Sarawak : Broadband reduces rural-urban digital divide

BRINGING THE WORLD CLOSER: Awang Tengah (second left) launching the Sarawak Rural Broadband Initiative programme in Kuala Lawas witnessed by (from left) Abang Jemat, Entri, Sum and others.


The Sarawak Rural Broadband Initiative (SRBI) has reduced rural-urban digital divide and brought the state’s rural areas into the global village with vast socio-economic development opportunities.

Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia to introduce broadband in the rural areas, including schools, for free in its drive for 50 per cent Internet penetration rate by the end of this year.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said this at the launching of SRBI by Sacofa Sdn Bhd and Danawa Resources Sdn Bhd for SK Kuala Lawas and SK Kampung Seberang at Kampung Dato here Tuesday.

He pointed out that IT and ICT expansion into rural areas in the state should result in a quantum leap in knowledge and economic returns and opportunities through the access into the global market stage.

“Small places such as those in Bario are now in the world stage with promotion in the Internet, drawing more tourists and with SRBI, we can bring the world closer to us and vice-versa,” he said.

“Products and places we take for granted can be packaged into attractive tourism products as they are unique to outsiders.”

Awang Tengah pointed out that SRBI in rural areas such Julau, Semop and Kuala Lawas, would benefit both students and the local community from the exposure and availability of the facilities and service.

He urged the community and villager leaders to learn to use such facilities in their area to keep up with the changes and enhance their knowledge which were available at the click of the button.

Sacofa was entrusted with setting up of communication towers according to international standards in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) while Danawa is involved in spearheading the wi-fi technology for broadband connections in the state.

Managing director of Sacofa Sdn Bhd Abang Jemat Abang Bujang said the SRBI programme was a joint venture project between Sacofa and Danawa Resources as the catalyst of human capital and technological development as outlined by the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the PBB convention in Miri in 2007.

The main challenges when integrating technology in education for rural schools throughout Sarawak were the lack of funding, and limitation in terms of physical and communication infrastructure.

Under the Cambridge ICT Starters programme, the Intel Classmate PCs resolves some of these issues because it is a rugged mobile device and offers wireless connectivity.

Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Sylvester Entri, Lawas member of parliament Datuk Henry Sum, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Public Utilities Ubaidillah Latip, Abang Jemat and Limbang Resident Maria Hasman were among those present.

PENDERAAN

WALAUPUN media sudah kerap kali memaparkan kisah kekejaman dan penderaan insan tidak berperi kemanusiaan terhadap kanak-kanak sehingga meragut nyawa anak kecil yang tidak berdosa, kekejaman tersebut bagai tiada nokhtah.

Peristiwa kematian dua kanak-kanak, K. Harreswaral, 1 tahun dan Syafiah Humairah, 3 tahun, akibat didera begitu menyentuh hati sehingga menimbulkan kebencian masyarakat terhadap mereka yang bertanggungjawab.

Namun ketika peristiwa ini masih segar di ingatan, satu lagi kejadian dera yang membawa maut berlaku. Kali ini mangsa seorang kanak-kanak perempuan, Lee Swee Hui, berusia tiga tahun. Terdapat 30 kesan lebam di seluruh badan kanak-kanak itu selain dahi dan pipinya luka.

Amat menyedihkan paparan media tidak memberi apa-apa pengajaran kepada kelompok manusia kejam ini. Mereka yang tidak berperi kemanusiaan ini bukan sahaja sudah hilang unsur kemanusiaan tetapi juga hilang kewarasan.

Pihak berkuasa perlu berusaha keras membanteras kekejaman ini. Masyarakat juga perlu prihatin membantu pihak berkuasa. Simpati sahaja tidak mencukupi.

Pendatang asing ubah wajah Malaysia

JIKA kita makan di kedai mamak, pasti kita akan memesan makanan daripada pendatang asing. Begitu juga, jika kita makan di medan selera, kita akan berjumpa dengan pendatang asing yang mengambil pesanan. Jika kita menaiki pengangkutan awam pula, kita pasti akan bersesak-sesak dengan pendatang asing. Pendek kata, keluar rumah sahaja, kita akan berselisih dengan warganegara asing.

