Monday, January 23, 2017

Chong Wei urges people to help flood-hit folks in Kelantan

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Datuk Lee Chong Wei with 1M4U in Kelantan. Photo credit: official Facebook page of Lee Chong Wei
Datuk Lee Chong Wei with 1M4U in Kelantan. Photo credit: official Facebook page of Lee Chong Wei
PETALING JAYA: National shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei has urged Malaysians to support to the people of Kelantan affected by floods.
"About 12,000 families have lost their homes this Chinese New Year holidays. Thank you IM4U for giving me the chance to contribute what little I can to help.
For the rest, please lend your support for the people of Kelantan as fellow Malaysians,” he said in a Facebook post Sunday.
Chong Wei was in Kelantan with 1Malaysia for Youth (1M4U) to provide food relief for the victims.
1M4U is a government initiative to encourage volunteering among Malaysian youth.
Massive flooding in Kelantan and Terengganu in the past few weeks has resulted in thousands of people being evacuated to relief centres.
The water level at Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang remained at 10.11m as at 8am. The danger level at the river is 9m.

Malaysian passport rated fifth most powerful in the world

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PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian passport has visa-free access to 117 countries, making it the fifth most powerful passport in the world in Arton Capital's Passport Index.  
Malaysia was ranked fifth alongside Ireland, Canada and New Zealand, with a shared accumulative Visa-Free Score (VFS) of 154.  
Malaysian passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to 117 countries and visa on arrival privileges for 37 countries.  
The VFS is calculated based on visa-free and visa on arrival privileges. The higher VFS score, the better global mobility the passport holder enjoys. 
The number one most powerful passport in the world is Germany, with a VFS score of 158.   
The German passport provides visa-free access to 124 countries and 34 visa on arrival countries.   
Singapore and Sweden were ranked second with 157 VFS points.   
In joint third place, Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom and United States received a VFS score of 156.  
Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal and Japan were jointly ranked fourth with 155 VFS points.  
In the Asean region, the Brunei passport is ranked 20 and has a VFS score of 134.
Other countries like Thailand (ranked 58) has 70 VFS points, the Philippines (67) has 60 points, Indonesia (69) has 58 points, while Vietnam and Cambodia (79) have 48 points. 

On the flip side, Afghanistan has the least powerful passport with just 23 VFS points. 

Make it great, Regent says as Visit Pahang Year takes off

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A grand show: Pahang traditional dancers performing during the declaration of Visit Pahang Year 2017 by Tengku Abdullah in Kuantan.
A grand show: Pahang traditional dancers performing during the declaration of Visit Pahang Year 2017 by Tengku Abdullah in Kuantan.
KUANTAN: Visit Pahang Year 2017 has been declared with great fanfare by Pahang Regent Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
In his speech, Tengku Abdullah called on all parties to play their part in promoting Pahang on the domestic and international stages.
“I want to remind the state go­vernment and its collaborators in the private sector to give the appropriate promotion and also make future plans for tourism, seeing that the East Coast Rail Line is going to run through our state.
“Make sure infrastructure like hotels, homestays and toilets are also managed properly. We do not want tourist spots to become a hotbed of diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis,” he said during the ceremony on Friday night.
In a short teleconferencing call with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak later, Tengku Abdullah asked when Najib was going to visit Pahang as he wanted to treat him to ikan patin masak tempoyak (silver catfish cooked in fermented durian).
Najib, in reply, said he would not visit Pahang but instead “return to Pahang” as he was from the state.
Najib expressed optimism that the target of 15 million tourist arri­vals in Pahang could be achieved while saying that the Government would always give priority to the tourism sector as it provided a large revenue for the country.
The people of Pahang also received congratulations and a show of support from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz in pre-recorded videos.
Also present at the event were Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
The rain did not deter thousands of people from turning up to witness the declaration.
They were treated to a cultural show featuring dances from the 11 districts of Pahang, fireworks display as well as performances by local artistes.

