Just as i was driving to work this morning, news from the radio mentioned that Sarawak was put on alert for this weekend as unusual high tide is expected at 5.5 meters,
wei!! that is a king tidelah, during my time, king tide as high as 6.0-6.1 meters, cold sweat if it was raining heavily, not in Kuching but up at the watercatchment area...
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Relaxs, jak pok, banjir dah okkah?Firemen and members of JPA3 with their boat on standby for any eventuality.
By Andy Chua, 18/12/2007
SIBU: The flood situation in the Central Region has improved with most roads passable to small vehicles.In the next few days, most areas under water are expected to return to normal.However, Sibu Resident Chai Moi Fung warned that Dec 21 would be a date to watch out. “The expected king tide may bring floods to the Central Region again.”Speaking to reporters after a visit to Jalan Stabau, where the water-level was six feet high last week, Chai said only six roads, Kanowit Penyulau Road and Lipus Road in Kanowit District and Jalan Stabau, Pulau Dudong, Rh Birai Road and Rh Radin Road were still not passable to small vehicles.“The water-level is still over two feet high.”Those roads in Sibu which are passable to motorised traffic include Sg Maaw Road, Ling Chu Ming Road, Bawang Assan, Kerto Road, Kpg Banyok Road, Rh Bilai Road, Rh Radin Road, Sg Assan, Nibong Tada Road, Salim Airport Road, Teku Pasai Siong Road, Sibu Ulu/Oya Road, Salim Road while those in Selangau are Rh Sumbang Access Road, SRK Bkt Engkerbai and access road to oil palm transit.Roads in Kanowit which can be used are Durin/Kanowit Road, access road to Ng Geremai, Rh Imban access road, access road to Sg Ranan Camp, Bukong Jagoi, Sg Durin Road, and Ngungun/Ng Poi.The number of evacuees at SMK Teknik here has been down to 43 from 53.The water-level in Belaga yesterday was at 47.23 metres (highest 50.03 metres on Dec 15), Kapit 12.07 metres (highest 16.20 meteres on Dec 12), Song 9.05 metres (highest 11.31 metres on Dec 12), Sibu 2.64 metres (highest 2.86 metres on Dec 13) and Kanowit 6.80 metres (highest 7.84 metres on Dec 13).Chai who is also the chairman of the Sibu Division Disaster and Relief Committee said the committee had handed out 896 packages of food to the flood victims in Kanowit and Sibu. “Each package is sufficient for a family of five for seven days.”Another 200 packages would be given out to the victims in Stabau Road which was heavily inundated with water, he said.The committee had also stationed 20 men including two officers from the Civil Defence Department and another six from Bomba at Jalan Stabau to provide assistance to the flood victims, Chai said.They were equipped with four boats and several heavy vehicles, he said.The Resident Engineer of the Public Works Department here Vincent Tang who was also present said his department had started to put up more flood indicators at the affected areas
Me first immediate Lady Boss
RM1.24m worth of govt properties lost
Morshidi (second left) presenting a certificate to a newly appointed security officer (Puan Sherrina Hussaini) while Bemee (left) looks on.
By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING : Ten government departments in the state have reported a total loss of RM1.24 million worth of physical properties to thieves over the last seven years (2000-2007).This was disclosed by Deputy State Secretary Datuk Morshidi Ghani to reporters after presenting certificates to senior government officers appointed as department security personnel at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.“The State government has taken steps and precautionary measures to safeguard its assets by giving frequent and continuous security training to its officers responsible for the job.“Most government departments have their own security personnel and only certain agencies employ guards from private security firms.“The person in-charge of secuirty in a government department must ensure that all security matters are his responsibility even dealing with private security companies,” he said.On computer thefts, he said they were also widespread but the losses were only on the hardware.“The thieves want to make quick money so they do not bother with stealing the documents. So far there are no government documents reported stolen,” he said.Earlier, in his speech, Morshidi said insurance was not the last line of defence against thefts in government departments but strong security.He reminded government officers of Para 16 and 17 of the Security Instruction issued by the Federal Government which stated that the head of department was responsible for all security aspects in his /her department. “Even though the head of the department is responsible for all security aspects, he must still appoint senior officers of calibre as security officers in his department to be responsible in carrying out the security instructions,” he added.Morshidi hoped with the appointment of senior officers in each department as security officers, there would an improvement as far as security was concerned .He also urged those appointed as security officers to carry out their tasks seriously.Also present were the director of state security Datu Dr Hj Yusoff Nook and Kuching Port Authority Chairman Awang Bemee.
Morshidi (second left) presenting a certificate to a newly appointed security officer (Puan Sherrina Hussaini) while Bemee (left) looks on.
By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING : Ten government departments in the state have reported a total loss of RM1.24 million worth of physical properties to thieves over the last seven years (2000-2007).This was disclosed by Deputy State Secretary Datuk Morshidi Ghani to reporters after presenting certificates to senior government officers appointed as department security personnel at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.“The State government has taken steps and precautionary measures to safeguard its assets by giving frequent and continuous security training to its officers responsible for the job.“Most government departments have their own security personnel and only certain agencies employ guards from private security firms.“The person in-charge of secuirty in a government department must ensure that all security matters are his responsibility even dealing with private security companies,” he said.On computer thefts, he said they were also widespread but the losses were only on the hardware.“The thieves want to make quick money so they do not bother with stealing the documents. So far there are no government documents reported stolen,” he said.Earlier, in his speech, Morshidi said insurance was not the last line of defence against thefts in government departments but strong security.He reminded government officers of Para 16 and 17 of the Security Instruction issued by the Federal Government which stated that the head of department was responsible for all security aspects in his /her department. “Even though the head of the department is responsible for all security aspects, he must still appoint senior officers of calibre as security officers in his department to be responsible in carrying out the security instructions,” he added.Morshidi hoped with the appointment of senior officers in each department as security officers, there would an improvement as far as security was concerned .He also urged those appointed as security officers to carry out their tasks seriously.Also present were the director of state security Datu Dr Hj Yusoff Nook and Kuching Port Authority Chairman Awang Bemee.
Security in Public Office is really lacking... but efforts are being done, can't imagine what goes on in schools and living quarters during the long holidays...
Btw, Puan Sherrina was my first lady boss, i learned a lot from her. Oh, i can still remember the first day reporting for duty... Walking into Resident's Office Kuching, no..no.. District Office Kuching and then walking up the stairs, the first person i met was Madam Aileen Sim(if you ever catch the 70's show, she looks like the mother...but more charming...
I'll be home for Christmas....a very wet Christmas...
More rain, showers expected in central region
By Wilfred Pilo, ET, 18/12/2007
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who is also the Chairman for the State Disaster said yesterday heavy rains and showers were expected in the central region of Sarawak based on the weather forecast.He stated this at a press conference here after meeting members of the State Disaster Manage-ment Committee on the current bad weather and the flood situation for low lying areas in the region.Dr Chan said continuous heavy to moderate rainfall, especially in the afternoon and night were expected for the next three days and could affect the low lying areas in Sibu and Kapit Divisions. The situation could worsen due to the King tides which could be as high as 3.6 metres and heavy rain in the upper Rajang River .According to the Deputy Chief Minister, Sibu and Kanowit Districts might be flooded again. “In towns like Sibu, Kapit, Machan and Kanowit, the water level could go up again, “he warned.Dr Chan urged residents in the districts to take extra precautions, especially from December 22 to 23, and to move their valuable belongings to higher ground.“If it continues to rain in the up-per Rajang River on December 23, the tide will probably go up to 3.7 metres and the chance of flooding is high,” he said.Dr Chan also urged the Public Works Department and the Disaster Relief Management Committee in all Divisions to be on the look out for possible landslides. Added the Deputy Chief Minister: “The weather in Kuching is fine at the moment but if the wind direction shifts southernly from the central region of the state, then Kuching will have a very wet Christmas and New Year.”
I can't remember a time that i really spend a looong X'mas break.... well hope the weather's fine when the family is back home in kuching, heard rumours about a big flood in Tondong town, but was a false alarm...
By Wilfred Pilo, ET, 18/12/2007
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who is also the Chairman for the State Disaster said yesterday heavy rains and showers were expected in the central region of Sarawak based on the weather forecast.He stated this at a press conference here after meeting members of the State Disaster Manage-ment Committee on the current bad weather and the flood situation for low lying areas in the region.Dr Chan said continuous heavy to moderate rainfall, especially in the afternoon and night were expected for the next three days and could affect the low lying areas in Sibu and Kapit Divisions. The situation could worsen due to the King tides which could be as high as 3.6 metres and heavy rain in the upper Rajang River .According to the Deputy Chief Minister, Sibu and Kanowit Districts might be flooded again. “In towns like Sibu, Kapit, Machan and Kanowit, the water level could go up again, “he warned.Dr Chan urged residents in the districts to take extra precautions, especially from December 22 to 23, and to move their valuable belongings to higher ground.“If it continues to rain in the up-per Rajang River on December 23, the tide will probably go up to 3.7 metres and the chance of flooding is high,” he said.Dr Chan also urged the Public Works Department and the Disaster Relief Management Committee in all Divisions to be on the look out for possible landslides. Added the Deputy Chief Minister: “The weather in Kuching is fine at the moment but if the wind direction shifts southernly from the central region of the state, then Kuching will have a very wet Christmas and New Year.”
I can't remember a time that i really spend a looong X'mas break.... well hope the weather's fine when the family is back home in kuching, heard rumours about a big flood in Tondong town, but was a false alarm...
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sarawak Regatta 2007
Sarawak Regatta revs up for finale(Sunday September 2, 2007) The StarOnline
KUCHING: Thousands of people thronged the Waterfront here yesterday as the Sarawak Regatta entered its second day.
Participants competed in longboat events involving 10, 15, 20 and 30 paddlers as well as in the kayak, seven-paddler balok (traditional Malay boat) and perahu tambang races.
There was also a special category for tourists and another for international teams.
The first final of the day, the 20-paddler longboat category for government agencies, was won by the Cahaya Intan team from the Samarahan District Council.
Paddlers in action during one of the races in the Sarawak Regatta in Kuching on Saturday.The Sarawak Foundation’s Sri Urai Zecon team, which won the event last year, finished second this time in the 1.8km race, while Pusaka from the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation came in third.
One of the key events in the state’s tourism calendar, the regatta was expanded this year to include a trade fair and Malay cultural activities involving villagers living on the banks of the Sarawak River.
Besides traditional dances, music and games, there will be traditional wedding ceremonies for five Malay couples today.
This year’s regatta is one of the biggest to be held, attracting 6,827 participants in 387 teams, including four from Sabah and one each from Brunei and Kalimantan.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will officially open the regatta today and flag off the water scooter open class final before witnessing a review of boats on the Sarawak River.
Later, Sarawak Governor Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng will flag off the 30-paddler longboat race, which offers the TYT Challenge Trophy and the unofficial title of “King of the River” to the winner.
Just another snippets on Sarawak Regatta... i really feel for the event, my heart, my soul, my tears and my sweat...
Fabio is England's New Manager
LONDON: Fabio Capello’s appointment as the new England manager was finalised on Friday with the Italian taking charge on a four-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth £6.5mil a year.
The Italian, 61, succeeds Steve McClaren, who was sacked last month after a Wembley defeat by Croatia ensured that England would not qualify for the Euro 2008 Finals.
Capello’s appointment had been approved by the FA’s board of management on Thursday, subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations which were finally concluded on Friday afternoon.
The former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus manager will bring an all-Italian four-man support team with him: assistants Franco Baldini and Italo Galbiati, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi and fitness coach Massimo Neri.
An English coach is to be added to the backroom staff but the identity of that individual has not yet been decided, with Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce among the possibilities.
Capello will carry out his first duties in his new job tomorrow when he is presented to the media in London, although he will not formally begin work until Jan 7.
His first match in charge will be a friendly against Switzerland in February with his first competitive fixture not coming until the autumn of next year, when England begin their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“I am delighted that Fabio Capello has agreed to become England manager,” said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
“When we set out to recruit the new manager, we said we were committed to appointing a world-class candidate. In Fabio Capello we have that man.
