Malaysia Education Blueprint showing results

Malaysia Education Blueprint showing results

Malaysia Education Blueprint showing results

Posted: 15 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: THE National Education Blueprint 2013-2025 has yielded the initial results hoped for.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the gap between rural and urban students had been narrowed and the blueprint was on track to achieve its 50 per cent target.

"The effort is ongoing and we will see an improvement gradually, in phases."

Muhyiddin was speaking at a ceremony to honour 30 students, 20 schools and 15 teachers for their outstanding performance in last year's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.

In his speech, Muhyiddin congratulated the students and teachers, who he said were responsible for those who excelled emerging as the creme de la creme of Malaysian students, both academically and in co-curricular activities.

"From the 30 outstanding students who had scored all A+ (the highest grade) for all subjects, a portion will be selected as beneficiaries of the 2014 National Scholarships.

"The 20 schools who are celebrated recorded a higher academic excellence compared to 2012 in their Average School Grade (GPS)."

Muhyiddin said the teachers who had received the award were selected based on their ability to create a conducive learning environment between them and their students, resulting in better academic performances.

Among the schools selected in the top 20 list were Sekolah Tun Fatimah, Johor Baru; SM Sains Sabah, Kota Kinabalu; SMK Victoria, Kuala Lumpur; SMK Agama Naim Libanat, Kota Baru; SM Imtiaz, Besut; and, SMK Tinggi Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

On March 21, Education Ministry director-general, Datuk Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof announced an improved overall 2013 SPM achievement with the National Average Grade (GPN) of 4.93 compared with 5.08 in 2012.

Later, Muhyiddin said Asean member nations continued to maintain close ties with each other, earning the regional grouping acknowledgment as a platform to foster and promote peace and stability from the global community.

He said Asean was also a forum for engagement with Asian superpowers such as China, India, Japan and Korea.

"It is a known fact that since the formation of Asean in 1967, there had not been any open conflict amongst its member countries.

"The Asean way of resolving problems and crises through consensus and mutual respect has indeed gone a long way towards avoiding unnecessary conflicts and tensions," Muhyiddin said in his closing address at the 2014 Putrajaya Forum, which has entered its third year.

He called for continuous and greater collaboration when Malaysia becomes the chair of Asean countries next year.

"There will be more challenges that we need to face collectively amongst the Asean family and beyond.

"As an example, the Asean Region Forum (ARF), which now comprises 27 members countries, continues to complement the various bilateral and multilateral arrangements in place," he said adding that the ARF would also serve as an avenue to address security threats in the region.

On Malaysia's bid to vie for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next year, Muhyiddin said the move augurs well for Asean countries and other Asian nations.

Muhyiddin said placement in the UNSC would allow Malaysia to speak on behalf of Asean members on the importance of diplomacy and moderation in all aspects of international relations.

On this year's two-day forum, organised by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security, Muhyiddin said he was pleased by the call to improve military doctrine by taking into consideration the pattern of non-traditional security threats.
"I believe that the military of any country remains one of the most effective means of addressing a security threat.

"Thus, (military) doctrines that are being formulated must take into account growing non-traditional security threats, which may need a different approach to the more conventional art of war."

Present yesterday was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

 

AirAsia will move to klia2, May 9

Posted: 15 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

16 April 2014| last updated at 11:20PM

AIRASIA Group has agreed to move to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) by 9 May 2014, after earlier expressing reservation over safety issues at the new budget terminal.

In a joint-statement, AirAsia Bhd executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and AirAsia X Bhd chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said that the airlines were looking forward to operate from klia2 as well as to the next stage of their growth and development through the new airport.

They said they hoped to expand their businesses over the long term and contribute to the growth of the country's aviation industry.

"We are confident the services at klia2 and the Award winning services of the AirAsia Group will continue to further boost the growth of the country's tourism, as well as other related industries and sectors," Kamarudin and Rafidah said yesterday.

AirAsia Group would notify all of their guests accordingly to ensure smooth transition from the current low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) to klia2.

Earlier this month, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the LCCT would be closed by May 9, 2014.

AirAsia Group also expressed its appreciation to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the government for the decision to enlist the expertise of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to evaluate klia2 and to determine the long-term safety of the new airport.

"This decision reflects the priority that the Government is giving to the issue of safety, and assuring the public that klia2 is safe. We are very grateful for this priority that the Government has placed on this issue," the group said.

The group said that it had been making all the necessary preparations to move into the new airport, in line with the Operational Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) specifications, such as airside and operations trials.

"With Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB) assistance and support, we would be able to comply with the ORAT requirements to facilitate our move," the group said.

However, they added that although there are still a few outstanding commercial issues, they would not hold back its operations at klia2 as planned.

