PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) has been asked to relax the Sarawak State Election standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure that the holding of “clean, free and fair election” is not curbed on the specious ground of preventing the spread of Covid-19 infection.

Everybody agrees that in the Sarawak general election, everyone must not take their eyes off from the Covid-19 pandemic and must do everything possible to prevent Covid-19 infections, but this should not be used as an excuse to prevent the holding of a “clean, free and fair” election, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang said today.

“It is on these grounds that I disagree with some of the SOPs for the Sarawak general election which had been announced.

“For instance, there is no reason for limiting inter-state travel for campaign to five top leaders of a party, which is to curb ‘clean, free and fair’ election rather than to curb the spread of Covid-19 infection,” Lim said in a statement.

There is also no justification to confine ceramahs to 64 named constituencies on the ground of “poor internet access”, he pointed out.

“What is important is to comply with Covid-19 SOPs to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infections and not whether there is internet access or not.

“If the named 60 constituencies can hold ceramahs if they comply with the Covid-19 SOPs, there is no reason why all constituencies cannot hold ceramahs if the Covid-19 SOPs are similarly complied with – unless the reason is to help particular political parties by giving them an unfair advantage in the Sarawak general election in the balance of the 22 constituencies through methods which are the very opposite of ‘clean, free and fair’ election,” the Iskandar Puteri MP added.

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s(pix) solicitors Shafee & Co had submitted a request to the appeals court late last night to postpone the hearing for the SRC International case after one of his lawyers tested positive for Covid-19, The Malaysian Insight reports.

According to the report, the prosecution confirmed this earlier today that lead defence counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah wrote to the court with its request last night.

The Court of Appeals has fixed Tuesday for the hearing of Najib’s application to examine Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and SRC International Sdn Bhd MACC investigating officer Rosli Hussein to adduce more evidence regarding the statement issued on Nov 19 claiming that US$15.94 million was recovered from former Bank Negara Malaysia Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz’s husband Datuk Ayman Tawfik in Singapore.

Justice Datuk Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil, who leads the three-member bench, had fixed Wednesday to deliver the long-awaited decision of the former premier’s appeal after the panel last heard submissions on the matter on May 18.

Najib, 68, the Pekan member of Parliament and former Umno president, was convicted of all seven counts of charges in relation to SRC.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a RM210 million fine in July 2020 for his part in the misappropriation of RM42 million in SRC International funds during his time in office.

KAPIT: The legacy left behind by the late Tan Sri Dr James Masing, the Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister who died on Oct 31, is deeply etched in the hearts of the people of Baleh, the State Legislative Assembly constituency that he had represented for almost 40 years.

Unlike the perception of those who have yet to set foot in the area, which is still fresh thanks to its natural surroundings, Baleh, which is located in the interior of central Sarawak, has undergone a lot of changes due to the development that had taken place during that period.

A local leader in Ulu Gaat, Baleh, penghulu (village headman) Bunsu Gerinang, 80, has experienced the many difficulties of living in the area when it could only be reached via the river.

“Previously, to travel by boat from Ulu Gaat to Kapit, which is the nearest town, would take us about three hours. Apart from that, the journey was perilous, the cost of petrol was high because we had to use barrels of petrol for our outboard engines,” he told Bernama.

Now, that is just a memory following the robust development that began with the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam that is located about 105 kilometres (km) from Kapit town, and which has proven to be the catalysit for the growth of other projects in the area.

These projects included the 73km road facility from Nanga Mujong to Nanga Antawau costing RM1.2 billion that has been completed and used by the residents in the surrounding areas, thus making it easier for residents to commute to Kapit by land vehicles.

“There are also more cars now. Petrol usage is also less because with a full tank, one can commute to Kapit and move around the village. Even getting to Kapit takes only two hours,” said Bunsu.

According to him, there is now electricity supply to longhouses under his care while pipes for water supply from the river are also being installed.

“If this is not a form of development, then what else can be described as development? Outsiders who do not know what actually took place here should not try to compare the development carried out in Baleh with that in Kuala Lumpur because that is not fair,” he said.

Bunsu said that he and several other longhouse chiefs had planned to start a fish farming project in cages at the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam when it is ready and they expect the project to raise the income of those who take part.

With this development, Bunsu hopes that whoever replaces the late Masing as Baleh assemblyman after the 12th Sarawak State Election will be able to continue developing the area for the convenience of the people.

Longhouse chief Kilau Ugap said those claiming that no development had taken place in Baleh were those who had never been to the area before or witnessed the changes that had taken place over the years.

“Come and see for yourself the changes that have taken place. All along Sungai Baleh, Sungai Batang Rajang and Sungai Mujong, there are various development projects. There are schools and clinics, telecommunication systems are being set up and electricity supply using solar energy has also been implemented. The Bukit Mabong District Office has also been set up to facilitate the people’s dealings with the government,” he said.

Another longhouse chief, Jimbun Ajai said that his longhouse in Pulau Won was now close to enjoying electricity supply.

“The electrical wirings in the house have been done and all that is left now is to install the meter,” he said.

In addition, residents in longhouses are now able to enjoy Internet facility with the installation of the WiFi ConnectMe hotspot system by the government.

“We have been waiting patiently for this Internet facility for a long time and finally we have got it. We are grateful because this facility can help our children follow the home-based teaching and learning method (PdPR),” he said.

He added that the longhouse residents wanted the legacy of development carried out by the late Masing to be continued by his successor.

Masing, who was the Baleh assemblyman since 1983, died at the age of 72. He was also the president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), one of the component parties of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) that formed the state government.

In the 12th Sarawak State Election, which enters its second day of campaigning today, the Baleh seat will see a four-cornered contest, involving the nephew of the late Masing, Nicholas Kudi Jantai Masing of GPS, Kenneth Usang George Lagong of DAP, Irwan Iskandar Sukarno Layau of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Koh Kumbong of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).

In the 11th state election in 2016, Masing won the seat after obtaining 5,272 votes while DAP’s Agop Linsong garnered only 479 votes.

The Election Commission (EC) has set early voting on Dec 14 and polling on Dec 18.-Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry reported a total of 38 new Covid-19 fatalities yesterday.

Eight were classified as brought-in-dead (BID). The death toll now stands at 30,652.

Selangor recorded the most number of deaths with 6, followed by Perak (5), Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur (4 each), Pahang and Sabah (3 each), Melaka (2) and Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak (1 each).

There were no deaths in Perlis, Labuan and Putrajaya.

As of midnight, there were 60,329 active cases including 463 in Intensive Care Units (ICU), 249 of whom require respiratory assistance.

The total number of Covid-19 cases recorded in Malaysia stands at 2,663,034.

KUALA LUMPUR: The issues related to the rising prices of basic necessities faced by the people are among the highlights of the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

According to the Order Paper, the matter will be raised during the Minister's Question Time by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim(pix) (PH-Port Dickson).

He is scheduled to ask the Prime Minister about the immediate action and effective measures to be taken by the National Action Council on Cost of Living in the short, medium and long term to address the the issue.

There will be also a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PAS-Kuala Krai) to the Prime Minister on the action taken by the government so that Muslims in the country are not left behind in the Malaysian Family concept which was launched on Oct 23.

Abdul Latiff also wanted to know whether the concept would also help Muslim entrepreneurs who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu (PH-Batu Gajah) will be asking the National Unity Minister on the standard operating procedure (SOP) drafted for the Thaipusam Day celebration on Jan 18, next year to enable temples involved and the devotees to make early preparations for the celebration.

Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) will seek clarification on the measures to increase household income, especially for the lower-income groups (B40).

The sitting will also continue with the debate and winding up of the Supply Bill 2022 (Budget 2022) at the committee stage.

The Dewan Rakyat will sit until Dec 16.-Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia and the rest of the world slowly begin to recover from the devastating effects of Covid-19’s Delta variant, news of a possibly more contagious strain is sparking fears of new lockdowns, overloaded hospitals and more deaths.

It is especially worrying as Malaysia returns to some semblance of normalcy, including preparing for the long-delayed state election in Sarawak.

Detected by scientists in South Africa on Nov 24, there are many questions about it but no quick answers.

Khazanah Research Institute researcher Nazihah Muhamad Noor told Bernama there are three things to look out for.

“We will have to wait to see if countries where Omicron has been detected see a subsequent spike in local cases and whether there is a rise in hospitalisations and death. We will also have to wait to see whether it has any effect on the effectiveness of the existing Covid-19 vaccines,” she said.

However, experts say the fact that it took such a short time from detection to receive Variant of Concern (VoC) classification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is concerning. To date, the strain has been reported in at least 38 countries, including Malaysia.

While Malaysia reported its first Omicron case on Dec 2 – involving a returning 19-year-old student who had gone home to South Africa to see her family – there is no evidence community transmission is occurring thus far.

Based on news reports, there are signs that Omicron is highly infectious. In South Africa, infections have quadrupled in the last week, growing from 4,373 on Nov 30 to 16,055 on Dec 3. Only 24 percent of the population are fully vaccinated so far, mostly in the above 50 age group.

Health experts are concerned because Omicron has more than 50 mutations, 30 of which are on the spike protein. Some of the mutations also increase transmissibility.

Virologist and molecular biologist at the University of Nottingham-Malaysia Prof Dr Sandy Loh Hwei San said the mutations are possibly making the variant more infectious.

“What we can see based on South Africa, cases are suddenly increasing very sharply, exponentially, so there is a chance for it to be more highly transmissible than Delta,” she said.

She added some experts have estimated the transmission rate to be about five times the infectiousness of the original strain.

Outside Africa, there are also signs pointing to its infectiousness.

In Norway, at least 13 people were infected with Omicron at a corporate Christmas party in Oslo on Nov 26, with the number expected to be revised to 60.

In the United Kingdom, cases grew by over 50 percent in 24 hours, from 160 Omicron cases on Dec 4 to 246 the next day.

The possibility that the strain is able to evade vaccine immunity and infect people is growing by the second. For example, all those involved in the restaurant cluster in Norway were fully vaccinated and had tested negative before attending.

Other countries have reported breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated individuals. The South African student, Malaysia’s first case of the Omicron variant, is fully vaccinated as well.

But while the record number of mutations have indicated higher transmission, there is no evidence on whether it translates to a more severe infection.

So far, no deaths have been reported from Omicron and early reports indicate it might be less severe than Delta.

The South African Medical Research Council published a preliminary report on Omicron patients on Dec 4, saying clinical data shows the new VoC seems to be causing less severe illness compared to previous variants.

Few needed supplemental oxygen, developed pneumonia or required intensive care. Hospital stay was also much shorter than for patients of previous variants.

However, report author Dr Fareed Abdullah was quick to warn that more research, time and bigger sample size are needed to complete the picture, noting most of the patients were below 40 years old.

Dr Loh said just because a virus has many mutations, they do not necessarily combine to make a more deadly one. In other words, the mutations may cancel each other out or be worthless.

“(RNA) virus mutate very frequently. But whether they can increase the virulence or severe symptoms, this might not be the case,” she said.

Nevertheless, experts are cautioning against calling the new variant “mild” as deaths can occur weeks after infection with Covid-19.

They also noticed vaccination and natural immunity, antibodies derived from natural infection, could be having a protective effect on those infected with Omicron, even though people may still become infected.

Epidemiologist Prof Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud told Bernama via email that the number of mutations on the variant is unusually high and seems to combine mutations seen in a few other VOCs.

“Several of these mutations have been simulated in the laboratory before and those mutations have shown a very high possibility of immune escape from antibodies in recovered patients and vaccinated persons,” he said.

The mutations on the spike protein are the culprits.

“What worries us is that more than 30 of the mutations are found in the spike protein. We use the spike protein to derive the current vaccines so this is a very worrying characteristic – that this Omicron variant might escape the current vaccines,” said Dr Loh.

Scientists worldwide are now trying to test the vaccines’ efficacy against the variant, with results expected in a few weeks.

But based on news reports of early cases, all of the fully vaccinated individuals were either asymptomatic or developed mild symptoms, indicating that vaccines still work against severe illness and death.

As for unvaccinated people who had and since recovered from Covid-19, they are more likely to be re-infected with Omicron, according to the WHO.

Experts hope the new variant will now push the unvaccinated into getting their shots and those who have gotten two doses to get their booster shot.

With Omicron, the WHO and other health authorities recommend that countries strengthen their surveillance system, including genomic surveillance, and reporting system, among other measures. They also advised countries and the public to continue with effective public health measures at all events including elections.

Top of the list are vaccines and booster shots, followed by pharmaceutical measures – such as the two new drugs from Merck and Pfizer to treat Covid-19 – and non-pharmaceutical ones such as wearing a face mask, improving ventilation and physical distancing.

Dr Awang Bulgiba, who is also the head of the Independent Covid-19 Vaccination Advisory Committee, said the population was better prepared for Omicron because of the vaccination programme, but added there was room for improvement.

“In this pandemic, to date, the approach of the authorities has been mainly reactive and not proactive. It squandered the respite bought after the second wave but the country cannot afford to squander the gains bought with the vaccination programme,” he said.

He said a better strategy would be to have a proper “whole of government approach” with real inter-sectoral collaboration, as well as involve outside experts, be more transparent with its data and institute better real-time data analysis, among others.

Health experts are also worried that self-test Covid-19 kits, which can only detect whether someone has Covid-19, may end up hiding the presence of Omicron in Malaysia.

Dr Loh said it may be important to identify Omicron cases, in case the VoC proves deadlier than Delta or to prevent it from spreading.

“If the virus’ transmissibility period is proven to be longer than other Covid-19 variants, this may require longer quarantine. Hence, a rapid test can also be very helpful,” she said.

At present, Omicron can only be confirmed by genomic sequencing, but a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test can also indicate whether someone is infected with the variant. A company in Singapore has produced two tests that can detect Delta and Omicron.

Nazihah, who specialises in public health policy research, said the government should monitor the situation and adapt to the appropriate testing strategy.

At the same time, she reminded health authorities not to be distracted by Omicron and to continue with and improve all effective health measures.

“Based on current evidence, the response required by the government applies to all variants of concern that are already circulating in Malaysia, not just Omicron,” she added.-Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) and Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower contributors among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).

Through this strategic cooperation, Socso and MAF will implement the Prevention and Disability Management programme which includes the implementation of comprehensive disability management initiative, prevention and health promotion for the benefit of the PLHA.

Socso was represented by its Chief Executive Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed while MAF was represented by its chairman Prof. Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman.

Citing data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Mohammed Azman said until last year, 88 per cent of 80,428 PLHA in Malaysia were between 20 and 49 years old and classified as active workers or labour force.

