Boost modern agriculture, Taib tells youth

Boost modern agriculture, Taib tells youth

Boost modern agriculture, Taib tells youth

Posted: 31 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

01 June 2014| last updated at 12:51AM
By GOH PEI PEI | news@nst.com.my

KUCHING: YANG di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud  urged the younger generation returning to their villages for the Gawai celebrations to look at how they can contribute in the state's agricultural sector.

He said agriculture would remain relevant and play a greater role in the state's economy in the near future and, as such, the younger generation could benefit from it.

"I am sure many youngsters are going back to their village for Gawai celebrations, so I would like to remind them to look at how they can benefit from agricultural activities in their villages," he said in a Hari Gawai message here yesterday.

Many young people, he said, had left their villages and migrated to the cities to look for jobs.

Due to this, the agricultural sector is facing a shortage in human capital.

Taib said the younger generation could benefit if they chose a career in modern agriculture.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said in a statement the Gawai celebrations served as a unifying force for all communities in the state.

"While we rejoice, we must also be aware that the harmony we enjoy now does not come by itself.

"It took decades to build such strong unity and we must preserve it.

"I invite everyone to work together to maintain social and political stability. I will never let anyone, who sow seeds of hatred between races, to enter the state."

Adenan said the government recognised the need to narrow the economic gap between the urban and rural areas.

"Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, we would like to see a larger percentage of rural and coastal areas connected by roads and have access to electricity and water supply."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, are scheduled to arrive in Miri today to attend the three-day Gawai celebrations with the community.

They are expected to arrive at 3pm and receive a courtesy call from Taib later in the day.

Tomorrow, they are expected to attend a Gawai open house before attending the national-level Gawai celebrations at the Miri City Fan park complex.

On Tuesday, Najib is scheduled to attend a leaders-meet-the-people event at 9am before leaving for Kuala Lumpur.

Dihoi Nyawen (second from right) and family members making lemang at their home in Bau, Kuching, yesterday in preparation for the Gawai celebrations. Bernama pic

Oil smugglers active in Kelantan

Posted: 31 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

01 June 2014| last updated at 12:37AM
By SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH | sharifahmah@nst.com.my

 KOTA BARU: THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is keeping a close watch on  petrol station operators and fishermen in Kelantan suspected to be involved in diesel smuggling.

MACC intelligence division director Datuk Azam Baki said the suspects were operating along the Kelantan/Thai border in Tumpat and Rantau Panjang.

He said a majority were members of well-oiled syndicates based in the state and the neighbouring country.

"Diesel smuggling is rampant along the Kelantan border as it is only separated from Thailand by the narrow Sungai Golok and if no immediate action is taken like setting up a security fence, smuggling activities will continue."

Azam said it was unfair for the public to solely blame MACC enforcement officers on the matter as other law enforcement agencies were also involved in curbing the problem.

"All relevant agencies must play their part to find a way to solve the problem. The MACC will also do its part. We will continue to carry out our intelligence work round-the-clock to stop these activities and nab those involved," he said.

Asked whether it was necessary for the MACC to station its officers at the petrol stations and the fishermen's jetties, he said the MACC would not do so but would continue its mobile operations.

"Apart from checking the operators and fishermen, we will also continue to check on the law enforcement officers to ensure they are not on the take," he said.

Azam said MACC was still investigating the case of a law enforcement officer who was found to have RM1.5 million in his savings account, believed to be profits from fraudulent activities involving subsidised diesel. MACC had obtained a court order to freeze the officer's account pending investigations.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operation) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull was reported to have said that there was also a case where another law enforcement officer was detected to have purchased a lorry to run a diesel-smuggling business.

Shukri, however, declined to disclose which agencies the two officers were attached with.

He said it was high time for the government to review the subsidised diesel policy to combat smuggling.

The government had lost 3.5 million litres of subsidised diesel to smugglers while syndicates made huge profits from the six billion litres of RON95 petrol they sold last year.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle believed to be used to smuggle diesel to Thailand. Pic by Syamsi Suhaimi

'Underdog' Mah basks in victory

Posted: 31 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

01 June 2014| last updated at 12:40AM
By ADRIAN LAI | adrianlai@nst.com.my

TELUK INTAN: THE atmosphere at SMK Abdul Rahman Talib was ecstatic last night, with hundreds of Barisan Nasional supporters chanting the name "Mah Siew Keong" as the victor of the Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election made his way into the school hall, which had been turned into the votes tallying centre.

Datuk Mah Siew Keong, who was labelled as the underdog in the contest against DAP's Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, greeted his supporters with a wide grin as he basked in the limelight after scoring the shocking victory in the intensely contested by-election.

Once the results were announced by returning officer Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad at 9.40pm, the hall exploded into rapturous applause and screams of "Hidup BN" filled the air.

Speaking shortly after he was announced the victor, Mah, who is also Gerakan president, said: "We worked day and night to ensure victory for BN. I must also thank the media for giving us so much support.

"I am very proud of our achievement tonight (yesterday) because this victory signifies a great turning point in the future of Gerakan.

"I would like to thank all the BN component parties and most of all the voters for giving us so much support."

Several of his supporters then lifted the new Teluk Intan member of parliament while Mah punched his fist into the air, appearing relieved knowing that his hard work had finally paid off, despite gaining a razor-thin majority of 238 votes.

Present were BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Umno wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan, MCA vice-president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and Gerakan Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe.

Outside the school compound, the jubilant BN supporters were overwhelmed with joy as they congratulated Mah on his unexpected win over DAP, which had won the seat twice in the 12th and 13th General Elections.

Meanwhile, a small group of distraught DAP supporters who gathered nearby left in despair after the results were announced.

Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud holding back tears after failing to win the Teluk Intan parliamentary seat last night. Pic by Ghazali Kori

A hearty workout

Posted: 31 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

01 June 2014| last updated at 12:50AM
By SUZANNA PILLAY | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: LACK of exercise poses a greater health risk to women than smoking as the threat of dying from heart disease is 28 per cent higher for those leading  a sedentary lifestyle.

"Women need to realise the importance of exercise and try to make exercise a daily habit. Besides keeping healthy, exercise is also beneficial to physique, improving body image, confidence and self-esteem in women," said Azran Ahmad, senior physiotherapist, National Heart Institute.

"Exercise increases muscle mass and decreases fat in the body, which results in firmer body tone, increased strength and a better body shape.

"It also brings a lot of benefits to a woman psychologically, as exercise decreases stress hormones such as cortisol and increases endorphins, the body's feel good chemicals which elevates good mood naturally."

To improve mood and decrease fatigue, only 10 minutes of moderate exercise is required, but to get the full benefits from exercise, women should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

"A successful exercise programme should be interesting, at a suitable level for the individual and depend on the individual's fitness goals.

"Cardiovascular exercise is good for improving healthy heart and building up endurance, while strengthening exercises build up muscles, and improves metabolic rate and physique," Azran said.

He said women who wished to lose weight would need to do cardiovascular exercise, but at the same time, not neglect strength training, as it helps to increase metabolism and fat burning.

"A shift in mindset is the key to women achieving their best fitness levels."

"This includes being 100 per cent disciplined in the way you approach your health and life. A healthy lifestyle includes a good diet, enough rest and less stress.

"A frequently cited excuse by women for not exercising is lack of time in their daily schedules," said Azran, adding it was a question of being creative about incorporating exercise in their busy schedules.

"For a career woman with a more restricted schedule, a short morning walk or jog can be done before going to work. During office hours, stretching is essential to prevent bad posture, promote circulation and increase joint mobility.

He said housewives could increase their physical activity level by doing work in their gardens.

"Sometimes, joining like- minded individuals in group exercise sessions like aerobics and yoga classes can improve your motivation to exercise."

Zumba dance trainer Zin Peggy showing the moves to a healthy heart.Zumba dance trainer Zin Peggy exercising. Exercise increases muscle mass and helps tone the body. Pic by Syed Abdullah Syed Mohamed

Rescued tourist flies home

Posted: 31 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

01 June 2014| last updated at 12:39AM
By A. AZIM IDRIS AND AVILA GERALDINE | news@nst.com.my

SEPANG: THE Chinese tourist held captive for about two months after being abducted by armed men  in Semporna in April was sent home yesterday almost immediately after she was rescued in a joint Malaysia-Philippines operation.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the government had made arrangements for Gao Hua Yuan, 29, to return to Shanghai to be reunited with her family.

Warding off attempts from the media to meet with Gao, he said she was traumatised by the harrowing experience and only wanted to see her relatives as she had "missed them very much".

"You should not pressure her as she is under heavy duress.

"Let her meet with her family first," he told reporters when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here yesterday before he departed for London for an official visit.

After the rescue, Gao was flown to Kota Kinabalu before transiting in Kuala Lumpur on a connecting flight back to her home country yesterday morning.

Gao and Marcy Dawayan, 40, another hostage who is from the Philippines, were rescued in a joint operation between the Malaysian and Philippine authorities on Friday.

In Penampang, Sabah, the state government praised Malaysian and Philippine security forces for their cooperation in rescuing the two victims.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman described the rescue as a complex mission which required coordinated intelligence work and cooperation at many levels.

"We thank our security forces and our counterparts in the Philippines for helping to secure the release of the hostages.

"They have shown high level of commitment in the rescue operation and I urge the people to continue to give their trust in our security forces."

Musa, who is also Eastern Sabah Security Command chairman, was speaking to reporters at the closing ceremony of Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaam Hall here yesterday.

He also reminded Malaysian security forces, particularly those based in Sabah's east coast, to remain vigilant to prevent similar incidents from happening.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the successful rescue operation had brought an end to the agony of the victims' families.

"The operation has proven the effectiveness on the part of our security forces and this can prevent future kidnappings, particularly in tourist areas.

"The experience gained in rescuing the hostages should be used as guidelines for future rescue operation."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was on an official visit to China to mark 40 years of diplomatic relationship with the Asian economic powerhouse, had said no ransom was paid for their release and attributed the success to the cooperation between the Malaysian and Philippine authorities.

The hostages were rescued from the Jolo islands about 10.30am before being sent to Sandakan.

There has been no word on Marcy but Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib had said she was safe.

Gao and Marcy were abducted from the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort, located less than 10 minutes by boat from Semporna, on April 2.

Chinese national Gao Hua Yuan and Filipino Marcy Dayawan were abducted from the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort in Semporna on April 2.

Crystal clear vision for the future

Posted: 31 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

 IT was a fitting tribute to the past, but a crystal clear vision for the future.

Inside the imposing Great Hall of the People structure with tall columns of gray marble on the western side of Tiananmen Square, several hundred people in dark suits had gathered as early as 10am yesterday to witness another milestone in the Malaysia-China ties.

Sitting in the "West Hall" of the Great Hall, which was built in 1959 to commemorate the 10 years' foundation of the People's Republic of China, the invited guests gave thunderous applause as the leaders of Malaysia and China walked to the stage just after 11am.

It was exactly 40 years ago and inside this very hall that then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak, who made an ice-breaking trip to China, became the first Asean leader to establish diplomatic ties.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the eldest son of Tun Razak, followed in his father's footsteps by signing a 10-page communiqué to take the strong relations broader and deeper.

Najib acknowledged the work of his late father: "Forty years ago, my father set out on what he called a 'journey of goodwill, to sow the seeds of mutual understanding and trust'. It was here that we began a new chapter in our relations. I believe that, with time, we will grow even closer together. Good relations are easy when times are good; but true friendship is forged in difficulty."

His wife, Datin Rosmah Mansor, daughter Nooryana Najwa and several cabinet ministers joined Najib in the celebration.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in his speech, also paid a tribute to Tun Razak and then Chinese prime minister Chou En-lai for their "extraordinary foresight" despite the challenging geopolitical situation then.

He said Beijing and Putrajaya must now make their relationship a priority in their respective foreign policies.

"We in China often say reaching the age of 40 is a sign of maturity. Over the past 40 years, despite the many challenges, our relations have become increasingly mature.

"It is now a relationship of remarkable vitality and strength. It is comprehensive, stable and substantive trajectory. We have consolidated, deepened political and mutual trust," Li said.

Najib added: "In years to come, we will remain partners for prosperity; connected by history and firm in our commitment to peace. The ties that bind us will bring stability for our region and opportunity for our citizens. For as the Chinese proverb says: 'If people are of one heart, even the yellow earth can become gold'."

Najib said bilateral relations, which were tested during the MH370 incident, should withstand any challenges.

Without referring to the incident, Li said for 40 years, both sides had enjoyed a time-tested friendship.

Najib said the joint communiqué would broaden and deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual benefits -- economic, tourism, financial services, political, cultural and military.

"We have (also) agreed to increase our level of trade and investment, enhance people-to-people relations, and to preserve peace and stability in the region."

Najib had separate talks with Li and Chinese President Xi Jinping since he arrived on Tuesday for a six-day visit. He leaves for home today.

Diplomats say the warm reception accorded to Najib by the Chinese government was "extraordinary" for a head of government. The Chinese leaders had set aside normal protocols in hosting Najib.

To mark the occasion, Najib gave Li a set of commemorative coins for the anniversary issued by Bank Negara while Li handed over stamps issued by China Post for the 40 years of relationship.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang exchanging documents after signing a communiqué to strengthen Malaysia-China relations broader and deeper in Beijing yesterday. Pic by Khairul Ghazali