Fatimah (second right) presents the contribution to one of the recipients of ‘Sejambak Kasih Gawai Raya’.     KUCHING: Application for any type of assistance will be accepted by the State Welfare Department (JKM)  even though the country is in a period of transition. This was assured by Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who said that the department will not decline any application so long as the applicants meet the poverty line household income of RM990 per month. “At the moment, we are still in the dark as to what policy will be implemented by the ministry at federal level but new applications must be accepted by JKM branches throughout the state. “If the applicant requires immediate assistance, he or she can also apply through the Public Assistance which is allocated by the state government,” she said at the ‘Majlis Sejambak Kasih Gawai Raya 2018’ held at Maj’ma Mall Building here yesterday. She pointed out that the number of recipients receiving welfare assistance under JKM continues to increase, from 56,621 recipients in 2015 to 57,588 recipients last year. “For this year, we have already recorded 56,464 recipients up until March with a total expenditure of RM52,446,450 state-wide,” she disclosed. Fatimah said JKM recipients who are receiving monthly assistance can rest assured they will continue receiving the aid. She added that her ministry had also applied earlier from the federal government for additional allocation in addition to the allocation from the state government. “The allocation is obtained from two sources, namely the federal government, which we have applied for last year and received on Jan 16 for distribution until this October to recipients under the Financial Assistance for Older Persons, Allowance for Disabled Workers, Financial Assistance for Care of People with Disabilities (OKU) and Financial Assistance for Care of the Bedridden and Chronically Ill. “On the other hand, allocation for Financial Assistance for Foster Children, Financial Assistance for Children and Single Parents as well as Immediate Assistance have been received and will be distributed up till December this year,” she explained. Meanwhile, Fatimah encouraged young and energetic people receiving the Monthly Financial Assistance to take up micro-entrepreneurship that provides a launching grant of up to RM5,000 to assist applicants in purchasing equipment. “This assistance from the government is given regardless of race and religion so long as the applicant meets the requirement of a monthly household income that’s less than RM990,” she reiterated. At the ceremony, a total of 130 ‘Sejambak Kasih Assistance’ recipients received an additional assistance of RM100 as well as hampers worth RM100 courtesy of Dynasty Hotel and Kuching Heng Hua Seng Ing Tong Association. The annual event is held three times a year with the objective of reducing the financial burden of recipients as well as to celebrate the festive occasion of Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidilfitri with them. Also present were Kuching Heng Hua Seng Ing Tong Association chairman Tay Soon Ann, Sejambak Kasih organising committee chairperson Ann Tay Choo Geok, Dynasty Hotel managing director Tony Pui and JKM Sarawak director Joni Naruddin.

Datuk James Chan KUCHING: Food operators should maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in their premises and the surrounding or risk getting their licence revoked. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk James Chan issued the warning ahead of the Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year festive season yesterday. “A lot of food outlets have opened and more will be coming up as the festive period is just around the corner. We are calling all those in the food service including hawker centres to observe highest standard of cleanliness and hygiene,” he told a press conference after chairing the MBKS full council meeting. “Health officers will be going down to check so we do not want to see dirty premises including toilets and surrounding. All we are asking is their cooperation and together we keep this city clean and beautiful,” he said. Pointing out that it takes two hands to clap, Chan said while the council is committed in carrying out its responsibilities to maintain a clean and beautiful city, the operators should play their role seriously as well. “In whatever service, we should have good ethics and attitude. You can’t just rely on the council. Food operators should look after their own place which is so important because you are in the food service,” he reminded. “Don’t simply throw food waste or residue because it will attract stray cats and dogs or other pests. If you intend to feed the stray animals, do it properly,” he advised. To get rid of extra waste which could accumulate during this festive period, Chan said operators should request for additional bins from Treinekens at a small fee. “The council will need to continue cleaning the city of course but you can help with managing and reducing the waste. The quality of cleanliness is essential to promote our city as food paradise,” he added. “If you are impressed and amazed with the cleanliness and orderliness of cities like in Japan and Australia, why can’t we do it as well?” he emphasised. On the meeting, Chan assured that the council’s ears were wide open and always ready to hear people’s feedback and problems. “These problems are brought up and discussed in the meeting before we go down to the actual site to see and find solutions to the problems,” he said. Deputy mayor Hilmi Othman, acting city secretary Tay Guan Huat and councillor Patrick Gordon Song were also present.

