Water catchment area being logged
TEMERLOH: Illegal logging has been discovered in a water catchment area in Jerantut by the Pahang Forestry Department.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the department found this out about two weeks ago.
The illegal logging was being carried out over an area of 8ha to 12ha.
“The department is investigating the extent of the operations.
“It will take action against those involved once the probe is completed,” Adnan said after attending a dinner with the people hosted by the Kuala Krau Umno division here on Sunday night.
He added that some logging contractors also tried to log outside the areas designated by the department.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Pahang lad assumes new role in six-nation invitational tournament
Pahang lad assumes new role in six-nation invitational tournament
BY S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Midfielder Mohamed Soffian Mohamed is one of the most experienced players in the National Junior hockey team but the six-nation junior invitational tournament, which begins here on Sunday, will be a first of sorts for him.
It will be the first international tournament where he will take on the role of central midfielder and it will be a big test for him ahead of the Junior World Cup Finals, which will be held in Rotterdam from June 28-July 10.
The 21-year-old Soffian said yesterday that he would be out to make a good impression in the tournament at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
�I am excited over the prospect of playing in a new role in an international meet,� he said.
�I played as a defender in the qualifying tournament in Karachi last year. Later in the year, I was asked to take the centre midfield role and I played in that position in the Razak Cup last December.�
Soffian added that he still had a lot to learn and hoped that he would settle in well playing in an offensive role before the outing in Rotterdam.
�The tournament next week is important because I will be able to gauge myself against more experience opponents. I will likely partner Kelvinder Singh and Mohamed Shukri Mutalib. We forged a good understanding in the Razak Cup,� he said.
Coach Sarjit Singh found the central midfield department a weak point in the team and he tried out a number of players over the last few months before settling for Soffian.
�We do not have a natural midfield player and Soffian is the best option available to us for the moment,� said Sarjit.
�He played well in the Razak Cup and also in the tour to Australia earlier this year. The six-nation tournament will help him learn more about playing in the position.�
Soffian said that he was fortunate that he had Sarjit to teach him playing the role of central midfielder.
�The coach was one of the best midfield players and I am glad I get to learn from him. From defending, I now have to set up the attacks. I have to play a lead role now and the other players would expect you to play at a much higher level,� he said.
Soffian is a product of the Seberang Temerloh School. It was his defensive qualities that brought him into the national junior training squad in 2002.
He left Pahang two years ago to play in Kuala Lumpur and is now a contract player with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). He intends to quit BSN and return home after the Junior World Cup Finals.
�The Sultan has appealed to Pahang-born players to return home to play for the state and I will do so. I have a job offer in Kuantan but nothing has been finalised yet. It is good that efforts have been made to get me a job in my home state,� said Soffian.
For the moment, he will give his full attention to the six-nation tournament and work on improving his game.
Malaysia open their campaign against Pakistan on Sunday. Their other opponents are England (Monday), Germany (Wednesday), South Korea (Thursday) and India (April 2).
BY S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Midfielder Mohamed Soffian Mohamed is one of the most experienced players in the National Junior hockey team but the six-nation junior invitational tournament, which begins here on Sunday, will be a first of sorts for him.
It will be the first international tournament where he will take on the role of central midfielder and it will be a big test for him ahead of the Junior World Cup Finals, which will be held in Rotterdam from June 28-July 10.
The 21-year-old Soffian said yesterday that he would be out to make a good impression in the tournament at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
�I am excited over the prospect of playing in a new role in an international meet,� he said.
�I played as a defender in the qualifying tournament in Karachi last year. Later in the year, I was asked to take the centre midfield role and I played in that position in the Razak Cup last December.�
Soffian added that he still had a lot to learn and hoped that he would settle in well playing in an offensive role before the outing in Rotterdam.
�The tournament next week is important because I will be able to gauge myself against more experience opponents. I will likely partner Kelvinder Singh and Mohamed Shukri Mutalib. We forged a good understanding in the Razak Cup,� he said.
Coach Sarjit Singh found the central midfield department a weak point in the team and he tried out a number of players over the last few months before settling for Soffian.
�We do not have a natural midfield player and Soffian is the best option available to us for the moment,� said Sarjit.
�He played well in the Razak Cup and also in the tour to Australia earlier this year. The six-nation tournament will help him learn more about playing in the position.�
Soffian said that he was fortunate that he had Sarjit to teach him playing the role of central midfielder.
�The coach was one of the best midfield players and I am glad I get to learn from him. From defending, I now have to set up the attacks. I have to play a lead role now and the other players would expect you to play at a much higher level,� he said.
Soffian is a product of the Seberang Temerloh School. It was his defensive qualities that brought him into the national junior training squad in 2002.
He left Pahang two years ago to play in Kuala Lumpur and is now a contract player with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). He intends to quit BSN and return home after the Junior World Cup Finals.
�The Sultan has appealed to Pahang-born players to return home to play for the state and I will do so. I have a job offer in Kuantan but nothing has been finalised yet. It is good that efforts have been made to get me a job in my home state,� said Soffian.
For the moment, he will give his full attention to the six-nation tournament and work on improving his game.
Malaysia open their campaign against Pakistan on Sunday. Their other opponents are England (Monday), Germany (Wednesday), South Korea (Thursday) and India (April 2).
ACA offers to review government procedures
ACA offers to review government procedures
SEGAMAT: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has offered to help government departments and agencies review their work procedures to “shut the door” on opportunities for corrupt practice.
ACA director-general Datuk Seri Zulkipli Mat Noor said that certain departmental systems or work procedures were open to corruption and the agency could assist by reassessing the system.
Speaking to reporters after opening the Segamat ACA branch office yesterday, he said that besides embarking on punitive action, the ACA also emphasised the importance of community education to combat corruption.
The Segamat branch office is among nine new branch offices approved by the Government in 2002, said Zulkipli.
The others are Port Dickson, Kemaman, Bintulu, Seberang Prai, Sungai Petani, Temerloh, Teluk Intan and Kluang.
“We decided to set up an office here because the Batu Pahat office, which looked after Segamat, Labis, Kluang and Muar, was too far for the people here to visit,” he said.
SEGAMAT: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has offered to help government departments and agencies review their work procedures to “shut the door” on opportunities for corrupt practice.
ACA director-general Datuk Seri Zulkipli Mat Noor said that certain departmental systems or work procedures were open to corruption and the agency could assist by reassessing the system.
Speaking to reporters after opening the Segamat ACA branch office yesterday, he said that besides embarking on punitive action, the ACA also emphasised the importance of community education to combat corruption.
