The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Dr Yee: Healthy social activities a good way to reduce rising number of suicide cases
- Association plays a crucial role in community
- Police on the manhunt for suspected thief
| Dr Yee: Healthy social activities a good way to reduce rising number of suicide cases Posted: 27 Dec 2012 07:24 PM PST MALACCA: Suicide rates in Malaysia are on the rise. According to the National Suicide Registry Malaysia's (NSRM), there were 445 suicides as reported. Out of that figure, 347 were men and 98 women while the highest number of suicides occurred by those between 30 and 39 years old (109), followed by those between 20 and 29 age bracket (108). Malacca MCA Youth chief Dr Yee Kok Wah speaking at the Happy Line Dancing Christmas celebration here at the main stage of Jonker Walk, said the Health Ministry also reported that an average of seven people, mainly youths and young adults, end their own lives on a daily basis that tabulates to an estimated 140 people attempting suicide each day. "National statistics also show that men outnumber women by three to one, while the Chinese had the highest number of suicides at 48%, followed by Indians (21%), Malays (18%) and other races (13%). "I believe there are lot more people in despair and in need of emotional support," Dr Yee said. He said there is a great need to create awareness and healthy activities and line dancing is indeed a good avenue for such people to release tension and mix about socially to eradicate or reduce their personal problems. Dr Yee who was representing State MCA chief Datuk Gan Tian Loo at the event, praised Happy Line Dancing chief instructor Tan Kok Hee and his wife for a job well done, to get as many people from all walks of life and different ages to join in a dance on a weekly basis and make it as a form of exercise. He said line dancing can reduce stress and despair as the members are so engrossed in a dance routine and mixed about socially that many tend to forget their stress and despair. Dr Yee said with lots of encouragement, advice and assistance from the other members, those facing social and mental problems would find that there is a positive way to enjoy life to the fullest. The Kickick Line Dancing Group from Kuala Lumpur led by Melvin Tan and Wendy Loh travelled all the way to join in the spirit of Yuletide. William Line Dancing group instructor, William Tan too was present to strengthen the existing friendship and comradeship with Tan Kok Hee and his members. The event was an enchanting evening as many bystanders and visitors to the Jonker Walk, watched closely the dance routine proceedings the whole night through. |
| Association plays a crucial role in community Posted: 27 Dec 2012 07:25 PM PST MALACCA: Clan associations or huay kuan can be found in almost every overseas Chinese society. They are called huay kuan or tong xiang hui and are formed on the basis of kinship, clan, dialect, home village, territory, or occupation. Clan associations had its origins in China and were established overseas by migrant populations. Malacca Hokkien Huay Kuan chairman Datuk Wira Gan Boon Leong in his address to welcome members and invited guests especially from outstation and the parent body, said that clan association plays various roles in overseas Chinese society. He said it serves as a contact medium between migrants and their hometown or region. Gan said in the good old days, when natural disasters or political crisis happened in China, clan associations raised fund to send back to China. "They also offered protection for their members while disputes between members could be brought to the clan association for settlement and problems with other dialect groups could be settled between representatives of the respective clan associations," he said. Gan said today it is a different scenario as activities are organised for the betterment of its members. "During the course of the year, clan associations organise festive and religious celebration with prayers in certain months. "Through these activities, they reproduce their traditional cultural environment in host societies," he said. Gan said festive events include major festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Qing Ming, dumpling festival, seventh month, mid autumn festival and winter solstice bring about an opportunity to network with fellow countrymen, reinforce their cultural identity in a foreign land and gave them a sense of comfort and semblance of familiarity. National Malaysian Hokkien Huay Kuan President Datuk Khoo Chai Kaa in his speech said that clan associations and temples usually have a very close relationship as almost every clan association has a patron deity. When resources are available, he said these clans built temples dedicated to the patron deity. "The official founding dates of clan associations or patron temples is an important milestone in the group's history as it signals a level of economic resources on a population base. "This is because wealthy leaders who were often entrepreneurs initiated the founding of clan associations," said Khoo referring to Melaka Hokkien Huay Kuan 211th Anniversary. He said survival of a clan association depends on its ability to serve the needs of its members. State Education, Youth & Sports Committee Chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo who was also present contributed RM10,000 to the huay kuan. Datuk Lim Siew Wan, Datuk Soon Tian Szu, Datuk Lim Kok Ann, Gan Seng Chong (association secretary-general) and many die-hard members agreed collectively that clan association's fate in Chinese communities can be seen as a microcosm of the interaction between the notions of ethnicity and nationality that unfolds and evolves in each overseas Chinese community. The huay kuan also honoured members who received state titles in conjunction with the Malacca Governor 74th Birthday celebration with congratulatory wooden signages carved in calligraphy messages while members who were outstanding in the various activities held throughout the year, received certificates of acknowledgement and appreciation. |
| Police on the manhunt for suspected thief Posted: 27 Dec 2012 07:16 PM PST TEMERLOH: An Indonesian is being sought by police to assist in the investigation of thefts by a maid involving some RM90,000. OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Aziz Salleh said Ramli, 25, whose passport had expired, was wanted to assist in the case under Section 381 of the Penal Code. He said police had detained a maid early this month after the employer lodged a report of suspected thefts. "The maid has been working with the employer in Taman Temerloh Jaya since Nov 2010, looking after the house and a child. "On many occasions, items were missing from the house causing the employer to become suspicious," he said. ACP Abdul Aziz said among the items said to be stolen were jewellery, branded watches, cellphone and money. He said the employer confronted the maid after another piece of jewellery was missing on Nov 21 but she denied taking it. "Subsequently, a report was lodged by the employer and investigations showed the items were stolen by the maid and given to a third party. "The man is being sought to assist in the case," he said, adding that the offence carries a jail term of up to seven years and a fine. Those with information on Ramli are urged to contact Insp Mohd Roezaidie of the district police headquarters at 09-271 6222 or the nearest police station. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Star Online: Metro: South & East To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan