August 27, 2008 20:30 PM
T'erengganu Builds State Science Centre Worth RM45 Million
KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government is building a science centre worth around RM45 million in Kubang Ikan, Cendering, near here.
Terengganu Creativity and Science Centre Affairs Director Dr Mohd Zaki Mohd Said said the science centre would focus more on Islamic science and was being constructed on a eight hectare site.
"It will be completed by middle of next year," he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the 2008 Terengganu Astronomy Experience Seminar at the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department, here Wednesday.
Dr Mohd Zaki said the science centre would become a public attraction especially among school students wanting to see scientific instruments that would be on display when the centre starts its operations.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
NTB ties-up with four companies in kenaf venture
NTB ties-up with four companies in kenaf venture
11 April, 2008
Malaysia is set to move into full-fledged commercialisation of kenaf- a new industrial crop, following the participation of the National Tobacco Board and four companies in the country, which will pump in an initial investment of RM35.5 million.
The National Tobacco Board (NTB), yesterday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Integralwood Sdn Bhd, for the commercialisation and production of kenaf biocomposites in Kota Baru. NTB also signed letters of intent for similar collaborations with three other companies- KEFI Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd, and Kenaf Natural Fibre Industries Sdn Bhd.
Besides the tie-ups with the four companies, NTB will also be working with Unisains Holding Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Newsprint Industries for the pre-commercialisation of kenaf in the production of paper and pulp.
The Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, who witnessed the signing of the deals at Putrajaya, said the four companies would cooperate with NTB in setting up a collecting, processing, marketing and collection Centre (CPMC) for the crop.
The cultivation and processing of Kenaf have been identified for promotion under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), which covers the States of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.
This year, NTB plans to plant 1,000ha of the crop, which is more than double the 400ha allocated for the crop last year. NTB aims to use kenaf as an alternative crop for the 5,000 tobacco farmers located along the east coast, in anticipation of a reduction in the import duties for tobacco in 2010, under the Asean Free Trade Area, which would lead to a decline in the prices of local tobacco.
Adapted from "NST Business Times", 11 April, 2008
11 April, 2008
Malaysia is set to move into full-fledged commercialisation of kenaf- a new industrial crop, following the participation of the National Tobacco Board and four companies in the country, which will pump in an initial investment of RM35.5 million.
The National Tobacco Board (NTB), yesterday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Integralwood Sdn Bhd, for the commercialisation and production of kenaf biocomposites in Kota Baru. NTB also signed letters of intent for similar collaborations with three other companies- KEFI Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd, and Kenaf Natural Fibre Industries Sdn Bhd.
Besides the tie-ups with the four companies, NTB will also be working with Unisains Holding Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Newsprint Industries for the pre-commercialisation of kenaf in the production of paper and pulp.
The Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, who witnessed the signing of the deals at Putrajaya, said the four companies would cooperate with NTB in setting up a collecting, processing, marketing and collection Centre (CPMC) for the crop.
The cultivation and processing of Kenaf have been identified for promotion under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), which covers the States of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.
This year, NTB plans to plant 1,000ha of the crop, which is more than double the 400ha allocated for the crop last year. NTB aims to use kenaf as an alternative crop for the 5,000 tobacco farmers located along the east coast, in anticipation of a reduction in the import duties for tobacco in 2010, under the Asean Free Trade Area, which would lead to a decline in the prices of local tobacco.
Adapted from "NST Business Times", 11 April, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
GEORGE KENT BID FOR RM400M PAHANG-SELANGOR WATER TRANSFER JOB
GEORGE KENT BID FOR RM400M PAHANG-SELANGOR WATER TRANSFER JOB
Business 2008-08-25 23:45 Sin Chew Online
GEORGE KENT (M) has submitted its bid for a RM400m job to build raw water intake and piping stations for the RM9 bil.Pahang-Selangor interstate raw water transfer project.
" .... The project has been divided into several packages,and we are at the pre-qualification stage for Package 3A...."said MD - LEE PUI LENG. The project is scheduled to be completed in 36 months.
LEE was quoted in THE EDGEONLINE on Jul 23, 2008 saying that the results of the tender will be known in 2 to 3 months time.He also said that George Kent would bid for other water-related projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
PAHANG-SELANGOR WATER TRANSFER TUNNELLING SHORT-LIST
Under the water transfer project, water from three drainage basins of the Pahang River viz. Kelau, Telemong and Bentong will be transferred to Selangor via pipelines.
Three Japanese companies have been shortlisted to carry out the tunneling portion: SHIMIZU CORP which has UEM GROUP and IJM CORP as its partners, TAISEI CORP (with HRA TEGUH sb)and a stand-alone bid by KAJIMA CORP.
The water intake and piping stations will be used to pump raw water to the tunnel for the transfer to Selangor.
PRICE INCREASE OF PRODUCTS
GEORGE KENT - Chariman - TAN KAY HOCK said the Company had increased the prices of its products to mitigate the current high commodity prices.
" .... The raw material prices have been going up since five years ago, and the prices are now five times higher. However, we are still able to keep the margins ...." he said.
GEORGE KENT reported a flat Net Profit of RM1.9m for its1QE Apr 30, 2008, compared to RM1.8m in 1QE Apr 2007, whilerevenue surged 56.3% to RM25.6m from RM16.4m, on the back ofhigher sales of products and services.
The domestic market contributed 89.4% or RM22.9m to itsrevenue, while overseas markets accounted for the remaining RM2.7m. The Company exports to Europe, the Middle East, Africa,Australia and New Zealand.(By KLSETRACKER.com
Business 2008-08-25 23:45 Sin Chew Online
GEORGE KENT (M) has submitted its bid for a RM400m job to build raw water intake and piping stations for the RM9 bil.Pahang-Selangor interstate raw water transfer project.
" .... The project has been divided into several packages,and we are at the pre-qualification stage for Package 3A...."said MD - LEE PUI LENG. The project is scheduled to be completed in 36 months.
LEE was quoted in THE EDGEONLINE on Jul 23, 2008 saying that the results of the tender will be known in 2 to 3 months time.He also said that George Kent would bid for other water-related projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
PAHANG-SELANGOR WATER TRANSFER TUNNELLING SHORT-LIST
Under the water transfer project, water from three drainage basins of the Pahang River viz. Kelau, Telemong and Bentong will be transferred to Selangor via pipelines.
Three Japanese companies have been shortlisted to carry out the tunneling portion: SHIMIZU CORP which has UEM GROUP and IJM CORP as its partners, TAISEI CORP (with HRA TEGUH sb)and a stand-alone bid by KAJIMA CORP.
The water intake and piping stations will be used to pump raw water to the tunnel for the transfer to Selangor.
PRICE INCREASE OF PRODUCTS
GEORGE KENT - Chariman - TAN KAY HOCK said the Company had increased the prices of its products to mitigate the current high commodity prices.
" .... The raw material prices have been going up since five years ago, and the prices are now five times higher. However, we are still able to keep the margins ...." he said.
GEORGE KENT reported a flat Net Profit of RM1.9m for its1QE Apr 30, 2008, compared to RM1.8m in 1QE Apr 2007, whilerevenue surged 56.3% to RM25.6m from RM16.4m, on the back ofhigher sales of products and services.
The domestic market contributed 89.4% or RM22.9m to itsrevenue, while overseas markets accounted for the remaining RM2.7m. The Company exports to Europe, the Middle East, Africa,Australia and New Zealand.(By KLSETRACKER.com
Terengganu to use oil royalty to help students pursue higher education abroad
2008/08/24
Terengganu to use oil royalty to help students pursue higher education abroad
BERNAMA
KUALA TERENGGANU, SUN:
The state government will create a special scheme using oil royalty money to help Terengganu students to pursue higher education abroad.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the allocation would be channelled through the Terengganu Foundation and that the state government was studying the best mechanism to implement the scheme.
The state government expects to receive the royalty in September.
“We will invest part of the oil royalty money into the Terengganu Foundation so that more students will be able to study overseas.
“We don’t want Terengganu students to be left behind in education due to lack of sponsorship. We will announce the scheme when the time comes,” he said when opening a public examination excellence programme here today. Ahmad said at the moment the foundation was allocated with RM50 million a year to sponsor students to pursue higher education.
He said Terengganu hoped to create more professionals and had sent 50 students to study medicine in Indonesia and Egypt and would send another 50 to Russia to take similiar course next year.
He also said that the state government had set the target of increasing the percentage of UPSR students obtaining 5As to 20 per cent this year compared to 17 per cent last year.
He was also confident that with hard work and cooperation from students, parents and teachers, the target to increase the percentage of students scoring A in all subjects would increase by 10 per cent at the PMR level, five per cent at the SPM and 1.5 per cent at the STPM.
Terengganu to use oil royalty to help students pursue higher education abroad
BERNAMA
KUALA TERENGGANU, SUN:
The state government will create a special scheme using oil royalty money to help Terengganu students to pursue higher education abroad.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the allocation would be channelled through the Terengganu Foundation and that the state government was studying the best mechanism to implement the scheme.
The state government expects to receive the royalty in September.
“We will invest part of the oil royalty money into the Terengganu Foundation so that more students will be able to study overseas.
“We don’t want Terengganu students to be left behind in education due to lack of sponsorship. We will announce the scheme when the time comes,” he said when opening a public examination excellence programme here today. Ahmad said at the moment the foundation was allocated with RM50 million a year to sponsor students to pursue higher education.
He said Terengganu hoped to create more professionals and had sent 50 students to study medicine in Indonesia and Egypt and would send another 50 to Russia to take similiar course next year.
He also said that the state government had set the target of increasing the percentage of UPSR students obtaining 5As to 20 per cent this year compared to 17 per cent last year.
He was also confident that with hard work and cooperation from students, parents and teachers, the target to increase the percentage of students scoring A in all subjects would increase by 10 per cent at the PMR level, five per cent at the SPM and 1.5 per cent at the STPM.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
HSBT asked to give more details on broadband service
Friday August 22, 2008
HSBT asked to give more details on broadband service
PETALING JAYA: High Speed Broadband Technology Sdn Bhd (HSBT) had its say yesterday on its proposed privately funded RM18bil high-speed broadband (HSBB) project but was told to submit a detailed proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Broadband in a week.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, who led a 10-member team to the meeting, made the presentation, which lasted about 20 minutes and elicited several questions.
Those in the know say HSBT presented a concept paper and the committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants to look at its detailed proposal before making a decision.
Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob
It is learnt that Energy, Water and Communication Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor, his senior ministry officials and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission chairman Datuk Halim Shafie were among those present at the meeting.
