Pemuda UMNO KK persoal motif Shafie syor Pesta Kaamatan cuti Umum Kebangsaan

Mohd Bahrin

KOTA KINABALU: Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO Bahagian Kota Kinabalu hari ini mempersoalkan motif sebenar Presiden Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal menggesa Kerajaan Persekutuan mengisytiharkan 30 dan 31 Mei sebagai cuti kebangsaan Pesta Kaamatan.

Ketuanya  Mohd.Bahrin Abd.Karim berkata, tindakan Shafie seperti telah terdesak sehingga menggunakan cuti umum Pesta Kaamatan sebagai isu untuk kepentingan politiknya.

Beliau berkata, Shafie sepatutnya memperjuang dan mensyorkan agar Kerajaan Persekutuan mengiktiraf dan menjadikan sambutan Pesta Lepa-Lepa yang diraikan oleh masyarakat Bajau Semporna sebagai cuti umum kebangsaan dan bukan memainkan isu Pesta Kaamatan.

“30 dan 31 Mei setiap tahun adalah cuti umum bagi negeri Sabah dan Kerajaan  menerusi Pejabat Daerah dan KDCA juga menganjurkan sambutan Pesta Kaamatan di daerah-daerah di seluruh negeri sebagai mengiktiraf pesta yang penting bagi masyarakat KadazanDusun Murut (KDM) ini.

“Sambutan Pesta Kaamatan diraikan oleh masyarakat berbilang kaum sepanjang bulan Mei dan KDCA serta persatuan etnik yang lain juga ada menganjurkan sambutan itu di Semenanjung Malaysia seperti di Klang, Selangor bagi membolehkan masyarakat KDM yang berada di Semenanjung Malaysia bersama-sama meraikankan”, katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika mengulas syor yang dicadangkan oleh Shafie agar Kerajaan Persekutuan isytiharkan Pesta Kaamatan sebagai cuti kebangsaan.

Mohd.Bahrin berkata, cadangan Shafie bermotifkan politik kerana mahu memancing sokongan masyarakat KDM khususnya yang bekerja di Semenanjung Malaysia.

Katanya, Shafie selaku mantan menteri persekutuan sepatutnya mengemukakan syor menjadikan Pesta Kaamatan sebagai cuti kebangsaan masa beliau masih dalam kabinet persekutuan.

“Kenapa semasa Shafie memegang jawatan Menteri Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah (KKLW), beliau tidak pernah mengemukakan syor ini untuk pertimbangan Kerajaan Persekutuan?

“Kenapa pula sekarang, selepas mengetuai parti pembangkang baru beliau menggesa Kerajaan Persekutuan isytiharkan 30 dan 31 Mei sebagai cuti kebangsaan bagi menghormati Pesta Kaamatan? Ini jelas bahawa tindakan Shafie adalah berlandaskan kepentingan politiknya dan bukan berjuang untuk masyarakat KDM”, tegasnya.

Mohd.Bahrin berkata, cuti umum Pesta Kaamatan bukan satu isu bagi rakyat di Sabah, ianya seperti juga cuti umum Pesta Gawai di negeri Sarawak.

Serentak itu, Pemuda UMNO KK menggesa Shafie agar tidak mempolitikkan isu cuti umum Pesta Kaamatan semata-mata mahu merai sokongan KDM.

“Saya yakin masyarakat berbilang kaum di Sabah khususnya KDM begitu pintar dan tidak akan terpengaruh dengan isu-isu yang dimainkan oleh parti Warisan yang hanya lantang bersuara menjelang Pilihan Raya Umum (PRU)”, tegasnya.-AG/MSN

A Road Hard to Travel

The Muddy Road

By:Anna Vivienne

The start of the journey towards Long Pasia, from Sipitang, a township south of the State,  is somewhat exciting. The road meanders through the countryside where quaint little houses stand among larger more opulent abode. The greeneries around are picturesque, lending a tranquil atmosphere along the road.

One can enjoy the view indefinitely but this nicely asphalted road comes to an end an hour or so drive afterwards, and then it starts on gravel. Most people understand and have experienced how uncomfortable driving on or travelling on a four-wheel drive vehicle can be over gravelly road.  Its like being trundled and shaken in a tin can.

Bumping one’s head is a periodic occurrence where one definitely acquires a blazing headache after wards. To boot it all one bump up and down which is not very good for the back.

It helps if the vehicle slows down a little, but it is still quite bumpy nevertheless.

Long Pasia

The graveled road comes to an end too, but we are not there yet. The road ends into dirt road; no gravels anymore. Its just a dirt road that turns into slippery red clay when it rains.

The driver of the vehicle has to apply his driving skills here and it must be mentioned that it’s not a matter of just having passed a driving test by the licensing department. It needs skills and nerve.

Two feet of sloshy mud, with rocks and pieces of woods in it are main concerns. Getting stuck in the muddy sludge is another.

Slipping down a slope with a vehicle horizontal on the road is a sight that’s almost mundane. Getting thrown every which way is another. The breath-stopping occasion is when the vehicle buck on the road with a deep ravine on one side.

After going through that for four hours, Long Pasia Village comes into view.  The breath taking view of the village is worth it, although back in one’s mind is the niggling thought that a day or so afterwards, the four hours’ drive will be repeated when one leaves to go home.

Long Pasia is a village in Sipitang Sabah which is synonymous with nature and as home to the Lundayeh people. They are mostly paddy planters and hunters. In their plantations they usually plant catch crops like yams, tapioca and sweet potatoes.

The village is nestled in the valley, with houses built on the gentle slopes. At the flat land on the valley where the schools, clinic and shops are, runs a river.

The village is participating in the homestay programme and many houses are earmarked as such. This is especially for houses that have good clean modern toilets, a compulsory requirement.

Tour Guide, Maxson Balang who resides in that village says the village can attract a lot of tourists who want to experience life there but the road condition is a major deterrent.

The Villagers are also finding it difficult to go to town to sell their wares or buy essentials.

“We have been facing difficulties through the years because of the lack of good road. We hope that the Government through our State Assemblyman will be informed about this problem and rectify this as soon as possible.”

One of the waterfalls

On the homestay programme activities, there are many and various. The Balang Homestay for instance offers a wide array of activities, according to.

“We have a river cruise that takes about 40 minutes. We take our guests down the river to bird watch and generally see the wild life along the river,” Maxson shares adding that they also get to walk around the village experience the cool ambiance there.

“Besides that we also take them rafting. Not white water rafting but rafting slowly down the river on a bamboo raft. It’s an experience and also pit one’s prowess against nature.”

“Our highlight is the trek to the waterfalls. It is a good walk, a little challenging to those unused to the terrain.  I have guided many people to the waterfalls and they have nothing but praises for the sights.”

“Along the way, I showed them edible plants and herbs. This is of great interest to most of our guests, especially those who are not accustomed to the jungles.”

Balang (right) and his guests

Maxson says the villagers have knowledge of jungle food and medicinal plants  as they have always lived with nature and their their ancestors had garnered so much of such knowledge through the generations.   

Besides that, the people there also accord their guests with a taste of their traditional food, gathered from the forests.

“We serve them local food or  whatever we have, so they know what we eat here. I believe this enriches their homestay experience.”

This way guests will go home with a rich knowledge of the people in their host country, he adds.

Those who wish to visit this village may call Maxson at 011 17598169 for more information.- AG/MSN

Windbell Lido, Dining in Comfort

Windbell Restaurant

Most people want a cosy ambiance and comfortable sitting arrangement when they want to have a good and filling dinner without any hassles.

An overcrowded restaurant may be indications that the eatery serves good food, but it does not offer much in terms of comfort for diners.

Sometimes fellow diners pass by and hit or kick the chair of their dining neighbours, due to overcrowding. This is one of the most irritating things to happen, not only because of the discomfort of sudden unmitigated moves, but at times one end up with soup on the face, or a whole fork full of noodles.

Some of the food available

The other thing that diners want is good and swift service. Slow service is very annoying. There are times when diners have to wait for half an hour to get their order and at times the order might not even be correct. This happens often, not only in coffee shops but in good restaurants including those fast food franchises.

I believe these issues that bother me and others, will not happen in Windbell, a restaurant that serves steamboats in the evenings. It may be crowded, but the tables are set in such a way that you will not jog your dining neighbour off their soup. You will not wait for the waitress to come over, which takes almost half hour in some places I know, as this restaurant serves buffet steamboat. And that of course ensure that your order never goes wrong, as you pick it yourself.

With all these comforts and assurance in place, the food as all steamboat goes is boiled by diners. In Windbell there are about 40 items that one can choose from.

These include a variety of seafood such as prawns, fish and crabs. Processed sea food and vegetables, meats and noodles are also available. To boot this all, there are precooked items like fried chicken, chicken feet a personal favourite, noodles and rice. The desert is grass jelly drinks, a variety of fruits and cakes. Oh, and ice-cream.

Pre-cooked items

This is an eat all you can buffet, so you can relax and eat what you want. Tips for eating buffet; take it slow, take it little by little.

Windbell restaurant which was formerly sited at Tanjung Aru Beach several years ago is well known for its seafood and it seems to be continuing this tradition at its new site in Lido, Penampang.

It is open for breakfast and lunch too with offerings from their ala carte menu.

Easy and simple breakfast and lunch are served from 7am to 2pm. The steamboat dinner is served from 5.30pm to 10pm. The price is at RM35 to RM42  per pax, with special discounts for senior citizens aged 65 and above. Children aged 6 to12 are charged 50 percent less.

For those who wish to carry out their social gatherings here, they can accommodate up to 400 people at any one time.

More information may be acquired from them 088 222305.-AG

UMNO Women Silam to look into the needy's needs

Mizma (right) in friendly interaction
with the orphans during lunch

CONCERNED…Silam Women UMNO Chief  Mizma Appehdullah with her committe members visited the Welfare Homes under the Malaysian Medical Services and Charity Foundation (YKPPM) at Taman Sri Perdana, Lahad Datu, recently.

Mizma and her group feted the residents of the home with lunch. They comprised of 36 orphans, converts and the impoverished.

She was given a tour of the home and briefed on its needs. She stated that she would look into providing assistance to meet their needs.-AG

Women debelopmeny, BN Government's main agenda-Mizma

Mizma (right) receiving a memento from Aida during the function..

 

LAHAD DATU: The Barisan Nasional (BN) Government prioritize women's development in its agenda.

Silam UMNO Women Chief, Mizma Appehdullah said the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman recognised the role and contributions of women in the State.

She said the BN Government had never ignored women in any development plans including in the policy making levels .

“The Government accorded important roles to women in both State and National levels, in various aspects including administratives and developments roles."

“In fact the contributions and roles of women are recognised by the Governmnent. The BN Government had never sidelined women in the  mainstrean of development in the National level," she said

Mizma said this when asked about the

Decision of the State Government to allocate RM5 million in the 2917 Budget as Additional Special Funds for Women groups in Sabah.

She was talking to reporters after launching the SK Kennedy Bay School's 49th Annual Sports Meet at the Sports Complex in Lahad Datu today.

“The special fund go towards women's integration in the mainstream of development,"Musa had stated in his speech in conjunction during a reception to award recognition to Sabah Women Advisory Council (SWAC) (2015-2016) at Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, yesterday.

The Chief Minister's Sperch was read by the Minister of Community Development and Consumer's Affairs Datuk Hajah Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmad Ayid.

In this respect, Silam UMNO Women lauded Musa's leadership for placing women's development as the State Government's main agenda.

Mizma said the BN Government was committed in assisting women in every aspects especially in the intergration of women in the mainstream of development.

“The Government's goal is for women to play significant roles in development especially in human capital," she stressed.

Earlier in her speech when launching the school sports day, Mizma urged pupils to utilise sports as a platform in healthy competitions on participated events.

She said sports was not only for physical and mental health but also to instill discipline on the pupils as well as promote teamwork and friendship among them.

