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Wednesday, March 10, 2010 | Latest | Other News & Views |

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Cracks in Putrajaya govt quarters, 515 evacuated

Over 500 residents of 76 apartment units of government quarters in Precinct 11 here were evacuated to enable maintenance works to fix cracks and leakages at their premises.

Cops asked to investigate parents of child abuse victim

Around 40 residents from the Kampung Sungai Ara flats here have lodged a police report to urge the authorities to investigate the parents of child abuse victim K. Hares-varran.

Tailor claims loss of RM100,000 in land scam

A tailor on Wednesday claimed she suffered losses of RM100,000 after allegedly being cheated by a man whom she believed would be able to help her in a land acquisition transaction with the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council three years ago.

Medical perks for civil servants’ parents

Parents of serving civil servants will, for the first time, be entitled to free ward admissions at government hospitals.

Anwar still fighting Cabinet dismissals

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has filed an application to review the Federal Court’s decision that found his dismissal as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister over 11 years ago was valid.

A(H1N1): Five ILI clusters in the country

Five clusters of influenza-like-illness (ILI), one an orang asli (aboriginal people) village in Rompin, Pahang were reported last week, said health authorities.

Manhunt on for kindergarten attacker (Update)

Johor police have launched what they described as a “massive manhunt” for a man who attacked a kindergarten on Wednesday morning, injuring three children with a hammer before fleeing.

PAC investigating allegations over housing projects

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is investigating allegations of cost overruns in housing projects built by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB).

Local govt polls: Penang, S’gor not backing down

The Penang and Selangor governments will push on to restore local government elections in their states despite a clear signal by the Barisan Nasional-led Federal Government that it is against the idea.

Dept asked to prepare report over illegal logging

The Perak Forestry Department has been directed to prepare an immediate report on the alleged illegal logging activities in the mountainous area close to the border between Perak and Pahang near Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands.

Former Labuan MP fined RM10,000 (Updated)

The Sessions Court here on Wednesday sentenced former Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman to a fine of RM10,000 or one month’s jail in default over a bankruptcy offence.

Kelantan to hold special prayers for rain

The Kelantan government will hold special prayers on Friday to ask for rain following the prolonged dry spell in the country.

Ex-political aide’s son judged not mentally sound

The son of previous prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s former private secretary, who is accused of possessing a hand grenade, was on Wednesday ordered to be placed at the Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Perak after he was found to be mentally unsound.

Two new faces in reshuffled Kedah exco

The Kedah government on Wednesday replaced two state executive councillors, one each from PAS and PKR, in its line-up of the 10-member state executive council sworn in for another year.

Asli CEO appointed representative to Asean task force

Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Michael Yeoh will be Malaysia’s representative to the newly-established Asean High Level Task Force on Connectivity, it was announced Wednesday.

Puduraya bus terminal to be closed 4 months from March 19

The Puduraya bus terminal will be closed for four months from March 19.

Younger M’sian employees more loyal in economic downturn

Younger Malaysians (under 30) appear to be more loyal to their employer in an economic downturn compared with those who are older.

Drugs, gunfire and a fast car in midnight ganja bust

Three suspected members of a drug syndicate were detained by police during a midnight ambush which saw policemen firing several shots to prevent their escape.

M’sia needs law to recall defective cars: CAP

The worsening problem of defective vehicles on the road can only be addressed if the Government sets up a mandatory Recall System and Recall Code of Practice to check the vehicles.

Anwar vs Saiful qazaf: Next round on April 14 (Updated)

The Syariah High Court has fixed April 14 to rule on whether Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can proceed with his application to have his former personal aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, who had accused him of sodomy, charged with qazaf or criminal defamation.

Bali bombing suspect confirmed dead in police raid

A top-ranked Southeast Asian militant wanted for planning the deadliest terrorist attack in Indonesia's history has been killed in a shootout with police at an Internet cafe, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono confirmed Wednesday.

Law bars Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi from election

A new election law issued by Myanmar's ruling military has barred pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from joining a political party and thus running in upcoming elections, state-run newspapers said Wednesday.

Australia, Indonesia agree to jointly fight people smuggling

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agreed on Wednesday to work together to do more to stop people smuggling and terrorism in the region.

