Malaysia News: William Yau's body cremated

MALACCA: The body of six-year-old William Yau was cremated here on Monday ending his parents' ordeal which started on Jan 16 when he went missing.

The memorial service in Jelutong on Monday, however, was highly emotional for William's paternal grandmother who wept openly asking for the opportunity to embrace the boy for a last time.

Chee Chau Moy, 68, wailed openly and called out William's name. She had arrived when the funeral undertaker was already making arrangements for the coffin to be placed in the incinerator.

"I want to see William, Oh please let me see him, I want to hug him, Ah Poh (grandma) is here," she cried as relatives calmed her down.

Among those who joined William's parents Yau Kok Kang and Goh Ying Ying to pay their last respects was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

William's parents watch from a room as the boy's coffin is placed in the incinerator at the memorial hall in Jelutong, Malacca

Mohd Ali announced a RM5,000 assistance to the family as funeral expenses.

Earlier at 10.20am, the parents claimed the body at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.

They had also conducted prayers for William at the spot in Sungai Sireh in Port Klang where his body was found. Source: The Star Malaysia 28/1/2013

Malaysia News: Explosion rips through Empire Gallery, four hurt

A view of Empire Gallery Subang after an explosion early this morning ripped through a large portion of the mall. — Picture by Choo Choy May

SUBANG JAYA, Sept 28 — Four people were hurt in an early morning explosion at the Empire Gallery shopping mall here, which was heard from as far away as Bangsar.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with police, ambulances and the fire brigade still on the scene.

Police tracker dogs were also present, as were Fire and Rescue Department personnel from stations across Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Damansara and Puchong to investigate the incident.

Subang Jaya OCPD ACP Zainal Rashid Abu Bakar told reporters at the scene that the blast was believed to have started in the basement and involved a gas pipeline.

“We have yet to determine the cause of the blast but damage is extensive, affecting the parking lot and many outlets on the basement level and even the ground floor,” he said.

“Our forensics team is still investigating. We have not been able to enter certain parts of the mall . . . the damage is too bad and the areas are sealed off.”

He confirmed that a distress call was received at 3.45am concerning the explosion at the mall, which is at the entrance of Subang Jaya from the Federal Highway.

Empire Hotel employees transport guests bags to other hotels after their facility was affected by the explosion at Empire Gallery Subang's gas pipe explosion September 28 2011. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Zainal Rashid added that four people — two security guards and a Chinese couple — were injured during the blast, sustaining minor scrapes and bruises.

Rescue workers are still combing the basement in search of more possible victims.

The two guards were initially trapped in the basement, but have since been rescued and sent to a hospital to treat their injuries. They were identified as K. Surendra Kris, 33, and Chrring Dawak Sepa, from Nepal.

The couple, sales executives Daryl Chua, 27, and his girlfriend Hibbie Tan, 23, were taken to hospital in an ambulance but have since been discharged.

Nearly the entire stretch of the front portion of the newly-built mall was blown out, damaging a number of cafes, restaurants and clothing stores including Tangs and Starbucks Coffee.

Chua told reporters that he was walking with his girlfriend to an parking payment station a few steps from Starbucks when the explosion occurred about 3.30am.

“We were at La Bodega earlier for dinner and then we were just hanging out outside my car and talking," he said.

Victim Daryl Chua tells his experience to media at the site. — Picture by Choo Choy May

“Just as we were heading to the Autopay, there was a loud ‘boom’, like in the movies. I thought it was a bomb.”

Chua said he was “literally lifted off the ground” and thrown sideways several metres from the blast, lightly grazing both his arms.

The sound of breaking glass, falling debris and metal, and sirens broke the earlier silence, he said, leaving him in a momentary state of confusion and panic.

“And then the flames came up. It was all over, the entire front of the mall was razed. I thought I was going to die,” he said.

When the scene calmed slightly, Chua said he carried Tan, who had sprained her leg, to safety and noticed passers-by and nearby residents rushing to the scene.

His car, a black Volkswagen Golf GTI, was severely damaged.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim tweeted this morning and prayed for the safety of the residents nearby.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh was also there, he added.

The shopping mall opened last year.

A view of the first floor from the parking floor entrance to the mall . — Picture by Choo Choy May

Yeoh told The Malaysian Insider she scrambled to get there after receiving a message on the Twitter micro-blogging service around 3am.

“The four injured have been taken to the hospital,” she said. "One broke his leg, apparently."

“The damage [to the building] is extensive. All of the lower floor all the way up to the second floor.”

The cause of the explosion was still not known, she said.

The police have sealed off the area, causing traffic jams in the vicinity during the morning rush hour. Source: The Malaysian Insider 28/9/2011

Malaysia News: One dead and six missing as massive landslide hits orang asli village in Cameron Highlands

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: A massive rescue operation is under way after an orang asli settlement was buried under tonnes of earth and mud in a landslide at Kampung Sungai Ruil near Brinchang here.

One woman was killed while three others have been pulled out.

Six others are still unaccounted for following the 5.50pm incident which struck six houses yesterday.

The dead woman has yet to be identified. The two who were pulled out are Bah Anjang Besar Alang, 39, and Serry Priary Saari, 15.

Racing against time: Volunteers and rescue personnel searching for survivors last night.

The other survivor has yet to be identified.

The injured were rushed to the Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital in Tanah Rata.

This is the second landslide to hit an orang asli settlement after 40 villagers were killed in Pos Dipang in Perak 15 years ago.

In that incident, the village was hit by an avalanche of logs, earth and debris which swept down a hill, burying the victims alive.

Cameron Highlands MP Datuk S.K. Devamany, who rushed to the scene yesterday, said the settlement, located about 5km from Tanah Rata town, had 145 houses with a population of 1,300 people.

“The situation looks very serious here.

“We have evacuated the other residents in the vicinity. We are afraid that there may be another collapse,” he added.

State executive councillor Datuk Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said an emergency centre had been set up at a multi-purpose hall in Brinchang.

“So far, 60 people had been ordered to evacuate their houses,” he added.

OCPD Deputy Supt Wan Mohd Zahri Wan Busu said rescue workers were still looking for the others buried under the rubble.

“There was heavy rain before the incident,” he told reporters at the scene, adding that the victims were from three families.

A total of 120 rescue workers, comprising the police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Department members, are conducting the search operation.

Heavy equipment, including two excavators and a backhoe were used while a police canine unit was also there to locate those who were trapped under the rubble.

Search and rescue efforts are likely to be hampered by rain and thunderstorms today as the Meteorological Department forecast temperatures at the hill resort to be between 17 C and 24 C.

The settlement, comprising wooden houses, is located next to several hillsides and is famous for its vegetable and fruit farms. Source: The Star Malaysia 8/8/2011

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UPDATED: Cameron Highlands landslide: Seven dead

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Seven people, including a family of three, died in Sunday's landslide at Kampung Sungai Ruil, near Brinchang in Cameron Highlands, with two others surviving the incident.

A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the last victim was found at 1.21am Monday.

The two injured are being treated at the Ipoh General Hospital.

Following the recovery of all victims, search and rescue operations in the area haved been called off.

The incident caused three houses in the village to be buried while another three were partially submerged.

Villagers gathered at the Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital mortuary Monday morning to claim the victims' remains.

Cameron Highlands MP Datuk S.K. Devamany, who was at the scene, said this was the first time an incident of such magnitude had hit the village.

Locals said the village is the single largest orang asli village in Cameron Highlands. It has some 1,300 villagers.

Meanwhile, Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah announced that the Pahang state government will give RM5,000 to each of the families of the victims who died, while those injured will be given RM1,000 each. Source: The Star Malaysia 8/8/2011

Malaysia News: Tear gas fired at Bersih marchers; Pakatan leaders arrested

Tear gas fired at Bersih marchers; Pakatan leaders arrested

July 09, 2011

Riot police fire tear gas at Bersih marchers in Kuala Lumpur, November 10, 2007. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Riot police have begun firing tear gas canisters at tens of thousands of people as began their march towards Stadium Merdeka calling for free and fair elections.

Reports confirmed that tear gas was fired to disperse a large group gathered near the Bar Council building on Leboh Pasar Besar.

On a live video stream of the rally online, the crowd was seen covering their faces and fleeing the scene as plumes of gas wafted towards them.

Earlier today, PAS vice presidents Datuk Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub were picked up by police shortly after noon at the KL Sentral transport hub, before they could make their way to the rally. Deputy president Mohamad Sabu was later confirmed by police as having been arrested.

The trio were in the list of 91 individuals banned from entering Kuala Lumpur and among 540 would-be Bersih supporters arrested so far.

Police subsequently also detained Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, and PKR supreme council member Khalid Jaafar as they attempted to join the rally.

Thousands have already taken over the streets along the narrow lanes of Kuala Lumpur and historic areas across the city centre, as the Bersih 2.0’s march for electoral reform entered into full swing.

Pockets of supporters that began gathering at various checkpoints including Petaling Street, Jalan Pudu, Pasar Seni and Brickfields are now moving towards the historic Merdeka stadium, chanting as they march.

The movement’s leader Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenavasan and other Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Saifuddin Nasution, Khalid Samad and R. Sivarasa are gathered KL Hilton Hotel in KL Sentral.

Light Strike Force (LSF) personnel and scores of police personnel are already surrounding the prestigious hotel, waiting for the leaders to begin their march towards the stadium. Source: The Malaysian Insider 9/7/2011

Malaysia News: Ahead Of Bersih Rally 2.0

KL holds its breath as Bersih rally looms

July 09, 2011

A police officer mans a road block near Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, July 9, 2011. — Pictures by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — City folk stepped out of their homes and into a ghost town this morning in what many has described as “the lull before the storm” of the nation’s second march for free and fair elections by Bersih 2.0.

The main road arteries snaking through the capital were devoid of the usual Saturday visitors, crowded instead by a sea of policemen and reporters deployed at various checkpoints across the city.

Kuala Lumpur’s characteristic hustle and bustle was whittled down to a whimper as many offices and shops, from major franchises like KFC and A&W to small-time traders, have kept their shutters down in anticipation of the chaos that may break out closer to noon.

“Most stalls on Masjid India are closed, except a few stalls selling bags, toys, perfume, beads.

“Police asked a young man on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to open his bag and asked what he was doing here. He said he just came here for fun. He opened his bag, showing an envelope. Police then released him,” said a reporter with The Malaysian Insider stationed there.

Key areas like Masjid Jamek, Dataran DBKL, Masjid Kampung Baru, Jalan Kinabalu, Jalan Kuching Pasar Seni, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and the vicinity of Merdeka Square and Istana Negara are being closely screened by the police.

A police officer diverts a car at a closed junction in Kuala Lumpur, July 9, 2011.

“Still the occasional tourist milling about Stadium Negara, also there’s a church somewhere past the barricades but police are redirecting churchgoers to Jalan Pudu,” said another reporter on the ground.

The Puduraya bus terminal has been shut and buses have been rerouted to the Integrated South-Bandar Tasik Selatan Terminal and Hentian Duta.

Although train services remain uninterrupted, reports are streaming in across the city that the police have infiltrated the coaches, stopping and checking the belongings of its commuters.

“Policemen in uniform seen riding the KL Monorail coming into Maharajalela station, they appear to be stationed on the trains,” said the reporter.

According to national news agency Bernama this morning, police detained 21 people since last night until 9am this morning under Section 27 of the Police Act for planning to participate in illegal rallies.

This morning, scores more have been hauled up at various checkpoints across the city. Reports claim that, among others, Gombak PAS Youth chief Syarhan Humaizy was arrested near YMCA in Brickfields.

English daily New Straits Times also reported that four men were picked up during screening at Sogo while 28 were detained in Kampung Baru this morning.

“A man calling himself ‘Dark Justice’ was arrested at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. When asked if he’s a member of a political party, he said ‘I don’t like politics’. He called himself Omar Mokhtar. He was wearing a beige shirt and carrying a red bag,” said another reporter.

Police check the contents of a woman’s purse in Kuala Lumpur, July 9, 2011.

Despite the round of arrests, reports from the ground say that none of Bersih 2.0’s signature yellow or Umno Youth’s red-shirted Patriots have been spotted in the city as at 10am.

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) opposition leaders are scheduled to begin their march from Brickfields later while Bersih Leaders are to converge at Masjid Negara. Umno Youth’s “Patriots” are to gather at Bukit Bintang.

Since last night, the police have been combing the city for signs of possible protestors and even began knocking on hotel room doors.

By noon today, the capital city is expected to be invaded by a sea of yellow-shirted protestors as electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 leads its second mammoth rally since 2007 to call for free and fair elections.

Its first gathering, which saw an estimated 50,000-strong turnout, had turned chaotic when riot police fired tear gas canisters and water cannons to disperse protestors.

Bersih’s street march, which they claimed will stay peaceful, faces the risks of clashes with rival marchers from other groups, including Umno Youth’s “patriots”.

The police have arrested hundreds of Bersih 2.0 supporters in the past weeks, issued stern warnings to those determined to participate in the mammoth event and even obtained court orders to lock out 91 leaders of Bersih 2.0, Umno Youth and Malay rights group Perkasa from the city tomorrow.

But Bersih’s leaders, backed by PR parties, have shrugged off the challenges and will proceed with the movement’s plans, scheduled from 2pm-4pm at various checkpoints across the city. Source: The Malaysian Insider 9/7/2011

Malaysia News: Road closures in KL from midnight

Road closures in KL from midnight

IGP: Police security measures are for people's safety

KUALA LUMPUR: Several major roads in the national capital will either be closed or diverted from Friday midnight, police said.

Police said in their Facebook page that the roads involved are: the whole stretch of Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Istana, Jalan Bukit Petaling, Jalan Bellamy and several roads around Istana Negara.

Other roads involved are Jalan Sultan Hishammuddin, Jalan Lembah Perdana, Jalan Chenderasari and roads around Masjid Negara and Dataran Merdeka, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek, Dataran DBKL, Kompleks Sogo, Maju Junction, Masjid Kampung Baru, Jalan Kinabalu, Jalan Kuching, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Sri Amar, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Haji Taib, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Jalan Raja Bot, Jalan Raja Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Loke, Jalan Sultan Mahmud and all nearby roads.

Police urged the people to cooperate and abide by traffic regulations and follow instructions issued by traffic police from time to time.

Police also advised the public to avoid going into the city centre to prevent traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar explained Friday the police had to put in place tight security measures over the illegal rally planned for Saturday to maintain public order and ensure the people's safety.

"Road blocks have to be set up at certain places to prevent troublemakers from entering the city," he told a news conference here.

"We have information that the troublemakers plan to stage demonstrations and marches at several locations in this city," he said.

Ismail said some groups planned to use certain mosques in the city to gather en masse.

"They have entered KL individually or in small groups to avoid detection and detention by the police," he said.

Ismail also said that the order prohibiting 91 suspected key leaders of groups intending to stage rallies from being in Kuala Lumpur Saturday also covered their supporters.

Despite the prohibition order, the organisers of the illegal rally remained defiant, he said. - Bernama

Malaysia News: Government cannot stop us, says Bersih

Government cannot stop us, says Bersih

By Shannon Teoh

July 08, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Bersih has insisted that the government has no right to stop its rally at Stadium Merdeka tomorrow despite last-minute attempts to secure the venue coming to nought.

