Chua (third right) with Malcolm (third left) and others pose with participants at the opening ceremony. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi KUCHING: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia must be more innovative and creative in order to move up the global value chain with the help of new-edge technology. In stressing this yesterday, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said SMEs must also be mindful of the global change towards Industry 4.0. “Globally, change is already happening and businesses have to embrace change in order to survive. Many industry players in developed countries have moved into the Industry 4.0 sphere, utilising the cyber-physical system holistically, ahead of us. “Industries in countries like Germany, the United States and to a large extent Japan are the ones driving this initiative with minimal government intervention,” he said when opening an outreach programme on Industry 4.0 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here. Chua stressed that the benefits of companies adopting Industry 4.0 technology would be significant. He said success stories of some companies had shown tangible results where adoption of high technology had helped them increase productivity and products variation as well as to market products faster. According to him, Adidas’ move in shifting its outsourced global manufacturing facility back to Germany is a prime example of Industry 4.0 at work. “Notably, they deployed additive manufacturing or 3D printing to produce their renowned sport products,” he added. Chua believes that low labour cost offered by developing countries would not be attractive enough as Industry 4.0 phases out routine jobs that require minimal human cognitive involvements with the use of robots and artificial intelligence. He said Malaysia is not alone in experiencing the challenges of Industry 4.0 which he termed as a global megatrend. “Advancement of technology is the impetus of emerging new business models that are disrupting traditional markets. “Uber, Alibaba or Airbnb, for example, are forcing traditional manufacturers to rethink their current business models,” he pointed out. Chua said the new business models moved away from owning assets or having experiences in the very sector they ventured into. “It is a common trait of these leaders to be innovative, hence allowing them to meet customisation demands of today’s consumers.” He thanked SME Corp Malaysia for co-organising the programme which was in line with the government’s efforts to create awareness of the importance and benefits of adopting Industry 4.0. “The national policy on Industry 4.0 is being developed through engagements done by various quarters of the government through workshops, seminars and outreach programmes like this one as well as online consultation. “The aim is to be as inclusive as possible in gathering feedback from stakeholders and increase the awareness of Industry 4.0,” he added. Over 300 individuals from both the public and private sector attended the programme, which focused on helping SMEs understand and initiate change to their business operations. Also present was Assistant Minister of Industries and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.

Ministry of Land Development

SRI AMAN, Sat- Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said a government programme such as the Sejiwa Senada is essential to be held to enable the people to better understand the various government policies and programmes. He said the programme also helped the government to thwart baseless allegations made by certain quarters on the government as it helped the people to be directly in touch with the relevant agencies to get the correct information. “The effort by the government agencies to directly disseminate their information and policies to the people through this way is really a good step as more people will understand the desire of the government to serve the people,” he said when launching the Sri Aman Division Sejiwa Senada Programme  held at the KPSU field here. For example, Taib said, certain people failed to understand the government genuine effort to develop native land into oil palm estate which would give them many benefits as they were not well inform on the project.    The Sejiwa Senada programme here started on 25 Feb and will end on  27 Feb. It involves a total of 133 departments and agencies from the state and federal governments. As of today, some 90, 000 people from all walks of life had visited the programme which offers interesting contests and knowledge.   The programme, which is held in almost all the divisions has attracted some 400, 000 visitors thus far. Its main objective is to enhance ties between the government and the people. Also present were the Chief’s Minister’s wife, Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd. Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Federal Secretary Datuk Md Yahaya Basimin , Assistant Ministers, heads of government departments and community leaders.-ENDS.