Giving HSBT a chance to present its case means the Government is willing to listen to other parties with alternative proposals to wire up the country and the signing of the RM11.3bil HSBB project with Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is on hold.
The HSBB project came about when the Government decided to increase broadband penetration in Malaysia.
The initial plan valued the project at RM15.2bil but it was later scaled down to RM11.3bil in a private sector/government initiative. TM was the “preferred partner’’ based on one proposal, sources said.
Of the project cost, the Government will fork out RM2.4bil and TM the balance RM8.9bil. A total of 1.3 million lines are to be rolled out under zone 1, covering the Klang Valley, Iskandar Malaysia and industrial areas nationwide.
The agreement signing was originally slated for July 1 but was delayed as the Government needed time to sort out its portion of the funding.
A new date was then fixed for Aug 14 but just days before that, it was called off again as the committee wanted to see HSBT’s proposal.
HSBT is a special purpose vehicle with a paid-up capital of RM1mil. It is jointly owned by Pahang government unit Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd and privately-owned Bumiraya Resources Sdn Bhd. Adnan is chairman of Pahang Technology Resources.
HSBT wants to wire up 2.5 million premises over 10 years at a cost of RM18bil with private funds and plans to issue bonds to secure funding if given a chance.
HSBT’s technology partners are renowned Japanese, South Korean and Swedish vendors who are able to deploy a network that offers higher speed than what TM is proposing.
In a report, an analyst said the capital expenditure (capex) for HSBT was lower at RM7,200 per line compared with TM’s RM8,700. “If HSBT’s figures are reliable, it also raises the question why TM’s capex per line is substantially higher when TM already has an extensive fibre-optic trunk and back haul.’’ the analyst said.
Up to Tuesday, TM is said to be still lobbying to cement its hold on the HSBB project by meeting senior government officials.
Up to now, HSBT has made enough noise to be heard but it is unclear if the company stands a chance of overturning TM’s fate in the HSBB project.
Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see how the Government evaluates HSBB’s detailed proposal while taking cognisance that TM undeniably has the track record while HBST has the will to tap private funds for the project.
HSBT asked to give more details on broadband service
PETALING JAYA: High Speed Broadband Technology Sdn Bhd (HSBT) had its say yesterday on its proposed privately funded RM18bil high-speed broadband (HSBB) project but was told to submit a detailed proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Broadband in a week.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, who led a 10-member team to the meeting, made the presentation, which lasted about 20 minutes and elicited several questions.
Those in the know say HSBT presented a concept paper and the committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants to look at its detailed proposal before making a decision.
Datuk Seri Adnan YaakobIt is learnt that Energy, Water and Communication Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor, his senior ministry officials and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission chairman Datuk Halim Shafie were among those present at the meeting.
Giving HSBT a chance to present its case means the Government is willing to listen to other parties with alternative proposals to wire up the country and the signing of the RM11.3bil HSBB project with Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is on hold.
The HSBB project came about when the Government decided to increase broadband penetration in Malaysia.
The initial plan valued the project at RM15.2bil but it was later scaled down to RM11.3bil in a private sector/government initiative. TM was the “preferred partner’’ based on one proposal, sources said.
Of the project cost, the Government will fork out RM2.4bil and TM the balance RM8.9bil. A total of 1.3 million lines are to be rolled out under zone 1, covering the Klang Valley, Iskandar Malaysia and industrial areas nationwide.
The agreement signing was originally slated for July 1 but was delayed as the Government needed time to sort out its portion of the funding.
A new date was then fixed for Aug 14 but just days before that, it was called off again as the committee wanted to see HSBT’s proposal.
HSBT is a special purpose vehicle with a paid-up capital of RM1mil. It is jointly owned by Pahang government unit Pahang Technology Resources Sdn Bhd and privately-owned Bumiraya Resources Sdn Bhd. Adnan is chairman of Pahang Technology Resources.
HSBT wants to wire up 2.5 million premises over 10 years at a cost of RM18bil with private funds and plans to issue bonds to secure funding if given a chance.
HSBT’s technology partners are renowned Japanese, South Korean and Swedish vendors who are able to deploy a network that offers higher speed than what TM is proposing.
In a report, an analyst said the capital expenditure (capex) for HSBT was lower at RM7,200 per line compared with TM’s RM8,700. “If HSBT’s figures are reliable, it also raises the question why TM’s capex per line is substantially higher when TM already has an extensive fibre-optic trunk and back haul.’’ the analyst said.
Up to Tuesday, TM is said to be still lobbying to cement its hold on the HSBB project by meeting senior government officials.
Up to now, HSBT has made enough noise to be heard but it is unclear if the company stands a chance of overturning TM’s fate in the HSBB project.
Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see how the Government evaluates HSBB’s detailed proposal while taking cognisance that TM undeniably has the track record while HBST has the will to tap private funds for the project.
Terengganu acquires taste for mushrooms
2008/08/23
Terengganu acquires taste for mushrooms
By : Rosli Zakaria
Mat Yusof with a sample of a mushroom that can provide growers with good returns.
KUALA TERENGGANU: Mushroom cultivation will be promoted as one of the state's ventures, as it has proven to be successful in providing the poor with a stable income.
With low technology application and low starting capital, coupled with a high demand and good market price, makes it an ideal backyard venture.
"You only need a small space in the backyard and you need not spend too much on building a shed.
"With a bit of training, you can already start a small project," said Mat Yusof, an officer at the Agriculture Department research station in Ajil, Hulu Terengganu.
The station has started propagating the mycelium collected from fresh and high quality mushrooms that will enable the cloning of the spores, which will later be transferred into a growing medium such as sterilized wheat or sawdust.
At the moment, the commercial mushroom growers are getting the spores from Johor and Selangor, but with the station given the tasks of producing more of them, there will soon be more than enough for both commercial growers and participants of poverty eradication projects.
"Mushrooms have a short life cycle but they can be grown all year round.
"As such they can be harvested continuously.
"Moreover, their market price is high and so is their yield.
"A shed with about 1,000 healthy bags of spores can produce four kilogrammes of mushrooms a day, and at a price of RM10 a kg, a participant can easily earn RM40 a day.
"And mushrooms can be harvested everyday."
Although the life cycle of mushrooms is only two weeks, a scheduled production will enable participants to consistently produce them all year round.
Mat said despite high demand outside the state, the demand for the fleshy oyster mushrooms was also growing in Terengganu based on a study done by the station at wet markets.
"Attempts must be made to promote mushrooms.
"There is also a potential for growers to be employed as contract farmers for companies which produce canned mushrooms."
Terengganu acquires taste for mushrooms
By : Rosli Zakaria
Mat Yusof with a sample of a mushroom that can provide growers with good returns. KUALA TERENGGANU: Mushroom cultivation will be promoted as one of the state's ventures, as it has proven to be successful in providing the poor with a stable income.
With low technology application and low starting capital, coupled with a high demand and good market price, makes it an ideal backyard venture.
"You only need a small space in the backyard and you need not spend too much on building a shed.
"With a bit of training, you can already start a small project," said Mat Yusof, an officer at the Agriculture Department research station in Ajil, Hulu Terengganu.
The station has started propagating the mycelium collected from fresh and high quality mushrooms that will enable the cloning of the spores, which will later be transferred into a growing medium such as sterilized wheat or sawdust.
At the moment, the commercial mushroom growers are getting the spores from Johor and Selangor, but with the station given the tasks of producing more of them, there will soon be more than enough for both commercial growers and participants of poverty eradication projects.
"Mushrooms have a short life cycle but they can be grown all year round.
"As such they can be harvested continuously.
"Moreover, their market price is high and so is their yield.
"A shed with about 1,000 healthy bags of spores can produce four kilogrammes of mushrooms a day, and at a price of RM10 a kg, a participant can easily earn RM40 a day.
"And mushrooms can be harvested everyday."
Although the life cycle of mushrooms is only two weeks, a scheduled production will enable participants to consistently produce them all year round.
Mat said despite high demand outside the state, the demand for the fleshy oyster mushrooms was also growing in Terengganu based on a study done by the station at wet markets.
"Attempts must be made to promote mushrooms.
"There is also a potential for growers to be employed as contract farmers for companies which produce canned mushrooms."
Samsung Cheil's Participation In ECER Reflects Investor Confidence In Economy, Says Abdullah
Samsung Cheil's Participation In ECER Reflects Investor Confidence In Economy, Says Abdullah
BACHOK, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The participation of Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated of South Korea in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) showed foreign investors continued to have strong confidence in Malaysia's economy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Friday.
Hence, efforts must be doubled to ensure ECER initiatives continued to receive investors' attention and attract them to the ECER region," he said when launching a kenaf centre for collection, processing, packaging and distribution and the first shipment of kenaf powder to South Korea at Beris Lalang here.
He said projects such as kenaf cultivation were in line with the government's policy to strengthen the agriculture and agro-based industry sector where emphasis was given to large-scale value-added agricultural activities involving application of hi-tech and modern technology.
"I hope kenaf will achieve the same success like oil palm," he said.
Kenaf is a plant whose stem produces a coarse fibre on the outer layer and a finer one in the core. The plant can grow up to 1.5-3.5 metres and has a long history of cultivation for its fibre in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, parts of Africa and to a small extent, South-East Europe.
The centre is a collaborative effort between Malaysia's Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd (SASB) and Samsung Cheil to develop and export kenaf polymer composites.
The kenaf powder will be used in the production of kenaf polymer composite material for electronics and automotive parts.
SASB and Samsung Cheil, which have teamed up to develop and export kenaf polymer composites, are eyeing South Korea and Japan markets.
They have set an initial target to export 1,000 tonnes of kenaf powder a month to South Korea, with an aim to expand it to 2,000 tonnes per month to include shipments to Japan.
A 10,000 hectare in ECER will be planted with kenaf in Bachok and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan and Setiu and Marang in Terengganu to increase the income of 10,000 tobacco farmers and to create more jobs.
Present were Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Amirsham A. Aziz, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaacob, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John also attended the launch.
-- BERNAMA
BACHOK, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The participation of Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated of South Korea in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) showed foreign investors continued to have strong confidence in Malaysia's economy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Friday.
Hence, efforts must be doubled to ensure ECER initiatives continued to receive investors' attention and attract them to the ECER region," he said when launching a kenaf centre for collection, processing, packaging and distribution and the first shipment of kenaf powder to South Korea at Beris Lalang here.
He said projects such as kenaf cultivation were in line with the government's policy to strengthen the agriculture and agro-based industry sector where emphasis was given to large-scale value-added agricultural activities involving application of hi-tech and modern technology.
"I hope kenaf will achieve the same success like oil palm," he said.
Kenaf is a plant whose stem produces a coarse fibre on the outer layer and a finer one in the core. The plant can grow up to 1.5-3.5 metres and has a long history of cultivation for its fibre in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, parts of Africa and to a small extent, South-East Europe.
The centre is a collaborative effort between Malaysia's Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd (SASB) and Samsung Cheil to develop and export kenaf polymer composites.
The kenaf powder will be used in the production of kenaf polymer composite material for electronics and automotive parts.
SASB and Samsung Cheil, which have teamed up to develop and export kenaf polymer composites, are eyeing South Korea and Japan markets.
They have set an initial target to export 1,000 tonnes of kenaf powder a month to South Korea, with an aim to expand it to 2,000 tonnes per month to include shipments to Japan.
A 10,000 hectare in ECER will be planted with kenaf in Bachok and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan and Setiu and Marang in Terengganu to increase the income of 10,000 tobacco farmers and to create more jobs.
Present were Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Amirsham A. Aziz, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaacob, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John also attended the launch.
-- BERNAMA
Abdullah Confident Kenaf Will Become An Important New Commodity
August 22, 2008 23:47 PM
Abdullah Confident Kenaf Will Become An Important New Commodity
BACHOK, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government is confident that the planting of kenaf would grow into major industry just like rubber and palm oil.
According to the Prime Minister, Malaysia has the expertise and capability to develop kenaf as a new national industry with the main focus given to farmers.
"We have been involved in research on the crop for over 10 years now. We also have the expertise in producing palm oil products and managing huge plantations. And we also have a huge international market presence," he told reporters after opening the kenaf collection, processing, packaging and distribution centre in Beris Lalang here Friday.
Also present were Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcob, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Dr Chin Fah Kui, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said.
Abdullah said as kenaf held tremendous potential, the government had decided to expedite planting of the crop so that the commodity contributed to the nation's economy.
An today's function, Abdullah also witnessed the sending of the first consignment of kenaf powder to Korea totalling 1,000 tonnes and said the objective was to reach 2,000 tonnes monthly.
-- BERNAMA
Abdullah Confident Kenaf Will Become An Important New Commodity
BACHOK, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government is confident that the planting of kenaf would grow into major industry just like rubber and palm oil.
According to the Prime Minister, Malaysia has the expertise and capability to develop kenaf as a new national industry with the main focus given to farmers.
"We have been involved in research on the crop for over 10 years now. We also have the expertise in producing palm oil products and managing huge plantations. And we also have a huge international market presence," he told reporters after opening the kenaf collection, processing, packaging and distribution centre in Beris Lalang here Friday.
Also present were Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcob, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Dr Chin Fah Kui, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said.
Abdullah said as kenaf held tremendous potential, the government had decided to expedite planting of the crop so that the commodity contributed to the nation's economy.
An today's function, Abdullah also witnessed the sending of the first consignment of kenaf powder to Korea totalling 1,000 tonnes and said the objective was to reach 2,000 tonnes monthly.
-- BERNAMA
Kenaf farmers can expect to double their income
2008/08/22
Kenaf farmers can expect to double their income
BERNAMA
KOTA BARU, Fri.:
Kenaf farmers in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will double their income to about RM1,500 from RM750 a month previously with the launching of a Kenaf centre for collection, processing, packaging and distribution (CPPC) today.
“Today's event is significant as it brings the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) a step closer to poverty eradication,” said ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John at the launch of the centre by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The centre is a collaborative effort between Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd (SASB) and South Koreas Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated to develop and export Kenaf polymer composites.
Kenaf is a plant whose stem produces a coarse fibre on the outer layer and a finer one in the core. The plant can grow to 1.5-3.5 metres and has a long history of cultivation for its fibre in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, parts of Africa and to a small extent, South-East Europe.
Present were Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Amirsham A. Aziz, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaacob and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said also attended the event.
At the same event, SASB was acknowledged as an ECER investor which will develop and expand the kenaf industry through a Shareholders Agreement with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).
Jebasingam said given that Kenaf is a hardy, non-labour intensive crop, farmers can supplement their income by participating in integrated activities such as growing corn, breeding fish or rearing livestock.
“The self-sustenance capability of the kenaf farm can be described through this example. The farmed corn can be utilised as animal feed while animal droppings can be recycled as fertilizer for the kenaf crop,” he said.
He said these modern, integrated and sustainable economic activities would create about 400 new jobs, contract farming, entrepreneurial opportunities, management of small-scale kenaf processing centres and feedlot systems.
“Due to the short maturity cycle of Kenaf of 100 days, farmers can harvest up to several times a year. It additionally helps ECER companies climb up the value chain, explore R&D and pitches Malaysias exports competitively,” he added.
Kenaf has been introduced as a farm crop under the ECER because of the fibrous plants huge potential. The plant can be processed into paper, clothing, building material, car accessories and bio-composites.
Under ECER, 10,000 hectares will be planted with kenaf in Bachok and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan and Setiu and Marang in Terengganu to increase the income of 10,000 tobacco farmers and to create more jobs.
As one of ECERs pioneer Kenaf companies, SASB is sourcing its initial Kenaf feedstock from the National Tobacco Board, the body tasked with encouraging tobacco farmers to switch to Kenaf farming in response to post-Afta liberalisation which will make Malaysias tobacco farming less competitive.
The company has also applied for 4,000 hectares of land in Kelantan to grow Kenaf.
“Kenaf powder is used in composite materials and we forecast the demand for kenaf worldwide to be huge, especially in composite materials,” said SASB managing director Iman Shah Ismail.
“This is because Kenaf is an environmentally friendly industrial plant and an organic material recognised by the Kyoto Protocol to mitigate global warming.
“When Kenaf is used in composite materials, companies can enjoy special tax incentives when it is exported to the European Union countries and the United States,” he said.
The increase in crude oil price had also resulted in the price hike of polypropylene and polyethylene. As such, the company predicts the demand for Kenaf as a substitute and composite material will increase.
Iman said SASB had invested up to RM3 million todate and would continue to invest as the size of SASBs investment was scalable, subject to the kenaf supply.
“There are already plans for more CPPCs. Our plan is not to build one big CPPC but many optimally-sized CPPCs near the kenaf farms,” he said.
According to Principia Partners, a market consultancy specialising in polymers, plastics additives and related markets, “Polymer composites produced from natural fibre are growing at significant double-digit rates, representing one of the major growth areas for plastics additives today.
“The market for these composites is projected to nearly triple in size during the next decade and will increase demand for the nearly US$100 million additives segment of this market,” he said.
The primary driving force for these new materials is economics since natural fibres are currently priced at one-third or less of the cost of fibreglass.
Compared to natural wood, polymer composites are more resistant to wear and tear and particularly to moisture.
SASBs core business is in mid-stream and downstream Kenaf processes and products. It is a part of the AqilQisti Group of companies, with operations in media, technology, agriculture and aquaculture industries.
Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated is Koreas leading producer of fashion, chemicals and electronic chemical materials. Its major products are synthetic resins such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polystyrene (PS) and electronic chemical materials for semiconductor and digital display.
Kenaf farmers can expect to double their income
BERNAMA
KOTA BARU, Fri.:
Kenaf farmers in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will double their income to about RM1,500 from RM750 a month previously with the launching of a Kenaf centre for collection, processing, packaging and distribution (CPPC) today.
“Today's event is significant as it brings the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) a step closer to poverty eradication,” said ECER Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John at the launch of the centre by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The centre is a collaborative effort between Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd (SASB) and South Koreas Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated to develop and export Kenaf polymer composites.
Kenaf is a plant whose stem produces a coarse fibre on the outer layer and a finer one in the core. The plant can grow to 1.5-3.5 metres and has a long history of cultivation for its fibre in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, parts of Africa and to a small extent, South-East Europe.
Present were Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Amirsham A. Aziz, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaacob and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said also attended the event.
At the same event, SASB was acknowledged as an ECER investor which will develop and expand the kenaf industry through a Shareholders Agreement with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).
Jebasingam said given that Kenaf is a hardy, non-labour intensive crop, farmers can supplement their income by participating in integrated activities such as growing corn, breeding fish or rearing livestock.
“The self-sustenance capability of the kenaf farm can be described through this example. The farmed corn can be utilised as animal feed while animal droppings can be recycled as fertilizer for the kenaf crop,” he said.
He said these modern, integrated and sustainable economic activities would create about 400 new jobs, contract farming, entrepreneurial opportunities, management of small-scale kenaf processing centres and feedlot systems.
“Due to the short maturity cycle of Kenaf of 100 days, farmers can harvest up to several times a year. It additionally helps ECER companies climb up the value chain, explore R&D and pitches Malaysias exports competitively,” he added.
Kenaf has been introduced as a farm crop under the ECER because of the fibrous plants huge potential. The plant can be processed into paper, clothing, building material, car accessories and bio-composites.
Under ECER, 10,000 hectares will be planted with kenaf in Bachok and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan and Setiu and Marang in Terengganu to increase the income of 10,000 tobacco farmers and to create more jobs.
As one of ECERs pioneer Kenaf companies, SASB is sourcing its initial Kenaf feedstock from the National Tobacco Board, the body tasked with encouraging tobacco farmers to switch to Kenaf farming in response to post-Afta liberalisation which will make Malaysias tobacco farming less competitive.
The company has also applied for 4,000 hectares of land in Kelantan to grow Kenaf.
“Kenaf powder is used in composite materials and we forecast the demand for kenaf worldwide to be huge, especially in composite materials,” said SASB managing director Iman Shah Ismail.
“This is because Kenaf is an environmentally friendly industrial plant and an organic material recognised by the Kyoto Protocol to mitigate global warming.
“When Kenaf is used in composite materials, companies can enjoy special tax incentives when it is exported to the European Union countries and the United States,” he said.
The increase in crude oil price had also resulted in the price hike of polypropylene and polyethylene. As such, the company predicts the demand for Kenaf as a substitute and composite material will increase.
Iman said SASB had invested up to RM3 million todate and would continue to invest as the size of SASBs investment was scalable, subject to the kenaf supply.
“There are already plans for more CPPCs. Our plan is not to build one big CPPC but many optimally-sized CPPCs near the kenaf farms,” he said.
According to Principia Partners, a market consultancy specialising in polymers, plastics additives and related markets, “Polymer composites produced from natural fibre are growing at significant double-digit rates, representing one of the major growth areas for plastics additives today.
