The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- State landbank to be gazetted as permanent forest reserve
- Few takers for free breast prosthesis
- Understand your rights, says association president
| State landbank to be gazetted as permanent forest reserve Posted: 17 Sep 2012 06:24 PM PDT MALACCA: Some 246ha of landbank belonging to the state would be gazetted as permanent forest reserve. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the latest land units would complement a total 4,843ha of land that were set aside as forest reserves in the state as stipulated under the National Forestry Act 1984 (amendeded 1993). "The government felt that such areas need to be extended as green lungs as they benefit the eco-system. The move would also be in line with Malacca's status as a green technology city," he told StarMetro. Mohd Ali added that the Malacca government also felt that the forest reserve was salient for the long-term sustainability of the environment. "We want people to witness an ecological transformation that would attract more tourists to the state." In relation to that, Mohd Ali also reminded relevant agencies to abide by the National Forestry Act on issues such as logging, issuance of licences to timber companies and extracting jungle products from the state. He added that those who were involved in illegal logging could face punitive charges under Section 15 and 40 of the National Forestry Act. "The violators can face a fine of RM500,000 and a jail term of 20 years upon conviction," he said. On such a high note, he hopes that the Malacca government and the Forestry Department's enforcement team would carry out their responsibilities diligently to prevent the state's natural resources from being plundered by unscrupulous parties. The state Forestry Department, added Mohd Ali, should also intensify its enforcement activities to keep illegal logging at bay in the state's forest reserves. |
| Few takers for free breast prosthesis Posted: 17 Sep 2012 04:28 PM PDT MALACCA: The Malacca Cancer Society said there are not many takers for free breast prosthesis for cancer survivors here. Despite good advocacy on post breast cancer patients embarked by the society for more than a year, many are still reluctant to accept the offer. The society's manager Miki Chua said they were perplexed by the survivors' reaction. "I don't know the reason behind the lukewarm response, the prosthesis are given away free for deserving cases. Earlier, Chua and two representatives from Can-Care Health System, Audrey Ooi and Amy Ooi demonstrated the benefits of using the artificial breast. Can-Care Health System is appointed by the Government to provide prosthesis to those in need of artificial breasts. Chua said since January 2011, the National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia (LPPKN) had introduced a scheme which provides free prosthesis and post-mastectomy bra set for cancer patients. She added that the value of the items under this scheme ranged from RM800 (single prosthesis) to RM 1500 (a pair). Chua also revealed that the scheme had benefited more than 3,000 women but in Malacca, only 157 patients had applied for the scheme through the society. She said many perceived that wearing breast prosthesis was for cosmetic reasons but the notion was untrue and it was done for medical reasons. Chua said breast prosthesis which provide a good fit helps replace the weight lost after breast surgery. "This replacement is crucial for physical reasons and the patients' quality of life in the long run," she said. She said weighted silicone breast forms were designed to resemble the natural breast in terms of weight, appearance and texture. "When a natural breast is removed, the body is no longer in balance and will compensate with a slight curving of the spine and 'shoulder drop'." She added that both conditions may lead to chronic lower back and neck pains. Chua said in conjunction with the society's 30th anniversary, Can-Care would collaborate to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Month. "We will be holding an event on September 27 at our centre in Taman Melaka Raya to promote the importance of post care and quality of life after breast surgery. "At the same time, we invite all breast cancer survivors to apply for this scheme," she said. Chua added that cancer survivors are eligible for the scheme as long as they fulfill several criteria, including having undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy, with a household income of less than RM5,000 per month and is a Malaysian citizen. She said applicants who were successful would be notified to attend a fitting session and later obtain a tailor-fit prosthesis and bra set. |
| Understand your rights, says association president Posted: 17 Sep 2012 06:20 PM PDT KOTA KINABALU: Getting into debt is becoming a serious social problem after drug abuse if the situation is left unchecked. In relation to this issue, the Kuala Lumpur Consumer Safety Association president Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi said most cases resulted from people living beyond their means. "From our two-year nationwide survey, we found that many loan sharks from Peninsular Malaysia had spread their wings to other states," he said. Although the situation is not yet critical, it is worsening with Malaysians becoming more materialistic. To curb debt, Samsudin said it was important for people to think twice before borrowing money. He said those who were in dire need of financial assistance but could not obtain a loan from banks would turn to loan sharks. These people include those in the lower-income group, civil servants and even professionals. He addded that for some reason, debtors had forgotten their rights as citizens and consumers and overlooked the fact that there were laws to protect them. "We hear stories about loan sharks or licensed money lenders coming after debtors when they cannot pay up on time. "But we seldom read about them being prosecuted by the Law." He added that such is how people allow their fears to overcome their sensibility. "This should not happen, because if you need to borrow money from these sources — you have to know that licensed money lenders are subject to the Money Lenders Act, which protects both consumers and the company. "Any form of loan agreement has to be made in black and white, with a copy for both lender and debtor," Samsudin said. Those who want to borrow without mortgage are required to pay a maximum interest of 18% from the total loan amount. While those under mortgage loan need to pay 12% interest of what they owe per annum and not more. "There are so many companies who forsake this and charge up to 30% interest per annum, which is illegal. "There are also instances where loan sharks are engaged to manage these loans and deal with customers who could not pay up on time." He said it was up to the borrowers to choose the source of their loan, but it was also their responsibility to know the law so that their rights were secured. "We shall be the ones deciding on whether we want to continue to be in debt and not succumb to free-spending which lands us in difficult times." |
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