Go the extra mile to teach English, teachers urged

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PETALING JAYA: Teachers have been urged to go the extra mile to boost the level of English proficiency among students.
“We should not be too parochial. We have to accept that English is the international language and it is vital to be in the forefront at the international stage,” said National Parent-Teacher Associations Colla­bo­­rative Council president Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan.
He called for a quantum leap to help students improve their language skills.
“Necessary steps have to be taken to make sure that we are on par with other countries, especially Singapore,” he said.
Dr Mohamad Ali said that firstly, the teachers themselves should be proficient to teach English.
“There is not enough emphasis on the teachers. In fact, we are trying our best to get teachers from other countries to volunteer to teach English here. These are only temporary measures.
“We must get our priorities right. We need specialised English and literature teachers who can cope with the coaching, delivering and the speaking of English language in schools,” Dr Mohamad Ali said.
He added that Malaysia was still emphasising on “exam-oriented language”.
“Maybe programmes such as Eng­lish communication skills should be introduced on weekends or during school holidays,” he said.
The National Union of the Tea­ching Profession president Kamaro­zaman Abd Razak stressed the need for more teachers with the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) qualification.
Many teachers only took up the language as a minor in their tertiary education, he said.
“Besides, the Education Ministry has too many programmes sometimes.
“The teachers have to be away for a certain period for courses and other activities and this will disrupt the teaching process in schools.
“On the part of students, some of them don’t see how English will benefit them. We see such pro­blems at schools in the rural areas as compared to cities and urban areas,” Kamarozaman said.
He urged teachers to discuss with parents on ways to deal with this.
Other steps could include orga­nising English-oriented activities such as public speaking or quizzes.
“Schools can also hold their weekly assemblies, sports day, speech day or any other activities in English,” he said.
“This will force the students to converse in English and they will be able to pick it up from there.”
On Jan 1, Bernama reported that Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman hoped all state assemblymen would take initiatives to improve the command of English among primary school children in their constituencies.
This is important to ensure the pupils would perform better in the UPSR this year after the state recorded a below-par performance in 2016.
“The UPSR format changed last year and it was quite difficult for teachers and students, indirectly causing a deterioration in UPSR results for English and Science subjects.
“As the Seberang Takir assemblyman, I took the initiative to allocate RM10,000 this year to schools in the constituency, and I hope it will help to improve English more effectively,” he said.
“Maybe other assemblymen can take similar initiatives, or whatever is good for improving the performance of English in primary schools in their respective constituencies.

“They could, maybe, buy English newspapers as well to help the students,” he said.

'Greatest Men' Champion AJL31

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Photo courtesy of Instagram @ tv3malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Songs of Faith Imran and Natasyah invention entitled guy singing Supreme Dayang Nurfaizah emerged as winner of Anugerah Juara Lagu ke-31 (AJL31) held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here on Sunday night.

With the win, they take home a cash prize of RM50,000, CJ Wow Shop product voucher worth RM10,000, a smartphone Samsung Galaxy A trophy.

Meanwhile, Dayang also predicted when emerge as winners Best Vocal for the song Men of the Supreme.

Singer born in Kuching, Sarawak managed to take home a cash prize of RM12,000.

For the record, it was the singer's third victory through the respective categories and has previously won the same trophy in AJL29 (The Gate of Heaven) and AJL30 (Never Give Up).

Runner-up of the song titled Terimaku Seadanya fully invention by Ajai songs Misha Omar and Hafiz.

It allows Ajai took home a cash prize of RM35,000 and a trophy.

Songs composed entirely by Razif from the group Projector Band I Know It finished third.

Besides the trophy, they also receive a cash prize of RM20,000.

Best performances were owned group Caliphate by Hang Pi Mana songs and they managed to take home a cash prize of RM12,000, a smartphone Samsung Galaxy A trophy.

The song was also played on Last AJL31 (Sufian Suhaimi), Forever Love (Shila Amzah & Alif Satar), Ku Rela Doghouse (Aiman ​​Tino), The Warning Mama (Hazama) and obsession (Akim & The Magistrate).

Also competing is Faithful (Elizabeth Tan feat Faizal Tahir), Lost In Win (Syamsul Yusof feat Mawi), Hang Pi Mana (Caliph) and Anugerah Terindah (Black).

All performances of the evening the jury judged a total of 10 professionals and led by renowned composer Azmeer.

Meanwhile, the opening of the event was also graced by the appearance of America's Got Talent champion programs that accompany the singing of the Philippines through song Jaclyn Victor Gemilang with dancing shadows.

AJL31 also show Man Bai, Backstreet Boys and Ella made a special presentation to two famous lyricist, the late Juwie or Abdul Jalil Salleh and Toll Road (Rosli Khamis).

They deliver songs like Masih Aku Terasa, To Heart, The Dream and You Oughta.

This year, AJL31 freaks 'Stories In Song' for the sake of upholding the citation lyricist best songs 2016.

AJL31 broadcast live on TV3 featuring four lawyers representing Sarimah Ibrahim Awal Ashaari, Fara Fauzana and Fizi Hot FM.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Infant dumped near hypermarket

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Left alone: Policeman at the scene before taking the baby to hospital.
Left alone: Policeman at the scene before taking the baby to hospital.

KANGAR: Passers-by were stunned when they came across an infant inside a cardboard box near a hypermarket.
The baby boy with his umbilical cord still intact was wrapped with a green towel and had two soft toys placed around him when the police found him at about 7am yesterday.
Kangar police chief Supt Wari Kiew said the baby was sent to Hospital Tuanku Fauziah.
He is reported to be in stable condition with no injuries.
The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for abandoning a child below the age of 12.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Investment Fraud Hotel Makkah, Businessman Indicted Again

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Sheikh Saidey when the police brought to the Selayang Magistrate's Court on Thursday for alleged investment fraud in relation lease hotel rooms in Makkah.

KUALA LUMPUR: A businessman who had been charged in two Magistrates Court, charged also in Selayang Magistrate's Court in connection with the lease investment fool hotel rooms in Makkah.

Nor Saidey Sheikh Sheikh Abdul Rahman, 43, pleaded not guilty to fraudulently deceive and mislead Pauziah Ab Ghani, 61, by offering a lease investment properties in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, which does not actually exist, prompting the victim to money totaling RM70,000 Bank Islam into account the accused.

He allegedly committed the offense at Lot 1, Jalan SG 7/10, Taman Sri Gombak, Batu Caves, Selangor, near here, at 1.10pm, on June 13, 2016, under Section 420 of the Penal Code which provides for jail up to 10 years and with whipping and may also be fined, if convicted.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Khairul Azhwa Yusrie, do not offer any collateral against the accused because he was detained under the Prevention of Crime Act 2013 (Poca).

However, the accused who was unrepresented, pleaded for bail on the grounds he had been remanded for 90 days.

Ariane Isabelo magistrate set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and his passport to be impounded. He set February 16 for mention.

Yesterday, Sheikh Saidey pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court on the same charge involving RM324,300.

On Tuesday, Sheikh Saidey also pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate's Court Johor Bahru, Johor, two counts of fraud, involving investment program Islamic Hotel in Makkah and Madinah, while his wife Sofia Affandi, 42, was charged with abetting her husband on both charges.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Wedding bells for Sharnaaz

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Happy couple: Sharnaaz and Noor Nabila.
Happy couple: Sharnaaz and Noor Nabila.
POPULAR artiste Sharnaaz Ahmad has chosen March 31 to marry Noor Nabila Mohd Noor, Kosmo! reported.
Sharnaaz, 32, who acted in Dollah Superstar, said he decided on marrying Noor Nabila, the sister of Neelofa, after he proposed to her on Sept 4.
“She accepted my proposal on her birthday,” he said in a press conference to announce his wedding date on Monday.
He said that he had known her since 2015 and chose her because he liked her character.
The akad nikah will be a private affair and will be held at Noor Nabila’s house in Duta Tropika, Kuala Lumpur, on March 31 while the reception by the groom’s side will be held in a hotel in Gurney Drive, Penang.

Tourism industry ecstatic at Penang making it into CNN Travel list

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Hot spot: Foreign and local tourists alike strolling along the narrow streets in the George Town heritage enclave in search of good food, murals and bargains in Penang.
Hot spot: Foreign and local tourists alike strolling along the narrow streets in the George Town heritage enclave in search of good food, murals and bargains in Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: Tourism industry players are excited and pleased with Penang being named by CNN Travel as one of the 17 best places to visit in 2017.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Khoo Boo Lim said it was always good to be recognised inter­nationally.
“The accolade is a ‘strong’ marketing tool for hoteliers and agents to promote the state overseas.
“This will definitely help us to bring in more tourists who are keen to find out more about Penang. I am really happy about it,” he said.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had earlier said that the naming of Penang by CNN Travel makes Penang and Malaysia proud.
“This is good news to start the new year.
“I would like to congratulate and thank Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz for his help in promoting Penang’s tourism to the world,” he said.
Penang came in second after Prince Edward Island of Canada, and is one of the three destinations in Asia named on the list.
Penang has been described in the CNN Travel article (http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/06/travel/best-places-to-visit-in-2017/) published on Friday as a destination with one of Asia’s best street foods.
The article said Penang was arguably one of Asia’s best street food destinations. It offers a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes, as well as fusion cuisines such as Baba Nyonya, or Peranakan, which incorporates regional ingredients and Chinese and Malay cooking methods.
Association of Tourism Attrac­tions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the industry players and state government had been working very hard to protect and promote the beauty of the state.
“We are reaping the rewards after years of hard work. We are also placed on top of many other lists for our food, culture, arts and the people,” he said.
Penang Hawker Association chairman Lam Tong Ying said he was proud that Penang made it into the list, especially with emphasis on Penang’s hawker food.
“Penang serves the best street food in Malaysia, and this is not the only thing we have, we also have nice food, nice scenery, nice seaside and nice people.
“These are what tourists love Penang for,” he added.

