Tag: News

FGVH Stock Drops, Felda Staff Become Victims

SHAH ALAM, 13 Nov: 60 percent of Felda employees have become victims of huge losses when Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) stock price dramatically fell.

Chairman of National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Mazlan Aliman said, this is happening because the unit rates and share lots offered to them were much bigger than Felda settlers.

He said the department received complaints from some Felda employees who complained of needing to repay bank loans at the rate of RM400 per month while share prices fall.

He said the situation will continue to burden the settlers and staff for having to bear the losses of bank loan payments when the interest rate charged is more expensive than the dividends earned.

“Up till now, 60 percent of Felda staff have yet to sell their shares.

“They’ve signed bank loans involving tens of stock lots, so the amount of their loans reach tens of thousands, therefore at the same time they are also burdened,” he said when contacted.

Yesterday, the FGVH agricultural giant shares traded below the listing price (RM4.55) for the first time.

The shares began trading at a price of RM4.60 then dropped to RM4.53 at 10:46am before rising.

Final market price of the shares was RM4.57 at the 12.30pm break.

Elaborating, Mazlan said Felda shareholders will begin to incur losses when the share price stood at RM4.78.

“When prices fall now, the situation is very bad. For the settlers, should they bear loss, they will at least have a repayment package of RM50 per month to the bank.

“But it is different with Felda staff, they will be burdened with bank loans. However, they are forced to cover their losses, they do not show that they are already at loss because they were eagerly forcing settlers to sign the loan previously,” he said.

However, he said, the repayment of RM50 per month to the bank by the settlers is not a long term solution.

Obviously, if the stock continues to weaken, more settlers will incur losses and repayment will take quite a long time.

“Probably more than 10 years. Settlers have to incur the debt apart from cost of living, replanting and Felda housing should they apply. It is not beneficial to the settlers, “he said.

Anwar: Rising Support for PR from the Indian Community

PETALING JAYA, 13 Nov: Policies introduced by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states, particularly Selangor can be seen to successfully increase support from the Indian Community for the coalition in the approaching 13th General Elections.

This is according to PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when asked about Indian support for PR at the PKR headquarters here.

He said the response from the Indian community regarding the programmes and schemes organized by the Selangor State Government for example, has drawn the attention of those who have been often ignored previously during the Umno-BN state government.

“Selangor under the PR’s leadership has been working to look after the Indian community in this state by providing a variety of assistance programmes including educational assistance amounting to RM4 million in all National-type Tamil Schools (SJKT).”

“PR is also trying to obtain identification cards for some of the Indians living in rural areas for decades but still have not been given citizenship,” said the Selangor State Economic Advisor.

Previously, Anwar had promised that PR would not abandon all races, including Indians if successful in taking over the Federal Government after the next General Election.

Anwar’s announced this during a visit to the Deepavali festival organized by the State Government in Jalan Kelana, Klang, which is also known as ‘Little India’ last Saturday.

He said that the Indians who have claimed to be ignored by the Umno-BN government for the past 50 years will be given equal attention, that includes all other races in this country.

“I do not want to hear any more fights about racial disputes, we will take care of all races and citizens in this country,” he said in his speech at the party.

Nurul Izzah Victimised To Protect Najib in Soi Lek Insults Islam Gathering

COMMENTS recarding MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in his speech at the 59th MCA general assembly on October 21st and said eight of the 11 countries that implement Hudud are considered among the most corrupt, unstable and unsafe countrues.

In the speech which was attended Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Soi Lek claimed that 1.2 million Malaysians will lose their jobs should PAS implement Hudud in Malaysia.

Following Soi Lek’s statement Soi Lek, for more than two weeks, the media, political leaders, academics and Islamic theologians protested and condemned Soi Lek’s statement.

The worst effect from Soi Lek’s statement was that Najib was at the rally.

Openly and indirectly and Najib is perceived as a leader who lets his religion and race be insulted in front of him.

Najib’s attitude and silence is regarded as a cowardice and a traitor to his race and religion even though he is the leader of the party which is supposed to defend the Malay race and Islam.

While Soi Lek’s statement is very sensitive not only to the Malays and Islam, in fact it is able become a threat to national security.