Abdul Karim (centre) addresses the press conference. KUCHING: The Sarawak government will hold a banquet to celebrate Malaysia Day tomorrow. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said around 550 guests have been invited to attend the dinner at the banquet hall of the State Legislative Assembly complex. Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib will be the guests of honour. Also expected to attend are Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak cabinet members and elected representatives, as well as heads of departments. “We have also invited leaders from the opposition, and also those from non-governmental organisations,” Abdul Karim told reporters after chairing the organising committee meeting yesterday. He added there will be stage performances and a video presentation, which will depict the formation of Malaysia. “There will also be a poem recitation, which focuses on the struggles of the people and how the formation of Malaysia came about. “There will also be cultural performances depicting Sarawak’s diverse cultures”. This year’s national-level Malaysia Day celebration, organised by the federal government, will be held in Kota Kinabalu.

Awang Tengah and members of his entourage at Henan Mingtai Aluminium Industrial Co Ltd in Zhengzhou City. The meeting between the Sarawak delegation and Chinese investors in progress. KUCHING:  Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is leading a state government delegation on an official visit to potential investors in Henan and Guangdong provinces in China this week. Awang Tengah is also Minister for Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources. The visit is among efforts by the Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development (MIED) to intensify the state’s investment promotional programmes overseas and to engage directly with potential investors so as to attract foreign direct  investments, said an MIED press statement yesterday. Following MIED’s earlier promotion, especially to China, a number of investors from China have approached the ministry on investment opportunities in Sarawak. At the invitations of two potential investors, Awang Tengah will visit a downstream manufacturer of aluminium sheets, plates and foils in Henan province and a Passenger Car Radial Tyres manufacturer in Guangdong province. “The visit will enable Sarawak to better understand the requirements of these investors and to give them an assurance on the advantages of investing in Sarawak,” MIED said. In the delegation are Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and SME Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais who is also Assistant Minister for E-Commerce; Assistant Minister of Industrial Development Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) CEO Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot; and MIED Entrepreneur Development Division head Samat Junai as well as other senior government officials. Accompanying them is Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) investment consul May Lim.

SERIAN: The state government has contributed RM500,000 to assist the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and SJK (C) Tapah Board of Management to raise RM3 million for the construction of a new four-storey classroom block in the school. This was revealed by the school’s PTA president Chong Kuet Fah during his welcoming speech at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new four-storey block in the school. The ground breaking ceremony was officiated by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. “At this time, the committee has raised RM1.3 million for the construction, comprising the state government’s contribution of RM500,000 and the rest from former students of this school and public donations.” In noting that the RM3 million target is still a long way away, Chong said contributions from all parties are welcomed to ensure the project can be completed as planned. Chong said the construction of the project is divided into two phases. Under the first phase, a four-storey block of 26 classrooms will be built at an estimated cost of RM2 million while in the second phase, a track and field, basketball court and school fencing will be built at an estimated cost of RM1 million. He said due to the local community’s initiative and demands, the school’s PTA and board of management started planning for the project two years ago with the formation of a committee to plan the construction of the new block to replace the present classrooms that are too old. Chong noted that SJK (C) Tapah was constructed in 1942 with its initial name Chung Hua Primary School Mile 24 at Mile 24, Kuching-Serian Road. “In 1966, this school was moved to Kampung Tapah and its name changed to SJK Tapah, which means that the school has been sited here for 51 years.” He said the two old blocks built in 1960s were obsolete and could no longer provide a conducive and comfortable environment for the students to study in.

Abang Johari launches World Clean Up Day at Kpg Masjid today. KUCHING: The replica of the ‘Royalist’ sailing ship will be kept as an exhibit at Brooke Dockyard upon the completion of the ‘White Rajah’ movie shooting next year. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Margate House Films and the Brooke Trust are building a full-scale working replica of the Royalist, the schooner on which James Brooke sailed to Sarawak in the late 1830s. The Royalist, he said, is used in the filming of the movie. “After the shooting, the Royalist replica would remain in Kuching and will be kept at the dry dock in Brooke Dockyard, and there is a great possibility that we may convert it into a restaurant,” he told reporters after officiating the World Cleanup Day here today. The proposed Brooke Dockyard Maritime Museum here is set to become a popular heritage attraction for both local and foreign visitors upon its completion. Abang Johari said the the first phase of upgrading works on Brooke Dockyard, which included the construction of the waterfront, is ongoing now. He said the second phase would focus on the renovation of the Dockyard itself, where certain sections would be turn into a centre for handicraft trading or heritage products. He believed that upon full completion, Brooke Dockyard would become another one of the heritage attractions in Kuching. “Brooke Dockyard has its own history because it is the only engineering institution that is very old in Sarawak. We are going to renovate the existing building but it will not affect the its design. “What we are going to do is to renovate the area that we see dangerous to the public. Aside from that, the foot trail from Brooke Dockyard would be extended to the waterfront and to the floating mosque,” he said. The Chief Minister said the first phase of Brooke Dockyard renovation project costs about RM6 million while the second phase will cost more than RM10 million. He said the whole project should be completed in two to three years’ time.