Also present during the event were the school principal Aida Abdul Rashid, the Parents Teacher Association President  (PIBG), Ali Yassim Lassim and Silam Camp Village Head, Haji Nasir.-AG

Yahya menyaksikan MoU diantara JPHPT dan UPM

Yahya (dua dari kanan) menyampaikan cenderamata
kepada Madius (tiga dari kiri) di majlis itu

KOTA KINABALU: Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin telah merasmikan Seminar Penternakan Kerbau Sawah di Sabah dan menyaksikan Majlis Menandatangani Perjanjian Projek “Enhancing The Productivity of Farmed Buffalo through Modification of Rearing Practices” diantara Jabatan Perkhidmatan Haiwan dan Perusahaan Ternak (JPHPT), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) dan National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) di Hotel Promenade, Kota Kinabalu.

Turut hadir ialah Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Malaysia, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Makanan Negeri (MAFI)  Ahmad Haji Awang Hashim, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif NIBM, Haji Rozairi Muhammad, Pengarah JPHPT, Datuk Dr.Yeo Boon Kiat.-AG

Bengkel memeperhalusi pegisian 'Pesta Magahau' diadakan

 Ketua Daerah Matunggong,
OKK Makinsos Nawai.

MATUNGGONG: Seramai 36 peserta telah menyertai Bengkel Khas Memperhalusi Pengisian “Pesta Magahau” yang diadakan di Bilik Mesyuarat Pejabat Daerah Kecil Matunggong, baru-baru ini.

Bengkel itu dianjurkan oleh Mahkamah Anak Negeri Matunggong dan dipengerusikan oleh Ketua Daerah Matunggong, OKK Makinsos Nawai.

Peserta bengkel terdiri daripada Ketua-Ketua Anak Negeri, Wakil Ketua Anak Negeri, Ketua-Ketua Kampung, wakil-wakil persatuan Rungus, pertubuhan keagamaan,10 orang tokoh adat dan  pemimpin masyarakat Rungus.

Bengkel ini merupakan sambungan kepada bengkel pertama yang telah dilaksanakan pada tahun 2009 (Konvensyen Undang- Undang Adat Matunggong 2009).

Bengkel itu bertujuan untuk memurni dan memperhalusi acara-acara dan pengisian Pesta Magahau agar iannya selaras dan mengikut adat dan ketetapan yang telah dibuat dan dipersetujui oleh pihak Mahkamah Anak Negeri dan tokoh2 adat Rungus sebelum ini.

Antara agenda yang hangat diperbincangkan ialah kontroversi dan salah faham sesetengah pihak mengenai sebahagian acara yang kononnya berbentuk “ritual” yang kononnya dilaksanakan atau dimasukkan dalam Pesta Magahau sebelum ini.

Setelah diperhalusi dan dikaji , tidak wujud sama sekali acara2 pemujaan atau “ritual” yang mirip kepada pemujaan. Iannya hanyalah salah faham dan ketidakfahaman sesetengah pihak yang tidak pernah buat kajian atau menghadiri acara-acara yang dilaksanakan sebelum ini.

Setelah perbincangan dan perdebatan secara panjang lebar, Bengkel kali kedua ini telah memutus dan menetapkan serta dipersetujui sebulat suara bahawa Pesta Magahau adalah satu-satunya perayaan rasmi Etnik Rungus yang perlu diteruskan dan dipertahankan. Sebarang usaha penghapusan pesta ini akan ditentang dan dianggap melanggar dan menghina Adat Istiadat & Orang Rungus.

Bengkel itu telah menghasilkan resolusi dan ketetapan seperti berikut ;

1. Pesta Magahau diisytiharkan sebagai satu-satunya perayaan Rasmi Etnik Rungus.

2. Acara-acara dan pengisian Pesta Magahau hendaklah mengikut ketetapan yang telah dipersetujui oleh Bengkel ini dan Panel Penasihat yang  diwujudkan.

3. Tadau “Papak Taraat” ditiadakan dalam acara-acara Pesta Magahau kerana iannya berkaitan dengan acara kematian.

4. Tadau /Sodop Tavasi Papak Tavasi diiktiraf sebagai acara kemuncak dalam Pesta Magahau.

5. Pembinaan “Pinapakan” iaitu binaan struktur berhias yang amat unik dan telah menjadi tarikan orang ramai dibolehkan dengan syarat tiada acara bacaan  berbentuk “ritual” yang akan disalah anggap sebagai berbentuk pemujaan dan sebagainya.