“Therefore, to guarantee the marketability of PLHA in the country’s labour market, it is important to ensure their health is at the optimum level...so that they will not lose their ability to work or become invalid,” he said.

Mohammed Azman welcomed PLHA who are interested to join its Return to Work programme and obtaining support to return to work or remain at their respective workplace.

At the event, Socso contributed RM276,000 to MAF’s medical aid scheme (PAL scheme) for PLHA to cover the cost of the second-line Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) for a year.

Meanwhile, Adeeba said Socso’s support to its PAL scheme is important to achieve the target to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 which is highly dependent on the ability to connect PHLA with the ARV treatment.

“ARV is most effective to prevent the negative effects of HIV infection in the human body. With it, HIV infection, which was once considered a death sentence, has now turned into a life experience that is close to normal,” said Adeeba.

Adeeba said the National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health last year found that 75 per cent of Malaysian adults have shown stigma towards PLHA compared to 22.6 per cent who have sufficient knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Therefore she hoped the collaboration would help MAF to overcome social stigma and discrimination faced by PLHA, in addition, to attain more support from other government agencies.-Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) will develop a Haj e-learning system with an allocation of almost RM3 million from this month in the effort to empower the delivery of haj guidance as contained in the Haj Framework or 2021-2025 Haj Blueprint.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad said in the Covid-19 pandemic situation, learning via online was not only in line with the need of the technological era, but was also part of the new norm of life today.

“If seen during the 2019 and 2020 haj season, the Saudi Arabian government too had started their haj business process via online starting from the application for haj until the selection and channelling of the latest information to selected would-be haj pilgrims.

“I believe the time has come for Malaysian would-be pilgrims to equip themselves with technological skills and are open to new ways to perform the haj,” he said when opening the 38th National Level Haj Muzakarah (Discussion) for the 1443H Haj Season, here yesterday.

Idris also launched the latest TH digitisation initiative, namely, the e-TAIB application (Worship Lines–Call Centre) to facilitate the haj pilgrims to enquire about the rules and process of haj when in the holy land through live chats with religious teachers.

According to a TH statement, the Haj Muzakarah, which is taking place for three days, from Dec 6 to 8, gives the opportunity to over 500 Malaysian Haj Courses Organisers (PEKTA) and religious scholars to share knowledge and experience in setting the standardisation of the regulations other than seeking the best solutions related to the haj, umrah and ziarah (pilgrimage).

Themed ‘Upgrading Understanding of Haj Knowledge In the New Normal’, five working papers were tabled and discussed during the session by members of the Haj Advisory Committee who had broad knowledge in implementing the haj, said the statement.

Meanwhile, Idris, at a media conference hoped the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would investigate the issue of a male actor who made an appearance in a gay-themed series for gay dating and video streaming application recently.

“We urge the state where the issue took place to call and query him because the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is only a co-ordinator. We don’t have the authority to punish because it is under the jurisdiction of the state government, the state religious authorities.

“If the matter involves the film (as mentioned) just now, god willing we will extend it to MCMC to conduct an investigation as it is opposed to the cultural norms of the people of Malaysia,” he said.

Recently, the media reported a young male actor acting in a gay-themed series which was shown on Dec 5 in a gay dating and video streaming application.-Bernama

PARIT BUNTAR: The widow of lorry driver Muhammad Hafiz Hamdi, 31, who died in a landslide on the Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands road on Saturday (Dec 2), plans to work to support her family.

Nur Shahida Saidin(pix), 31, said she was trying to find a job at a factory close to her house so that she could manage her children easier while juggling work after her husband was killed in the landslide.

“A week before the tragedy, my husband told me that our bank savings had almost run out and allowed me to work on the condition that it was close to where we live.

“I can’t bear to work far away because the children are still young and don’t want to be taken care of by others,“ she said when met after a visit by the Taiping Social Security Organisation (Socso) Prihatin squad yesterday.

Also present were Taiping Socso branch manager Tunku Shahrain Tunku Salehan and Kuala Kurau assemblyman Datuk Abdul Yunus Jamhari, who presented Nur Shahida with a funeral benefit voucher of RM2,000 and survivor’s pension of RM1,300 from Socso.

Muhammad Hafiz, 31, along with the driver of a multipurpose vehicle, Tan Chee Heng, were killed when their vehicles were buried in a landslide on Federal Route 185 , Kilometre 27.10 of Jalan Simpang Pulau-Blue Valley at 2.47pm, Dec 2.

Nur Shahida said since the incident, both her children, Nurhannan Fitri Sha, two, and seven-month-old Muhammad Hafiy Fahri often cried and would even search for their father around the house.

“They usually slept with their father and were really close,“ she said tearfully.

Meanwhile, Abdul Yunus, who is Perak Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, National Integration and Civil Society Committee chairman, said they would help Nur Shahidan get a suitable job near her home, apart from referring her to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) for suitable assistance. -Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Two economists theSun spoke to have offered differing views on whether the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) should be revived.

