Raja Bomoh gives Jakim the cold shoulder

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PETALING JAYA:  Ibrahim Mat Zin - better known as  Raja Bomoh Sedunia - has failed to show up at the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on Wednesday.

He had been summoned to give an explanation about the now-viral video of him performing a ritual on a beach.

“On March 22, Jakim took the initiative to call Ibrahim for an  explanation about the viral video footage of him performing a ritual, but he did not show up,” Director-General of Jakim Tan Sri Haji Othman bin Mustapha said in a statement.

The three-minute video of Ibrahim - who is also known as, performing a ritual on a beach to protect Malaysia from a North Korean nuclear attack went viral recently.

It shows him and his three assistants wading in water with two coconuts, a pair of sticks used as binoculars, five bamboo cannons, a carpet and a bowl of seawater.

On the ritual itself, Othman said that Ibrahim's rituals are unIslamic and advised people against following them.

“Several states have agreed in their State Fatwa Committee meetings that the rituals and practices of Ibrahim bin Mat Zin or Bomoh Ibrahim Mat Zin that uses certain objects are against Islamic laws and are illegal,” he said.

He added that a study by the Jakim Expert Panel have also found that Ibrahim Mat Zin’s rituals are contrary to the Islamic faith as it contains elements of idolatry and superstitious practices.

On March 20, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters that Ibrahim would be summoned under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code after a slew of police reports were made against him.

Ibrahim also performed a ritual outside the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at Hospital Kuala Lumpur here over the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

A controversial figure, Ibrahim first made headlines in March 2014 when he conducted two rituals at the KL International Airport to supposedly locate the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

Weekly fuel prices to take effect every Thursday

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PETALING JAYA: Motorists will have to keep an eye on petrol and diesel prices weekly following the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Ministry's announcement that they will change every Thursday.

Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin made the announcement on RTM's TV1 5pm news on Wednesday, and said that the new mechanism would allow consumers to enjoy a more stable retail price for fuel compared to the monthly pricing currently in use.

The new mechanism will come into effect on March 29.

Weekly fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday and the new price will be enforced the next day.

"The first announcement will be on Wednesday, March 29, which is next week and the new petrol and diesel prices will be enforced on March 30," he said.

Hamzah also said fuel station operators will be allowed to give discounts on fuel, provided that prior permission is obtained from the ministry.

"Station operators are reminded to adhere to the new prices and serious action will be taken against those who do not," he said.

Hamzah said the ministry had had several consultations with oil companies, station operators, non-governmental organisations and other relevant parties before coming up with the change in the pricing mechanism.

This was later presented to the Cabinet and the weekly price mechanism was approved on Feb 22.

Earlier this month, Hamzah had announced that fuel ceiling price would be announced every week starting April and that it would be done on a Monday or Saturday.

Lima 2017: Malaysia officially receives its latest RMAF A400M aircraft

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LANGKAWI: The fourth and final Airbus A400M military aircraft was officially delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) by Airbus Wednesday.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein took delivery of the A400M from Head of Military, Airbus Defence and Space Fernando Alonso on the sideline of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2017 (Lima 2017) exhibition here.

Also present at the ceremony was Air Force chief Jen Datuk Seri Affendi Buang.

According to Affendi, the A400M fleet ensures that the RMAF is well placed to respond to, and undertake a wide range of military and humanitarian operations within Malaysia and in the Asean region.

"We are very proud to take this delivery of our fourth A400M, which is equipped with the latest tactical capabilities," he said.

The first RMAF's A400M was delivered to Malaysia in 2015 and had performed a special fly-past at the opening ceremony of LIMA'15.

LIMA '17 is the 14th edition since its inauguration in 1991.

It has gathered 520 companies from 35 countries representing more than 55 per cent of the world's top 100 maritime and aerospace companies.

More than 300 defence and security delegations, 55 visiting warships and boats, and 106 aircraft were at the event.

Mighty shows in Langkawi

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12 o’clock high: South Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles executing a move during their aerial display in Langkawi.

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Inter-national Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima), which is into its 14th edition this year, took off with a stunning aerial display, rocking the skies of the idyllic island.

The flypast gambit by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) also wowed spectators at the opening ceremony at the Mahsuri Interna-tional Exhibition Centre.

