MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- STIHL ALSO CARES FOR ENVIRONMENT

STIHL also cares for environment

KOTA KINABALU:

The STIHL not only focuses on environmental friendly technology but the environment as well. Hans Peter Stihl, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of STIHL Holding AG & Co KG and Chairman of the Supervisory of STIHL AG, stated this in his message for the tree planting campaign organised by KTS-STIHL in collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall here yesterday. STIHL has been the world’s biggest selling chainsaw brand since 1971. Sustaining forest is one of the Company’s essential interests. “For this reason we, for example, support organizations and projects throughout the world which protect rainforests. STIHL advocates sustained forest management. For example, with the Tropical Forest Foundation’s programs, we teach the utilization of ‘reduced impact logging’ that is to say, techniques for more caring and sustainable forest management. He also said as a manufacturer of chainsaws and power tools for gardening and landscaping, forest and agriculture, the Company is reliant on an intact environment and is therefore committed to running its business in such a way that any harmful effects on the environment are kept to a minimum. “The reduction of emission from manufacturing processes and our products are therefore one of our main priorities. We claim to be the technology leader in the development of environmentally compatible engine technology,” he said. The theme of the 40th anniversary of cooperation between STIHL and KTS is “STIHL Cares’. “For we, as a Company, have also stood by our responsibility vis-a-vis mar nature. We respect the cultural, social and political diversity of societies and nations,” said Hans. According to him, within the framework of applicable laws and regulations and the Company’s sphere of influence, the Company strives to harmonize commercial goals with social and ecological requirements. “Today this is expressed by the modern term, ‘Corporate social responsibility; a responsibility we have assumed ever since our family- owned Company was founded more than 80 years ago. Our principles of social responsibility are a constituent part of our corporate culture ... and business partners such as KTS were also asked to introduce comparable principles,” he said. Hans also said in his message that the Tree Planting Day is a small but visible sign of the Company’s efforts to protect the environment. “May this symbolic act encourage others to treat their surroundings with care and make a contribution to effectively protecting your country’s wonderful forests,” he added. Meanwhile, Datuk Henry Lau Lee Kong, the Managing Director of KTS Group of Companies, in his message for the event said that all of us must care and protect the environment so that the next generation will continue to enjoy a good environment like what we are enjoying now. “To all of us, Sabah and Sarawak are our only homeland which we must care and protect so that our children and their children will continue to enjoy the good environment like we do. This planting day will play a part in our effort to contribute and take a further step closer towards a sustainable environment. In this regard, we must commend the Kota Kinabalu City Hall for its efforts in organizing this planting programme. Let us hope that more will join and plant more trees,” he said. In conjunction with KTS-STIHL’s 40th partnership anniversary, KTS has organised three activities which are colouring has reached 40 years this year. The relationship bears fruits on the foundation of mutual trust, integrity and business sustainability and very importantly on quality products of great value to both companies’ customers. contest for primary schools, recycling and slogan design competition for secondary schools and tree planting for the public. KTS and STIHL business partnership which started in 1968, has reached 40 years this year. The relationship bears fruits on the foundation of mutual trust, integrity and business sustainability and very importantly on quality products of great value to both companies’ customers.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- HONG LEONG FOUNDATION DONATES TO SABAH CHESHIRE

Hong Leong Foundation donates to Sabah Cheshire Home

KOTA KINABALU:

Hong Leong Group Malaysia, through the Hong Leong Foundation, presented cash donations amounting to RM30,000 to the Sabah Cheshire Home here. The cheque was presented by Johnny Tann, Chairman of Regional Management Committee, Sabah jand Labuan Region to Roland Chin, President of the National Council of Cheshire Homes Malaysia, witnessed by both the members of Cheshire Home and Hong Leong Group representatives. Every year, Hong Leong Foundation donates to elected charities nationwide in an effort to help improve the lives of the less fortunate through its Community Welfare program. The Foundation also donates toward the education of the underprivileged through its Student Assistance Program. “Our aim is to help those in need. Hong Leong Foundation gives us the opportunity to reach out to the poor people in our community,” said Johnny Tann. This commitment to corporate social responsibility has long been, and will continue to be, an important tradition for the Group.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- RESORT HOSTS FAMILY DAY FOR THE BLIND