A close-up of the illegal logs seized. KUCHING: Efforts to combat illegal logging and smuggling activities in Sarawak will be increased from time to time. Seizures and arrests have been made throughout Sarawak ever since the government pledged a war against illegal logging in the middle of 2014. The efforts have been successful in weeding out the smuggling of logs and prevented the loss of royalty due to the government. This, one of the High Performance Team Solutions projects, received special attention by the state government as discussed in Kota Kinabalu earlier this year. State Forest Department director Sapuan Ahmad told a press statement yesterday that until July 2015, a total of 127 cases had been investigated with 250 suspects detained to assist in the investigations. Sibu region comprising Sibu, Sarikei, Kapit and Mukah divisions recorded the highest number of case with 87, followed by Kuching region (Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong) with 66 cases, Miri region (Miri and Limbang divisions) 54 cases and Bintulu region with 43 cases. From the 127 cases, a total of 48,639 timber logs or 34,555 cubic metres worth RM10.4 million have been confiscated. Sapuan said the department had laid out various strategies in its efforts to curb illegal logging in the state. “Other than conducting surprise checks in timber storage area either in the forest or sawmills, we also carry out road blocks and set up inspection stations at strategic locations throughout the state. “In addition, enforcement officers from the department are also assigned to various export points such as Tanjung Manis in Sarikei, Kuala Kemena and Kuala Tatau in Bintulu as well as Kuala Baram in Miri to monitor and check every vessel or barge that enter and exit the river confluence.” That apart, the Forest Department also used numerous channels to get information before initiating an operation which was normally done in collaboration with other enforcement agencies such as police, Customs Department, Sarawak Rivers Board, Immigration Department, STIDC and Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd. “Besides the conventional ground attack, the department also employs the use of technology and advanced application systems to detect illegal logging activities. “This includes using the latest satellite imaging and air surveillance with helicopters which have facilitated our works tremendously,” he added. Sapuan said the system was also used to monitor activities in licenced logging areas to ensure operators abide by the rules and regulations. He further assured that efforts to stem out illegal logging and smuggling activities would not stop here. “A long term plan has been implemented to ensure sustainable management of forest in Sarawak including licenced areas for improvements. “The government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has taken steps to make it compulsory to obtain Forest Certification licence in Heart of Borneo Project areas and practised Sustainable Forest Management (SFM. “The chief minister has also said that he would consider lengthening the licence of operators who practise sustainable forest management with certification as incentives,” he said. Overall, Sapuan said the present efforts to stem illegal logging and smuggling activities with emphasis on sustainable forest management practice through certification was apt and not too late. He thus urged all parties especially licenced operators to give high commitment and cooperation with the government to combat illegal logging and smuggling activities and continue to enhance practice in sustainable forest management in Sarawak. Enforcement officers check and record illegal logs that have been seized.

Sharifah Hasidah (fifth left) in a photo call together with some of the Sarawak lawyers who attended the meeting with Abang Johari today. – Photo by Chimon Upon     KUCHING: Sarawak lawyers from both sides of the political divide are in solidarity to protect Sarawak’s right over its oil and gas resources. Today, 50 lawyers from across Sarawak, some of whom may have different political affiliations and ideologies, had a meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to give inputs and ideas, pertaining to the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974. The meeting was held after Petronas filed an application before the Federal Court seeking for a declaration on the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) being the law applicable for the petroleum industry in Malaysia. Petronas is seeking to clarify that under the law, it is the exclusive owner of the petroleum resources as well as the regulator for the upstream industry throughout Malaysia, including in Sarawak. Present at the meeting is Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relationship and Project Monitoring Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and members of Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) led by the president Ranbir Singh Singha. “The lawyers are doing it for free (pro bono)…we are going all the way for Sarawak, tooth and nail, not even an inch we will surrender.” “As far as the AAS is concerned, they are with us and giving their full support,” said Sharifah Hasidah.

KUCHING: Majority of Sarawakians are happy to be in Malaysia. Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, who is the minister in-charge of the state-level National Day celebration, said this when asked if he has heard of rumours that some people ‘boycott’ the National Day celebration. “I want to verify this issue. I have not received any issue about people wanting to boycott National Day (Aug 31). My comment is, this is something personal and we can’t generalise,” Dr Rundi told a press conference here yesterday. He added: “If we know the history (of formation of Malaysia) and how difficult our past leaders had fought for independence, we all should appreciate the importance of independence, sovereignty. Don’t take it for granted.” He said independence was gained with bloodshed, lives and sacrifice, which the younger generation should value. “When we were born, everything is in order and peaceful. National Day is what we should be proud of,” he said.