The show started off with a bang and ended with an “explosion” before a wall of flame appeared on the tarmac as a squadron of planes from the RMAF made a spectacular fly-by.

Concluding the ceremony was a flypast by three Airbus A400M, Malaysia’s latest military transport aircraft belonging to the RMAF.

Later in the afternoon, the Black Eagles of the South Korea Air Force conquered the air space with their awesome stunts.

They even drew a heart shape and the yin-yang circle of the South Korea national flag using the smoke trails of their KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft.

The Russian Knights, the aerobatic display team of the Russian Air Force, then tore the skies in their Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets.

Also wowing the crowd were RMAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM, French Air Force’s Dassault Rafale, Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen fighter jet and a double dose of the United States Air Force’s B-1B Lancer variable sweep-wing bomber.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who launched the five-day Lima 2017, addressed the crowd.

Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

During a tour of the exhibition booths, Zahid urged Asean member countries to work together in the Asean Defence Industry Collabo-ration.

“The total revenue of this industry would amount to about US$100bil (RM442bil) by 2030.

“Malaysia has to take the opportunity to participate in the industry collaboration,” he told reporters later yesterday.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the aerospace industry in the country was expected to grow at 7% this year.

Mustapa noted that the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry would continue to expand especially in the engine and engine components segment with an MRO revenue target of RM6bil.

Mustapa spoke after witnessing the signing of MoUs and MoAs between the ministry and several companies like UMW Corp, UMW Land, and CTRM.

He also said the Government viewed the aerospace industry as a critical sector which offered opportunities for the transfer of advanced technologies.

"Joy Revfa Able Give Happiness" - Hafiz Hamidun

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SHAH ALAM: A brief introduction Hafiz Hamidun with Joy Revfa not prevent them to get married next May than he thought Joy was able to bring happiness in their household later.

Obviously Hafiz, 33, he was in no hurry to make decisions concerning the contrary believe that women are able to carry out his wife as he had hoped.

"Before this I had a relationship of love for two or three years, but do not be too. But who would have thought that the new woman I know this is for my soul mate.

"I'm not denying that we are very short introduction time, but I believe we can know each other's last remaining this. After marriage shall know oneself, there is no problem," he said.


Hafiz mother of Laila Sarji the ring to the ring finger Joy Revfa.

Hafiz met at the pertungannya with Joy or Siti Arifah Amin held at The Venue Shah Alam on Wednesday.

The couple were engaged after recognizing each other about four weeks ago.

Joy, 30, who was previously married had a son named Arryan Firdaus is now three years old.

They also plan to hold a reception on July 1.

Meanwhile, asked to comment on the negative perception some quarters that Hafiz will choose the woman as the wife of its property, singer of songs divine was soon denied.

"I do not know who he was before. But thank God because he has his own business empire.

"But the shock did not say that (marriage because property) because no matter our religion for guidance on how to choose a life partner. I got to see his family, his religion, appearance and other factors.

"Somehow-somehow I also thank Joy for my property," he quipped.



Joy was accompanied by her mother, Sofia Abbas (right).

In addition to singing and songwriting, Hafiz also has his own record company, which Arteffects International and also ventured into the fashion business through brand Miraj Concept.

Besides Hafiz said he also did not mind the responsibility as the 'father of soon' which will digalasnya after marrying Joy.

"Thank God I'm having fun, I also like slaves. Previously she raise a child alone. It is also for the future of her children.

"Then there are men in the family to guide them. Although Joy is the leader in business, he still needs a head in life," he said.

Joy Hafiz and each has his own business empire.

Meanwhile, Joy told also dismissed the notion that decisions taken their brief to get engaged and married pushed the issue of wealth.

"If you want to compare with me, he had his own business empire is bigger than me.

"We both are entrepreneurs so no need arise because we want to get married because she already existing property perniagagan own. We both have its own assets," said Joy that comes from Kuantan, Pahang.

Joy light, Hafiz quiet demeanor makes him open minded to marry again after her first marriage failed almost three years ago.

"He's a very calm and loving. Hafiz very different from the other men I've ever known.

"I'm confident he can guide me and children up to heaven. I pray this relationship up to the end of our life," he said.

Lovely dais typical for engagement ceremony Hafiz and Joy.

Joy admits, she also does not mind when her personal story in the past talked back especially after his relationship with Hafiz media reported.

"I accept all criticism with a positive. I'm not surprised people what to say.

"As a businessman I have always received negative criticism will comment," he said.

Johor Sultan Gifts At its people - JCorp

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Sultan Ibrahim (second from left) officiating Housing Projects Sustainable race Johor at Galleri @ City in Johor Bahru on March 22, 2017 witnessed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (three of Kirn) President and Chief Executive of JCorp, Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim (right).

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Dream House Project Foundation, Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim outburst late Sultan Iskandar will see the people of this country have the opportunity to own their own homes from as low as RM80,000.

President and Chief Executive of Johor Corporation (JCorp) Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim said the initiative was not just a housing project alone, but it is a new innovation in the housing sector that can trigger changes in the sector.

"This is because, Johor Dream Home Nation not only sold at reasonable prices but much cheaper than the market price now.

"All this is the brainchild of His Royal Highness Tuanku itself but as a gift to all the people of Johor in conjunction with the official birthday of the king," he said at the soft launch of the initiative at the Galleria City on Wednesday.

Polluting dust also consented to the ceremony Johor Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and state executive councilors were present.

Concerned that some people might Squeezed by financial constraints, Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim also worked with the Bank for financing to potential buyers.

"For this purpose, the Bank has agreed to allocate a fund of RM500 million to the financing facility houses priced from as low as RM80,000 per unit in the program.

"What's more, qualified buyers only need to pay a deposit as low as RM1 to offer loans at 100 percent," he said.

Kamaruzzaman said the project would be implemented by companies in its group, Johor Land Bhd, a joint venture with two other companies in the two regions, namely Bandar Dato 'Onn and Bandar Baru Majidee.

Bandar Dato 'Onn, the project will be categorized as a Dream House Sultan Ibrahim, will be built on an area of ​​more than 520 hectares of 21:32 home unit.

House prices in the area consisting of terraced houses, semi-detached and detached houses starting from RM80,000 to RM100,000, is expected to start construction before the end of this year.

Meanwhile, a total of 320 residential units consisting of two residential blocks, each of which has 12 residential floors, will be built on a land area of ​​2.75 hectares in Bandar Baru Majidee.

With a price of less than RM150,000 per unit, the construction work is expected to begin this summer and be completed in late 2019.

In addition, Kamaruzzaman said a further project is being designed by S'City Mutiara Sdn Bhd on Malay reserve land in Bukit Saujana, covering an area of ​​3,055 hectares involving 1,000 housing units.

The selling price is expected from RM297,000 to RM420,000.

"Interestingly, all kinds of home with this affordable selling price will also include other amenities such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and cook top. It thus reflects the suitability of his title as Dream Home Nation Johor," he said.

Cheap Beauty and the Beast: GSC, TGV Refund Money To Customer

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PETALING JAYA: Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV Cinemas offer refunds to customers who buy movie tickets Beauty and the Beast following the suspension of the film.

Customers of both cinema operators, who buy tickets online or mobile application will receive automatic refund to their bank account.

However, customers who purchase a ticket at the counter have to come to the cinema where each ticket purchase for a refund of their money.

Customers are advised to bring along proof of purchase.

GSC in a statement on Facebook on Monday said the repayment will begin at 11 am to 10 pm on Wednesday, 31 March.

Film Beauty and the Beast in Malaysia which is supposed to start on March 16 has been postponed.

The film's distributor Walt Disney Co (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd told the review of the internal causes of the suspension of the film in the country.

Chong Wei Wins Fourth Consecutive All England Championships

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Lee Chong Wei.

PETALING JAYA: The national badminton champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei won the fourth title at the All England Badminton Championships Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham on Sunday.

The world No.1 took just 45 minutes to beat Chinese player Shi Yuqi after starting well in the first set with 21-12.

In the second set, Chong Wei continued subdued pace consistent with Yuqi 21-10 and clinch his first title this year.

According to Chong Wei after the match, he will continue to defend the title next year.

"All England among my favorite tournament and will also compete at the World Championships in Glasgow action (August) later.

"Thanks to the fans who continue to support me."

For the record, Chong Wei won the All England champion also won in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

The Ministry of Defence will be the most recent general pension scheme

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Pension scheme new respect among business ministry solve the problems facing veterans who are not pensionable.