The Segamat branch office is among nine new branch offices approved by the Government in 2002, said Zulkipli.
The others are Port Dickson, Kemaman, Bintulu, Seberang Prai, Sungai Petani, Temerloh, Teluk Intan and Kluang.
“We decided to set up an office here because the Batu Pahat office, which looked after Segamat, Labis, Kluang and Muar, was too far for the people here to visit,” he said.
Bangsar residents show the way:
ZERO CRIME
Noor Husna Khalid
Mar 28:
KUALA LUMPUR: One neighbourhood has proved that it is possible to have zero crime.
Welcome to Taman Bukit Bandaraya in Bangsar, perhaps the safest neighbourhood in the country for there has not been a single case of crime for one year. Residents at Jalan Pudina and Jalan Rumpai took the law into their own hands in a positive manner when they decided that they should do their part to help police and City Hall to curb criminal activities and make their own neighbourhood safe.
They hired the services of a security company about two years ago and the number of crime cases started dropping.
Last month, city police declared their neighbourhood a crime-free zone — a distinction for anywhere which does not have a single crime case for 12 consecutive months.
“We have finally achieved our target, that is, to have a zero per cent crime rate in our area,” Inderjit Singh, the Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association alternate chairman cum Jalan Rumpai/Pudina Security Committee chairman, told The Malay Mail yesterday.
The security scheme was part of the residents association’s programme in line with the call by the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, headed by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, to residents to take action.
Inderjit said the police and City Hall could only do so much, and that it was time for residents to make their own initiative.
“We now have guards patrolling the area every hour, day and night. Whenever they go on their rounds, they will carry a security clocking device to time their progress,” said Inderjit, 58.
“There are six keys located within the neighbourhood and each time the guards patrol the roads, they will clock it and keep the record in a log book, which I will occasionally check.”
Apart from the clocking device, each house has a security plate number glued to their gates.
“This is to enable the guards to alert the owners or the authorities should an emergency arise,” said Inderjit.
The guards work on shifts, with one on duty from 7am to 4pm, another from 4pm to 11pm, and two from 11pm to 7am.
Inderjit said the guards will even inform or call the house owner if they see anything suspicious.
“Sometimes, a resident’s house gates are not closed properly and when this happens, the guards will either close them themselves or call the owner to check if everything is all right,” he said.
Any outsider will be questioned by the guards and if the answer is unsatisfactory, the guards will send them away.
If the outsiders refuse to leave, the guards will call for a police patrol car.
Inderjit said each household pays only RM50 per month for the security guards.
“It is not a big amount for the safety of the neighbourhood,” he said.
“At first, some residents refused to pay but now even neighbouring housing areas have requested to be included in the security scheme.”
The residents association members continue to have meetings with the police once every two months.
“We meet the police to discuss crime complaints, but since we implemented the security scheme, we are proud to say that we have nothing to complain,” said Inderjit.
NO WORD FROM CITY HALL YET
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association alternate chairman Inderjit Singh said residents in his area are still waiting for an official reply from City Hall on a proposal they made last August to have part of Jalan Rumpai and Jalan Pudina blocked with only one access road leading into the area.
Inderjit, who is also Jalan Rumpai and Jalan Pudina security committee chairman, said that if the proposal was approved, a proper guardhouse could be built at the access road into the area.
“We have a petition signed by the residents, and also an approval letter from our Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil,” he said.
“Both documents were included in our proposal sent to the Kuala Lumpur Mayor.”
Inderjit said a City Hall officer explained certain guidelines to the residents should City Hall approve the proposal.
“We were told there should be no shops, public amenities and places of worship within the gated area as otherwise we cannot keep outsiders from entering the area,” he said.
Inderjit also said Shahrizat had promised to help provide a proper guardhouse to replace the current makeshift guard post.
“We cannot build a guardhouse until City Hall gives its approval,” he said.
Noor Husna Khalid
Mar 28:
KUALA LUMPUR: One neighbourhood has proved that it is possible to have zero crime.
Welcome to Taman Bukit Bandaraya in Bangsar, perhaps the safest neighbourhood in the country for there has not been a single case of crime for one year. Residents at Jalan Pudina and Jalan Rumpai took the law into their own hands in a positive manner when they decided that they should do their part to help police and City Hall to curb criminal activities and make their own neighbourhood safe.
They hired the services of a security company about two years ago and the number of crime cases started dropping.
Last month, city police declared their neighbourhood a crime-free zone — a distinction for anywhere which does not have a single crime case for 12 consecutive months.
“We have finally achieved our target, that is, to have a zero per cent crime rate in our area,” Inderjit Singh, the Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association alternate chairman cum Jalan Rumpai/Pudina Security Committee chairman, told The Malay Mail yesterday.
The security scheme was part of the residents association’s programme in line with the call by the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, headed by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, to residents to take action.
Inderjit said the police and City Hall could only do so much, and that it was time for residents to make their own initiative.
“We now have guards patrolling the area every hour, day and night. Whenever they go on their rounds, they will carry a security clocking device to time their progress,” said Inderjit, 58.
“There are six keys located within the neighbourhood and each time the guards patrol the roads, they will clock it and keep the record in a log book, which I will occasionally check.”
Apart from the clocking device, each house has a security plate number glued to their gates.
“This is to enable the guards to alert the owners or the authorities should an emergency arise,” said Inderjit.
The guards work on shifts, with one on duty from 7am to 4pm, another from 4pm to 11pm, and two from 11pm to 7am.
Inderjit said the guards will even inform or call the house owner if they see anything suspicious.
“Sometimes, a resident’s house gates are not closed properly and when this happens, the guards will either close them themselves or call the owner to check if everything is all right,” he said.
Any outsider will be questioned by the guards and if the answer is unsatisfactory, the guards will send them away.
If the outsiders refuse to leave, the guards will call for a police patrol car.
Inderjit said each household pays only RM50 per month for the security guards.
“It is not a big amount for the safety of the neighbourhood,” he said.
“At first, some residents refused to pay but now even neighbouring housing areas have requested to be included in the security scheme.”
The residents association members continue to have meetings with the police once every two months.
“We meet the police to discuss crime complaints, but since we implemented the security scheme, we are proud to say that we have nothing to complain,” said Inderjit.
NO WORD FROM CITY HALL YET
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association alternate chairman Inderjit Singh said residents in his area are still waiting for an official reply from City Hall on a proposal they made last August to have part of Jalan Rumpai and Jalan Pudina blocked with only one access road leading into the area.