Cockscomb plant all the rage now

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IPOH: With its shape similar to the crest of a rooster, the aptly named cockscomb flower or Celosia Plumosa is a widely sought after decorative plant this Chinese New Year.
Known as “Kai Koong Fah” in Cantonese, that roughly translates as “rooster flower”, it is willowy and comes in vibrant colours.
Hock Loke Siew Nursery owner Low Voon Chin said the flower is popular because of its striking colours.
“The flowers come in bright yellow, pink, orange and red.
“This is also the first time we are selling these, due to inquiries and the occasion,” he said.
“It’s the Year of the Rooster. People are looking for chicken-themed items and this flower fits the bill,” he added.
Low said the flower was believed to have originated from Japan.
“There used to be a lot of them planted at homes here too. They thrive in sunny weather,” he said, adding that the flower has no fragrance and has about two weeks of vase life.
“The plant can grow to 150cm high,” he said.
Aside from the ones that look like a rooster's comb, there is another variety that looks like a brain, according to Low.
Aside from cockscomb, other popular plants for the Chinese New Year include pineapple, chrysanthemum, pussy willow and bamboo shoots.
“The cockscomb has no symbolism, apart from looking like its namesake, while pineapple and bamboo shoots signify prosperity to the Chinese,” he said.

Festive ‘angpow’ gift from Proton

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Handsome offer: Shaifullizam and his wife checking out the new Proton Perdana at the Proton Edar Platinum 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre in Mutiara Damansara.
Handsome offer: Shaifullizam and his wife checking out the new Proton Perdana at the Proton Edar Platinum 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre in Mutiara Damansara.

PETALING JAYA: National car maker Proton is having attractive sales promotions in conjunction with Chinese New Year, offering buyers rebates of up to RM12,000 depending on the models.
It is giving rebates of up to RM500 for the Saga and Persona; up to RM4,000 for the Exora; up to RM5,000 for the Preve and Perdana; up to RM9,300 for the Iriz; and up to RM12,000 for the Suprima S.
The rebates are applicable for bookings made by Jan 31.  
Proton is also offering two years of free service, valued at more than RM1,000, for selected models.
“We are giving these special offers to our customers to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rooster. I believe these are great offers especially for the models that we launched in 2016,” said Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali.
The new cars have received numerous accolades and recognition.
At the inaugural CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2016, the Persona (Premium CVT model) took the Best Compact Car award while the Perdana 2.4-litre won Best Local Design.
Proton has also introduced various initiatives in its after-sales services.
Among them are the introduction of the MyProton app, seven-day servicing at 27 selected centres and a review of its spare parts prices to give better value to its customers.
“Our attention and focus is on our customers.
“Not only that, we are giving our customers better quality cars in terms of driving experience and safety, as well as better servicing and parts prices.
“The introduction of the MyProton app allows more flexibility for our customers to arrange for a test drive or to have their cars serviced,” he said. 
Proton owners welcomed the attractive rebates and deals.
Among the customers at the Proton Edar Platinum 3S centre in Mutiara Damansara yesterday were systems analyst Shaifullizam Omar, 47, and his wife Noraliza Mat Arif, a private wealth adviser.
“The ongoing sales promotions is good,” said Shaifullizam, who was interested in buying the latest Perdana.
Office administrator Michelle Wong, 46, who was also checking out the Perdana, said the promotions were like getting an angpow.
“The RM5,000 rebate on the Perdana makes it even more attractive,” she added.

