STORY TO BE TOLD

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reading out his Budget 2011 speech in Parliament on Friday.

Highlights of PM's Budget 2011 speech

These are the highlights of Budget 2011:

The Govt took into consideration views from the public and private sectors, focus groups, media, 1M blog and lab sessions.

Govt expects 7% growth for Malaysia in 2010 over previous estimate of 6%.

Govt aims to achieve 6% growth in 2011, supported by private investments, expanding 10.2%, private consumption 6.3%, exports 6.7%.

Income per capita will increase 6.1% to RM28,000 while income in terms of purchasing power parity to USD16,000 (RM49,440).

Will emphasise on efforts to transform the nation into a developed plus high-income economy plus sustainable development.

With the theme "Transformation Towards a Developed and High-Income Nation", Budget 2011 will centre on 4 key strategies.

Several PPP projects identified under the 10MP will be implemented in 2011 through private investment of RM12.5bil PPP project: Construction of highways such as the Ampang-Cheras-Pandan Elevated Highway

PPP project: Construction of a 300-megawatt Combined-Cycle Gas Power Plant in Kimanis, Sabah

PPP project: Development of International Islamic University Malaysia Teaching Hospital in Kuantan; Women and Children’s Hospital

Another PPP project identified is the Academic Medical Centre. This project involves private investment of RM2 bil

Greater KL MRT to be implemented from 2011. When completed, public transport utilisation rate is expected to rise to at least 40%

Another major project is the development of the Malaysian Rubber Board land in Sungai Buloh covering an area of 2,680 acres

A new landmark, Warisan Merdeka, is expected to be completed in 2020. It will include a 100-storey tower, the tallest in Malaysia

The Govt will implement bold measures to revitalise the domestic capital market

Efforts will be taken to strengthen Malaysia's position as a premier Islamic capital market

The Govt will provide Entrepreneurship Enhancement Training Programme to train 500 technopreneurs and attract more angel investors

The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation will be provided a startup fund amounting to RM100mil to provide soft loans

To revitalise capital market activities, the Govt will launch a Private Pension Fund in 2011

Existing income tax relief of up to RM6,000 for employees contributions to EPF will extend to Private Pension Fund contributions

A sum of RM857 mil is allocated for local E&E companies to compete at the international level

The Govt will allocate RM146 mil to support the oil, gas and energy industry

The Govt is committed to develop green technology to ensure sustainable development

Pioneer Status, Investment Tax Allowance for energy generation from renewable sources plus energy efficiency activities extended til 31 December 2015

To further encourage ownership of hybrid cars, import duty and excise duty exemption will be extended until 31 December 2011

Tax exemption on income from trading of Certified Emission Reductions certificate to extend until year of assessment 2012.

The Govt will implement the Programme on Blending of Biofuels with Petroleum Diesel (B5 Programme) in June 2011

The Govt will allocate RM3.8bil in 2011 to increase productivity and generate higher returns in the agriculture sector

Infrastructure facilities to be allocated - RM85mil to facilitate construction of hotels and resorts in remote areas

RM3bil eco-nature resort Nexus Karambunai, Sabah, to commence 2011

To support the tourism industry, the Government will allocate RM100mil

The Govt proposes that import duty on approximately 300 goods preferred by tourists and locals, at 5% to 30%, be abolished.

In efforts to propel the palm oil and related products industry, several measures will be implemented

Measures include encouraging replanting activity to replace aged trees with high quality new clones through RM297mil

RM127mil to be allocated to support domestic oleo derivatives companies plus RM23.3m to expand downstream palm oil industries

Multimedia Development Corridor programme is allocated RM119mil. Focus is on creating an innovative digital economy

Import duty and sales tax exemption on broadband equipment are also extended for two years until 2012

The Government proposes that sales tax be exempted on all types of mobile phones

Corridor and regional development will be accelerated. The Government allocates RM850mil for infrastructure support

For Iskandar Malaysia, a sum of RM339mil is allocated.

The Northern Corridor Economic Region is allocated RM133mil.