Inderjit, who is also Jalan Rumpai and Jalan Pudina security committee chairman, said that if the proposal was approved, a proper guardhouse could be built at the access road into the area.
“We have a petition signed by the residents, and also an approval letter from our Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil,” he said.
“Both documents were included in our proposal sent to the Kuala Lumpur Mayor.”
Inderjit said a City Hall officer explained certain guidelines to the residents should City Hall approve the proposal.
“We were told there should be no shops, public amenities and places of worship within the gated area as otherwise we cannot keep outsiders from entering the area,” he said.
Inderjit also said Shahrizat had promised to help provide a proper guardhouse to replace the current makeshift guard post.
“We cannot build a guardhouse until City Hall gives its approval,” he said.
Resilient Siti
Music: Resilient Siti
AZMAN AHMAD
Mar 22:
Despite lack of big sponsors, diva stays upbeat for London show, writes AZMAN AHMAD.
THE reluctance of big corporations to sponsor Siti Nurhaliza’s historic April 1 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall may have saddened the diva but that won’t stop her from giving her best for the international audience.
In fact, she has been working extra hard, rehearsing for almost one month now for the show, the first by her in England.
There is every reason why Siti wants her concert to be perfect. It’s a milestone not only for her but Malaysian artistes as well.
No other artiste in the country has ever performed a full concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
The late Sudirman Arshad scored a first there but it was in an international music contest for Asian singers.
For the record, Sudir did Malaysia proud when he clinched the best Asian performer title after beating the likes of Anita Sarawak and Leslie Cheung.
Siti’s concert is a different ball game altogether since it’s the first by a Malaysian.
At a recent Press conference after a sneak preview of her show at the Putra World Trade Centre, Siti said while she is happy to realise her dream of performing on an international stage, the lack of sponsors made her feel a bit disappointed.
“After all, I’m doing my bit to bring Malaysian music to the rest of the world but it seems that not many people are aware of what I’m doing. Unlike sports events where sponsors abound, I hope there’ll be sponsors for events such as concerts involving local artistes, especially those held abroad,” said Siti.
She is confident more sponsors will eventually come in as there are still a few more weeks before the show.
Concert executive chairman Ahmad Fazli Yaakob, or Fazley, said the absence of big sponsors forced the two companies behind the concert, Siti Nurhaliza Productions (M) Sdn Bhd and Putrade Property Management Sdn Bhd to bear most of the cost.
“There’re a few small sponsors but the big corporations are shying away. It’s a sad thing but there’s still time for them to come forward,” Fazley said.
It’s understood that only some of the air tickets for Siti’s 60-odd entourage to London are sponsored by an airline.
That’s one of the reasons why most newspapers are not sending their reporters to cover the concert in London as they have to pay their own way.
There is a Royal Albert Hall package that includes the round ticket fare to London and accommodation but it’s still beyond the means of many people.
Siti’s concert is a 50-50 venture between Siti’s SNP and Fazley’s Putrade Property Management. It has Pak Ngah Suhaimi as assistant producer, Indonesian Erwin Gutawa as orchestral director and 34 members of the London Symphony Orchestra in the string section.
Local musicians for the pop segment are keyboardists Aubrey Suwito and Jason, Andy Peterson (bass) and Steve Thornton (percussion), Ramli Mohram (rebana), James Wilson (guitar), Greg Lyons (saxophone) and Kesavan (flute).
The concert will also feature traditional musicians under the supervision of Pak Ngah Suhaimi, in addition to 16 traditional dancers from Yayasan Warisan Johor.
Roslan Aziz, the concert musical director and producer, said he was pleased with the hard work and professionalism shown by Siti at rehearsals.
“She’s a gifted singer and in a class of her own. I admire her for her extraordinary talent and determination to further improve herself though she’s already the No. 1 singer in Malaysia,” he said.
He also showered praises on the musicians and dancers, especially the traditional troupe from Johor with their superb choreography.
“This is the first time I’m working with Siti and I’m so proud of her determination to give her best. I’m confident that she’ll make Malaysia proud with her performance,” he said.
TV personality Mahadzir Lokman is acting as Siti’s speech coach to make sure she delivers her English correctly and fluently at the concert. He’s also the emcee for the concert. Siti will perform 30 songs, some medleys which will include pop and traditional tunes from her albums during the two- hour show.
Her wardrobe is designed by Radzwan Radzwil and Michael Ong. Siti and her dancers will also wear batik to help promote Malaysin art and culture.
On ticket sales, Fazley said it was normal for the counter at the Royal Albert Hall to be packed with patrons at the last minute. “We’ve been told that bookings have been encouraging but the tickets will only be claimed two weeks before the show. From Malaysia, there’re about 200 fans who bought the Royal Albert Hall package that includes flight and accommodation,” he said. Siti and her entourage will leave for London on March 23, where they will perform a few pocket shows to promote her concert, including one at Oriental City London, on March 26 and 27.
“We may have another one in Manchester too as there’re quite a number of Malaysians staying there. Siti’s show is expected to attract Malaysians, Singaporeans, Indonesians and Bruneians living, working or studying there besides foreigners,” he said.
Siti’s Royal Albert Hall concert will mark her 10th year in show business as her debut album Jerat Percintaan was released on April 1 a decade ago.
AZMAN AHMAD
Mar 22:
Despite lack of big sponsors, diva stays upbeat for London show, writes AZMAN AHMAD.
THE reluctance of big corporations to sponsor Siti Nurhaliza’s historic April 1 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall may have saddened the diva but that won’t stop her from giving her best for the international audience.
In fact, she has been working extra hard, rehearsing for almost one month now for the show, the first by her in England.
There is every reason why Siti wants her concert to be perfect. It’s a milestone not only for her but Malaysian artistes as well.
No other artiste in the country has ever performed a full concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
The late Sudirman Arshad scored a first there but it was in an international music contest for Asian singers.
For the record, Sudir did Malaysia proud when he clinched the best Asian performer title after beating the likes of Anita Sarawak and Leslie Cheung.
Siti’s concert is a different ball game altogether since it’s the first by a Malaysian.
At a recent Press conference after a sneak preview of her show at the Putra World Trade Centre, Siti said while she is happy to realise her dream of performing on an international stage, the lack of sponsors made her feel a bit disappointed.
“After all, I’m doing my bit to bring Malaysian music to the rest of the world but it seems that not many people are aware of what I’m doing. Unlike sports events where sponsors abound, I hope there’ll be sponsors for events such as concerts involving local artistes, especially those held abroad,” said Siti.
She is confident more sponsors will eventually come in as there are still a few more weeks before the show.
Concert executive chairman Ahmad Fazli Yaakob, or Fazley, said the absence of big sponsors forced the two companies behind the concert, Siti Nurhaliza Productions (M) Sdn Bhd and Putrade Property Management Sdn Bhd to bear most of the cost.
“There’re a few small sponsors but the big corporations are shying away. It’s a sad thing but there’s still time for them to come forward,” Fazley said.
It’s understood that only some of the air tickets for Siti’s 60-odd entourage to London are sponsored by an airline.
That’s one of the reasons why most newspapers are not sending their reporters to cover the concert in London as they have to pay their own way.
There is a Royal Albert Hall package that includes the round ticket fare to London and accommodation but it’s still beyond the means of many people.
Siti’s concert is a 50-50 venture between Siti’s SNP and Fazley’s Putrade Property Management. It has Pak Ngah Suhaimi as assistant producer, Indonesian Erwin Gutawa as orchestral director and 34 members of the London Symphony Orchestra in the string section.
Local musicians for the pop segment are keyboardists Aubrey Suwito and Jason, Andy Peterson (bass) and Steve Thornton (percussion), Ramli Mohram (rebana), James Wilson (guitar), Greg Lyons (saxophone) and Kesavan (flute).
The concert will also feature traditional musicians under the supervision of Pak Ngah Suhaimi, in addition to 16 traditional dancers from Yayasan Warisan Johor.
Roslan Aziz, the concert musical director and producer, said he was pleased with the hard work and professionalism shown by Siti at rehearsals.
“She’s a gifted singer and in a class of her own. I admire her for her extraordinary talent and determination to further improve herself though she’s already the No. 1 singer in Malaysia,” he said.
He also showered praises on the musicians and dancers, especially the traditional troupe from Johor with their superb choreography.
“This is the first time I’m working with Siti and I’m so proud of her determination to give her best. I’m confident that she’ll make Malaysia proud with her performance,” he said.
TV personality Mahadzir Lokman is acting as Siti’s speech coach to make sure she delivers her English correctly and fluently at the concert. He’s also the emcee for the concert. Siti will perform 30 songs, some medleys which will include pop and traditional tunes from her albums during the two- hour show.
Her wardrobe is designed by Radzwan Radzwil and Michael Ong. Siti and her dancers will also wear batik to help promote Malaysin art and culture.
On ticket sales, Fazley said it was normal for the counter at the Royal Albert Hall to be packed with patrons at the last minute. “We’ve been told that bookings have been encouraging but the tickets will only be claimed two weeks before the show. From Malaysia, there’re about 200 fans who bought the Royal Albert Hall package that includes flight and accommodation,” he said. Siti and her entourage will leave for London on March 23, where they will perform a few pocket shows to promote her concert, including one at Oriental City London, on March 26 and 27.
“We may have another one in Manchester too as there’re quite a number of Malaysians staying there. Siti’s show is expected to attract Malaysians, Singaporeans, Indonesians and Bruneians living, working or studying there besides foreigners,” he said.
Siti’s Royal Albert Hall concert will mark her 10th year in show business as her debut album Jerat Percintaan was released on April 1 a decade ago.
DAP Media statement
We call on the Works Minister to make the safety of the Temerloh Hospital as 'beautiful' as the external appearance by producing the list of outstanding works and ensuring professionalism of world standard in the equipment, installation, functioning and maintenance of the hospital
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): On 17 March, 2005, we visited the Temerloh Hospital at Kampung Paya Luas. As it costs nearly RM500 million, it is impressive. We hope thatthe contents of the hospital, the care of the patient, the quality of the staff, the saving of the cost, the purchase, the installation, the functioning, the safety and the maintenance will be equally impressive.
Alas, while some of the explanations by PHTSB representatives on the construction of the hospital were acceptable, others threw more doubts, especially in the issuance of Certificates of Fitness (CF) and the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC). If major outstanding works such as RCD is overlooked or missing, CPC should not be given.
The PHTSB representative told us that RCD was overlooked and that it had bought 160 units with each unit costing RM800;RCDs were in the process of being installed. The Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu asked us to visit the beautiful Hospital. We have done so. Now, he should do the people a favour by making every aspects of the hospital beautiful. The overlook and non-installation of RCDs are not beautiful.
Each RCD with safety features such as audible alarm costs RM1,200. It deals with excess current, making electrical equipment especially those for heart patients safe. There are over 300 units of RCDs, lying in switchrooms. If these are not installed, how do doctors and nurses use electrical devices? They may have to find switchrooms and install these devices. A doctor or a nurse may not be an electrician, he or she is not familiar with swtichrooms, let alone knowing which RCD controls which area. The Works Minister should look into this and
other outstanding works at once, so as to ensure the safety of the staff and the patients. If mechanical and electrical things go wrong in future, what will he do?
(18/2/2005)
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): On 17 March, 2005, we visited the Temerloh Hospital at Kampung Paya Luas. As it costs nearly RM500 million, it is impressive. We hope thatthe contents of the hospital, the care of the patient, the quality of the staff, the saving of the cost, the purchase, the installation, the functioning, the safety and the maintenance will be equally impressive.
Alas, while some of the explanations by PHTSB representatives on the construction of the hospital were acceptable, others threw more doubts, especially in the issuance of Certificates of Fitness (CF) and the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC). If major outstanding works such as RCD is overlooked or missing, CPC should not be given.
The PHTSB representative told us that RCD was overlooked and that it had bought 160 units with each unit costing RM800;RCDs were in the process of being installed. The Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu asked us to visit the beautiful Hospital. We have done so. Now, he should do the people a favour by making every aspects of the hospital beautiful. The overlook and non-installation of RCDs are not beautiful.
Each RCD with safety features such as audible alarm costs RM1,200. It deals with excess current, making electrical equipment especially those for heart patients safe. There are over 300 units of RCDs, lying in switchrooms. If these are not installed, how do doctors and nurses use electrical devices? They may have to find switchrooms and install these devices. A doctor or a nurse may not be an electrician, he or she is not familiar with swtichrooms, let alone knowing which RCD controls which area. The Works Minister should look into this and
other outstanding works at once, so as to ensure the safety of the staff and the patients. If mechanical and electrical things go wrong in future, what will he do?