“Fabio is a winner. His record over the last two decades speaks for itself.
“At every club he has managed Fabio has won the league title and (FA director of football development) Sir Trevor Brooking and I were left in no doubt of his passion and commitment to bring that success to the England team.”
Capello had expressed his interest in taking on the challenge of reviving England’s fortunes almost as soon as McClaren was sacked and his path to the best-paid job in football management was cleared when Jose Mourinho pulled out of the running earlier this week.
“Fabio Capello is widely recognised as one of the world’s finest coaches,” added Brooking. “He has achieved huge success wherever he has worked and has the respect of everyone in football.
“Fabio will have the full support of the FA and their coaching set-up. We are excited about working with him over the coming years as we focus on qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.”
Leading figures including Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Sven-Goran Eriksson have all endorsed Capello’s credentials although the FA have been criticised by some for failing to put an Englishman in charge of the national team.
A tough midfielder who won 32 caps for Italy as a player, Capello initially worked as a business manager in Silvio Berlusconi’s Fininvest empire before returning to football as successor to Arrigo Sacchi at Milan.
He led Milan to four Italian titles as well as masterminding their triumph in the 1994 Champions League.
Another five league titles followed in subsequent spells in charge of Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus, although Juventus were stripped of two of those as a result of the corruption scandal that rocked Italian football last year. – AFP
That should be the way, assistant coaches, fitness coach and GKeeper coach.
Well hopefully something good will come...
The Italian, 61, succeeds Steve McClaren, who was sacked last month after a Wembley defeat by Croatia ensured that England would not qualify for the Euro 2008 Finals.
Capello’s appointment had been approved by the FA’s board of management on Thursday, subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations which were finally concluded on Friday afternoon.
The former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus manager will bring an all-Italian four-man support team with him: assistants Franco Baldini and Italo Galbiati, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi and fitness coach Massimo Neri.
An English coach is to be added to the backroom staff but the identity of that individual has not yet been decided, with Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce among the possibilities.
Capello will carry out his first duties in his new job tomorrow when he is presented to the media in London, although he will not formally begin work until Jan 7.
His first match in charge will be a friendly against Switzerland in February with his first competitive fixture not coming until the autumn of next year, when England begin their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“I am delighted that Fabio Capello has agreed to become England manager,” said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
“When we set out to recruit the new manager, we said we were committed to appointing a world-class candidate. In Fabio Capello we have that man.
“Fabio is a winner. His record over the last two decades speaks for itself.
“At every club he has managed Fabio has won the league title and (FA director of football development) Sir Trevor Brooking and I were left in no doubt of his passion and commitment to bring that success to the England team.”
Capello had expressed his interest in taking on the challenge of reviving England’s fortunes almost as soon as McClaren was sacked and his path to the best-paid job in football management was cleared when Jose Mourinho pulled out of the running earlier this week.
“Fabio Capello is widely recognised as one of the world’s finest coaches,” added Brooking. “He has achieved huge success wherever he has worked and has the respect of everyone in football.
“Fabio will have the full support of the FA and their coaching set-up. We are excited about working with him over the coming years as we focus on qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.”
Leading figures including Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Sven-Goran Eriksson have all endorsed Capello’s credentials although the FA have been criticised by some for failing to put an Englishman in charge of the national team.
A tough midfielder who won 32 caps for Italy as a player, Capello initially worked as a business manager in Silvio Berlusconi’s Fininvest empire before returning to football as successor to Arrigo Sacchi at Milan.
He led Milan to four Italian titles as well as masterminding their triumph in the 1994 Champions League.
Another five league titles followed in subsequent spells in charge of Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus, although Juventus were stripped of two of those as a result of the corruption scandal that rocked Italian football last year. – AFP
That should be the way, assistant coaches, fitness coach and GKeeper coach.
Well hopefully something good will come...
Banjir II
Mukah ready to help flood victims
By Henry Siyu, ET
MUKAH: No one had been evacuated yet in Mukah even though some low-lying areas in the division were said to be inundated, with water level reaching two to three metres high. Local papers had reported that the floods were caused by a combination of incessant heavy rains and king tides in the last few days. This was disclosed by Mukah Disaster and Relief Action Committee Secretary, Khairul Nizam Morshidi, when was contacted by Eastern Times on Thursday morning. “So far, no evacuation was reported in Mukah including the low-lying areas in Matu-Daro and the nearby districts. There are some flood-prone areas in Mukah Division but to-date we haven’t received any report from the people in these areas regarding the floods,” he said. Nonetheless, he said preparations had been made to face the siatuation and that all the operations rooms in every district in the Mukah division would be open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily to answer calls for assistance. He said the arrangement was decided in a recent meeting but should the flood situation become real bad then the district operations rooms may need to remain open 24 hours. Manpower and equipment, he added, were adequate at these operations rooms. Meanwhile, he advised those living in flood-prone areas not to delay asking for assistance. They should monitor the flood situation closely and quickly ask for help if they sense any danger and not to wait until the situation comes very serious, he added. He also warned parents not to allow their children to play in any flooded area as this would be very risky.
My former colleague (Mukah Dividision), Looking after the Ops room can be really bone breaking and mental torture, especially when it is the celebrations season, and the National Service Programme coming up, in Kuching, there are two camps....so what, Sibu got two camps also...whatever..
i still received calls concerning the floods operation from ex-colleagues, the best i can tell them is to refer to the next officer in charge, can't help my self cos i wanted to answer that the weather is very dry here in Putrajaya, clear shining weather, mana ada banjir wei?...
By Henry Siyu, ET
MUKAH: No one had been evacuated yet in Mukah even though some low-lying areas in the division were said to be inundated, with water level reaching two to three metres high. Local papers had reported that the floods were caused by a combination of incessant heavy rains and king tides in the last few days. This was disclosed by Mukah Disaster and Relief Action Committee Secretary, Khairul Nizam Morshidi, when was contacted by Eastern Times on Thursday morning. “So far, no evacuation was reported in Mukah including the low-lying areas in Matu-Daro and the nearby districts. There are some flood-prone areas in Mukah Division but to-date we haven’t received any report from the people in these areas regarding the floods,” he said. Nonetheless, he said preparations had been made to face the siatuation and that all the operations rooms in every district in the Mukah division would be open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily to answer calls for assistance. He said the arrangement was decided in a recent meeting but should the flood situation become real bad then the district operations rooms may need to remain open 24 hours. Manpower and equipment, he added, were adequate at these operations rooms. Meanwhile, he advised those living in flood-prone areas not to delay asking for assistance. They should monitor the flood situation closely and quickly ask for help if they sense any danger and not to wait until the situation comes very serious, he added. He also warned parents not to allow their children to play in any flooded area as this would be very risky.
My former colleague (Mukah Dividision), Looking after the Ops room can be really bone breaking and mental torture, especially when it is the celebrations season, and the National Service Programme coming up, in Kuching, there are two camps....so what, Sibu got two camps also...whatever..
i still received calls concerning the floods operation from ex-colleagues, the best i can tell them is to refer to the next officer in charge, can't help my self cos i wanted to answer that the weather is very dry here in Putrajaya, clear shining weather, mana ada banjir wei?...
Banjir News
Flood affects several sporting events in Sibu
By Andy Chua, Eastern Times
SIBU: The high level of flood water does not only affect economic activity in this town but also several sporting events which have to be either postponed or changed to another venue.One of the events is the Sarawak Invitation Volleyball Championship where heavy rain and extensive flooding have affected the scheduling of the competition.According to the organising chairman, Dr Gregory Hii, many players from rural areas, and some urban players have encountered problems in getting to the competition venue at Bukit Lima Indoor Stadium and could not check into the national service camp near SMK Wong Nai Siong.“As a result, only the fixtures for the men’s event will now be played at Heng Hua Garden instead of Bukit Lima. The time for the matches to be played remains the same. This is because the team from Johor Baru are already here, we can’t postpone it,” he added.The girl’s matches would be played on a later date to be resecheduled when the flood situation improves.The reception lunch which was originally scheduled for yesterday at Kingwood Hotel has also been postponed.Hii said the organising committee regretted the inconvenience caused to the participants.
Water..water everywhere, why don't they play water volleyball like Adam Stiller in Meet the Parents...baru siok!! must play with bikini...
By Andy Chua, Eastern Times
SIBU: The high level of flood water does not only affect economic activity in this town but also several sporting events which have to be either postponed or changed to another venue.One of the events is the Sarawak Invitation Volleyball Championship where heavy rain and extensive flooding have affected the scheduling of the competition.According to the organising chairman, Dr Gregory Hii, many players from rural areas, and some urban players have encountered problems in getting to the competition venue at Bukit Lima Indoor Stadium and could not check into the national service camp near SMK Wong Nai Siong.“As a result, only the fixtures for the men’s event will now be played at Heng Hua Garden instead of Bukit Lima. The time for the matches to be played remains the same. This is because the team from Johor Baru are already here, we can’t postpone it,” he added.The girl’s matches would be played on a later date to be resecheduled when the flood situation improves.The reception lunch which was originally scheduled for yesterday at Kingwood Hotel has also been postponed.Hii said the organising committee regretted the inconvenience caused to the participants.
Water..water everywhere, why don't they play water volleyball like Adam Stiller in Meet the Parents...baru siok!! must play with bikini...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Slow Down
(From left) Vincent, Lau and Awang Bemee with one of the families in Kampung Datu Lama during their visit to the flood affected area.Skippers told not to create strong waves
By Othman Bin Ishak, ET 14/12/2007
SIBU: The juragan (skippers) of tug boats, speed boats, fishing trawlers, express boats and all other kinds of vessels here were strongly reminded to slow down, whenever they pass by all the kampungs situated along the river bank of Batang Igan.Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government and Member of Parliament for Sibu, Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew stressed if they did not slow down, the strong waves created would likely cause damage to the wooden floors and walls of kampung houses built along the banks of Batang Igan such as those in Kampung Nangka, Kampung Hilir and Kampung Datu Lama. He said due to the high water level in rivers during this time of the year and the flood situation in the division, the juragan should be more considerate and also be aware of the safety of kampung dwellers along the river banks. He was speaking to journalists during his visit to the Flood Operations Room at Sri Rejang, Jalan Awang Ramli Amit, yesterday.Lau was accompanied by Pelawan State Assemblyman, Vincent Goh and Nangka State Assemblyman, Awang Bemee bin Hj Awang Ali Basah.Later, they went to visit the affected kampungs to personally meet with kampung folks while having a closer look at the flood situation in the areas involved.“Thus, the close cooperation from the juragan of tug boats, speed boats, fishing trawlers, express boats and all other kind of vessels is very important, especially during the current flood season. We want to avoid any untoward incidents, especially from the big waves created by speeding vessels,” he added.Lau also reminded all parents in the three kampungs here to closely monitor the movement of their little children to ensure their safety especially when water levels were rising. He said, according to the Meteorological Department, there would be more rain in the next few days.He added that more evacuation centres for victims would be set up if necessary. Meanwhile, he said flood relief committees and other related parties were all ready to face any emergency situation.