KUCHING: The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Sarawak Subsection and Swinburne Sarawak IEEE Student Branch recently installed 50 solar-powered passive infrared motion sensor wall and street lights at Kampung Salak. A press release yesterday said this was the second visit by the two organisations to the village to complete the second phase of their ongoing humanitarian project. The installation was completed in two days with the cooperation and assistance of villagers. Villagers were taught how the lights work via the detection of motion within the range of sensors. One of the Swinburne students also stayed overnight at the village chief’s house to ensure the lights worked properly. Phase three, which includes checking on the state of the village and a handover session, will be completed by the end of the year.

LAWAS: Several locations in Lawas District have been earmarked for the construction of telecommunication towers to ramp up broadband communication speed in tandem with the state’s drive towards digital economy. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this is line with the state government’s desire to widen internet coverage and increase broadband speed throughout the state. Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and Second Minister of Urban Development and Resources, was met during his Raya open house at his village of Kampung Dato on Wednesday, which attracted over 1,500 people. Commenting further, he said both Limbang and Lawas districts were already connected by fibre optic telecommunication infrastructure, which he said would stimulate business and e-commerce in the area. “Both districts are fiberised as we have a good cooperation with our neighbour Brunei,” he said. On the Rimbunan Kasih (PRK) pilot project in Sundar sub-district, he said it is a business model based on a holistic concept to raise the income of participants in Sundar and Awat Awat As part of the Rural Transformation Programme, this agro-based project is already producing golden honey dew fruits for export to Brunei. It is currently spearheaded by IRIS Corporation, a private company, and guides participants through courses and training in production and marketing while providing job opportunities. Meanwhile, Awang Tengah was touched by the overwhelming response to his open house in his village and in Lawas town from people from all strata of society and age groups. “They come from all walks of life, different races and religions and cultural backgrounds. It is a joy to see such solidarity and harmony here. “I pray that such harmony will continue to be upheld and the society will continue to leave in peace and harmony,” he  added. About 10,000 people thronged his Raya open house spread over three days at Hotel Seri Malaysia and in his village, the first since his appointment as deputy chief minister. Also present were his wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, PBB Bukit Sari deputy branch chairman Awangku Jinal Abidin Pengiran Jawa, who is also Lawas District Council deputy chairman, and community leaders.

Naroden (second left) presents the certificates of attendance to a representative of the workshop participants, witnessed by Kameri (left). KUCHING: Entrepreneurs must try new things to keep up with the times and advancing technologies to better market their products and services. In this respect, Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais views that the current economy is gearing towards digital economy. “The state government has launched its digital economy policy, which involves borderless technological change. But most importantly, the entrepreneurs must be brave and positive – they must not give up easily; they should take up new technology in stride,” he spoke at the ‘Online Business Workshop’ conducted at a hotel here yesterday. “Try out something new in marketing your products and utilise the digital technology fully in getting more customers from all over the world instead of just focusing on the local market,” said Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister of E-Commerce. According to him, e-commerce has enabled businessmen to use the Internet to market their products, which makes business transactions faster and easier and at the same time, it reduces cost and is able to increase output. He also pointed out that trying new things like online business would serve as an alternative methodto conventional businesses. He said an entrepreneur should strive to be become like a ‘Street Fighter’ – willing to compete healthily and try new things, aside from offering something different to their customers instead of imitating others. On this, he cited Alibaba.com – an online marketplace founded by Chinese businessman Jack Ma – as a prime example of harnessing business potential via the Internet. Meanwhile the two-day workshop, which concluded yesterday, was attended by 58 people. International Trade and E-commerce Ministry permanent secretary Kameri Affendi was present at the closing ceremony.