(18/2/2005)
Liqua Health's policy, ops to remain the same
Monday, March 28 2005
Liqua Health's policy, ops to remain the same
By ANNA MARIA SAMSUDIN
March 22 2005
LIQUA Health Corp Bhd’s company policy and operations will remain the same despite the resignation of its executive chairman Datuk Mohd Sarit Yusoh last week.
Executive director See Keng Leong, when contacted, refused to provide more information on Sarit’s resignation but said the change will not affect overall operations.
He said this was mainly because the principal directors, such as managing director Goh Bak Ming and executive deputy chairman Fei Chong Ming, are still with the company.
“I do not want to disclose in detail the reason for Datuk Sarit’s resignation. All I can say is that people can come and go and that is how things are with the board of directors as well, See told the Business Times.
Liqua Health announced to Bursa Malaysia Bhd last Friday the resignation of Sarit, who has direct and indirect interest of 0.03 per cent and 32.33 per cent respectively in the company, and its non-executive director Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
Sarit, who is a Temerloh member of Parliament, is also a director of Kwantas Corp Bhd, Kurnia Setia Bhd, Goh Ban Huat Bhd and Khee San Bhd.
Non-executive director Datuk Zubir Ali has been redesignated as chairman while Au Wei Ming and Yogananthan Paramasivam have been appointed as executive director and non-executive director respectively.
Liqua, which took over Parit Perak Holdings Bhd’s listing status on Bursa Malaysia’s main board in 2003, sells health food products and general merchandise by multi-level marketing.
The company, through wholly-owned subsidiary Liqua Health Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, had recently entered into two separate sales and purchase agreements with United Malaysian Estate Sdn Bhd and Ace Portfolio Sdn Bhd for a total consideration of RM3.2 million each.
Liqua Health's policy, ops to remain the same
By ANNA MARIA SAMSUDIN
March 22 2005
LIQUA Health Corp Bhd’s company policy and operations will remain the same despite the resignation of its executive chairman Datuk Mohd Sarit Yusoh last week.
Executive director See Keng Leong, when contacted, refused to provide more information on Sarit’s resignation but said the change will not affect overall operations.
He said this was mainly because the principal directors, such as managing director Goh Bak Ming and executive deputy chairman Fei Chong Ming, are still with the company.
“I do not want to disclose in detail the reason for Datuk Sarit’s resignation. All I can say is that people can come and go and that is how things are with the board of directors as well, See told the Business Times.
Liqua Health announced to Bursa Malaysia Bhd last Friday the resignation of Sarit, who has direct and indirect interest of 0.03 per cent and 32.33 per cent respectively in the company, and its non-executive director Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
Sarit, who is a Temerloh member of Parliament, is also a director of Kwantas Corp Bhd, Kurnia Setia Bhd, Goh Ban Huat Bhd and Khee San Bhd.
Non-executive director Datuk Zubir Ali has been redesignated as chairman while Au Wei Ming and Yogananthan Paramasivam have been appointed as executive director and non-executive director respectively.
Liqua, which took over Parit Perak Holdings Bhd’s listing status on Bursa Malaysia’s main board in 2003, sells health food products and general merchandise by multi-level marketing.
The company, through wholly-owned subsidiary Liqua Health Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, had recently entered into two separate sales and purchase agreements with United Malaysian Estate Sdn Bhd and Ace Portfolio Sdn Bhd for a total consideration of RM3.2 million each.
Temerloh Hospital Project
We call on the Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to conduct immediate investigation into the Temerloh Hospital Project to ascertain whether there have been improprieties
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Kuala Lumpur, Monday): The Public works Department has been monitoring the Temerloh Hospital project (PHTSB) which, as a turnkey contractor, is responsible for the design, construction, equipping, commissioning and maintenance of the hospital. The contract number is JKR/IP/B/24/2002. This project is supposed to cost RM500 million.
The project is situated at the 44-acre site, Kampung Paya Luas, Mukim Perak, Daerah Temerloh. The possession of the site was on 8 March, 2002. But, works started in 2001. Is there special privilege given to PHTSB? Works was due for completion on 7 September, 2004. This was extended to 6 December, 2004. The Certificate of Practical Completion was issued on 15 January, 2005, without full consideration of the actual status of the progress of the project.
The main contractor for the project is PHTSB with Syarikat Permodalan Kebangsaan (SPK) having 40% shares, Mokhtar Mohamad Nazir (MMN) Bina 40% and Aspirasi Sama 20%. Some believe that PHTSB has been awarded the contract under an unusual circumstance. While SPK and MMN Bina are listed in the Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD), we are not clear about Aspirasi Sama.
In line with the provision of Clause 8 of the Conditions of Contract, the Contractor shall ensure that the quality of works as a whole must be maintained and that the works are carried out in conformity in every respect with the requirements of the contract.
The contractor shall engage full time on site during the whole duration of the contract adequate number of professional engineers or other appropriate professionals registered with the respective boards in Malaysia and sub-professional staff to provide close supervision of the works at all times to ensure full compliance with the design and specification of the works.
For example, the paved roads and car parks have not been constructed to the required qualities. The contractor has promised the use of granite which is RM18 per tonne, whereas in some parts it is using limestone, costing RM11 per tonne. Has Puan Puteh Kamariah Bt Mohamad, who is PWD quantity surveyor, surveyed the quality of all the materials used?
The covered pedestrian walkway has three road gaps. Why is it not covered?
Testing and commissioning for the mechanical and electrical works is not completed. Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu should let us know whether there is a schedule for Technical Viability of the testing and commissioning ?
We have often heard the Works Minister talked about the certificate of practical completion (CPC). On 31 January, 2005, Puan Puteh Kamariah Bt Mohamad signed the CPC as the Project Director as follows:
In accordance with Clause 40 of the Condition of Contract and subject to the completion of any outstanding work and the making good of any defects, imperfections, shrinkages or any other faults whatsoever ( as listed in Appendix A) as required under Clause 46 of the Condition of Contract and which may appear during the Defects Liability Period it is hereby certified that the whole of the Works as mentioned above were satisfactorily completed on 14th January, 2005 and taken into possession on 15 January, 2005 and that the said Defects Liability Period in respects of the said Works began on 15th January, 2005 and will end on 14th January, 2007.
We urge the Works Minister to investigate immediately whether the whole of the works has been completed satisfactorily. What is his criteria for the issuance of the CPC?
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Kuala Lumpur, Monday): The Public works Department has been monitoring the Temerloh Hospital project (PHTSB) which, as a turnkey contractor, is responsible for the design, construction, equipping, commissioning and maintenance of the hospital. The contract number is JKR/IP/B/24/2002. This project is supposed to cost RM500 million.