While Universiti Utara Malaysia professor of economics Dr K. Kuperan Viswanathan said it may be worthwhile to revive any project that can add to investments and employment, Universiti Malaya professor of economics Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah described the proposal as “strange”.

“If the Singaporean and Malaysian authorities can find a win-win situation in this project, then it should go on. The RM320 million paid to Singapore is a sunk cost and it will not be a factor in considering whether the project should be revived,” Kuperan said.

Last week, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the republic was open to fresh proposals from Malaysia on the HSR project, that both countries had previously agreed to terminate.

Lee said the transport ministries of both countries would discuss the matter and Singapore looked forward to receiving more details from Malaysia.

“The Malaysian economy is doing badly with a decline in GDP of 4.5%, according to the latest figures. And the economy may only manage a growth of 3.8% for the whole of 2021. Thus, a revival of any project that may add to investments and employment should be welcomed,” Kuperan said.

On economic benefits the revival would produce, he listed the improvement of transportation infrastructure and the connection to Singapore – a very important economic outlet for goods and services – as some of the gains.

“The project would improve our transportation infrastructure and be an asset to the country. In most cases, investments in transportation infrastructure leads to further economic growth and positive external impacts to the economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rajah said he finds the revival plan strange as the cancellation took place under the Perikatan Nasional government.

“The reason given then was that its costing was way above what it should be.”

He urged members of the government who sought the cancellation to answer this question as it comes out as a bad decision if the same government, although with a different prime minister, is seeking to revive what the Barisan Nasional government had proposed to do prior to 2018.

However, he noted that the revival may be worth reconsidering if the costs are scaled down, and that there be strong participation of Malaysia’s national firms in the project.

“Unlike the Eastern high speed rail line, where assessments show it is not viable economically, the termination of the HSR was, inter alia, done on the grounds that the costs have been inflated beyond market prices, and that insufficient national suppliers will be enlisted to benefit from its construction. Unless these conditions change, the government should not consider reviving it.

“As with infrastructure projects, it can generate the demand essential to stimulate intersectoral linkages, and with that engender the conditions for further growth. However, if the costs are too high, it can produce a sub-optimal outcome, including economic leakage from over-reliance on foreign suppliers. This is especially so when Malaysia has proven world class national firms engaged in the construction industry, such as UEM and Gamuda,” he said.

On Jan 1, Malaysia and Singapore jointly announced the termination of the HSR project as both countries failed to reach an agreement on changes proposed by Malaysia before the project agreement lapsed on Dec 31, 2020.

PETALING JAYA: Whichever way one looks at it, a hundred million ringgit is a lot of money. For a majority of us, even a small percentage of that sum would amount to more than what we can accumulate in our entire lifetime.

Even in the best of times, offering one person that large a sum of money would be a shame.

It has been reported that Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has withdrawn his request for a residence from the government, allegedly worth RM100 million, despite being entitled to the property as a former prime minister.

At a time when millions are suffering from the fallout of a global pandemic, the “gift” would be appalling, to say the least.

Just to see how far RM100 million can take us if it was more fairly and evenly distributed, theSun spoke with selected individuals who are experts in their respective fields.

Jason Loh, who covers social, law and human rights matters at think-tank Emir Research, said it for everyone when he pointed out that the money could be used for the benefit of the rakyat.

To get a picture of how far the money can go, take a look at the Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM) cash aid, under which every household with a monthly income below RM2,500 is given RM2,000.

RM100 million would benefit 50,000 households for a month, which is more than 80% of the 61,713 households that, by the United Nations Children’s Fund and United Nations Population Fund estimates, now live in the 56 People’s Housing Project flats across the country.

Any household with an income below RM2,208 a month is deemed to be living below the poverty line.

Otherwise, the government could give RM20,000 each to smallholding farmers to finance a switch to an internet of things fertigation (fertilisation and irrigation) system that would raise yield in each farm by 33% and raise the farmer’s income by 23%.

The RM100 million could help to lift 5,000 farmers with farms of about an acre or two above the poverty level.

“It would also moderate the increase in the price of vegetables at the market,” Loh said.

Of course, the money could also be used to purchase laptops for B40 children, pay for food baskets for poor families and sanitary pads for girls and women who otherwise do not have access to such basic needs.

The RM100 million, according to Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai, could also go a long way in the healing process.

The money, if well spent, could pay a month’s salary for 18,000 junior doctors. Otherwise, it could cover the cost of treatment for 111,000 Covid-19 stage four or five patients, Koh said.

A lot more could also be done for education, for instance, to build more schools to reduce the need for double sessions, employ more teaching assistants and enhancing teacher training, according to Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim.

“Besides that, the money could be spent on facilities and equipment for hybrid learning,” she said.

Noor Azimah said the RM100 million could have gone a long way towards underwriting the free breakfast programme.

Unfortunately, it has been cancelled, she said.

The money could also go towards addressing mental healthcare matters, according to Mental Health Aid Organisation.

“With the money, the government could create a robust and crisis-resilient mental healthcare system,” it said.