5. Penyembelihan  binatang ternakan seperti babi di lokasi Pinapakan dibolehkan selagi iannya tidak disertai bacaan berbentuk ritual.

Kesemua peserta bengkel juga bersetuju sebulat suara  bahawa sebarang perubahan atau cadangan baru hendaklah dibuat melalui mesyuarat yang dihadiri oleh Mahkamah Anak Negeri, Persatuan-Persatuan dan Pertubuhan Etnik Rungus, Wakil2 pertubuhan dan persatuan keagamaan, tokoh-tokoh adat , budaya dan sebagainya.-AG

Yahya terima kunjungan Ketua Masyarakat Cina Putatan

Yahya (tengah0 dengan ketua masyarakat Cina Putatan

PERJUMPAAN…Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin (tengah) bergambar kenangan bersama ketua-ketua masyarakat Cina daerah Putatan selepas menerima kunjungan mereka di pejabatnya di Wisma Pertanian Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, baru baru ini.

Turut serta dalam kunjungan itu termasuklah Ahli Majlis Daerah Putatan, Ngu Woo Dung (kanan) dan E Lawrence Hee Wee Liong (tiga dari kanan).

Pelbagai isu telah dibincangkan dalam kunjungan itu terutama mengenai kepentingan masyarakat Cina di Putatan amnya dan rakyat keseluruhannya.-AG

Culture of Integrity briefing for LGS staff

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Rubber Industry Board in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah conducted a briefing on the “Culture of Integrity among LIGS staff” at its Headquarters attended by 50 officers including staff of its subsidiaries.  This is a continuation of Corporate Integrity Pledge signed with MACC in March 2016.

Present at the briefing were SRIB Deputy  Chairman, Dato’ Webley Disim,  General Manager, Datuk Harris Mathews and MACC Deputy Director of Operations, Karunanithy a/l Y. Subbiah.

The briefing was conducted by the MACC Assistant Commissioner, Aini Ag. Muda.  A corruption free pledge was lead by LIGS Integrity Officer, Jenus Gansau.

Harris urged LIGS staff to inculcate positive values while carrying out their daily duties to ensure a free corruption agency.  He added that the Board is both socially and commercially oriented.  The main objective is to eradicate poverty among rubber smallholders.  The staff were advised to have integrity in dealing with smallholders such as to combat corruption, abuse of power, good services, courteous,  caring attitude, accurate decision-making with efficient and effective management.

Harris also advised officers in charge of districts to hold briefings for their staff under them on the importance of integrity.

Harris hoped that all staffs can inculcate positive values in the daily work to ensure fast, accurate, productive, creative and innovative atmosphere.-AG

Yahya rasmi sambutan TBC SJKC Hwa Shiong

   Yahya menerima cenderamata daripada pasukan tarian singa di majlis itu.

PUTATAN: Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin telah merasmikan majlis sambutan Tahun Baru Cina SJKC Hwa Shiong di gelanggang bola keranjang sekolah itu, baru baru ini.

Yahya yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Petagas turut mengaul yee sang bersama para jemputan selain menyampaikan limau dan angpow kepada pelajar sekolah itu.

Majlis itu turut dihadiri oleh Pembantu Menteri kepada Ketua Menteri, Datuk Ir. Edward Yong, Pengerusi Dewan Perniagaan dan Perindustrian Tionghua Kota Kinabalu, Datuk Michael Lui Yen Sang,Penolong Pengarah Unit Bahasa Cina, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri, Tham Yun Fook, Pengerusi Persatuan Sekolah Cina Negeri Sabah, Datuk William Chu, Pengerusi Lembaga Pengurus Sekolah, Frankie Chung, Pengerusi Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru-Guru (PIBG), Michael Chin Wee Yee,Guru Besar sekolah, Tang Siew Kean dan pemimpin masyarakat setempat.-AG

The Palace Hotel gives to the less fortunate

The recipeints of the Christmas gifts with the Palace Hotel team lead
by Ms Phang 5th right, back row.