The project is situated at the 44-acre site, Kampung Paya Luas, Mukim Perak, Daerah Temerloh. The possession of the site was on 8 March, 2002. But, works started in 2001. Is there special privilege given to PHTSB? Works was due for completion on 7 September, 2004. This was extended to 6 December, 2004. The Certificate of Practical Completion was issued on 15 January, 2005, without full consideration of the actual status of the progress of the project.
The main contractor for the project is PHTSB with Syarikat Permodalan Kebangsaan (SPK) having 40% shares, Mokhtar Mohamad Nazir (MMN) Bina 40% and Aspirasi Sama 20%. Some believe that PHTSB has been awarded the contract under an unusual circumstance. While SPK and MMN Bina are listed in the Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD), we are not clear about Aspirasi Sama.
In line with the provision of Clause 8 of the Conditions of Contract, the Contractor shall ensure that the quality of works as a whole must be maintained and that the works are carried out in conformity in every respect with the requirements of the contract.
The contractor shall engage full time on site during the whole duration of the contract adequate number of professional engineers or other appropriate professionals registered with the respective boards in Malaysia and sub-professional staff to provide close supervision of the works at all times to ensure full compliance with the design and specification of the works.
For example, the paved roads and car parks have not been constructed to the required qualities. The contractor has promised the use of granite which is RM18 per tonne, whereas in some parts it is using limestone, costing RM11 per tonne. Has Puan Puteh Kamariah Bt Mohamad, who is PWD quantity surveyor, surveyed the quality of all the materials used?
The covered pedestrian walkway has three road gaps. Why is it not covered?
Testing and commissioning for the mechanical and electrical works is not completed. Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu should let us know whether there is a schedule for Technical Viability of the testing and commissioning ?
We have often heard the Works Minister talked about the certificate of practical completion (CPC). On 31 January, 2005, Puan Puteh Kamariah Bt Mohamad signed the CPC as the Project Director as follows:
In accordance with Clause 40 of the Condition of Contract and subject to the completion of any outstanding work and the making good of any defects, imperfections, shrinkages or any other faults whatsoever ( as listed in Appendix A) as required under Clause 46 of the Condition of Contract and which may appear during the Defects Liability Period it is hereby certified that the whole of the Works as mentioned above were satisfactorily completed on 14th January, 2005 and taken into possession on 15 January, 2005 and that the said Defects Liability Period in respects of the said Works began on 15th January, 2005 and will end on 14th January, 2007.
We urge the Works Minister to investigate immediately whether the whole of the works has been completed satisfactorily. What is his criteria for the issuance of the CPC?
Sentuhan daripada bahan terbuang
- Lanskap -
Sentuhan daripada bahan terbuang
Oleh Md Fuzi Abd Lateh
PENGGUNAAN bahan terbuang seperti tempayan dan pasu pelbagai ukuran serta batu sungai dalam pembentukan landskap mampu memberikan ilham menarik selain membentuk satu suasana damai kepada pemilik kediaman.
Menyedari hakikat ini, pereka landskap, Faridah Abu Bakar, 44, memanfaatkan barangan sebegini bagi membentuk landskap di banglo miliknya di Bandar Bukit Beruntung yang didiami sejak tiga tahun lalu.
Kedamaian serta keindahan tumbuhan menghijau yang dibentuk di sekeliling kediamannya menambat hati siapa saja yang bertandang dan bukan hanya jiran, kediamannya turut menarik tumpuan peminat landskap dari Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam dan Sungai Buloh.
Faridah yang sering dibantu suaminya, Ngah Ismail, 52, ringan tangan menyusun dan menanam pelbagai tumbuhan di sekeliling rumah. Setakat ini pasangan ini sudah membelanjakan lebih RM150,000 bagi membentuk landskap di kediaman mereka.
Teknik adunan seni taman moden dan tradisi diterapkan pada rekaan landskapnya yang memperlihatkan penggunaan pelbagai jenis pokok dari buluh kuning, sepit udang sehinggalah ke pandan, jambu dan kaktus.
Di penjuru kiri laman pula dibentuk trek refleksologi yang digunakan mereka sekeluarga untuk tujuan kesihatan.
Usaha yang dilakukan Faridah bukan saja memberikan kedamaian dan keindahan pada kediamannya malah pernah menjuarai pertandingan seni landskap kategori rumah banglo setingkat peringkat daerah Hulu Selangor, premis tercantik. Terbaru, menyandang naib johan pertandingan sama peringkat negeri Selangor.
Kata Faridah, ilham menghasilkan landskap di kediamannya bukan saja berdasarkan apa yang terfikir pada minda tetapi juga berdasarkan pengalaman melawat negara jiran, Thailand serta melalui pembacaan seperti buku Thai Garden Style dan Balinese Garden oleh William Warden.
Sentuhan Faridah bukan sekadar tanaman hiasan di tanah tetapi juga yang digantung di beberapa penjuru rumah yang diisi antaranya dengan orkid rimba manakala teratai dalam pasu tambah berseri dengan pembinaan kolam ikan di satu penjuru rumah yang turut menjadi tempat berehat pada waktu lapang.
Selain itu, Faridah turut membina sudut santai sekeluarga di penjuru kanan halamannya yang mana bangku seminfero yang cantik diletakkan di bawah pokok jambu yang dicantas rendang.
Bagi memberikan nilai tambah pada landskap yang dihasilkan Faridah turut menanam beberapa tumbuhan herba di bahagian belakang rumahnya seperti lengkuas, pandan, serai, halia merah, pegaga, halia putih juga kantan. Selain memanfaatkan bentuk pokok berkenaan yang tidak kurang menariknya ia juga memberikan keharuman di taman di samping digunakan untuk memasak.
Apa yang pasti gaya yang diberikan Faridah pada landskapnya nampak kemas, tersusun dengan kombinasi warna yang menarik, menyerlahkan ilham sebenar yang menekankan kepada kedamaian.
Sentuhan daripada bahan terbuang
Oleh Md Fuzi Abd Lateh
PENGGUNAAN bahan terbuang seperti tempayan dan pasu pelbagai ukuran serta batu sungai dalam pembentukan landskap mampu memberikan ilham menarik selain membentuk satu suasana damai kepada pemilik kediaman.
Menyedari hakikat ini, pereka landskap, Faridah Abu Bakar, 44, memanfaatkan barangan sebegini bagi membentuk landskap di banglo miliknya di Bandar Bukit Beruntung yang didiami sejak tiga tahun lalu.
Kedamaian serta keindahan tumbuhan menghijau yang dibentuk di sekeliling kediamannya menambat hati siapa saja yang bertandang dan bukan hanya jiran, kediamannya turut menarik tumpuan peminat landskap dari Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam dan Sungai Buloh.
Faridah yang sering dibantu suaminya, Ngah Ismail, 52, ringan tangan menyusun dan menanam pelbagai tumbuhan di sekeliling rumah. Setakat ini pasangan ini sudah membelanjakan lebih RM150,000 bagi membentuk landskap di kediaman mereka.
Teknik adunan seni taman moden dan tradisi diterapkan pada rekaan landskapnya yang memperlihatkan penggunaan pelbagai jenis pokok dari buluh kuning, sepit udang sehinggalah ke pandan, jambu dan kaktus.
Di penjuru kiri laman pula dibentuk trek refleksologi yang digunakan mereka sekeluarga untuk tujuan kesihatan.
Usaha yang dilakukan Faridah bukan saja memberikan kedamaian dan keindahan pada kediamannya malah pernah menjuarai pertandingan seni landskap kategori rumah banglo setingkat peringkat daerah Hulu Selangor, premis tercantik. Terbaru, menyandang naib johan pertandingan sama peringkat negeri Selangor.
Kata Faridah, ilham menghasilkan landskap di kediamannya bukan saja berdasarkan apa yang terfikir pada minda tetapi juga berdasarkan pengalaman melawat negara jiran, Thailand serta melalui pembacaan seperti buku Thai Garden Style dan Balinese Garden oleh William Warden.
Sentuhan Faridah bukan sekadar tanaman hiasan di tanah tetapi juga yang digantung di beberapa penjuru rumah yang diisi antaranya dengan orkid rimba manakala teratai dalam pasu tambah berseri dengan pembinaan kolam ikan di satu penjuru rumah yang turut menjadi tempat berehat pada waktu lapang.
Selain itu, Faridah turut membina sudut santai sekeluarga di penjuru kanan halamannya yang mana bangku seminfero yang cantik diletakkan di bawah pokok jambu yang dicantas rendang.
Bagi memberikan nilai tambah pada landskap yang dihasilkan Faridah turut menanam beberapa tumbuhan herba di bahagian belakang rumahnya seperti lengkuas, pandan, serai, halia merah, pegaga, halia putih juga kantan. Selain memanfaatkan bentuk pokok berkenaan yang tidak kurang menariknya ia juga memberikan keharuman di taman di samping digunakan untuk memasak.
Apa yang pasti gaya yang diberikan Faridah pada landskapnya nampak kemas, tersusun dengan kombinasi warna yang menarik, menyerlahkan ilham sebenar yang menekankan kepada kedamaian.
SMK Abu Bakar Temerloh student tops Pahang with 13As
SMK Abu Bakar Temerloh student tops Pahang with 13As
New Straits Times - Persekutuan,Malaysia
HUONG Yu Wan of SMK Abu Bakar Temerloh emerged the best student in Pahang, scoring 12 A1s and one A2 in the recent SPM.
New Straits Times - Persekutuan,Malaysia
HUONG Yu Wan of SMK Abu Bakar Temerloh emerged the best student in Pahang, scoring 12 A1s and one A2 in the recent SPM.
Seberang Temerloh thrash Mutiara Impian to qualify for semi-finals
The Star Online > Sports
Thursday March 3, 2005
Seberang Temerloh thrash Mutiara Impian to qualify for semi-finals
BY S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang's Seberang Temerloh came good in their last Group A match at the Tun Razak Stadium here yesterday to qualify for the semi-finals of the MWHA-Milo-NSC Champions Schools hockey tournament.
They needed a two-goal win over Penang's SMK Mutiara Impian but chalked up a 6-1 victory to set up a semi-final match today against Group B winners SMK Raja Perempuan of Perak.
The other semi-final is between defending champions SMK Padang Midin of Terengganu and the Malaysia Sports School Under-16 side.
The semi-final match-up is a repeat of last year's competition with Padang Midin going on to beat Raja Perempuan in the final.
Seberang Temerloh played with determination yesterday and shot in front with a field goal by Siti Saleha Hassan in the second minute. They had a foot in the semi-final with a goal by Fifi Maizura Fauzan in the 13th minute.
Second-half goals by Hamelia Mohamed Akhawan, Zam Dahlia Shamsuri, Fifi and Noriani Abdul Rashid in the 37th, 55th, 59th and 69th minutes gave Seberang Temeloh the convincing victory.
Nurl Azleen scored the consolation goal for Mutiara Impian in the 63rd minute.
In an earlier match, Negri Sembilan's SMK Puteri needed a draw against Padang Midin to put Seberang Temerloh out of contention. But Puteri conceded a 26th minute goal to Nor Diana Rosli to give the defending champions a solitary goal win.
Sports School, who had already completed their group fixtures the previous day, made the cut � thanks to Raja Perempuan's 4-0 win over Sultan Ibrahim.
The scorers for Raja Perempuan were Nur Asyhadah Ahmad Sapawi (12th), Khairul Najla Hasnor (17th) and Noor Hafidatun Omar (60th, 70th).
Sports School coach Yahya Atan said that his team would have a tough time against Padang Midin.
�The are playing well and have some very good players. But it will be a good exposure for my players, most of whom are under 15-years-old,� he said.
Thursday March 3, 2005
Seberang Temerloh thrash Mutiara Impian to qualify for semi-finals
BY S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang's Seberang Temerloh came good in their last Group A match at the Tun Razak Stadium here yesterday to qualify for the semi-finals of the MWHA-Milo-NSC Champions Schools hockey tournament.
They needed a two-goal win over Penang's SMK Mutiara Impian but chalked up a 6-1 victory to set up a semi-final match today against Group B winners SMK Raja Perempuan of Perak.
The other semi-final is between defending champions SMK Padang Midin of Terengganu and the Malaysia Sports School Under-16 side.
The semi-final match-up is a repeat of last year's competition with Padang Midin going on to beat Raja Perempuan in the final.
Seberang Temerloh played with determination yesterday and shot in front with a field goal by Siti Saleha Hassan in the second minute. They had a foot in the semi-final with a goal by Fifi Maizura Fauzan in the 13th minute.
Second-half goals by Hamelia Mohamed Akhawan, Zam Dahlia Shamsuri, Fifi and Noriani Abdul Rashid in the 37th, 55th, 59th and 69th minutes gave Seberang Temeloh the convincing victory.