Tertarik dengan kenyataan Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam semalam dalam akhbar tempatan bahawa had pekerja asing akan dikurangkan kepada 1.5 juta. Rakyat Malaysia kini dikelilingi oleh pekerja asing sehingga memeningkan kepala. Malah pembantu rumah kita juga, terdiri daripada pekerja asing. Saya tidak pasti kenyataan Subramaniam itu merupakan berita gembira atau sekadar kenyataan akhbar semata-mata. Bagi rakyat, isu pendatang asing ini adalah isu yang pasti sukar diramal kerana Malaysia sangat bergantung kepada mereka.

Mengehadkan pekerja asing bukanlah satu isu utama kepada rakyat. Sebaliknya, rakyat lebih memikirkan jumlah pendatang asing yang datang secara haram. Ramai penjenayah yang dikehendaki di negara asal mereka lari ke negara ini dan bekerja secara haram. Kes jenayah di negara ini meningkat sejak kebanjiran pendatang asing.

Pendatang asing melimpah ruah di bumi Malaysia kerana kemakmuran ekonomi kita yang menjanjikan kehidupan lebih selesa berbanding dengan negara asal mereka. Mereka sanggup meredah ombak dan bergadai nyawa untuk memasuki Malaysia secara haram semata-mata untuk hidup senang.

Isu sempadan kita bolos keluar masuk pendatang haram telah lama diperkatakan. Buktinya bagaimana lelaki Lombok boleh melarikan anak gadis Malaysia dengan begitu mudah. Penguatkuasaan dan perundangan kita hanyalah simbol dokumentasi, sedangkan pelaksanaannya belum tentu dapat menyelesaikan masalah. Banyak faktor menyebabkan pelaksanaan ini gagal, antaranya menjaga hati negara jiran.

Persoalannya, bagaimana jumlah ini semakin bertambah dari sehari ke sehari, walaupun aduan dan rungutan disuarakan oleh rakyat melalui surat khabar dan televisyen. Apa kelemahan yang wujud di dalam agensi berkaitan sehinggakan perkara ini terjadi? Bagaimana pihak imigresen dan PDRM boleh berdiam diri terutama di pintu masuk negara?

Ini sesuatu yang tidak boleh diterima akal kerana banyak menteri telah mengambil pelbagai langkah tetapi sempadan kita tetap mudah bolos. Lebih membimbangkan jumlah pendatang asing dan haram itu melebihi jumlah penduduk India di negara ini.

Apa yang saya lihat, kerajaan Malaysia banyak berlembut dan berdiplomasi mengenai isu pendatang asing. Kita gagal menguruskan mereka dengan baik sehinggakan jenayah di kalangan mereka semakin hebat.

Selain itu, mereka juga telah membina perumahan sendiri dengan sesuka hati. Mereka membina rumah di dalam hutan dan di mana-mana sahaja dan hidup dalam penempatan mereka sendiri seperti sebuah kem atau markas.

Penempatan mereka itu pula bukan sahaja mencacatkan pemandangan mata, malah menimbulkan curiga penduduk tempatan. Adakah pihak tertentu membuat pemeriksaan secara berkala di rumah-rumah kongsi itu. Rakyat risau jika rumah-rumah pendatang asing suatu hari nanti akan menjadi pusat penjenayah dan pembiakan masalah sosial.

Selain itu, ketelusan pengeluaran permit pengambilan pekerja asing boleh dipertikaikan kerana kerajaan telah beberapa kali membekukan kemasukan pekerja asing dari beberapa negara tetapi secara senyap-senyap, ada pula dalang yang bersekongkol dan memberikan kelulusan secara senyap. Pihak SPRM harus menyiasat perkara ini kerana ia membabitkan integriti dan maruah negara. Mungkin ada orang dalam terlibat dengan masalah ini untuk mengaut keuntungan yang lebih.

Hari ini, saya melihat wajah Malaysia telah berubah disebabkan kebanjiran pendatang asing. Jika dahulu, rakyat Malaysia hidup dalam keadaan aman dengan kadar jenayah yang rendah. Tetapi hari ini, kita seringkali mendengar polis menembak mati penjenayah dari kalangan pendatang asing, manakala kes kecurian seringkali dilaporkan di balai polis. Jika situasi ini berterusan, sudah pasti industri pelancongan Malaysia akan terjejas kerana pelancong asing risau risiko keselamatan mereka.

Saya amat berharap agar Kementerian Dalam Negeri bertindak tegas kerana kebocoran sempadan bermakna negara kita terdedah pada ancaman bahaya keselamatan.

Diharapkan juga agar Makmal Pengurusan Pekerja Asing yang ditubuhkan 23 Mac lalu akan mengemukakan formula yang berkesan dalam menangani isu kebanjiran pendatang asing.

UM 15/04/2010

KDNK berkembang 5.2 peratus tahun ini

KUALA LUMPUR 15 April 2010 - Institut Penyelidikan Ekonomi Malaysia (MIER) meramalkan Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) negara berkembang sebanyak 5.2 peratus pada 2010 berbanding 3.7 peratus sebelum ini.

Bagaimanapun mengekalkan kadar pertumbuhan KDNK 2011 pada 5.0 peratus.

- Utusan

Illegal border activities rampant

The long Sarawak-Kalimantan border makes it hard to eliminate them

KUCHING: A high-ranking Indonesian official admitted that activities such as illegal logging, flesh trade and human trafficking are rampant along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.Indonesian Consulate-General in Kuching, Bapak Rafail Walangitan told the media this at the sideline of the ‘Business Opportunities in West Kalimantan’ seminar held at a leading hotel here yesterday.

“Such illegal activities do happen along the border. We try hard to eliminate them by working closely with the Malaysian authorities such as the Police, Immigration and Customs Departments.

“You must understand that we have a long border that both countries have to look after. The so-called ‘jalan tikus’ (literally, mouse route) is now as big as a ‘jalan gajah’ (elephant route).
“Thus there are always opportunities for people to carry out illegal activities,” said Rafail.
He also admitted that there was vice trade along the border by gangsters and some corrupt government officials.

“We have to eradicate such activities through the help of enforcement agencies of both countries.”

Asked to comment on the suggestion by Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop recently that the Malaysian government had proposed to build fences on certain stretches along the border, Rafail said it would be expensive.

“The idea is good but it’s not applicable. Our government thinks that enforcement needs to control and guard the fences.

“If we have good cooperation to prevent these activities, then there is no need to build the fences,” he said.

Rafail stressed that to enforce law and order along the border, both countries might need to look to modern technologies to help them control illegal activities.

“The use of CCTV (for instance) could also help prevent them. The main point is to find a good policy in patrolling the border area,” he said.

Since 2005 however, the incidence of these illegal activities had declined due to increased monitoring by both countries.

“As far as illegal logging is concerned, it has declined. The most important thing is how to control these activities more effectively,” he said.

Both countries have worked closely to minimise these illegal activities through various platforms such as Sosok-Malindo, BIMP-EAGA, people-to-people contact and a direct ‘G to G’ cooperation.
“Through these platforms we can solve various issues amicably,” he said.

Rafail said the government had intensified its efforts to reduce the incidence of corruption among top government officials.

“Tackling corruption is our government’s biggest task. We have set up a commission to combat corruption.

At the same time, we have set new laws as corruption has given us a bad image.

“It’s our commitment to minimise corruption as it is bad for the people and the economic development of the country,” added Rafail.

Untuk mencapai sasaran sifar beg plastik ia nya perlu 'HUKUMAN TEGAS'

Kempen ‘Hari Tanpa Beg Plastik’ di beberapa negeri sudah dilancarkan dan ia masih terlalu jauh untuk mencapai sasaran sifar terhadap penggunaannya. Pada masa sama, Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan sudah menggiatkan kempen kesedaran kepada masyarakat supaya mengurangkan kebergantungan kepada penggunaan plastik dalam usaha melindungi alam sekitar.

PENGGUNAAN beg plastik dalam pelbagai aktiviti khusus untuk memuatkan barangan yang dibeli di gedung beli-belah, pasar raya dan kedai sudah menjadi amalan biasa sejak berkurun lamanya. Kesedaran masyarakat terhadap sifar penggunaan beg plastik masih terlalu rendah jika dibandingkan dengan negara maju untuk memastikan planet ini bebas daripada sebarang pencemaran alam sekitar.

Hakikatnya, apa saja bahan berunsur plastik bukan saja mengambil masa berpuluh-puluh tahun untuk dilupuskan, malah boleh menjejaskan kesihatan, selain memerlukan kos yang tinggi bagi tujuan pelupusan.

KDN kaji larang pelajar asing bekerja

2010/04/14 BH

KEMENTERIAN Dalam Negeri sedang mengkaji untuk melarang pelajar asing bekerja sambilan berikutan banyak rungutan, terutama kebanjiran pelajar Afrika berniaga dan bekerja di negara ini. Memang kita patut sokong usaha menarik pelajar asing selaras hasrat kerajaan jadikan Malaysia hab pendidikan di rantau ini. Namun, kita mesti pantau dan kenakan syarat ketat supaya tidak ada pihak ambil kesempatan hingga menimbulkan pelbagai masalah sosial.


Pandangan : Cadangan yang bernas bagi mengelak peluang yang ada disalahguna seperti yang kita lihat terutama golongan perempuan- melacur. Negara kita tidak kurang pengangguran, kenapa pula mereka berkerja? Warga asing terutama 'BLACK MAT" atau Mat Gelap berliaran menimbul suasana 'Seram' and peniaga jalanan.

SUPP Sibu branch recommends 48-year-old Hui Yew to continue struggles of departed relative

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Sibu branch has recommended lawyer Robert Lau Hui Yew as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Sibu by-election. Its chairman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said SUPP Sibu branch had forwarded Hui Yew’s name to party president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan for his sanction.

“I believe Dr Chan will make the announcement soon,” he told a news conference here yesterday. Wong, who is Minister of Environment and Public Health, said the branch had already made its preparations for the by-election following the death of its five-term incumbent, Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, the deputy transport minister, on Friday in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Hui Yew, who is SUPP Sibu branch’s assistant treasurer, yesterday said he was leaving it to the party’s top leadership to decide whether he should stand for the Bandar Sibu by-election.

Fielding questions from reporters, Hui Yew said he would go with the decision of the party’s leadership.

“Let’s not be too presumptuous over the issue,” said the 48-year-old, who has been with SUPP for 17 years.

The by-election is necessitated by the untimely demise of incumbent Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, who was Deputy Transport Minister when he died of cancer on April 9 in Kuala Lumpur.

Talk of the street had it that Hui Yew was the person the late Lau had wanted to be his successor, especially in the later days when Lau realised it was hard for him to pull through.

Reporters pounced on Hui Yew after he had officiated at the opening of an education fair at SMK Sacred Heart.

Earlier, speaking at the function in his capacity as president of Sacred Heart Old Students Association, Hui Yew said the late Lau, who is his second cousin, had always championed the development of education in the country, particularly Sibu.

“Without him all the schools in Sibu will not be the way they are today,” he said, dubbing the late Lau as the father of modern Catholic Mission schools.

BP13/04/2010

‘Review system of dumping criminals to rural towns’

The Home Ministry should review its current system of banishing bad elements, including hardcore criminals, to rural towns.Land Development Minister Dato Sri James Masing, in making the call, said such practice was now considered outdated as it failed to achieve its purpose.

“The system of dumping RBC (Registered Bad Characters) to rural towns is outdated … (and in view of this), the Home Affairs (Ministry) must think of (a) better solution apart from creating our own ‘Guatanamo Bay’ for Registered Bad Characters,” he said when contacted yesterday.

