#LahadDatu: Eight more suspects charged over intrusion

Eight more people have been charged in connection with the Lahad Datu intrusion, bringing the total number of people charged to 16.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the suspects were charged yesterday under Section 130 KA of the Penal Code for terrorism read with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

“They will be brought to the High Court for a hearing tomorrow,” he said at the daily Ops Daulat media briefing in Felda Sahabat.

He said police believed only about 10 gunmen were left within the Kampung Sungai Bilis, Kampung Lok Sembuang and Kampung Lok Buani areas.

“We are not ruling out the possibility that they have started posing as villagers but the authorities have their own ways to detect them and will arrest them soon,” Datuk Hamza said.

He also assured villagers, who were recently allowed to return to their villages, of their safety as security officials were still present around the villages and other areas in Lahad Datu for security purposes.

“Our personnel are still on standby so there is no need to worry,” Datuk Hamza added.

 

TheStar

Read More

#LahadDatu: Three Immigration complexes begin operating

Three immigration, customs, quarantine and security centres (CIQs) began operating in Kudat, Pulau Banggi and Lahad Datu on Tuesday as the first step in closing down the more than 35 illegal entry points along Sabah's east coast.

Immigration Department director general Datuk Alias Ahmad said the three new CIQs were among the first initiatives under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) that was set up in the wake of the Sulu gunmen intrusion in Lahad Datu in February.

"These news CIQs would mean a better regularisation of foreigners into Sabah," he said, adding that the department had formally notified the Philippines government of the new entry points via Wisma Putra.

The new CIQs would be in addition to the existing facilities at Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna.

He said authorities had detected more than 35 illegal entry points in Sabah's east coast and about 25 of these were in the east coast Sandakan district alone.

Read More

DOSH to meet contractors over safety

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) will be meeting with contractors to tighten their safety management system after a freak accident at an LRT construction site killed a motorist.

Its director-general Datuk Dr Johari Basri said the meeting, which was called in light of development executive A. Vijayasingam's death after a 10-tonne construction equipment fell on his car, would focus on managing sub-contractors and specialised equipment such as cranes.

“It will also discuss the need to increase safety personnel and better traffic management.

Read More

NS camps in security zone area remain closed. #LahadDatu

Two National Service (NS) camps in Sabah which were closed due to the attacks by foreign militants will only re-open once the security situation there returns to normal, says NS Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil.

He said that the Bagai Budi camp in Sandakan and the Shan Shui camp in Tawau, which are located in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) area, had been closed until further notice.

“We will consider re-opening the camps for training when the situation in eastern Sabah is stable,” he said after seeing off 450 NS trainees in Ayer Keroh here yesterday.

Abdul Hadi said that the two camps had been temporarily closed after parents raised concerns over their children's safety after news of the Lahad Datu incursion broke out.

He said 142 trainees originally slated to train at the two camps had been transferred to five camps in Selangor and Malacca.

“Another 846 trainees from Sabah will only undergo training at a later date, while 516 trainees, located in the Esscom area, are unaffected,” he added.

Read More

Rise in household income tied to govt transformation programmes

The current average monthly household income of Malaysians at about RM5,000 compared to RM4,025 in 2009, is among the initial outcomes of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

Political analysts said the GTP and ETP were not just mere slogans because the implementation report data had proven the programmes' success in raising the household income of Malaysians.

According to the 2012 GTP and ETP achievement report, the two initiatives have started to show significant improvements in the well-being of the people.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Social Science Faculty senior lecturer Dr Jeniri Amir said the Government's move in enhancing the GTP and ETP programmes was a timely step for the country towards achieving developed nation and high-income status.

“Compared to five years ago, the increase is very significant, whereby civil servants' salaries have been raised and we also have a minimum salary for the private sector,” he said.

Dr Jeniri said Malaysia recorded a growth rate of 5.6% despite uncertainties in the global economy.

Strong economic growth continues to generate job opportunities and drive various economic activities, he added.

Read More

#LahadDatu: Datuk Seri surrenders to police

Datuk Seri Muhammad Ridzwan Sulaiman surrendered himself Monday at Ampang Jaya police station in connection with Lahad Datu's intrusion.

On Sunday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said they were looking to contact one Muhammad Ridzwan from George Town in connection with their investigations into the intrusion.

Speaking at the daily press briefing at Felda Sahabat Residence, Hamza said Muhammad Ridzwan, who is in his 50s, is believed to be the president of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Al-Ehsan Islamiah Malaysia.

TheStar

Read More

Household income increase is proof Govt has succeeded in improving lives

The 7.2% increase in average household income is proof that the government's transformation programme has succeed in improving people's lives, said MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He urged Malaysians to help the government to achieve its goal of attaining high-income nation status.

“The government is committed to enhance the nation's competitiveness through the various transformation programmes which aimed at improving our standard of living and to be a high-income nation.

“Under (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership, these programmes have achieved significant results such as increasing our nation's per capita income from USD6,700 (RM20,746) in 2009 to USD9,970 (RM30,872) in 2012.

“Thus, we must put in our best efforts to help our nation reach this goal. MCA will continue to play an important role, with the help of the Chinese community, and together with Barisan Nasional to achieve Vision 2020.

“I urge the people to support the government and its efforts in order to ensure political stability within our country so that we all can live together in harmony and peace,” he said in a statement on Friday.

The 2012 National Household Income Study found that the average monthly household income for Malaysians has reached RM5,000, a nearly RM1,000 increase from the average monthly income of RM4,025 in 2009.

Read More

Lima visitors tour Malaysian, Thai and Bangladeshi naval vessels

Opportunity to be on board a naval ship is rare and many visitors to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2013 grabbed the chance to be in one.

Thousands of visitors walked some 200m under a blazing sun to the Resorts World Langkawi jetty in Porto Malai to tour three naval ships docked there for the public.

The three were KD Jebat, BNS Dhaleswari from Bangladesh and HTMS Phuket from Thailand.

The KD Jebat was the most popular as its crew were tasked to accompany visitors on a tour of the warship.

Commissioned to the Royal Malaysian Navy in 1999, it weighs 2,060 tonnes and is 106m in length.

KD Jebat is equipped with guns, missiles, torpedoes and radar, and can conduct surface, air and undersea combat operations.

It has participated in the Ops Daulat mission in Sabah, providing surveillance.

Hotel worker Mohd Aiman Abdullah said he had visited Lima several times but this was his first time on board a naval ship.

The 30-year-old from Langkawi brought his wife and five children along.

“Previously, I had only seen the air show,” he said.

Read More

Iranian sisters sent to gallows for drug trafficking

Two Iranian sisters were sent to the gallows by the High Court here on Friday for trafficking in methamphetamine at the KL International Airport in Sepang two years ago.

Judge Datuk Nurchaya Arshad handed down the sentence after the defence failed to raise a reasonable doubt against the prosecution's case.

Fatemah Zandiyeh Mohammad, 24, and Tahmineh Zandiyeh Mohammad, 26, appeared calm when the judge read out the sentence, but in the public gallery, their father broke down in tears and almost collapsed.

Fatemah was found guilty of trafficking in 1,489.8gm of methamphetamine, which was found strapped to her waist, at the KLIA's baggage claim area at about 11.30am on May 5, 2011.

Tahmineh was also found guilty of trafficking in 1,497.9gm of the same drugs using the same method and on the same day at the same time and place. They were charged under Section 39B (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries a mandatory death penalty upon conviction.

The prosecution called eight witnesses throughout the trial and the defence, two.

Read More

Lima visitors treated to aerial and marine demonstrations

Visitors to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima 2013) were treated to a spectacle of high speed chases and air manoeuvres during a demonstration by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here.

The 45-minute demonstration involved dramatic action moves from 20 ships and aircraft taking part in an attempt to stop a ship suspected of carrying dangerous chemicals.

When officers tried to board the ship, they were attacked by criminals. A rescue operation then ensued, involving Paskal (navy commandos) diving into the sea to join the operation.

Another action sequence involved a fire-fighting mission by the MMEA's amphibious Bombardier aircraft that can scoop up to 6,000 litres of water in 12 seconds.

The assets involved in the demonstration included the navy's Zodiac and CB90 boats, Super Lynx and Fennec helicopters. The MMEA showcased its Kilar and Petir boats along with their Agusta Westland, Dauphin and Bombardier aircraft.

The show ended with the Bombardier releasing water in front of the audience, creating a rainbow while helicopters swooped above the audience.

Read More

Japanese national to hang for trafficking in 3.4kg of syabu

The Court of Appeal upheld the Shah Alam High Court's decision to hang a Japanese ex-nurse for trafficking in 3.4kg of syabu at KLIA in 2009.

The court led by Justice Mohamed Apandi Ali denied Mariko Takeuchi's appeal.

The panel also included Justices Linton Albert and Mohd Zawawi Salleh.

Her counsel Afifuddin Ahmad Hafifi submitted that there had been discrepancies in the drug exhibit which was seized and tendered to the court.

“The weight of the drugs had changed during the proceedings at the magistrate's level, compared to the weight recorded at the time of arrest,” he said.

Justice Mohamed Apandi questioned why the weight could have changed and what reason the Customs officers would have to frame the Japanese national for drug trafficking.

He said counsel should provide more reasons to back his theory if he intended to question the integrity of the Customs' officers.

Takeuchi was arrested at a Customs inspection counter at the international arrival hall of KLIA at 9.55pm on Oct 30, 2009.

Read More

#LahadDatu: Esszone set up to halt incursions

The Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) to prevent incursions and ensure the security of the state has been formed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that it comprised 10 districts Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.

The zone, he said, would be administered by the Esszone Committee chaired by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, with its headquarters in Lahad Datu.

“He (Musa) will be assisted by a chief executive officer and other members to be announced later,” he said during the 206th Police Day Celebrations at the Police Training Academy yesterday.

Najib said the formation of the safety zone was in line with the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), aimed at safeguarding eastern Sabah.