East Coast Economic Region is allocated RM178mil for projects

For Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, RM93mil is allocated for facilities

A sum of RM411mil is allocated in 2011 for R&D&C activities

For 2011, a sum of RM71mil is allocated for Special Innovation Unit UNIK

A sum of RM200mil is allocated to purchase creative products such as high quality locally-produced films, dramas and documentaries

The Government proposes that the rate of service tax be increased from 5% to 6%

RM29.3bil is allocated for Ministry of Education, RM10.2bil for Ministry of Higher Education and RM627mil for Ministry of Human Resource

The Govt will establish a Talent Corporation under the Prime Minister’s Office in early 2011

RM6.4bil is allocated for development expenditure to build and upgrade schools, hostels, facilities and equipment

RM213mil is allocated to reward high-performance schools

The Govt will increase pre-school enrolment rate to a targeted 72% by end-2011 through an additional 1,700 classes

The Govt will also strengthen the curriculum and appoint 800 pre-school graduate teachers

RM250mil is allocated for development expenditure to schools: religious, Chinese-type, Tamil national, missionary, Government-assisted

RM576mil is allocated in the form of scholarships for those wishing to further their studies

RM213mil is allocated to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, strengthen the English Language

RM20mil is allocated to increase PhD qualified academic staff to 75% in research unis plus to 60% in other higher learning institutions

RM60mil is allocated to further intensify the Industrial Skill Enhancement Programme in State Skills Development Training Centres

The Govt will also allocate RM50mil to the Multimedia Development Corporation to train graduates in ICT

RM474mil is provided to enhance productivity and skills of non-graduates

The 1Malaysia Training Programme will commence in January 2011 with an allocation of RM500mil

RM200mil is allocated to conduct part-time training in the evenings and weekends in selected training centres nationwide

RM200mil from the Human Resources Development Fund to be used by companies to fund specific training programmes for their employees

The Govt will enforce basic minimum wages for security guards, to between RM500 and RM700 a month depending on location

RM30mil is allocated to introduce the Single Mother Skill Incubator Programme and the Prime Entrepreneur and Women Activist

The Govt will provide 40 1Malaysia TASKA to assist women to obtain quality childcare and early education for their children

The Govt will allow flexibility to self-determine fully-paid maternity leave, not exceeding 90 days from the current 60 days

For sports development and management, a sum of RM365mil is allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports

To develop football, the Govt will establish a Football Academy in Pahang with RM20mil to produce quality football players

In 2011, the Government will allocate RM1.2 bil to the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

The Govt will launch assistance programme to benefit 80,000 disabled individuals with an allocation of RM218mil

Government will extend tax relief of up to RM5,000 to help parents with expenses such as daycare, caretakers & other daily needs

First-time house buyers will be given stamp duty exemption of 50% on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000

RM6.9bil is allocated to implement basic infrastructure such as water and electricity supply as well as rural roads

Build and upgrade rural roads in Sabah and Sarawak with an allocation of RM2.1bil and RM696mil in Peninsular Malaysia

RM974mil is allocated as price subsidy for padi, fertilisers and padi seeds. RM230mil for production incentives, increasing padi yield

Govt to establish a 1Malaysia Smart Consumer portal to help the rakyat keep abreast with price movements of retail goods.

Effective January 2011, the monthly allowance of Imam will be increased from RM450 to RM750

The monthly allowance for KAFA teachers will be increased to RM800, an increase from RM500, starting Jan 2011

RM100mil is allocated to implement various programmes, including resolving Orang Asli land rights and border settlement issues

Toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years, effective immediately

RM15.2bil is allocated to build new hospitals, increase the number of doctors, nurses, obtain supplies of medicines and equipment

Since 2009, 51 1Malaysia Clinics are in operation. The Government will provide an additional 25 1Malaysia Clinics

RM350mil is allocated to implement various programmes to combat crime, including burglary, motorcycle and car thefts

RM70mil is allocated for programmes with select NGOs to help Govt strengthen family institution and address social ills eg baby dumping

RM1.9bil is allocated to environmental preservation, including implementing the River of Life Programme and KL greening

To assist children, particularly the low-income to excel academically, the 1MDB will provide multi-vitamins for primary school pupils

1MDB will provide RM20mil to the 1Malaysia Youth Fund. This fund will be utilised to instil the 1Malaysia spirit