“The market for these composites is projected to nearly triple in size during the next decade and will increase demand for the nearly US$100 million additives segment of this market,” he said.
The primary driving force for these new materials is economics since natural fibres are currently priced at one-third or less of the cost of fibreglass.
Compared to natural wood, polymer composites are more resistant to wear and tear and particularly to moisture.
SASBs core business is in mid-stream and downstream Kenaf processes and products. It is a part of the AqilQisti Group of companies, with operations in media, technology, agriculture and aquaculture industries.
Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated is Koreas leading producer of fashion, chemicals and electronic chemical materials. Its major products are synthetic resins such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polystyrene (PS) and electronic chemical materials for semiconductor and digital display.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Beverages - Madura Industries Sdn. Bhd.
There are two main products of this company - Carbonated Drinks (Brand: Maduria) and Tongkat Ali Coffee (under GTHerb, Brand - VIKOF).
Strengh
- Already exporting
- Capacity ready
- Halal Cert
Already exporting to:
Carbonated Drinks
- Maldives
Coffee with Tongkat Ali
- Taiwan
- Japan (aim)
Contact Info:
MADURA INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD.
Lot A1 & A2 KKB, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia
Jalan Tembila, Kampung Raja
22200 Besut, Terengganu
Phone: 09-6955151
Fax : 09-6955150
Email: yamadura@yahoo.com
More on GT Herbs, click here.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Malaysia steelmaker Perwaja stock debuts lower
Malaysia steelmaker Perwaja stock debuts lower
Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:04pm EDT
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Shares of Malaysian steelmaker Perwaja Holdings PWJH.KL opened lower than their offer price on their debut on Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday at 2.70 ringgit a share.
The company had a market capitalisation of 1.6 billion ringgit ($480.2 million) based on its offer price of 2.90 ringgit in a initial offering, the largest this year in Malaysia, according to the company.
Its steel making plant, located in Kemaman, Terengganu, has a capacity of producing 1.5 million tonnes of steel annually.
(Reporting by David Chance, editing by Jalil Hamid)
* Was there about last week. Seems like Perwaja is getting busier. I worked at the Perwaja Plant under Dayacom Engineering prior to joining MATRADE so I can see the difference from 2003 when Perwaja started it's refurbishment.
Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:04pm EDT
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Shares of Malaysian steelmaker Perwaja Holdings PWJH.KL opened lower than their offer price on their debut on Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday at 2.70 ringgit a share.
The company had a market capitalisation of 1.6 billion ringgit ($480.2 million) based on its offer price of 2.90 ringgit in a initial offering, the largest this year in Malaysia, according to the company.
Its steel making plant, located in Kemaman, Terengganu, has a capacity of producing 1.5 million tonnes of steel annually.
(Reporting by David Chance, editing by Jalil Hamid)
* Was there about last week. Seems like Perwaja is getting busier. I worked at the Perwaja Plant under Dayacom Engineering prior to joining MATRADE so I can see the difference from 2003 when Perwaja started it's refurbishment.
Germany tops the list
Tuesday August 19, 2008
Germany tops the list
KUANTAN: Germany is the top foreign investor in Pahang with an investment to the tune of RM3.337bil, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.
He said other countries which also invested a substantial amount in the state were the United States, United Kingdom and Japan.
“So far, no investors pulled out from the state for whatever reason.
“I have no reason to complain as we’ve been getting about RM1.5bil of investment annually over the last 10 years.
“There is nothing to worry despite claims by certain parties on the economic uncertainties,” he said here recently.
Adnan said up to now, the state had approved a total of 403 projects with investments worth RM24bil which provided some 63,000 job opportunities.
He said out of the figure, RM14.4bil were foreign investors and the remaining RM9.7bil from locals.
“We are in the midst of discussing a mega project related to ICT.
“A piece of land fronting the seas has been earmarked for the purpose of high speed broadband,” he said.
Adnan said the state would continue to be business friendly to attract more foreign direct investment.
He said the one-stop centre had been effective in reducing red tape and streamlining approval for business and project applications.
Germany tops the list
KUANTAN: Germany is the top foreign investor in Pahang with an investment to the tune of RM3.337bil, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.
He said other countries which also invested a substantial amount in the state were the United States, United Kingdom and Japan.
“So far, no investors pulled out from the state for whatever reason.
“I have no reason to complain as we’ve been getting about RM1.5bil of investment annually over the last 10 years.
“There is nothing to worry despite claims by certain parties on the economic uncertainties,” he said here recently.
Adnan said up to now, the state had approved a total of 403 projects with investments worth RM24bil which provided some 63,000 job opportunities.
He said out of the figure, RM14.4bil were foreign investors and the remaining RM9.7bil from locals.
“We are in the midst of discussing a mega project related to ICT.
“A piece of land fronting the seas has been earmarked for the purpose of high speed broadband,” he said.
Adnan said the state would continue to be business friendly to attract more foreign direct investment.
He said the one-stop centre had been effective in reducing red tape and streamlining approval for business and project applications.
Herbal Oil - Minyak Mak Wan (Traditional Ointment)
Using traditional recipe from the past 100 years, Mak Wan's traditional oitment is well known to the Terengganu people. With their good track record, and new factory's higher capacity, Minyak Mak Wan is ready for the export market. To capture similar culture, their next destination is the Brunei market. Due to similar tradition, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia are also suitable countries for next export market.
Mak Wan Traditional Oitments also posses:
Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP)
Ministry of Health Malaysia Approval
Halal Certification
Products:
- Minyak Akar Kayu Pak Ali
- Minyak Ramuan Dhab
- Minyak Kembar
- Minyak Akar-Akar Kayu
- Minyak Warisan Pak Ali
Contact:
Koleksi Idaman Wanita
No. 28, Bangunan SEDC
Pekan Batu Enam
21200, Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09 - 666 1832
Interested Export Market
- Brunei
- Singapore
- UAE
Attached is some brochures:.
Mak Wan is in the middle.
Mak Wan Traditional Oitments also posses:
Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP)
Ministry of Health Malaysia Approval
Halal Certification
Products:
- Minyak Akar Kayu Pak Ali
- Minyak Ramuan Dhab
- Minyak Kembar
- Minyak Akar-Akar Kayu
- Minyak Warisan Pak Ali
Contact:
Koleksi Idaman Wanita
No. 28, Bangunan SEDC
Pekan Batu Enam
21200, Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09 - 666 1832
Interested Export Market
- Brunei
- Singapore
- UAE
Attached is some brochures:.
Mak Wan is in the middle.
Comment..
Thruthfully I never thought people would visit this page as it is mostly dry information and sort of quick information for me as well.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Zeti: Economic growth to moderate in 2nd half
Zeti: Economic growth to moderate in 2nd half
By Roziana Hamsawi Published: 2008/08/19
THE country's economic growth is expected to be above six per cent in the first half but will moderate in the second half, said Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
The second half figures will be impacted by rising energy and commodity prices.
For the year, Bank Negara's gross domestic product target is six per cent from 6.5 per cent initially.
Zeti yesterday said while the Asian region has experienced robust growth in the first half of 2008, regional economies will be affected by the number of current global developments.
"Although growth is expected to moderate, most economies will continue to see reasonable growth performance," she said in her keynote address at the Fourth Public-Private Dialogue for the Asia-Pacific Region in Kuala Lumpur.
The dialogue is organised by the South East Asian Central Banks Research and Training Centre in collaboration with Apec Business Advisory Council, the Asian Bankers Association and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council to discuss the development of Asia's financial systems and the implementation of Basel II.
Zeti said the Asian region will continue to face inflationary pressures but this is expected to recede with the substantial correction that recently took place following the slower pace of global growth.
She added that the Asian region is expected to weather this challenging period with the growing intra-regional trade and the expansion of its economic links with Eastern Europe and Russia, the Middle East and Latin America.
She pointed out that 60 per cent of Malaysia's trade is with the Asian region while that with the US, its single largest trading partner, has declined from 25 per cent to 15 per cent over the last 10 years.
"In this environment, the implementation of Basel II presents a powerful lever for banks to significantly enhance both their long-term resilience and their competitive advantage," she said.
Zeti said to realise the full benefits from the implementation of Basel II, its multi-faceted dimensions need to be well understood and well integrated with the financial structures, institutional practices and supervisory systems.
"Emerging markets in particular will need to ensure that supervisory interpretations of the framework are contextualised to the local conditions, and the preconditions for its effective implementation are adequately developed to avoid the potential market distortions," she added.
By Roziana Hamsawi Published: 2008/08/19
THE country's economic growth is expected to be above six per cent in the first half but will moderate in the second half, said Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
The second half figures will be impacted by rising energy and commodity prices.
For the year, Bank Negara's gross domestic product target is six per cent from 6.5 per cent initially.
Zeti yesterday said while the Asian region has experienced robust growth in the first half of 2008, regional economies will be affected by the number of current global developments.
"Although growth is expected to moderate, most economies will continue to see reasonable growth performance," she said in her keynote address at the Fourth Public-Private Dialogue for the Asia-Pacific Region in Kuala Lumpur.
The dialogue is organised by the South East Asian Central Banks Research and Training Centre in collaboration with Apec Business Advisory Council, the Asian Bankers Association and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council to discuss the development of Asia's financial systems and the implementation of Basel II.
Zeti said the Asian region will continue to face inflationary pressures but this is expected to recede with the substantial correction that recently took place following the slower pace of global growth.
She added that the Asian region is expected to weather this challenging period with the growing intra-regional trade and the expansion of its economic links with Eastern Europe and Russia, the Middle East and Latin America.
She pointed out that 60 per cent of Malaysia's trade is with the Asian region while that with the US, its single largest trading partner, has declined from 25 per cent to 15 per cent over the last 10 years.
"In this environment, the implementation of Basel II presents a powerful lever for banks to significantly enhance both their long-term resilience and their competitive advantage," she said.
Zeti said to realise the full benefits from the implementation of Basel II, its multi-faceted dimensions need to be well understood and well integrated with the financial structures, institutional practices and supervisory systems.
"Emerging markets in particular will need to ensure that supervisory interpretations of the framework are contextualised to the local conditions, and the preconditions for its effective implementation are adequately developed to avoid the potential market distortions," she added.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
ECER to see M’sia-Korea kenaf partnership
14-08-2008: ECER to see M’sia-Korea kenaf partnership
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
BACHOK: The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will see the formation of a partnership between local firm Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd (SASB) and Korea’s Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated to develop and export kenaf polymer composite.
In a statement yesterday, ECER Secretariat said the two companies would seal the technical collaboration in an exchange of documents ceremony on Aug 22, to be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Those who will be attending the ceremony include Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and ECER Development Council CEO Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.