Bus academy opens up training to public

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Behind the wheels: Nancy trying out the bus simulator during her visit to the Rapid Bus Academy in Cheras Selatan Rapid KL Bus Depot. Looking on is Azmi. — Bernama
Behind the wheels: Nancy trying out the bus simulator during her visit to the Rapid Bus Academy in Cheras Selatan Rapid KL Bus Depot. Looking on is Azmi.

CHERAS: The Rapid Bus Academy has opened up to the public and stakeholders who are interested in becoming drivers or training them in order to overcome the shortage of bus drivers.
Head of the Academy Jaslino Mohamed Yusoff said the school was opened to the public as of November last year but did not receive any applicants.
“Bus operators, associations and individuals interested in training or becoming bus drivers can approach us,” he said during Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri’s visit to the academy in Cheras Selatan Rapid KL Bus Depot.
He said the state-of-the-art facility opened in 2012 and was only meant for internal use and training bus captains.
Prasarana group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azmi Abdul Aziz said they have set their own benchmark when it comes to training their bus captains.
“And our benchmark has been validated by local authorities and international groups,” said Azmi.
“So, I think we are there in terms of standards and quality, and we can help the bus industry by offering to train other bus drivers.”
Nancy said there were many old drivers (some in their 60s), especially for express buses, and that there was a need to train younger drivers.

Workers going – and so is business

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PETALING JAYA: Having to close down eight restaurants within three years has been tough for a local Indian-Muslim restaurant owner.
The owner who does not want to be identified said he currently runs one restaurant in Shah Alam with 12 employees but even that has been difficult, due to the shortage of workers.
“Sometimes, I ask my three school going children to help me out. We just don’t have enough workers,” he said.
He does not understand why the Government has imposed the freeze on foreign workers who are very crucial for the eatery businesses.
The owner said mamak restaurants cater to more than 60% of the middle-income group.
“Despite the increase in our operational cost, we are unable to increase our prices because we want to ensure customers come to our restaurants daily,” he said, adding he had to close his restaurants in Cyberjaya, Bandar Baru Bangi and Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Shortage of workers had forced Datuk R. Ramalingam Pillai, owner of an Indian restaurant in Petaling Jaya, to be hands on and serve his customers as well as help out his workers in the kitchen.
“We have exhausted all our options including hiring locals but there is no certainty that they will work for us for a long period of time.
“After they learn cooking, some of the roti canai makers go to Singapore where they can earn around about 3000 Singapore dollars per month (about RM9,000).
“No choice, have to do work myself,” said Ramalingam.
Within a period of two years, he had to close down two out of four of his Indian restaurants in Petaling Jaya and Damansara.
Ramalingam shared that many of his chefs have returned to India.
“Once they return home, it is very hard to re-hire them. This will impact our business and at the end of the day, if we cannot cope, we have to shut down our business,” he said.
He is among the hundreds of restaurant owners who are struggling to operate their business due to the shortage of foreign workers.
Ramalingam is also concerned that if the situation persist, he may not be able to provide the best service to customers.
“Cleanliness is one of the most important part and our priority but how can you emphasize on this if you are short of staff,” he said.
Malaysia-Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association president Ho Su Mong said the association is facing a shortage of 10,000 foreign workers.
The shortage, said Ho, means that some members cannot operate their businesses from morning until evening every day.
“Because of the shortage, some members are forced to close at 2pm or 3pm.
“Even the bosses must move out from their cashier booths to serve the customers.
“We are also encouraging our members to have self-service, maybe like collecting the drinks themselves from the beverage station, but our customers are not happy about it,” he said.
Ho said many are operating at a minimal profit but said if the situation continues, they may be forced to transfer the cost to the consumers.
Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations Malaysia president Datuk Jeffrey Ng said one of his contract farms was forced to shutdown as there were not enough workers.
“The farm simply did not have enough workers to manage it and we had to shut it down,” said Ng of the farm, which produced 200,000 chickens every 60 days.
He added that another farm of his, which has a capacity of 800,000 chickens, has still managed to maintain the number but his workers have to work long hours.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

What you can do to save lives: Give us your blood!

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KUALA LUMPUR: The National Blood Centre is calling on more Malaysians to donate blood, especially after the recent long holiday period saw a drop in blood donors, and its supply depleted to less than five days’ worth.
“The reduction of blood donors is a pattern we are seeing, not only in Malaysia but in all parts of the world,” said National Blood Centre director Dr Noryati Abu Amin.
Interested blood donors getting their blood tested before the donation process. 

