Cybercities must find own niche

Malaysia has built cybercities and cybercentres not for them to compete with each other but for them to find their own niche.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said these cybercities or Multimedia Super Corridors (MSCs) should focus on their respective specialisations, and strive to explore untapped high technology spheres of manufacturing and innovation.

For instance, he said, the new cybercity at the Kulim High-Tech Park (KHTP) here could develop information communications technology (ICT) for manufacturing and the agro-based industry.

On the other hand, the Johor Cyberport could specialise in outsourcing and e-logistics, while the MITC Cybercentre in Malacca could specialise in e-commerce and bio-informatics.

Abdullah said this when launching the KHTP’s MSC Malaysia Cybercity here yesterday.

The 1,440ha area, with a chain of ICT facilities generated by the MSC, is the second cybercity in the north, after the MSC Malaysia Cybercity at Bayan Lepas in Penang.

Abdullah said the development of the ICT industry in the northern region should not only benefit multinationals and big companies but also small and medium-scale enterprises, cottage industries and individual businesses.

He said the Government would support and offer incentives to local ICT entrepreneurs to further expand their operations at the KHTP.

“Local entrepreneurs who have successfully developed their products and services in ICT at the KHTP will be given a special grant to enable them to expand their specialisation and business venture.”

Abdullah said the ICT sector has been identified as a major sub-sector in Kedah, and would act as a catalyst to strengthen the state’s economy.

The Prime Minister added that the upgrading of the KHTP, set up 15 years ago, to MSC status would help sustain the development of the ICT industry in Kedah.

He said there were now 36 multinationals, including 18 manufacturing companies, at the park as well as five utility companies and 13 support companies. The total investments of these companies exceeded RM20bil, and they employed more than 15,000 workers.

“These government incentives are to spur local entrepreneurs to use their expertise in ICT to expand their ventures and market their products internationally,” he added.

Good fun in the name of charity

THE day is finally here, and tonight, Klang Valley folk will gather in the name of fun and charity to enjoy the Yogyakarta Quake Aid 2006 carnival, organised by the Force of Nature Aid Foundation, at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club Polo Field.

Three stages will be be featured, with the Main Ticket stage focusing on live acts while the second and third stages are a DJ pavilion for dance enthusiasts and a Comedy Theatre, respectively.

With a line-up that includes both Malaysian, Indonesian and international acts like Kris Dayanti, Ning Baizura, Pop Shuvit, Padi, Marcell, DJ Gabriel, DJ Cheapshot of Fort Minor, Disagree, LO, Ahli Fiqir, Harith Iskandar, Melly Goeslaw, Kingston, Saharadja and Naïf, the carnival promises a good time for the whole family.

It’s all systems go at the main stage.
The carnival will benefit survivors of the recent 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Most of the Indonesian artistes arrived in Malaysia yesterday and have only one thought - to join forces with the Malaysian artistes to put on a great show for Malaysians who could support the cause with their presence.

Members of Indonesian group Padi said they were more than happy to be a Force of Nature and to perform at the charity festival because there was a need for more help for those in Yogyakarta and Bantul, the worst affected areas.

Visitors will also get a chance to watch DJ Cheapshot of Fort Minor fame performing live on stage.

Apart from the music, there will also be games and rides like the hot air balloon rides, foosball, aerospace experience, face painting, bouncing castle land, paintball, Playstation 2 booths, crazy maze and magic shows as well as an extensive variety of food and beverages.

From 2pm to 12.30am, there will be free shuttle bus services every 15 minutes from KL Sentral station to the Main Entrance, and the public is encouraged to use public transport to alleviate congestion.

However, those who choose to drive can park near the venue or at outdoor parking bays at the Securities Commission and at the National Science Centre.

Tickets for the carnival, priced at RM80 for full access entry, are available at all Tower Records and Music Valley outlets and at the venue.

All proceeds will go towards the Force Of Nature Aid Foundation’s Indonesia Quake Fund. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted free.

The carnival will also be broadcast live on ASTRO RIA.

The public can also donate via SMS until Sept 4. Each SMS is a donation of RM5. Just type “FON 5” and send to 32728 (DAPAT).

Donations in the form of cheques can be made to the Force of Nature Aid Foundation at 23, Lorong Tanjung 5/4D, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The earthquake on May 27 left in its wake almost 650,000 people displaced with 67,505 houses completely destroyed.

Current forecasts for reconstruction are daunting.

The foundation urges support for long-term recovery efforts which focus on psycho-social support to survivors, restoring economic recovery and security, and strengthening disaster preparedness and response in the future.

Speed up workflow

Speed things up, the Prime Minister has ordered.

There should be a relationship of mutual trust between the private and public sectors that will promote rapid response and action in decision making, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister noted that it now took government agencies like the Public Works Department “so much time” to examine documents.