  Lukanisman Awang Sauni       MIRI: Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni hopes the Sarawak government will not close Rural Transformation Centres (RTCs) as they provide essential services to the rural population. He was reacting to a press report that the Rural Development Ministry had made a decision to maintain only five RTCs, hand over three of them to building owners and give back another three to two state governments. Its minister Rina Mohd Harun said RTCs that will be maintained under the ministry are in Melaka, Pahang, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu due to their location in the rural areas. Meanwhile, three RTCs that will be handed over to the state governments are RTC Negeri Sembilan, RTC Sibuti and RTC Betong while the three that will be handed over to the building owners are in Perak, Kelantan and Penang. The building owners are Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara). Lukanisman said based on his understanding through the report, RTC Sibuti will be closed and it is up to the state government to continue the services within the RTC building. “Personally I feel RTC Sibuti has the potential to be developed. I hope it will be upgraded to allow many federal agencies to be placed under the RTC and to become a centre of entrepreneurship development,” he said yesterday. He added that RTC services were very much needed by the rural people.

Abang Johari (seated centre from left) flanked on his right by Douglas and Awang Tengah at the bilateral meeting with Ali Apong flanked by Dr Mat Suny and Erywan. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg led a top-level delegation for a two-day working visit to Brunei aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between Sarawak and the sultanate. The delegation included Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Dato Haji Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang, deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and State Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Morshidi Abdul Gani, accompanied by government officials from the respective departments and agencies. They arrived in Brunei on Tuesday and were welcomed by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom Pengiran Bahar and officers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Malaysia High Commission. The state delegation attended a bilateral ministerial meeting with their counterparts on Wednesday morning as a follow-up on the proposed cooperation in agriculture, tourism, energy and other areas of mutual interests. This was followed by the bilateral ministerial meeting at Empire Hotel was chaired by Brunei’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Seri Haji Ali Apong on Wednesday. Also in attendance were Second Foreign and Trade Minister Erywan Yusof and Minister of Energy Dr Mat Suny Mohd Hussein and officials from the ministries. Abang Johari, Douglas and Awang Tengah will be granted an audience with the Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei, HRH Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman in the afternoon. The Sarawak delegation will also visit the arts and handicraft training centre before leaving for home.

KUCHING: Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is currently undergoing restructuring with a focus on social housing and adopting corporate culture. Chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen said in terms of social housing, HDC is working on a formula to, among others, enable those with a monthly household income of RM3,500 and below to own affordable housing priced between RM50,000 and RM60,000. “Our main core business is to provide affordable housing. If you survey the household income of those with RM3,500 and below, they can only afford to have around RM200 as disposable income to pay for their house. “So with the disposable income of RM200 a month, they will be able to pay for houses that are priced between RM50,000 and RM60,000. So we are trying to get more of this type of products and we are going into a new formula,” he told The Borneo Post at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house yesterday. “We are building homes, which is different from building houses. As for homes, you have people in a family setting and geographical community setting and participate in having a new type of living where they will be very satisfied.” He said HDC is also looking to provide more conducive living to its clients by upgrading their houses. “HDC regards all our house owners-clients as our friends and we want them to increase their income. Meaning that, the house they are living in now will be upgraded when they have a better income. “To increase their income, we must work together with other agencies like the economic, education and training sectors so that they will have credit worthy house occupants. Meaning, their income will increase and we will upgrade them to live in better housing with the condition that they can afford,” he said. Dr Rauf added HDC will also look to adopt corporate culture for more efficient and effective performance. “So we will work together with the private sector. Over the past 15 years, we have also been engaging with Sheda (Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association), our very close stakeholder and partner to build up the new culture,” he said.