Flood Rescue Operations in Sibu
An aerial view of Lanang and Pedada areas in Sibu town which are affected by floods on Wednesday. Heavy incessant rain since Monday coupled with the king tide had caused low-lying areas in the town to be inundated.PHOTO: BERNAMA
By Calvin Sie, ET, 14/12/2007
SIBU: “Rescue efforts had been carried out and we are always on standby to answer calls for help from flood victims,” said the captain of Rescue 991 (Sibu branch), Madihi bin Habib.Speaking to reporters at Rescue 991’s office at Jalan Fong Ming here yesterday morning, Madihi stated that Sibu Rescue 991 teams had been carrying out operations round the clock since Wednesday evening. He said four teams were involved. Madihi disclosed that his teams had received several distress calls on Wednesday night and had evacuated some flood victims to safety.For instance, at about 6.30pm on Wednesday, a call was received from a family staying at Jalan Selanggan saying that their house was already flooded and the water level had risen several feet.A Rescue 991 team was despatched to move the family to safety in the Malay Union Committee (MUC) Hall at Jalan Kpg Hilir here.At 10.15pm, a rescue team was sent to Lorong Ubah (near Camp Bumimas in Lanang Road area) to help a family trapped in a house all surrounded by water. According to members of the rescue team, the job was a challenging one as the area was notorious for having heavy floods at this time of the year.Using a rescue boat, the team managed to bring the flood victims to safety.Half an hour later, another team helped a Japanese living in Pulau Li Hua housing area to get out of the flooded area. Early yesterday around 4.00am, a family from Sabah was trapped in a car stalled near the traffic light at Jalan Wong King Hoe. The whole road was flooded and the water level was rising fast. A rescue 991 team arrived at the scene shortly afterwards to get the family members out of the car to safety.Rescue effort was also seen at Jalan Kapor where a senior citizen was helped out of her badly flooded house. Madihi said the flood victims were sent either to their relatives’ houses as requested or to the Malay Union Committee Hall which served as a temporary relief centre. Meanwhile, he called on the people whose homes were affected by floods to get ready for evacuation if the situation were to turn for the worst. Except for important personal documents, they should not worry about their belongings too much under such circumstances, he added.“Be sensitive and remain alert over the current situation. Heed orders from the related authorities. If you need to move, don’t panic. Meanwhile, take clean food and water to avoid any outbreak of diseases,” he said in his advice to the people affected by floods.Madihi said that his rescue teams would always be on standby to receive emergency calls.
Can't wait to hear if the floods would be happening in Kuching... we have always been prepared for everything.... only if the food rations at the Ops Room would be improved....he.he..he
Flood Worsening
An aerial view of Kanowit town on Wednesday. PHOTO: BERNAMA
By Peter Sibon, ET, 14/12/2007
SANTUBONG: The floods in the central region, especially in low lying areas of Sibu, Song and Kanowit are expected to worsen in the next three days as a result of heavy downpour in the catchment areas coupled with the effect of the king tides, said Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of the State Disaster Relief Management Commitee, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.He said he would be flying to the affected areas today to assess the situation and the relief required urgently by the affected residents.Speaking to the press after officiating the Senior Officers’ Conference of the Department of Agriculture 2007 at a hotel here yesterday, Dr Chan said the State Government was also ready to provide aid from the Relief Fund for the flood victims.“We are ready to provide whatever necessary assistance. We have seen these things happening before in Kuching and we are prepared,” he said.Dr Chan also hoped that the relevant bodies which were supposed to provide aid to the flood victims would be ever ready to lend a helping hand as well. He also said relief centres should be ever ready to take in flood victims anytime and not prepare things at the last minute.“I would not like to hear them say they don’t have the transportation, like boats at the last minute. This would be very bad,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that folks in Sibu, Kanowit and Selangau districts should brace themselves for more floods as the Meteorological Department has forecast more rains in the next few days.“We envisage some more rainy days and floods ahead,” Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew told reporters yesterday.The Sibu MP said the floods were inevitable because the rains, especially in the Rajang River upstream areas, would coincide with the seasonal king tide here until Sunday.Fifty six flood victims from Belian and Merlin Roads were evacuated on Wednesday.Many roads in the town are still under at least 0.3m of water, with the worst affected, the Nibong-Tada Road under 1.5m.In Kanowit town about 60km from here, about 98 per cent of the shophouses are under 0.3m of water while about 12 longhouses had their access roads cut off yesterday morning and 20 people have been evacuated.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Committed paddler?
FANTASTIC TIME
Tabloid
Leisure
Published: 09/12/2006 12:00 AM
By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
During the visit to Sarawak, the team enjoyed a welcome dinner hosted by the government and also had breakfast at the Astana — the residential palace of the head of state — hosted by the governor.
Amer said: “We all had a fantastic time in Sarawak and it was a privilege to be part of the annual regatta. We look forward to returning next year with more training under our paddles.
“We have learnt many lessons from this year’s event — lessons you only learn through adversity as opposed to success. All in all, an amazing experience, lots of new friendships, greater cross cultural understanding and connection, and what a great destination.”
Coach Dave Martin said: “I could only ask 100 per cent effort from everyone — what I got was a 1000 per cent so here’s looking forward to more competition and expanding the sport throughout the UAE and Middle East.”
The Indonesian team took first place, followed by Brunei in second and third place, Singapore fourth and Dubai fifth. Amer said: “A big thanks to our sponsors who have been solid rocks of support in our quest to participate in the Sarawak Regatta including Malaysia Airlines, Dodge and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.”
Well said, mate... in the face of adversity...your team made me proud...and sad on my part as not being able to help or do something prior to the race...
You were just too kind in your comments...A true gentlement..
Tabloid
Leisure
Published: 09/12/2006 12:00 AM
By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
During the visit to Sarawak, the team enjoyed a welcome dinner hosted by the government and also had breakfast at the Astana — the residential palace of the head of state — hosted by the governor.
Amer said: “We all had a fantastic time in Sarawak and it was a privilege to be part of the annual regatta. We look forward to returning next year with more training under our paddles.
“We have learnt many lessons from this year’s event — lessons you only learn through adversity as opposed to success. All in all, an amazing experience, lots of new friendships, greater cross cultural understanding and connection, and what a great destination.”
Coach Dave Martin said: “I could only ask 100 per cent effort from everyone — what I got was a 1000 per cent so here’s looking forward to more competition and expanding the sport throughout the UAE and Middle East.”
The Indonesian team took first place, followed by Brunei in second and third place, Singapore fourth and Dubai fifth. Amer said: “A big thanks to our sponsors who have been solid rocks of support in our quest to participate in the Sarawak Regatta including Malaysia Airlines, Dodge and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.”
Well said, mate... in the face of adversity...your team made me proud...and sad on my part as not being able to help or do something prior to the race...
You were just too kind in your comments...A true gentlement..
The Going for Gold dragon boat crew has gone to Malaysia to take part in this year's Annual Sarawak Regatta. (Sarawak Regatta 2006) Off to Sarawak
By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
Forget breakfast in the hotel lobby. What about sharing your orange juice with the governor of Sarawak? That's just what a team of fitness fanatics from Dubai will be doing. The Going for Gold dragon boat crew has gone to Malaysia to take part in this year's Annual Sarawak Regatta. After the all-woman team crossed the line at an impressive second position last September, the state governor has this year invited the team from Dubai to enjoy breakfast with him — after the race.
Preparations
We caught up with the 19-strong team — this time mixed — as they made last-minute preparations for the race. Led by Julie Amer, founder of Mountain High and coach Dave Martin, the team consists of UAE residents who originate from 10 different countries. Under the guidance of team coach Dave Martin, the squad has been training since July at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, the team's official training centre. Martin has had the team at the lap pool three times a week for paddle technique training and, thanks to the long awaited arrival of Dubai's first Dragon Boats, the team has been out on the water from 6am each day to prepare for their races in Sarawak. Gym-based training was run by Tracey Rogers, a personal trainers who was on last year's squad. Cultural exchange Amer said: "It's a great way to promote and strengthen the ties between Sarawak and Dubai and connect our unique cultures through our participation in the event. We look forward to meeting the other international teams and racing into modern-day adventure history by going for gold in all three races we take part in." Aiming high This year the Going for Gold team plans to participate in three races . These include: - Tourism Malaysia Cup — where they will be up against teams from Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. - Women's Open 10 paddler category — where they will be up against local and international teams. - Men's Open 15 Paddler category — where the nine men from Dubai will join forces with five local Sarawak men to make up a squad to race.
The place The town of Sarawak is located on the north-western shore of the island of Borneo. The river is the focal point of the town and the Sarawak Regatta has been an important event with historical and cultural significance since 1872. Sarawak is home to 27 ethnic groups and is also famous for having the biggest population of Orangutan and the proboscis monkey. Also know as the land of the hornbills, which is the state's national bird, Sarawak is one big adventure playground with the world's richest tropical biodiversity and rugged rainforest wilderness. The regatta The Sarawak Regatta is organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board and takes place on the first weekend of September each year. Originally, the regatta was held to settle local rivalries between disputing tribes without resorting to war or head hunting. It's an offshoot of the Baram Regatta that originally saw huge war canoes bringing ferocious warriors travelling up the river.
Tabloid
Society
Published: 09/01/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)
Society
Published: 09/01/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)
Even the Chief Minister was equiring about them, They had great fun at the Astana but i believed that they did not exactly enjoyed the event on the water...
My heart goes out to all of them... nothing i say will change anything... since i am not there anymore, i still think the organizing committee has to get the objectives figured out, international or local? technical standard have to be upgraded and it is not based on the events alone, logistics, after/post event services, the list goes on... full time secretariat at least 6 months ahead...bla..bla...
btw they did not return this year, news that they went to the Penang Dragon Boat Race, hope they enjoyed themselves there
Siburan o ..Siburan
P.198 Mambong Y.B DR. JAMES DAWOS MAMIT
N.16 Bengoh YB DR. JERIP SUSEL
N.15 Tarat YB ENCIK ROLAND SAGAH WEE INNSiburan is a small Sarawakian town located in the Kuching Division, nearby Padawan. Located along Kuching-Serian Highway (Federal route 01-15).
Siburan will always have a place in my heart becos of two things-
Election Duty and the Infamous Siburan S** Scandal
My first duty as ARO -Assistant Returning Office for P198 Mambong in 2002 and N17 Tarat 2006.
With the elections coming up, i will keep an eye on Siburan Town again...
Siburan will always have a place in my heart becos of two things-
Election Duty and the Infamous Siburan S** Scandal
My first duty as ARO -Assistant Returning Office for P198 Mambong in 2002 and N17 Tarat 2006.
With the elections coming up, i will keep an eye on Siburan Town again...
Kerja, kerja..kerja
December 11, 2007 19:14 PM
Govt Cannot Guarantee Jobs For Students Upon Graduation
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The government cannot guarantee jobs for students upon their graduation from institutions of higher learning, the Dewan Negara was told today."No government in the world can guarantee jobs for all the people," said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.Undergraduates must equip themselves with the necessary skills and acumen to enable them to be competitive in the employment market, he said when replying to a question from Senator Datuk Armani Mahiruddin.He said fluency in the English and Malay languages as well as good communication skills were important factors for a graduate to secure a job.Mustapa said the government would strive to ensure that undergraduates were equipped with the skills sought by the employment market upon their graduation.-- BERNAMA
The months after i graduated in 2000 were torture, i search high and low for job vacancies, my last option was to return to Sarikei and get a job as a temporary teacher but i managed to stay on, it was hard, i was working in a factory, to put it nicely an American Manufacturing Company, wow and people would be saying American Company...tsk..tsk.. to put credit to my fellow mates, it was a joy working with them, it puts you in a perspective of a different level, that life goes on... it is how you shape it that determines the man that you are...
ha...ha.. i feel for graduates that are still searching for jobs, do we want to point fingers? All parties are responsible for this mismatch...
Govt Cannot Guarantee Jobs For Students Upon Graduation
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The government cannot guarantee jobs for students upon their graduation from institutions of higher learning, the Dewan Negara was told today."No government in the world can guarantee jobs for all the people," said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.Undergraduates must equip themselves with the necessary skills and acumen to enable them to be competitive in the employment market, he said when replying to a question from Senator Datuk Armani Mahiruddin.He said fluency in the English and Malay languages as well as good communication skills were important factors for a graduate to secure a job.Mustapa said the government would strive to ensure that undergraduates were equipped with the skills sought by the employment market upon their graduation.-- BERNAMA
The months after i graduated in 2000 were torture, i search high and low for job vacancies, my last option was to return to Sarikei and get a job as a temporary teacher but i managed to stay on, it was hard, i was working in a factory, to put it nicely an American Manufacturing Company, wow and people would be saying American Company...tsk..tsk.. to put credit to my fellow mates, it was a joy working with them, it puts you in a perspective of a different level, that life goes on... it is how you shape it that determines the man that you are...
ha...ha.. i feel for graduates that are still searching for jobs, do we want to point fingers? All parties are responsible for this mismatch...