The electoral reforms movement also called for Malaysians to show their patriotism and stand up against what it called the lack of principle shown by the Najib administration.

“No government agency has any right whatsoever to prevent Malaysians from exercising their freedom of movement and access to our capital city.

“Malaysians have now seen the degree of paranoia and lack of principled leadership that seems to have gripped the government. It is imperative that patriotic Malaysians rise now and take this stand together to save Malaysia from slipping further into this insane darkness,” it said.

In a statement released this evening, the coalition of 62 NGOs accused the authorities of putting “obstacle after obstacle where they only needed to provide sincere cooperation to win the trust and confidence of the people.”

“Half-hearted offers of stadiums, arrogance regarding meetings, denials of permits, arrests, detentions ... we feel that we have done all that is humanly possible to demonstrate sincerity and good faith in dealing with the government — but we have only been met with reversed decisions and stone walls,” it said.

Dang Wangi police told the movement today that it would not allow the gathering to be held at the stadium, a day after city police had obtained a court order barring 14 of its leaders along with 77 others from Umno Youth, Perkasa and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) from entering the capital tomorrow.

Cabinet ministers and the police have told Bersih to take its rally outside Kuala Lumpur despite the coalition accepting on Tuesday the government’s offer to move its street protest to a stadium.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s offer came after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had stepped in on Sunday to defuse tension by advising Putrajaya and Bersih 2.0 to hold consultations over the issue of free and fair elections.

But the Najib administration still considers the movement illegal and the police have continued to make arrests in connection with the rally, most of which revolve around yellow T-shirts with the word Bersih emblazoned on them.

The police have also promised that they will act against any Bersih-related activity, even up to Saturday’s rally as long as it was still not a legally registered outfit.

“The Bersih 2.0 leadership reiterates our own unyielding commitment to our shared cause, and to being at Stadium Merdeka at 2pm tomorrow. We will meet at the car park, and trust that the doors will be opened for us,” Bersih added. Source: The Malaysian Insider 8/7/2011

Malaysia News: Power rates up 7pc June 1, gas prices also hiked

Power rates up 7pc June 1, gas prices also hiked

May 30, 2011

Visits here will be dearer by an average of 7.12 per cent come June 1. — Reuters pic

PUTRAJAYA, May 30 — The Najib administration announced today it will raise electricity prices by an average 7.12 per cent from June 1 in an effort to trim its burgeoning subsidy bill, but promised the hike will not affect some 75 per cent of domestic consumers.

Officials said natural gas prices would also rise by RM3.00 per mmBtu each six months until it reached market levels, according to a report by the Reuters news agency. The government said it will still spend some RM25 billion to subsidise the gas bill this year.

Power prices will now rise by as much as 2.3 sen per kilowatt hour.

The price charged by state oil company Petronas for power generation will also climb to RM13.70 per mmBtu from RM10.70, government officials said.

Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin today said the 7.12 per cent increase in electricity tariffs was due to the rise in natural gas prices.

Industrial and commercial consumers will experience an average increase of 8.35 per cent in their power bills.

However, domestic consumers with a monthly consumption up to 200kWh (lifeline band), along with the next 100kWh (300kWh total), will not be affected by the tariff increase.

Domestic consumers in the 301 to 1000 kWh per month band will experience a “minimal” electricity bill increase, from RM0.07 to RM30.30.

“The lifeline band is maintained at 200kWh/month... around 3.3 million households will continue to enjoy the subsidised unit rate of 21.8 sen/kWh, and encompasses 200,000 poor households,” said Chin.

The increase will not affect 75 per cent of domestic users, he added, sparing around 44.4 million from a total 59.4 million households.

Chin also said the waiving of electricity bills for domestic users who record less than RM20 per month would cease this coming December. The government is currently spending RM122 million to provide free electricity to 900,000 users in this category.

A 10 per cent discount from the standard tariff price will be given to educational institutions which are partially funded by the government.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop said that despite the increase in gas prices, the government would still be spending an estimated worth of RM25.64 billion on gas subsidies alone this year.

He told reporters that the gas price increase is expected to cause an inflation level of 0.27 per cent this year.

“This decision is consistent with the government’s efforts in reducing subsidies in stages until it reaches a market price level,” said Nor Mohamed. Source: The Malaysian Insider 30/5/2011

Malaysia News: Seven landslide victims buried together

By Boo Su-Lyn

May 22, 2011

Boys wait during a funeral prayer ceremony for several victims of yesterday’s landslide, at a mosque in Hulu Langat, May 22, 2011. — Reuters pic

HULU LANGAT, May 22 — Seven youths killed in yesterday’s deadly landslide that ravaged the Al-Taqwa orphanage here were buried in a joint grave at a nearby cemetery today.

A man and 15 boys were killed in the landslide that trapped 25 people at the orphanage yesterday. Seven boys and two men survived the ordeal.

About 400 people watched under the blazing sun as the bodies were lowered into a six-foot-deep grave this afternoon at the Dusun Nanding Muslim Cemetery here.

Zaitun Abdullah, 38, sobbed uncontrollably as she watched the burial of her 17-year-old nephew, Dzahir Haziq Mohd Muin, who was to have started his matriculation next week.

“I took care of him since he was two-years old,” she said, crying as her relatives tried to console her.

Siti Arbiah Nor, who is Dzahir Haziq’s grandaunt, said he was a smart student who scored six or seven As in the SPM.

“He’s a good nephew... every weekend, he goes there to help the orphans,” Siti Arbiah told The Malaysian Insider in a breaking voice.

The businesswoman said Dzahir used to spend weekends at the orphanage after taking his SPM last year to study Islam and to teach the children mathematics.

“His father sent him there to impart knowledge... he’s a teenager who was willing to help young kids... but his life was cut short,” said Siti Arbiah, crying.

Farihan Sulaiman expressed shock about the unexpected demise of his 10-year-old nephew Iman Fahad.

“Twice a month, he goes there... to learn tuition and Islamic studies,” Farihan, 32, told The Malaysian Insider.

The secondary school teacher said Iman spent alternate weekends at the orphanage, but stayed with his family in Cheras.

“He’s a good kid,” said Farihan, who drove here from Temerloh in Pahang this morning.

Many family members and residents of the small town of Batu 14 Hulu Langat wiped their tears as they grieved under the bright, blue sky.

Police said the deadly landslide killed 16 people, most of whom were boys.

The youngest was aged eight years while the oldest was a 34-year-old warden.

Some of the dead were orphans while others still had parents.

Nine survived with injuries while 24 others escaped unhurt.

The seven buried at the cemetery here today were Iman, Dzahir Haziq, Mohd Hazim Sapri, 10; brothers Mohd Azrel Azahari, 8, and Mohd Zaim Azahari, 14; Wan Ahmad Hasril Hazim, 11; and Mohd Mustakim Mamat, 12.

The other nine were claimed by family members who wished to bury them in their respective hometowns.

A woman who attended the burial here today said she had cooked dinner last night, as well as breakfast and lunch today for 300 members of the rescue team.

“I feel sad. Poor orphans,” said the 55-year-old Malay woman, who refused to be named.

“I cooked simple meals – sardine, salted egg, fried noodles,” added the woman dressed in black.

Some family members were too distraught to speak to the press, waving reporters and photographers away.

The burial ended at about 3.30pm after flower petals were sprinkled on the fresh grave as the sky darkened. Source: The Malaysian Insider 21/05/2011

Malaysia News: 27 killed in Camerons crash

27 killed in Camerons crash

Thai holidaymakers die after bus hit divider and overturned

IPOH: Twenty-seven people were killed when their bus hit a divider and overturned on its way down from Cameron Highlands in what is possibly the worst road accident in Malaysian history.

The tragedy at KM15 of the Cameron Highland-Simpang Pulai road claimed the lives of 25 Thai nationals who had been on a holiday in the hill resort. Perak deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Zakaria Yusof said the other two casualties were driver Omar Shahidan, 48, and tour guide Soontorn Kian, 38. Both were Malaysians. “There were a total of 37 people onboard at the time, 34 were Thai holidaymakers from Bangkok and three others Malaysians,” he said.

The double-decker bus was heading from Cameron Highlands towards Kuala Lumpur at 11.40am yesterday. “The driver was trying to negotiate a sharp bend but failed, causing the bus to hit a divider before overturning. “The bus landed on its roof in a ditch about 51m away from the divider,” SAC Zakaria said.

He said the impact of the crash was so severe that bodies were flung several metres away from the wreckage while others were trapped deep in the mangled vehicle. Twenty-two of the victims were killed on the spot. Five others died after being rushed to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here. SAC Zakaria said the cause of the accident could have been due to speeding or technical failure of the brakes.

It took about 100 personnel from the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department and Public Works Department over three hours to retrieve the bodies. The wreckage was finally towed downhill at about 4pm, causing massive jams on both sides of the road as far as 5km away. It is learnt that of the 10 survivors, one was discharged after being treated for minor injuries; three were undergoing surgery and the rest warded as at 7pm. SAC Zakaria said the bus was heading to Kuala Lumpur where the Thais were believed to have been scheduled to fly back to Bangkok. The Cameron Highland-Simpang Pulai Road, which has many curves and gradients, was opened to traffic in 2003. It is an alternative road to the highlands besides the Tapah route.

Dead:

MEN

1. Omar Shahidan, 48 (Malaysian driver)
2. Charcart Knagsuwan, 48
3. Pooporn Poolsaeng, 41
4. Sumruay Swatphet, 48
5. Pongtiawest Akararachewwanont, 45
6. Thitisak Pongtanarat, 51
7. Ekachai Na Banexane, 64
8. Phayone Kruajinli , 49
9. Weera Chuntranwaggn (no age)
10. Soontorn Kian a/l Kian, 38 (Thai Malaysian, tourist guide)

WOMEN

11. Thanyarat Poolsang, 36
12. Nutthiya Inyim, 50
13, Puthinaree Akkrarachewannot, 42
14. Suchanchira Chaigueai, 40
15. Sriwai Swatphet, 42
16. Priya Prassakul Chai, 48
17. Chutima Throukool, 25
18. Junpen Pongthanarat, 50
19. Matana Phromduang, 51
20. Ampaiwan Thiangtham, 50
21. Maliwani Mekmahhprom, 53
22. Achara Wiwati, 36
23. Isarya Thiangtham, 25
24. Areena Somgserm (no age)
25. Natkritta Poolsaeng, 6
26. Rund Da (no age)
27. Darunee Songsern (no age).

Four men (two critical) and six women were admitted to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Perak.

Source: The Star Malaysia 21/12/2010

Malaysia News: Youth leaves message on Facebook before death

THE 22-year-old youth who jumped from the 14th floor of an apartment block in Cheras at 3am on Thursday left a 45-minute countdown message on his Facebook page, Sin Chew Daily and China Press reported.

The daily also reported that Alviss Kong (pic), who died of serious injuries at about 9am the same day at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia also posted a note on his page saying a girl was cruel to him.

They reported that Kong was very sad after his girlfriend of four months broke up with him.

Sin Chew Daily reported that Cheras acting OCPD Supt Abdul Rahim Hamzah Othman as saying the case had been classified as sudden death. Source: Compiled By The Star Malaysia 11/12/2010

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My Comments: Alviss Kong had set a bad example for all fellow Malaysians after commiting suicide after his girlfriend broke up with him after being in a relationship for about 4 months. Pictures had revealed that he is very close with his girlfriend and even kissed her. His relationship with the girl had proven that it was depp although just 4 months. Well, personally I think he should not do this way as he got a lot of choices of girl after his break up. Maybe he's too pressure and could not accept the reality that this had happened. It was too young to do the judge as he is 22 years old while the girl only 18 years old. Both are still considered as puppy love. It's a big loss to lose a youth but that's his choice and what I can wish him is that R.I.P Alviss Kong. For fellow Malaysians especially the younger generation, think before you make any decision as it's very crucial to your life that may effect your family and your friends around you. Do not make them sad nor dissapointed. Life Goes On.....

Malaysia News: Further fuel and sugar price hikes from tomorrow

Further fuel and sugar price hikes from tomorrow

By Yow Hong Chieh

December 03, 2010

Petrol, diesel and LPG will cost more from tomorrow. — Reuters pic

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 3 — The price of fuel and sugar will go up from midnight tonight as part of the Najib administration’s ongoing drive to reduce subsidies, but it is fraught with political risks as he mulls early elections next year.

The price of RON95 will increase by five sen to RM1.90 per litre, diesel by five sen per litre to RM1.80 and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by five sen to RM1.90 per kg. Sugar will also cost 20 sen more at RM2.10 per kg.

Through these price hikes, the government expects to save subsidy payments of RM621.9 million on RON95, RM213.2 million on diesel, RM63.5 million on LPG and RM283.5 million on sugar a year, or a total of RM1.18 billion annually.

RON97 will remain on a managed float based on market prices.

This is the second wave of subsidy cuts following the first round of hikes on July 16, when prices went up by five sen per litre for petrol and diesel, 10 sen per kg for LPG and 20 sen per kg for sugar.

Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala said today subsidy rationalisation was needed to bring down government expenditure.

“We are... doing this to make sure that our deficit is reduced. We are a responsible government. We will make sure that we will live within our means,” he said at a media briefing on the latest subsidy cuts.

Also present was Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“One of the measures to reduce cost is to rationalise our subsidies because Malaysia’s total subsidies are higher than many other countries. Our subsidies are also not targeted at the poor. There’s quite a lot of leakages and abuses.”

The savings will be used to fund rural development, education, urban transport and other areas under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), he added.

Idris stressed, however, that prices for fuel and sugar in Malaysia will remain one of the lowest in the region even after the subsidy cuts take place.

“Even after we have put this five-sen increase... our selling price for RON95, and also LPG and diesel and sugar, is still lower than Indonesia, lower than Singapore and lower than Thailand,” he said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department was heartened by fair public reception to the last round of subsidy cuts, which he attributed to the government’s success in keeping inflation under three per cent.

“The CPI (consumer price index) increase was very, very small and that is why, when we did this, it was well taken by the public and the public didn’t really feel financially disadvantaged,” he said.

“We are controlling inflation in this country despite the first wave of increases. Because it’s very small increase, we are still able to contain everything so that does not put any burden onto the people.”

Idris said the government would take into account public feedback and the strength of the economy before deciding on when to make further moves to cut subsidies.

He added that renegotiation of independent power producers’ (IPPs) contracts was ongoing but declined to comment on the status. Source: The Malaysian Insider 12/3/2010

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My Comments: Another hike from the government? Yes! This is absolutely true as petrol prices continue to soar and to be unsubsidised by the government to save the cost on other rural development projects. Well, I DO NOT believe all this crap and shit from the government where the money they collected are used for their own good. A good example where they build a 100 storey MEGA TOWER and of course it's a wastage. We the rakyat wanted to see the money spend on the Rakyat and that particular fund should be used to develop the rural areas and improve the transportation system here. I strongly condemn the government decision but what to do where the only way to kick them out of this game is to change your votes to the opposition party (Pakatan Rakyat) in the next general election. Not only me, and most of the people or the rakyat was not happy at all with this move and it's a totally a bullshit with lots of excuses given. Also our salary are not raised even if the prices of daily goods already soaring higher than expected. How to survived with the situation like this? You judge yourself! VOTE for PAKATAN RAKYAT and kick those liars out of the game!