MUAR: Ministry of Defense will announce the scheme pension services new to retired Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in the near future.

Its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the new scheme is among the ministry concerned to resolve the problems faced by veterans who are not pensionable.
"But we need to get results and in particular the approval of the highest leadership of the Prime Minister.

"We have already extended this to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently and cheerfulness in the face as he imagined agree with this proposal," he said.

He was speaking on the occasion Appreciation after presenting medals Jasa Malaysia to military retirees here today.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Razali Ibrahim, who is also Member of Parliament for Muar.

At the event, a total of 114 military veterans who served during the communist resistance that ended in 1989 was given the award as a sign of memory for remembering the sacrifices and services of their excellent.

Exco man nabbed over scandal

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In hot seat: Several cars, one of which is believed to be ferrying Abdul Latif, entering the MACC complex in Johor Baru.

PETALING JAYA: Johor state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Latif Bandi has been arrested over the massive housing and land scandal in Johor.

Abdul Latif was detained at about 11am yesterday at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Johor Baru where he was summoned again for questioning.

Last week, Abdul Latif was questioned there for four hours.

It is learnt that MACC had been tailing Abdul Latif for days and keeping track of his whereabouts, prior to yesterday’s arrest.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad, who was at that time on a visit to Menara Star here, confirmed the news immediately after the arrest.

The news was uploaded on The Star website within minutes of the arrest.

Shortly after Abdul Latif’s arrest, MACC officers seized an array of items at his home in Johor, including 150 luxury handbags, RM41,000 cash and a luxury vehicle.

The handbags included brands such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton.

Some of the 150 luxury handbags that have been seized from Abdul Latif's house in Johor.

Abdul Latif is expected to be brought to the Johor Baru court today to be remanded.

He would be investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act and Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

The MACC urged the public not to speculate on the case and to allow anti-graft officers to carry out a thorough probe.

On Feb 24, Abdul Latif’s eldest son Ahmad Fauzan and his special officer Mu­­hammad Idzuan Jamalludin, were detained by the MACC in a swoop.

Abdul Latif was the Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman and had opted to go on leave pending an investigation into the case.

Following the arrest of his son and special officer, Abdul Latif had kept mum on the matter.

He had also not been seen in public.

About RM15.5mil in more than 45 accounts was frozen as part of the probe. Also seized were 21 luxury cars, five high-powered motorcycles and stacks of documents.

A lawyer, two developers, a contractor as well as another suspect were also arrested in a series of raids.

All seven suspects, aged between 25 and 50, have been released on bail after their remand expired.

So far, the MACC has called in 15 people to have their statements recorded.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed sympathy for Abdul Latif over the arrest.

“We sympathise with him (Abdul Latiff) and leave it to the MACC in the interest of justice,” Mohamed Khaled told reporters outside the state assembly hall in Iskandar Puteri yesterday.

Charges against Dr Vida dropped

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IPOH: The charges against cosmetics millionaire Datuk Seri Dr Hasmiza Othman – popularly known as Dr Vida – for failing to pay Goods and Services Tax were withdrawn after she settled the full sum, down to the last “10 sen” owed.

After all of her charges were withdrawn yesterday, she said she felt relieved that she did not need to come back to court again.

“Lots of accusations have been hurled against me but I’m free now and I can go overseas.

“This is a test and I am sure I will become stronger after this,” she told reporters outside the court.

The Sessions Court allowed the Customs deputy public prosecutor (DPP) to withdraw all the charges against Hasmiza for failing to pay Good and Services Tax (GST).

The decision was made after she paid the sum owed to the Customs departments worth RM4.2mil yesterday.

Customs deputy public prosecutor Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran and Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan prosecuted, while Hasmiza was represented by counsel Syed Ahmad Syed Abas.

“The full payment for the sum sought – RM4,246,029.10 has been paid by my client,” Syed Ahmad said.

“The cheque was issued to the department and we want the DPP to withdraw all the charges against her,” he said at the Sessions Court.

DPP Raja Rozela then confirmed that the amount had been paid to the Customs Department.

Sessions Court judge Murtazadi Amran granted the request and also returned her passport and bail money.

Judge Murtazadi also asked if the Customs gave any discount to her, to which her counsel replied, “We paid the whole amount, including the 10 sen”.