Resort hosts Family Day for the blind

TUARAN:

A recent Saturday saw 120 members from the Sabah Society for the Blind gather at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort for a Family Day outing which culminated in three rounds of exciting tug-of-war competition between the Society’s representatives versus the Resort management. The day-long event included a fun telematch for all attendees, with games such as the plank walk, water transfer relay race and whistling cookies, just to name a few. The skilled individuals too were not left out of the festivities as a basket weaving competition was organized for them while a colouring competition was held for the younger children. The Family Day is an annual event for the Society and Shangri- The elitire event has been dominated by fun, laughter, happy La’s Rasa Ria Resort has been their extremely rewarding for everyone smiles and true family spirit and happy host for nearly a decade, at Rasa Ria as the whole day was atmosphere.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- 22 INTELECTUALLY DISABLED ATHLETES CONQUER MOUNT KINABALU

22 intellectually disabled athletes conquer Mount Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU:

Twenty- two intellectually disabled (ID) athletes successfully conquered the majestic Mount Kinabalu during the 4th Special Olympics Mount Kinabalu Challenge on April 18-19. They reached the summit of the highest mountain in South East Asia at 4,095.2m on the first daybreak on April 19. The remaining 18 of the 40- member group settled at Laban Rata at 3,314. 3m a day before. Organising Chairman Dr Liaw Yun Haw was pleased with the encouraging achievement since it was the first time all the athletes had at least reached Laban Rata. In the last three attempts, according to Liaw, some athletes changed their mind and turned back midway through the journey. “All the athletes were very excited about the trip and I think they have pushed themselves to the limit. Some of them could not continue the trek to the summit because they had run out of steam,” he said when met during ! the closing ceremony of the event on Sunday night. He said that all the participants did not encounter difficulties despite facing drizzle on the first day “Except for the occasion of mountain sickness but it is very common,” he added. Liaw went on to say that no new record was set because of the small group of athletes sent due to limited accommodation in Sabah Parks. “I was also made to understand that some of the overseas teams could not come because they were having some financial constraint since a lot was spent to take part in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China last year. “Furthermore, they need to seek sponsorship as well to come here,” he said. During the trip, the athletes were accompanied by more than 50 volunteers, including invited observers from Australia and Special Olympics Malaysia, as well as three VIP guests from Total Sports Asia Ltd. “We hope to have more foreign delegates to join us in the next three years. We have an Australian with us this time and we hope next time more of them will come,” he said. Dr Liaw also expressed his gratitude to the donors, contributors and supporters of the event because without their backing the trip would not be possible. Event Coordinator Raymond Epun said the fitness of the athletes had improved year by year which saw all of them reaching at least Laban Rata this time. “The athletes took their stride 1 very fast and all of them arrived at Laban Rata before the cut off time at 12. 30pm. After taking a night rest, we continued our ascent to the mountain in the wee hours at 2am and all of them arrived at the summit between 6am-6.40am and by 7am we started to descent from the mountain,” he said. “The weather was very good on that day and we did not have to use torch light because it was full moon and it was not so windy too,” he said.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- PAIRIN TO MEET REPS ON SDC IMPLEMENTATION

Pairin to meet reps on SDC implementation

BINGKOR:

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan will be meeting with elected representatives of the interior constituencies to discuss the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) at the mid sub-regional level. The constituencies in this area comprise Pensiangan and Keningau parliamentary as well as the Tambunan, Keningau, Tenom, Nabawan, Pensiangan, Sook and Kemabong state constituencies. Pairin who is also the Rural Development Minister, said among the important steps to be taken in developing the mid sub-region under the SDC is to strengthen Keningau’s role as the main ‘agropolis’. “During the meeting, the elected representatives can give and exchange ideas and views as well as point out what needs to be given priority and serious attention,” he said at a thanksgiving celebration held at Kampung Ronggom here recently. According to Pairin, it is the Government’s and people’s wish to see development in the interior area as this will ensure that residents there will be able to enjoy all benefits from the country’s progress and prosperity. Focus, he said, will be given to improving the income of rural folks by getting local folks involved in agriculture activities and the setting up of a support system for farmers such as infrastructure, collection and research centres. “To ensure SDC’s success, leaders and the rakyat must work together by supporting the implementation of SDC as well as contributing ideas and proposals to ensure that it reaches the target groups,” he said. The people, he added, must also not be solely dependent on the Government for the success of SDC and pointed out that grassroots leaders can ensure SDC’s success by providing information on the potential in the areas as well as what is lacking in terms of infrastructure. “This is important so that problems can be addressed by those responsible for the planning and implementation of the SDC,” he said, adding that this way, agencies responsible for the implementation can build infrastructure according to the needs of the target groups. “All this while we have allowed the planning unit to focus on developing the urban areas which is why we need the input of those in the rural areas as this is necessary in the planning of development for them.” he stressed.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- MORE DRASTIC ACTIONS NEEDED TO FIGHT DRUG MENACE: SAPP

