The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
| Posted: 18 Nov 2011 12:45 AM PST KUALA TERENGGANU: Restaurant operators statewide are encouraged to participate in the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia programme in order to reduce the people's burden. State Welfare, Community and Women development committee chairman Datuk Yahya Khatib Mohamad said there were only 127 participating restaurants but there should be more. "From the number, only three restaurants are owned by non-Malays. "We want to encourage more operators to join, especially the non-Malays," he said after launching the programme at Restoran Kak Jah in Wakaf Tapai here recently. He also voiced out his confidence that non-Malays operators were interested in joining the programme as it could also boost the number of customers. "This programme will benefit the operators as well as the customers. "Providing affordable meals will result in further growth for one's business in the long run," he said. He added the state also targets to lure more rural restaurant operators to join the programme. Meanwhile, restaurant owner Khatijah Mohamad, 47, said she provided RM2 breakfast and RM4 lunch for her customers. "I am happy to join the government's initiative as I will be able to attract more customers. "I hope to add more affordable menus in the future," she said. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Cracks at new hospital repaired last month Posted: 18 Nov 2011 12:33 AM PST KOTA KINABALU: The cracks at Sabah's newly-completed Queen Elizabeth Hospital five-storey parking complex does not pose a serious danger to the overall structure of the building. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin said the cracks were due to poor workmanship but the contractor has since repaired the defects last month. "The car park is now safe for use," she said, pointing out the Public Works Department has declared the facility safe. Public concerns arose over the workmanship of the complex after cracks almost immediately appeared after the complex was commissioned last year. Meanwhile, Rosnah said work on the RM365mil twin tower projects at QEH I is on track, adding they have targeted the project to end December next year. "So far the work is progressing smoothly. We hope it will be completed as scheduled (as) for now seven levels of the structure are done," she said after launching a Smart Reader Kids of Alam Mesra function here recently. She said the Ministry had received several proposals on how to improve the parking situation in QEH I, which is also a problem. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Rosli takes a turn for the better Posted: 18 Nov 2011 12:49 AM PST KOTA KINABALU: Leading seven community-based conservation and eco-tourism projects, Rosli Jukrana has come a long way from the days he used to illegally fell timber. As the executive manager of Koperasi Pelancongan Mukim Batu Putih (Kopel) Berhad, Rosli is today busy overseeing lake and forest restoration projects and running an eco-camp and homestays at four villages in the Lower Kinabatangan region, on Sabah's east coast. Kopel Berhad runs the Model Ecologically Sustainable Community Conservation and Tourism (Mescot) project that is working to restore a lowland rainforest and has successfully constructed a zero waste and near-zero emissions eco camp, in addition to award winning homestay, cultural and wildlife tourism programmes. Recently, the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu presented Rosli an award in recognition of his leadership which now sees him extending knowledge and experience in conservation and sustainable tourism to other communities in the state. Rotary International District Governor Zainie Abdul Aucasa presented RM1,000, a plaque and a certificate to Rosli, 43, at a dinner where Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu president Lawrence Thien. Rosli who was accompanied by wife Maria Isa and daughter Siti Dzulaika, said he was humbled by the club's decision to present him with the award and viewed it as an honour for Mescot andKopel. "I dedicate this award to the Mescot team and Kopel co-operative members who have shown strong support for conservation and tourism projects in Batu Putih for the last 14 years. "This award is recognition of the hard work that everyone has put in making both Mescot and Kopel a success. I dedicate this award to the four villages in the Batu Putih area and I am confident that this will motivate us to do work harder in conservation efforts and develop sustainable eco-tourism as a source of income," he said. Rosli said there was a time when he was forced to fell timber illegally as that was the only source of income in order for him to support his family. "Things have changed for us with the introduction of conservation and eco-tourism products which now allow me and fellow villagers to earn a sustainable income," the father of four said. Rising through the ranks to become executive manager, Rosli is central to the development of Kopel as one of the top 17 co-operatives in Malaysia, and the only one in Sabah. Reacting to the award, Malaysia Co-operative Commission Sabah director Saiful Bahri Omar said he was pleased that the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu had recognised the leader of a community based co-operative. "We are very happy to learn of this award. Kopel continues to adhere to rules and regulations, and has become a model for other co-operatives in the nation. "Co-operatives increase the socio-economic status of members who get income via homestays and other services," Saiful said, adding that there were 803 co-operatives in Sabah. Meanwhile, Land Empowerment Animals People (Leap) which has partnered with the community since 2005, described Rosli as a dedicated and committed leader. Leap executive director Cynthia Ong said Rosli and his team report illegal logging to the Sabah Forestry Department, and that the area has seen a decline in such activities due to presence of a community that truly cares about conservation. "Collectively, Mescot programmes have turned the tide of ecologically destructive practices and economic disempowerment among villagers, and put them on a track of both ecological and economic self-sufficiency, paving the way for other rural communities in Sabah and the region," Ong said. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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