Music teacher charged with murdering British boyfriend

Music teacher Karen Khaw Phaik Ean, 36, was charged at the magistrate court for the murder of British man Andrew Michael Murchie, 46.

Import of Pakistani rice to quadruple this year

Import of Pakistani rice into Malaysia is expected to increase four-fold this year, said commercial counselor for Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur Wijiuallah Kundi.

WHO releases new malaria treatment guidelines

The World Health Organisation released new malaria treatment and procurement guidelines recommending the use of diagnostic tests and a new artemisinin-based combination therapy as new treatments, reports China's Xinhua news agency.

Teoh inquest: Confusion reigns again (Updated)

The inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock was once again enveloped in uncertainty when a government pathologist testified that the deceased had not been strangled or choked prior to his death plunge.

4 Indian nationals burn to death in saree shop (Update)

Two Indian nationals, who had just arrived here two days ago to start work as salesmen, were burnt to death with two others during a fire that razed five double-storey shoplots in Masai here.

Local govt elections can be distracting, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: Reviving local government elections will only give rise to politicking and not serve the purpose of improving service to the people, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Idris in NKRA Mission: Possible

KUALA LUMPUR: From the “Game of the Impossible” to Mission: Possible — that’s what Datuk Seri Idris Jala wants to achieve via the national key result areas (NKRAs).

Faster promotion for health service professionals

KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors, dentists and pharmacists serving in public healthcare can look forward to faster career advancement following improvements made by the Government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Yen Yen to defend post

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has confirmed that she will defend her MCA vice-president’s post in fresh party polls on March 28.

Grandpa saves two, but three other siblings die in fiery blaze

BUKIT MERTAJAM: An 80-year-old grandfather rushed into his neighbour’s burning house in Jalan Betik here and saved two of eight children early yesterday morning.

Filmmakers unsure about new censorship guidelines

PETALING JAYA: Local film producers are taking a “wait and see” attitude towards the Home Ministry’s recent announcement of a new set of censorship guidelines which will be introduced on March 15.

Two million taxpayers expected to use e-filing

PETALING JAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) hopes to receive two million income tax returns online this year, said public relations officer Masrun Maslim.

Soon – a shoe college to train local designers

KUALA LUMPUR: World renowned shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo is planning to set up a shoe designing college in Malaysia within three years.

Sultan of Kelantan files divorce application

KOTA BARU: The Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Ismail Petra Ibni Sultan Yahya Petra filed an application to divorce his second wife Elia Suhana Ahmad at the Syariah High Court here Tuesday.

Diabetes and blindness

KUALA LUMPUR: One in four patients with severe diabetic-related retina damage end up blind because they come in too late.

Better deal

PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister announced a range of initiatives that the Government has started to increase salary and expedite promotions of doctors, dentists, pharmacists and top teaching staff in the public sector.

83 kilo loser wins big

KUALA LUMPUR: After five months of rigorous training, Indonesian David Gurnani shed more than 80kg to become the very first Biggest Loser Asia, defeating competitors Aaron Mokhtar, Carlo Miguel and Martha Lai at the live taping of the reality show’s finale at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) Tuesday.

SOS for water as taps run dry in Sarawak

MIRI: Several measures have been adopted in the drought-hit interior parts of Sarawak as the state authorities and the rural population struggle against the onslaught of the prolonged drought brought on by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Dad’s job-hunt dilemma

IPOH: A lorry driver in Taman Bercham Baru has been forced to leave his five children unattended at home as he goes out looking for work. And angry neighbours are threatening to report him to the Welfare Department.

Punters bet on shadowy vision

IPOH: A crowd gathers outside the gate of the Fook Cheng Khoong temple in Bercham daily in the hope of getting four-digit numbers from a shadowy vision which appears in a cave nearby.

76 killed in fires last year

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 5,400 fires were recorded in housing areas nationwide last year, killing 76 people, mostly senior citizens and children.

Drugs-in-book ring boss busted

KUCHING: Smugglers in the peninsula have found a novel way to send their drugs here. They stuff them in hollowed-out books and just mail them over.