KOTA KINABALU: The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu presented gifts to some 100 parishioners’ children and residents of the Mother of Divine Grace Hostel, Kota Belud, recently.

The gifts were collected from Hotel staff, guests and generous members of the public for the less fortunate, in conjunction with the Christmas celebration.

Ms Phang Joo See, the General Manager said a Christmas tree was placed  at their lobby where the names of the potential recipients were hung.

The tree aptly called ‘Angel tree’ was at the lobby for the whole month of December last year with the names hung on it, and guests as well as generous individuals were encouraged to pick a name off the tree as a recipient for their gifts,  she said.

According to her, the names were of children from the Mother of Divine Grace Hostel and children from impoverished families around the area.

“We collected and sent the gifts to the recipients recently,” she stated, adding that the hotel also brought food and drinks for the recipients and their family.

“We hope our gifts have given them joy. We are happy to have spent time with them in the spirit of giving.”

The collection of gifts for the less fortunate by way of an Angel tree has been carried out by the hotel for the last five years, with beneficiaries from various homes including Bondulu Orphanage Home, Toboh Tambunan, Don Bosco Orphanage Home, Bundu Tuhan and St Maria Goretti Hostel Keningau, among others.

This is one of the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events where the hotel integrate social responsibilities and environmental concerns voluntarily into its business activities.

Ms Phang mentioned that the hotel Christmas Decorations were made up wholly with recycled materials collected from the various departments in the hotel.

“This included water bottles, egg trays and old newspapers as well as discarded containers and drums,” she stated.

According to her, this did  not only help the hotel in waste management but also instilled awareness among the young generation on the importance of employing the 4R hierarchy-reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Respect Culture in their everyday life.-AG

Ms Phang talking to the audience about the Angel Tree

Frankie Liew sumbang angpao dan makanan kepada warga tua

Frankie (barisan hadapan, sembilan dari kiri) bergambar bersama kakitangan
 Tukim, Nuga Best, Kian Teck dan YMM Cawangan Tanjung Aru 
yang menyertai program amal itu

KOTA KINABALU: Menjelang perayan Tahun Baru Cina, golongan warga emas di Rumah Warga Tua Sri Pritchard Kinarut tidak dilupakan oleh mereka yang prihatin khususnya syarikat-syarikat swasta dan juga individu.

Presiden Dewan Perniagaan Malaysia-Cina (Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce)(MCCC) Cawangan Sabah, Datuk Frankie Liew telah mengetuai kakitangan 2 buah syarikatnya iaitu Tukim Enterprise Sdn.Bhd dan Nuga Best (Sabah) Sdn.Bhd mengunjungi 94 penghuni warga emas rumah amal itu untuk menyampaikan sumbangan berupa makanan dan “Ang Pow”.

Frankie Liew merupakan Pengarah Urusan (MD) Tukim Enterprise dan Pengerusi Nuga Best (Sabah) Sdn.Bhd.

Turut menyertai rombongan Frankie dalam kunjungan mesra itu ialah Pengarah Kian Teck Sdn.Bhd, Encik Louis Tan, Pengarah Urusan Nuga Best, Francis Liew dan anggota Yong Malaysia Movement (YMM) Cawangan Tanjung Aru.

Menurut Frankie, lawatan ke rumah amal menjalang perayaan Tahun Baru Cina itu merupakan aktiviti tahunan syarikatnya sejak lebih 20 tahun lalu.

 “Lawatan amal yang diadakan setiap tahun ini, diharap dapat membawa sedikit keceriaan dan kegembiraan kepada para penghuni di Rumah Warga Tua Sri Pritchard menjelang perayaan Tahun Baru Cina”, katanya.

Beliau berkata, program amal itu juga selaras dengan konsep masyarakat penyayang dan tanggungjawab sosial korporat (CSR) yang dilaksanakan oleh syarikat-syarikatnya.
Menurutnya, generasi muda perlu diterap dengan cinta dan kasih kepada golongan warga emas bukan sahaja semasa menjelang sesuatu perayaan, tetapi sepanjang hayat.