“The funding can be used to address the crucial gap in the mental health workforce. There is an acute shortage of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and counsellors,” the organisation added.

“This will ensure that as many people as possible will have access to quality mental healthcare and healthcare education without putting additional burden on the already overstretched public healthcare system,” it said.

As these experts pointed out, this is not an exhaustive list.

For instance, an injection of funds to address ageing healthcare, public transport, better education, proper housing or just to help people make ends meet is more beneficial than putting the money in the pocket of just one person.

LAWAS: Heavy rain in Lawas from last night until early this morning is set to be the first real “test” in the nomination process of the 12th Sarawak state election involving the Bukit Sari and Ba’Kelalan seats.

The nomination process begins at 9 am today. For the Bukit Sari state seat, the nomination process will begin at the new Lawas District Council while that for Ba’Kelalan will be held at the old building of the Lawas District Council.

As of 8 am, it was still drizzling in Lawas town, which was cool and covered with mist in several areas.

Media, Election Commission (EC), security and health personnel began converging at the Lawas District Council area as early as 7 am.

Special tents have been set up for individuals found to be symptomatic while all Covid-19 preventive measures are also in place based on the instructions of the Ministry of Health.

The EC has set today for nominations, Dec 14 for early voting and Dec 18 for polling.-Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The issues of smuggling of liquor and cigarettes, which allegedly contributed to the loss of the national revenue, are among the highlights of the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

According to the Order Paper, Nga Kor Ming(pix) (PH-Teluk Intan) will be asking the Finance Minister to state the total amount of losses borne by the country as a result of illegal smuggling of liquor and cigarettes and the measures taken by the government to address the matter.

There will also be so a question from Che Alias Hamid (PAS-Kemaman) to the Women, Family and Community Development Minister on the ministry's plans to help to meet the needs of syarie legal services for underprivileged single mothers.

Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh (Pejuang-Sri Gading) will be asking the Higher Education Minister on the initiatives to prevent low allowance payments for university students undergoing industrial training.

Datuk Shabudin Yahaya (Bersatu-Tasek Gelugor), on the other hand, is slated to ask the Agriculture and Food Industries Minister to state the steps taken to overcome the issue of acquisition of padi land as industrial and housing sites.

The sitting will also continue with the debate and winding up of the Supply Bill 2022 (Budget 2022) at the committee level for the Health Ministry and Housing and Local Government Ministry.-Bernama

KUCHING: Today is Nomination Day for the 12th Sarawak Election.

Eighty-two seats are up for grabs in the fight for the country’s biggest state legislative assembly.

The nomination of candidates will take place between 9am to 10 am.

A total of 1,252,014 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots on Dec 18. Early voting is on Dec 14.

For the first time, the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is going into the election wholly as a state coalition with its four component parties - Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) - since they quit the federal Barisan Nasional (BN) pact in 2018.

In the last 2016 state polls, the four parties and directly appointed candidates swept 72 seats including two unopposed, namely Bukit Sari and Bukit Kota.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is chairman of GPS. He is also PBB president.

Abang Jo, as he is affectionately known locally, will be contesting the rural Gedong seat this time, relinquishing his traditional Satok stronghold in Kuching after 40 years to his PBB Satok deputy chairman, Datuk Ibrahim Baki.

The number of candidates is expected to surpass the record of 229 contestants in 2016, going by the announcements by several other political parties who have already unveiled their challengers in the run-up to nomination day.

They include DAP, PKR, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi), Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) and PAS.

The election had to be postponed from the middle of this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic as the people’s safety came first.

A nationwide emergency was imposed from January to August and subsequently Sarawak was placed under another six-month emergency which was however lifted on Nov 3 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, paving the way for the election to be held.

To prevent the spread of infection, the Election Commission is allowing campaigning activities within the respective state constituencies but cross-constituency campaigning is banned.

Ceramahs (rallies) and public speeches, however, are allowed in 64 constituencies with poor internet access. The number of attendees, however, should not exceed 50 per cent of the venue capacity or 150 people at any one time.-Bernama

SERDANG: All 114 students who are being quarantined at the Covid-19 Integrated Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) 2.0 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) after being tested positive for Covid-19 are in a good condition, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad.

He advised the parents of all the students from Sekolah Seri Puteri Cyberjaya, a fully residential school (SBP), not to worry as their children were being well looked after at the quarantine centre.

“...the parents are not allowed to send food to their children at MAEPS because of the possibility of food poisoning,” he told Bernama after visiting the quarantine centre yesterday.

Meanwhile, Abdul Latiff also invited the students at the quarantine centre to participate in an essay writing contest organised by the department on their experiences at the quarantine centre.

Two categories are being contested, namely, Bahasa Melayu and English with a cash prize of RM500 for the champion, RM300 for runners-up, RM100 for third place and RM50 as a consolation prize, he said.-Bernama

GEORGE TOWN: A police inspector has been remanded for three days for allegedly hurling insults and injuring police personnel in an incident at Lebuh Queen here on Saturday (Dec 4).

