Immigration counters up again

Immigration counters up again

Immigration counters up again

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT

03 June 2014| last updated at 02:22AM
By FAZLEENA AZIZ | fazleena@nst.com.my

Immigration director-general Datuk Aloyah Mamat said yesterday the technical problems were rectified during the weekend.

"The system should be running properly from today (yesterday). It is best for the department to continue its services to the people as everything is back to normal."

When asked the reason for the system to go offline, Aloyah merely said it was best to let operations resume instead of dwelling on the "why".

A worker in the complex, who declined to be named, said people were angry and frustrated because of the offline system.

She said many were unhappy the incident occurred during the school holiday period as many people had travelling and wedding plans.

A check by the New Straits Times revealed the complex was full, and people were coming in and out to the various sections for visas, passports, permits and registrations of marriages.

There were also those who have been coming since last week to get their applications processed.

Housewife Ani Rosdiah, 39, came three times last week to renew her permit but was sent back by the officers each time.

"The officers informed that my application couldn't be processed because their system was down.

"They didn't put a sign to say the system was down and I just wanted to make sure my papers were at least with the officers.

"I came back today (yesterday) to collect my permit as the system is back online."

Retiree K. Velu, 63, also came last week to the complex in Jalan Duta but was told to go back by the officers.

He said the officers could not do anything as the system was not able to process his application.It was reported that a computer glitch had caused major disruptions last week at several Immigration counters in the Klang Valley.

 

Outlet clearing out nation of illicit ciggies

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT

03 June 2014| last updated at 12:21AM

Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association (PJCA) and Association of Muslim Restaurant Operators Malaysia (Presma) have spent time engaging business owners and explaining to them why selling illicit cigarettes was not only against the law, but morally wrong, as the items were unregulated by the government.

PJCA president Cheah Poo Kuang said the association had pledged to support the Customs Department initiative, as it protected the interests of honest retailers in the community.

"Retailers must understand that selling illicit cigarettes is bad for all, as it affects the livelihood of those running legitimate businesses.

"Since (the initiative) began, we have seen that the number of consumers who purchase illicit cigarettes has dropped significantly, which proves that the authorities' enforcement is a success.

"We hope this awareness campaign will help association members be more aware of the consequences (of distributing illegal cigarettes) and convince them that it is not worth being jailed and fined over."

He said it was the association's duty to remind members that selling illicit cigarettes would not bring them profit.

Cheah said illicit cigarettes were also bad for consumers, as they contained unregulated substances that had been reported to be five times more dangerous than those contained in regulated cigarettes.

He said not only was the business transaction illegal, but retailers were providing consumers with dangerous products.

Presma vice-secretary Habeebur Rahman Shahul Hameed echoed Cheah's sentiment, saying the livelihoods of retailers who ran legitimate businesses were threatened by the sale of illicit cigarettes.

He said the sale of legal cigarettes had gradually increased among association members after the launch of Op Outlet.

Habeebur Rahman said those who thought that selling illicit cigarettes would earn them more profit, as they did not have to pay taxes, were fooling themselves.

"We want association members to abide by the law and we urge them to stop supporting the sale of illicit cigarettes.

"Violating the law can put them at risk of being jailed or fined."

On Thursday, a sundry shop owner in Tumpat, Kelantan, was fined RM1,000 by the magistrate's court for selling contraband cigarettes.

Mohamed Jahar Salleh, 53, was also fined another RM600 on a separate charge of possessing a box of fire crackers.

He pleaded guilty to both counts of possessing various brands of cigarettes and kretek, valued at RM53.41, and a box of firecrackers, valued at RM43.20, at the premises of MJS Resources in Kampung Chenderong Batu, Wakaf Bahru, at 2pm on April 28.

Magistrate Ahmad Adha Amir Yasser Amri ordered Jahar to pay a RM1,000 fine or serve 10 months' jail for the first offence, and a RM600 fine or six months' jail for the second charge.

Jahar paid the fines. During mitigation, he pleaded for a lighter sentence, telling the court that he had three children, who were still in school, under his care.

Jahar was unrepresented, while Customs Department prosecutor Karthy Gasedev Devarajoo prosecuted.

Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association members putting up a poster at an eatery, warning business owners and consumers against selling and buying contraband cigarettes.