  A barge swept ashore is seen at Tanjung Lobang. MIRI: Continuous heavy rain accompanied by strong wind and the king tide left a trail of destruction here, with Kampung Batu Satu worst hit by flash floods. The rain from Monday night continued throughout Tuesday and only ended early yesterday morning. In Kampung Batu Satu, fishermen were forced to move their boats to higher ground to avoid damage and prevent them being swept away by the tide. A check early yesterday found fishing boats parked along the Lutong-Kuala Baram road and a lot of debris including mud and wood on the road. MCC workers clear mud and debris from the road in Lutong. Miri City Council (MCC) workers were seen clearing the debris from Pantai Lutong heading towards Kuala Baram. The road was temporarily closed to the public. Other areas affected by the storm were Lutong, Kuala Baram, Kampung Api-Api, Kampung Sealine, Kampung Senadin Jaya, Kampung Wireless and Kampung Pujut Tanjung Batu. Fire and Rescue Department Zone 6 chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said firefighters from Miri Fire Station and Lopeng Fire Station worked around the clock to monitor the situation. Villagers in Kampung Batu Satu move their belongings to higher ground. “Two families of 10 people from Kampung Wireless were   evacuated on Tuesday night as their house was flooded and they were taken to Balai Miri as temporary shelter. “They were, however, allowed to go back to their respective houses as soon as the water level decreased early today (yesterday),” he said. At Tanjung Lobang and Esplanade beach, two barges were swept ashore by strong winds. Those who require assistance can contact the Flood Operations Centre on 085-416625 or 085-416636, or Miri Flood Relief Centre on 085-411841.

Dennis (right) applauds as Uggah (second right) cuts a ripe pineapple fruit as the Orang Ulu farmers look on. MIRI:  Farmers are told to think big on agriculture produce so as not to just merely plant crops for sale but to find ways to turn the fruits into marketable products. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas gave this advice when meeting Orang Ulu pineapple farmers at Sungai Adong near here recently. He was impressed with the effort by the local people to plant pineapples for the past 20 years but advised them to turn the pineapples into other products like jam and dried fruit slices to give them another source of income rather than just selling the fruits. “Think big, pineapples can be made into jam and dried fruits apart from selling the fruits to local markets here,” Douglas told the farmers. Present were Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and the farmers’ spokesperson, Sarah Anyie. According to Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, the pineapple jam and dried pineapple slices can be marketed to other countries where they are in high demand. Other than that, the pineapple waste can also be used as fodder for cows and goats, he said. He was happy to note that that the farmers earn between RM6,000 and RM10,000 per month from selling the pineapples to the local markets and Brunei. On the request by the farmers to be allowed to continue using the state land they presently use, Uggah said he would discuss with the relevant authorities, including Land and Survey Department and Agriculture Department and even forward the request to Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg. Dennis, who also spoke to the farmers, said they must think positive and not to expect much from Uggah’s visit. However, he said Uggah was aware that the land in Ulu Baram is good for agriculture, which was why the government formed the Highland Development Agency which is chaired by Uggah. “We will develop Ulu Baram and all of us can go back to the kampungs and do farming to generate income while the government will find ways to market our products,” Dennis said, lamenting that presently they lacked markets to sell their agriculture products. Earlier, Sarah highlighted the request from the Orang Ulu pineapple planters for the government to allow them to continue utilising the state land. Sarah has about 10 acres of land planted with pineapples for sale to the local market and Brunei. The area has about 80 Orang Ulu farmers, who were given training by Lembaga Nenas Malaysia.