Ini Baru Challenging...siap dengan SAR(Search And Rescue)
December 11, 2007 14:49 PM
Floods Play Havoc With Terengganu Rainforest Challenge
KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Floods forced the results of the Terengganu International 4WD Rainforest Challenge (TIRC) 2007 to be postponed after most of the participants were trapped at Sungai Miah, Kuala Kerai, Kelantan due to floods.
TIRC director Luis J A Wee said this year's edition involving 350 participants from 35 countries had proven to be the toughest challenge yet since its inception in 1997.
The challenge posed by the floods was something which participants did not bargain for but proved to be a good experience for them, he said at the closing of the TIRC 2007 last night.
State Industrial Development and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said extreme sports events like TIRC could help promote local tourism to foreign enthusiasts.
"This programme is special as it is the climax of all international tourism events for Terengganu this year before Visit Terengganu Year 2008," he added.
Meanwhile, in KUALA KRAI, 91 of the 178 Rainforest Challenge participants who had been stranded for four days have been rescued.
A Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said they comprised Malaysians and foreigners.
Boats and 4WD vehicles were used in the search and rescue operation.
"They were rescued at 6.20pm yesterday. The operation had been going on since they were reported missing four days ago.
"Another 87 participants have yet to be rescued," he told Bernama.
He said efforts to rescue them would be difficult as they were deep in the jungle and separated by a river.
"Attempts to rescue them using a helicopter failed as it could not land because of bad weather," he added.
The TIRC which began on Dec 1 took participants through Jerteh, Besut, Setiu and Kenyir lake before ending at Pantai Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu.
The participants were from Denmark, Australia, Lebanon, Germany, South Korea, Italy, China, Poland, Argentina, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
Operation To Rescue 131 Stranded Expedition Members Begins
KUALA KRAI, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- An operation to rescue 131 participants of the Rainforest Challenge 2007, stranded in the forest following flooding in the area since three days ago, began today.
Kelantan deputy police chief SAC II Amir Hamzah Ibrahim said the expedition participants from 36 countries and in 69 four-wheel-drive vehicles were now stranded at Sungai Ebey, about 30km from here.
He said the operation was mounted as some of the participants, including a number of women, were injured, though not seriously, or having fever.
He was speaking to reporters at the rescue operation base set up at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Laloh here today. Also present was state Fire and Rescue director Yahya Madis.
Amir Hamzah said 24 members of the Malaysian army commando unit and Fire and Rescue Department were involved in the rescue operation.
"Fourteen boats are being used in the rescue operation while waiting for the water level in the river to recede. The team will take at least four hours to reach the area."
He said earlier effort to rescue the expedition members using helicopters failed due to the bad weather.
The Rainforest Challenge began on Dec 1, covering areas like Jerteh, Besut, Setiu and Tasek Kenyir in Hulu Terengganu and should be end at Batu Buruk beach, Kuala Terengganu, today.
However, due to the flood, they tried to find a way out via Kelantan and got stranded.
Yesterday, seven of the expedition members managed to get out of the area by using a simple bridge which they built themselves.
-- BERNAMA
Floods Play Havoc With Terengganu Rainforest Challenge
KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Floods forced the results of the Terengganu International 4WD Rainforest Challenge (TIRC) 2007 to be postponed after most of the participants were trapped at Sungai Miah, Kuala Kerai, Kelantan due to floods.
TIRC director Luis J A Wee said this year's edition involving 350 participants from 35 countries had proven to be the toughest challenge yet since its inception in 1997.
The challenge posed by the floods was something which participants did not bargain for but proved to be a good experience for them, he said at the closing of the TIRC 2007 last night.
State Industrial Development and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said extreme sports events like TIRC could help promote local tourism to foreign enthusiasts.
"This programme is special as it is the climax of all international tourism events for Terengganu this year before Visit Terengganu Year 2008," he added.
Meanwhile, in KUALA KRAI, 91 of the 178 Rainforest Challenge participants who had been stranded for four days have been rescued.
A Kuala Krai Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said they comprised Malaysians and foreigners.
Boats and 4WD vehicles were used in the search and rescue operation.
"They were rescued at 6.20pm yesterday. The operation had been going on since they were reported missing four days ago.
"Another 87 participants have yet to be rescued," he told Bernama.
He said efforts to rescue them would be difficult as they were deep in the jungle and separated by a river.
"Attempts to rescue them using a helicopter failed as it could not land because of bad weather," he added.
The TIRC which began on Dec 1 took participants through Jerteh, Besut, Setiu and Kenyir lake before ending at Pantai Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu.
The participants were from Denmark, Australia, Lebanon, Germany, South Korea, Italy, China, Poland, Argentina, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
Operation To Rescue 131 Stranded Expedition Members Begins
KUALA KRAI, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- An operation to rescue 131 participants of the Rainforest Challenge 2007, stranded in the forest following flooding in the area since three days ago, began today.
Kelantan deputy police chief SAC II Amir Hamzah Ibrahim said the expedition participants from 36 countries and in 69 four-wheel-drive vehicles were now stranded at Sungai Ebey, about 30km from here.
He said the operation was mounted as some of the participants, including a number of women, were injured, though not seriously, or having fever.
He was speaking to reporters at the rescue operation base set up at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Laloh here today. Also present was state Fire and Rescue director Yahya Madis.
Amir Hamzah said 24 members of the Malaysian army commando unit and Fire and Rescue Department were involved in the rescue operation.
"Fourteen boats are being used in the rescue operation while waiting for the water level in the river to recede. The team will take at least four hours to reach the area."
He said earlier effort to rescue the expedition members using helicopters failed due to the bad weather.
The Rainforest Challenge began on Dec 1, covering areas like Jerteh, Besut, Setiu and Tasek Kenyir in Hulu Terengganu and should be end at Batu Buruk beach, Kuala Terengganu, today.
However, due to the flood, they tried to find a way out via Kelantan and got stranded.
Yesterday, seven of the expedition members managed to get out of the area by using a simple bridge which they built themselves.
-- BERNAMA
Changes...did we forsee this?
December 11, 2007 19:55 PM (Bernama)
Malaysia's Foreign Policy Needs To Be Re-defined, Says Syed Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Changing dynamics in international relations and growing aspirations of a post-2020 Malaysia warrants a change in Malaysia's foreign policy.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the policy needs to be re-defined and re-focused, with the fundamental guiding principles of the foreign policy remaining intact.
"We must be quick and responsive to mega trends and developments. We must be able to analyse events and overall impact on Malaysia's national interests.
"A 2020 Malaysia with a 32 million population and a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM920 billion and a technology-driven economy will be a different Malaysia than we know today.
"Therefore, Malaysia's aspirations and interests will also move along with them," he said at a colloquium themed "Malaysia's Foreign Policy Towards 2020 and Beyond", organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
For the past 50 years, Malaysia's foreign policy was single-mindedly geared towards fostering better ties with neighbouring countries and trading partners, Syed Hamid said.
He said Malaysia had built friendship across continents and had established 104 diplomatic missions worldwide.
He, however, said Malaysia's future diplomatic relations should run parallel to the increasingly complex demand of its highly-competitive economy and technologically-driven society.
Since the pronouncement of the Vision 2020 objectives, Syed Hamid said the chief driver of the future was knowledge and technology, transforming the way economic planners thought and strategised.
"(Therefore) It should prompt us to re-examine our roles in conducting the foreign policy to promote greater collaborations in applied sciences and technological innovations," he said
In the Asian context, Syed Hamid said he would expect Kuala Lumpur's foreign policy initiatives on India and China to be much more engaging with greater collaborations, particularly in the economic field.
He said more Chinese and Indian companies were expected to rise as global players and they would project a non-Western face to globalisation.
Both (China and India) would devote more resources to basic research and development and attract cutting-edge technology to move from basic assembling to higher-end products, said the minister.
Syed Hamid said the rising power of both China and India had begun to transform the geo-political landscape, and in many Western eyes, had the potential of disrupting the international political alignments.
"China and India will have a projected population of 1.4 billion and 1.3 billion, respectively, by 2020.
"The sheer size of their population, increasing economic clout and expanding military capabilities mean that they have the ability to project power beyond their shores, particularly as they compete with other industrial countries to secure access to energy and other raw materials needed to fuel their expanding industries," he said.
Due to the importance of China and India in global economy, the way Malaysia conducted businesses would also have to be re-defined and it would be necessary for Malaysia to possess experts on Indian and Chinese affairs, he said.
On Latin America where Malaysia has been actively engaged since the late 1990s, Syed Hamid said Kuala Lumpur's ties with the continent should gather greater momentum.
"Considering the current trends of uplifting the well-being of the people through an enlightened social programming and distributional policy, Malaysia is well-placed to share some of its experiences in the nation-building programme," he said.
In the context of Africa, he said Malaysia, engaged in active diplomacy with many countries in the continent, should be in a position to do more in 2020, particularly in areas it had the capacity to help.
"These include bridging the digital divide, infrastructural development, education and the commodities sector.
"The branding of Malaysia as a proven model for development can be promoted to African countries that have the potentials for harnessing their own resources towards fulfilling their national aspirations," he said.
On Asean, Syed Hamid said at the national level, there was a need to ensure synchronisation of Malaysia's regional policies in Asean and the Asean-plus process to maximise and promote the country's interests.
He stressed that environmental diplomacy would be an important area that Malaysia needed to focus on to strike a balance between the rate and level of development and its cost to the environment.
The year 2020 would continue to see deepening of the solidarity of Muslims, and Malaysia would need to continue working together, with like-minded Islamic nations and other countries to create better understanding on inter-faith and inter-civilisational issues, he added.
-- BERNAMA
Malaysia's Foreign Policy Needs To Be Re-defined, Says Syed Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Changing dynamics in international relations and growing aspirations of a post-2020 Malaysia warrants a change in Malaysia's foreign policy.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the policy needs to be re-defined and re-focused, with the fundamental guiding principles of the foreign policy remaining intact.
"We must be quick and responsive to mega trends and developments. We must be able to analyse events and overall impact on Malaysia's national interests.
"A 2020 Malaysia with a 32 million population and a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM920 billion and a technology-driven economy will be a different Malaysia than we know today.
"Therefore, Malaysia's aspirations and interests will also move along with them," he said at a colloquium themed "Malaysia's Foreign Policy Towards 2020 and Beyond", organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
For the past 50 years, Malaysia's foreign policy was single-mindedly geared towards fostering better ties with neighbouring countries and trading partners, Syed Hamid said.
He said Malaysia had built friendship across continents and had established 104 diplomatic missions worldwide.
He, however, said Malaysia's future diplomatic relations should run parallel to the increasingly complex demand of its highly-competitive economy and technologically-driven society.
Since the pronouncement of the Vision 2020 objectives, Syed Hamid said the chief driver of the future was knowledge and technology, transforming the way economic planners thought and strategised.
"(Therefore) It should prompt us to re-examine our roles in conducting the foreign policy to promote greater collaborations in applied sciences and technological innovations," he said
In the Asian context, Syed Hamid said he would expect Kuala Lumpur's foreign policy initiatives on India and China to be much more engaging with greater collaborations, particularly in the economic field.
He said more Chinese and Indian companies were expected to rise as global players and they would project a non-Western face to globalisation.
Both (China and India) would devote more resources to basic research and development and attract cutting-edge technology to move from basic assembling to higher-end products, said the minister.
Syed Hamid said the rising power of both China and India had begun to transform the geo-political landscape, and in many Western eyes, had the potential of disrupting the international political alignments.
"China and India will have a projected population of 1.4 billion and 1.3 billion, respectively, by 2020.
"The sheer size of their population, increasing economic clout and expanding military capabilities mean that they have the ability to project power beyond their shores, particularly as they compete with other industrial countries to secure access to energy and other raw materials needed to fuel their expanding industries," he said.
Due to the importance of China and India in global economy, the way Malaysia conducted businesses would also have to be re-defined and it would be necessary for Malaysia to possess experts on Indian and Chinese affairs, he said.
On Latin America where Malaysia has been actively engaged since the late 1990s, Syed Hamid said Kuala Lumpur's ties with the continent should gather greater momentum.
"Considering the current trends of uplifting the well-being of the people through an enlightened social programming and distributional policy, Malaysia is well-placed to share some of its experiences in the nation-building programme," he said.