More drastic actions needed to fight drug menace: SAPP

KOTA KINABALU:

The Government must address the social and economic impact of illicit drug abuse on our society by allocating much more resources in clamping down on the drug trade and tackling crimes in Sabah, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee. He stressed this in a statement issued here yesterday, in response to the recent kidnapping of a female Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student from the Kingfisher Park in Likas near here. “It is of great concern that the two suspects in the kidnapping incident were under the influence of illicit drug. I am truly concerned because the incidence of drug abuse in Sabah has been on an upward trend. “This means that drug-related crimes will become more frequent unless drastic action is taken as soon as possible. Drastic actions are needed to fight the illicit drug menace before more innocent people become victims of such crimes,” he stressed. He pointed out that the State police force is in need of more manpower, funds, high-tech equipment and vehicles to do a proper and better job. He said he was made to understand that Kota Kinabalu City alone needs an additional 1,000 policemen and the Customs and Excise Department too is currently desperately short of enforcement personnel to cover the many districts and landing points. “Even with the back-up of RELA (People’s Volunteer Corp), our law enforcement agencies are still short of manpower. The public is obviously worried whether there are more copy-cat criminals lurking out there to strike at innocent passersby. A parent of another UMS student has repeatedly expressed concern to me whether the UMS and Taman KingFisher areas are safe,” he said. Yong added that to be effective and to gain public confidence, the Police, Customs Department and other law enforcement agencies must also root out any bad apples in their midst. “Towards this aim, it is also best not to be distracted by talk of ‘Hong Kong movies’ but to focus on eliminating drug abuse as a cause of crimes. For example, to what extent are violent crimes committed by drug addicts who rob to pay for their drugs? How many crimes have been committed by persons who were high on drugs and therefore more daring in their acts to kill, rob or rape? “What is the performance record of the law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Customs Department and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in curbing smuggling of illicit drugs, particularly syabu, into Sabah? How is it that we rarely hear of drug busts in the entry points such as airports and seaports?” he asked. Yong believed that the authorities are aware that cheap syabu is manufactured in Taiwan and the Philippines and then smuggled into Sabah via the Southern Philippines. “So how come we never heard of drug busts at the Sandakan port with incoming ferries from the Philippines? Or are the illicit drugs smuggled into Sabah by illegal immigrants using covert landing points along our coast?” he questioned. He believed that illicit drug trafficking has always been associated with illegal immigrants. “Illegal cigarette vendors, like street kids, have long been suspected as couriers of syabu. “The time is long overdue for the authorities to clamp down hard on this drug trade which is a serious cause of violent crimes. We must not underestimate the scale of illicit drug trafficking,” he underscored. He cited for instance, the arrest of a brother of a recently promoted Federal Minister for drug trafficking a year ago could mean that the illicit drug trade is no longer confirmed to low rung couriers but has become lucrative enough to attract businessmen.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- DEVENA WINS ANOTHER BEAUTY PAGEANT TROPHY

Devena wins another beauty pageant trophy

Unduk Ngadau 2006 crowned Miss Sabah-Malaysia-World

KOTA KINABALU:

Unduk Ngadau 2006 winner Devena Jaikob added another beauty pageant trophy to her collection after she was crowned Miss Sabah-Malaysia-World on Saturday. The 20-year-old civil engineering student also stands a chance to win even bigger titles as she earned the right to contest in the Miss Malaysia- World Beauty Pageant in Kuala Lumpur which will choose the country’s contestant for the 58th Miss World final to be held on October 4, at the Ukraina National Palace in Kiev, Ukraine. In the State-level final held at Magellan Sutera here on Saturday evening, Devena who competed with 14 other finalists, was among the most outstanding contestants and the favourite to win the title. In addition to the main title, the five-foot-six-inch Kadazan beauty with a 35-24-35 figure, also bagged theMiss Body Beautiful and Designer Best Evening Gown subsidiary titles, taking home a total prize of more than RM17,000. The Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic student is currently in the second year of her diploma course and hopes to become a lecturer one day. She obtained her secondary education at vernacular school SM Lok Yuk,Likas and can speak Chinese, in addition to her mother tongue, Malay and English. She loves listening to music and enjoys reading love story novels in her spare time. In her pageant biography, Devena stated that she is often described as a quiet person but likes to think of herself as a happy and cheerful individual. Winning two different Miss Sabah titles, she said, is not just a recognition for her beauty as a woman, but also a privilege and responsibility to play a role for the betterment of the world and uplift the image of the women. To honour the spirit of the Miss World Beauty Pageant, Devena said she would be involved in as many positive activities she can such as voluntary and community works to help those in need and to promote compassion among human and towards the environment. As for her personal ambition, she said she would work hard not only to gain the academic qualification but also the knowledge and valuable experiences, to become a good lecturer. On her chances at the national level of the Miss Malaysia-World, she said she would not put her hope high but just do her best for Sabah. “Representing Sabah is already an honour. I would not expect much at the national level and just do my best,” she said to reporters after the crowning ceremony. Joanne Kimberly J Majalap, 18,who was also a favourite to win the pageant, finished second behind Devena followed by Audrey Marylyn Ambrose, also 18, at third. Two other finalists who made it to the last five were Rounah Beb Robert Sylvester, 18,at fourth place and Emily Majil, 20, at fifth. The first runner up, Joanne, was named Miss Crown Glory while Audrey won the Miss Friendly subsidiary title. Two other subsidiary titles, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality, were given to Magdeline Poh Siew Chern, 25, and Julylen Liew Ei Ling, 18, respectively.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- HOTEL SERI M'SIA TO EASE ROOM SHORTAGE IN SEMPORNA

Hotel Seri M’sia to ease room shortage in Semporna

SEMPORNA:

The Government will build a Seri Malaysia hotel in Semporna to reduce the shortage of hotel rooms here, especially during the festive seasons. Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Afdal said the site for the hotel had been identified and construction would begin this year. “We are confident that the hotel would meet the needs of local visitors and foreign tourists, especially during the festive seasons and the Lepa Regatta held each year here,” he said after presenting prizes to the winners of this year’s regatta. He said there had always been a shortage of hotel rooms here since the regatta was organised in 1994, adding that many of the local and. foreign tourists were forced to stay in Tawau or Lahad Datu, about two hours’ journey from Semporna. Mohd Shafie said he would discuss further the problem with the Tourism Ministry so that it could be overcome as soon as possible. On the 15th Lepa Regatta, he said he was happy that there were more visitors this time while the accompanying cultural programme was more organised. He said for next year’s event, it should be further improved in line with its status at the National Water Festival in the Malaysian tourism calendar. Maman Indangan, 45, from KampungTampi-Tampi Kibayan emerged champion for having the best decorated boat at this year’s regatta. He received his prize from Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- SEMPORNA TO HAVE CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

Semporna to have centre for arts and culture

SEMPORNA:

Semporna is to have an arts and culture centre for research and reference on the local community’s culture, history and heritage. Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said the proposed centre would promote the culture and heritage to both local and foreign tourists. “Establishment of the centre is important to ensure the existing culture does not whittle just like that. Like the ‘Lepa’ Regatta that has its own history. ‘Lepa’ or in the Bajau language, boat, is a heritage that is slowly disappearing and it has to be nurtured as a treasure “Therefore, in appreciating the importance of the ‘lepa’, the Lepa Regatta is included in the National Water Festival. As such, we propose the setting up of the arts and culture centre so that the heritage we have is safeguarded,” Mohd Shafie said at the launch of the 15th Lepa Regatta 2008, here on Saturday night. The Lepa Regatta 2008 was launched by the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun AhmadShah Abdullah who was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar. Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran. Mohd Shafie, who is also Semporna member of parliament, hoped the Sabah State Government would raise the status of the Lepa Regatta as the event could unify the races and bring in additional income to the state and country. He said the regatta was watched not just by the locals but also by people from Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan including those from Peninsular Malaysia. “They gather here for the regatta and get a close feet of the ‘lepa’ heritage. So efforts to enhance the event must be more pro-active along with the aid and support of the State Government,” Mohd Shafie said.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- SANDAKAN MAN WHO HELPED AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS IN WAR HONOURED