Nurl Azleen scored the consolation goal for Mutiara Impian in the 63rd minute.
In an earlier match, Negri Sembilan's SMK Puteri needed a draw against Padang Midin to put Seberang Temerloh out of contention. But Puteri conceded a 26th minute goal to Nor Diana Rosli to give the defending champions a solitary goal win.
Sports School, who had already completed their group fixtures the previous day, made the cut � thanks to Raja Perempuan's 4-0 win over Sultan Ibrahim.
The scorers for Raja Perempuan were Nur Asyhadah Ahmad Sapawi (12th), Khairul Najla Hasnor (17th) and Noor Hafidatun Omar (60th, 70th).
Sports School coach Yahya Atan said that his team would have a tough time against Padang Midin.
�The are playing well and have some very good players. But it will be a good exposure for my players, most of whom are under 15-years-old,� he said.
Singaporean motorcyclist killed in Malaysian road accident
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 26 March 2005 1523 hrs
KUANTAN : A Singaporean motorcyclist was killed in the Malaysian state of Pahang after he was struck by a van on Friday.
Malaysian Police said Lee Kein Kwok, 25, died at the scene at Km 33 Jalan Jerantut-Temerloh, near Kuala Krau in Temerloh, at about 1.35pm.
Pahang traffic chief Superintendent Baharuddin Sarbaini said Lee, from Senja Road in Singapore, was riding in a group with three other Singaporean motorcylists.
He said Lee tried to overtake a lorry but his motorcycle was believed to have hit the rear of the lorry causing the machine to spin out of control.
Lee fell onto the path of an oncoming van and was fatally injured on the head, he told reporters.
His body was sent to Mentakab Hospital. - CNA
Posted: 26 March 2005 1523 hrs
KUANTAN : A Singaporean motorcyclist was killed in the Malaysian state of Pahang after he was struck by a van on Friday.
Malaysian Police said Lee Kein Kwok, 25, died at the scene at Km 33 Jalan Jerantut-Temerloh, near Kuala Krau in Temerloh, at about 1.35pm.
Pahang traffic chief Superintendent Baharuddin Sarbaini said Lee, from Senja Road in Singapore, was riding in a group with three other Singaporean motorcylists.
He said Lee tried to overtake a lorry but his motorcycle was believed to have hit the rear of the lorry causing the machine to spin out of control.
Lee fell onto the path of an oncoming van and was fatally injured on the head, he told reporters.
His body was sent to Mentakab Hospital. - CNA
Poly tapper
Jobless for 3 years, diploma holder now earns $2,000 a month tapping rubber and farming fish
FOR three years, Mohamad Hatta Abd Halim tried hard to find a job.
Despite having a diploma in computer science, his efforts to land a white-collar position proved futile.
Then, the 26-year-old realised that there was money to be made in agriculture, reported the New Straits Times.
His financial independence began last year.
Now, in a good month, Mr Hatta takes home about $4,800 ($2,060) from tapping rubber on his 12ha family small holding, as well as selling freshwater fish.
He earns about RM2,800 from the sale fresh water fish from cage-culture farming in Sungai Pahang near Kampung Teluk Ira, where he lives.
Last year, the Pahang Skills Development Centre graduate managed to get a temporary job for several months.
But he became unemployed again when the company closed. It was then he turned to agriculture.
'Rubber-tapping is something I grew up with. I started doing it in secondary school and it is something you never forget,' he said in an interview.
Mr Hatta is not ashamed of dirtying his hands to earn a living.
He said: 'There is nothing to be ashamed of. My father has been a rubber tapper for a long time.'
His younger brother, Mr Ahmad Afendi, 23, who just left Universiti Utara Malaysia after completing a degree in economics, is also helping their father at the smallholding.
So, too, is younger brother Mohd Hafiz, 19, a sixth-former, but only during weekends and school holidays.
Mr Hatta is aware that many graduates would not tap rubber because of the hours and the smell of dried latex.
He has to wake up at the crack of dawn and tap rubber until 11am under the sweltering sun.
After that, he tends to his fish, which thrive in seven cages in the clear waters of the river.
'This is another good source of income as many restaurants in Temerloh and Kuala Lumpur prefer to serve freshwater fish, especially patin and tilapia,' he said.
Mr Hatta currently supplies an average of 50kg of patin and tilapia every week to an agent in Kuala Lumpur.
He doesn't care what people think; he has the last laugh at the bank.
The latest statistics show that there were 80,000 unemployed graduates in Malaysia last year. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government was working to overcome the problem.
FOR three years, Mohamad Hatta Abd Halim tried hard to find a job.
Despite having a diploma in computer science, his efforts to land a white-collar position proved futile.
Then, the 26-year-old realised that there was money to be made in agriculture, reported the New Straits Times.
His financial independence began last year.
Now, in a good month, Mr Hatta takes home about $4,800 ($2,060) from tapping rubber on his 12ha family small holding, as well as selling freshwater fish.
He earns about RM2,800 from the sale fresh water fish from cage-culture farming in Sungai Pahang near Kampung Teluk Ira, where he lives.
Last year, the Pahang Skills Development Centre graduate managed to get a temporary job for several months.
But he became unemployed again when the company closed. It was then he turned to agriculture.
'Rubber-tapping is something I grew up with. I started doing it in secondary school and it is something you never forget,' he said in an interview.
Mr Hatta is not ashamed of dirtying his hands to earn a living.
He said: 'There is nothing to be ashamed of. My father has been a rubber tapper for a long time.'
His younger brother, Mr Ahmad Afendi, 23, who just left Universiti Utara Malaysia after completing a degree in economics, is also helping their father at the smallholding.
So, too, is younger brother Mohd Hafiz, 19, a sixth-former, but only during weekends and school holidays.
Mr Hatta is aware that many graduates would not tap rubber because of the hours and the smell of dried latex.
He has to wake up at the crack of dawn and tap rubber until 11am under the sweltering sun.
After that, he tends to his fish, which thrive in seven cages in the clear waters of the river.
'This is another good source of income as many restaurants in Temerloh and Kuala Lumpur prefer to serve freshwater fish, especially patin and tilapia,' he said.
Mr Hatta currently supplies an average of 50kg of patin and tilapia every week to an agent in Kuala Lumpur.
He doesn't care what people think; he has the last laugh at the bank.
The latest statistics show that there were 80,000 unemployed graduates in Malaysia last year. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government was working to overcome the problem.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)