“When there is a long holiday period, people would be busy travelling, and perhaps also busy with the start of the new year – with work, and their children starting school, and so on,” she said.
This year’s drop in blood donations is especially worrying because the Christmas and New Year holidays are so close to Chinese New Year.
“The number of donors who turn up has fallen, and the number of people who organise blood donation drive campaigns is lower less than usual,” said Dr Noryati.
Need for A+ and O+ blood
The National Blood Centre currently has a four-and-a-half-days’ supply of blood.
Dr Noryati said the centre is targeting to have between five and seven days’ worth.
“We can do better. That is why we would like to encourage the public to come forward and donate blood,” she said.
People registering to donate blood at the National Blood Centre. 

“We have enough supply at the moment in case there are hospitals or patients that suddenly require urgent blood transfusions.
“But if we don’t do anything, the blood supply will reach a critical level, and we don’t want that to happen,” said Dr Noryati.
She said that the supply of blood from the A+ and O+ groups is “slightly on the lower side” compared with other blood types.
“We are seeing more patients requiring this blood types, so we need to stock up,” she said.
Being prepared
Speaking on the importance of having an adequate supply of blood, Dr Noryati said that the National Blood Centre has to be prepared for unpredictable, emergency cases.
Donated blood is also used to treat medical conditions, in surgery, and to treat blood loss after childbirth.
“By having that seven-day supply, you are assured that patients will get the blood transfusions they need, when they need it,” she said.
ALONE: Khairulnizam makes it a point to donate blood every few months. 

On the other hand, Dr Noryati said that the centre does not want to keep a huge supply of blood on hand because it has a shelf life.
“If we have too much stock, the likelihood of the blood being wasted is high,” she said.
“So we must have a good balance of use and supply,” she added.
Dr Noryati said that it is important to note that donated blood cannot be used right away.
It has to be tested and processed into different blood components (red cells, plasma, and platelets), and this usually takes 18 to 24 hours before the blood is ready to be used.
Debunking blood donation myths
Dr Noryati said that there are a lot of myths and unfounded fears about donating blood.
“For example, the myth that you can contract some kind of infection – it is our practice to only use sterile devices.
“They are also for single use only, meaning that once we use a device, it will not be used for anybody else.
“The likelihood of getting an infection from donating blood is just not there,” she said.
Then there is the myth that people get fatter after donating blood.
“There have not been any studies that prove that,” said Dr Noryati.
“Some people have a fear of needles … but if you have that fear, tell us. We can talk to you during the process so you don’t look at the needle,” she said.
Jason Chow (right) feels that it is his duty to donate blood. 

In 2015, the National Blood Centre collected more than 700,000 blood bags, according to Dr Noryati.
“From that, (you can estimate that) we have several hundred thousand donors.
“So yes, we have the numbers – but we also want them to donate regularly,” she said.
While “700,000” may seem like a large number, Dr Noryati noted that it represents a very small fraction of Malaysia’s population.
“If you look at the more than 700,000 donations, it means that only about 2.3 percent of our population donates blood,” she said, adding that developed countries aim for 3.5 to 5 percent of their population donating blood.
“We are comfortable, but as we are moving in the direction of developed nation status, we need to increase the number of blood donors in our country,” said Dr Noryati.
Donate blood, save lives
Donating blood just takes a few minutes – and a single donation can save up to three lives.
“When you donate a pint of blood, you are actually helping three patients because you have three products (red cells, plasma and platelets) from your donation,” said Dr Noryati.
Regular blood donor Khairulnizam Turiban, 29, said that he donates blood every couple of months.
“I find it (donating blood) relaxing, and I feel happy that I am able to help someone,” he said when donating blood for the 21st time.
Nurse Nurul Izzah Hazwani Yusof holding a blood bag. Behind her, the National Blood Centre's donation room is practically empty. 

Jason Chow, 42, said he feels that it is his duty to donate blood.
“Our blood gets replenished anyway, and blood donation also has health benefits,” said Chow.
“Anyone who can donate blood should donate. It is a good way to help others,” he said.
Unfortunately, Dr Noryati said that many Malaysians do not realise that there is a need for blood donations.
“It is not like a bank where you deposit the money, and take it out when you need it,” she said.
“We need to have constant donations because the use of blood is constant throughout the year.
“We need blood and blood donors every day,” said Dr Noryati.

