The Kelantan Religious and Malay Customs Council president Tengku Tan Sri Mohamad Rizam Tengku Abdul Aziz said the decision was taken as a measure to contain the spread of Covid-19. — Reuters pic
KOTA BARU, Nov 14 ― The Kelantan Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maik) has directed all surau and mosques in the state to suspend religious lectures from today until November 28.
Maik president Tengku Tan Sri Mohamad Rizam Tengku Abdul Aziz said the decision was taken as a measure to contain the spread of Covid-19.
He said Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V, as the state religious head, had consented to the matter.
“Due to the increase in cases of late in the country, Kelantan included, Maik has decided to suspend all religious lectures, including al-Quran recital classes,” he said in a statement today.
Tengku Mohamad Rizam, who is also Tengku Temenggong Kelantan said the fardu (obligatory) and sunat (voluntary) prayers can be performed as usual according to the standard operating procedures issued by Maik. ― Bernama
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A general view of Medan 88, Salak Tinggi amid the enhanced movement control order November 12, 2020. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― Residents of Medan 88, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang, who have yet to return since the area was placed under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) last Wednesday are urged to surrender themselves immediately or be arrested by the police.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they should go home to undergo the Covid-19 screening test as a measure to break the virus infection.
“We do not care if they run away or are afraid to return (since Medan 88 was placed under EMCO), what is important is that they surrender and we will arrest the employers who conspired with them (taking the residents away).
“We want them to return so that we can do the Covid-19 screening test on them and determine their health status,” he said when met after appearing on Bernama TV talk show, Budget 2021: Empowering Defence, here last night.
He said this when asked on the Medan 88 residents who did not return home after the area was placed under EMCO.
“My concern is that, if they go to other places and spread the Covid-19 virus to other, then it will be more difficult to break the chain of the infection.
“Those who have returned (to Medan 88), Alhamdulillah, those who have not, don’t wait until you are arrested,” he added.
It was reported earlier that about 400 residents of Medan 88 did not return home after receiving information that the area would be placed under EMCO.
Yesterday, Selangor police chief Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin said they would get information on the location of workers from Medan 88, who allegedly did not return to their respective home, from their employers and colleagues. ― Bernama
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Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing (right) says the Sarawak Coastguard is expected to operate next year. ― Picture by Sulok Tawie
KUCHING, Nov 14 ― The Sarawak Coastguard is expected to operate next year, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
In his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, he said that the Sarawak government has set up the Sarawak Coastguard to protect 788 kilometres of Sarawak coastline and RM90 million has been allocated in the State Budget 2020 to undertake various programmes and projects.
“The assets for Sarawak Coastguard include six interceptors, 51 newly recruited coastguards, and nine patrol boats. There will be several Coastguard headquarters and offices proposed under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said when updating the august House on the State Security and Enforcement Unit.
On matters of the State Service Modernisation Unit, Masing informed that in addressing the immediate needs for better services to the rural communities, the Sarawak government has taken the initiative to install new ‘Very Small Aperture Terminal’ (VSAT) at public areas.
“Under this initiative, the government will provide free internet connection to the public through the existing SarawakNet infrastructure using VSAT technology, where each site will be provided with 30 megabits per second (Mbps) bandwidth. As of now, a total of 3,069 devices have been registered under Phase I initiative comprising 20 villages in eight divisions. While for Phase II, 40 villages have been identified and will commence in November 2020,” he said.
He added that this initiative will provide better internet performance experience to the rural communities and subsequently will increase the take-up rate and bridge the digital divide between the rural and the urban areas.
Masing, who is Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister, also spoke about the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).
“In order to leverage on the digital economy for a quality and equitable connectivity, the Sarawak government has approved the implementation of 600 SMA rural telecommunication or SMART towers.
“To date, 202 of these towers have been completed providing connection to the rural areas, while the remaining towers will be installed in stages by 2022,” he said.
Touching on Fintech development, the minister said that Sarawak Pay, the first Sarawak government-owned Fintech platform, has now overtaken the likes of Touch and Go eWallet, Boost and GrabPay in terms of subscribers.
“In addition, the Sarawak government leveraged on Sarawak Pay to expeditiously channel the much needed aid to the micro businesses under the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 2.0 programme within days. The Fintech platform provides the means for quick registration of those businesses previously not recorded so that they are not left out from the crucial aid,” he said.