On Saturday, Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi called on the government to review its policy on restricted residence (RR) on Kapit and Song districts.

“In the olden days perhaps the move to banish the bad elements to faraway places might be effective but not in this modern day society.

“With the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) nowadays, it is very much easier for the RR to communicate to establish their so-called new ‘empire’ here.

“There are actively broadening their ‘network’ in the rural areas and here they are fast becoming the mentor for the youths who would later serve as the scapegoats and loyal followers of the RR cases,” Nanta was quoted as saying when speaking during a dinner with various government agencies and friends at a leading restaurant in Kapit.

Masing, when asked for a suggestion that he could give to the Home Ministry, said as it was now, he was yet to have any.

“Nevertheless, we could always get suggestions on the matter from various parties … and at the same time, I strongly believe that experts in the Home Ministry would be able to come up with a better system that would always ensure that while rehabilitating these RBC, the society would be free from their (RBC) influence,” said Masing, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president.

He pointed out that the aim of rehabilitating the RBC would not be achieved if they were allowed to exert their influence on the society where they were residing.

“These two elements of rehabilitation and limiting the influence must co-exist if a particular system is to be successful in rehabilitating the RBC and ensuring the society is free from their (RBC) influence,” Masing added.

Bp 13/04/21010

In Memory : The life and times of Datuk Robert Lau of Sibu

Smiling Robert with his wife, The woman behind his success

Happy moments, Young Robert with Janet at their marriage on 15 April 1968 aside his brother Hui kang and his wife Wong Suk Ting

Sweet memories in the 1970s with hsi wife Janet, his childrens Tammy, Alvin and Pierre

Holding his youngest son Pierre

Father and sons : Robert (second right) with his father Lau Ting Nguong and his elder brothers (from left) Hui Kang, Hui Ling, Hui Siong.

Robnert with his brother, Hui Ling.


Proud father, Robert with his wife Janet at youngest son marriage, Pierre to Lucena Verwcert
Robert recieving his Datukship from the Head of the Sarawak state, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Mohd. Salahuddin

Walking away...bidding goodbye, leaving behind all the good memories

WHEN Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew Sibu passed away on Friday, 9 April 2010 his loss was not only grieved by his immediate family and circle of friends — the nation lost an able Member of Parliament and a Deputy Minister, the state lost an outstanding political leader and Sibu lost a favourite son.

MEROKOK

UMUM mengetahui hakikat merokok membahayakan kesihatan. Namun pelbagai kempen berhenti merokok yang dijalankan tidak menampakkan natijah yang diharapkan, khususnya di kalangan perokok tegar. Mungkin golongan ini tidak mementingkan kesihatan diri, justeru sukar mengubah sikap.

Namun perkembangan terbaharu yang membimbangkan dalam kesukaran mencapai matlamat kempen berhenti merokok ini ialah peningkatan bilangan perokok di kalangan kaum wanita sejak kebelakangan ini.

Menurut Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, peningkatan perokok wanita ini adalah atas kepercayaan merokok mampu mengawal berat badan, malah boleh menguruskan badan.

Kepercayaan ini tidak berasas kerana hakikatnya merokok membahayakan kesihatan. Jadi mana mungkin ia boleh membentuk badan yang sihat atau tubuh yang ramping. Seharusnya perkara seperti ini dirujuk kepada klinik atau hospital.

Kaum wanita jangan terpengaruh dengan kepercayaan karut ini. Sebaliknya, mereka wajar membuang tabiat merokok jika inginkan tubuh badan yang sihat. Lagi pun, wanita tidak merokok akan lebih terserlah kewanitaan mereka.

Dengue cases cause for concern: Dr Chan

KUCHING: The state has recorded six cases of death due to dengue fever up to April 6 this year and this has caused some form of uneasiness for State Disaster Relief Committee chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

Expressing his worry in a press conference held at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here, Dr Chan who is Deputy Chief Minister said the state also recorded the same number of death cases throughout the 2009.