Malaysia News: Fuel, sugar prices up as subsidy cuts start

Fuel, sugar prices up as subsidy cuts start

UPDATED @ 07:16:07 AM 16-07-2010

July 15, 2010

Consumers filling up tonight in droves before prices go up at midnight. - Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — The Najib administration will begin cutting subsidies tomorrow by raising the prices of petrol, diesel, natural gas and sugar in a move which could see the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition vulnerable to political challenges and risks.

The government announced tonight that RON95 petrol and diesel prices will go up by five sen a litre. Tomorrow's pump price will be RM1.85 per litre for RON95 and RM1.75 per litre for diesel. Subsidies for RON97 have been removed completely and its price will be subject to market forces.

Natural gas (LPG) will rise by 10 sen per kilogramme to RM1.85.

The price of sugar will also be increased, by 25 sen per kilogramme to RM1.90.

In a statement tonight, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the move to cut subsidies on fuel and sugar would save the government RM750 million a year.

"The readjustment of fuel and sugar prices are minimal compared to the proposals submitted because the government wants to balance between maintaining the people's interests and the need to manage the country's deficit," he said.

The Malaysian Insider understands that this is the first stage of subsidy cuts and it is expected to be reviewed every six months.

Sources said that subsidies on electricity are also expected to be cut but no decision has been made yet on when that will happen.

By raising prices of fuel and sugar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is signalling he is prepared to rebuild support for BN and implement economic reforms which could include the eventual introduction of an unpopular Goods and Services Tax (GST) and further market liberalisation.

The government’s reluctance to upset voters had led to reversal of government decisions and reform pullbacks that fuelled talk Najib was readying for a snap election.

Najib’s government was forced to reverse a decision recently to issue a gambling licence to quell mounting public anger.

This came after the GST was called off in February together with a scheduled fuel price hike in May.

The decision to begin spending cuts also suggests Najib has accepted the arguments of Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

Jala, the minister in the prime minister’s department, had controversially predicted Malaysia could be bankrupt by 2019 if it did not begin to cut subsidies for petrol, electricity, food and other staples, which he said cost the country RM74 billion last year.

Najib also recently braced Malaysians for the possibility that the economy could slow down in the second half of the year, in a development which would put his government’s economic growth targets at risk.

The prime minister said the possible slowdown was due to external factors.

Malaysia’s economy grew by an impressive 10.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year, marking two straight quarters of growth and three straight quarters of serious contraction last year.

Malaysia’s FDI rates have fallen faster than other regional players like Singapore and China, and at the same time capital outflows have dampened private domestic investments. Net portfolio and direct investment outflows had reached US$61 billion (RM197 billion) in 2008 and 2009 according to official data.

The government will allocate between RM90 billion and RM91 billion for expenditure in the first two years of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) Najib’s government has set among the key challenges of the 10MP the stimulation of the private sector investments to grow at 12.8 per cent annually or RM115 billion.

It was reported that the country may not be able to achieve the six per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth target if the 12.8 per cent growth is not achieved within five years. Source: The Malaysian Insider

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My Comments: This is yet another bad piece of news to be heard over the country. Many people are angry and frusfrated with the latest rise in petrol, LPG and sugar. Although it would be minimal, but still the government plan to cut its subsidies to the people due to poor financial status now. They had spend millions of ringgit in wastage of projects, buying submarines and in fact, the money should have spend on the rakyat instead of the wasteful projects. alexleow-kimmy.com strongly condemns the government decision and criticised thier move on this. As said earlier, the government should have save the money that collected from our people taxes and if they did, this would not happen. Also there's a lot of corruption going on and if this does not stop, the government will definately find their way to dig the people money's. Yes, they did say subsidy cut could save but unfortunately the rakyat did not benefit anything previously as the public transport infrastructure are poor and it did not help us too. WE CONDEMN YOU BARISAN NASIONAL! VOTE FOR CHANGE in PRU-13! Change to Pakatan Rakyat! :)

Malaysia News: Victim could have been rescued

Petrol attendants refused use of fire extinguisher

By Nurul Huda Jamaluddin & Rajina Dhillon

Friday, June 4th, 2010 12:16:00

KUALA LUMPUR: While a bystander Teo Chai Yong, 31, rushed to obtain a fire extinguisher to help rescue a woman from her blazing car early yesterday morning, he claimed other witnesses just watched indifferently.

Wondering what happened to the famed Malaysian ever-helpful spirit, he said: "The dozens of bystanders just roamed around, taking pictures and videos like it was some freak show." Already saddened by this display of poor attitude, he was further angered by how discussions were taking place on how a post-mortem would be conducted on the charred flesh.

"It was so disgusting. How can these people be so insensitive and casual about such a tragic death?" Teo was heading home during the 3.30am incident near the Cheras velodrome, when he came across a three-car pileup involving a Perodua Myvi, a Toyota Vios and a lorry. "At first, I only saw the upside down Toyota Vios and the front passenger was being pulled out as I drove by. So, I thought everything was under control. Seconds later, I heard a woman screaming from the Perodua Myvi wreckage. "I stopped my car and quickly ran towards the Myvi to get her out as I dialed the emergency line, 999. As I got closer, I saw flame flickers at the engine area waiting to ignite, my first instinct was to put it out immediately. I ran back into my car and rushed to the nearest BHPetrol station about 300 metres away to get a fire extinguisher."

Despite his desperate pleading, Teo claimed: "The petrol attendants refused his plea and said they were not allowed to loan out the fire extinguisher. I was even willing to leave my IC with them as a guarantee, but they still did not budge." Outraged, he started banging on the glass door and shouted at them. "Instead of handing me the fire extinguisher, one of the attendants said all my actions were being recorded via the CCTV, as he took down my car registration number and threatened to lodge a police report."

Finally giving up, Teo drove back to the scene and realised his efforts were in vain because by that time, the car was completely engulfed in flames. Recalling this disheartening sight, Teo said: "I could not stop blaming myself and kept thinking 'If only I'd gotten the fire extinguisher'. I stood there helplessly hearing her screams as she was burnt alive. The screams were the hardest to bear." Teo was even more devastated when the police, who arrived at the scene also told him the girl could have been saved if he had obtained the fire extinguisher in time.

When contacted, BHPetrol station operator Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd issued a statement to The Malay Mail stating: "We regret this has happened. The incident took place at 3am. "Thefts and robberies at service stations are common during these hours. Thus staff at the service station were only concerned and did not respond to the request as the attendant could not see the accident which took place some 300m away."

Burnt accident victim from Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: The woman who died in a burning car following an accident yesterday morning at a flyover along Jalan Cheras has been identified. The victim, who was driving a Myvi, was Florina Joseph, 27, from Sarawak, and her last-known address was at Bandar Damai Perdana, Cheras. The Myvi burst into flames after it was rammed head-on by a Toyota Vios travelling from the opposite direction, heading towards Jalan Loke Yew.

The body of the deceased was sent to the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) mortuary for a postmortem. Kuala Lumpur traffic police investigation officer DSP Abdullah Roning said police are trying to locate the victim's family members.

He said the Toyota Vios driver, a 33-year-old male who suffered serious injuries, and his passenger, a 24-yearold woman who sustained minor injuries, were both sent to HUKM for treatment. He also said blood samples have been taken from the male driver and his passenger for toxicology tests which will take a week to be completed.