Samsung Cheil is Korea’s leading producer of fashion, chemicals and electronic chemical materials. Its major products are synthetic resins such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene and electronic chemical materials for semiconductor and digital display.
SASB is a part of the AqilQisti group of companies, with operations in media, technology, agriculture and aquaculture industries.
ECER Secretariat said kenaf had been introduced as a farm crop in the economic corridor because of the fibrous plant’s huge potential. The plant can be processed into environmental-friendly paper, clothing, building material, car accessories and bio-composites.
Spearheaded by the National Tobacco Board, kenaf farming has also come to the forefront recently because the Asean Free Trade Area, which takes effect in 2010, will see Malaysia reduce duties on tobacco imports, making tobacco farming here less competitive.
Under the ECER, the target area for kenaf is about 10,000ha. It is expected to increase the income of 10,000 marginal tobacco farmers and create more jobs.
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
BACHOK: The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) will see the formation of a partnership between local firm Symphony Advance Sdn Bhd (SASB) and Korea’s Samsung Cheil Industries Incorporated to develop and export kenaf polymer composite.
In a statement yesterday, ECER Secretariat said the two companies would seal the technical collaboration in an exchange of documents ceremony on Aug 22, to be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Those who will be attending the ceremony include Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and ECER Development Council CEO Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.
Samsung Cheil is Korea’s leading producer of fashion, chemicals and electronic chemical materials. Its major products are synthetic resins such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene and electronic chemical materials for semiconductor and digital display.
SASB is a part of the AqilQisti group of companies, with operations in media, technology, agriculture and aquaculture industries.
ECER Secretariat said kenaf had been introduced as a farm crop in the economic corridor because of the fibrous plant’s huge potential. The plant can be processed into environmental-friendly paper, clothing, building material, car accessories and bio-composites.
Spearheaded by the National Tobacco Board, kenaf farming has also come to the forefront recently because the Asean Free Trade Area, which takes effect in 2010, will see Malaysia reduce duties on tobacco imports, making tobacco farming here less competitive.
Under the ECER, the target area for kenaf is about 10,000ha. It is expected to increase the income of 10,000 marginal tobacco farmers and create more jobs.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sultan: Be catalyst of growth
Monday August 11, 2008
Sultan: Be catalyst of growth
KOTA BARU: Sultan Tuanku Ismail Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra of Kelantan is confident that Universiti Malaysia Kelantan will use its expertise in entrepreneurship to spur the state’s economic growth.
He said the varsity was not only responsible in providing more educational opportunities to the people but could also become a catalyst of growth for the surrounding areas of its upcoming main campuses in Bachok and Jeli.
“I am happy that the university is the first in the country to make entrepreneurship its thrust, and being located in Kelantan is in keeping with the entrepreneur spirit of the people,” he said at his installation as chancellor yesterday.
Tuanku Ismail Petra hoped the university could use its expertise to support royal projects mooted by him and the Raja Perempuan to improve the livelihood of the poor in the rural areas.
“I hope the university can create excellent centres through research and development, in line with one of the objectives of the East Coast Economic Region development,” he said.
In his speech, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin asked the university to relive Kelantan’s past glory as a centre of knowledge.
He said Kelantan had once produced thinkers who were well known in the Malay archipelago and the tradition should be continued by the university.
The university focuses on business, entrepreneurship, natural resource science, creative technology and heritage, he said, adding that “the unique historical and cultural factors of Kelantan is also a source of strength for the university.” – Bernama
Sultan: Be catalyst of growth
KOTA BARU: Sultan Tuanku Ismail Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra of Kelantan is confident that Universiti Malaysia Kelantan will use its expertise in entrepreneurship to spur the state’s economic growth.
He said the varsity was not only responsible in providing more educational opportunities to the people but could also become a catalyst of growth for the surrounding areas of its upcoming main campuses in Bachok and Jeli.
“I am happy that the university is the first in the country to make entrepreneurship its thrust, and being located in Kelantan is in keeping with the entrepreneur spirit of the people,” he said at his installation as chancellor yesterday.
Tuanku Ismail Petra hoped the university could use its expertise to support royal projects mooted by him and the Raja Perempuan to improve the livelihood of the poor in the rural areas.
“I hope the university can create excellent centres through research and development, in line with one of the objectives of the East Coast Economic Region development,” he said.
In his speech, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin asked the university to relive Kelantan’s past glory as a centre of knowledge.
He said Kelantan had once produced thinkers who were well known in the Malay archipelago and the tradition should be continued by the university.
The university focuses on business, entrepreneurship, natural resource science, creative technology and heritage, he said, adding that “the unique historical and cultural factors of Kelantan is also a source of strength for the university.” – Bernama
Legend behind Pulau Perhentian
Monday August 11, 2008
Legend behind Pulau Perhentian
By ZABIDI ISHAR and
WHENEVER Pulau Perhentian is brought to mention, people think of its natural beauty, including its sparkling beaches.
This island of 2,000 people, most of them fishermen, is popular with local and international visitors and is a major contributor to Terengganu’s tourism industry.
The island’s residents have benefited as they are paid for lodging and boats for angling and snorkelling.
Thanks to the Government, there are facilities like a school, clinic and police beat base on the island.
Pulau Perhentian, surrounded by 20 smaller islands, has an interesting legend.
According to historian Yusof Awang Su in his article Tempat Sejarah Di-Terengganu (Historical Sites In Terengganu) published in the 1995 issue of Berita Darul Iman, a huge serpent once lived on the island.
Villagers named the serpent naga pulau berjuang. It was believed to have lived at a spot now known as Tanjung Basi on Pulau Perhentian Besar.
This serpent is believed to have plunged into the sea to battle another huge serpent which had threatened the island’s existence. A tract on a hill on the island is believed to have been created by the first serpent.
The islanders call this tract Jalan Naga.
The irony is that snakes on the island are believed to be non-poisonous. However, the villagers believe that an extract from the root of a herb (akar cina putih) on the island can be used as an antidote for snake bites.
They also believe that poisonous snakes are scared of the root and this is why they are not found on the island.
A resident of Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Awang Husin, 67, said that Pulau Perhentian had its first residents in the late 18th century.
The earliest settlement is believed to be in Teluk Dalam near a canal named Alur Cina.
The pioneer settlers are be-lieved to be Batin Mina and his family from Riau in the Malay Archipelago.
Batin Mina and his family are said to have taken refuge on Chinese junks to escape Dutch authorities who wanted him for attacks on European merchant ships.
In the old days, cargo vessels ferrying salt from Singora in southern Thailand to Kuala Terengganu used the island for stopovers. This is why the island is known as Pulau Perhentian.
Batin Mina became chief of Pulau Perhentian.
Upon his death, his position was taken over by his younger brother Batin Jamal.
Batin Jamal later moved to Kuala Besut and set up a new settlement in Pasir Hantu on Pulau Perhentian Kecil.
However, not all of Batin Jamal’s followers stayed in Pasir Hantu. A number of them went to Pulau Perhentian Besar and lived in Seberang Air Keruh, Seberang Mat Daham, Batu Jong and Teluk Pauh.
The last of the Batin chiefs was Batin Sidek who died in the early 1990s.
Since his demise, Pulau Perhentian has had the ketua kampung as village head.
Residents of Pulau Perhentian are traditionally farmers and fishermen.
During the Second World War, the Japanese used the island to stage their attack on Malaya and other South-East Asian nations.
There are more than 20 resorts on Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar.
Among them are Perhentian Island Resort, Coral View Island Resort, Tropical Reef, Paradise Island Resort and Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort and Chalet.
Visitors can go to Pulau Perhentian for only six months the year from March to August.
During the rest of the year, the waves are strong and dangerous, particularly during the northeast monsoon.
Saat Surif, of the Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort and Chalet, said the peak tourism season was from May to July when visitors arrive for activities like angling, scuba diving, jungle trekking and snorkelling. - Bernama
Legend behind Pulau Perhentian
By ZABIDI ISHAR and
WHENEVER Pulau Perhentian is brought to mention, people think of its natural beauty, including its sparkling beaches.
This island of 2,000 people, most of them fishermen, is popular with local and international visitors and is a major contributor to Terengganu’s tourism industry.
The island’s residents have benefited as they are paid for lodging and boats for angling and snorkelling.
Thanks to the Government, there are facilities like a school, clinic and police beat base on the island.
Pulau Perhentian, surrounded by 20 smaller islands, has an interesting legend.
According to historian Yusof Awang Su in his article Tempat Sejarah Di-Terengganu (Historical Sites In Terengganu) published in the 1995 issue of Berita Darul Iman, a huge serpent once lived on the island.
Villagers named the serpent naga pulau berjuang. It was believed to have lived at a spot now known as Tanjung Basi on Pulau Perhentian Besar.
This serpent is believed to have plunged into the sea to battle another huge serpent which had threatened the island’s existence. A tract on a hill on the island is believed to have been created by the first serpent.
The islanders call this tract Jalan Naga.
The irony is that snakes on the island are believed to be non-poisonous. However, the villagers believe that an extract from the root of a herb (akar cina putih) on the island can be used as an antidote for snake bites.
They also believe that poisonous snakes are scared of the root and this is why they are not found on the island.
A resident of Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Awang Husin, 67, said that Pulau Perhentian had its first residents in the late 18th century.
The earliest settlement is believed to be in Teluk Dalam near a canal named Alur Cina.
The pioneer settlers are be-lieved to be Batin Mina and his family from Riau in the Malay Archipelago.
Batin Mina and his family are said to have taken refuge on Chinese junks to escape Dutch authorities who wanted him for attacks on European merchant ships.
In the old days, cargo vessels ferrying salt from Singora in southern Thailand to Kuala Terengganu used the island for stopovers. This is why the island is known as Pulau Perhentian.
Batin Mina became chief of Pulau Perhentian.
Upon his death, his position was taken over by his younger brother Batin Jamal.
Batin Jamal later moved to Kuala Besut and set up a new settlement in Pasir Hantu on Pulau Perhentian Kecil.
However, not all of Batin Jamal’s followers stayed in Pasir Hantu. A number of them went to Pulau Perhentian Besar and lived in Seberang Air Keruh, Seberang Mat Daham, Batu Jong and Teluk Pauh.
The last of the Batin chiefs was Batin Sidek who died in the early 1990s.
Since his demise, Pulau Perhentian has had the ketua kampung as village head.
Residents of Pulau Perhentian are traditionally farmers and fishermen.
During the Second World War, the Japanese used the island to stage their attack on Malaya and other South-East Asian nations.