Certainly if any of the leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat had made that statement, they will be detained under ISA or any other related Acts.

Soi Lek’s action was not only an insult to the Malay race and Islam but it is also considered as trying to interfere with Islam.

The British way of previously of not interfering with Islam but interfering with other affairs is evidence that the British recognised the sensitivity of Malays and Muslims.

Perak Mufti, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria had said that Soi Lek is not entitled to make the statement and that Soi Lek’s statement is considered rude, an insult and humiliating Islam.

Soi Lek’s statement that had hurt Muslims especially the Malays would be a very big issue should Umno fail to address it.

What was more unfortunate is that Najib bore witness to all these insults from Soi Lek mouth.

Meanwhile, the action of the PAS Youth bringing the issue up to the Yang Di Pertuan Agung can also be seen to cause the confidence of Malays towards Umno whose leader is Najib.

Najib aware of Lost Support

In the political context, everyone realises that Umno relies on the support of Malays. His action regarding Soi Lek insulting Islamic law will benefit PAS and Pakatan Rakyat.

Najib also realises that the issue’s potential will be used as soon as possible by PR to sway Malay voters into leaving the party.

Umno’s ‘Think Tank’ may share the same stance.

Najib and the Umno ‘Think Tank’ is finding it serious enough for Umno to continue their survival in the upcoming 13th General Elections.

Reports from the Army, police, JASA and Kemas has forced him to postpone the 13th General Elections to and indeterminate time.

Nurul Izzah Becomes the Black Sheep

Recognizing the ‘danger’ of the issue, making someone else a black sheep has to be done to cover-up the issue.

The culture of running away from the real issue is known by the people by practicing defamation and ‘whatever’ is part and parcel of what Umno has been practicing for over half a century.

It is very stupid, not intelligent and moronic if an educated politician such as Nurul Izzah Anwar made a statement to legalize apostasy.

To anyone who heard her statements in the forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” will find that the leader of the opposition’s daughter had never said that.

The forum that used English as a medium can be easily manipulated by the Umno-owned media to the majority of Malays in villages who do not understand the language.

Nurul Izzah’s action in instructing her lawyer to take legal action and make a report to JAIS regarding the defamation which was issued by the Umno-owned media was the best approach.

Yaakob – Farmers Income Targeted at RM3, 000

KUALA LANGAT, 12 Nov: To continue the development of agriculture in Selangor, the State Government targets farmers to earn RM 3,000 and above per month from the proceeds of their cultivation.

Selangor Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneurial Development Exco, Dr. Yaakob Sapari said that this would be done through research to modernise and improve crop harvest.

Yaakob said that the State Government would also ensure that only farmers get agricultural land and not those who were not involved in the industry.

To achieve this goal, the State Government also hopes that the farmers would market their produce without a middle man to save costs.

He said that this approach can reduce the cost of expenditure as much as RM 500 to RM 700 per month.

Agriculture is a field that will provide handsome returns should farmers pay serious attention to it,” Yaakob said in during the visitation session at the Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM) here at Kampung Sungai Kelambu.

“We also want the youth to participate in agriculture especially university graduates.”

“This way agriculture can be developed because of participation from the educated,” he said.

“With the determination from the State and all parties involved, it has been recorded that Selangor produces about 60 percent of the country’s agriculture.”

The Number of Flood Victims in Selangor Rises

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: Selangor recorded an increase in flood victims amounting to 1,327 victims in three districts, Kuala Langat, Sepang and Kuala Selangor in comparison to 1,273 people victims last night.

According to the National Security Council (MKN) flood web portal, Kuala Langat district recorded the highest number of victims, 954 victims, who have been placed in four evacuation centres till 9 o’clock this morning.

A total of seven evacuation centres have been setup to accommodate the increasing number of flood victims with the highest number of victims in Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia Bukit Changgang amounting to 772 victims.

Meanwhile, heavy rain in Bestari Jaya since a few days has caused the total of flood victims to increase from 15 to 33 people until 12 o’clock noon yesterday.

All the victims have been placed in Kampung Seri Makmur Evacuation Centre, Bestari Jaya involving eight families.

Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) web portal reported, water levels of the two main rivers, Sungai Langat in Bukit Changgang and Sungai Selangor in Kuala Badong, have exceeded the warning levels and people in the surrounding areas have been asked to be careful.

People Support AES Delay by the Selangor State Government

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: The Selangor State Government’s decision to delay the implementation of the Automated Enforcement System (AES) is supported by people of the state.

TV Selangor’s survey around Shah Alam found that people were dissatisfied with the sudden decision by the Federal Government without getting opinions from the public and experts.

For Mohinderjit Abdullah, 36, the AES is not only detrimental to road users, it is even placed in inappropriate and risky places.

In fact, he said, most of his family members and friends are not exempt from being targeted by AES.

“The problem with the use of AES is no sign or indication on the highway that is visible to users saying that the area is an AES zone. Some of my friends have received more than ten summons in a month.”

“For me, this clearly proves that the implementation will only burden the people and does not make sense. Because of that, the action of the Selangor State Government that to avoid the use of AES should be praised and welcomed, “said the engineer.

This is also supported by Yau Doon Kian, 52, who described the decision of the State Government, just and should be supported by the community.

“The State Government’s actions prove their thoughtfulness in helping the people. Already we are burdened with the high cost of living, the Federal Government now wants to add to the burden of the people,” he said.

For Taufik Mokhtar, 64, the action to postpone AES should be commended for it proves that the State Government understands the peoples burdens.

The taxi driver hopes that the implemention of AES will not be carried out to ensure the people are not burdened by summons payment.

“We understand the suffering of fellow citizens faced with the AES implementation. The Central Government should not waste the public’s money on summons. AES will not discipline the users, but will increase the rate of accidents, “he said.

Also supporting this is Sivasamy Angela Devi, 53, who wants AES to be stopped to avoid road users from feel stressed while driving.

“People cannot be constantly victimized. If necessary, AES can be installed on the highways but make sure it is relevant and not excessive, “she said.

Prior to this, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had taken steps to suspend the enforcement of AES in the state as it was irrelevant and illegal.

He said, the decision was taken after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) failed to prove that AES is the best way to cope with the increasing rate of road accidents.

In fact according to him, the Ministry of Transport had failed to get permission to build the structure for the AES from the Local Authority (PBT).

Apostasy Happened in the Umno-BN Era, They Should Blame Themselves, says Tuan Ibrahim

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: The Umno-BN government should blame themselves on the issue of Muslim apostasy because as history proves it happened at the time of their administration when some Muslims’ applications were approved for the very same purpose.

PAS Information Chief, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said apostasy in Islam is a big offence and should not be allowed.

According to him, the statement made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, that last year there were 168 apostasy applications approved, and should be seriously contemplated by the Umno-BN government before blaming others with issues of which legitimacy is still unconfirmed.

“We too feel strange at how religious councils can approve apostasy because if taken from the viewpoint of Islam, apostasy is a capital offense and it should not be religious departments or ministers that are responsible for making the approval.”

“Instead those who want to renounce should be guided and faith should be preserved through guidance councils or faith strengthening programs. We feel disappointed with the statement when their application is approved, that is precisely the clarification we need from him (Jamil Khir),” he told TV Selangor when contacted here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said, for PAS leaders, the issue regarding PKR Vice-President, Nurul Izzah Anwar, was suddenly amplified by Umno-BN leaders with reports in mainstream media that is under their control.

He said that the issue should not be politicised and Nurul Izzah herself should respond to clarify the statement she made.

“What exactly was said? When we reviewed the report by Utusan Malaysia, Utusan Malaysia clearly slandered and manipulated the truth.”

“I think this issue is not to prevent and preserve the faith because previously Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who insulted Islam, was not criticized by Umno-BN leaders at all and the also statement by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) who reject Hudud law,” he said.

In a forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” that took place recently, Nurul Izzah as a panelist was alleged for making a statement that freedom of religion should apply to all, including the Malays.

Nurul Izzah, however, denied the matter and appeared to clarify things at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) last Saturday.