Noting that Digital Economy eventually is to be driven by the private sector, Masing pointed out that the Sarawak government is investing heavily in ensuring that the private sector and the young innovators in Sarawak are given the necessary access and aid to digital economy with the establishment of seven digital innovation hubs covering Sarikei, Kuching, Miri, Bintulu and Sibu.
He added that another six innovation hubs are in the pipeline to be implemented in other divisions. ― Borneo Post
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PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing reiterated that he had no malicious intention against anyone especially to Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. ― Picture via Facebook
SIBU, Nov 14 ― Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing yesterday urged his critics not to jump to conclusion without looking at the big picture of what he brought up during his speech while debating the Supply Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.
He reiterated that he had no malicious intention against anyone especially to Health director-general (D-G) Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah should strive to check the facts of his full text of speech in parliament instead of relying on news reports which have been sensationalised based on a one-sided report from Democratic Action Party (DAP) Jelutong MP RSN Rayer’s antics in Parliament.
He also asked Abdul Karim to explain why he was so taken aback by his statements.
“As a member of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), who is considered a senior politician, he should understand the deeper issue before speaking.
“And if you truly feel all GPS members are part of the same family, then do me the courtesy of contacting me directly to understand the ins and outs of the matter before commenting,” Tiong said in a statement yesterday.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP said he disagreed with Abdul Karim’s statement that what he said in parliament should not come from the mouth of a Sarawakian MP and a GPS leader.
“As wakil rakyat, we must be courageous in voicing out for our grassroots. Aren’t we responsible to be the channel for their grievances and thoughts? Even though doing so may attract brickbats and censure from all corners, we should stand up and speak for the people instead of letting them be ignored ,” he said.
He also asked Abdul Karim what Dr Noor Hisham has done for Sarawak in terms of fighting the pandemic.
“Think of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that Sarawak had been severely lacking in the past, forcing frontliners to cut out plastic bags to become makeshift PPE and others need to buy their own PPE.
“This alone causes doubt in the effectiveness of the country’s fight against Covid-19, and questions still remain about whether the system is comprehensive enough to carry us through. Does Abdul Karim think these questions and doubts deserve to be addressed?” he asked.
Tiong, on the other hand, thanked Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing for reminding him of the improper use of words and supporting his views that the Health D-G must also personally understand the situation at the grassroots level and discuss strategies to combat the Covid-19 pademic with community leaders.
“I must reiterate yet again that I had in no way mean to offend our frontline personnel. In fact, I specifically noted their selfless dedication in fighting the pandemic. What I had pointed out is the personal accountability and responsibility of the Health D-G during this difficult period.
“These issues must be taken much more seriously, for the health and future of all Malaysians. There is zero reason to drag religion and ethnicity into this matter,” he said.
Tiong who is also Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China, added that his concerns for the people were genuine as Covid-19 pandemic has devastated livelihood of the people throughout the country.
He said he only wanted Dr Noor Hisham to go to the ground often in order to understand how best to address the pandemic which has worsened.
He also asked Dr Noor Hisham why he had gone to Sabah in August when the cases were relatively low but not in the past few weeks when the cases have increased sharply.
“Surely there had been some extraordinary measures other than the usual precautions that could have been put in place to prevent this surge of cases recently,” he said.
Tiong reiterated that there was nothing wrong in asking Dr Noor Hisham to go down to the ground to see for himself the real problems and shortcomings faced by the frontliners.
“If you still do not understand, I would like to repeat it here again that I am not maligning you nor your reputation. Asking whether one is ‘takut mati’ should not be construed as pulling religion into the matter and neither should you. It is an entirely normal layperson term.
“In highlighting the weaknesses and shortcoming that the D-G must look into, I am merely doing my duty in presenting the sentiments of the frontliners and rakyat, who want and deserve some real answers,” Tiong added.
Meanwhile, Tiong said, he would not like to prolong the issue but instead hoped that everyone regardless of their political affiliations to stand united to fight Covid-19 pandemic. ― Borneo Post
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Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is expected to receive six MD530G helicopters in stages beginning from June next year. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is expected to receive six MD530G helicopters in stages beginning from June next year, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Without providing further details, Ismail Sabri who is also Senior Defence Minister said, however, the assets would need to undergo evaluation test and meet MAF’s criteria before Malaysia proceeds to accept them.
“This is to find out whether the helicopters are suitable to become MAF’s asset or not.