Lorry driver Abdul Halim Awang helplessly witnessed the entire incident as the victim screamed for help in her burning car. "The Vios hit the Myvi head-on and the collision forced the Myvi to crash backwards against my lorry and the Myvi spun a few times before coming to a stop," said Abdul Halim. Source: The Malay Mail 4/6/10

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My Comments: I would like to send my condolences to the family of Florina Joseph on the passing away of their beloved daughter. Based on the reports, we should point fingers not only towards the pump attendant but also to the driver of Toyota Vios, who had caused this accident. In the first place, the driver of Toyota Vios should be blamed and he must be brought to justice. Secondly is the pump attendant. If the pump attendant could borrowed the fire extinguisher to Teo, then Teo could saved Florina Joseph life. Now, everything had passed and obviously I heard a lot of people saying they wanted to boycott BHP. Well, I would not boycott them as this incident not involved the the whole BHP company but to the company who are selling the petrol with BHP. I would boycott the Taman Pertama BHPetrol who gave us a bad image where they failed to save a life even Teo had offered his Identification Card to exchange with the fire extinguisher. Everyone has the responsibility to save a life because you can make a difference. No matter what, the statement from BHP managing director had been not very encouraging as well and I at least he is still contactable to comment. He should apologise and regret on the incident and not just said because "We regret this has happened. The incident took place at 3am. "Thefts and robberies at service stations are common during these hours. Thus staff at the service station were only concerned and did not respond to the request as the attendant could not see the accident which took place some 300m away." Last but not least, DO NOT consume any alchohol while driving and be extra careful on the road or else, accidents do happened and more and more life will be taken away just because of the humans themselves.

Malaysia News: BN, PR say subsidy cuts political suicide for Najib

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal and Boo Su-Lyn

May 28, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Lawmakers from both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) have agreed that an immediate implementation of any subsidy cuts would spell political suicide for the Najib administration with the next general elections within the next 34 months.

They believe that subsidy cuts will likely be implemented in stages, and that a full-fledged slashing would only be exercised in the future, or at least after the next general election. The last general election was in March 2008 where BN lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala had disclosed proposed cuts that can save the government up to RM103 billion in the next five years but most critics say Datuk Seri Najib Razak must weed out corruption and leakages within his administration. “With the elections coming soon, I don’t see the government cutting subsidies anytime soon. They are not going to implement it immediately,” said Selangor opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr. Mohamed Khir Toyo.

Khir told The Malaysian Insider that the the government will not risk angering the public by cutting off all subsidies. “The word ‘cutting’ is in itself a negative connotation...The government is doing their best to get feedback from the public.” The Umno man argued that instead of cutting subsidies the BN government should find alternative ways to “increase the country’s income”. “For instance, education is important, (the government) must study carefully. They need to see implications of restructuring subsidy, not everyone will like this. The subsidies must go to target groups.

“Take fuel for instance. The government can cut off subsidies for RON97, but subsidise RON95,” said Khir. Former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Shahrir Abdul Samad echoed his Umno colleague’s points, and said that any implementation has to be in stages to be “political acceptable”. “Even if it were to be implemented before the next general elections, it would be done in stages, It will be quite selective to be politically acceptable. I don’t think it will be implemented in total yet, there will be amendments,” he told The Malaysian Insider in a telephone interview. The Johor Baru MP claimed that any immediate implementation would have no “redeeming feature” that would make it acceptable to Malaysians. “If you were to implement it now, there will be no redeeming feature. It will still need some fine-tuning. That is why the government is still open on the issue. I don’t think the government will do it.”

He said that what was lacking right now was a comprehensive database to determine target groups who needed financial assistance. “We must have a comprehensive database in order to determine targeted groups. There has to be a proper database which takes into consideration people’s income tax levels, KWSP (Employees’ Provident Fund), Welfare department and JPJ (Road Transport Department). “As far as I know, we do not have a database which is compiled on income levels, that is comprehensive,” said Shahrir.

He stressed that slashing of subsidies would need to be done in many levels of restructuring, citing for example how the public transport system would need to be restructured so that the hardcore poor would be able to benefit from it. The Umno MP agreed that wastage of money was also a reason why the country’s debts were at an all-time high, but claimed that the cost of subsidies were higher than wastage by the government. “The RM28 billion figure, it was not announced in the Auditor-General’s report. While I do not deny that there is wastage of projects, the RM28 billion figure is not true. That figure was first reported in The Star newspaper some time ago,” he said.

Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said that ultimately it was up to Malaysians to decide on whether they were ready for subsidy cuts, as it was merely on a proposal stage. “It is up to the people to decide. The lab was done in order to get feedback. If they are acceptable to slashing of subsidies, then the government will go ahead . If they are not agreeable, then the government won’t go ahead with it,” said Nur Jazlan. Meanwhile, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders have agreed with their BN rivals that full-fledged subsidy cuts will not be executed anytime soon. “Politically, I think it is suicidal for them,” PAS treasurer Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli told The Malaysian Insider today.

“If they do it (cut subsidies) in a hasty manner and in an amount that will not be tolerated by the people...people will be angry,” Dr Hatta added. DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua agreed, saying that BN’s slim win of the Hulu Selangor by-election and their failure to retain the Sibu seat would likely stop the federal government from going all out in slashing subsidies. “Because they only won marginally in Selangor and they lost Sibu, I think they may not cut as extensively as they would have liked,” said the first-term Petaling Jaya Utara MP

“I think there is no question that the vote bank of Barisan Nasional will be severely affected,” he answered when asked how subsidy cuts would affect public sentiment. On whether BN would implement the drastic move before the next general elections are called, which may be held as early as next year, Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Najib would not risk going against public opinion. “I don’t think he will dare go against (the) rakyat’s opinion...especially after Sibu,” said Dzulkefly. “What they are doing now is public consultation to get feedback. Based on that, they will make their decision,” he added.

Najib had said that it is the public who will ultimately decides if expensive government subsidies should be cut after Idris revealed government proposals to cut subsidies for fuel, electricity and food or risk bankruptcy in the next nine years. Idris, the CEO of Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), had said that 61 per cent out of nearly 200,000 Malaysians in the think tank’s SMS poll favoured subsidy reductions and supported the government implementing it within the next three to five years. However, Pua disputed the validity of the results, pointing out that Pemandu’s poll question was a loaded one. “That question is loaded –not properly contextualised,” he said. “It is like asking the question should the government cut subsidies first or corruption first,” he added. “It is not reflective of what people are thinking.”

Pemandu’s poll text message had said that subsidising various consumer goods resulted in an annual expenditure of RM 74 billion. The poll then asked whether the respondent agrees subsidies reductions. Areas which have been identified include fuel, food and infrastructure as well as tolls. Source: The Malaysian Insider 28/5/10

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My Comments: No doubt, the Barisan Nasional government wanted to commit suicide for themselves. If they want to do it, we would welcome them and I am glad to welcome Pakatan Rakyat as our new government in the next general election. Najib's administration had never learned of what people want and just keep on setting up the things that angered the community. There are a few things that need to take massive measures if they wanted to cut on subsidies. Firstly is about the corruption. Barisan Nasional government need to wipe out corruption first before implementing the subsidies cut because of the ministers that corrupt a lot that makes this country in debt. Secondly, they need to save money and not just spend millions and millions of ringgit on those unnessasary projects as well as spending a few millions just to win the by-elections if any. Do not think the people are stupid enough to listen to the Barisan Nasional government if they don't change first. I strictly condemn the Barisan Nasional government to apply the subsidies cut unless they change themselves first in the beginning. Do not persuade the people to understand or show kindness if BN do not change their attitude first. BE AWARE BARISAN NASIONAL!