Siti to sue trader over sex pills ad

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Not true: The advertisement appears along with a fake article claiming that Siti and her husband used the pills.
Not true: The advertisement appears along with a fake article claiming that Siti and her husband used the pills.

Songstress Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin will sue a trader who used photos of her and her husband Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa to sell sexual stimulant pills online, reported Kosmo!.
Siti, 38, said that she was shocked to see the advertisement to promote the pills appearing on social media. The advertisement claims to help with infertility.
The advertisement appears along with a fake article claiming that Siti and her husband used the pills.
“I am warning the trader to stop using our names and photos (to sell the product) as we have never used the product.
“We won’t think twice about taking legal action if the trader continues using our names and photos to sell the product,” she said.
The daily said that the sex stimulants, sold at between RM150 and RM200 per bottle, are also being shipped overseas.
> Berita Harian reported that young singer Chow Beng Yo, famously known as Yoyo, has released her first Malay album.
Yoyo, 11, released the album, titled Gadis dan Bunga, after having released five albums in Mandarin previously.
The Taiping-born lass said she was inspired to sing in Malay having been exposed to Malay songs since young.
“My grandfather and grandmother loved Tan Sri P. Ramlee films, so that was where I started listening to Malay songs.
“Then, I started listening to Malay songs by other artistes, my favourite being Datuk Siti Nurhaliza,” she said, adding that she has covered a few of the songs sung by the songstress for her album.
She said that her dream was to meet Siti face-to-face.
Yoyo added that she speaks Malay fluently having been schooled in a government school.
“I also speak to my sister in Malay at home,” she added.

Pos Malaysia pays homage to Chinese painting of a ‘serama’

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Stamp of approval: Dr Wong showing the first-day cover issued by Pos Malaysia which features his painting.
Stamp of approval: Dr Wong showing the first-day cover issued by Pos Malaysia which features his painting.

KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time ever, Chinese painting will grace the first-day cover issued by Pos Malaysia in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
The picture of an ayam serama, a local breed of ornamental cockerel, perching proudly atop a rocky cliff is the masterpiece of Dr Wong Kum Peng.
With its chest puffing out and feathered tail perking up, the bird holds its head high, crowing to usher in the Year of the Rooster.
“It is different from the type of fowl that Chinese artists normally paint. This miniature type, which is unique to Malaysia, struts in a ramrod-straight posture for people to admire,” Dr Wong, 64, said.
The invitation from Pos Malaysia to produce a Chinese painting came six months after Dr Wong’s Chinese calligraphy was featured alongside a khat (Islamic calligraphy) artwork and a Tamil script for philatelic products themed nilai murni (noble values) in June.
Dr Wong, the past president of the Calligraphy Society of Malaysia, insisted that his artwork must appear in its entirety without any alteration.
It is simply because a piece of Chinese painting is the result of the deliberate placement of various elements, including the painting (subject), the calligraphy (title and date) and the seal (name of artist). Even the blank space is part of the composition.
Pos Malaysia agreed, and did not crop anything out of the frame, much to the delight of Dr Wong.
This painting has been designed into a folder, miniature sheets and octagon-shaped stamps. They are set to be released today together with other ayam serama stamps.
The cockerel painted by Dr Wong is light brown, with hints of shiny gold – an auspicious colour associated with success and wealth.
The Chinese calligraphy presented in vertical lines reads: “Golden rooster announces triumphant news. When it crows, the world brightens up.”
It leaves room for people to ponder over the message.
“A rooster’s crow is a wake-up call. With the arrival of a new year, it is time to draw up new resolutions instead of continuing to wallow in despondency and low spirits,” Dr Wong said.
This is not only an honour for the retired veterinarian to produce an artwork for the national postal organisation, but also a recognition of the Chinese culture, which is an essential part of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.
“Chinese painting is an elegant art form that epitomises the Oriental culture of subdued expressions. It showcases the techniques of the artist and reflects his inner world, values and outlook on life.
“Precise brush strokes and the alluring use of ink are combined to produce a graceful effect,” he said.
Dr Wong was pleased with the open-mindedness and inclusivity of Pos Malaysia in featuring the country’s diverse culture.
“Without communication and exchanges, a common understanding cannot be achieved.
“The different cultures in our country have to prosper together. I hope there will be more of such platforms to celebrate all forms of art,” he added.