cheap labour," said Hoo.

Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan said the decision was fair.

"Foreigners shouldn't complain as we charge only normal rates, never more.

"Malaysia is rated the third best healthcare provider in the world, which is appealing to foreigners.

"When we go overseas, we have to pay a premium sometimes and some don't allow foreigners to use their public facilities," Dr Tharmaseelan said.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Datuk Paul Selvaraj said healthcare for foreigners should be included in the cost of labour.

"Employers who bring their workers are going to benefit, so there is no reason why we should provide subsidies for foreigners."

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (centre) visiting the computerised tomography (CT) scan room at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. With him are Sabah Health director Dr Christina Rundi (second from left) and the hospital director Dr Heric Corray (second from right). Pic by Izhari Ariffin

'The Journey' rakes in RM13m

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:01 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Barely three weeks after its release, local movie The Journey is making waves in the local movie scene.

The movie, which stars Australian stage actor Ben Andrew Pfeiffer, former Miss Astro Chinese International Joanne Yew and 74-year-old retiree Frankie Lee, made RM12.92 million (as of Feb 23), making it the highest earning local movie of all time, beating Syamsul Yusof's KL Gangster (RM11.74 million) and Osman Ali's 2011 Ombak Rindu (RM10.9 million).

With its touching storytelling, the movie marks director Chiu Keng Guan's third film after Woohoo (2010) and Great Day (2011).

Set amid the rich backdrop of local Chinese festivals, such as the Jade Emperor birthday celebration at the Clan Jetties in Penang and the Chingay Parade in Johor, the story transcends cultural and social backgrounds while celebrating filial piety, love and family unity.

The movie has also garnered praise from local celebrities, including popular actress Sharifah Amani.

In her Instagram post, the Sepet actress commented: "A cross-continental story that explores the idea of culture, not just as tradition but as an expression of love. No hantu (ghost) with bad make-up. No big stars overdoing it. No crash boom bang. But full of love, tradition and beauty. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to watch this beautiful film. (Cry like gila) My favourite Malaysian film so far this year. With amazing shots, wonderful story and honest performances The Journey is hard to beat. Well done director, cast and team. Thank you for a beautiful film. There is still hope for Malaysian films."

Award-winning actress, Datin Sofia Jane, known for her role in Suratan Kasih, also tweeted her praise: "I'm so glad for its overwhelming run. I enjoyed it tremendously. Wished my dad was around to watch it with me. #thejourney'"

When met for a comment, Chiu thanked Malaysians for their support. "Thank you for making The Journey Malaysia's No. 1 local movie.

"We (the cast and crew) are delighted and overwhelmed by the unanimous support and words of encouragement by Malaysians, and spreading all the good word through word of mouth, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on. It's a beautiful movie with a huge appeal to Malaysian diversity."

Pfeiffer, who played the happy-go-lucky Benji, was overwhelmed by the film's reception.

"This movie truly belongs to the Malaysian people. What a surprising and beautiful outcome for everyone involved. I would like to thank Astro Shaw for placing their faith in the entire team.

"It feels like this will be a film that stays in the hearts of all who witness it for a long time to come. It's become a cultural and national treasure."

Pfeiffer is currently involved in a large scale Australian theatre production titled Ghosts.

Set in the present day, The Journey is about a conservative father, Uncle Chuan (Lee), who lives by a set of rigid rules.

When his only daughter, Bee (Yew), returns home from England with an English fiancé in tow, Uncle Chuan develops an instant dislike to Benji.

When Bee breaks the news of her marriage to Benji, Uncle Chuan refuses to give his blessings. With the cultural barrier set to damage their relationship, Benji knows he must do something to amend the father-daughter relationship.

After much persuasion, Uncle Chuan finally agrees, but on one condition, the wedding ceremony has to be done in his way, the traditional way.

They embark on a nationwide journey to hand-deliver wedding invitations to the latter's childhood friends.

Throughout the journey, they learn valuable lessons about embracing each other's differences.

Shot in locations in Malaysia, including Cameron Highlands and the beaches of Sabah, the movie is playing in cinemas nationwide.

It will make its theatrical debut in Singapore next month and is slated for release in Taiwan later this year.

A scene from 'The Journey' with Benji (Ben Andrew Pfeiffer, left) sharing a moment with Uncle Chuan (Frankie Lee), his conservative future father-in-law.

'Engage with Malaysians overseas'

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:01 AM PST

26 February 2014| last updated at 11:53PM
By SYED UMAR ARIFF | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIAN diplomatic missions overseas must regularly engage and establish contact with the Malaysian diaspora to promote mutual benefit between Malaysia and their host countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said there were about one million Malaysians living abroad. Malaysia has diplomatic missions in 105 countries.