More oil, gas 'revenue' for Sarawak

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT

03 June 2014| last updated at 12:37AM
By ROY GOH AND ADIB POVERA | news@nst.com.my

 MIRI: THE Federal Government will find ways for the state to benefit more from the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

"I am well aware of the special motion passed during the recent state assembly to ask for an increase in the (oil) royalty. The federal and state governments have no problems discussing what is needed by Sarawak.

"The chief minister (Tan Sri Adenan Satem) has also said it may not be in the form of an increase in royalty, but it could be in other form as long as it brings more funds to the state.

"The Federal Government will give its full consideration to this," Najib said in his address during the National Gawai Open House at the Miri City Fan complex here last night.

The event, attended by more than 7,000 people, was graced by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife, Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi.

Present were Adenan and his wife, Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and other state leaders.

Oil and gas producing states get a five per cent royalty annually from Petronas and there have been calls from state leaders for an increase or a revision to the policy for Sarawak.

In affirming Adenan's earlier observation on Najib, who said he had a "soft spot" for Sarawak, the prime minister stressed that the state was never far from his sights.

Najib has never missed the Gawai celebration since taking over as the prime minister in 2009 and his latest trip to Sarawak saw him flying in straight here after a six-day working visit to China.

In his address, Najib also spoke of three key reasons for the success achieved by Sarawak, namely social harmony and cohesiveness, political stability and solid development plans to ensure continued progress.

Unlike the opposition, Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said component parties under the ruling coalition worked for common goals and struggles.

"BN has only one philosophy and one ideology, which have contributed to the political stability in the country.

"But, it is a different situation for the other group (the opposition). They are always at loggerheads when it comes to the core policies of their parties.

"There are parties (in the opposition) pushing for hudud whereas their allies are strongly against the implementation of the law."

He also gave his endorsement to Adenan, who took over from Taib after serving the state as its chief minister for 33 years.

"I am confident the new chief minister will ensure continued prosperity for the state."

Earlier on stage, Adenan warmed up to the audience with a short display of ngajat, or Iban warrior dance, which was followed by three traditional battle cry of "oooh haaa".

"The people in Sarawak appreciate good deeds and remember them. We have a generous prime minister because each time he visits the state, he will approve something. We wish that he comes here more often," he said in jest.

Meanwhile, Jabu said Najib's friendly attitude and understanding of the Sarawak people's cultures would be long remembered.

"In the context of multiracial Malaysia, Gawai is an important event that binds people together and strengthens unity in the country."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak cutting a cake during the Gawai Dayak celebration in Long Silat, Ulu Baram, yesterday. With him is Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu (second from right). Bernama pic

New test shows no sign of pig DNA

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT

03 June 2014| last updated at 02:34AM
By BALQIS LIM | news@nst.com.my

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said 11 samples, including Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roasted Almond, were taken from the company's manufacturing plant in Shah Alam and sent to the Chemistry Department on May 26.

He said aside from the two chocolate products in question, four samples were taken from different products from the same processing line and five were raw ingredients, with the potential of being animal-derived.

Jamil Khir said the laboratory in Petaling Jaya, authorised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for testing for the purpose of the issuance of halal certificates, is accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia, based on the MS ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 standard for DNA testing, including for processed food products.

"W received the results this morning and porcine DNA was not detected in products taken directly from the factory," he told a press conference at the Islamic Training Institute Malaysia here yesterday.

He said the results were different from the Health Ministry's report, as it did not take the samples straight from the source, but from the market.

It was previously reported that the ministry had detected porcine DNA in samples of Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut chocolate bars, batch number 200813 M01HI2, and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond chocolate bar, batch number 221013 N01RI1.

The findings followed random tests carried out by the ministry on products taken from shelves in Perlis and Kedah in February.

"The samples that we took were from the factory itself. The Health Ministry's samples might have been contaminated at the point of sale or somewhere along the transit process," said Jamil Khir.

He said there were many laboratories in Malaysia and the laboratory that carried out the tests for the ministry was not accredited to test for porcine DNA.

"Sometimes, the samples sent by private parties and individuals are reviewed by other laboratories.

"There is bound to be room for contamination, whether in transit or in storage. Sometimes, their origins are also not known."

Jamil Khir said contamination were also bound to occur everywhere, even through a sneeze or the saliva of people who consume pork, as well as from the same storage areas, such as refrigeration units.

He also expressed hope that the latest findings would allay fears among Muslims over the halal status of chocolate products, adding that in the porcine DNA issue, the government would not protect anyone or hide any information, as it would be a sin.