Turut hadir di majlis itu ialah Penolong Penguasa Rumah Warga Tua Sri Pritchard, Puan Juddy George dan kakitangannya.-AG

Lion heads for Temple

 Bryan Chew (3rd left) and Mok (2nd right) recieving mementoes
from the Dance Troupe team during the event

CONTRIBUTION OF FOUR LION HEAD SETS….Tai Pak Gong Temple Tenom recieved four units of 'Lion heads' from entreprenuers Bryan Chew and Mok Sau Ngen, which would go to their Lion Dance Troupe, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

The hand over ceremony held at the same time as 'opening the Lions' eyes' ceremony was carried out at the Temple ground. It was witnessed by the Chairman of Tai Pak Gong Tenom, Kapitan Yong Yaw Chen and his deputy Chong Vun Kiong.

Yong  expressed his appreciation and thanks to Bryan dan Mok for their contribution to the temple's Dance Troupe.

According to Bryan, he presented two units of 'Lion head' annually so the Tai Pak Gong Lion Dance Troupe can perform well during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

“This is one of my corporate social responsibilities, with my friend, Mok”, he said.-AG

Rubber smallholders windfall

Datuk Yahya Hussin

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Sabah,  Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Yahya Hussin today express his happiness for the rubber smallholders in the state for the higher income enjoyed by them. 

Yahya said,  the International price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) has increased from its low of RM4.70 cents per kilogram early last year to today at RM9.68 per kilogram.  The increase in price is due to a short supply in the world market due to flooding in Southern Thailand.  He expressed his hope that the International rubber price will be maintained.

Yahya said, as a result, the smallholder rubber prices in Sabah  has increase from a low of RM1.50 per kilogram for cuplumps at 50% dry rubber content to a high of RM3.75 per kilogram as of today.  The increase has resulted in rubber smallholders earning between RM2,500.00 per month to RM7,000.00 per month.

Yahya reminded the smallholders that the government has a social safety net policy in place for rubber smallholders called the Rubber Production Incentive (IPG). The IPG is paid when the farm gate price falls below RM2.20 per kilogram for cuplumps (50% dry rubber content) or when the international SMR20 price is below RM5.50 per kilogram.  It means that if the actual price of cuplumps (50% dry rubber content) is RM1.50 per kilogram, the Government will top up the difference of 0.70 cents per kilogram.  The Federal Government has paid RM22,001,182.00 to rubber smallholders in Sabah from September 2015 to October 2016 through Sabah Rubber Industry Board under this programme. 

Yahya thank the Federal Government specially The Prime Mininter, Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak for assisting rubber smallholders in Sabah during the difficult times.   A total of 13,426 smallholders benefit from this policy.

Yahya also gave examples of the earnings of smallholders in December 2016 in the various districts.

Districts                      Smallholders                                    Amount

                                                                                      RM

Tuaran                       Podok bin Sualan                            6,476.75

Nabawan                   Angkimis Ampait                              6,935.30

Tenom                      Tham Swee Min                               5,946.35

Keningau                  Michael bin Asang                             8,547.95

Kota Marudu              Patrik Kambingi                                5,823.75

Kota Belud                Sail bin Serlesig                                4,971.90

Sipitang                    Alis bin Baru                                      4,035.45

Yahya also expresed his thanks to Prime Minister for giving funds to rubber smallholders for replanting and newplanting of rubber through the Sabah Rubber Industry Board amounting to RM321,217,238.00  from 2012 to 2016 to plant  26,518 hectares of rubber in Sabah.  A total of 8,540 smallholders were assisted under the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) programme.-AG

In 2017, the Federal Government has allocated RM65,500,000.00 to further replant  and new plant 3,856  hectares and maintain planted areas through Sabah Rubber Industry Board.  A total of 1,285  additional smallholders will be assisted in 2017.

Yahya thank the Prime Minister for all assistance provided to Sabah Rubber Smallholders through Sabah Rubber Industry Board.