“Today, a team has departed for the United States (US) to carry out the test before the helicopters are certified as MAF assets,” he said after appearing as the guest of Bernama TV’s programme Ruang Bicara: Budget 2021 at Wisma Bernama here, last night.
Ismail Sabri said another team would be sent to the US to carry out the certification process if the helicopters were suitable to become MAF’s asset.
Meanwhile, he said the Defence Ministry was in the process of applying to the Public Service Department to increase the number of MAF personnel, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. ― Bernama
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Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says based on the Federal Constitution, matters relating to Islamic religious affairs are under the authority of the state and any decision has to be approved by the Sultan or Raja of the state. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― The permission to open a mosque and setting the number of congregation members is subject to the state’s authority and is not within the jurisdiction of the federal government, says Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said based on the Federal Constitution, matters relating to Islamic religious affairs are under the authority of the state and any decision has to be approved by the Sultan or Raja of the state.
“The National Security Council can develop the Standard Operating Procedures related to various fields but not for mosques.
“Any matters relating to the religion is under the authority of the state and must be approved by the Sultan of the respective state. We cannot (open the mosque completely) like Turkey because it must be based on the decision of the state,” he said when appearing as a guest on Ruang Bicara programme aired over Bernama TV here yesterday.
Ismail Sabri said this when asked about the size of the congregation allowed in mosques and whether the Turkish approach of allowing mosques to open despite the threat of Covid-19 can be implemented in Malaysia.
Commenting further, he said as an example on Islamic religious affairs, the approved number of congregation members in the Federal Territory depends on the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. ― Bernama
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Sarawak deputy chief minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan — Borneo Post Online pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan today gave the Dewan Undangan Negeri a litany of Pakatan Harapan (PH) failures in the short time that it held the Federal government, asserting that the coalition did not keep its promises to the people.
In his winding up speech today, he said: “PH was given the opportunity to govern the country for 22 months. Look at what happened. The value of our currency dropped, ‘bursa saham jatuh’ (stock market collapsed) and the confidence level among investors ‘hilang’ (lost).”
The Urban Development and Resources Minister said the then PH government had also cancelled projects that were previously approved for Sarawak.
He added that social welfare assistance for the people was trimmed, the fund to rebuild the homes of the poor reduced and the cancellation of the PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loan payment did not happen.
“There was no recognition of UEC (United Examinations Certificate of Chinese schools), unlike Sarawak which has recognised UEC. The promise of 20 per cent (oil and gas) royalties to Sarawak was not fulfilled, the promise of 50 per cent of tax revenue collected from Sarawak being given back to Sarawak was also an empty promise.
“All these have proven that Peninsula-based parties with PH are just ‘pembulak’ (liars). PH is actually a coalition that one cannot depend upon. As far as Sarawak is concerned, the PH government is merely a government that is good at cutting subsidies, cancelling projects and politicking,” he told the august House.
Awang Tengah pointed out that only Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) could safeguard the rights and interests of Sarawak and to unite its people.
He said the constitutional amendment Bill passed yesterday, which lowered the qualifying age to be elected into the DUN and defined ‘resident in the state’ in the Sarawak Constitution, was a clear reflection of GPS’ desire to protect Sarawak.
“Indeed, it was disappointing that the opposition chose not to support the constitutional amendment bill. That shows their true colours.
“Fortunately, in Sarawak we have a stable government under the strong leadership of the chief minister to unite and guide us through this very challenging time, put us on the right path to economic recovery and propel Sarawak towards greater prosperity,” he added.
Awang Tengah pledged that GPS would always fight for the rights of Sarawak and the state’s ruling coalition had done so without fear.
He reminded all that GPS had won the battle on State Sales Tax (SST) against Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and the state had taken control of its onshore mining.
“GPS is a responsible government that has proven its sincerity and ability to govern Sarawak well. We have not gone bankrupt as claimed by the former PH minister. This has not happened and will not happen under GPS,” he said.
PH wrested the government from Barisan Nasional in the 2018 general election but collapsed in February this year when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned as prime minister. — Borneo Post Online
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Medical personnel in personal protective equipment conduct swab tests at a kindergarten in George Town November 13, 2020. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
GEORGE TOWN, Nov 13 — About 150 students at a private kindergarten in George Town were swabbed on the premises today after a pupil and a teacher tested positive for Covid-19.
The pupils, aged between five and six years old, and their parents turned up at the kindergarten for the swab tests by Health Department personnel early this morning.