Timur Laut district police chief ACP Soffian Santong said based on the investigation, the 35-year-old inspector who was attached to a police station in Perak has been suspended from work for disciplinary offences.

“Police received a call at 1.30 am informing that the suspect, who was allegedly under alcohol influence, was making noise at the scene.

“When police went to the location to calm him down, the suspect had uttered offensive words to the police personnel. He also refused to cooperate and acted aggressively when asked to go to the police station, injuring both his elbows,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Soffian said the suspect was currently being treated at a psychiatric specialist clinic in Jalan Perak.

The case is being investigated under Section 353 of the Penal Code for using criminal force to obstruct a public servant from discharging his duty.-Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The General Insurance Association of Malaysia yesterday said that owners of uninsured vehicles are courting trouble should they have a traffic collision.

The association said under Section 90 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, it is mandatory for owners of motor vehicles using public roads to have a valid motor vehicle insurance to obtain or renew road tax.

It said failure to have motor insurance for a vehicle contravenes the Act, and an offender could be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or face imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

Offenders also face suspension of their driving licence for up to a year.

“It is not worth it. Those who drive without a valid motor insurance may face hefty fines, and end up paying from their own pockets for damage caused to a third party or property,” the association said.

Motorists also have to fork out payments for the damage of their vehicles and face legal complications.

Purchasing motor insurance does not only protect the vehicle but it also protects the owner’s finances as well.

The association told theSun that coverage of motor insurance policies for third party bodily injuries is unlimited.

It said the driver or car owner of an uninsured vehicle may be liable for injuries or death suffered by a third party, including compensation via court awards if they are sued.

The association added that in the event of a collision with an uninsured vehicle, a motorist can seek assistance from the Motor Insurers Bureau of West Malaysia.

The bureau was established following an agreement between the Transport Ministry and general insurance companies to provide compensation for collisions involving uninsured vehicles.

The association also said vehicle owners who hold a comprehensive motor insurance policy need not fear losing their “no claims discount” (NCD) when making a claim if they are not at fault in a collision.

“They have the option of submitting an ‘Own Damage Knock for Knock’ claim with their own insurance company, without losing the NCD.”

The Transport Ministry had introduced a moratorium to delay the renewal of road tax due to the movement control order (MCO), but it is compulsory to have motor insurance for the vehicle.

With the lifting of the MCO, the grace period for renewal of road tax has been extended until Dec 31.

However, the Road Transport Department (RTD) believes that there are a large number of vehicle owners who have not renewed their motor insurance, following the moratorium.

To clamp down on uninsured vehicles on the road, the RTD launched Ops Sedar two weeks ago.

The RTD said last week its records showed that the road tax of about 3.8 million vehicles have yet to be renewed.

Those who drive without a valid motor insurance may end up facing fines, imprisonment, legal problems and paying from their own pockets for damage caused to a third party or property. – Bernamapix

PETALING JAYA: Let us not break the bond of tolerance and moderation we have practised for so long, said several prominent Malaysians when commenting on Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh’s visit to a mosque recently.

Political commentator Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi said Yeoh was merely following a universal custom while she was on the grounds of a place of worship.

“In my opinion, Yeoh did nothing wrong or disrespectful. She only followed the common directives that are usually applied at mosques and other places of worship, (indicating) her understanding of the cultural appropriateness of the said situation,” he told theSun yesterday.

“In this case, she should actually be commended.”

He was commenting on criticism Yeoh faced after being photographed wearing a headscarf when visiting a mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

Yeoh was criticised by former Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau and some others for what they claimed was a move to appease the Malays.

Meanwhile, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman threw his support behind Yeoh.

In a Facebook post, Syed Saddiq defended Yeoh, referring to her as a “great, patriotic Malaysian and an even greater friend”.

“The past few days have been tough on Hannah. On one hand, she has been labelled an ultra-Christian who wants to convert Muslims. On the other, she is being called a Chinese without a backbone who wants to conform to Muslim norms,” he wrote.

“In my many, many conversations with Hannah, I have never once felt that she wanted to convert me to Christianity, nor have I felt that she’s a conformist. She is Hannah Yeoh. True to herself. Is she a devout Christian? Yes, but does that make her any less of a Malaysian? No.”

Additionally, he noted that both Islam and Christianity alike espoused the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

He added that the Yeoh he knows was “ridiculously hardworking” and the recent attacks were unfair, given that she had been visiting mosques in her constituency for the last 13 years.

“We can be Malays, Indians, Chinese, Iban, Kadazan, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists but still be proud Malaysians. Don’t let anyone break the sacred bond of nationhood which celebrates diversity and moderation,” he said.

Chairman of the Center for Media and Communication Research at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asst Prof Dr Sharon Wilson, said Malaysians should not make a mountain out of an ant hill.

“What Yeoh did was very respectful. If we visit our neighbours’ homes, don’t we remove our shoes before entering? That is part of the culture we practise here.”