The Govt agrees to abolish the Competency Level Assessment/PTK and replace with a more suitable evaluation system by June 2011

Civil servants burden in coping with schooling expenses to be reduced by providing a Special Financial Assistance of RM500

RM212bil is allocated for Budget 2011, which is 2.8% higher than the allocation for 2010

RM45.6bil will be allocated for Development Expenditure, RM15.5bil for the social sector

Government revenue collection is estimated to increase 2.3% to RM165.8bil in 2011, up from RM162.1bil in 2010

The deficit for 2011 is expected to further decline to 5.4% of GDP, compared with 5.6% in 2010

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Five students in hospital due to chemical fumes

YAN: Five students have been admitted to the hospital here after being overcome by chemical fumes, believed to be from a factory nearby.

The Form Three students from SM Guar Chempedak were gathered at a school hall for a briefing when the incident occured at around 9.30am on Thursday.

Nurul Izwarina Mohd Khorazi, 15, said she suddenly smelled fumes like those of a washing detergent.

"I started feeling giddy and found it difficult to breath. I asked my friends if they were alright and they told me they felt the same way," said the student when met at the hospital here.

She said a teacher then directed all the students to gather at the school field and to wear facial masks.

Eight students and a man were brought to a public health clinic, who were then referred to the hospital.

Nurul Izwarina said five students were later admitted for observation.

When contacted, a Kedah Health Department official said all the students were stable.

"We will hand over the matter to the Department of Environment so it can take action against the factory," he said. - Bernama

Credtis to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Death toll from horrific bus crash rises to 13
BY MARTIN CARVALHO

MALACCA: A woman who suffered head injuries in the horrific bus crash along the North South Expressway near Linggi last Sunday has died, bringing the death toll to 13.

Sharifah Nor Asmira Syed Sallehudin, 21, succumbed to head injuries at the Malacca Hospital's intensive care unit at 12.05am on Friday.

The remains of Sharifah, a language student at an institute in Kuala Lumpur, had been sent to her home in Kampung Padang Marang in Terengganu at 3am.

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Six die in fiery crash

Six killed as car crashes into trees
BY SYLVIA LOOI

KAMPAR: Six people, including a couple, died when the Honda City they were travelling in crashed and collided into two trees at the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh trunk road at Jeram, near here.

Kampar OCPD Supt Abd Aziz Salleh said in the 2am incident Thurday, five of the victims, who were trapped in the car, died on the spot.

"They were burnt beyond recognition," he said when met at the Kampar Hospital.

The sixth victim, Foo Siew Ling died while undergoing treatment at the hospital at 4.50am. The impact of the crash flung Foo out of the car.

Police, he said, believed that the car, which was registered under Lim Ka Wai's name, was speeding before it lost control and collided with a tree.

"The impact from the crash into the first tree forced the car to collide with another tree," he added.

Nineteen firemen in three engines had to be summoned to free the victims, who were pinned in the car.

In the last six months, the Kampar district police have seen two horrific accidents.

On July 22, five died after the MPV they were travelling in crashed and plunged into a 30m ravine at KM301, northbound, of the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung.

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/

Quick and easy: Chilli Mustard Chicken Sandwich

By Chef Nermala Dass
Photo by Nicholas Khoo

Ingredients

o 200g chicken breast
o 1 tsp chilli flakes
o 1 tsp mixed herbs
o 1/2 tsp salt
o 1/2 tsp black pepper
o 3 tbsp cream mustard
o 1/2 cup yogurt
o Bread loaf or buns
o Lettuce
o 2 tbsp oil

Method

Marinate chicken with herbs, chilli flakes, black pepper and salt.

Heat oil and grill chicken until it is cooked on both sides.

Mix cooked chicken with mustard and yogurt.

Serve with bread and lettuce.

Credtis to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/recipes/

Crash victim may never walk again

PETALING JAYA: The hopes of Tan Tian Ser, the father of Tan Giin Rong who is semi-paralysed following a bus crash, were dashed when doctors told him that his son stands a very slim chance of walking even after surgery.

“All I am hoping for right now is for my son to be able to at least sit in a wheelchair,” said Tan.

