The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- UPM to do detailed research on marketability of ikan patin overseas
- Suggestion to relocate due to various reasons
- Getting together for a good cause
| UPM to do detailed research on marketability of ikan patin overseas Posted: 19 Nov 2012 06:41 PM PST TEMERLOH: The Higher Education Ministry will allocate a sum of RM182,000 to carry out a detailed study on the uniqueness of ikan patin in Temerloh and its marketability overseas. Deputy Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the study would be conducted over a two-year period by Universiti Putra Malaysia. "Previously, the same university had done a research and managed to concoct several new ikan patin dishes such gulai tempoyak, spicy asam favour, fried with chilli and Western style. "This time, the study would be more comprehensive and indepth to come up with proposals on how ikan patin can penetrate the overseas market," he said after launching the ikan patin carnival and seminar here recently. Also present was Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin. Saifuddin, who is the Temerloh MP, said presently, production of ikan patin in Temerloh was between 60 and 70 metric tonnes a month. He said as such, the total production was not adequate to meet local demand which was about double the figure. "We hope the university can come up with proposals on how to increase production over the next few years so that the fish could be exported to countries such as Japan and Australia. "All parties including state agencies, fish breeders and entrepreneurs must work together to further develop the ikan patin industry and open up new opportunities," he said. On a separate matter, Saifuddin said three products from Temerloh would be representing the district during a "one district, one industry" exhibition in Malacca next month. The three chosen products are ikan patin dishes, handicraft and milk palm oil. |
| Suggestion to relocate due to various reasons Posted: 19 Nov 2012 06:42 PM PST JOHOR BARU: Clogged drains, faulty wiring, dilapidated classrooms, lack of equipment and space are the main reasons why the school authorities including the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the 87-year-old SK Convent Infant Jesus suggested that the school be relocated. Initially built to accommodate 200 students, the school now has a total of 847 students, functioning over two sessions. Headmistress Datin Azizah Ahmad Tan said the school was constantly undergoing small renovation and upgrading works but the structure itself was old and crumbling. "Our intention is to provide a good study space for students but since the Johor Ruler himself has proclaimed that he does not want the school to be moved, we will abide by his word. "What we propose now is to raise funds so that we can build a new block and conduct massive renovation works for the current building," she said when speaking to The Star at the school here on Nov 16. "The PTA has been helping the school throughout the years and they have spent over RM1mil to conduct small renovations for the school throughout the years. "Unfortunately, whenever we fix one problem, another problem emerges," she said adding that termite problems also plagued the school. Azizah said that the school had no intention of offending parents and understood the sentiments and tradition of the school, which was the first girl's school to be set up in the state. "Despite the lack of space, we still have a mini museum which has pictures, old uniforms, badges, and many other items to remind students of the rich culture and heritage for which the school owes its reputation and growth to," she said. PTA head Datuk Awang Omar, who apologised for the recent confusion, said before the PTA came up with the idea to relocate, they had already suggested that a new block be built within the school grounds but the plan could not materialise due to lack of funding. "We even forwarded a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin about our problem but there has been no reply to that request as yet," he said. He added that it would cost approximately RM2mil to build a new block and another RM4mil to renovate and upgrade the current building for the school. Awang said that the PTA and the school alone had no resources to raise such funds and eventually decided that the best option was to relocate. It was previously reported that a circular on the matter was issued to parents on Oct 30 stating that the school had applied to be relocated after the PTA agreed to the idea during its general meetings in 2010 and 2011. Parents however, opposed the move and the relocation plans were temporarily shelved. Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar also later directed that the school should not be moved and instead advised the authorities to renovate the current structure and ensure that the new renovations blended with the original architecture and design of the school. |
| Getting together for a good cause Posted: 19 Nov 2012 06:44 PM PST TEMERLOH: A total of 150 people took part in a gotong-royong programme to spruce up the surroundings in two housing estates near here. The participants comprising members of political parties, Rela, fire personnel, local authorities, Alam Flora workers, local residents and students started the arduous task after a short briefing by representatives of the district health office. Joining them were Mentakab assemblyman Datuk Chuah Boon Seong and Temerloh MIC division chief Datuk A. Sivalingam. Chuah said residents were reminded on the danger of dengue fever and to ensure their surroundings were free of mosquito breeding sites. He said officers from the Mentakab fire station were also on hand to give some pointers on ways to prevent a fire and other safety measures. "This programme is jointly held with the co-operation of local authorities, government agencies and local residents. "Besides keeping the environment clean, it could foster closer ties and rapport with the people residing in Taman Damai and Taman Orkid," he said. Chuah said preserving a clean environment and promoting safety aspects are the responsibility of all citizens. "All parties should take up an active role and not leave the matter entirely to the authorities. "The spirit of togetherness and mutual co-operation will ensure a healthy and vibrant society," he said. Chuah said residents also highlighted problems such as clogged drains, damaged roads and upgrading of drainage system to the local council. He urged other housing estates to carry out their own activities for mutual benefit and a more conducive living environment. Participants also took the initiative to clean up several units of flats which were not occupied but laden with rubbish. |
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