He said developing regular contact with the Malaysian diaspora could assist envoys in carrying out their responsibilities more effectively in their host countries.

The Malaysian diaspora could also help promote Malaysia internationally by keeping an open communication channel through social media, for example, he said.

"They can help explain events or incidents taking place in Malaysia. Our country has done well to make itself known worldwide, but there are still many who do not know about us," said Muhyiddin in a speech at the 8th Heads of Mission Conference at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations yesterday.

The conference was aimed at ensuring Malaysian foreign policy was in line with new developments as well as highlighting issues and strategic interests to keep foreign missions abreast of the nation's developments.

Muhyiddin reiterated that ambassadors, diplomats, high commissioners and consular-generals should continue to project a positive image of the country at all times and communicate their positions on various issues effectively.

He described Malaysian diplomatic missions as frontline representatives of the government, with an important role to form and influence public opinion about the country.

Muhyiddin related the impact of social media in the run-up to the 13th General Election, which he said had shaped public opinion, particularly among the youths.

"Some argued that it was a step towards a more open form of democracy but experience has taught us that social media can be abused.

"Rumours and accusations can spread like wildfire, including among the Malaysian community living abroad.

"We have to explain to Malaysians and foreigners alike that this is not what democracy is all about. It is also about the citizens' right to vote, the guarantee of the rule of law and accountable governance.

"I would like to reiterate the crucial role you have in projecting a positive image of Malaysia abroad, and to instil confidence in Malaysia's continued stability and sound governance among the international community."

"The fact that people are able to use social media freely, albeit within the ambit of our laws, is an indication of a robust democracy."

Improved engagement with Malaysians living abroad could also help to reverse the brain drain, where talents leave their home countries for better opportunities in developed nations, that had affected many countries.

Muhyiddin also called for working synergy between Malaysian diplomatic missions and Talent Corp, which was set up to provide incentives to attract Malaysian experts to return home to work.

"Malaysian diplomatic missions and Talent Corp should harness each others' strengths to reach out to Malaysians abroad and raise awareness about the opportunities back home.

"Talent Corp will be able to provide information on the type of experts Malaysia needs while our diplomatic missions can assist in disseminating (related) information among other Malaysians in their host country."

Also present was Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (seated fifth from left) with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (seated fourth from left) and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin (seated sixth from left) with the heads of foreign missions in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Azmaidi Abidin

Over 7,000 bush, peat fire calls since Feb 1

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:01 AM PST

26 February 2014| last updated at 11:23PM
By KALAVAANI KARUPIAH AND TASNIM LOKMAN | news@nstp.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: THE Fire and Rescue Department has received more than 7,000 calls involving bush and peat fires from Feb 1 to date due to   the  dry spell.

Its director general, Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim, said the calls increased fivefold in the period compared with the same period last year.

"We receive an estimated 300 calls per day on fire. Most of the calls involved locations in the states of Selangor, Johor, Kelantan and Perak," he said after officiating the 2014 Fire and Safety Seminar yesterday.

He said the department's personnel were on standby in case the situation worsened during the current dry spell.

Wan Mohd said the department would continue to keep a close watch, particularly on locations nationwide that were considered as hot spots.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment said they were currently pumping water from tube wells to be used to extinguish the fires.

Its director-general, Datuk Halimah Hassan, said water levels nationwide were low and insufficient to douse bush fires.

"Officers were told to pump out water from tube wells in fire-prone areas to be used in case of a bush fire. This is being carried out nationwide to ensure water usage and fires are controlled."

In George Town, a bush fire at Bukit Relau on Monday night caused panic among hundreds of residents living at the foot of the hill.

During the 9pm incident residents, particularly those from Jalan Yeap Chor Ee and Bukit Gambir, were horrified as they watched the blaze from their homes.

The blaze, which took place in a 0.4ha area of shrubs and bushes, took 30 Fire and Rescue Department personnel more than half an hour to bring under control.

Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations chief Kamaruzi Mohd Nor said it was tough fighting the fire in the dark.

"We had to chop down the shrubbery with parang to reach certain recesses where embers of the fire were spotted."

Kamaruzi said the cause of the fire was unknown, but attributed it to the drought as the underlying factor.

He said a similar fire had broken out in the area about five years ago. Additional reporting by Phuah Ken Lin

Fire and Rescue Department personnel getting ready to douse peat fires at Km24.8 of the Elite Highway yesterday. Pic by Sairien Nafis

Syabas slams Khalid over Klang Valley water crisis

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:01 AM PST

THE tension between Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) is set to intensify over the  water crisis in the Klang Valley.