On Oct 13, she faced 32 charges of failing to pay and submit the GST statements from April 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016 and claimed trial to all the charges.

However, on Dec 15 last year, she was fined RM80,000 after she changed her plea and pleaded guilty to 16 charges of failing to submit GST statements totalling RM4.2mil.

She maintained her innocence over her failure to pay GST.

150 designer handbags, cash and luxury MPV seized from Johor exco man's house

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JOHOR BARU: Within hours of his arrest, graft busters seized 150 designer handbags, cash and a luxury MPV from state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Abd Latif Bandi's house here.

The seizure was made in a raid conducted immediately after Abd Latif's arrest at 10.50am Thursday by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers.

The handbags included luxury brands such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton.

The hoard of designer handbags seized from the suspect's house.

Also seized was a Toyota Vellfire and RM41,000 in cash.

Abd Latif is expected to be brought to court Friday to be remanded.

Earlier, he had opted to go on leave from his state exco duties following a massive housing and land scandal in the state.

In a statement, MACC urged all quarters not to speculate on the matter and gave an assurance that its investigations would be conducted in a transparent manner.

Penang's Komtar to have world's tallest mural soon

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An artist's impression of the world's tallest mural on the iconic Komtar tower.

GEORGE TOWN: Five Malaysian artists are set to make their way into the Guinness Book of Records soon for painting the world's tallest mural on Penang's Komtar tower.

The World's Tallest Mural project, which is sponsored by Only World Group (OWG), will see the artists attempting to paint a colossal homage to the state and its people on the iconic tower.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government was proud to support this endeavour, which would definitely put the state on the world map.

"Komtar is indeed a befitting canvas for this historic milestone, not only because it is the tallest building in the state but also because George Town is already world-renowned for its vibrant arts and cultural scene and this mural will definitely enhance the cityscape further in this sense," he told reporters during the announcement of the project at The Top in Komtar.

He said the mural, when completed, would be 230m tall, 13.1m wide, and would cost about RM300,000.

OWG chief executive officer Datuk Seri Richard Koh said they hoped to obtain endorsement from the Guinness Book of World Records for the project.

According to him, the world's tallest mural currently is 70m high, but Komtar's mural would be more than three times its height.

"The project is also in line with our ongoing efforts to revitalise the state's beloved landmark, which began with the opening of The Top@Komtar late last year," he said.

The mural project will start this month and is expected to be completed by October.

The five artists chosen to undertake the project are Bibichun, The Sliz, Kangblabla, Sattama and IMMJN.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong opens first meeting of 13th Parliament's fifth term

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Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V inspects the guard of honour at Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: A new King officiated the first meeting of the fifth term of the 13th Parliament in the refurbished Parliament building on Monday.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V arrived at Parliament at 10.30am clad in a blue baju Melayu to inspect the guard of honour

He was accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister  Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as he entered the august House to deliver his royal address.

This session features a motion that is bound to spark feverish discussion; the Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act.

The Bill brought by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang seeks to further empower Syariah Courts by giving them jurisdiction to mete out harsher punishments for offences, except for those that carry the death penalty.

Abdul Hadi has repeatedly assured lawmakers and the public that the amendments were not a form of hudud but this has done little to ease the fears of non-Muslim MPs.

Barisan Nasional coalition parties and several Opposition parties have objected to the proposed amendments, saying that they contravene the Federal Constitution because the country should not have dual criminal justice systems.

Another motion is the fight to curb sexual crimes against children and the Government is expected to introduce the Child Sexual Crimes Bill, which proposes to make sexual grooming illegal.

There will also be a special session on Tuesday to commemorate Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 which went missing on March 8, 2014.

The meeting of Parliament will end on April 6.

Malaysia honours boxing legend

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PUTRAJAYA: The late boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been honoured by the Government for his actions and spirit in upholding the principles of Islam.

His daughter Rasheeda Ali (pic) received a certificate of special appreciation on his behalf from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

It was in conjunction with the “Reviving the Islamic Spirit” programme by the Malaysian Islamic Missionary Foundation at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Saturday.

According to Bernama, Jamil Khir said that Muhammad Ali, who died during Ramadan last year, had left behind a major legacy and was an inspiration to the world.

“I still remember when he fought Joe Bugner in Malaysia in 1975. The spectators were mesmerised by the prowess of the two boxers,” he said.