Sandakan man who helped Australian soldiers in war honoured

KOTA KINABALU:

A 93-year- man from Sandakan was yesterday awarded a medal by the National War Veteran Association of Australia for helping the Australian soldiers during World War Two in 1945. Henry Chang Ting Kiang, one of the 40 civilians from Sabah involved in the underground movement at the age of 28, had helped the Australian soldiers a lot during the world war by finding information about the Japanese soldiers, helping in getting medicine and food as well as also transmitting information to the Australian allies. Henry is among three out of the 40 civilians who are still alive. The appreciation medal was given by Ryan Rowland from Perth, Australia on behalf of the War Veteran Association of Australia at the residence of Laura Chang who is Henry’s niece at Taman Lumaku, Jalan Kolam here. Also present during the memorable ceremony were Henry’s wife Josephine Low, 86, their daughter Bettty Guntas, grandchildren Mansana Guntas and Patrick Chang and nieces - Terressa Regis and Christine Chua. Ryan was accompanied by Joe McLauc Tkin, two students from Perth Ami Leigh and Kyven and Sandakan Girl Guide Association’s representatives Penny Liew Ling Pei and Sapphira Rachel. “We are very pleased and honoured to be here. 1 always said it is never too late and we are here,” Ryan said. According to Ryan, the medal is au honour for all the veterans who were active and risked their life during the war. Asked how he felt after receiving the medal, Henry said he never expected to be given such a big honour. “I am so happy and I really appreciate it,” he said with a smile. According to Terressa, her uncle (Henry) was caught by the Japanese and kept for three months in Sandakan before sending him to Kuching for two years as a prisoner of war.

MONDAY-21 APRIL 2008- ANWAR NOT HERE TO FISH FOR MPS

Anwar not here to fish for MPs
Sabah is likely to be the first to move, says Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Sabah and Sarawak next week is not a fishing trip”. PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday told a press conference that Anwar’s visit to the two East Malaysian states on April 23 and 24, is not about wooing Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament to cross over to PKR. “Datuk Seri Anwar has several things on his itinerary but he is not here to woo Barisan Nasional Mps to cross over to PKR,” stressed Jeffrey, who is PKR Sabah and Sarawak Steering Committee chairman. Anwar, he said, will be addressing a gathering at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on April 23 where he will also launch a blog and endorse PKR’s commitment towards the Tambunan Declaration. The former Deputy Prime Minister would also explain to those attending about the latest developments in the five Peninsular states governed by Pakatan Rakyat. “Datuk Seri Anwar is not here to woo Sabah and Sarawak Mps but if there are among them who want to follow the winds of change, then they are welcome. “We welcome any support for change. If they cross over to PKR, it will benefit the people and Sabah,” he said. He did not deny that some BN members have contacted him with their interest to join PKR and added, “ but we do not want it to happen on this trip,”. He, however, declined to elaborate on the matter and said he had to respect the wishes of the BN leaders who had met him. “I will tell you Sabah is likely to be the first to move as the MPs were hoping to see a Federal Government that has a new approach to Sabah on several issues, especially oil royalty and problem of illegal immigrants,” he said. Meanwhile when asked to comment on the construction of the two more temporary detention centres in the State, Jeffrey pointed out that it is not the solution to the illegal immigrants problem faced by Sabah: He was of opinion that a Royal Commission of Inquiry needs to be set up to tackle the problem as well as the implementation of a new Government- to-Government approach and a new foreign workers policy. “The solution must be a win-win situation for all parties as we need foreign workers but not those who enter the State illegally,” he said.