April 24, 2020 - April 26, 2020 Pesta Selangau takes place at Selangau in Sibu, with the main attraction of a Rafting Challenge which was introduced in 2016, encouraging water sports such as rafting, kayaking and radio-controlled boat racing. Highlights for Selangau Festival 2020 include Selangau Rafting challenge, Strong Man challenge, Ratu Kebaya, Selangau Idol and Ngajat competition. Also popular at the event is the “Selangau Bazaar”. Pesta Selangau 2017, photo from the official website of Majlis Daerah Luar Bandar Sibu: http://www.srdc.gov.my @##@Sibu Rural District Office@##@Selangau@##@2020-04-24@##@2020-04-26

Nogeh hitting the gong to symbolically launch Bung Orad festival, while FAMA director Paza Dan, Bau District Officer Anielia Siam and other VIPs looked on.   BAU: The availability of tourism attractions and the close proximity to Kuching give Bau the extra advantages to develop agro-based tourism. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Anthony Nogeh Gumbek stressed that Bau’s natural environment and cultural heritage will make the district a high-quality tourism attraction. “We are very near to Kuching, and we have Bung Jagoi, Bung Bratak, Bung Orad, Serikin, Fairy Cave, Wind Cave and many other beautiful places to offer,” he said, when launching Bung Orad Recreation Centre here today. Nogeh praised the local community for working closely with local agencies, especially Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) officers that have been camping in the village for a week to help the local villagers with the programme launching ceremony. “I am very happy to hear your plan to plant Musang King durians, local fruits, build mountain bike trails, upgrade the existing facilities here and I will give you RM200,000 to make Bung Orad a place worthy for visit, for public recreation and for tourists to get closer look at our local fruits,” he said. Bung Orad was actually the old settlement for Bau people before they opened up Kampung Grogo, Kampung Sibuluh, Kampung Opar, Kampung Rumih, Kampung Nowang and Kampung Bowang. Nogeh stressed that tourism activities in Bau would ideally go hand-in-hand with the agricultural industry. “We are now venturing into fruits for export market like the Musang King durians and MD2 Pineapple. The seedlings of durians are quite expensive while our very own pineapple plantation in Kampung Padang Pan, Serikin once successful will be able to help in supplying high quality MD2 seedlings,” he said. Nogeh is also happy to note that more people are venturing into homestay industry as well as offering food and beverages services to further boost the local tourism activities. With a growing number of people coming to Bau, the local populace, especially the farmers, are set to benefit directly from the increased sales of their agricultural produce at local hawker centres that are being opened up by FAMA at various locations in Bau, he noted. He urged the locals to work closely with his ministry’s agencies and to give full support to all programmes introduced by their elected representatives in the area. Also present at the function were ADUN Tasik Biru Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, ADUN Serembu Miro Simuh and FAMA director Paza Dan.

An event aim to promote the "1 Malaysia" concept.  There are various food stalls selling both "HALAL" and "NON-HALAL" foodstuff.  Visitors to the event will be to the multi-racial cultural performances and interesting competitions. For more info, please call: Federation of Regsitered Chinese Associations Bintulu (FORCA) Dr. Wong Aik Loung (President) Hp: 0128783222 Mr Tiong Sie Hee (Youth Chairman) Hp: 0138386099 Fax: 086315906 Email: forcabtu@hotmail.com      @##@Federation of Regsitered Chinese Associations Bintulu (FORCA)@##@Bintulu Esplanade@##@2014-09-04@##@2014-09-08

 In collaboration with Sarawak Convention Bureau and  the support of Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Borneo Tru Event Sendirian Berhad will host the Tribal Warrior Challenge 2017  on August 19, 2017 (Saturday) at the Sarawak State Stadium and its surrounding areas.@##@Borneo Tru Events Sdn. Bhd@##@Stadium Negeri Sarawak@##@2017-08-19@##@2017-08-19