Pesta Benak is one of Sarawak's iconic event and celebrated on a grand scale. Centered in Sri Aman, there will longboat paddling competition, tidal bore surfing, water sports, food and trade fair and; nightly entertaiment.  Two new activies for this year are a body-building contest and hot air balloon rides. For more informations, please call: Zaidi Bin Sarkawi (013-5785130) Tel: 083-323366 Fax: 083-321648 Email: www.sriamanro.gov.my Facebook: Pesta Benak Sri Aman @##@Sri Aman Resident Office@##@Batang Lupar River Front At Sri Aman Town@##@2014-05-16@##@2014-05-18

  Awang Tengah takes a closer look at one of the food products on display at SPP. KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Product Pavillion (SPP) will serve as a platform for traders to market Sarawak products in Peninsular Malaysia. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the launch of SPP next January. The initiative by the Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak will involve small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Sarawak. Located at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman here – near the Medan Tunku Pos Malaysia Bhd – the SPP will function as an e-trading and one-stop centre for Sarawak products like Bario Rice, Sarawak Blackpepper, Sarawak Laksa paste, handicrafts and furniture items. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who visited the trading centre on Sunday night, said SPP would also serve to promote Sarawak products internationally. The centre houses four facilities – a seminar room, offices, e-trade support centre and hostels. Additionally, SPP would soon have its own café managed by Dapur Sarawak, said Awang Tengah. “Soon, more than 200 entrepreneurs from Sarawak would be sending their products to SPP – for now, only 32 entrepreneurs have sent theirs. Local products, from Lawas down to Lundu, will be on display or be stored at SPP,” he said, adding that these products would be sold at reasonable prices, beginning today. “SPP will work closely with Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Agriculture Department and various agencies like Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation, as well as NGOs (non-governmental organisations) like Persatuan Anak Sarawak,” he added. The ministry’s Entrepreneurs Development Unit head Samat Junai and Borneo Mart Enterprise Sdn Bhd director Mazalan Rajang accompanied Awang Tengah during the Sunday night visit. SPP, which is managed by Borneo Marts Enterprise, is open from 9am to 6pm daily. To know more about SPP, visit website www.sarawakpavilion.com.my. Alternatively, browse Facebook page #sarawakproductpavillion or Instagram via @sarawakpavillion.

Sharifah Hasidah (standing, fifth left) – flanked by Tan on her right and Faridah – joins the debaters and other guests in a group photo. KUCHING: The government is putting priority on developing quality skilled human resources who will be competitive in the global market. “Production of skilled and trained local human resources can reduce the reliance on foreign workers,” Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said in a speech at the presentation of prizes for the Chief Minister’s Debate 2017 at RTM Kuching on Friday. His text-of-speech was read by Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali. Abang Johari said the economic growth and development of the country, especially in the digital era, would depend very much on the people. On the debate, he noted that it had undergone a change of format from conventional style to parliamentary style – requiring debaters to be very focused, prepared and able to respond spontaneously. The chief minister said the government always encourages students to participate in such healthy activity and avoid being involved in social problems. “Such event provides not only the platform for students to show their speech abilities, but also for them to build confidence and polish their leadership skills,” he said. The event also hosted Sarawak Broadcasting Department deputy director Faridah Sulong, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak deputy director Haliza Jamaludin and Education Department quality assurance chief Tan Lee Swan.

The muddy and slippery stretch of the road to Linei longhouses.       MARUDI: More than 500 residents of five longhouses in Linei area have expressed their disappointment at the poor road condition to their longhouses. They said the 7km timber track standard road from their longhouses to Marudi town had become very muddy and slippery, and posed great danger for those travelling on it. One of the residents, Edward Louis Jampi, called on Sarawak government to look into the matter and act fast before the situation gets worse. He also appealed to Mulu assemblyman Dato Gerawat Gala, who is Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, to help repair the road through his Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund. Edward is the chairman of Pemansang Dayak Baram. “As we know, the said area gave full support to the Barisan Nasional during the last parliamentary election. At the very least, the Deputy Speaker should give some allocation to repair the road,” he said. Edward was met on the road after coming back from a Gawai Dayak celebration. It was observed that many big vehicles were stranded at some muddy stretches of the road. Linei is an Iban area under Mulu state constituency and Baram parliamentary constituency.

