4. 'Mini tsunami' forces Terengganu villagers to flee to safety

BESUT: A total of 196 victims were forced to evacuate in Kampung Pengkalan Atap here after it was hit with a mini “tsunami”. The waves caused the homes to be inundated by knee-deep waters as villagers ran for their lives.

More than 10 homes were badly damaged during the incident on Sunday night.

Bunga Mamat, 80, was watching TV with her grandchildren when she heard a loud banging sound against the side of her home at about 8pm.

“When I looked outside, I saw huge waves crashing into my home and other houses as well.

“I quickly alerted my family members to escape as I feared for our lives,” she said.

She added that it was the first time such an incident had occurred at the beachfront village.

Wan Asri Wan Shah, 43, said he was about to have dinner when the waves crashed against his home, breaking the windows.

“My house was filled with water within minutes. Fearing the situation would get worse, I grabbed important documents and fled with my wife and children,” said the father of three.

Housewife Noreha Gor Yaman, 43, said it was like a “dream” seeing the houses submerged in water.

“I only thought of saving my daughter and luckily all of us escaped,” she said.

Besut Fire and Rescue Department chief Hasmadi Jusoh said there were no casualties and all victims were safely evacuated.

“However, we have told them to return to the relief centre as bigger waves are expected to hit the village again,” he said.

He said Sunday's high tide destroyed the village's wave barrier.

Besut Public Order and Traffic chief Chief Insp Abdullah Che Soh said police would increase patrols at the village to prevent any looting.

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8. Nigerian man 'drops in' on raiding officers

JOHOR BARU: A Nigerian man fell from a ceiling and broke his leg in an attempt to escape from Immigration officers who raided a house in Taman Johor Jaya here.

The man, together with three other Nigerians, were nabbed for not having passports to show they had entered the country legally.

An Immigration department spokesman said the officers seized more than 80 electronic products believed to be stolen items in the 6pm incident on Sunday.

The four suspects, aged 26 to 35, were hiding in the ceiling when 20 enforcement officers raided the house.

The spokesman said one suspect fell through the ceiling and broke his leg.

The injured suspect was later sent to the hospital.

View the original article here

11. Set standards for testing of cooking oil quality, govt urged

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry must set standards for the testing of cooking oil sold in the market.

“At the moment, we do not have a standard testing method for total polar compounds (TPC),” said Malaysian Association of Standards Users CEO Ratna Devi Nadarajan.

She said it was important to include a requirement for TPC in the country's regulations as it was an important indicator of the oil quality.

She said there were not many countries around the world that had national regulations controlling the level of polar compounds in frying oils.

“Even if we do not buy the cheap oil, we still consume it when we eat out at restaurants and hotels,” she said.

Ratna Devi added that many Malaysians preferred to buy the packet oils because it was cheaper than the others sold in the market.

*Full story in The Star today

Related Stories:
Recycled oil sold as new
Cooking oil hazard
Don't use oil more than once, warns poison centre
Too costly to turn cooking oil into biodiesel, says middleman

View the original article here

10. Cityliner wants govt 'lifeline'

PETALING JAYA: Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB), which will suspend its Cityliner bus services in Selangor effective today, will only resume its services if the state government offers it a “lifeline”.

KTB executive director Tengku Hasmadi Tengku Hashim said losses incurred by the consortium were too massive for it to continue.

“We are losing about RM8mil a year in Selangor. We appeal to the state government to take the necessary measures to help us,” he told The Star.

Up to 80,000 commuters in Selangor will be hit by Cityliner's suspension of services.

Tengku Hasmadi said KTB had tried to engage with the Selangor government from as early as last year but had received very slow response and feedback.

“Our first letter was sent to the Mentri Besar (Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim) in May 2010 but we received no response at all.

“Our last letter to the Selangor government was sent on Nov 1 and we had received no response until Dec 1,” he said, adding that letters were also sent to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

He said on Dec 1, KTB forwarded several proposals to Khalid and other officials in a meeting.

“They pledged to come back to us and we extended the bus service for 10 days (from Dec 1),” he added.

Tengku Hasmadi said the current model of stage bus operations, where a private or government-linked consortium wholly shouldered the responsibility of running the business, was not working out well.

“RapidKL is also facing losses but they have the benefit of using taxpayer's money to sustain their operations.

“This is not fair,” said Tengku Hasmadi, adding that such a practice smacked of double standards.

He said the Federal or state governments should subsidise the fixed low fares, which was one of the main reasons for the heavy losses. (The fares are fixed and controlled by the Government.)

“Bus fares have only gone up a mere 50 sen over the last 30 years but the price of diesel has gone up about 700%,” he pointed out.

Tengku Hasmadi said if the authorities felt that the stage bus service was essential but needed to be affordable, it has to be provided and funded by the Government.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief operating officer Azahar Ahmad said the commission was very concerned over the matter and would submit the necessary recommendations to the National Economic Council soon.

Selangor Investment, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Teresa Kok was not available for comment.

Meanwhile, Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (Prasarana) expects to complete negotiations with two private bus companies to share routes and infrastructure in the Klang Valley within three months.

Prasarana group managing director Datuk Shahril Mokhtar said the doors were not closed for negotiations on possible collaboration with other bus companies plying Klang Valley routes.

“The mechanism of the collaboration is being worked out now,” Shahril said after signing a collective agreement with the RapidKL workers union yesterday.

The two private bus companies currently in negotiations with Prasarana, which operates RapidKL, are Setara Jaya Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Len Seng Sdn Bhd.

Shahril said SPAD was also working hard to assist by coming up with a viable code-sharing mechanism.

“For example, RapidKL has 12 buses plying the KL and Bukit Belacan route while another operator has 10 buses.

“Both operators can agree to a common timetable and scheduling. This way, there will be healthy competition,” he explained.

View the original article here

18. CM sees lighter side of Malacca monorail controversy

MALACCA: Despite the endless glitches that has struck the Malacca Tourist Monorail, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said there is a bright side to the issue.

“I know many quarters have criticised the monorail service due to the glitches but we are optimistic it will gain popularity once the flaws have been rectified.

“It has gained fame thanks to the media reports about the earlier problems,” he said, when officiating at the ground-breaking of the second phase of the service at Jalan Tun Mutahir here yesterday.

Mohd Ali said the service had malfunctioned 27 times since its launch in October last year.

“We almost made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for encountering countless breakdowns,” he quipped.

“But on the bright side, a recent breakdown that caused two tourists to be trapped was flashed by the media globally.

“Now, tourists want to be ferried on our monorail, so that they could proudly say they had the opportunity to ride on the so-called troubled service,” Mohd Ali said.

He said the state government had recently commissioned two Chinese engineers from manufacturer Unis Technology Company Limited, to oversee and resolve problems plaguing the monorail operation.

Mohd Ali said the Chinese engineers discovered that the previous glitches were mainly caused by improper handling of the monorail system by local technicians.

“The engineers are now sharing their expertise on the appropriate way of operating the system so that it would not halt midway,” he said.

On the second phase, Mohd Ali said the 1.3km track will connect the Taman Rempah station to Jalan Tun Ali and Jalan Tun Rempah.

The RM21mil project is expected to be completed by February 2013.

Mohd Ali said the second phase would include traffic and signalling management systems to ensure passengers' safety.

A new coach, which can carry 24 passengers with improved safety features, will be used in the second phase.

View the original article here

14. National broadband penetration rate reaches 81%

KUALA LUMPUR: The national fixed line and wireless broadband penetration rate has reached 81% of populated areas, the Dewan Negara was told Monday.

Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said up to the third quarter of this year, the total internet subscriptions numbered 5.59 million and the number of internet users was approximately 17.5 million.

"The internet service coverage has also been increased from time to time by the service providers and through the implementation of broadband initiatives by the Government.

"Among the initiatives are the construction of telecommunication tower, wireless village, community broadband centre and broadband services at rural libraries," he said in reply to Senator Chew Lee Giok during question time.

The deputy minister also said the broadband penetration rate in Malaysia should not be compared to Singapore and Hong Kong.

"This is because the population density in Malaysia differs from the two countries... so are the size and the geographical features of Malaysia," he said.

Nevertheless, he said the Government was concerned with the service performance and the quality of internet service in the country and had underlined the mandatory standards for broadband access service that should be adhered to by the service providers. - Bernama

View the original article here

12. NZ drowning victim to be brought home

NIBONG TEBAL: The family of the 32-year-old woman, who drowned at the Waiho River near New Zealand’s Franz Josef Glacier, is making arrangements to have her body sent back to their home in Sungai Udang here.

Tan Poi Moy’s sister, Mooi Peng, 37, said two of her siblings, Mooi Nee, 36, and Thian Hock, 30, who are residing in Singapore, left for New Zealand (NZ) a day after the incident on Friday.

“They are making arrangements with the authorities in Auckland to bring the body home within seven days as per Chinese custom.”

Poi Moy (pic) and a Taiwanese friend, 20, were trying to cross the river when they were swept away at about 9.30pm (NZ time).

Two other friends managed to raise the alarm after escaping unhurt.

The bodies were found downstream about four hours later.

Mooi Peng said her sister was a nature lover, photography enthusiast and enjoyed mountain trekking, adding that she went to New Zealand about three months ago after resigning from her job in Singapore.

“She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, five years ago.

“My parents Tan Choon Guan, 64, and Chua Ngo Mooy, 63, are still in shock over her death.

She was the second youngest among seven siblings,” Mooi Peng said.

Tan said his daughter loved to cook and she would prepare his favourite laksa whenever she returned home.

“We will miss her very much but the memories of our good times together will stay with us forever,” he said.

View the original article here

2. Don't use oil more than once, warns poison centre

PETALING JAYA: Repeatedly used cooking oil can cause hypertension, affect the liver and may in the long run lead to cancer, the National Poison Centre has warned.

Centre consultant Dr T. Jayabalan said cooking oil should not be used even twice.

“When used repeatedly, the concentration of hydrocarbons in the oil increases and these can clog and stiffen arteries, causing hypertension and also affect the liver,” he said in a phone interview.

“Many people do not discard the oil after using it once. They put it in a container to be used again before they finally dispose of it,” Dr Jayabalan said.

“No level of contamination should be allowed. There is no basis for a permissible level of recyling for oil meant for human consumption.”

*Full story in The Star today

Related Stories:
Too costly to turn cooking oil into biodiesel, says middleman
Set standards for testing of cooking oil quality, govt urged
Recycled oil sold as new
Cooking oil hazard

View the original article here

13. Celebrity chef Nadzri weds actress Ana

CONTROVERSIAL celebrity chef and MasterChef Malaysia judge Mohd Nadzri Redzuawan has tied the knot with his girlfriend actress Ana Dahlia, 28, reported Kosmo.

The celebrity couple solemnised their union in a private ceremony at Ana's place in Kampung Bendang Siam, Changkat Jering, at noon on Sunday.

Ana, whose real name is Diyana Mastura Jaafar, received wang hantaran (spending money) of RM20,000 as well as RM1,001 in mas kahwin (bridal money) and a ring from Mohd Nadzri.

The newly-weds, in matching white traditional Malay costumes designed by Fendi of Sarakim Boutique, said they were excited to begin married life after dating for almost a year.

Nadzri and Ana then hosted a wedding reception at Menara Kamalbina banquet hall, Kamunting, Taiping, on Monday night.

> A security guard shot himself in the leg after accidentally discharging a gun at Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching, reported Harian Metro.

The 35-year-old was ending his work shift after collecting money from an ATM machine at a bank with his colleagues around 2.30pm on Sunday.

An eyewitness said the gun accidentally went off and the bullet pierced through his right leg.

“When the incident took place, the victim was about to enter the security van and everyone was shocked to see his knees bleeding.

“We immediately rushed him to Hospital Umum Sarawak for further treatment,” the eyewitness said.

Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this > sign, it denotes a separate news item.

View the original article here

18. Sultan: No use in development if people have no peace

KLANG: Development is pointless if the people have to live in a state of fear, restlessness and calamity, the Sultan of Selangor said.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah added he wants to see peace and tranquillity.

“It will be useless for Selangor, which is known as a developed state, if its people are in turbulence due to political, religious and social conflicts.

At attent ion: Sultan Sharafuddin inspecting the guard-of-honour mounted by the Royal Malaysian Navy at Istana Alam Shah in Klang Sunday.

“Selangor will take a step backwards if this happens and the rakyat will suffer,” he added.

The Sultan said this in his royal address at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 66th birthday and the 10th year of his reign at the Istana Alam Shah here yesterday.

He advised the Malay community to stay united in protecting the sanctity of Islam and not be divided due to differences in political ideologies and beliefs and told the state's multi-racial citizens, in general, to practise patience and avoid hurting each other's feelings.

“Never, ever, slander as this could disrupt the harmony in the state,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin shared his hopes and prayers for the continued prosperity and well-being of his subjects.

He also expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude to the army and the police force for their dedication in taking care of the security of Selangor, including helping to reduce the crime rate in the state.

He thanked all enforcement agencies and services, including the fire and rescue department, the Customs, immigration and the hospitals for their immense contributions to the state.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi said the Sultan has expressed his disappointment over attempts by certain quarters to politicise the conferment of awards by the ruler.

Sultan Sharafuddin had vetted 2,068 applications and only 113 were selected for the honours, Mohammed Khusrin told a press conference on Saturday.

No awards were given to politicians, with the exception of state exco member Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali from PAS.

Mohammed Khusrin explained, in 2009, the Sultan had conferred the Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (SPMS) on Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (from PKR) and last year, the title Datuk Paduka Mahkota Selangor (DPMS) was given to Selangor state assembly speaker Datuk Teng Chang Khim (from DAP).

View the original article here

19. Passengers criticise move to halt bus services

KUALA LUMPUR: Bus passengers are feeling frustrated by the stage bus company Cityliner's decision to stop its services in Selangor from today.

Thousands of daily passengers, especially those who regularly commute on its routes from Kuala Lumpur to parts of Selangor, will be severely affected by the halt.

Many would be forced to switch to other forms of public transport.

Student Norfazmira Kamal, 19, said it would be a struggle to travel from home to university daily should the bus service come to a halt.

“I have no other choice but to take the KTM Komuter to go back home,” she said at Pudu Sentral here yesterday.

It was reported that Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB), which owns the Cityliner company with 150 stage buses in Selangor alone, had been recording losses of RM8mil every year.

Assistant administrator, Suria Kasim (pic), 32, said it would take longer to commute from her workplace to her home in Klang.

“This is troublesome for passengers who take the bus daily. I would usually be home by 7pm if I take the bus. But now, using the train, I would be home much later than usual,” she said.

Shopkeeper Cindy Lim urged the Government to come up with solutions because most passengers were from the lower income group.

View the original article here

16. Home sweet home in Iskandar

NUSAJAYA: Factory employee Pang Fut Khong cannot wait to spend Chinese New Year in his new home, where he and his wife also hope to welcome their first child.

Pang, 41, has been married 10 years and he and his wife are really looking forward to having the baby.

“Hopefully, our luck will be better this time around,” he said, when met at the site of the Iskandar Malaysia public housing project here yesterday.

Pang was one of 10 people who received the keys to their new homes from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Single mother B. Indrani, 51, is also looking forward to moving to her new home.

“I will move in with my 92-year- old mother and 28-year-old son,” she said, adding that four other children already owned houses.

In his speech, Najib said the people's welfare and social economic well-being were among issues the Government would look into in the development of Iskandar Malaysia.

“Besides economic growth, we hope to create more jobs.

“There are now 20,000 jobs and the number is expected to increase to 50,000 by 2015,” he said, adding there was a need for quality housing for the rakyat.

View the original article here

5. Recycled oil sold as new

PETALING JAYA: The cooking oil that you buy at a grocery store or a supermarket near you in a 1kg packet may have been recycled.

Tests conducted on 19 brands of the “cheap” oil sold nationwide revealed that repeated exposure to high temperatures had made it unfit for human consumption, the Malaysian Association of Standards Users said.

Manufacturers are believed to have bought the oil used in restaurants through middlemen and processed it for re-sale.

The association sent the samples for “polar compound testing” to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which found all 19 brands falling short of international standards, its CEO Ratna Devi Nadarajan told The Star.

*Full story in The Star today

Related Stories:
Cooking oil hazard
Don't use oil more than once, warns poison centre
Too costly to turn cooking oil into biodiesel, says middleman
Set standards for testing of cooking oil quality, govt urged

View the original article here

14. Another Sabah leader calls for Shahrizat to quit

KOTA KINABALU: Another Sabah leader is calling for the resignation of Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil saying that the Women Development, Family and Community Development Minister was saddled with the National Feedlot Corporation issue.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Ghapur Salleh said Wanita Umno chief should relinquish her posts to save the party and Barisan Nasional ahead of the general election.

“This is one of the serious matters faced by the government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. She must think of the party,” said Ghapur, the second state leader after Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin to ask for Shahrizat's resignation.

Ghapur, the Kalabakan Umno chief, said Barisan could face a decline in support at the polls if the issue continued to be drag on.

On Wanita Umno's support for Shahrizat at the party's recent general assembly, he said “this is not about the support, but rather about the fate of the entire party.”

Ghapur said in countries such as the United States or Japan, a tainted leader would immediately quit as a sign of responsibility.

Shahrizat had been plagued for weeks by the controversy surrounding the NFC project awarded to her family.

The Auditor General in its 2010 report released last month had questioned NFCs performance with the company's production at 3,289 head of cattle or 41.1% of the target set.

View the original article here

15. Trainee foreman - and he's 11

KUALA TERENGGANU: Unlike many of his young friends, 11-year-old Mohd Aiman Danis does not play video games at home or join other children in activities during the school holidays.

Instead, he and younger brother Mohd Aiman Rashdan, nine, help their father work on the vehicles sent to his beachside workshop at Pantai Batu Buruk for repairs and maintenance.

“It beats staying at home playing video games or running around aimlessly,” said the SK Seri Budiman pupil, sounding wiser beyond his years.

Hard at work: Aiman Danis (right) and Aiman Rashdan helping their father Mohd Nazim repair an ATV at Pantai Batu Buruk.

Since the start of the school holidays, the two brothers are seen everyday at the family's all-terrain vehicle business site, acting as sales assistants and mechanics.

Aiman Danis said helping out dad gives them hands-on lessons on making a living and not to take money for granted.

“I love working at the beach and meeting new people each day,” he added.

Aiman Rashdan agrees, saying it is a worthwhile way to pass time at the beach as they get to be involved in the hustle and bustle of the family business.

“I love watching my father at work. He is skilful in handling people.

“I wish to be a good businessman like him,” the young boy said, admiration glowing in his eyes.

The boys' father, Mohd Nazim Jusoh, 33, said he was happy to have his sons with him, adding that they came on their own accord and he did not force them.

He added their presence gives him peace of mind about their safety.

“I know they won't get into trouble, especially during the flood season.

“We open for business from 9am to 7pm daily and the boys stay until we close for the day,” he said.

View the original article here

16. DAP rep: My mum sought MCA leader's help

DAP Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching has admitted that her mother, who has a heart problem, has sought the help of Negri Sembilan MCA chairman Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Thiam, a Chinese daily reported

Guang Ming Daily reported that Teo admitted that Dr Yeow had helped her mother following talk that the DAP MP did not even thank Dr Yeow for the assistance.

Teo claimed that she had thanked Dr Yeow numerous times for helping her mother.

Dr Yeow, in his statement, said Teo only thanked him after he enquired about her mother's condition at an event several months ago.

Dr Yeow stressed that he had never asked for anything in return from those who benefitted from his help.

“The reason I mentioned Teo's mother's case is to remind MCA members that they must help people regardless of their political background,” he was quoted as saying.

> China Press reported that a woman threatened to kill her 34-year-old daughter-in-law if the latter refused to move out from their house in Jinjang.

The 60-year-old woman was said to have hit her daughter-in-law with a stick after they had a quarrel on Dec 7, it reported.

The daughter-in-law managed to grab the stick but the woman rushed to the kitchen to take a knife instead and threatened to kill her if she did not leave.

The daughter-in-law then ran away with her one-year-old daughter, leaving her three-year-old son behind.

The report stated that the duo always quarelled over minor issues since the daughter-in-law moved in three years ago.

The daughter-in-law lodged a police report at the Sentul police station on Saturday.

Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this > sign, it denotes a separate news item.

View the original article here

1. Cooking oil hazard

PETALING JAYA: The oil in the food you eat may well have been recycled and meant for diesel engines or some other industrial use.

Unscrupulous manufacturers buy repeatedly used cooking oil from restaurants and process it for sale in 1kg packets.

As it is cheap, it is popular not just among the public. Many food outlets buy the used oil in new packaging while livestock farmers use it for animal feed.

Thus, the meat they sell, cooked with the oil, is doubly hazardous to your health.

Tests on 19 brands sold at grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide showed the oil to be unsafe for human consumption, according to the Malaysian Association of Standards Users.

*Full story in The Star today

Related Stories:
Don't use oil more than once, warns poison centre
Recycled oil sold as new
Too costly to turn cooking oil into biodiesel, says middleman
Set standards for testing of cooking oil quality, govt urged

View the original article here

15. Karpal-Ramasamy spat may only be tip of iceberg, says Lau

BUTTERWORTH: The open spat between DAP's chairman Karpal Singh and deputy secretary-general Dr P. Ramasamy shows that the party is incapable of managing its own affairs, let alone govern Penang.

Penang MCA secretary Lau Chiek Tuan wonders why Chief Minister and party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was unable to rein-in his fellow party members until the party's state convention turned chaotic on Sunday.

“Even his gag order on the issue was defied during the convention,” he said.

Lau said he believed the issue was just the tip of the iceberg, noting that more problems might crop up, especially over the selection of DAP candidates for the next general election.

Penang MIC chairman Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah said it was a pity that the post of Deputy Chief Minister II, which is held by Dr Ramasamy, did not come with any important portfolio.

“Most of the essential portfolios such as land, local government, tourism and infrastructure are held by other DAP leaders. Ramasamy's portfolio of overseeing education has a limited scope,” he said.

Subbaiyah claimed that many Indians were losing faith in the DAP due to infighting within the leaders, noting that some members in Prai had left DAP to join MIC instead.

“Disgruntled Indian DAP members, who see no future for them, are welcome to join MIC,” he said.

Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan claims that more trouble is brewing in DAP.

“Dr Ramasamy would not dare challenge Karpal. Someone is behind the scenes, plotting,” he said.

State People's Progressive Party (PPP) chairman and state Barisan Nasional Information chief Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan also believes there is a hidden hand behind the squabble.

“Both Karpal and Ramasamy are not the type of people who would want to get into a squabble,” he said.

View the original article here

17. Ten Mat Rempit 'haunted' by police op

GEORGE TOWN: Ten Mat Rempit came up with a most creative reply when asked why they abandoned their motorcycles and fled from a police operation they claimed they were frightened off by “ghosts”.

“We thought we saw ghosts on the road, that's why we ran,” they said.

This unusual answer brought a short burst of laughter among several policemen near enough to hear the excuse.

The 10 were among 100 Mat Rempit and pillion riders rounded up during a three-hour operation along Jalan Lembah Permai in Tanjung Bungah here, which started at 1am on Saturday.

Upon seeing the authorities, many tried to escape. Some even ran to a nearby cemetery.

A police spokesman said 20 personnel from the North-East district traffic department took part in the operation.

View the original article here

6. Fire at SUPP HQ causes extensive damage to meeting room

KUCHING: A fire at the SUPP headquarters here early Tuesday caused extensive damage to the party's meeting room located at the back of the building.

It is learnt that an eye-witness called the Fire and Rescue Department at 3.51am and they arrived at the scene at 3.56am, putting out the fire by 5.10am.

New party secretary-general Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian and a few party staff were the first to arrive at the scene.

Former secretary-general Datuk Sim Kheng Hui told reporters that he believed the fire was not accidental but would leave it to the police to investigate.

"We condemn such actions," he said.

More to come

View the original article here

17. End of reign for 13th King

KUALA LUMPUR: The reign of the country's 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong came to a regal end with Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Tuanku Nur Zahirah bidding farewell to thousands of loyal subjects here.

Before exiting Istana Negara at 11am, the King and Queen spent time exchanging wishes with about 500 palace staff who had served them for five years since since April 26, 2007.

Their Majesties then left the palace escorted by seven outriders and 12 sovereign escorts from the Royal Armoured Corps.

Before that, Tuanku Mizan inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by members of the 6th Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment.

The King, who donned the official royal attire of Head of State, and Queen also accorded an audience to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan were also at the palace to see off the royal couple, who were accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek who was the minister-in-attendance.

The royal couple made their way to Parliament Square where they received a 21-gun salute with Tuanku Mizan inspecting a Royal Guard-of-Honour mounted by the 1st Royal Malay Regiment comprising 103 men and four officers headed by Major Ahmad Muzaimi Mohd Ali.

Present were Najib, Rosmah, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Datin Seri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Toh Puan Jeanne.

Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah later bade farewell to ministers, MPs and foreign dignitaries before leaving for the Kompleks Bunga Raya at the KL International Airport to fly back to Terengganu.

Their Majesties' arrival at the complex at 12.35pm was preceded by a procession in accordance with the rich traditions of the Malay Sultanate, with a decorated elephant leading the procession comprising 30 drummers and 300 escorts wearing traditional Malaysian costumes.

Kedah Sultan, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 84, has been proclaimed as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

View the original article here

9. Yeoh eyes Bollywood

NEW YORK: Ipoh-born actress Datuk Michelle Yeoh says she will be more than happy to do a Bollywood film.

“Yes, why not? I would be willing to do a Bollywood film if I get a good role,” she said at the sidelines of a special screening of The Lady which is based on the life and struggle of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The special screening was held at a packed auditorium of the Asia Society in New York on Sunday.

Yeoh, who was in Goa last week to host the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India, said she had grown up in Malaysia watching Indian films and was impressed by the dance, colour and drama that were characteristic of a Bollywood film.

Asked if she still had a strong affinity to Malaysia, she responded spontaneously: “Yes, very much indeed.

“I have my Malaysian passport and my parents live in Malaysia which is my home country, even though I am based in Hong Kong for professional reasons.”

Yeoh appeared on stage with the director of The Lady, Luc Besson, who revealed some of the intricate details of film-making as he talked about the challenges in making the film which was shot mostly in Thailand.

Besson said the large number of demonstrators and supporters of Suu Kyi were recruited from camps set up in Thailand for Myanmar refugees.

At the special advance screening of The Lady, to be commercially released in February, the large audience of mainly fans and supporters of Suu Kyi saw a film that seemed to touch a sensitive chord within them.

Yeoh starred in Hollywood hits like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and the Memoirs of a Geisha, but she said that there was something special about The Lady.

”Playing Aung San Suu Kyi was a journey in itself.

“She represents many things for many people and for many reasons.

“For the role I tried to step into her life,” she said. - Bernama.

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7. Too costly to turn cooking oil into biodiesel, says middleman

PETALING JAYA: Most of the used cooking oil collected from kitchens are no longer recycled for biodiesel because of the high cost involved, according to a middleman.