 Dr Madeline Berma       KUCHING: The state government should prioritise the construction of the Coastal Road Project (CRP) ahead of Light Rail Transit (LRT) as the rural-centric initiative will spur the economy of Sarawak to the maximum. “This project must be implemented because it will open up economic opportunities and increase the income per capita of rural populace along the coastal road, reducing poverty incidence, balancing up regional development, developing regional the economy and its people, managing natural resources sustainably and speed up economic growth,” stressed economic analyst Dr Madeline Berma in an interview via WhatsApp yesterday. She was responding to The Borneo Post’s front page news yesterday. Madeline, who was entrusted by Rural and Regional Development Ministry to conduct research and develop the Malaysia Rural Economic Policy and had been to almost every nook and corner of remote Malaysia, lamented that Sarawak roads are very poor in accessibility and quality. “This network of roads under CRP is very important because there are more than 5,000 settlements throughout Sarawak, and a big concentration of people in the coastal areas. This project will definitely benefit the Bumiputera community,” she stressed. Madeline also stressed that this network of roads spanning 963km would link up all the coastal areas in Sarawak from Lundu and Sematan to Kota Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong, Sarikei and Bintangor, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang and Lawas. “They will be interlinked by coastal roads and Pan Borneo (Highway),” she said. Madeline stressed that coastal roads are more important because they would serve the majority of coastal populace, whereas the LRT would only serve the urban population. “Furthermore, urban populace have (more) options,” she pointed out. She also confirmed that her research on rural development in Sarawak and Sabah for the previous government would still be in use. “Yes, it is very relevant. I have been invited to share with the new government.” On the call by newly-appointed Economic Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali for Gawai Dayak to be made a national holiday, Madeline said the suggestion needed to be further discussed as too many holidays would affect the country’s productivity. “According to productivity report for 2016 and 2017, Malaysia recorded labour productivity growth of 3.5 per cent at RM78,218 in 2017,” she said. She pointed out that it would be very difficult for the country to achieve the target of RM92,300 by 2020 as outlined under the 11th Malaysia Plan – if the country’s leadership decided to further increase the number of national holidays. Azmin made the call when he was Menteri Besar of Selangor in his official 2016 Gawai message, posted by PKR Sarawak and was being recycled by his supporters to remind him that he is now in the position to make his own wish a reality.

Julaihi (second left) hands over a water tank to Aseng. SEBUYAU: A total of 12 Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) worth RM5 million have been approved for Sebuyau constituency. The projects include the upgrading of roads and bridges, as well as the upgrading and construction of suraus and futsal courts. Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who is Sebuyau assemblyman, visited the sites for all the projects yesterday. With him were officers from Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Samarahan Resident’s Office, Simunjan District Office, Land and Survey Department, and Sebuyau Sub-District Office. “Today (yesterday) we are making a site visit, which is our routine visit with the implementing agencies to know the progress, what are the problems and what are the solutions to the problems. By making routine visit, we can discuss any problems on site,” Julaihi told reporters after the visit. He said the progress of the projects was ‘so far so good’. He pointed out there were 29 RTPs for Sebuyau last year, with some completed and others at various stages of implementation. “Last year, we started quite late and that is the reason why some of the projects have not been completed,” he said. Julaihi said the Sebuyau RTP Working Committee, which he heads, would ensure all projects are progressing well. During the visit, Julaihi also presented a house key to Aseng Lacau, whose house was built with minor rural project funds of RM10,000. Aseng was also given cooking utensils, a cooking stove, water tank, and gas cylinder.

The Sibu Tower Run will be taking place on March 8, 2020, and is open to runners aged 16 years old and above. The run is open to all public, targeting 1000 runners, thanks to the final leg of the race where runners will be running up the staircase of Wisma Sanyan, the tallest building in Sarawak.  The runners will be running up 28-storeys, 126m in height and with 627 steps. The Sibu Tower Run 2020 will be sanctioned by Malaysia Towerrunning Association. Hosted by           : Sibu Municipal Council Organizer            : MPI Alumni Association Support by          : I-Concept Event Agency Contact                : Mr. Willie – Event Coordinator (+6012-8852460) @##@Sibu Municipal Council@##@Wisma Sanyan, Pekan Sibu@##@2020-03-08@##@2020-03-08