There are more than 20 resorts on Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar.
Among them are Perhentian Island Resort, Coral View Island Resort, Tropical Reef, Paradise Island Resort and Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort and Chalet.
Visitors can go to Pulau Perhentian for only six months the year from March to August.
During the rest of the year, the waves are strong and dangerous, particularly during the northeast monsoon.
Saat Surif, of the Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort and Chalet, said the peak tourism season was from May to July when visitors arrive for activities like angling, scuba diving, jungle trekking and snorkelling. - Bernama
No mega projects in the works for Terengganu
2008/08/09
No mega projects in the works for Terengganu
BERNAMA
KUALA TERENGGANU, Sat.:
The Terengganu government will not implement mega projects in the state but will focus on programmes that benefit the people, particularly the poor.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said this was aimed at improving the living standard of the target groups, in line with developments in Terengganu.
“The state government’s development concept is based on the people’s interest,” he said at a meet-the-people session at the Gong Badak Indoor Stadium here today.
Ahmad however said the state government would not object but welcome mega projects proposed by the federal government.
On another matter, the menteri besar said he was disappointed with the performance of companies owned by the state government as they had incurred losses.
“The state government takes this matter seriously and will conduct a post-mortem on the companies. We will monitor their performance and will make changes to the management if necessary.”
He urged state government subsidiaries like Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC), TDM Berhad, Golden Pharos and subsidiaries of the Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation to re-evaluate their performance aimed at meeting global challenges.
Ahmad hoped this would breathe new life into the companies, making them more focused and aimed at generating the state’s economy.
No mega projects in the works for Terengganu
BERNAMA
KUALA TERENGGANU, Sat.:
The Terengganu government will not implement mega projects in the state but will focus on programmes that benefit the people, particularly the poor.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said this was aimed at improving the living standard of the target groups, in line with developments in Terengganu.
“The state government’s development concept is based on the people’s interest,” he said at a meet-the-people session at the Gong Badak Indoor Stadium here today.
Ahmad however said the state government would not object but welcome mega projects proposed by the federal government.
On another matter, the menteri besar said he was disappointed with the performance of companies owned by the state government as they had incurred losses.
“The state government takes this matter seriously and will conduct a post-mortem on the companies. We will monitor their performance and will make changes to the management if necessary.”
He urged state government subsidiaries like Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC), TDM Berhad, Golden Pharos and subsidiaries of the Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation to re-evaluate their performance aimed at meeting global challenges.
Ahmad hoped this would breathe new life into the companies, making them more focused and aimed at generating the state’s economy.
Cargill's Shrimp Hatchery Business To Start Operations In Pahang By Year-End
Cargill's Shrimp Hatchery Business To Start Operations In Pahang By Year-End
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Cargill, an American commodity trading giant, expects its new shrimp hatchery business for aquaculture in Pahang to start operation by year-end.
Cargill Asia Pacific president/regional director Paul Conway today said the business was Cargill's first in the world, with an initial investment of RM5 million.
Elaborating further, Cargill Feed Sdn Bhd managing director Desmond Tham Yuk Sun said there is a niche for Cargill to provide SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) to the shrimp farmers in Malaysia.
"This is to help the shrimp farmers to have a good result, output more secure and a stable return," he added.
Speaking to reporters after launching its application centre for food and beverage in South East Asia, he said Cargill also wants to expand its business in cocoa and specialty fats in Malaysia.
While not ruling out acquisitions, Conway said such an exercise was now expensive and therefore it was better to grow organically.
On the application centre, Conway said the new facility expands Cargill's capabilities to partner with food and beverage manufacturers in South East Asia to create innovative new products.
"Our new facility unites Cargill's product formulation expertise for its palm oil refinering, texturizing and flavoUring businesses under one roof to better serve our customers in this region," he added.
Among the capabilities available in the application centre are development of flavours for beverage, dairy, sugar and chocolate confectionery, formulation testing of fats for baking and chocolate making, fats formulation test frying for chicken and french fries and texturizing test activities related to dairy and non-dairy products, as well as juice beverages.
On Malaysia as an investment destination, Conway said Cargill was positive about the country's investment climate, especially in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Cargill, an American commodity trading giant, expects its new shrimp hatchery business for aquaculture in Pahang to start operation by year-end.
Cargill Asia Pacific president/regional director Paul Conway today said the business was Cargill's first in the world, with an initial investment of RM5 million.
Elaborating further, Cargill Feed Sdn Bhd managing director Desmond Tham Yuk Sun said there is a niche for Cargill to provide SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) to the shrimp farmers in Malaysia.
"This is to help the shrimp farmers to have a good result, output more secure and a stable return," he added.
Speaking to reporters after launching its application centre for food and beverage in South East Asia, he said Cargill also wants to expand its business in cocoa and specialty fats in Malaysia.
While not ruling out acquisitions, Conway said such an exercise was now expensive and therefore it was better to grow organically.
On the application centre, Conway said the new facility expands Cargill's capabilities to partner with food and beverage manufacturers in South East Asia to create innovative new products.
"Our new facility unites Cargill's product formulation expertise for its palm oil refinering, texturizing and flavoUring businesses under one roof to better serve our customers in this region," he added.
Among the capabilities available in the application centre are development of flavours for beverage, dairy, sugar and chocolate confectionery, formulation testing of fats for baking and chocolate making, fats formulation test frying for chicken and french fries and texturizing test activities related to dairy and non-dairy products, as well as juice beverages.
On Malaysia as an investment destination, Conway said Cargill was positive about the country's investment climate, especially in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu eyes RM2b oil royalty
By : Rosli Zakaria
Datuk Ahmad Said says it may be feasible for Petronas to activate old oil wells now
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government expects to receive RM2 billion or more in oil royalty next month.
It is also working with the Treasury on the arrears due to the state since payment was stopped in 2000, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said yesterday.
The RM2 billion is based on the current price of crude. The state's annual oil royalty in previous years was between RM1.2 billion and RM1.4 billion.
"The people will get back what is rightly theirs. With the oil royalty back in the state's coffers, we can plan and carry out projects that are people-centric," Ahmad said at a unity gathering organised jointly by the state government and Umno.
He said the high crude prices had also prompted Petronas to consider activating old oil wells to maximise production.
"It is now economically feasible to activate the old oil wells. The reserves in such fields may be more than adequate to cover the production costs."
He said the government would not spend the oil windfall on mega projects.
Instead, it will support projects that give direct benefits to the people, especially in increasing their income. One such project is the free distribution of oil palm seedlings to villagers who have idle land around their house.
"We will give them five to 15 seedlings to be planted around their houses. In three years, the owners can start harvesting the fruits.
"If you have 10 trees, for example, you can get an average income of RM300 a month. This has been implemented in several states and it has been successful."
Ahmad cautioned government servants and politicians not to use their positions to accumulate wealth.
"If you want to be rich, be a businessman. The government is not the place for you to become rich."
Source: NST
By : Rosli Zakaria
Datuk Ahmad Said says it may be feasible for Petronas to activate old oil wells now KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government expects to receive RM2 billion or more in oil royalty next month.
It is also working with the Treasury on the arrears due to the state since payment was stopped in 2000, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said yesterday.
The RM2 billion is based on the current price of crude. The state's annual oil royalty in previous years was between RM1.2 billion and RM1.4 billion.
"The people will get back what is rightly theirs. With the oil royalty back in the state's coffers, we can plan and carry out projects that are people-centric," Ahmad said at a unity gathering organised jointly by the state government and Umno.
He said the high crude prices had also prompted Petronas to consider activating old oil wells to maximise production.
"It is now economically feasible to activate the old oil wells. The reserves in such fields may be more than adequate to cover the production costs."
He said the government would not spend the oil windfall on mega projects.
Instead, it will support projects that give direct benefits to the people, especially in increasing their income. One such project is the free distribution of oil palm seedlings to villagers who have idle land around their house.
"We will give them five to 15 seedlings to be planted around their houses. In three years, the owners can start harvesting the fruits.
"If you have 10 trees, for example, you can get an average income of RM300 a month. This has been implemented in several states and it has been successful."
Ahmad cautioned government servants and politicians not to use their positions to accumulate wealth.
"If you want to be rich, be a businessman. The government is not the place for you to become rich."
Source: NST
Terengganu eyes RM2b oil royalty
Terengganu eyes RM2b oil royalty
By : Rosli Zakaria
Datuk Ahmad Said says it may be feasible for Petronas to activate old oil wells now
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government expects to receive RM2 billion or more in oil royalty next month.
It is also working with the Treasury on the arrears due to the state since payment was stopped in 2000, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said yesterday.
The RM2 billion is based on the current price of crude. The state's annual oil royalty in previous years was between RM1.2 billion and RM1.4 billion.
"The people will get back what is rightly theirs. With the oil royalty back in the state's coffers, we can plan and carry out projects that are people-centric," Ahmad said at a unity gathering organised jointly by the state government and Umno.
He said the high crude prices had also prompted Petronas to consider activating old oil wells to maximise production.
"It is now economically feasible to activate the old oil wells. The reserves in such fields may be more than adequate to cover the production costs."
He said the government would not spend the oil windfall on mega projects.
Instead, it will support projects that give direct benefits to the people, especially in increasing their income. One such project is the free distribution of oil palm seedlings to villagers who have idle land around their house.
"We will give them five to 15 seedlings to be planted around their houses. In three years, the owners can start harvesting the fruits.
"If you have 10 trees, for example, you can get an average income of RM300 a month. This has been implemented in several states and it has been successful."
Ahmad cautioned government servants and politicians not to use their positions to accumulate wealth.
"If you want to be rich, be a businessman. The government is not the place for you to become rich."
Source: NST
By : Rosli Zakaria
Datuk Ahmad Said says it may be feasible for Petronas to activate old oil wells now KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government expects to receive RM2 billion or more in oil royalty next month.
It is also working with the Treasury on the arrears due to the state since payment was stopped in 2000, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said yesterday.
The RM2 billion is based on the current price of crude. The state's annual oil royalty in previous years was between RM1.2 billion and RM1.4 billion.
"The people will get back what is rightly theirs. With the oil royalty back in the state's coffers, we can plan and carry out projects that are people-centric," Ahmad said at a unity gathering organised jointly by the state government and Umno.
He said the high crude prices had also prompted Petronas to consider activating old oil wells to maximise production.
"It is now economically feasible to activate the old oil wells. The reserves in such fields may be more than adequate to cover the production costs."
He said the government would not spend the oil windfall on mega projects.