She added that as part of a Cross Culture class in 2018, she visited Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur with her students, which consisted of a majority of non-Muslims.

“We were all dressed decently and while at the mosque, the women were requested to cover their heads. Scarves or tudung were provided. It was a new and unique experience for us but it made everyone appreciate it,” Wilson said.

“Let’s maintain our uniqueness of coming from a multi-cultural, multi-religious nation. We are known to practise and advocate tolerance and peace. Let’s not be ignorant people.”

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng also slammed Boo for his comments against Yeoh, saying the remarks were no different from those made by extremists who want to control what women can or cannot wear.

“His actions were not only gender-insensitive but also runs the risk of portraying DAP leaders as being just as intolerant and regressive as some leaders. Unfortunately, such unjustifiable criticism by one state leader has cast the entire DAP in bad light,” he said in a statement.

Yeoh said while only a handful of people have criticised her act of covering her head, many others have expressed support.

“In addition to mosques, some places of worship also require both men and women to cover their heads, such as a gurdwara. Some churches also require one to cover the head. The act of covering our heads in the presence of those we revere is done out of respect. It is also an act of modesty,” Yeoh said, adding that everyone should work towards creating a moderate Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: The #Keluarga Malaysia Sales initiative implemented by the government in all 222 parliamentary constituencies which offered prices lower than the market continued to receive a positive reaction from the people.

The programme which started on Saturday (Dec 4) was described by most people as a good effort to help those affected by the current increase in the price of goods, besides helping to save on expenses.

In PENANG, home furnishings trader, Tan Teoh Joo, 47, when met during the programme held the Kepala Batas parliamentary constituency said that the prices of chicken, beef and eggs offered were reasonable and people-friendly.

‘Ulam’ trader who is also a person with disabilities (PwD) Ishak Hussin, 70, hopes that it can be implemented every week instead of twice a month to help ease the burden of the B40 group.

“It would be great if it can be held every week because the price of goods is going up. (The government) can help the people, especially the B40 group, including the disabled like me,“ he said.

In KEDAH, restaurant operator, Siti Doyah Din, 57, took advantage of the opportunity by shopping at the programme held at Padang Awam Desa Keda, Pokok Sena to save on business operating costs.

“I (came to) buy items to make stocks such as red chillies which are sold at RM13 per kilogramme compared to RM20 per kilogramme elsewhere and some types of vegetables which we know are increasing in price but cheap here.

“I came here and I have been able to save between 20 and 30 per cent and I hope this kind of programme can be continued to help the people who are burdened by the rising cost of living at this time,“ she said.

Housewife, Siti Fatimah Osman, 42, hoped that more traders and wholesalers would participate in the programme, thus providing more choices of quality and cheaper goods to consumers.

In MELAKA, laundry shop assistant, Noorisah Ramli, 32, suggested that more products be sold at the programme.

“I notice that most of the items sold are basic necessities like packet oil, bread, rice, vermicelli, eggs, chicken and vegetables...maybe in the future more products can be offered to consumers,“ she said.

A college staff, Mustafa Jaahafar, 58, did not miss the opportunity by attending the programme early to get basic necessities at cheap prices.

“Thank God, the price of items sold is cheaper than in the market or in the grocery store that I usually buy and today I can save a little on kitchen expenses. Worth spending here and I hope it can be continued to help the less affluent people,“ he said.

Meanwhile, in NEGERI SEMBILAN, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad when met in Seremban assured the people there was an adequate supply of packet cooking oil in the country.

“We have appointed distributors and manufacturers throughout the country according to the quota set to meet the needs of each resident, there is only a time when there is a little disruption, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Due to the Covid-19 cases involving workers and distributors, sometimes the factory has to suspend operations temporarily,“ he said.

Last Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the government would organise the #Keluarga Malaysia Sales programme in all 222 parliamentary constituencies simultaneously starting today to ease the burden of the people following the current hike in prices of goods.

According to the prime minister, at the initial stage, the programme, which offers daily necessities at between 20 and 50 per cent cheaper, is targeted to be held twice a month focusing on areas with large populations from the B40 and M40 groups.-Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: The number of flood victims in Terengganu has increased slightly to 39 people as of 8 am today, from 34 people yesterday.

The victims are at three relief centres, one located in Kuala Terengganu district and two in Kuala Nerus.

According to a statement issued by the Terengganu State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, 13 people from three families are seeking shelter at Sekolah Kebangsaan Atas Tol in Kuala Terengganu.

In Setiu, 20 victims from four families are at SK Kompleks Mengabang Telipot while another family of six are at Surau Mak Jintan.

Although the flood situation has improved in Terengganu, all the victims in the three relief centres were not allowed to return home as their houses were still inundated following heavy rains recently.

Meanwhile, based on the Drainage and Irrigation Department portal at https://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my, only Sungai Nerus in Kampung Bukit, Setiu showed a reading of 12.03 metres above the 12-metre warning level.

In the Hulu Terengganu district, the reading at Tembat Dam is 430.41m The warning level is 430m. - Bernama