AirAsia group said that ongoing discussions with relevant authorities are in progress.

"However, should the negotiations not be completed or concluded expeditiously, we hope the Government will be able to provide necessary mediation, in order to enable MAHB to get its dues as the airport operator, and at the same time enabling AirAsia group to efficiently operate based on our proven low-cost carrier business model through reasonable charges and levies."

AirAsia says it is making preparations according to the Operational Readiness and Transfer specifications, to move its operations into klia2, Sepang on May 9. Pic by Fariz Iswadi Ismail

Mukah to get RM600m airport

Posted: 15 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

16 April 2014| last updated at 11:18PM

Though Mukah is reachable by road today, the centre for the Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy (Score) currently has limited air connectivity due to the size of its current airport.

Sarawak Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong said the existing airport can cater only to the Twin Otter DHC6 aircraft, with a total capacity of 19 passengers.

"Sometimes, this aircraft carries even fewer people, especially when there is more cargo.

"With the rapid development of Score, it would be impractical and unsustainable, thus the need for a larger airport for Mukah," said Manyin.

The new Mukah airport, which is among the pledges made by Barisan Nasional during the recent Balingian by-election, is expected to begin operations in January 2018.

Manyin said the first phase of its development, costing RM133 million, covers the initial earthworks. More than RM400 million is needed for its second phase.

"The second phase will include the pavement of the airfield, road works and civil infrastructure and building works.

"They will be opened for tender within the next eight months," Manyin said after witnessing a contract signing between the state Public Works Department, Hock Peng Furniture and General Contractor Sdn Bhd, here yesterday.

The proposed 280-hectare site, which was approved by the State Planning Authority, is located along the Mukah-Oya road, 7km away from Mukah town. Earthworks at the site will be completed by December next year.

With the new airport, Mukah will be able to cater to larger aircraft, such as the ATR-72-500 that has a 68-passenger capacity.

With the rapid development of Score, the state is expected to see rapid economic growth in the central Sarawak region, which covers a 320sqkm area that includes Mukah, Tanjung Manis, Similajau, Sibu, Bintulu, Sarikei and Kapit.

The rapid development projected for the coastal town of Mukah in Sarawak, a three-hour drive from Sibu, has prompted the government to build a new airport.

'Tunnel a short-term measure'

Posted: 15 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

CYBERJAYA: A  MITIGATION   plan to end the water crisis  in at least some major parts of the Klang Valley  is under way,  as the Federal Government mulls ways to end the problem.

Pahang-Selangor Raw Water Transfer Project (Tunnel) director Dr Zullkefle Nordin said the crisis faced by 1.5 million people in Cheras and Hulu Langat was expected to be mitigated by temporarily modifying the tunnel.

He said this would replenish the supply of raw water in three treatment plants along Sungai Langat, namely the Langat, Cheras Batu 11 and Bukit Tampoi plants.

He said the plan would operate as a short-term measure, as the construction of the Langat 2 treatment plant was due to be completed only by 2017.

"The drought will last from May to September, and the weather might worsen in the coming years.

"We are worried that the Sungai Langat Dam (with a 50 per cent reserve capacity) might not be able to release water into the river because of the low water level.

"Hence, we intend to lay an underground pipeline, with a 1.5m diameter, which will connect the tunnel outlet in Hulu Langat to Sungai Langat.

"A wall will be built at the tunnel's face to connect the pipeline," Zullkefle told the New Straits Times yesterday.

The 44.6km-long and 5.2m-wide tunnel was expected to channel 600 million litres per day of raw water from Sungai Semantan and the Kelau Dam, he said, adding that Pahang would be charging Selangor 10 sen per cubic metre.

Zullkefle said the plan to install the pipeline, which costs between RM4 million and RM5 million, would be submitted to the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry for approval by the end of the week.

"The overall tunnel project is 95.2 per cent complete and is expected to (be completed) by year-end.

"Although we do not need a development order from the state (Selangor), we need (the state government's) cooperation to make this plan a success.

"In times of crisis like this, political differences should be kept aside and priority should be given to the rakyat."

The NST had, on Saturday, quoted Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as saying a mitigation plan would be carried out by the Federal Government to transfer water from Pahang.

The plan is a short-term measure to alleviate the suffering of Klang Valley residents, many of whom have been putting up with water rationing for more than a month.

Zullkefle echoed Mahdzir's sentiments, saying the plan to modify the tunnel was not a solution to the water crisis, as it would involve only the Cheras and Bukit Tampoi Dams, and not the Sungai Selangor Dam, which supplied up to 60 per cent of water to Klang Valley residents.

The water level in the Sungai Selangor Dam has drastically decreased, as the amount of rainfall in the catchment area has been less than normal (below 200mm).