“The establishment of Esszone does not constitute a declaration of emergency. It will not prevent free and democratic elections from taking place in the area involved.”

It is learnt Esscom would act as an authoritative body for the Esszone. For example, any activity, be it social or security efforts in the safety zone, would be coordinated through Esscom.

Read More

#LahadDatu: Security comes first

The probe into the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu has been put on hold as the priority is the safety and security of the people in Sabah.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the probe whether in the form of a White Paper or a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) would have to take a backseat to other pressing matters concerning the security of the area.

“At the moment, the most important thing is the mopping-up exercises by security forces and to ensure the safe return of all villagers.

“We want to make sure the people in Sabah are safe before we embark on a probe,” he told pressmen after attending the 206th Police Day celebrations held at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here yesterday.

Commenting on a possible RCI or White Paper into the Lahad Datu incident, Hishammuddin said: “We want to make sure no third party will exploit the situation by using it to pit Malaysians of different ethnicities against each other.”

He said the most important thing was the country's safety and sovereignty.

Read More

#LahadDatu: A boat's eye view of the conflict zone

I did not know what to expect when I was finally allowed to accompany the marine police out to sea after three days of persuading them, but I was excited and admittedly, a little nervous.

At 9am on Saturday, I, together with three other videographers from various television stations, were escorted by the police, marine and soldiers to board a three-engine police strike craft vessel (PSC Class) from the Felda Sahabat 16 jetty to Sungai Bilis about 12km from here.

I climbed down a short vertical staircase to board the vessel and was welcomed by several armed personnel - a sight which soothed my nerves.

We were separated into two vessels - the PSC 51 and 52 - accompanied by our own "bodyguards", which made me feel like a very important person, and sailed on the calm sea approximately half a nautical mile (1km) away from shore.

The first thing I saw on the hour-long trip was acres of trees when passing by Kampung Tanduo - the first village besieged on Feb 12 and the blue-roofed surau where more than 100 Sulu terrorists were reported to have first landed upon arrival.

We passed Sungai Nyamuk and Tanjung Batu after that and wondered who still hid behind those trees. There were damaged structures as a result of the fighting.

Later, I saw a bridge that was believed to have been used as one of the hiding spots for the militants before security forces dropped mortars in the area to forcibly flush out gunmen from Sabah soil.

Read More

Lima takes off in style

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2013 kicked off here Tuesday with an awe-inspiring airshow by 22 aircraft.

The opening ceremony was held outdoors for the first time, at the tarmac of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who launched the event, said Malaysia was poised for greater growth in the maritime and aerospace industries.

He also paid tribute to the fallen heroes in Lahad Datu, Sabah, and recorded appreciation for the security forces currently engaged in Ops Daulat to flush out Sulu gunmen.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/3/26/nation/20130326093436&sec=nation

Read More

People from all walks of life cycle and walk together at Jom Ceria

Thousands of people spent their morning walking and cycling together, displaying the 1Malaysia spirit.

Participants of the Jom Ceria (Let's be Cheerful) came bright and early, gathering at the starting line at Dataran Putrajaya by 7.30am yesterday as they awaited the arrival of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The crowd, wearing T-shirts bearing the 1Malaysia logo, lived up to the event's name, cheering and waving miniature Malaysian flags as Najib arrived with his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Najib said such events were instrumental in bringing the people closer as the country works towards igniting the spirit of community among Malaysians.

“If we can break down barriers that divide Malaysians of different race and creed, we will become a more united people guided by the principles of 1Malaysia.

“A country that plays together, stays together,” he told the crowd.

The event covered a 12km route for cyclists and 5km for walkers.

Jointly organised by Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia and Putrajaya Corporation, Jom Ceria was attended by personalities such as Altimet, Sazzy Falak, Joe Flizzow, Joey G, Moots, Pamela and Vanessa Chong and sportsmen Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Low Wee Wern and Ong Beng Hee.

Read More

Unicef: 1,800 children die daily from unsafe water, poor sanitation

The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) said that almost 90 percent of children deaths from diarrhoeal diseases are directly linked to contaminated water, lack of sanitation, or inadequate hygiene, reports China's Xinhua news agency.

Globally, an estimated 2,000 children under the age of five die every day from diarrhoeal diseases and of these some 1,800 deaths are linked to water, sanitation and hygiene, the UN agency said as the international community is to mark World Water Day, which falls on Friday this year.

"Sometimes we focus so much on the big numbers, that we fail to see the human tragedies that underlie each statistic," says Sanjay Wijesekera, global head of UNICEF's water, sanitation and hygiene programme.

"If 90 school buses filled with kindergartners were to crash every day, with no survivors, the world would take notice," Wijesekera said. "But this is precisely what happens every single day because of poor water, sanitation and hygiene."

World Water Day has been observed on March 22 since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared the date as World Day for Water.

Almost 90 percent of child deaths from diarrhoeal diseases are directly linked to contaminated water, lack of sanitation, or inadequate hygiene.

Read More