“The situation of dengue is worrying. Up to this year, we already have six deaths reported while in 2009, we also have six death cases. Although now is only April, we already have six deaths… it is quite serious,” he said.

The first reported death case this year was in Samarahan (Jan 12) while the last death was reported in Betong (Mar 23).

Out of the six cases, two were in Kuching while Samarahan, Serian, Miri and Betong reported one death case each respectively.

Nevertheless, Dr Chan also reported some good news.

He pointed out that the number of reported dengue cases in the state had showed a decrease trend.

“The trend is coming down. The peak was in the 46th week of last year. It is now coming down to normal level with an average 50 reported cases per week.

“This is a good news. But, whatever it is, we have to be very cautious, we must keep it at the minimum,” he said, adding that during the peak of dengue outbreak, between 250 to 300 cases of dengue were reported weekly.

On the reason led to the six death cases, Dr Chan explained that it could be related to late diagnosis that might be delayed by the patients themselves.

“If patients come in late (for treatment), we couldn’t do much. People have to understand that dengue is caused by virus and no antibiotic or anti-viral can kill the virus effectively like killing bacteria.

“The situation would be worse if the patients have other underlying diseases. So, if anyone has dengue-like symptom, please come to hospitals and clinics as soon as possible. Dengue is a preventable disease,” he stressed.

He pointed out that it is possible to let Sarawak free of dengue, however, it would require full cooperation from the people themselves.

He therefore urged the people to maintain a clean living environment and make it into a habit.

“For instance, do not use containers to contain water around. It has to be in our way of live. It can’t be two weeks after the campaign then you forget about it and start throwing coconut shells or containers around,” he said.

At the same time, the authorities would continue to play an active role in educating the people on the danger of dengue as well as carrying out campaign more intensively, he said.

Also present at the press conference were State Health Director Dr Zulkifli Jantan and State Health Deputy Director (Public Health) Dr Jamilah Hashim.

Wildlife rescue efforts in Bakun progressing well

The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has identified 18 permanent islands within the Bakun dam area to be used as sanctuaries for the animals which are relocated under the Wildlife Rescue Programme.SFC chief executive officer Datu Len Talif Salleh said the programme, which is being carried out in stages, had made ‘significant progress’.

“We are working with all relevant parties on this, including those involved with the Bakun hydro electric power project. Everybody is playing their part and so far there are no setbacks.

“SFC has a proper logistics and eco-structure in place to enable us to rescue the animals and endemic plants,” Len Talif told a press conference after the launching ceremony of the ‘Pullman Kuching Earth Guest Discovery with Heart2Heart with Orangutan Package’ at the Pullman Hotel here yesterday.

He explained that the rescue efforts covered an area of about 60,000 hectares, and its main objective was to rescue all the plant and animal species which were deemed endemic in the

area.

Len Talif said all the rescued flora and fauna would first be placed either in a rescue centre or released in areas not covered by water until the identified islands are given the ‘all clear’ as sanctuaries.

When asked on the percentage of animals rescued at the moment, Len Talif said that based on available statistics 27 species of mammals from 14 families and 24 genus had been rescued. Birds relocated amounted to 38 species from 21 families and 34 genus.

Of the number, there were four species of totally protected mammals while birds registered 11 species. Under the protected category, there were 14 species of mammals and six species of birds. There were nine species of mammals which came under the ‘trade ban’ category.

On plants collected thus far, Len Talif mentioned that trees accumulated the highest with about 57 per cent, followed by shrubs and climbers at 16 per cent. Herbs registered around 14 per cent while palms, aroids and orchids registered at eight, three and two per cent respectively.

According to the plants inventory and collection (pre-impoundment activities) released by SFC, it was stated that the plants were gathered from the base camp and areas known as Balui 2, Balui 4 and Linau 1.

The flora accumulated came up to 393 species, 263 genus, 141 families and 469 Herbarium specimens.