Instead, it will support projects that give direct benefits to the people, especially in increasing their income. One such project is the free distribution of oil palm seedlings to villagers who have idle land around their house.
"We will give them five to 15 seedlings to be planted around their houses. In three years, the owners can start harvesting the fruits.
"If you have 10 trees, for example, you can get an average income of RM300 a month. This has been implemented in several states and it has been successful."
Ahmad cautioned government servants and politicians not to use their positions to accumulate wealth.
"If you want to be rich, be a businessman. The government is not the place for you to become rich."
Source: NST
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Agropolitant Projects In Kelantan To Be Expedited, Says Mustapa
August 03, 2008 17:11 PM
Agropolitant Projects In Kelantan To Be Expedited, Says Mustapa
KOTA BAHARU, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Implementation of agropolitant projects, as outlined in the corridor development plan of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), will be expedited for the benefit of the hardcore poor in Kelantan, Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said.
He said the projects, costing RM148 million, would involve areas in south and north Kelantan.
"RM90 million has been allocated to the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) and RM58 million to the Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (Kada) for the projects," he told reporters after chairing the Kelantan Federal Action Council meeting here Sunday.
Mustapa said implementation of the projects would benefit more than 4,000 hardcore poor, who would be the project participants.
He said the projects were supposed to have been implemented earlier but delayed as proper planning was needed to ensure their success.
A national-level launch of the project will be carried out by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Kuala Lipis, Pahang on Tuesday, he added.
Meanwhile, Mustapa is confident that several new development programmes would be made for Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan second mid-term review.
He said the focus in Kelantan was to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010.
On today's meeting, Mustapa said it discussed, among other things, the establishment of a veterinary faculty at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
-- BERNAMA
Agropolitant Projects In Kelantan To Be Expedited, Says Mustapa
KOTA BAHARU, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Implementation of agropolitant projects, as outlined in the corridor development plan of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), will be expedited for the benefit of the hardcore poor in Kelantan, Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said.
He said the projects, costing RM148 million, would involve areas in south and north Kelantan.
"RM90 million has been allocated to the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) and RM58 million to the Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (Kada) for the projects," he told reporters after chairing the Kelantan Federal Action Council meeting here Sunday.
Mustapa said implementation of the projects would benefit more than 4,000 hardcore poor, who would be the project participants.
He said the projects were supposed to have been implemented earlier but delayed as proper planning was needed to ensure their success.
A national-level launch of the project will be carried out by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Kuala Lipis, Pahang on Tuesday, he added.
Meanwhile, Mustapa is confident that several new development programmes would be made for Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan second mid-term review.
He said the focus in Kelantan was to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010.
On today's meeting, Mustapa said it discussed, among other things, the establishment of a veterinary faculty at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
-- BERNAMA
Move to Limit Development so Highlands Stay Green
Move to Limit Development so Highlands Stay Green
Posted on: Tuesday, 5 August 2008, 00:00 CDT
By B. Suresh Ram
KUANTAN: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the time has come to place limits on Cameron Highlands' development and land openings for vegetable farming.
The move was to ensure that its ecology, environment and habitat could be preserved for future generations, he added.
Opening a seminar on scientific expedition findings in Cameron Highlands here yesterday, he felt that the hill station had been overdeveloped over the years.
He urged the Cameron Highlands district council and state forestry department to step up efforts to curb illegal opening of land in the highland, particularly for vegetable farming.
"Enough is enough... Cameron Highlands is overdeveloped."
He added that despite this, Cameron Highlands remained one of the major eco-destinations in the state and last year, it attracted about 500,000 visitors.
He said new locations such as the Cameron Highland Mountain Park was being developed by the state's Forestry Department as a means to further boost eco-spots in the highlands.
On the illegal opening of forest land in the state, he said it only constituted one per cent of such land licensed to be opened.
"However, if this is not seriously looked into, then the future generation will lose out."
He said Pahang was still covered by huge tracts of forested areas covering 1.98 million ha, which made up 55.09 per cent of the state.
Of the figure, 1.48 million ha or 41.30 per cent is made up of permanent forest reserve and potential forest reserves.
In addition, there is also the Taman Negara and Wildlife Preserves which make 0.33 million ha or 9.2 per cent of the state, while government forest land make up 0.17 ha or 4.6 per cent.
"This means that Pahang is still covered by forest canopy from the coastal sea side and river mouths right up to its highlands," he said.
Peninsular Malaysia Forest Department director-general Datuk Seri Azhar Muda, in his speech, said a scientific expedition in May last year saw some new discoveries, including a new bat species from the genus Tadarida and three new tree frog species from the genus Philantus.
"Several bird species, which were usually found in the low lands, are now found in Cameron Highlands," he said.
(c) 2008 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: New Straits Times
Posted on: Tuesday, 5 August 2008, 00:00 CDT
By B. Suresh Ram
KUANTAN: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the time has come to place limits on Cameron Highlands' development and land openings for vegetable farming.
The move was to ensure that its ecology, environment and habitat could be preserved for future generations, he added.
Opening a seminar on scientific expedition findings in Cameron Highlands here yesterday, he felt that the hill station had been overdeveloped over the years.
He urged the Cameron Highlands district council and state forestry department to step up efforts to curb illegal opening of land in the highland, particularly for vegetable farming.
"Enough is enough... Cameron Highlands is overdeveloped."
He added that despite this, Cameron Highlands remained one of the major eco-destinations in the state and last year, it attracted about 500,000 visitors.
He said new locations such as the Cameron Highland Mountain Park was being developed by the state's Forestry Department as a means to further boost eco-spots in the highlands.
On the illegal opening of forest land in the state, he said it only constituted one per cent of such land licensed to be opened.
"However, if this is not seriously looked into, then the future generation will lose out."
He said Pahang was still covered by huge tracts of forested areas covering 1.98 million ha, which made up 55.09 per cent of the state.
Of the figure, 1.48 million ha or 41.30 per cent is made up of permanent forest reserve and potential forest reserves.
In addition, there is also the Taman Negara and Wildlife Preserves which make 0.33 million ha or 9.2 per cent of the state, while government forest land make up 0.17 ha or 4.6 per cent.
"This means that Pahang is still covered by forest canopy from the coastal sea side and river mouths right up to its highlands," he said.
Peninsular Malaysia Forest Department director-general Datuk Seri Azhar Muda, in his speech, said a scientific expedition in May last year saw some new discoveries, including a new bat species from the genus Tadarida and three new tree frog species from the genus Philantus.
"Several bird species, which were usually found in the low lands, are now found in Cameron Highlands," he said.
(c) 2008 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: New Straits Times
12 Mln Tourists Expected To Visit Pahang This Year
August 06, 2008 16:08 PM
12 Mln Tourists Expected To Visit Pahang This Year
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The Pahang Tourism Action Council expects 12 million tourists this year, resulting in about RM6 billion of tourism related revenue for the state.
The council's general manager Idros Yahya said the state recorded the highest number of foreign visitors last year with 10.3 million tourists, generating a total revenue of RM4.5 billion.
He said in a statement Wednesday that to attract tourists, various hallmark events will be held this year, including eco-tourism activities at Tasik Bera and Tasik Chini.
This year's programme promoting environmental education and conservation will be held from Aug 8 to 10, he added.
The activities planned include kayak expedition, telematches, traditional food cooking session, fishing, and dance performances.
-- BERNAMA
12 Mln Tourists Expected To Visit Pahang This Year
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The Pahang Tourism Action Council expects 12 million tourists this year, resulting in about RM6 billion of tourism related revenue for the state.
The council's general manager Idros Yahya said the state recorded the highest number of foreign visitors last year with 10.3 million tourists, generating a total revenue of RM4.5 billion.
He said in a statement Wednesday that to attract tourists, various hallmark events will be held this year, including eco-tourism activities at Tasik Bera and Tasik Chini.
This year's programme promoting environmental education and conservation will be held from Aug 8 to 10, he added.
The activities planned include kayak expedition, telematches, traditional food cooking session, fishing, and dance performances.
-- BERNAMA
Plans Afoot For RM10 Mln Goat Research Centre In ECER
The pic is of Kimi at my dad's goat feedlot, a contributor to ECER, I hope...July 29, 2008 13:27 PM
Plans Afoot For RM10 Mln Goat Research Centre In ECER
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- There are plans in the pipeline for an RM10 million goat technology and research centre in Serating, Marang, under the East Coast Economic Regions livestock farming initiatives.
The research centre, Taman Teknologi Kaprima Bestari, will be located over 10 hectares within a Permanent Food Production Park, the ECER secretariat said in a statement here Tuesday.
The move is aimed at Malaysia achieving self-sufficiency in mutton as the country needs 10 million goats a year.
Currently, Malaysia mainly imports mutton from Australia.
The technology goat park, which will be built and managed by the Department of Veterinary Service Terengganu (JPHT), will collate all relevant information and research on goat breeding, as well as modernize the countrys goat breeding industry, with the ECER as a prominent hub, it said.
"This technology park is projected to be a research and information centre for goat breeders, especially those from Asian countries," JPHTs Director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharun was quoted as saying in the statement.
"We will bring in the latest goat breeding technology and techniques from abroad. This new technology will help breeders to minimize the production cost and give better returns."
Meanwhile, breeders and parties interested in the industry can avail themselves to goat farming courses, he said.
"We envisage the goat park to offer better economic prospects and employment opportunities for local entrepreneurs and graduates in related fields of study."
The goat technology park will be equipped with a farmhouse, mini slaughterhouse, fertilizer processing factory, restaurant, product exhibition hall, a mosque, and staff dormitories.
Aside from goat breeding and research activities, the park also offers an attractive and children-friendly tourist attraction where feeding and patting animals may be highlights.
Terengganu is targeting over 3.5 million visitors this year. Many of its tourism attractions are aimed at nature lovers and the goat park is expected to draw in its fair share of tourists.
The nations per capita consumption of mutton has risen from 0.67kg in 2006 to 0.74kg in 2007.
Malaysia has traditionally been Australias biggest live export market, importing about 15,000 tonnes of mutton and 50,000 goats.
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), the ECER is targeted to increase the goat breeding activities by seven percent within five years to tap into increasing local and international demand.
It will focus on high meat yielding goats to replace the smaller local animals.
To achieve its goal of 35 percent self-sufficiency in goat production by year 2015, it will need another 18,000 breeding goats.
The target is for ECER to hit 2,020 metric tonnes in year 2020, it said.
Malaysias goat farming is made up of 75 percent traditional breeders, while 15 per cent is semi-commercial with 10 percent in commercial farming.