He said Jakim would now review its earlier suspension of halal certification of the two products following the findings of the latest lab results.

"Jakim will also conduct a thorough inspection of Cadbury Confectionery (M) Sdn Bhd's product lines.

"The inspection will cover raw materials, ingredients, process flow, storage, equipment used and other aspects to ensure their compliance with the halal certification standards.

"A report will be presented at the Malaysian Halal Certification Panel meeting before the halal certificates of the two products can be reinstated."

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom speaking at a press conference at the Islamic Training Institute, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday

'GST can add to rural allocations'

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT

03 June 2014| last updated at 12:31AM

RURAL folk will benefit from an increase in development allocations for their areas with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib  Razak here yesterday.

He said with GST, the government could increase its revenue, which could then be channelled to development, especially in the rural areas.

"When revenue is increased, a big portion of it will be used to build rural roads, schools, hospitals and health clinics," he said at a Gawai Dayak celebration in Long Silat, a Kenyah village, here.

Najib said the rural communities need not worry about the propaganda of the opposition, which was to instigate them to go against the GST.

"I wish to give the assurance here that the people's essential goods will be exempted from GST."

Najib said people in the rural areas, like in the district here, had showed their loyalty and sincerity to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government and that it was apt that their lot were cared for.

He said because of their support, the BN government was able to carry out development programmes here and the residents had benefited from these efforts in stages.

"I am sure with the new developments taking place, we could solve the problems faced by the people here."

The Federal Government, he said, had allocated RM300 million to repair and upgrade old logging tracks here to roads. Of this allocation, RM64 million had already been spent.

"A sum of RM263 million will be spent until 2016, and if there is an increase in (government) revenue, I can add to the allocation in the near future."

Najib also approved RM26.6 million to supply electricity from the mini hydro station in Long Banga here to the surrounding villages.

He said the mini hydro project, which began three years ago, was completed and could generate 330 kilowatts of power. So far, only up to 27 per cent of the capacity has been used.

"I approve this allocation so that more villages around Long Banga can get electricity supply."

Najib received a traditional welcome at the remote Kenyah community settlement, where he took a ride in a traditional boat that was pulled by the villagers.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and several federal and state ministers were among 3,000 people present at the Gawai celebration. Bernama

Orang Ulu folk waiting for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's arrival at the Gawai Dayak celebration in Long Silat, Ulu Baram, yesterday. Bernama pic

'Maintain spirit of cooperation'

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT

03 June 2014| last updated at 12:36AM
By ROZANNA LATIFF | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday called for the spirit of international cooperation to be maintained and boosted across all issues.

He said the joint cooperation shown by 26 countries during the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 would be equally beneficial in responding to other forms of disaster in the future.

"Our common security depends on our ability to work together as closely as we can.

"The foundation is already laid. It can be further strengthened through the building of institutions, rules and norms within the accepted regional structure," Najib said in his keynote address at the 28th Asia-Pacific Roundtable opening dinner here last night.

His address was delivered by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Najib said countering the threat of terrorism, for example, required a great deal of intelligence-sharing and coordination between security agencies.

He cited a case three weeks ago, when planned attacks on foreign consulates in India were foiled after the detention of four suspects in two countries.

"It was only through the strong and sustained cooperation between security agencies in Malaysia and India that we managed to foil a series of potentially disastrous terrorist attacks. This incident, once again, highlights the importance of international cooperation."

Najib also called upon countries with nuclear weapons to accede to the protocol of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone.

"For the sake of our security, we should stay vigilant against any and all threats. Malaysia has always held firm in its belief of a nuclear-free world."

The country, he said, was doing its part to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through its endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative.

"We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with like-minded counties to build a world where our children will not have to live under the dark cloud of such weapons."

Najib said while states had a legitimate right to its defence and security, increases in defence spending and arms building in Asia should be embedded within a cooperative and peaceful framework.

Malaysia and its Asean partners, he said, had placed much emphasis on building institutions, rules and norms, especially in the ongoing efforts to realise the Asean community.

"Institutions and rules are the driving force of our efforts to promote greater interdependence and deepen cooperation among nations in this region.

"It should be recognised that while much has been accomplished there is a lot to be done."

The three-day roundtable, jointly organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia and Asean-ISIS, ends tomorrow.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from left), Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS) chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan (left) and ISIS chief executive officer Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa (third from left) meeting delegates at the 28th Asia-Pacific Roundtable opening dinner in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Khairull Azry Bidin