Commenting on the plant collection efforts, SFC Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation general manager Wilfred Stephen Landong, who was also at the press conference, said that a nursery plant had been established.

“All the figures and data of the species are kept and the nursery has all the collection of the mentioned species,” Wilfred added.

RM2.44b biasiswa pelajar

5 April - Kerajaan memperuntukkan RM2.44 bilion untuk meneruskan penajaan biasiswa bagi Program Ijazah Luar Negara (PILN) dan Program Ijazah Dalam Negara (PIDN) membabitkan 12,000 pelajar.

Jumlah tersebut termasuk 3,500 penerima baru lepasan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2009 yang akan ditawarkan berdasarkan empat kategori pemilihan.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin memberitahu, menerusi PILN, RM1.4 bilion diperuntukkan iaitu RM1.2 bilion untuk penajaan pengajian ijazah pertama membabitkan 1,500 pelajar cemerlang SPM 2009 manakala RM42.4 juta lagi bagi membiayai kursus persediaan.

Jelasnya, tumpuan penajaan biasiswa melalui Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) itu adalah bidang kritikal seperti perubatan, pergigian, farmasi, sains perubatan veterinar, kejuruteraan, sains dan teknologi serta bidang sains sosial yang diperlukan perkhidmatan awam dan negara.

Kata beliau, bagi PIDN pula, RM541.8 juta diperuntukkan untuk meneruskan penajaan biasiswa kepada 8,500 penerima sedia ada manakala RM659 juta lagi kepada penerima baru.

Menurutnya, penerima baru itu membabitkan 2,000 pelajar cemerlang SPM 2009 termasuk penajaan pengajian persediaan dan peringkat prauniversiti iaitu diploma atau sijil di institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) tempatan serta kampus-kampus cawangannya.

"Kerajaan telah memutuskan untuk meneruskan penajaan biasiswa bagi PILN tahun 2010 kepada pelajar lepasan SPM 2009. Selain itu, kerajaan turut menaja pelajar cemerlang ke IPT tempatan untuk menyokong dasar meningkatkan keupayaan serta memartabatkan IPT tempatan ke arah menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pusat kecemerlangan dalam penyelidikan dan pembelajaran.

"Program penajaan ini bertujuan menyediakan biasiswa yang berprestij untuk pelajar lepasan SPM yang paling cemerlang bagi melahirkan modal insan berkualiti untuk menjamin kesinambungan keupayaan negara pada masa akan datang," katanya kepada wartawan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Menteri Pelajaran tiba di sini awal pagi ini untuk menghadiri Sesi Ke-184 Mesyuarat Lembaga Eksekutif Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Saintifik dan Kebudayaan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO) yang akan berlangsung di ibu pejabatnya di sini esok dan Rabu.

Menurut Muhyiddin, antara kategori pemilihan penerima biasiswa PILN adalah kecemerlangan akademik iaitu 20 peratus daripada keseluruhan tempat dengan kriteria pemilihan calon berdasarkan 85 peratus pencapaian akademik, kokurikulum (10 peratus) dan temuduga (lima peratus).

Katanya, selain itu adalah kategori mengikut populasi kaum membabitkan 60 peratus daripada keseluruhan tempat dalam PILN dengan kriteria pemilihan calon berdasarkan 75 peratus pencapaian akademik, masing-masing 10 peratus kokurikulum dan sosioekonomi serta lima peratus menerusi temuduga.

Tambahnya, kategori ketiga pula bumiputera Sabah dan Sarawak sebanyak 10 peratus daripada keseluruhan tempat dengan kriteria pemilihan calon berdasarkan 65 peratus pencapaian akademik, 25 peratus sosioekonomi serta masing-masing lima peratus kokurikulum dan temuduga.

"Satu lagi kategori ialah golongan socially disadvantaged sebanyak 10 peratus daripada keseluruhan tempat dalam PILN dengan kriteria pemilihan calon berdasarkan 65 peratus pencapaian akademik, 25 peratus sosioekonomi serta masing-masing lima peratus kokurikulum dan temuduga," jelasnya.