Forest Department Sarawak

  Lim exchanges documents with Trotter witnessed by Wong. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi KUCHING: Sarawak is in great need of qualified accountants, said Second Minister of Finance Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. He pointed out that according to the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), there were only 1,848 qualified accountants in Sarawak as of Jan 31, 2016. “Of the number, 571 or 30.9 per cent are ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) members. A study in 2010 estimated that Sarawak would require 24,970 accounting technicians at certificate level by 2030,” he said at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sunway College Kuching and the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) yesterday. Wong noted that Malaysia requires 60,000 accountants by 2020 but at present there are only 33,000 accountants nationwide. “Organisations in any industry, be it banking, retail, manufacturing, e-commerce or online, require skilled accounting personnel to accurately record transactions, balance the books and prepare true and fair financial statements,” he said. Wong said he hopes the MoU will help produce more accountants and accounting technicians for Sarawak, and provide local students with more opportunities to complete an internationally recognised professional accounting qualification locally. On the MoU, Sunway College Kuching CEO Joseph Lim said Sunway College Kuching is authorised by IAB to develop and nurture classroom teaching towards IAB qualifications. “Sunway College will demonstrate that its classroom teaching system provides quality support to learners towards IAB qualifications,” he said. “We will work with IAB to stimulate interest among students in Sarawak to pursue accounting and finance as a career and to come into the IAB programme.” IAB chief executive Malcolm Trotter said there is an increasing need for skilled workers in this era of global economic growth and rapid technological development. “Employers say that graduates lack employability skills, meaning people do not have the immediate skills that make them attractive, ready to work and technically competent,” he said. The IAB specialises in providing high quality, relevant financial and business qualifications for students, financial professionals and owners or managers of small businesses.

Students and their parents, teachers, and staff SMK Kubong doing an exercise before the joggerthon. LIMBANG: A joggerthon organised by parents-teachers association (PTA) of SMK Kubong recently raised RM40,000 for the school. PTA chairman Seruji Said said some 1,500 students, parents, teachers and staff of the school were involved in the event that raised fund for their various activities and to raise standard of education. “The joggerthon was also to promote healthy living as well as to foster closer rapport between the school and the local community,” he said. The run was divided into categories of special education, girls and boys of 15 and 18 years and below, PTA veteran (aged 46 – 57), PTA senior (aged 45 and below), and senior citizen (aged 58 and above). For students the distance they covered was from SMK Kubong to Pengkalan Rejab and back to the school. while for parents, teachers and staff, they ran from SMK Kubong, SK Sungai Poyan and back to the school. Among those taking part were senior assistant of administration Samsul Bohari, senior assistant for students affairs Omar Alli Sawtugau, and senior assistant of co-curriculum Abdullah Kassim.

Masing (right) and Salang jointly cut the ribbon to declare open a suspension bridge at the longhouse while (from second left) Mussen, Aaron, Gira and others look on. JULAU: ‘Baits’ are needed to lure development to the rural areas, says Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing. Infrastructure such as roads would pave the way for other basic facilities and amenities such as water and electricity supplies to be extended to the rural areas, he said at a ‘leader-with-the-people’ session at Rumah John Okin in Nanga Meluan Mit near here on Tuesday. He said as it was very costly to extend basic infrastructure to the rural areas, but one of the ways was to offer something as ‘baits’ to attract agents of development to the area. The’ bait’ could be in various forms such as HEP dam or commercial agriculture, he added. “For instance, it is not economical to build good roads my constituency of Baleh. It would require at least RM2 billion,” said Masing who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation. He, therefore, had tried to convince his people to support the proposal to build Baleh dam as a ‘bait’ to get the RM2 billion- fund. On the request to build a bridge over Sungai Mujok in Mujok, Masing said it was already at the proposal stage. He said the proposed 120-metre long bridge was estimated to cost RM25 million. Masing said he would help to look for funds to implement the project (bridge) which would, on completion, benefit over 4,000 residents from 14 longhouses in the area. According to TR Ringgit Anggun the area also had two primary schools and a health clinic. Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, who was also present at the function, said the bridge would open up more land across the river for economic development, hence called it a ‘development bridge’. Masing, who earlier on declared open a suspension bridge leading to Rumah John Okin, announced a RM10,000-fund for the longhouse’s development and security committee (JKKK) and its women bureau. Assistant Minister of Industries and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, Sarikei Resident Junaidi Mohidin, a political secretary to the chief Minister Edwin Banta, and Pemanca Janggu Banyang were among those present at the function.

DVS staff gearing up to do their work. KUCHING: Department of Veterinary Services  (DVS) Sarawak is taking all the necessary preventive measures against the spread of bird flu from Sabah. “Trucks entering Sarawak will be disinfected at the Merapok entry point,” DVS Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud told The Borneo Post. This was in response to the confirmation of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Sabah after a farm in the Tamparuli-Tuaran area was tested positive for the virus. Earlier this week, State Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail confirmed that DVS Sarawak has imposed a ban on the import of chicken products from Sabah since Aug 1.