Teacher tailors unique English lesson plan

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GOMBAK: Fresh from her first Star Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) workshop, English teacher Yusmedarwati Mohd Yusoff designed her own NiE activity that had her students creating their own superheroes.

Now, she looks forward to sharing this English teaching method with her colleagues.

“We will touch on how to use the newspaper effectively in class,” said the teacher from SMI Al-Amin Gombak, Selangor.

Forty-eight secondary school teachers attended the workshop last week, which demonstrated ways to use the newspaper for English lessons.

The workshop, organised by Star Media Group, was held in collaboration with the Selangor State and Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Departments and the Institute of Teacher Education, international languages campus, Kuala Lumpur, to mark Star-NiE’s 20th anniversary.

Yusmedarwati said the upgraded pullout with 21st century skill indicators and activities for different proficiency levels made lesson planning a breeze.

“I’m teaching classes with mixed proficiency levels, so it really helps me plan.

“Moreover, NiE taps into many skills, such as public speaking,” said the teacher whose school subscribes to 430 copies of Star-NiE weekly.

The NiE workshops at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya, will be held for secondary and primary school English teachers until September.

The next workshops will be held on March 7 and 8.

Tengku Permaisuri takes part in 6km run

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Going the distance: Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (centre, with cap) with other runners in the 6km VIP fun run in Shah Alam.

SHAH ALAM: Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Nora­shikin joined in the fun as she graced the Malaysia Women Mara­thon 2017 at Stadium Malawati.

She took part in the 6km VIP fun run yesterday with the Selangor Mentri Besar’s wife, Datin Seri Sham­shida Taharin, state exco mem­­ber for health Dr Daroyah Alwi and Tourism Selangor general manager Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din.

After completing the run in one hour and 15 minutes, Tengku Per­maisuri Norashikin flagged off the 5km fun run and children’s run.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Moha­med Azmin Ali, who was also present, said the state has been supportive of policies that empower women to take up greater leadership roles.

“The state government’s support for this event reflects our commitment to work with women in deve­loping Selangor.

“As changes have been made and we now have many women leaders in state agencies, we will continue to support the role of women as agents of change in Selangor,” he said.

Malaysia Women Marathon di­­rec­­tor Karen Loh said the annual event was to mark the Women’s Day celebrations.

“We are honoured to have Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin joining us. It truly lifted everyone’s spirits,” she said.

Anxious python attacked 300 kilograms

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Batik python is estimated to weigh 300 kilograms and a length of about six meters.

Marang - A businessman facing palm grove seconds worrisome when bumped by python over about six meters while cleaning his garden in the village of Inglewood, here, today.

In the incident at about 11.30 am, the farm operators involved, Awang Jemahat, 40s, also fortunate in times reptile estimated to weigh about 300 kilograms try to pounce he had fled.

Awang said that once the reptile appears to be trying to pounce she spontaneously ran to a safe place while screaming for help and hope to be able to hear the screams of his son.

Upon hearing the screams Awang, his son, who was not far from the scene immediately get it later also continue to inform the Chairman of JKKK Inglewood, Marzuki Mat Zain, 56.

Marzuki before the incident with the two children were clean but the garden respect of cleaning work to be done in a separate area but still within the same palm grove.

Recalling the events continued, Marzuki said, has become routine for them to clean the oil palm plantations in the morning and will be adjacent to each other.

"I was not far from the scene remarkably surprised when informed of the incident by his son happened to Awang. I immediately get Awang who is still in a state of shock and fear.

"After that, I rushed to the scene before it learned of a huge python. I never saw a snake of that size before. Its length is approximately 20 feet ... which is about six meters long, '' he said.

After that, he said, he immediately contacted the residents and the nearby village JKKK management before some villagers rushed to the scene and managed to kill the big snake.

According to him, the decision to kill the reptile was made after taking into consideration all aspects of the safety of the population, including the mysterious disappearance of farm animals, especially cattle population dropped in the oil palm plantations.

"In recent years, the villagers often complained of the loss of livestock, especially cattle and reliable eaten by pythons may be based on the size of the reptile which can swallow a calf.

"We also took the decision because many people here are involved in the cultivation of oil palm and the reptile attacked them at risk if the animal is in a state of hunger," he said.