He also said that the surgery is scheduled for 1pm today at Univer­siti Hospital.

Giin Rong, a student at Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman, suffered injuries to his spinal column when he was involved in the horrific bus crash along the North-South Expressway on Sunday that killed 12 people.

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Trader: My wife died after painkiller jab
By SARBAN SINGH
sarban@thestar.com.my

BAHAU: A businessman has alleged that his wife and unborn child died soon after a nurse injected the mother with painkillers minutes before she was to give birth.

Seow Woon Choy, 36, said his 31-year-old wife, Leong Siew Mei, complained that she could not breathe immediately after she was injected with the painkillers.

“She told me that twice and then, she collapsed. Her body then started to turn stiff,” he said, adding that his wife’s face also turned black after she was administered the injection.

He ran out of the ward and notified a doctor who was in the next room.

“I was told that my wife had died. Even the doctor was shocked. I cannot believe that one minute, my wife was getting ready to give birth and the next, she was dead,” he said.

Seow said he took his wife to the hospital at 7am on Tuesday when she was to be induced for labour.

“It was supposed to be the best day of my life. But my world crumbled right before me in 10 seconds,” said a teary Seow when met at the wake of both Leong and their baby here.

“My wife had always been given a clean bill of health from the day she sought treatment at the hospital,” he said adding that Leong was very excited.

Seow said his wife was given an injection to induce labour and another to prevent her from vomitting. The painkiller was administered after her cervix had opened sufficiently.

A spokesman at the private hospital said they were awaiting the final post-mortem report.

“We will respond once the final report is out,” she added.

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Baby is first 1MCA aid recipient
By RACHAEL KAM
rachael@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Hole-in-heart baby Ang Tian Teck is the first aid recipient from the 1MCA Medical Foundation, after MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek pledged it would pay the shortfall in his medical fees.

Speaking after visiting the boy, who had heart surgery yesterday, Dr Chua said the MCA should immediately help the four-month-old baby.

“This is a deserving and emergency case that cannot be further delayed,” said Dr Chua, who learned of the boy from a newspaper article.

“As a medical doctor, I know that this is a condition that probably needs the baby to stay in hospital for a long time. And the whole family will also be involved in an illness like this, as the father has had to quit his job to look after his baby.

“So we thought that we should step forward to help. We pledged to pay for any shortfall in expenditure for the surgical procedures. And we are willing to discuss with the parents if they need further funding.”

Ang is the first child of Ang Kek Guan, 38, and Ong Lay Pin, 38, a secretary, on whose income the household depends.

The baby, who suffers from ventricular septal defect, was transferred to the Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur from Klang General Hospital early this week.

The hospital’s consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr M.K. Lim said the baby underwent surgery on Wednes­day and was expected to be out of the intensive care unit in two days.

“The child gets to go home in 10 days or two weeks,” he said, adding that Ang had been staying in the hospital since he was born.

He said the hospital was currently collecting donations for the baby’s medical fees totalling about RM30,000.

On the 1MCA Medical Foundation, Dr Chua said the MCA had managed to raise RM4.5mil in the two weeks since announcing its establishment.

“The response has been very positive. Therefore, we have decided to raise the target to RM10mil,” he added.

“We would like to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as he has agreed to give tax exemption for donations to the foundation.”

Dr Chua said he would meet with MCA deputy president and Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is the foundation’s selection committee chairman, to draft the guidelines for the foundation.

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Teenager dies in freak accident at home

NIBONG TEBAL: A 14-year-old schoolboy died in a freak accident after his neck got entangled in an electrical wire behind his house in Taman Sri Bistari here.

S. Agunan, a Form Two student from SMK Tuanku Abdul Rahman, was said to be behind the house alone when the incident happened.

South Seberang Prai OCPD Supt Shafien Mamat said a police team rushed to the scene on receiving a call at 10.20pm on Wednes­day.

“We believe that the boy could have tripped and fallen causing his neck to be entangled in the dangling wire.

“We do not suspect foul play. The incident has been classified as sudden death,” he said, adding that the body had been sent to the Sungai Bakap Hospital for a post mortem.

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/