He suggested that for a speedier response, the private sector should take responsibility for the plans it submits.

“The most important thing is to adopt a policy which encourages full disclosure, transparency, accountability and trust,” he said yesterday at the official launch of the Third Industrial Master Plan 2006-2020.

Abdullah said architects, engineers and quantity surveyors in the private sector should be able to submit plans that complied with government specifications.

He said technical staff from the private sector should sign their plans to show their accountability.

He added that they could be held responsible should there be any legal action.

If there was this declaration on the basis of full disclosure, transparency, accountability and mutual trust from the private sector, Abdullah believed approvals and licences could be given out quicker.

“I don't think it's necessary anymore for us to examine every pillar and every beam,” he stressed.

Abdullah said Malaysia's strength in economic development was largely because of pragmatic policies and an open economic system that encouraged private sector participation.

“The best laid plans will not bear the desired results unless proper mechanisms are in place to ensure effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the strategies and policies,” he said.

Abdullah also emphasised the importance of balanced socio-economic development to reduce inter-ethnic disparities and called for the development of a resilient and competitive bumiputra commercial and industrial community.

He urged greater bumiputra and non-bumiputra collaborations to enhance competitiveness locally and globally.

Stressing the need for environmental sustainability, Abdullah said that he believed industrial and economic advancement could be achieved without damaging the environment.

Ignorance about tuberculosis resulted in 4,000 deaths

Ignorance about tuberculosis (TB) has resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths from the disease in Peninsular Malaysia in the past four years, with Kelantan registering the most number of cases.

The number is increasing and TB has become the main public health concern in the state, said Kelantan health department director Datuk Dr Ahmad Razin Ahmad Maher.

The state has recorded 676 deaths up to June this year since the past four years. This compared to 3,933 fatal cases over the same period for the whole of peninsular Malaysia.

“Although there are adequate medication to combat the disease, late diagnosis due to the patients’ lack of attention, has seen deaths increasing together with higher rate of infection, '' Dr Ahmad Razin said in his speech at the opening of the state level World Tuberculosis Day here on Friday.

Song and flag to represent Federal Territories

THE Federal Territories will embrace a new flag and song this Sunday, when they are launched by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said the new flag would be used at official functions that involved Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

The minister said the existing flags for these three territories would continue to be used during events at the individual level.

“The flag and song had been used by the Federal Territories' contingent at Sukma XI in Kedah,” said Zulhasnan at a press conference recently.

He said the two elements would give the Federal Territories an identity.

He added that the king had given his consent on May 12 last year for the usage of the flag and official song.

The flag incorporates the primary colours of the Malaysian flag. It has the national crest in the centre while three stars below it symbolise the three territories.

The song, entitled Maju dan Sejahtera (Progressive and Peaceful), was composed by Datuk Wah Idris with lyrics by Sheikh Faisal Mansor. The lyrics project the hopes and aspirations of the people.

In conjunction with the launch, many activities had been lined up at the Dataran Merdeka starting from 5pm.

Celebrities such as Ziana Zain, Datuk M. Daud Kilau, Zainal Abidin, Lotter, Farhan and winner of the recent Akademi Fantasia 4 winner, Faizal, will be performing.

There will also be performances from SMK Victoria Institution school band, Fresco Harmonica Ensemble and Balle-Balle.

Dataran Merdeka will also be the venue for the launch of Merdeka Month celebration today by Zul-hasnan for the Federal Territories level.

About 5,000 Jalur Gemilang, will be distributed to government agencies, associations and representatives of residents associations and traders.

Zulhasnan said he hoped the public would display the national flag as a mark of respect and appreciation for the country’s independence.

“The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya will be working together to distribute the flags to government agencies,” he added.

He also expressed hope that the people would light up their premises to celebrate the month-long event together.

Jalan Raja will be closed to public from 6pm onwards for the Merdeka Month launch.

In conjunction with National Day, City Hall will sell the Jalur Gemilang at its headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut, at payment counters in the Bandar Wawasan building as well as at its branches until Aug 30.

The flags will also be sold at Berjaya Times Square, Sungei Wang Plaza, The Mall and Suria KLCC on Aug 19 and 20.

The public are advised to use public transportation to travel to the city centre this weekend to avoid traffic congestion.

Israel should have no role in determining Lebanon peacekeeping force

Israel should have no role in deciding which countries make up the expanded U.N. peacekeeping force that is expected to be deployed to Lebanon within days, the head of largest Islamic organization of countries said Friday.

"We're going to be on Lebanese territory ... We're not going to be on Israeli territory,'' said Malaysia's Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar upon return from Lebanon.

Malaysia holds chairmanship of the 56-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference, and does not recognize an Israeli state.

He was responding to reports that Israel did not want peacekeepers from nations which did not have diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.

Malaysia send troops despite Israeli reservations

Malaysia will send a peacekeeping force to Lebanon under the United Nations flag despite reservations expressed by Israel.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysian troops had an excellent record in previous peacekeeping missions and were recognised by many countries and the UN.

“Lebanon welcomes us. I don’t see why a technical reason like not having diplomatic relations with Israel should stop us from sending our troops there,” he said yesterday.

“We have sent our troops to Bosnia and we performed well. We were accepted not only by the Bosnian Muslims but also by the Serbs and Croats.”

Najib was asked about a wire report quoting a senior Israeli official as saying Israel might not accept countries that had no diplomatic relations with it. Malaysia and Indonesia, which had offered to send troops, do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

The UN Security Council authorised up to 15,000 soldiers to help keep the peace between Israel and Hezbollah after a month of fighting in Lebanon.

Najib, who is Defence Minister, said the Government was waiting for the UN to include Malaysia in the list of countries to serve under the UN flag in Lebanon.

Incentives for academicians in the works

Academicians can expect more promotional posts and accelerated promotions at public universities, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Friday.

The Cabinet has agreed in principle to create more of such posts and to look at ways to accelerate promotions, he said at The Star-ACMS Conference on Globalising Higher Education in Malaysia.

Najib also said Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed was discussing with the relevant agencies on how these incentives could be implemented.

Visa joy for Chinese and Indian tourists

Tourists from China and India will now be given multiple-entry visas.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that while the visas would be valid for a year, the foreigners could not remain in the country for more than a month per visit.

The single entry visa charges of RM30 for the Chinese and RM50 for Indians have been retained for the multiple-entry visas.

This move is part of the promotions under Visit Malaysia Year 2007, as well as to cater to the increasing number of arrivals from the two countries.

“A total of 7.19 million tourists arrived between January and May, which is an increase of 5.4% compared with the corresponding period last year,” he told reporters yesterday after chairing a Cabinet committee meeting on tourism.

“Tourists from China and India form some 10% of the total number of arrivals.”

Najib said the Government had also lifted the freeze on foreign caddies imposed in July last year following complaints from golf course operators.

“They said the number of golfers from overseas had dwindled, and since we have to compete with other countries, we need to provide such a service.

“So now, operators can apply for foreign caddies from the Home Affairs Ministry,” he added.

Najib, who chairs the Cabinet committee for foreign workers, said that hotels, spas and the travel and tourism sector were also allowed to hire foreign workers.

The Cabinet, he said, had also agreed to his proposal to set up a consulate in Mumbai as soon as possible in view of the high number of visa applications.

Later, Najib witnessed the signing of a working agreement between Ships Classification Malaysia and Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia.

The agreement will facilitate efforts by the two parties on co-operation in design appraisal, inspection and certification of offshore and onshore structures in Indonesia and South-East Asian waters.

Gritty Tan is USM’s best

Twice a week, Tan Chin Chin’s mother would take a bus from her home in Batu Lanchang to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) where her daughter is studying.

After a meal together, Ch’ng Cheng Jin, 56, would return home at night, bringing with her Tan’s dirty laundry.

She is not pampering her 24-year-old daughter. Tan, born with cerebral palsy, needs all the help she can get.

Tan became USM’s first cerebral palsy graduate to receive the Chancellor’s Gold Medal Award, the university’s highest award for the best student.

The soft-spoken Ch’ng said her daughter had been getting good results since primary school.

“The results are all her own initiative,” said Ch’ng, a housewife.

Tan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Development Planning and Management, said she couldn’t have done it without the help of friends in USM’s Penyayang Club.

The other recipient of the award was Ling Yoke Lin, who also received the Conference of Rulers Royal Education Award.

Tan and Ling were also awarded the USM Women’s Association Gold Medal

Ling, 25, who graduated with a degree in dental surgery, said becoming a doctor was her first choice.

“But when I started treating old patients in my fourth year of studies and saw how happy they were with their new dentures, I started loving my job,” said Ling.

A total of 6,237 first degree graduates and 1,128 postgraduates will receive their scrolls during this year’s convocation, including pioneer graduates in various courses.

KLIA upgrade on schedule for Airbus A380 arrival

The RM135mil upgrading works at KL International Airport to accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft is making “good progress” and is scheduled for completion next May.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd senior general manager (operations) Azmi Murad said the bulk of the allocation would be used to expand the airport’s second runway, and to extend the taxiway shoulder by 15m on both sides.

Apart from the runway and taxiway, three lounges would be upgraded and installed with an additional aerobridge each meant for upper deck passengers, as well as other facilities.

“We are pleased with the progress of the upgrading work and once it is completed in May, we will be ready for the Airbus A380,” he told a press briefing yesterday.

Malaysia Airlines had signed an agreement for the purchase of six Airbus A380, with delivery in stages, starting from next year.

Azmi also said that passengers arriving at KLIA would now only have to wait between 16 minutes and half an hour to pick up their bags at the luggage carousel.

“So far, we have been able to clock lower than 16 minutes for the first bag to reach the owner. We are pleased with this as it is a sign of increased efficiency in our delivery system,” he added.

He said the airport had also installed a time information system to tell passengers how long it would take for them to walk to the furthest lounges located on the domestic flight floor to catch their flight.

Azmi said the airport was expected to handle 24.5 million passengers this year, a 7% increase over last year when 23.12 million passenger movements were recorded.

As for the National Day celebrations, Azmi said KLIA would not be left out of the revelry and events would be held on the eve of Aug 31 for passengers, visitors and workers.

Scientist claims to have cracked water-fuel secret

A car that runs on water and petrol? That would be a breakthrough technology in these times of escalating fuel prices. And one man says it can be done.

Dr Halim Mohd Ali, 40, claims he can reduce fuel consumption by half with the Hydrogen Fuel Technology (HFT) or hydroxene.

Dr Halim, director of Hydrogen Fuel Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, said hydroxene uses water as a complementary fuel.

Water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen through high compression nano-technology before being pumped into the fuel line, he said.

“The new fuel mixture of petrol or diesel, hydrogen and oxygen is then injected into the engine where combustion takes place,” he said at the launch of hybrid cars by LM Star Autoworld Sdn Bhd here.

Dr Halim, who has a research centre in Putrajaya, said that he first patented hydroxene four years ago and would be re-filing the patent in the next two months.

He said that although he has received offers to sell the technology, some offers amounting to US$26mil (RM95.7mil), he had no intention of letting foreign parties get hold of it.

As simple as it sounds, Dr Halim is quick to add that the technology is difficult to copy, as it has a “secret recipe” which very few people know about.

“There are only 12 people in the world who know how hydroxene works and even then they only know 70% of the technology,” he said, adding that the core aspects of the technology remained with him.

Dr Halim, who has a doctorate in Physics from Birmingham University, said over RM12mil had been spent on hydroxene research and development in the last four years.

About 40% of the funding came from overseas, including Europe and the United States.

Dr Halim said the technology had been tested on some 200 Proton cars, as well as on a vehicle used by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Coliseum stays

The show goes on for the Coliseum cinema! The heritage building will not be acquired or leased by the Government. Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim assured cinema owner Dr Chua Seong Siew that there was “no question” of the Government taking over the cinema.

"The Government does not intend to take away the Coliseum cinema from the owner. We will work together in making it a great arts and culture hub to promote street-level activities.

“The public car park area adjacent to the cinema will continue to be used as a place to promote the arts, and dances, wayang kulit shows, and musical and cultural activities will be staged there,” he said in an interview yesterday.

The performances will be organised during weekends and selected days. “We want to make the car park a cultural and arts hub in the city.”

The Government’s plan is to turn the entire Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman area into a street-level arts and cultural activity area for the masses.

In a 30-minute fruitful meeting with Dr Chua and his family members, Rais said they agreed to make the cinema a place to show more locally-produced films and to encourage movie goers to patronise the Coliseum cinema.

“We want the cinema to be frequented by Malaysians of all races, tourists and people from all walks of life as it is the oldest cinema in the city,” Rais said.

The ministry, he said, would sponsor schoolchildren to view classic films and artistic and cultural movies.

Rais said he had a good discussion with Dr Chua and they were agreeable to developing the cinema together to promote Malaysian cultural activities.

He said he had also requested the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to work with Dr Chua to screen more locally-produced movies.

“My Ministry will work with Dr Chua to spruce up and make the Coliseum cinema a centre for arts and culture in the city.”

While leaving the Minister’s office, Dr Chua said Rais was magnanimous in guaranteeing that the cinema would not be taken from his family.

“My bad dreams and days of anxiety over the takeover of the cinema have come to an end,” he said.

Last Tuesday, Dr Chua was asked by the Kuala Lumpur land administrator to vacate his landmark building, which his family had owned for the past 86 years, within 30 days.

“Rais expressed sympathy that three of our family properties had been acquired by the Government before and said that he was not aware of it.”

When asked about the Land Office letter, Dr Chua said Rais would resolve the issue with the relevant department.

“I was taken aback when the minister said the Government was not taking away anything from me. We were assured that there would not be any compulsory acquisition of the cinema.”

Dr Chua said he was more than willing to cooperate with the Government to make the cinema a brighter and better place for movie goers.

“I will fully support any effort by the Government and Rais to improve the facilities in the cinema.