In the context of Africa, he said Malaysia, engaged in active diplomacy with many countries in the continent, should be in a position to do more in 2020, particularly in areas it had the capacity to help.
"These include bridging the digital divide, infrastructural development, education and the commodities sector.
"The branding of Malaysia as a proven model for development can be promoted to African countries that have the potentials for harnessing their own resources towards fulfilling their national aspirations," he said.
On Asean, Syed Hamid said at the national level, there was a need to ensure synchronisation of Malaysia's regional policies in Asean and the Asean-plus process to maximise and promote the country's interests.
He stressed that environmental diplomacy would be an important area that Malaysia needed to focus on to strike a balance between the rate and level of development and its cost to the environment.
The year 2020 would continue to see deepening of the solidarity of Muslims, and Malaysia would need to continue working together, with like-minded Islamic nations and other countries to create better understanding on inter-faith and inter-civilisational issues, he added.
-- BERNAMA
Changes...did we forsee this?
December 11, 2007 19:55 PM (Bernama)
Malaysia's Foreign Policy Needs To Be Re-defined, Says Syed Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Changing dynamics in international relations and growing aspirations of a post-2020 Malaysia warrants a change in Malaysia's foreign policy.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the policy needs to be re-defined and re-focused, with the fundamental guiding principles of the foreign policy remaining intact.
"We must be quick and responsive to mega trends and developments. We must be able to analyse events and overall impact on Malaysia's national interests.
"A 2020 Malaysia with a 32 million population and a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM920 billion and a technology-driven economy will be a different Malaysia than we know today.
"Therefore, Malaysia's aspirations and interests will also move along with them," he said at a colloquium themed "Malaysia's Foreign Policy Towards 2020 and Beyond", organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
For the past 50 years, Malaysia's foreign policy was single-mindedly geared towards fostering better ties with neighbouring countries and trading partners, Syed Hamid said.
He said Malaysia had built friendship across continents and had established 104 diplomatic missions worldwide.
He, however, said Malaysia's future diplomatic relations should run parallel to the increasingly complex demand of its highly-competitive economy and technologically-driven society.
Since the pronouncement of the Vision 2020 objectives, Syed Hamid said the chief driver of the future was knowledge and technology, transforming the way economic planners thought and strategised.
"(Therefore) It should prompt us to re-examine our roles in conducting the foreign policy to promote greater collaborations in applied sciences and technological innovations," he said
In the Asian context, Syed Hamid said he would expect Kuala Lumpur's foreign policy initiatives on India and China to be much more engaging with greater collaborations, particularly in the economic field.
He said more Chinese and Indian companies were expected to rise as global players and they would project a non-Western face to globalisation.
Both (China and India) would devote more resources to basic research and development and attract cutting-edge technology to move from basic assembling to higher-end products, said the minister.
Syed Hamid said the rising power of both China and India had begun to transform the geo-political landscape, and in many Western eyes, had the potential of disrupting the international political alignments.
"China and India will have a projected population of 1.4 billion and 1.3 billion, respectively, by 2020.
"The sheer size of their population, increasing economic clout and expanding military capabilities mean that they have the ability to project power beyond their shores, particularly as they compete with other industrial countries to secure access to energy and other raw materials needed to fuel their expanding industries," he said.
Due to the importance of China and India in global economy, the way Malaysia conducted businesses would also have to be re-defined and it would be necessary for Malaysia to possess experts on Indian and Chinese affairs, he said.
On Latin America where Malaysia has been actively engaged since the late 1990s, Syed Hamid said Kuala Lumpur's ties with the continent should gather greater momentum.
"Considering the current trends of uplifting the well-being of the people through an enlightened social programming and distributional policy, Malaysia is well-placed to share some of its experiences in the nation-building programme," he said.
In the context of Africa, he said Malaysia, engaged in active diplomacy with many countries in the continent, should be in a position to do more in 2020, particularly in areas it had the capacity to help.
"These include bridging the digital divide, infrastructural development, education and the commodities sector.
"The branding of Malaysia as a proven model for development can be promoted to African countries that have the potentials for harnessing their own resources towards fulfilling their national aspirations," he said.
The year 2020 would continue to see deepening of the solidarity of Muslims, and Malaysia would need to continue working together, with like-minded Islamic nations and other countries to create better understanding on inter-faith and inter-civilisational issues, he added.
Malaysia's Foreign Policy Needs To Be Re-defined, Says Syed Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Changing dynamics in international relations and growing aspirations of a post-2020 Malaysia warrants a change in Malaysia's foreign policy.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the policy needs to be re-defined and re-focused, with the fundamental guiding principles of the foreign policy remaining intact.
"We must be quick and responsive to mega trends and developments. We must be able to analyse events and overall impact on Malaysia's national interests.
"A 2020 Malaysia with a 32 million population and a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM920 billion and a technology-driven economy will be a different Malaysia than we know today.
"Therefore, Malaysia's aspirations and interests will also move along with them," he said at a colloquium themed "Malaysia's Foreign Policy Towards 2020 and Beyond", organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
For the past 50 years, Malaysia's foreign policy was single-mindedly geared towards fostering better ties with neighbouring countries and trading partners, Syed Hamid said.
He said Malaysia had built friendship across continents and had established 104 diplomatic missions worldwide.
He, however, said Malaysia's future diplomatic relations should run parallel to the increasingly complex demand of its highly-competitive economy and technologically-driven society.
Since the pronouncement of the Vision 2020 objectives, Syed Hamid said the chief driver of the future was knowledge and technology, transforming the way economic planners thought and strategised.
"(Therefore) It should prompt us to re-examine our roles in conducting the foreign policy to promote greater collaborations in applied sciences and technological innovations," he said
In the Asian context, Syed Hamid said he would expect Kuala Lumpur's foreign policy initiatives on India and China to be much more engaging with greater collaborations, particularly in the economic field.
He said more Chinese and Indian companies were expected to rise as global players and they would project a non-Western face to globalisation.
Both (China and India) would devote more resources to basic research and development and attract cutting-edge technology to move from basic assembling to higher-end products, said the minister.
Syed Hamid said the rising power of both China and India had begun to transform the geo-political landscape, and in many Western eyes, had the potential of disrupting the international political alignments.
"China and India will have a projected population of 1.4 billion and 1.3 billion, respectively, by 2020.
"The sheer size of their population, increasing economic clout and expanding military capabilities mean that they have the ability to project power beyond their shores, particularly as they compete with other industrial countries to secure access to energy and other raw materials needed to fuel their expanding industries," he said.
Due to the importance of China and India in global economy, the way Malaysia conducted businesses would also have to be re-defined and it would be necessary for Malaysia to possess experts on Indian and Chinese affairs, he said.
On Latin America where Malaysia has been actively engaged since the late 1990s, Syed Hamid said Kuala Lumpur's ties with the continent should gather greater momentum.
"Considering the current trends of uplifting the well-being of the people through an enlightened social programming and distributional policy, Malaysia is well-placed to share some of its experiences in the nation-building programme," he said.
In the context of Africa, he said Malaysia, engaged in active diplomacy with many countries in the continent, should be in a position to do more in 2020, particularly in areas it had the capacity to help.
"These include bridging the digital divide, infrastructural development, education and the commodities sector.
"The branding of Malaysia as a proven model for development can be promoted to African countries that have the potentials for harnessing their own resources towards fulfilling their national aspirations," he said.
The year 2020 would continue to see deepening of the solidarity of Muslims, and Malaysia would need to continue working together, with like-minded Islamic nations and other countries to create better understanding on inter-faith and inter-civilisational issues, he added.
Kanowit Flooded...
Floods Force 40 Families To Leave Their Longhouses In Kanowit
SIBU, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Forty families from two longhouses in Kanowit had to evacuate to higher ground when their longhouses in Mapai were hit by floods.
Sibu Division Resident Chai Moi Fong said the longhouses affected were Rh.Selungang with 13 families and Rh.Awing with 27.
He said they were among the first victims of the floods which had hit not only Kanowit but also Sibu and the Selangau districts since last night.
He told reporters here today that the floods were due to heavy rainfall experienced since Monday in the upstream areas of the Rajang River which coincided with the seasonal high tide.
"Sibu Division is going to experience two rounds of king tide occurrence from Dec 11 to 16 and from Dec 23 until the end of the year. If there is heavy rainfall in the upstream areas, the low-lying downstream area is going to face floods".
Chai said there were at least four critical flood-prone areas in Sibu -- Ling Kai Cheng Road, Stabau, Tapang Road and villages by the banks of the Rejang and Igan Rivers such as Kampung Datu, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Baru and Kampung Nangka.
"We are monitoring the situation closely. Rest assured We have enough food rations. We have put on stand-by 28 heavy vehicles and 16 boats to do evacuation and other services if the need arises.
We have also identified the evacuation centres. Our Flood Operations Room at the Sri Rejang Government Resthouse is now operational around the clock. Those in need of assistance can call 084-xxxxxx," said Chai, who is the divisional Natural Disaster Relief Committee chairman.
Many people here were caught by the floods this morning and traffic jams were common.
According to divisional Drainage and Irrigation engineer Faizal Suki, the worst affected parts were under about one metre of water.
He said the king tides were predicted to happen at 10 tonight, 9am and 10pm tomorrow. Friday (9am and 11pm), Saturday (10am and 11pm) and at midnight Sunday.
My Sister-in-law called and said that the town was like an island, hopefully it would subside by the 15th December as she goin back to Kuching for her holiday..
SIBU, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Forty families from two longhouses in Kanowit had to evacuate to higher ground when their longhouses in Mapai were hit by floods.
Sibu Division Resident Chai Moi Fong said the longhouses affected were Rh.Selungang with 13 families and Rh.Awing with 27.
He said they were among the first victims of the floods which had hit not only Kanowit but also Sibu and the Selangau districts since last night.
He told reporters here today that the floods were due to heavy rainfall experienced since Monday in the upstream areas of the Rajang River which coincided with the seasonal high tide.
"Sibu Division is going to experience two rounds of king tide occurrence from Dec 11 to 16 and from Dec 23 until the end of the year. If there is heavy rainfall in the upstream areas, the low-lying downstream area is going to face floods".
Chai said there were at least four critical flood-prone areas in Sibu -- Ling Kai Cheng Road, Stabau, Tapang Road and villages by the banks of the Rejang and Igan Rivers such as Kampung Datu, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Baru and Kampung Nangka.
"We are monitoring the situation closely. Rest assured We have enough food rations. We have put on stand-by 28 heavy vehicles and 16 boats to do evacuation and other services if the need arises.
We have also identified the evacuation centres. Our Flood Operations Room at the Sri Rejang Government Resthouse is now operational around the clock. Those in need of assistance can call 084-xxxxxx," said Chai, who is the divisional Natural Disaster Relief Committee chairman.
Many people here were caught by the floods this morning and traffic jams were common.
According to divisional Drainage and Irrigation engineer Faizal Suki, the worst affected parts were under about one metre of water.
He said the king tides were predicted to happen at 10 tonight, 9am and 10pm tomorrow. Friday (9am and 11pm), Saturday (10am and 11pm) and at midnight Sunday.
My Sister-in-law called and said that the town was like an island, hopefully it would subside by the 15th December as she goin back to Kuching for her holiday..
More choppers?... get me a ride pliz..
Six new choppers by 2010
By Peter Sibon, ET, 13/12/2007
KUCHING: Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ECM) will supply three more E135 helicopters to Hornbill Skyways by 2010, making the total number of helicopters acquired by the latter to six units.
ECM Senior Director (Quality, Flight Operations and Training), Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad. disclosed this to Eastern Times after handing over the third unit to Hornbill Skyways at the latter’s hangar at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) here yesterday.
“We are proud to be associated with Hornbill Skyways’ contribution to the socio-economic development of Sarawak,” he said.
The third E135 unit, which arrived from Subang Airport here yesterday, was officially handed to Hornbill Skyways at the recent LIMA 2007.
On hand to receive the latest unit from ECM here yesterday was Hornbill Skyways’ Flight Operations Manager, Captain Haji Mohd Yusof Mohd Haniffa.