Within the ECER, projects to boost goat breeding includes setting up a nucleus goat breeding research centre in Tersat, the establishment of the Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) and Collection and Marketing Centre (CMC) for traditional farmers to assemble and market goats.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Halal food firm eyes Middle East mart
Friday August 1, 2008
Halal food firm eyes Middle East mart
By SIMON KHOO
KUANTAN: The East Coast Economic Region’s (ECER) push to boost halal food production will see spice and seasoning producer, PJ Foods Industries, expanding to the Middle East.
The firm’s managing director Norehan Mohd Nor said the Middle East had growing demand for processed food condiments and ingredients.
“This increase in demand bodes well for those in the spice and prepared food sector.
“As the halal food market becomes more sophisticated, it is increasingly important for Malaysian food producers to tap into new markets and demonstrate the ingredients are halal.
“Because of its purchasing power, the Middle East will grow in importance. Malaysian spice manufacturers should tap into the market and explore its supply network,” she said.
Besides targeting the Middle East, the company sought to be known as among the country’s premier halal spice and seasoning suppliers.
Norehan said their factory in Bandar Indera Mahkota near here produced seven tonnes of fried chicken flour, three tonnes of all-purpose seasoning flour and four tonnes of various spices.
She said some 90% of its output was for local consumption while the rest was exported to Brunei.
“Our export business has grown steadily and it is time for us grow in another halal region,” she said.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said that women entrepreneurs had made their presence felt in the export business.
She said, as of June this year, women made up 21% of exporters registered with Matrade and there was big potential for them to grow.
The global halal food market is worth an estimated US$2.1tril ( RM6.8tril) a year.
The world market for spices and seasonings was expected to hit 1.857 million tonnes by 2010, driven by the growing popularity of exotic ethnic cuisines, innovation in blended spices and flavours with low-fat ingredients.
The ECER masterplan provides for several halal parks.
It has identified business and financial services, production and storage facilities, logistics and transport, infrastructure and utility, and land availability as crucial for the development of the halal food industry.
Halal food firm eyes Middle East mart
By SIMON KHOO
KUANTAN: The East Coast Economic Region’s (ECER) push to boost halal food production will see spice and seasoning producer, PJ Foods Industries, expanding to the Middle East.
The firm’s managing director Norehan Mohd Nor said the Middle East had growing demand for processed food condiments and ingredients.
“This increase in demand bodes well for those in the spice and prepared food sector.
“As the halal food market becomes more sophisticated, it is increasingly important for Malaysian food producers to tap into new markets and demonstrate the ingredients are halal.
“Because of its purchasing power, the Middle East will grow in importance. Malaysian spice manufacturers should tap into the market and explore its supply network,” she said.
Besides targeting the Middle East, the company sought to be known as among the country’s premier halal spice and seasoning suppliers.
Norehan said their factory in Bandar Indera Mahkota near here produced seven tonnes of fried chicken flour, three tonnes of all-purpose seasoning flour and four tonnes of various spices.
She said some 90% of its output was for local consumption while the rest was exported to Brunei.
“Our export business has grown steadily and it is time for us grow in another halal region,” she said.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said that women entrepreneurs had made their presence felt in the export business.
She said, as of June this year, women made up 21% of exporters registered with Matrade and there was big potential for them to grow.
The global halal food market is worth an estimated US$2.1tril ( RM6.8tril) a year.
The world market for spices and seasonings was expected to hit 1.857 million tonnes by 2010, driven by the growing popularity of exotic ethnic cuisines, innovation in blended spices and flavours with low-fat ingredients.
The ECER masterplan provides for several halal parks.
It has identified business and financial services, production and storage facilities, logistics and transport, infrastructure and utility, and land availability as crucial for the development of the halal food industry.
Gerbang SMS kerajaan dilancar
Perkhidmatan SMS MATRADE
http://www.matrade.gov.my/announcements/sms.htm
Gerbang SMS kerajaan dilancar
31/07/2008 1:46pm
PUTRAJAYA 31 Julai — Gerbang SMS Kerajaan dilancarkan hari ini bagi memudahkan orang ramai berurusan dengan agensi dan jabatan kerajaan.
Ketua Pengarah Unit Pemodenan Tadbiran dan Perancangan Pengurusan Malaysia (Mampu) Datuk Normah Md Yusof berkata melalui gerbang itu, pertanyaan, pembayaran, pemberian informasi dan nota peringatan secara dua hala antara agensi kerajaan dan orang ramai dapat dilakukan melalui satu nombor SMS sahaja iaitu 15888.
Fasa pertama projek MYSMS itu melibatkan 53 agensi kerajaan dan sehingga kini lima agensi berjaya menyediakan perkhidmatan melalui projek itu, katanya pada majlis perasmian Persidangan Ketua-Ketua Pegawai Maklumat (CIO) dan pelancaran projek itu oleh Ketua Setiausaha Negara Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan di Pusat Konvensyen Antarbangsa Putrajaya (PICC) di sini hari ini.
Normah berkata lima agensi berkenaan ialah Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) bagi perkhidmatan semakan permohonan MyKad; Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) bagi sistem peringatan tarikh tamat tempoh lesen memandu dan cukai jalan kenderaan; Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) dan Perbadanan Pembangunan Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (Smidec) bagi mendapatkan borang dan semakan status permohonan geran; dan Bahagian Pinjaman Perumahan bagi semakan kelayakan, status permohonan dan baki pinjaman.
Melalui sistem ini juga, caj yang dikenakan turut diseragam iaitu 15 sen bagi kos penghantaran dan 20 sen bagi kos penerimaan, dan untuk maklumat lanjut, pengguna boleh melayari laman web www.mysms.gov.my.
Terdahulu, Mohd Sidek dalam ucapan perasmiannya berkata bagi mengurangkan perbelanjaan kos pelaksanaan teknologi maklumat (ICT), jabatan dan agensi kerajaan perlu membina keupayaan serta kepakaran dalaman supaya kebergantungan terhadap pembekal atau vendor dapat dikurangkan.
Beliau berkata kebanyakan projek perintis bagi pembangunan ICT perkhidmatan awam diserah kepada vendor tanpa pengawasan yang rapi, menyebabkan proses pembelajaran atau pemindahan teknologi tidak berlaku atau berlaku pada tahap minima.
“Sepatutnya setelah selesai projek perintis, kita sendiri boleh melaksanakan ’roll-out’ ke seluruh negara, tetapi ini tidak berlaku dan kita masih memerlukan vendor untuk melaksanakannya...ini menyebabkan kos menjadi tinggi dan kadang kala tidak terkawal,” katanya.
Mohd Sidek berkata tahap pembangunan ICT bagi perkhidmatan awam di negara ini adalah membanggakan dan menurut laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh Waseda University, Malaysia berada pada kedudukan ke-18 dalam pelaksanaan kerajaan elektronik tahun ini.
Kejayaan portal myGovernment menerima anugerah World Information Technology and Services Alliance (Witsa) Global ICT Excellence Awards bagi kategori anugerah kecemerlangan ICT sektor awam Mei lepas juga telah menarik perhatian negara-negara serantau untuk melihat Malaysia sebagai negara contoh dalam menambah baik portal perkhidmatan awam, katanya.
— BERNAMA
http://www.matrade.gov.my/announcements/sms.htm
Gerbang SMS kerajaan dilancar
31/07/2008 1:46pm
PUTRAJAYA 31 Julai — Gerbang SMS Kerajaan dilancarkan hari ini bagi memudahkan orang ramai berurusan dengan agensi dan jabatan kerajaan.
Ketua Pengarah Unit Pemodenan Tadbiran dan Perancangan Pengurusan Malaysia (Mampu) Datuk Normah Md Yusof berkata melalui gerbang itu, pertanyaan, pembayaran, pemberian informasi dan nota peringatan secara dua hala antara agensi kerajaan dan orang ramai dapat dilakukan melalui satu nombor SMS sahaja iaitu 15888.
Fasa pertama projek MYSMS itu melibatkan 53 agensi kerajaan dan sehingga kini lima agensi berjaya menyediakan perkhidmatan melalui projek itu, katanya pada majlis perasmian Persidangan Ketua-Ketua Pegawai Maklumat (CIO) dan pelancaran projek itu oleh Ketua Setiausaha Negara Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan di Pusat Konvensyen Antarbangsa Putrajaya (PICC) di sini hari ini.
Normah berkata lima agensi berkenaan ialah Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) bagi perkhidmatan semakan permohonan MyKad; Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) bagi sistem peringatan tarikh tamat tempoh lesen memandu dan cukai jalan kenderaan; Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) dan Perbadanan Pembangunan Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (Smidec) bagi mendapatkan borang dan semakan status permohonan geran; dan Bahagian Pinjaman Perumahan bagi semakan kelayakan, status permohonan dan baki pinjaman.
Melalui sistem ini juga, caj yang dikenakan turut diseragam iaitu 15 sen bagi kos penghantaran dan 20 sen bagi kos penerimaan, dan untuk maklumat lanjut, pengguna boleh melayari laman web www.mysms.gov.my.
Terdahulu, Mohd Sidek dalam ucapan perasmiannya berkata bagi mengurangkan perbelanjaan kos pelaksanaan teknologi maklumat (ICT), jabatan dan agensi kerajaan perlu membina keupayaan serta kepakaran dalaman supaya kebergantungan terhadap pembekal atau vendor dapat dikurangkan.
Beliau berkata kebanyakan projek perintis bagi pembangunan ICT perkhidmatan awam diserah kepada vendor tanpa pengawasan yang rapi, menyebabkan proses pembelajaran atau pemindahan teknologi tidak berlaku atau berlaku pada tahap minima.
“Sepatutnya setelah selesai projek perintis, kita sendiri boleh melaksanakan ’roll-out’ ke seluruh negara, tetapi ini tidak berlaku dan kita masih memerlukan vendor untuk melaksanakannya...ini menyebabkan kos menjadi tinggi dan kadang kala tidak terkawal,” katanya.
Mohd Sidek berkata tahap pembangunan ICT bagi perkhidmatan awam di negara ini adalah membanggakan dan menurut laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh Waseda University, Malaysia berada pada kedudukan ke-18 dalam pelaksanaan kerajaan elektronik tahun ini.
Kejayaan portal myGovernment menerima anugerah World Information Technology and Services Alliance (Witsa) Global ICT Excellence Awards bagi kategori anugerah kecemerlangan ICT sektor awam Mei lepas juga telah menarik perhatian negara-negara serantau untuk melihat Malaysia sebagai negara contoh dalam menambah baik portal perkhidmatan awam, katanya.
— BERNAMA
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