News: Johor church ninth hit

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — The St Elizabeth Catholic church in Kota Tinggi, Johor, was vandalised this morning, with red paint splashed on its walls. This makes it the ninth church hit by firebombs, arson attempts or vandalism in the past week. Kota Tinggi OCPD, Osman Mohamamed Sebot said the attack was discovered by church authorities at about 8.30am this morning. A police report was subsequently lodged. “The damage is minor. The paint was splattered at the front part of the church and also [on] partial parts of the entrance door,” Osman told The Malaysian Insider.

“We will step up security measures and increase patrolling time around the area to try and prevent similar incidents from recurring,” he said. Osman stressed that the police would launch a thorough investigation. He also urged members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. Osman said the police should not be blamed for the continuing attacks.“We cannot say that, [as] the attack is done by a third party. But we will try our best to beef up security. We would also need cooperation from the church and other parties,” he said. Before today’s incident, eight Christian churches and a convent school in Selangor, Perak, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Sarawak had been hit so far in the attacks following the Dec 31, 2009 High Court decision allowing the Catholic Church’s Herald to use the word “Allah.”

On Tuesday, a glass sliding door to the entrance of a Sikh Temple in Sentul here was found cracked from a barrage of stones, making it the first non-Christian house of worship hit since the controversial landmark “Allah” ruling. The Sikhs also use the term to describe God in their Punjabi language and had unsuccessfully sought to be part of the Roman Catholic Church’s legal suit to use the name, a move that has sparked the anger of Muslims in Malaysia who claim it is exclusive to them. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the acts of violence and the authorities have urged the public not to speculate over the attacks. The worst hit church so far has been the Metro Tabernacle church here, which had its ground floor gutted last week. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has said the situation was under control and the attacks were isolated incidents. He also vowed to use the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows for detention without trial, against those who stoke religious tension. Yesterday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar revealed that police now have a lead on the “physical attributes” of the suspects in last Friday’s firebombing attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church in Taman Desa Melawati here. Source: The Malaysian Insider & picture by The Star Malaysia 14/01/10

News: NS cops confirm eighth church attack

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 — The primarily East Malaysian Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) church in Seremban, Negri Sembilan was attacked today with an arson attempt , leaving scorch marks on its front doors. The attack did not affect the church interior and was believed to have occurred early this morning. Rasah member of Parliament, Loke Siew Fook visited the church soon after and confirmed the incident. “The worship hall was not affected, the attack only affected the front door,” Loke told The Malaysian Insider.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan deputy police chief Datuk Abd Manan Mohd Hassan said a team sent to the church had found signs of attempted arson. “A team of police officers, together with the forensic unit and the Fire and Rescue Department went to inspect the incident and found the front entrance door damaged. “We believe assailants used petrol to set fire to the door but fortunately, the fire did not spread,” he told reporters at the scene of the incident. He said police believe the incident took place between 1.30am and 8.30am as a police unit had patrolled the area at 1.30am and found everything in order. He added that he had directed all police patrol cars and all police officers on duty to monitor places of worship, especially mosques and churches, to ensure their safety. “I urge the people to stop such activities. Do not do anything that can disrupt peace and harmony of the country. We will take stern action against those found responsible,” he said.

The first church attack took place on Friday, amid dispute over the use of the word “Allah” by the Catholic Church’s Herald to refer to God in the Malay language. The SIB church conducts it service regularly in the national language. Both the government and opposition have moved to defuse tension, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announcing financial aid of RM500,000 for the worst hit church — the Metro Tabernacle. Separately, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a dialogue with the Christian community yesterday. Source: The Malaysian Insider 11/01/10

News: Miri church attack makes it seven

RAWANG, Jan 10 – A stone was thrown against a church in Miri today, making it the seventh attack in three days that is linked to the “Allah” ruling which has provoked Muslim anger. Earlier reports of an arson attack proved to be unfounded. This is the first reported attack in East Malaysia where a large part of the population are Christians who worship in Bahasa Malaysia and also the ruling Barisan Nasional’s “fixed deposit” of votes and parliamentary seats in Election 2008.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein confirmed the attempt but insisted the situation in the country is under control. “The situation is under control and the people should not be worried. They should not be influenced by internet reports or text messages,” he told reporters at an Umno event here. Four churches in the Klang Valley were hit by petrol bombs on Friday while one was hit last night in Taiping. A Malacca church reported it was splashed with black paint while a priest in Penang had his car splashed with red paint. A convent school in Taiping was also the target of an attempt with petrol bombs found near its guardhouse overnight. Church authorities believe it was meant for the St Louis Church next door.

Hishammuddin reminded the people not to be influenced by foreign and internet media reports as these could be inaccurate and project the country as unstable. He said the ministry would brief foreign envoys on the actual situation “We have to brief the international community as we have our citizens out there who want to know the actual situation which has been played up by certain quarters, including what is taken from the Internet,” he said. Hishammuddin said the government will give an accurate picture of what has happened in the spate of church attacks. Source: The Malaysian Insider 10/01/10

News: PJ church attacked, minor damage

PETALING JAYA, Jan 9 — Arsonists attempted to set fire to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church here, causing minor damage to the building, the fourth Klang Valley Christian church attacked over two days. Church authorities said the building in Petaling Jaya Old Town was believed to be firebombed sometime between last night and this morning.


“The fire-bomb missed a window and caused minor damage,” said Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, the general-secretary of the Council of Churches, Malaysia. He told The Malaysian Insider that the Lutheran Church bishop informed him of the incident. Shastri said a report has been lodged and police have started investigations. Church pastor reverend Augustine Muthusamy speaking to The Malaysian Insider said he and the church caretaker had found out about the attack at about 2.15 pm and later lodged a police report. “We are shocked, some are a bit more fearful,” said a calm Augustine. “But we would like to thank the police, they have been quick to respond and very efficient up to the highest levels of officers,” added Augustine.

The police have secured all churches in the country following yesterday’s attacks. The worst-hit was the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati which had its administrative office gutted in the midnight attack. Police forensics team at the crime scene. The firebomb left a huge burn mark but did only minor damage to the church. — Picture by Jack OoiTwo churches in Petaling Jaya were attacked with the Life Chapel in Section 17 suffering scorch marks while Assumption Church was not damaged. The series of attacks on the churches has brought the nation to a standstill and has cast Malaysia in a bad light internationally. It has also triggered a blame-game on the political front with the opposition parties holding the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional, especially Umno, responsible following hardline sentiments propagated through the government-owned media like Utusan Malaysia. Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak vehemently denied any Umno link to the attacks. Meanwhile Augustine said the issue has been blown out of proportion and pleaded for calm. He believes Muslims as a whole should not be blamed for the attacks. “I believe it’s done by a few bad people,” he said adding that it was best to solve the issue through a dialogue and, as a Christian, he is willing to engage with his fellow Muslim Malaysians to diffuse tensions. Source: The Malaysian Insider 09/01/10.

BREAKING NEWS: PM, other leaders condemn arson attacks in 3 churches

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has condemned the attacks made on three churches in the Klang Valley but has asked the public not to start pointing fingers at who may have been responsible for the attacks.

The Prime Minister said he viewed the matter seriously as these actions could jeopardise harmony, adding that the Government would take all possible action to prevent such incident from recurring.At the same time, Najib had directed the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan to beef up security and surveillance at places of worship. “We must not allow the peace and the understanding that we have among Malaysians of various ethnic backgrounds and faiths be threatened by anyone or any parties. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan at a press conference at Bukit Aman on Friday.

“As I have said before, whatever problems that arise, we must use the right channel and method to solve it. Our action must not be against the law as this can jeapordise harmony,” he told reporters after chairing the fourth Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) on Friday. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Secterary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan. Najib also reminded the public not to point fingers on who the perpetrators behind the church attacks were but should allow the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. “Action will be taken against those responsible based on facts and the law,” he said. Asked if there were fears of retaliation due to the incident, the Prime Minister said the authorities must nip the problem in the bud.