Before the official handing over ceremony, a trial flight was conducted by Hornbill Skyways’ Safety Pilot, Capt. Thomas Koh Ajap, assisted by ECM’s Test Pilot, Capt. Serge Tyran. On board were two journalists from Eastern Times, ECM’s Operations Executive Khastharina Sahari and Kuching City Consumers’ Association (KCCA) President Leonard Sabu.
The ten-minute flight from here to the Santubong Peninsular gave breath-taking and panoramic views of Kuching City.
The helicopter’s cruising speed of 135 knots made it very ideal for sight-seeing and other related activities.
Hornbill Skyways took delivery of the first E135 helicopter from ECM at the end of last year and the second one at the beginning of this year.
Each E135 helicopter comes with a price tag of RM16 million.
ECM was established in August 2002 for the express purpose of offering its operators in Malaysia a complete and effective range of technical support services.
To cater to customers in East Malaysia, Eurocopter Malaysia has created additional facilities in Miri and Kuching to ensure close proximity to its customers’ needs. New facilities were opened in Ipoh (Perak) at the end of 2006.
Eurocopter offers a wide range of civil and military aircraft ranging from the multipurpose light helicopter EC 120 B to the S 555 SN which is used by the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Wau.... any daily trip from Putrajaya to Kuching?
By Peter Sibon, ET, 13/12/2007
KUCHING: Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ECM) will supply three more E135 helicopters to Hornbill Skyways by 2010, making the total number of helicopters acquired by the latter to six units.
ECM Senior Director (Quality, Flight Operations and Training), Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad. disclosed this to Eastern Times after handing over the third unit to Hornbill Skyways at the latter’s hangar at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) here yesterday.
“We are proud to be associated with Hornbill Skyways’ contribution to the socio-economic development of Sarawak,” he said.
The third E135 unit, which arrived from Subang Airport here yesterday, was officially handed to Hornbill Skyways at the recent LIMA 2007.
On hand to receive the latest unit from ECM here yesterday was Hornbill Skyways’ Flight Operations Manager, Captain Haji Mohd Yusof Mohd Haniffa.
Before the official handing over ceremony, a trial flight was conducted by Hornbill Skyways’ Safety Pilot, Capt. Thomas Koh Ajap, assisted by ECM’s Test Pilot, Capt. Serge Tyran. On board were two journalists from Eastern Times, ECM’s Operations Executive Khastharina Sahari and Kuching City Consumers’ Association (KCCA) President Leonard Sabu.
The ten-minute flight from here to the Santubong Peninsular gave breath-taking and panoramic views of Kuching City.
The helicopter’s cruising speed of 135 knots made it very ideal for sight-seeing and other related activities.
Hornbill Skyways took delivery of the first E135 helicopter from ECM at the end of last year and the second one at the beginning of this year.
Each E135 helicopter comes with a price tag of RM16 million.
ECM was established in August 2002 for the express purpose of offering its operators in Malaysia a complete and effective range of technical support services.
To cater to customers in East Malaysia, Eurocopter Malaysia has created additional facilities in Miri and Kuching to ensure close proximity to its customers’ needs. New facilities were opened in Ipoh (Perak) at the end of 2006.
Eurocopter offers a wide range of civil and military aircraft ranging from the multipurpose light helicopter EC 120 B to the S 555 SN which is used by the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Wau.... any daily trip from Putrajaya to Kuching?
When rains comes, the earth moves...
Landslide cuts off road link
The road about to collapse is only passable by motorcycles and on foot.
By Famas
KAPIT: Continuous heavy rain has loosened the soil structure and thus triggered a major landslide along Jalan Melekun/Lepong Baleh road located about 7km from the town, cutting off the road link for the residents along Jalan Melekun/Lepong and its nearby areas including Kampung Sawang, Lepong Baleh, Rumah Jugo, Rumah Gawan, Rumah Likong, Rumah Jaraw and the logging camp log pond at Sri Amang this morning.
The landslide was believed to have started late Tuesday night. A van driver, identified as Ikau from a longhouse at Lepong Baleh, said the road was still passable at about 6:00 am on Wednesday morning, though there were some cracks.
However, due to heavy traffic passing along that particular section of the road, the cracks became bigger and the section soon became impassable to traffic.
As a result of the landslide, all the vehicles from Jalan Melekun/Lepong Baleh were stranded, including the vans transporting passengers to Kapit town. However, based on mutual understanding among the van operators, passengers on their way to Kapit were ferried by the vans at the opposite side of the road while those passengers going back to Jalan Melekun were ferried home by the vans that were stranded in the opposite direction.
Motorists and passengers passing by the landslide area were advised to take extra precaution, and to keep away from the area as far as possible, in view of the possibility that the whole section of the road might collapse at any time.
The Public Works Department, upon receiving news on the landslide, was quick to spring into action, and managed to make a diversion access road to allow motorists to pass through the sunken section of the road.
Earlier this year, a section of the road at Jalan Melekun located about 200 metres further up the existing landslide was eroded due to landslide.
Meanwhile, a section of the road at Jalan Abang Suhaili at Kampung Baru here was eroded by flood water yesterday morning.
Flood in Sibu....
Floods in Sibu
Motorcyclists and a pedestrian braving the waters at Jalan Kpg. Nyabor in the town centre.
By Calvin Sie, ET, 13/12/2007
SIBU: Sibu town was flooded yesterday morning without any warning causing massive traffic jams and inconvenience to many.
There was no heavy downpour on Tuesday night or early yesterday morning and the people here were shocked to find the town flooded when they went to work.
Some people believed that the continuous rainfall in Kapit and upstream areas during the past few days might have caused the water level of Rejang River to rise and overflow its banks, resulting in the flooding of the town.
Areas like Jalan Maju, Jalan Khoo Peng Loong and Jalan Temple near to Sibu wharf were under a few feet of water.
Others said a ‘king tide’ had been responsible for the flooding.
At first, when the drains in town became full with water, most were not worried.
They assumed it was the normal phenomenon during periods of high tide until some parts of the town and roads were under two to three feet of water causing some people to panic.Massive traffic jams were later observed along main routes in town such as Jalan Pedada, Jalan Pahlawan, Brooke Drive, Jalan Kpg. Nyabor, Jalan Central, Jalan Wong Nai Siong, Jalan Aman, Lanang Road and roads in Upper Lanang area.
Other roads reported to be affected by flooding included several parts of Oya Road, Jalan Tiong Hua, Jalan Hua Kiew, Jalan Wong King Hoe, Jalan Tong Sang, Jalan Perpati, Jalan Salim, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Jalan Kiew Nam, Jalan Stabau-Durin and other outskirt areas.
It was learnt that many workers especially from outside town areas could not report for work because of floods and some factories had to temporarily cease operations due to a shortage of available manpower for the day.
Meanwhile, police personnel could be seen along some of the flooded roads helping to prevent chaos as vehicles tried to crawl along. There were some minor mishaps on the road such as cars which skidded off the road because the driver could not see where they were going as the roads were covered by water. Some motorcycles got stuck in the middle of the flooded road while some car engines also stalled.
Some housing estates around town were said to be badly affected by rising waters which prompted calls for Rescue 911 teams to be around for emergency operations.
So far, there were no reports of serious damage to property or any causalty.
Some parents in town said it was fortunate that their children were having their school holidays or else they would have problem in taking them to school.
Never assume, always be prepared, it might not rain in Sibu but the raising water is caused by discharge of water/heavy rainfall in Kapit...
I still get the jitters when it rains, bad experience of rain and on stand-by duty...
Floods coming...
Katibas in Song district worst hit by floods
Only boats can be used for moving about the flooded new Malay settlement scheme at Kampung Muhibbah, Jalan Bleteh.
By Famas, ET 13/12/2007
KAPIT: Many longhouses and primary schools, especially in the low-lying and flood prone areas along the banks of Katibas river were badly hit by floods. Observers said the flood situation was the worst since the big flood here in 1983.It was learnt that several primary schools, namely, SK Lubok Bedil, SK Nanga Nyimoh and SK Nanga Musah were not spared by the floods. SK Lubok Bedil was among the worst hit. Its computer rooms, school blocks and the students’ dormitory were inundated.Other primary schools in the district such as SK Temalat, SK Nanga Beguang and SK Nanga Embuau were also affected by flood waters. A secondary school, SMK Katibas was also affected.Meanwhile, a rural clinic, Klinik Desa Nanga Tekalit in Katibas, was submerged in water. Its roof top was still visible. The longhouse of Rumah Abo nearby was completely submerged in water and the occupants had taken shelter on higher grounds.The 10-door longhouse of Rumah Bundak, Nanga Miaw along Katibas river was also affected by the flood. Its verandah (ruai) and the living room were submerged in more than 5 feet of water. The flood also swept away the longhouse’s WKK (Village Clinic) hut. At Rumah Lintang, a 28-door longhouse located across the river opposite Rumah Bundak, their water pipe, which was laid across the Katibas river, was swept away by the swift current. Its wooden belian jetty, completed just two days ago, was also swept away by the fast flowing water. Also gone were its waiting shed and the longhouse’s signboard.Several other longhouses affected by floods included Rumah Pagang at Nanga Nyimoh, Rumah Serit and Rumah Nyalu at Nanga Takan, Rumah Jarop at Nanga Sepadi, Rumah Barnabas, Rumah Nyantaw and Rumah Cecelia Bunsu at Nanga Kebiaw located about 3km from Song town and Rumah Sumpeng at Nanga Entuat at upper Katibas.At Song town, the council’s football field was covered by flood water. A section of Jalan Takan was submerged in flood water, cutting off traffic links to the town. As a result, many government servants were stranded at their quarters and barracks along Jalan Takan and were unable to report for work.In Kapit, the low-lying and flood-prone areas around the town were also inundated. The areas included the new Malay settlement scheme at Kampung Muhibbah, Jalan Bleteh. Most of the families in the settlement had to evacuate to higher grounds as their homes were under water several feet high.The Marine Department office at Jalan Bleteh was also inundated. The Fire and Rescue department was at the scene to assist the flood victims during their rescue mission. The water level was rising gradually late yesterday afternoon as it continued to rain. By nightfall, many of those low-lying areas were completely flooded.Several houses at another Malay village, Kampung Baru, were also affected by floods. A section of the road at Jalan Airport was also impassable to traffic thus cutting its link to the town. The state barrack along Jalan Airport was also affected by flood.The council’s Native Rest House along Jalan Selirik, located next to the police station, was under 6 feet of water. The occupants at the ground floor moved to the top floor while the entrance to the police station was also under two feet of water.The stretch of road along Jalan Mamora to Kapit Hospital, SMK Kapit and SK Methodist was also seriously flooded causing much inconvenience to visitors, hospital staff and residents living in the area.A primary school, SK Nanga Yong reported that its field was totally covered by water. SK Lepong Baleh, SK Nanga Sempili and SK Nanga Kain in Baleh were also flooded. A KEMAS kindergarten at Sungai Sesibau was also affected. Jeffery Engkarong, attached to local KPSU (Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation), said his longhouse at Rh. Entili (31 doors), Ng. Musa of Nanga Merit, Batang Rejang, was also affected by flood water which reached the longhouse floor early in the morning. The water was still rising, he said. They (those who had experienced floods) recalled the incident on January 30 and 31 in 2004 when flood affected some 30 longhouses and villages. In some areas, the water level reached 5 metres.Kapit District Officer Simon Japut Tiok, when contacted. assured that Kapit Natural Disaster Relief Committee was on full alert and closely monitoring the flood situation. The hotline at Kapit District Flood Operation room is 084-796322 (24 hours stand-by) and the officer-in-charge is SAO (Sarawak Administrative Officer) Mohammed Ikhmal Abdullah.Meanwhile, Mohd Ikhmal disclosed that since yesterday, he had received 11 flood reports.It was learnt that 11 temporary relief centres had been identified to provide shelter and food when needed - Dewan Surah Kapit, SK Methodist, Tadika Chung Hua, Bletih Indoor Stadium, KBSU Hostel, SK Ng. Merit at Batang Rejang, SK Kampong Baru, SK Oyan Tengah, Mujong, Rh Jugo, Sg. Melekun and Dunia Forest Camp, Batang Rejang. The 11 centres could provide shelter to some 3,800 people. Kapit Division Resident Hang Tuah Merawin, when contacted through telephone, advised those people staying at low-lying areas to exercise extra care. He also appealed to JKKK (Village Security and Development Committee) to get ready facilities such as boats to move people to higher ground when need. The committee was advised to monitor the water level and take measures to ensure safety for all concerned.OCPD Kapit DSP Entusa Iman explained that the Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Education Department, Public Works Department, Medical Department, Social and Welfare Department would pull their resources together to co-ordinate with Kapit District Disaster Relief Committee during flood relief or rescue operations.Entusa said the police would be monitoring the situation closely. The officer-in-charge of Bomba here Wasli Nor revealed that his department was also ready, including facilities, relief personnel and transport. Meanwhile, a spokesman from Song District Office said the District Disaster Relief Committee would be on duty round the clock.However, so far there had been no reports of causalty or substantial losses in property during the flood.