The Federal Government, said Zullkefle, was concerned over the crisis, as water was a basic need.

He added that the government was doing its best to resolve the crisis.

"We are talking about national security and water security because when there is no water, it affects the country's economy, and investors might not want to invest in the country."

Asked if treated water should be transferred from Pahang, Zullkefle said it might be contaminated by impurities while being transferred.

He stressed that the Langat 2 project would end the water crisis.

"If the Langat 2 project had been constructed according to schedule (when it was first proposed), the Finance Ministry would not have to fork out RM900 million of taxpayers' money for mitigation plans."

 

'Anwar out to fool people with absurd statement'

Posted: 15 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

16 April 2014| last updated at 12:18AM
By ZULITA MUSTAFA AND ADIB POVERA AND ADRIAN DAVID | news@nst.com.my

 PUTRAJAYA: PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday criticised the opposition leader for claiming that he could solve the mystery of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in one second.

He said such a statement was illogical and absurd, and it made it seem as though Malaysians were stupid.

"It (the statement) totally made no sense, except to fool Malaysians. The reality is that we are a country that is interconnected with the global economy.

"The search for MH370 has shown the necessity for support from other countries because of the unprecedented complexity and challenges (to locate the missing plane)," he said at the monthly gathering of Finance Ministry staff here yesterday.

A Chinese daily had, on April 5, ran an interview by the Southern Weekly magazine with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, quoting him as saying if he was the prime minister, he would take one second to solve the mystery of the missing MH370.

In Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the unprecedented multi-agency and international search effort for MH370 had forged greater spirit of fellowship among participating Asean countries and other nations.

He said the relentless commitment displayed by 25 countries in pooling their resources for the search effort would boost the ability among the participating nations to face future security challenges.

"All of you are aware of the difficult times we are facing in the tragic case of MH370, which has affected the nation profoundly. This incident has not only brought the whole nation together but also instilled the camaraderie among Asean members and beyond.

"I believe the trust, respect and transparency that have been displayed, as well as the close cooperation forged among us will put us in good stead in future when we are faced with a security challenge," he said at the closing of the Putrajaya Forum 2014 here yesterday.

Present was Defence and acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Muhyiddin said the close cooperation pertaining to the search for MH370, which vanished with 239 passengers and crew members on board on March 8, would contribute to the overall stability of the region.

He also praised Hishammuddin for the way he handled and managed issues surrounding the loss of the Beijing-bound Boeing 777 200ER.

"I would also like to congratulate Hishammuddin for managing the issues (involving MH370) well." Additional reporting by Adrian David

 

Court fines trio for causing bus accident

Posted: 15 Apr 2014 09:01 AM PDT

16 April 2014| last updated at 11:22PM

Mohd Azzam Saifuddin Ahmad Jalaludin, 25, Abdull Ghafar Abu Bakar, 37, and Saifullizam Hussin, 39, pleaded guilty to their respective charges under the Road Transport Act 1987.

Azzam, who was driving a four-wheel drive, faced two charges of careless and inconsiderate driving including driving without a licence, at Km164 of the North-South Expressway, about 9.30pm on March 29.

Ghafar was charged with lodging a false police report on the accident at the South Seberang Perai district police headquarters at 8.11pm on March 30.

Saifullizam was charged with permitting Azzam, who did not have a driver's licence, to drive his vehicle, at Km164 of the North-South Expressway, about 9.30pm on March 29.

According to the facts, Azzam, who was driving the vehicle, was heading north. He was on the left lane of the expressway when he overtook the bus which was on the right lane.

After overtaking, he moved into the same lane as the bus, hitting the left front portion of the bus. The impact caused the four-wheel drive to ram into the metal divider.

This resulted in the bus driver losing control and the bus skidded to the left before turning turtle.

Investigations revealed that Ghafar, who lodged the report, was not driving the vehicle involved in the accident.

He was found to had given a false statement and lodged a false report, as Azzam did not have a driver's licence.

Magistrate Siti Salwa Jaafar fined Azzam RM4,000 or three months' jail on the first charge and RM300 or three days' jail on the second charge. Ghafar was fined RM5,000 or five months' jail, while Saifullizam was fined RM300 or three days' jail.

It was reported that the driver of the four-wheel drive fled the scene, leaving the vehicle.

The 16 express bus passengers, who were on their way to Alor Star from Genting Highlands, had a close brush with death when the bus they were travelling in overturned following the collision.

Six of them sustained serious injuries, while eight others, including the two bus drivers, had minor injuries.

(From left) Mohd Azzam Saifuddin Ahmad Jalaludin, Saifullizam Hussin and Abdull Ghafar Abu Bakar at the magistrate's court yesterday. Pic by Danial Saad