Chan gives the thumbs-up to a petty trader while Normah is seen smiling next to him. KUCHING: Stutong Community Market is one of the best of its kind in Malaysia, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) executive director (socio-economic development) Datuk Normah Malik. “I am particularly interested in how the traders keep their stalls dry and clean. It is not like any other wet markets I’ve seen. Even the wet area is quite dry and clean. “One of the things that impresses me is that the mayor (of Kuching South City Council Datuk James Chan) told me that to be fair to all the traders, they have this rotation among stalls quarterly. We don’t have such practice in KL. “Another thing is about the wholesale market which Stutong does not have. The wholesale traders work from 10pm to 6am. In such a way, you’re fully utilising the market,” she said when met by journalists at the market yesterday. Normah, who is leading a 53-member delegation for a four-day working visit to the city, said it was her first time to the Stutong Market, which is leaving her with a good impression. “I think this is one of the best markets I’ve visited,” she said. While at the market, the delegation toured both the ground and first floors. The visitors were also briefed on how the surveillance system worked. Most of them later spent some time at the Green Centre, which is a single-storey building adjacent to the market. Normah said they would pay a courtesy call on Datuk Bandar of Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) today (Sept 4). “We will get some briefing from the mayor,” she said, adding the delegation had visited a couple of tourist attractions here including Sarawak Cultural Village and the cottage industry such as kek lapis makers. Meanwhile, Chan said many council delegations from Peninsular Malaysia had visited Stutong Community Market, which was making a name for itself as a conducive market. “DBKL is one of the top councils in Malaysia and it is nice for them to come for a visit. Stutong Market is making its name in Malaysia and even the prime minister has come for a visit.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had a walkabout at Stutong Community Market in April 2011 when he also pledged RM300,000 for upgrading purposes. According to Chan, the market was now more conducive because the hawkers were all very cooperative, friendly and happy to be trading there. “Stalls are much in demand now. For this visit, we are willing to share with the visitors what we have and we also learn from their strong points too. This is a way to better ourselves. “Normah is very enthusiastic and she wants to know more about this market like how to improve cleanliness.” He also lauded petty traders and the council staff for their dedication and commitment to keep the market as clean and hygienic as possible. To a question, Chan said most of the food stalls on the first floor were not operating yesterday because it was a weekday and also due to past arrangement. “Those stalls that you see closed are meant for halal food. As you know, 80 per cent hawkers here are non-Muslims, and now we try to fill them up so that more vegetarian and chicken sellers can come in.” He added that more food stalls would open during weekends when the crowds were bigger. Presently, the market houses 512 stall holders – 394 Chinese, 63 Malays, 52 Dayaks and three Indians.   Normah (second right), Chan (third right) and others watch a fish monger at work.

KUCHING: The people including those in the private sector are encouraged, as part of their CSR programmes, to play a major role in controlling a possible outbreak of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The assistance can include donating sanitisers to schools to curb the spread of the disease, said  Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. “We must all play a part in helping to curb this menace for the safety of our children and to prevent unwanted incidents from happening.” The statistics and increasing number of HFMDs across the country call for greater vigilance and more cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the relevant agencies including members of the public. Based on answers given by the Minister of Health in Parliament, 39,408 HFMD cases were recorded between Jan 1 and July 29 this year, with Selangor having the highest number at 11,669, followed by Kuala Lumpur (4,552) and Sarawak (4,551), Dr Yii said. “With the recent news of the death of a 17-month-old baby from HFMD in Penang, and also the death of a two-year-old  toddler from Mukah, it is important that urgency be shown to the matter and greater awareness among the public especially in taking precautionary measures so that the HFMD situation will not escalate, and claim more lives.” This disease is endemic and occurs the whole year long in Malaysia. It is closely connected to personal and environmental hygiene, especially among children below 7 years old in such places as nurseries, play schools, kindergartens, and even public playgrounds. “Due to the increase of cases in Malaysia, and in Sarawak, I welcome the  Ministry of Health’s initiative to control the spread of this disease. “This campaign will be done intensively in the next three weeks covering five main issues including personal hygiene, correct ‘hand-washing’ practices, hygiene of surrounding environment, gate-keeping screening in all nurseries, pre-schools and kindergartens and also disinfection of the different contaminated surfaces,” he said. On long-term preventive plans, there will be more training given to the owners of educational premises and their handlers on a yearly basis. HFMD is a disease caused by viruses Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus 71, which are transmitted through direct contact with the nasal fluid, saliva, blisters and stool of the affected individual. Among the symptoms are fever, rash or blisters on the palms and feet as well as ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue.