“I hope with statements and action taken by the police, people will not take law into their hands. The IGP will report to me on the incident once there are evidence and new developments,” he added. Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin at the Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati on Friday Other public figures have come out to condemn the arson attacks against the two churches. Urging all parties to remain calm, they also asked for swift police action to ensure the situation does not get out of control. In the meantime, the MCA is offering the Metro Tabernacle Church the use of its hall at Wisma MCA for its services this Sunday, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said. The MCA, through its religious bureaus, will find an immediate place for the Metro Tabernacle to relocate, she said. “This is the act of a very small group of Malaysians. We need to come together and work against any form of violence.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen at the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati on Friday.

“Do not leave it to the Government or the police alone; the rakyat (people) must come together and stand up for each other,” she said. MCA national youth chairman Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong also condemned the attacks, saying the movement is saddened. “Such despicable acts serve no purposes in bridging differences, and ... will ultimately destroy initiatives to help shore up harmony between the various faiths in Malaysia. “MCA Youth urges all decent minded Malaysians not to let the mercury rise further, and pray in our own ways, that peace will prevail,” he said in a statement. Kedah Gerakan’s youth wing condemned the acts as despicable and shameful, and described the wrongdoers as cowards trying to cause disunity. “Our country had came a long way since independence in promoting unity among Malaysians, despite the differences in race and religion. “As such, all Malaysians should unite to condemn these cowardly attacks that threaten national unity,” said the wing’s chief Tan Keng Liang. “As an act of good faith in condemning the arson attacks, I hope that the Government would consider assisting, including financially, the churches in repairing the damage caused by the despicable act of arson,” he added.

Gerakan central committee member Dr Hsu Dar Ren described the arson as “a wanton attack on the freedom of practice of religions which we should all treasure and protect in this multiracial society of ours.” “I hope politicians on both sides of the divide will refrain from fanning emotions and instead try their best to cool the temperature down and let the judicial process run its course,” he said. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the attacks as heinous and said such actions were against the teachings of Islam. “Islam teaches its followers to respect the places of worship of other religions. I urge all parties to remain calm. I have full faith that Malaysians will be able to resolve the matter without any conflict,” he said in a statement. Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who was at the Assumption Church, condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act. “I urge the police to give protection to all churches and conduct a thorough investigation on the attack on the Assumption Church,” he added.
Khalid also said that he was grateful to the church authorities, who had given their reassurance that they would not react to the arson attack. “I appeal to the people in Selangor to refrain from any further such action, which will only cause further trouble for all people,” he added. Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin said it was a dark day for Malaysia. "This is a despicable act. This is not the Malaysia I know," said Khairy, who visited the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawait in Kuala Lumpur, which was attacked by arsonists early Friday. He urged the police to act swiftly. Saying that Barisan Nasional Youth strongly condemned the action, Khairy Jamaluddin added that whatever the feelings of anyone on the issue of the usage of the word “Allah” in the Herald, the irresponsible action of those who destroy places of worship should not be defended by Muslims.

“If Muslims are responsible for this incident, they should be ashamed and remorseful because clearly Islam advises Muslims to respect other religious beliefs.“Malaysia is a multiracial country. There will be arguments and misunderstandings over issues which touch on race and religion.“What is important is the people should resolve any problems with maturity and respect for each other’s sensitivity,” he said in a statement. Selangor PAS termed the arson attacks as cowardly acts. “We view the news of the attacks on churches, including in Selangor, with sadness and regret. Such attacks have never happened in our country and they do not at all reflect our culture, tradition or the religious beliefs of Malaysians. “Selangor PAS sympathises with the affected churches and urges all PAS members in the state to remain calm and patient and pray for the safety of all,” its state Information chief Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir said in a statement.
The Muslim Professionals Forum described this as “the cowardly and utterly senseless act of a group of misguided, chauvinistic bigots.” “This act of arson, committed presumably in the name of Islam, desecrates the very religion it purports to protect. The Holy Quran unequivocally prohibits destroying the houses of worship of all religions, as warned in Surah Al-Hajj, Verse 40,” its board of directors said in a statement. “During the reign of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second righteous caliph, the religious freedom of the citizens of Ilya (Jerusalem) and the sanctity of their synagogues and places of worship were confirmed, they said. Muslim Professionals Forum urged the authorities to immediately conduct an impartial and thorough investigation to identify, apprehend and punish the perpetrators. It also urge individuals, organisations and political parties to refrain from further issuing provocative and inflammatory statements related to the high court verdict. “We also urge all Malaysians to empathise and stand in solidarity with our Christian community in their hour of grief and need, and urge all peace-loving Malaysians to maintain composure and let cool heads prevail,” they said in their statement.

Social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir said it was very important for all Muslim Malaysians to condemn the act whole-heartedly. "This is not what Islam is about. The leadership must play its role and come out and tell the people not to condemn houses of worship," she told reporters at the church site. Veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang said all political party leaders should take a common stand to condemn the attacks. They should condemn “in the strongest possible terms the spate of church attacks in the wake of the ‘Allah’ controversy and ensure that there is no further escalation. “As Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak should immediately impress on the Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to take all urgent and necessary measures to protect the good name of the country or be held responsible for any undesirable consequences,” he said.

Wangsa Maju Member of Parliament Wee Choo Keong said he was very shocked.“The Prime Minister and Inspector-General of Police mus take immediate action to protect all places of worship regardless of their religion. “We do not want to inflame the present tensions in the country or the country’s unity will be set back many years -- this is a test for the Prime Minister and his 1Malaysia vision,” he said. In Miri, Sarawak political leaders condemned the attacks as well, callling for the swift restoration of common sense and wisdom to prevent any escalation of violence.

Senior Iban state leader Datuk Peter Nyarok Entrie said his party, the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP), viewed the arson as an attack against the 1Malaysia concept and an attack against all peace-loving Malaysians. “SPDP, a multiracial and multi-religious party that is made up of Muslims and non-Muslims, is shocked and saddened that the dispute over the use of the name ‘Allah’ in the peninsula had erupted into violence,” he said. Nyarok, who is deputy president of SPDP, said there was a need to restore calm and order in the Klang Valley.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president and state Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Masing said the issue should not have been blown out of proportion. “Politicians should stay out of this matter and leave it to the religious bodies of the respective religions to sit down and discuss a mutually acceptable way to resolve this,” he said. Masing said Sarawak and Sabah do not have such controversies because people of all faiths and races were mature enough to accept each others’ beliefs. Assistant state minister Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, from the Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu, also stressed the need for common sense to prevail, saying that the state government has always practised tolerance and acceptance when it comes to handling issues of religious and racial nature. Keadilan Sarawak chairman Baru Bian said the usage of Allah’s name became blown out of context in the peninsula because of political meddling. He said this is a non-issue in Sarawak despite the name being used widely by all religions in the state for so many decades. Source: The Star Malaysia 8/1/10

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My Comments: It was a totally sad day for the Malaysian culture yet again after such a SHAME thing happening again. Expect for the worst folks where the 'Allah' issue once again being raised where it spark controversy between Malay and the Christian community. I strictly CONDEMNED the action taken by the protestors to burnt and arson the chuches around Klang Valley. This is a very stupid attitude and not every single religion in our country that teaches us to burn the churches down just like that. Not only that, all religion teaches us to be good to people. Be prepared you stupid fools who burn down the churches, be aware that GOD is looking at you and HE will know what to do. BE PREPARED to face the consequences. I as a Malaysians felt so ashamed that this peaceful country had now turned into a mild race tension country as nobody would respect us anymore is this continues. The Government should look into this issue very seriously and not just let go the hand just like that. We hope that the government would do something to restore unity in our country after this incident happened. Life must go on......THINK WISELY!