The middleman, who only wanted to be known as Lee, said the oil he collected from hotels and restaurants here was used in animal feed.

“It is too expensive to recycle oil into biodiesel.

“It does not make economic sense,” he said, adding that he usually collected the used oil upon receiving orders from his “clients” via phone calls.

When asked if he knew of people who recycle the used oil for human consumption, he declined to comment.

“I do not do it, but others may be doing it,” he said.

*Full story in The Star today

Related Stories:
Set standards for testing of cooking oil quality, govt urged
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Don't use oil more than once, warns poison centre

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3. Boys in the brothels

PETALING JAYA: Schoolboys make up about 3% of those frequenting brothels in the Klang Valley, according to Kita Selangor.

Kita Selangor chief Azmi Othman said what was even more shocking was that the brothels were located less than 500m from police stations.

“Gaming outlets are also located near the brothels. Don't tell me the police are not aware of what is going on. Furthermore, the brothels have been directly offering sex services, without having to use massage parlours or karaokes as fronts,” the political party leader said.

Although police had raided many of the brothels and gaming outlets, businesses ran as usual after the raids, Azmi added.

He said his committee initiated the survey after a 16-year-old boy from Banting confessed in a Malay tabloid in April that he had been frequenting a brothel in Kuala Lumpur since last year.

“We have so far monitored brothels in four locations, and found that between 10% and 15% of the thousands of customers are barely 21, and between 3% and 5% are under 18,” he said.

Azmi said the underage group was legally barred from smoking, drinking and entering entertainment outlets.

“But here we have schoolboys entering brothels easily and paying hookers for sex,” he said.

Azmi is offering the media a guided tour to the brothels in Klang Valley to record the activities of the underage boys.

“We have no choice but to turn to the media and the rakyat, as we have lost hope in political parties, the local councils and the police.

“Only the rakyat can put pressure on the authorities to act, but the rakyat need to see the evidence through the media,” he said.

Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said they had conducted raids many times.

“We have booked the suspected hookers many times. But they roam free on bail when they plead not guilty in court and opt for trial,” he said.

Stressing that all the relevant authorities must make a concerted effort to effectively check vice activities, ACP Wan Abdul Bari said such businesses thrive because of their customers.

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20. Monarchy made in Malaysia

NO other country in the world other than Malaysia has more than two monarch families ruling at the same time as the head of state.

It is also one of the few countries in the world that practise a true elective monarchy system, in which nine members from the Conference of Rulers elect the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The nine members are the hereditary Malay Rulers from the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Perlis, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu.

Cambodia where candidates of royal blood are chosen to be king for a life term by its Royal Council of the Throne, and Vatican City where the Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, are the other true elective monarchies in the world.

The membership of the Conference of Rulers includes the four Yang di-Pertua Negeri or governors but only royal rulers are allowed to vote or stand for election as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

In accordance with the Federal Constitution and the rules of the Conference of Rulers, the power to appoint the King is vested with the Conference of Rulers.

This is done to protect the prestige of the Malay rulers. The position is elected through a secret ballot by fellow monarchs.

The first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, had suggested the rotation system, under which the nine rulers would take turns to serve for five years as King, and would be called Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or Supreme Ruler.

The rotation system was an idea borrowed from Negri Sembilan, where chiefs from the state's nine regions took turns to be the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

During the election process, the nominee must have obtained a majority of five votes before the ruler presiding over the Election Meeting offers him the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

On taking office, the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong will appoint a regent for the duration of his five-year term over the state which he rules.

A deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong is also elected at the same time and charged with holding office whenever the King is away or unable to rule.

According to the system of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the formal head of the executive branch.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong plays a vital role in the judiciary system by appointing the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of Malaya, the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, judges of the Federal Court, the judges of the Court of Appeal and the judges of the High Courts on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Under Article 3 of the Federal Constitu-tion, the King is the Head of Islamic Affairs in Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak, which have a Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

The current King, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin from Terengganu, is the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong since the country's Independence, and began his reign on Dec 13, 2006.

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