People’s Mega Rally on January 12 To Overcome BERSIH 3.0

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: ‘Million People Mega Rally Demanding Eight Reforms’ is expected to be able to overcome the turnout of the BERSIH 3.0 rally on April 28.

The expectation is based on a significant increase in awareness among the people of this country when claims for clean and fair elections have been rejected by the Election Commission (SPR), resulting outrage from the people.

In addition, the overwhelming response from the public to the People’s Uprising Assembly held at Taman Seremban Jaya, Senawang recently is giving measure to what kind of response would be received by the mega rally.

The Organising Committee of the Advocates, Hishamuddin Rais told TV Selangor today, after non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections Coalition (BERSIH) held its meeting last night.

“We see it like this, if the People’s Uprising Assembly in Seremban is held in a rain storm and is able to pull 20 to 30 thousand people, this is capable of being even bigger than BERSIH 3.0.”

“I think this rally is even more mega than mega, even bigger than big, more thorough than thorough, and I would like to call upon the people of the country to show our unity in demanding our rights as citizens of Malaysia,” remarked Hishamuddin.

However, he declined to reveal further details today’s meeting and only reveal it in a press conference to be held on the 29 of November.

In that same press conference information on roles that the NGOs involved will play, including BERSIH.

He said, the organizers will also be planning carefully to patch-up any weakness that were present in previous rallies.

According to him, apart from BERSIH, the rallies that will be held in Kuala Lumpur is also joint-organized by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Abloish ISA Movement (GMI) and others.

“The assembly will be held in Kuala Lumpur, but we have not confirmed the exact location yet, whether it will be at Merdeka Square or elsewhere,” he continued.

CM: No Need for Elections to Help the Rakyat

KLANG, 12 Nov: Improving the quality of life of the rakyat should be done completely without alienating or denying the rights of certain races, says Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

He said that only with a balanced development, racial and cultural harmony can exist and be enjoyed together.

“The people of Selangor are feeling the economic development made by Pakatan Rakyat (PR). Selangor people have already been feeling the distribution of allocation consistently to each race since 2008.

“We do not need to wait for the elections to allocate funds, but it is given every year because it is the right of the people,” he said while attending the Deepavali Celebration at Jalan Tengku Kelana, here yesterday evening.

The ceremony was organized by the Selangor State Government in collaboration with Digi Telecommunications.

Also present, was Selangor Excos, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Ronnie Liu and Dr. Yaakob Sapari, MPs and Selangor assemblyman as well as the Head of Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Ikhsan Mukri and MPK Council members.

At the same event, the State Government also contributed a total of RM1.2 million to a number of non-Muslim places of worship around Klang.

In the meantime, the Chief Minister said that the State Government along with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have devised strategies to implement programs for the development of Tamil schools in Selangor.

“Hopefully, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Tamil Schools Board of Governors make use of the opportunity and the space available to help these governmental initiatives for the benefit of children who are studying in Tamil schools,” he said.

Farmers Should Practice Eco-Friendly Farming

SUNGAI BESAR, 12 Nov: Farmers are encouraged to implement eco-friendly paddy farming using organic fertilizers in an effort to reduce the cost of using chemical fertilizers that are increasing in price from time to time.

Sekinchan assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim said that Selangor has taken first steps in the implementation of environment-friendly farming by encouraging farmers to use the System Rice Intensification (SRI) technique to reduce the cost of rice cultivation and water pollution.

“Farmers who dare to start using organic fertilizers in stages will abandon the use of chemical fertilizers,” he said.

According to him, when farmers use organic fertilizers it would indirectly reduce the level of chemical wastage that exist in rivers and irrigation channels.

“Ultimately by using eco-friendly methods, the fish will return to the fields, fishes have reduced due to usage of different types toxins that are poisonous,” he said during the SRI Rice Seeds opening ceremony at Tali Air 14, Simpang Lima here.

Meanwhile, Kedah Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Exco, Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah said, the nature of sustainable agricultural practices will provide long-term benefits to future generations.

He said, the SRI method will be extended throughout the state of Kedah and efforts to provide explanation and guidance to farmers, will be extended.