Rogayah Jamain. SIBU: The locals have apparently responded positively to Sibu Municipal Council’s ‘Say No To Plastic Bags 2.0’ campaign, which is nearing the end of its three-month trial period. The trial period started in October while the full implementation of the campaign will begin next year. “So far, the response and feedback from both retailers and the public on ‘no plastic bag day’ for three days (Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) have been positive,” said Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairperson Rogayah Jamain. She said: “Most of the retailers support our campaign by not giving plastic bags on those three days (per week). “As an alternative, they provide bio-degradable plastic bags, boxes and recycle bags to their customers.” She said the council encouraged shoppers to bring their own recycling bags. Based on a 2010 survey among major towns in Sarawak, the composition of waste include food perishables (35 per cent), paper (19 per cent), soft plastic (11 per cent), hard plastic (5 per cent), garden waste (5 per cent), nappies (5 per cent), glass (3 per cent), wood (2 per cent), the rest being metal and construction waste. Meanwhile, it was observed that some members of the public entered the restricted area where Christmas trees were displayed at Sibu Town Square Phase 1 to take photographs. On this, Rogayah said: “SMC will inform the security guards to patrol the areas regularly.”

  Hamden (left) presents Abdullah with a memento. — Photo by Chimon Upon.     KUCHING: Forestry matters may be under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments and federal authorities, but this doesn’t stop all stakeholders from working towards the betterment of humanity and future generations. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Malaysia is committed to Reducing the Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) objective. Awang Tengah’s, who is also Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, and Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, text of speech was read by Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs Abdullah Saidol. “One of the mitigation measures is through sustainable forest management,” he said at the 18th Malaysian Forestry Conference welcoming dinner, here Tuesday. He told delegates that Sarawak is not only endowed with many natural resources, but also blessed with cultural diversity due to its 28 ethnic communities, many of whom have been living intimately with the biodiversity and have learned to use  plants for various reasons; be it for food, medicines, health and shelter. “Sarawak has gazetted 60 totally protected areas including national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, covering an area of 788,886 hectares and two territorial waters of 231,954 hectares,” Awang Tengah added. He said the Sarawak government has established the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to initiate intensive biotech-based research and development on our biological resources – particularly those that have been utilised by indigenous communities and to facilitate the documentation of the fast disappearing traditional knowledge on the usage of these biological resources. “To date, a total of 1,324 species have been documented with useful traditional knowledge for medicine, food and nutrition, etc. From this figure, six plants have been selected for further R&D and commercialisation,” Awang Tengah said. Sarawak has set up the RM60.6 million Bio-Valley Park in Miri where there are pilot plant facilities for research and commercialisation. “The Heart of Borneo project is indeed our pride to show how various the governments of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia can work together towards achieving sustainable forest management, conservation of biological diversity, sustainable agriculture and land use, community-based programmes and promoting eco-tourism,” he said. Sarawak Forest Department director Hamden Mohammad who in his speech said he hoped to encourage partnership within the forestry sector, was also present.