It is learnt that a pupil at the kindergarten tested positive for Covid-19 last week, followed by a teacher yesterday.
A source said the five-year-old child has not been to class since last Thursday.
He claimed that the kindergarten was not informed of its pupil’s positive result.
Meanwhile, swab tests are currently being conducted on workers at another factory in Bayan Lepas.
This comes as several workers at the factory tested positive for Covid-19.
This week, other factories in Bayan Lepas have also conducted swab tests on their workers in response to the Intan and Bayan Clusters.
Penang recorded 63 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 1,510.
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A man has been remanded for three days for investigations after he allegedly drove against traffic for 1.4km on the North-South Highway.― Picture by Hari Anggara
TAPAH, Nov 13 — A man has been remanded for three days for investigations after he allegedly drove against the traffic at KM355.4 on the north-bound side of the North-South Highway, near Bidor here, on Wednesday.
Tapah district police chief Supt Wan Azharuddin Wan Ismail said the 34-year-old suspect, a salesman in Port Klang, is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“The three-day remand order was granted by the Tapah Magistrate’s Court today,” he told Bernama when contacted.
The man was driving a Perodua Axia from Klang, Selangor to Bidor for Deepavali celebrations at about 6pm when he was said to have made a U-turn at the Sungkai exit on seeing a roadblock and then drove against the traffic for 1.4km on the highway.
Wan Azharuddin said a Toyota Rush and a trailer crashed while trying to avoid the Perodua Axia but no one was injured in the incident. — Bernama
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Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attends the 37th Asean Summit via video conference in Kuala Lumpur November 12, 2020. — Picture via Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysia respects India’s decision of not joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) but remains hopeful that the Asean Dialogue Partner country will join the trade pact in the future, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister, in his intervention at the 17th Asean-India Summit yesterday, expressed his appreciation for India’s active participation and valuable contributions in the RCEP negotiations and forming the RCEP Agreement.
India opted out from the RCEP negotiations in November 2019. With that, the RCEP, which is scheduled to be signed on the last day of the 37th Asean Summit and related meetings this Sunday, will include the 10 Member States of Asean as well as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Muhyiddin noted that Malaysia and Asean view India as an important and strategic partner and that trade between Asean and India have increased tremendously over the years.
He said in 2019, India was the sixth largest trading partner among Asean Dialogue Partners with total merchandise trade reaching US$77 billion (RM320 billion).
“This partnership augurs well in the pursuit of Asean’s economic development initiatives and also in the evolving economic architecture in Asia. In this context, both sides must redouble the efforts to exploit greater potential that exists in trade and other economic relations,” he said at the summit, held within the 37th Asean Summit and related meetings.
Asean-India dialogue relations from a sectoral dialogue partnership in 1992 was upgraded to a full dialogue partnership in December 1995.
The relationship was further elevated with the convening of the Asean-India Summit in 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said he is pleased that officials from both sides have agreed on the way forward for the review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (Aitiga).
Malaysia, he said, looks forward to the review to make Aitiga more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative for businesses.
Malaysia strongly believes that the review is important to ensure Aitiga remains relevant and ensure further improvements on trade relations and enhancing the supply chain for the prosperity of both Asean and India, he said.
The prime minister said he hoped all sides refrain from imposing unnecessary and increasing protectionist measures that may impair the difficulties and challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Both Asean and India must work together to ensure that our borders remain open and trade procedures are more facilitative,” he said.
Muhyiddin also highlighted the importance of adopting digital solutions in (economic) recovery efforts by seizing opportunities provided by digital transformation such as e-Commerce and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Malaysia believes that digital transformation will help us “futureproof” the economic growth of our region. Therefore, Asean and India must accelerate digitalisation and business reform to tackle these new challenges particularly to achieve sustainable growth as well as for the business to stay afloat,” he said.
The prime minister is leading the Malaysian delegation at the biannual summit virtually from here (Kuala Lumpur) which runs till Sunday.
The summit is chaired by Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as Asean Chair 2020 under the theme ”Cohesive and Responsive Asean.”
Asean, established in 1967, comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. — Bernama
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.jpg "A general view of Medan 88, Salak Tinggi amid the enhanced movement control order November 12, 2020. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon")
.jpg "Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attends the 37th Asean Summit via video conference in Kuala Lumpur November 12, 2020. — Picture via Facebook")