Two trading ships detained

IPOH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has detained two trading ships and its crew members believed to be transferring oil dregs illegally near Pangkor Island.

Eng: Find ways to unite party

GEORGE TOWN: Stop the bickering and start planning for the future of MCA and the Chinese community, a Penang party leader has told the party’s central committee.

Umno’s doors ‘never shut’

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno does not need to invite any former Parti Keadilan Rakyat MP to join the party as the door is never closed, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Swami-linked centre safe from closure

GEORGE TOWN: Even if Swami Paramahamsa Nithyananda is found guilty of being involved in a sex scandal, the centre in Kuala Lumpur which promotes his teachings will not be asked to closed down.

Student pilots survive crash landing

BACHOK: Two student pilots from a local flying school had a narrow escape after their aircraft crash-landed in a padi field in Jelawat here Tuesday.

Malaysia may be out of DVD piracy watch list

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is confident that it will be removed from the United States’ “watch list” for DVD piracy soon.

MACC: Don’t be afraid to fight graft

KUALA LUMPUR: The public must not be afraid or feel threatened by those who demand bribes but should lodge reports against them with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) instead.

Encourage restaurant owners with tax breaks, says MTUC

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Tuesday called on the Government to provide tax incentives to coffee shop and restaurant owners to encourage them to employ locals.

Norway finds Malaysia a good place to invest in

KUALA LUMPUR: Norway considers Malaysia a worthwhile place to invest, Crown Prince Haakon Magnus said.

Kazakhstan explores study options

KUALA LUMPUR: Six Kazakhstan education agents are in the country to explore the possibility of letting their students study here.

Indian government offers scholarships for undergraduate courses

KUALA LUMPUR: The Indian government is giving out scholarships to children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for undergraduate professional and general courses in India during the 2010-11 academic year.

IGP: Cops have lodged reports against both sides

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have lodged reports against individuals, including politicians from both sides of the political divide, and are not biased, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said.

Be a busybody, say police

GEORGE TOWN: The public should have a “busybody” attitude and quickly inform the police when they come across any crime, federal CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said.

Hisham: IOM can be of help

PUTRAJAYA: The Government can do with the assistance and experience of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in tackling human trafficking and other migration issues.

Zulkifli quits as Anwar’s lawyer in qazaf case

PETALING JAYA: Zulkifli Noordin, who was sacked from Parti Keadilan Rakyat, has withdrawn from representing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his qazaf application at the Syariah High Court today.

On collision course over seats

KUCHING: Opposition parties in Sarawak are on a collision course over the allocation of seats for the next state election.

Move on, PKR chief tells Zul Noordin

PETALING JAYA: Party Keadilan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has told Kulim-Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin to “move on” from the episode of his sacking from the party.

All eyes on Chua’s next move

KUALA LUMPUR: Speculation is rife over Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s sudden decision to quit as MCA deputy president, and more importantly, what his next move will be with fresh party polls just over two weeks away.

Malacca’s economy expands despite downturn

MALACCA: The state’s economy grew by 6% last year compared to 5.2% in 2008 despite the global recession.

Still no refund from travel firm

KUALA LUMPUR: A group of holiday-makers seeking refunds for their cancelled trip to Shanghai, China, went home empty-handed after they failed to meet the travel agency’s manager.

Malaysians spent RM2.75bil Down Under last year

PETALING JAYA: Australia has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for Malaysians, who spent a total of A$903.5mil (RM2.75bil) on trips “Down Under” last year.

Sabah to find land for court near city centre

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will try to accommodate the Judicial Department’s request for an area near the city’s downtown as the site for the new Kota Kinabalu court complex.

Drastic 30% drop in KL crime rate

KUALA LUMPUR: The crime rate in the city has dropped by 30% in the first two months of the year, thanks to increased police presence in crime hotspots.

104 held in Perak gambling raids

IPOH: Police have seized 1,227 computers and arrested 104 people for running illegal gambling operations in Perak between January and February.

Neighbours want Hareswarra’s parents to be investigated

PETALING JAYA: In a sudden twist of event, the residents of Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara have rallied behind the murder suspect of deceased baby K. Hareswarra and urge the police to turn their investigations on the parents instead.

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