“Environmentally sustainable practices are more approachable and have won the hearts farmers who are from areas of poor communities because the materials to make fertilizer can be attained around them,” he said.

He said the use of environmentally friendly methods is to ensure environmental sustainability in the long run in the paddy fields which are the source of food.

“This method that we are presenting to the community is so that they can utilise this knowledge for the welfare of the people and ensure sufficient food production due to the increase in population and the shortage of agricultural land,” he said.

ANAK to Launch Women’s Division This December

SHAH ALAM, 12 NOV: The National Felda Children’s Association (Anak) will launch a women’s division as another fighting branch which will raise issues regarding Felda women.

This matter was informed by its chairman, Mazlan Aliman, who sees this effort as an important focus for Anak after entering the second phase of its establishment on 4 November 2007.

According to him, this step was decided as a result of the briefing made at the Anak Strategy Workshop which was held in Gombak on 9 and 10 November.

“To give a better life to women in Felda, we will launch Anak’s women’s division on this December as a mechanism for how the role of intellectual women inside and outside Felda (can be expanded) for a better and secured life.

“All this while their roles were small and seemingly ignored in Felda,” he said when contacted by TV Selangor.

Commenting on the establishment of Anak which has entered its sixth year, Mazlan said the first five years were the period of introducing Anak’s fight and seeing how far it can contribute to the people of Felda.

He explains that the strategy workshop which was participated by 30 senior leaders of Felda briefed four matters which gave focus to housing issues and the plight of the second and third generations of Felda.

“We came to a decision that for this second phase, is the process of the direction of the settler’s children such as settlers’ farms, acquisition process which will lead to how the settler’s children can contribute.

“The matter of living comfort, namely accommodations (were also discussed). When we fought for housing issues, it succeeded in pressuring the government with the announcement which was made yesterday (Felda New Generation Assembly),” he said.

Income Growth for Paddy Farmers Using SRI Technique

SUNGAI BESAR, 12 Nov: Paddy farmers who are using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) stated that their incomes had risen since using that method.

The SRI method is one of the projects under the Chief Minister Incorporated (MBI) with the Selangor Department of Agriculture which has had tremendous support from the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to increase farmers income in the state.

The system which was introduced to farmers around Tanjong Karang, Sekinchan and Sungai Besar about three years ago is increasingly getting the attention of farmers because the system has proved to be capable of yielding better results compared to the conventional way at the moment.

According to farmer, Fadzlin Taslimin, 60, since using the SRI method for the last few seasons, paddy planting has become more fertile and that the use of unsafe chemical pesticides is no longer necessary.

He said, the cost now is only around RM1,600 compared to more than RM5, 000 previously.

“This season I expect the cost to be less than RM1, 000,” said Fadzlin during the launching ceremony of SRI Paddy Seeds at Tali Air 14 Simpang Lima here.

Mohd Subki, 40, said that his health has been improving as no longer needs to wallow around, using various chemical pesticides that are harmful to his health.

He said he is now able to get up to 10 tonnes compared to only 5 tons previously and expects these figures to improve further in the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, according to the Selangor SRI Paddy Advisor, Noorazimah Taharim who explained how the method works said, paddy farmers can conserve of up to 50 percent of water usage in the paddy fields, thus overcoming irrigation in the paddy fields during drought.

She said that with the SRI method, farmers can produce fertilizer and insect repellents which are easily and readily available around the village area.

Farmers can produce fertilizer from bamboo shoots, apple snails, pineapples, bael (labu kayu), water spinach (kangkung), amaranth leaves (bayam), banana hump, bananas, cocoa, coconut husk, coconut bud, eggshells and bones.

Meanwhile, to make the pesticides, farmers can use garlic, chilli, soursop leaves, ‘mambu’ leaves, galangal (lengkuas), ginger, lemongrass, bael fruit and tobacco.

He said, this method requires only about 5 kilograms per hectare including the seeds for sowing which will nearly 90 percent compared to the conventional method.

“The increase in revenue that can be attained is up to 11 tonnes per hectare and there are also reports that profits can reach up to 15 tonnes per hectare in Indonesia, India, China and Afghanistan through SRI methods that are becoming more common in countries around the world,” he said.