Kapit Division Resident Hang Tuah Merawin-my former boss, we were together during the infamous flood in Kuching 2003/2004
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Talking about food...
In the Land of the White Rajahs
Dec 5, 2006
Giant Centipedes, giant flowers, giant bat caves - Lawrence Millman finds all that and more in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.
One morning in Sarawak I found myself wandering through the jungly extravagance of Gunung Gading National Park. The heat was formidable, the humidity even more so. Working together, they made me feel like I was at once drying up and drowning.
"...And in this supposedly dangerous part of the globe, the most dangerous behavior I ever encountered was, well, my own. Toward the beginning of the trip, I was chatting with some Bidayuh men about the catholicity of their diet (python, various insects, fermented wild boar, and so on) when one of them asked me if I'd like to try some smoked cat. I shook my head vigorously and took an involuntary step backward, whereupon my leg slipped into a crack between the bamboo-slatted floorboards of their longhouse; it took the men several minutes to extricate me.
This is a remote-control area, " one of the Bidayuh men informed me, his slightly uncertain English being a testimony to the presence of television in his longhouse. But it wasn't really that remote; his longhouse, Anna Rais, was about an hour by road from the bustle of Kuching.
Beware, we sarawakians eat everything with its back towards the sun...(well, almost anything...)
Dec 5, 2006
Giant Centipedes, giant flowers, giant bat caves - Lawrence Millman finds all that and more in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.
One morning in Sarawak I found myself wandering through the jungly extravagance of Gunung Gading National Park. The heat was formidable, the humidity even more so. Working together, they made me feel like I was at once drying up and drowning.
"...And in this supposedly dangerous part of the globe, the most dangerous behavior I ever encountered was, well, my own. Toward the beginning of the trip, I was chatting with some Bidayuh men about the catholicity of their diet (python, various insects, fermented wild boar, and so on) when one of them asked me if I'd like to try some smoked cat. I shook my head vigorously and took an involuntary step backward, whereupon my leg slipped into a crack between the bamboo-slatted floorboards of their longhouse; it took the men several minutes to extricate me.
This is a remote-control area, " one of the Bidayuh men informed me, his slightly uncertain English being a testimony to the presence of television in his longhouse. But it wasn't really that remote; his longhouse, Anna Rais, was about an hour by road from the bustle of Kuching.
Beware, we sarawakians eat everything with its back towards the sun...(well, almost anything...)
Bario Rice
Bario rice comes from remote highlands that bear the same name, situated at 1,100 meters in altitude in northeast Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Twenty years ago, this region could be reached only after a week of hard walking. Today, a small biplane flies there daily, but the preferred means of transportation remains the buffalo. Bario rice is native to these high plains and is hand-cultivated by the local Kelabit tribe.
Bario's yield per hectare is very low compared to commerical hybrid varieties, amounting to two to three tons per hectare compared to the ten tons produced by the latter. The terrain here has been transformed into rice paddies through centuries of labor. Paddies have been sculpted from the mountainside, creating narrow fields with just enough space for a buffalo to turn around as it tills. The Kelabit tribe has brought water to even the most remote fields through an intricate system of bamboo tubes.
With the introduction of modern, high-yield varieties in Sarawak, older rice varieties are slowly losing ground. Most rice farmers in Sarawak still follow the traditional planting technique of mixing a number of different varieties in order to stagger the harvest period and to reduce the risk of crop failure. Some farmers plant as many as eight varieties in just a hectare or two, but most plant about three or four. In Sarawak, each family cultivates an area of one to two hectares of rice.
Terraced hillside fields are preferred by the majority of the rural population, and the traditional farming system practiced here is 'shifting cultivation', with a period of short but variable cultivation alternating with a long, equally variable fallow period.
In Bario, farmers treat rice planting with great reverence, celebrating the occasion with rituals and ceremonies. The Bumai piring celebration commemorates the preparation of the land and piring ngepong padi inaugurates the harvest. During the growing season, certain rituals protect the crop from evil spirits and omens. The farmers prepare and sow the fields in July and then harvest the rice in January. Buffalo live on the fallow fields, eating the weeds and fertilizing the soil.
Bario rice has tiny, very white opaque grains. Famous in Sarawak, it is a favorite among Malaysian chefs, who appreciate its gummy qualities. It adapts well to traditional preparations like lemang, in which the rice is tightly packed in banana leaves and steamed in a cane of bamboo. Bario rice is ideal for desserts like rice pudding and rice pie, where its fine consistency and subtle perfume give delicate results.
The Presidium Bario rice is an important example of agricultural biodiversity. It is a local product cultivated by hand with no pesticides or herbicides and represents a valuable ecological niche. Presidium rice is grown by the Kelabit tribe, whose members, numbering fewer than 5,000, live solely in the highlands.
The presidium has been developed to give assistance to local growers by promoting the product on the Malaysian market through information campaigns, dinners and predominantly local events. The majority of Malaysians, in fact, are unaware of the difference between real Bario rice and the cheaper, lesser quality variety that is often sold as the former. Low rice production relative to high consumption here has pushed the Malaysian government to make exportation of local varieties more difficult.
This motive, along with the meager production of Bario rice in particular, affirms that the activity of the presidium and specifically the promotion and commercialization of the product must be taken further on a local level.
Production Area: Sarawak State, Kelabit high plains
I only went back once for harvesting, man, i can tell you, it is really hard work...
Document Traditional Knowledge
News
By Hazel Sujatha, Eastern Times, 12/12/07
KUCHING: Traditional knowledge can bring much benefit to the community and the country including through tourism when it is used by modern industries and R&D activities.
State Secretary and Sarawak Biodiversity Chairman, Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot said this when launching the Traditional Knowledge Documentation Seminar at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre near here, yesterday.
He pointed out that Sarawak was truly unique as it is located in one of the 12 mega diverse regions in the world and is blessed with some of the most unique, magnificent and rare plants and animals not found anywhere else.
“It is estimated that there are more than 8,000 species of flowering plants, 2,000 species of vertebrates, 10,000 species of invertebrates, 615 species of ferns and 4,500 species of fungi in the state. Currently, 1,500 plant species have been documented as medicinal plants. This shows that there is a huge potential among these species to be developed as herbal/medicinal plants,” Wilson said.
“With more than 30 indigenous communities in Sarawak, we have right in our doorstep, an abundance of Traditional Knowledge on how our communities have utilised all these plants for medicinal, cosmetics and general well being for generations,” he pointed out.
Traditional knowledge, he said had contributed to the development of modern agriculture, natural products and drug development as many of the products found in the market today were based on information derived from traditional knowledge.
The local indigenous communities have for generations learnt and handed down their knowledge on what varieties of crops to plant, when to sow and weed, which plants are poisonous and which can be used as medicine, how to cure diseases and at the same time, manage the environment in a sustainable and balanced manner.
Such traditional knowledge is often passed down from generation to generation orally and rarely in any form of formal documentation.
He said that traditional knowledge that had been retained by the indigenous communities was slowly disappearing.
Wilson also noted that many communities had started to document their respective traditional knowledge particularly to safeguard the valuable heritage and to ensure that their knowledge was rightly acknowledged if used in some way or another to produce a commercial or medical product.
He said that the first workshop on Traditional Knowledge Documentation which was jointly organised by SBC, Majlis Adat Istiadat and Biodiversity was held in November 2001. One of the outputs of the workshop was to appoint a Bidayuh community village to pioneer the pilot project and for on-site training.
Due to the success of these pilot projects and acceptance by the communities, the State Government amended the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance in 2003 to include additional function for SBC.
With the amendment, SBC is to facilitate the documentation of the traditional uses of the State’s rich biodiversity by the local indigenous communities.
To date, Wilson said that SBC had started the Traditional Knowledge Documentation project among 12 indigenous communities in 28 locations throughout the State.
“From these 28 locations, they have documented over 2,000 plants with various uses such as to cure ailments and used for handicrafts,” he said.
He stressed that these knowledge must be documented before it was lost with the older people within the community.
He pointed out that currently, SBC was conducting R&D on selected plants that have been documented from the indigenous communities. They have identified essential oil plants which have anti-microbial properties. These plants could be developed as the active ingredient for healthcare products such as in hand wash, body shampoos and soaps.
He revealed that SBC was looking into collaboration with SIRIM and other organisations to conduct further R&D and to develop healthcare products from these essential oils.
With these potentials, our communities can have an immediate economic benefit through carrying out contract farming on plants which have been identified to have potential for further R&D work or products development, he said.
At the National level, Malaysian Intellectual Property Organization (MYIPO) is looking into protecting the country’s traditional knowledge.
He said that MYIPO has set up a committee to look into the drafting of the National Legislation to protect Traditional Knowledge. They are also looking into developing a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library.
MYIPO will organise a National Seminar on Traditional Knowledge in January 2008 to discuss matters pertaining to the development of the National Legislation and Traditional Knowledge Digital Library.
This seminar will be supported by the World Intellectual Property Organisation. As a member of the committee, SBC has strongly requested that opinions and suggestions of the indigenous communities be included when drafting the National Legislation.
SBC also requests assistance from MYIPO to fund a few representatives from the ethnic communities to participate in the National Seminar, he further added.
The objective of this seminar, he said was to learn how best to document the rich heritage of the indigenous communities to ensure that it is handed down to future generations.
He hoped that representatives from each community would take the initiative to start documenting traditional knowledge by using the systems which SBC had implemented within the communities.
This reinforces the urgent need for awareness and full participation from everyone within the communities to document their respective traditional knowledge as their heritage so that it will not be lost.
The workshop speakers included Dr Paul Quek from Biodiversity International, Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas) Head of the Plant science and Environmental Ecology Department, Associate Professor Dr Cheksum Tawan, Universiti Putera Malaysia lecturer, Sinsoon Jabu and a researcher Voon Boon Hoe.
I uploaded this piece of news because i feel sad that nearly all the traditional knowledge of the local community would be lost forever if nothing is being down to document them. Kudos to those involved, I regretted that i didn't spend time with my late grandfather. He was a very hardworking farmer, quiet but kindhearted.
God bless your soul, tepu'
By Hazel Sujatha, Eastern Times, 12/12/07
KUCHING: Traditional knowledge can bring much benefit to the community and the country including through tourism when it is used by modern industries and R&D activities.
State Secretary and Sarawak Biodiversity Chairman, Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot said this when launching the Traditional Knowledge Documentation Seminar at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre near here, yesterday.
He pointed out that Sarawak was truly unique as it is located in one of the 12 mega diverse regions in the world and is blessed with some of the most unique, magnificent and rare plants and animals not found anywhere else.
“It is estimated that there are more than 8,000 species of flowering plants, 2,000 species of vertebrates, 10,000 species of invertebrates, 615 species of ferns and 4,500 species of fungi in the state. Currently, 1,500 plant species have been documented as medicinal plants. This shows that there is a huge potential among these species to be developed as herbal/medicinal plants,” Wilson said.
“With more than 30 indigenous communities in Sarawak, we have right in our doorstep, an abundance of Traditional Knowledge on how our communities have utilised all these plants for medicinal, cosmetics and general well being for generations,” he pointed out.
Traditional knowledge, he said had contributed to the development of modern agriculture, natural products and drug development as many of the products found in the market today were based on information derived from traditional knowledge.
The local indigenous communities have for generations learnt and handed down their knowledge on what varieties of crops to plant, when to sow and weed, which plants are poisonous and which can be used as medicine, how to cure diseases and at the same time, manage the environment in a sustainable and balanced manner.
Such traditional knowledge is often passed down from generation to generation orally and rarely in any form of formal documentation.
He said that traditional knowledge that had been retained by the indigenous communities was slowly disappearing.
Wilson also noted that many communities had started to document their respective traditional knowledge particularly to safeguard the valuable heritage and to ensure that their knowledge was rightly acknowledged if used in some way or another to produce a commercial or medical product.
He said that the first workshop on Traditional Knowledge Documentation which was jointly organised by SBC, Majlis Adat Istiadat and Biodiversity was held in November 2001. One of the outputs of the workshop was to appoint a Bidayuh community village to pioneer the pilot project and for on-site training.
Due to the success of these pilot projects and acceptance by the communities, the State Government amended the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance in 2003 to include additional function for SBC.
With the amendment, SBC is to facilitate the documentation of the traditional uses of the State’s rich biodiversity by the local indigenous communities.
To date, Wilson said that SBC had started the Traditional Knowledge Documentation project among 12 indigenous communities in 28 locations throughout the State.
“From these 28 locations, they have documented over 2,000 plants with various uses such as to cure ailments and used for handicrafts,” he said.
He stressed that these knowledge must be documented before it was lost with the older people within the community.
He pointed out that currently, SBC was conducting R&D on selected plants that have been documented from the indigenous communities. They have identified essential oil plants which have anti-microbial properties. These plants could be developed as the active ingredient for healthcare products such as in hand wash, body shampoos and soaps.
He revealed that SBC was looking into collaboration with SIRIM and other organisations to conduct further R&D and to develop healthcare products from these essential oils.
With these potentials, our communities can have an immediate economic benefit through carrying out contract farming on plants which have been identified to have potential for further R&D work or products development, he said.
At the National level, Malaysian Intellectual Property Organization (MYIPO) is looking into protecting the country’s traditional knowledge.
He said that MYIPO has set up a committee to look into the drafting of the National Legislation to protect Traditional Knowledge. They are also looking into developing a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library.
MYIPO will organise a National Seminar on Traditional Knowledge in January 2008 to discuss matters pertaining to the development of the National Legislation and Traditional Knowledge Digital Library.
This seminar will be supported by the World Intellectual Property Organisation. As a member of the committee, SBC has strongly requested that opinions and suggestions of the indigenous communities be included when drafting the National Legislation.
SBC also requests assistance from MYIPO to fund a few representatives from the ethnic communities to participate in the National Seminar, he further added.
The objective of this seminar, he said was to learn how best to document the rich heritage of the indigenous communities to ensure that it is handed down to future generations.
He hoped that representatives from each community would take the initiative to start documenting traditional knowledge by using the systems which SBC had implemented within the communities.
This reinforces the urgent need for awareness and full participation from everyone within the communities to document their respective traditional knowledge as their heritage so that it will not be lost.
The workshop speakers included Dr Paul Quek from Biodiversity International, Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas) Head of the Plant science and Environmental Ecology Department, Associate Professor Dr Cheksum Tawan, Universiti Putera Malaysia lecturer, Sinsoon Jabu and a researcher Voon Boon Hoe.
I uploaded this piece of news because i feel sad that nearly all the traditional knowledge of the local community would be lost forever if nothing is being down to document them. Kudos to those involved, I regretted that i didn't spend time with my late grandfather. He was a very hardworking farmer, quiet but kindhearted.
God bless your soul, tepu'
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Hunting for wild boar...
It ain't heavy...
Log on to http://ramblingspoon.com/
I happen to browse through, great read and pictures are great.. really lucky as my own hunting trips were never that lucky... town boy luck...
Babi Hutan...@ Wild Boar....
Bearded Wild Boar
Not so wild boar of Bako....General Characteristics
Body Length:100-165 cm / 3.3-5.5 ft. Shoulder Height: 72-85 cm / 2.4-2.8 ft. Tail Length: 20-30 cm / 8-12 in. Weight: 150 kg / 333 lb.
The sparsely haired hide is dark brown to grey in colouration. Thin, yellowish whiskers on the side of the face over the bridge of the nose form the "beard" after which this pig is named. On the long face are two pairs of warts, the front pair usually covered by the beard. The body of the bearded pig is the slenderest found among pigs, and is supported by thin legs. Unique among the family, the tail has a two-rowed tuft, much like an elephant's.
Bearded pigs are defined under three subspecies Susbarbatus barbatus, resident to the island of Borneo(Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei) Sus barbatus ahoenobarbus(Philippines) and S. barbatus oi, found only onthe Indonesian island of Sumatra. On Sumatra, oneother pig species is present, the wild or common boar(S. scrofa)
Wild boar reportedly kills Malaysian
June 14, 2006
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia --A wild boar possibly enraged by an injury attacked and killed a worker at a rubber plantation in southern Malaysia, a newspaper reported Thursday.
The victim, was spraying pesticide with a fellow contractor on Wednesday when the boar emerged from a forested area at the plantation near Bahau town, some 50 miles south of Kuala Lumpur, The Star newspaper reported.
The 220-pound boar mowed down the victim and gored him in the chest and stomach.
Wildlife officials later tracked the boar to a nearby river bank, where it was shot and killed.
Malaysian rangers typically shoot wild animals that attack humans, but make attempts to move them back into nature reserves if they simply wander into populated areas.
© Copyright 2006 The New York Times Company
Compare it to this
Hunters use dogs to track down wild game--usually the babi hutan (wild boars). Often, a hunter will go out alone with a single dog. The dog catches the scent of a boar and starts barking. When the dog catches up with the boar, the boar will turn on the dog and stand there to defend itself. Meanwhile, the native hunter catches up and will either attack the boar with his spear; or more often, the boar will attack the hunter... but i guess the boar will end being carried back to the longhouse....
Monday, December 10, 2007
River Board ready to curb flooding in the city
By Wilfred Pilo, ET, 8/12/2007
KUCHING: The Sarawak River Board (SRB) is preparing for any eventuality in the event of heavy rain which may cause flooding around Kuching City and its surrounding areas.This was stated by the chairman of SRB, Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, at a press conference here yesterday.Rundi said that SRB had drawn up strategies for efficient operation of the barrage in order to mitigate and minimise the effect of flooding if heavy downpour occurred. The barrage is to mitigate flood and it cannot prevent flooding from taking place.In mitigating flood, the barrage and ship-lock gates will be kept closed, preventing sea water flowing inwards and causing the water level to rise.
Effective December 2007, if there is no earlier deterioration of weather condition, the water level upstream of the barrage will be maintained at +7.5 metres and will be further reduced to the lowest water level tide permissible if it rains heavily. This exercise is to create sufficient reservoir in the lower Sungai Sarawak to hold incoming water from the catchment before flushing out during down (ebb) tide.
Rundi said that 18 units of telemetry stations equipped with “early flood warning system” had been tested in November and found to be functioning well. The public is reminded that the system only gives warning if Sungai Sarawak is flooded and not “flash flood” due to heavy downpour. The “early flood warning system” works in such a way that when the water level at that specific area reaches a certain level it will trigger an alarm to the Barrage control room. When this happens, the set protocol will take effect.
The Controller of SRB will be informed. He will then inform the Resident of Kuching of the warning area and both will consult the Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan, whether to activate the alarm or not. If the alarm is activated, the residents of that area will be required to evacuate to higher ground in an orderly manner.
Instructions had been issued to officers of SRB in all stations to carry out safety equipment checks on passenger vessels.In reply to a question on the number of SRB staff to be deployed in the event of flood, he said that 230 members were on standby and enforcement officers from other agencies would give them assistance.
By Wilfred Pilo, ET, 8/12/2007
KUCHING: The Sarawak River Board (SRB) is preparing for any eventuality in the event of heavy rain which may cause flooding around Kuching City and its surrounding areas.This was stated by the chairman of SRB, Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, at a press conference here yesterday.Rundi said that SRB had drawn up strategies for efficient operation of the barrage in order to mitigate and minimise the effect of flooding if heavy downpour occurred. The barrage is to mitigate flood and it cannot prevent flooding from taking place.In mitigating flood, the barrage and ship-lock gates will be kept closed, preventing sea water flowing inwards and causing the water level to rise.
Effective December 2007, if there is no earlier deterioration of weather condition, the water level upstream of the barrage will be maintained at +7.5 metres and will be further reduced to the lowest water level tide permissible if it rains heavily. This exercise is to create sufficient reservoir in the lower Sungai Sarawak to hold incoming water from the catchment before flushing out during down (ebb) tide.
Rundi said that 18 units of telemetry stations equipped with “early flood warning system” had been tested in November and found to be functioning well. The public is reminded that the system only gives warning if Sungai Sarawak is flooded and not “flash flood” due to heavy downpour. The “early flood warning system” works in such a way that when the water level at that specific area reaches a certain level it will trigger an alarm to the Barrage control room. When this happens, the set protocol will take effect.
The Controller of SRB will be informed. He will then inform the Resident of Kuching of the warning area and both will consult the Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan, whether to activate the alarm or not. If the alarm is activated, the residents of that area will be required to evacuate to higher ground in an orderly manner.
Instructions had been issued to officers of SRB in all stations to carry out safety equipment checks on passenger vessels.In reply to a question on the number of SRB staff to be deployed in the event of flood, he said that 230 members were on standby and enforcement officers from other agencies would give them assistance.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Sarawak Traditional Boats
Traditional Boats
Chinese's Dragon Boat Malay's Perahu Balok Melanau's Traditional Boats Orang Ulu's Haruk Adang Usung Tingang Bidayuh's Arud Diak/Tikura Ibans Perahu Bidar (Perahu Pengayau)
I remember this. it was in 2002 when i was asked to compiled all the information about the Traditional boats of sarawak, a lot of things have to ding dong here and there....
too bad until now there is no pictures of these boats....
I managed to convince Datu Temenggong Stephen Jussem about the Bidayuh boat "orud diad" to "arud diad"...keh..keh.. sorry Datu... now i managed to polish up my bidayuh vocal... and bidayuh dialects...blame it on the dayak working with me, my living directory...pulak.. dictionary..
log in to http://sarawakdotcom.blogspot.com/ and http://sarawakregatta.com/
Chinese's Dragon Boat Malay's Perahu Balok Melanau's Traditional Boats Orang Ulu's Haruk Adang Usung Tingang Bidayuh's Arud Diak/Tikura Ibans Perahu Bidar (Perahu Pengayau)
I remember this. it was in 2002 when i was asked to compiled all the information about the Traditional boats of sarawak, a lot of things have to ding dong here and there....
too bad until now there is no pictures of these boats....
I managed to convince Datu Temenggong Stephen Jussem about the Bidayuh boat "orud diad" to "arud diad"...keh..keh.. sorry Datu... now i managed to polish up my bidayuh vocal... and bidayuh dialects...blame it on the dayak working with me, my living directory...pulak.. dictionary..
log in to http://sarawakdotcom.blogspot.com/ and http://sarawakregatta.com/
THE LOINCLOTH OF BORNEO
Step 1 (This is one of the variants of putting on the sirat)
Step 2 ( Nowadays the person would wear a black cycling pants)
Step 3 (The Iban sirat would be red, and Orang Ulu would be black with some colours/stripes at the end)
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7 (Not as easy as it looks)THE LOINCLOTH OF BORNEO
Otto Steinmayer, Universiti Malaya
Drawings by Augustine Anggat Ganjing
In Memoriam Augustine Anggat anak Ganjing, died 14 February 2007, Kuching
Please log in to http://sarawakdotcom.blogspot.com/
The sirat...the forgotten item of sarawak.. at least to me, wore it a few times for traditional events, dances and for my traditional wedding photo
Maybe some famous guys should wear it and make it a trend... like the sarong,
People here scared if i say i want to wear my traditional dress... sirat.. tutup aurat..
Ba...ba...baa oooooooo...
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