Dalam pada itu, Muhyiddin berkata, bagi permohonan PILN 2010, JPA menerima 18,844 permohonan dan daripada jumlah tersebut 10,114 permohonan diterima daripada kalangan calon yang melepasi syarat atau gred minimum yang telah ditetapkan mengikut bidang pengajian.

"Peningkatan bilangan calon SPM tahun lalu berbanding 2008 calon ini menjadikan penajaan biasiswa JPA menerusi PILN 2010 lebih kompetitif.

"Dua bidang yang paling popular di kalangan calon adalah kejuruteraan dan perubatan manakala negara pengajian pilihan majoriti adalah United Kingdom, Australia dan New Zealand," jelasnya.

Beliau memberitahu, 847 tempat disediakan bagi pelajar yang memohon bidang perubatan, pergigian dan farmasi di pelbagai negara antaranya Australia, New Zealand, India, Republik Czech, Poland dan program berkembar di Penang Medical College, Melaka Manipal Medical College dan International Medical University.

Tambahnya, bagi bidang kejuruteraan, 410 tempat disediakan di Perancis, Jerman, Amerika Syarikat dan lain-lain manakala bakinya dalam bidang-bidang keutamaan dan strategik lain.

Jelasnya, 100 penajaan disediakan kepada pelajar cemerlang lepasan SPM 2009 yang memilih mengikuti pengajian bidang kritikal ke empat universiti penyelidikan di Malaysia iaitu Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) dan Universiti Malaya (UM).

"Pelajar-pelajar ini akan menerima kadar elaun sara hidup 50 peratus lebih tinggi daripada kadar Biasiswa Persekutuan sedia ada di dalam negara," katanya. - UTUSAN

‘Road project to be ready by year-end’

Saudi (with safety helmet) talking to motorists travelling along the Jalan Selangau-Matadeng (Mukah) road. Also pictured are (from left) Wei, Ricky Kho and Hipani.


MUKAH: The chief operating officer (COO) of Naim Holdings Berhad (Naim) Dato William Wei yesterday reaffirmed the company’s pledge and undertaking to the government and roadusers that the upgrading works on Jalan Selangau-Matadeng (Mukah) would be completed by December this year.

It would mean the project is completed about four months ahead of schedule for the convenience of road users and other members of the public.

Wei made the reaffirmation yesterday when talking to road users and reporters at the ‘We Care Courtesy Campaign’ organised by the company at their worksite which is located at about 10km from the Selangau Junction and some 40km from the Mukah Junction.

“As a responsible contractor, Naim is trying our very best to complete Jalan Selangau-Matadeng (Mukah) road upgrading works by December this year, about four months ahead of schedule, for the convenience of roadusers and members of the public.

“In the meantime, we call on all road users and members of the public to be patient and to drive with extra care when travelling along the uneven road stretches caused by work-in-progress.

“This is because Naim is fully committed in constructing bigger and more comfortable roads for travellers throughout Sarawak, not only in Mukah division,” said Wei.

He added that Naim was very appreciative of the understanding, support and coorperation extended by state authorities in helping the company to ensure that problems encountered were resolved quickly.

Wei’s statement was supported by Mukah Resident Saudi Narani, who was the guest-of-honour at the campaign.

“Mukah Resident Office and all relevant government departments and agencies (in Mukah division) are giving full co-operation and support to Naim in completing Jalan Selangau-Matadeng (Mukah) as soon as possible to facilitate smooth travelling to and from Mukah and surrounding areas,” said Saudi.

The upgrading works on Jalan Selangau-Matadeng was given by the government to Naim Holdings Berhad several years back, and Naim was recently granted an extension of time (EOT) by the government to complete the road project by March, 2011 next year.

At the function, Saudi, Wei, JKR Mukah divisional engineer Hipani Alwi, deputy Resident (development) Mohd Junaidi Mohidin and Naim executive director Ricky Kho distributed light refreshments to passing motorists.