A day after the company was accused for its alleged failure to assume responsibility in handling the crisis, Syabas yesterday slammed Khalid for issuing misleading information on the water situation in the state, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Syabas technical development division executive director V. Subramaniam said since 2008, the company had submitted numerous notices and reminders to Khalid, warning him of the impending water crisis Klang Valley residents would face if the state failed to recognise the importance of developing and upgrading water supply infrastructure, including the Langat 2 treatment plant project, in the state.

"Khalid on many occasions refused to recognise and execute Syabas' proposals to develop and upgrade water supply infrastructure to avoid and overcome water shortage crisis," he said con at the company's headquarters, in Jalan Pantai Baru here.

The press conference was held to rebut Khalid's statement on Monday, criticising Syabas for its failure to prepare a water rationing schedule for affected residents who were facing water shortage in several areas in the state.

Khalid had announced that the state government would start rationing water supply in phases state-wide beginning yesterday.

Subramaniam said the state government, in the first place, had no authority to press ahead with water rationing exercises state-wide.

"In fact, apart from the affected (71) areas in Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Sepang which are facing water rationing exercise from Feb 27 as approved by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), there would be no similar exercises in other areas state-wide as announced by Khalid on Monday."

The exercise followed the closure of the Cheras Batu 11 and Bukit Tampoi water treatment plants because of the high level of ammonia in Sungai Langat.

Subramaniam clarified that under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, only SPAN had the authority to approve water rationing.

"A discussion was held between the Selangor government and Syabas about the proposal to reduce extraction of raw water from Sungai Selangor dam by 600 million litres per day and the reduction of treated water production from five water treatment plants by 500 million litres per day.

"However, Syabas is unable to execute the water rationing exercise until it has been approved by SPAN," he said, adding that Syabas had submitted the application to carry out the exercise in several areas, following the drop in water levels at dams in the state.

"We can only proceed with the exercise after obtaining approval from SPAN.

"The commission will also advise Syabas on the water rationing schedule, should our application be approved.

"I would like to assure consumers that the rationing of water supply would be conducted systematically and we would make sufficient preparation and issue early notice to consumers."

Subramaniam said Khalid failed to inform the consequences of his proposal to reduce water supply from the five water treatment plants by 500 million per day -- that it would affect more than 750,000 accounts.

More than one third of the areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya would be affected by the move."

Subramaniam said Khalid failed to take into account the impact of his proposal on hospitals, dialysis centres, government offices, business premises and factories.

Selangor Umno Youth Chief Zainuri Zainal said Khalid was being "irresponsible" for announcing the water rationing without adequate information, causing panic.

"The state government was repeatedly told that Langat 2 treatment plant is needed to resolve the crisis, but when we voiced out our concerns in the state assembly, Khalid brushed off our arguments, saying that the state had enough water to last until 2019."

"Khalid promised that he could resolve the crisis after taking office but nothing happened."

The Selangor government yesterday urged Syabas to stop giving excuses and speed up the water distribution plan.

"We want Syabas to prepare the water distribution plan immediately without giving excuses because as the water concessionaire, Syabas is responsible for distributing clean water to the residents and consumers," it said in a press statement issued by the Menteri Besar's office.

It said Syabas' delay in getting the water distribution plan approved by SPAN due to the closure of water treatment plants at Cheras Batu 11 and Bukit Tampoi was "ridiculous and unacceptable."

"This is an important matter and involves many people," it said.

RM2M for army school buses

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:01 AM PST

26 February 2014| last updated at 11:14PM
By ZARINA ZAKARIAH | zarinaz@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: THE Defence Ministry has approved a RM2 million allocation per year for the rental of school buses in the Klang Valley for children of military personnel beginning April 1.

The allocation will benefit some 1,800 children of military personnel. The allocation and will also provide for insurance.

At present, military trucks are used to transport these children to and from school.

Eventually, the move will be expanded nationwide, for which the ministry had requested an additional RM21 million.

In addition, the ministry had also approved an allocation of RM60 million to refurbish the quarters of the armed forces. To start, six camps have been identified for refurbishment: Tok Jalai in Kedah, Desa Pahlawan in Kelantan, Seberang Takir in Terengganu, Tapah, Port Dickson and Desa Tun Hussein Onn.

The refurbishment of the quarters will be carried out in phases.

The government has also approved a new salary scheme for the armed forces, upgrading minimum and maximum scales.

The government is also considering six new types of allowances, though these are under review.

The allowances included an offshore station allowance for missions, such as postings to Eastern Sabah Security Command, special allowances for commandos and paratroopers' allowance.

The government is also planning incentives for submarine, pilot and aircraft technicians.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (third row, fourth from left) with army personnel at the Mindef monthly meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently. File pic