Mesyuarat Badan Perhubungan UMNO Sabah

UNTUK ALBUM…Timbalan Ketua Menteri,Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin (bersongkok) yang juga Setiausaha Badan Perhubungan UMNO Negeri, Bendahari UMNO Negeri, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor (empat dari kanan) yang juga Menteri Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan Negeri, Menteri Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna Negeri, Datuk Hajah Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmad Ayid bergambar kenang-kenangan bersama Ketua-Ketua UMNO Bahagian sebelum mesyuarat Badan Perhubungan UMNO Negeri Sabah di Bangunan UMNO Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

Turut kelihatan dalam gambar, Datuk Seri Panglima Abd.Ghapur Haji Salleh (tengah), Datuk Abd.Rahim Ismail (dua dari kiri), Datuk Sri Haji Nasir Tun Sakaran (tiga dari kiri), Datuk Bolkiah Ismail (kanan), Datuk John Ambrose (empat dari kiri), Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (dua dari kanan) dan Datuk Nilwan Kabang (kiri).-AG

TYT rasmi ulang tahun jubli intan Maktab Sabah

RASMI…Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin telah berkenan merasmikan Majlis Ulang Tahun Jubli Intan ke-6 Maktab Sabah, Kota Kinabalu di dewan sekolah itu, kelmarin.

Turut hadir ialah Toh Puan Datuk Seri Panglima Hajah Norlidah Tan Sri R.M.Jasni, Menteri Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna Negeri, Datuk Hajah Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmad Ayid, Pengarah Pendidikan Negeri, Datuk Maimunah Suhaibul, Pengerusi Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru-Guru (PIBG), Datuk Fatimah Shara Ahmad Noor, Pengetua Cemerlang Maktab Sabah, Datin Hajah Nuinda Haji Alias dan Pengarah Jabatan Tanah dan Ukur Negeri, Datuk Hajah Safar Untung.

Pengerusi PIBG, Fatimah Shara berkata, majlis itu diadakan bertujuan memperingati genapnya 60 tahun usia penubuh Maktab Sabah selain untuk menghimpunkan mantan-mantan pelajar.

Kelihatan, Juhar (enam dari kiri) dan Norlidah (tujuh dari kiri) bersama Jainab (empat dari kiri), Fatimah (dua dari kiri), Nuinda (empat dari kanan) dan jemputan lain memotong kek sambutan Ulang Tahun ke-60 Maktab Sabah di majlis itu.-AG

Yahya rasmi co-opbank persatuan cawangan KK

Yahya (bersongkok) menandatangani
plak perasmian sambil diperhatikan oleh Yusra (tiga dari kanan),
Sani (dua dari kiri), Umar (kiri)
dan Mohamad Azmi (dua dari kiri) di majlis itu.

KOTA KINABALU: Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin telah merasmikan Koperasi Co-opbank Persatuan Malaysia Berhad (Co Opbank Persatuan) Cawangan Kota Kinabalu di Alamesra Plaza Utama, Jalan Sulaman, baru baru ini.

Yahya yang juga Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Makanan Negeri berkata, Kerajaan Negeri amat mengalu-alukan pembukaan Co-opbank Persatuan di Sabah yang telah pun mula beroperasi pada 23 September 2016.

Katanya, Co-opbank Persatuan sehingga kini telah mencapai modak syer berbayar lebih RM343.1 juta, sementara sebanyak 531 buah koperasi daripada seluruh negara telah menganggotainya dan anggota individu melebihi 75,000 orang.

“Dengan adanya 20 cawangan merentasi semua negeri di seluruh Malaysia, Co-opbank Persatuan bukan sahaja berjaya menampatkan dirinya sebaris dengan institusi kewangan lain di negara ini malahan mampu mengangkat martabat dan kedudukan sosio ekonomi para anggotanya”, tegasnya.

Turut hadir di majlis itu ialah Pengerusi Co-opbank Persatuan, Datuk Haji Yusra Sabar, Naib Pengerusi Eksekutif Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM), Dato’ Sani Abd.Hamid, Naib Presiden ANGKASA, Haji Mohamad Azmi Omaruddin, Pengarah SKM Negeri Sabah, Umar Sarim Saidin dan Pengerusi Perhubungan ANGKASA Sabah, Datuk Hajah Noraini Datuk Panglima Haji Salleh.-AG

Yahya menerima cendrakenangan dari Yusra