Headline :GENIUS @ WORK

NEW SUNDAY TIMES
Date :02/10/2005
Page Number :16
Byline :By R.S. KAMINI
Type : Entertainment

IT was a highly charged affair at the Singapore Indoor Stadium last Saturday where the roaring fans stomped their feet and chanted their idol's name.
The idol was A.R. Rahman, the man behind some of the greatest songs in the history of modern Indian music, and he was in Singapore for his Third Dimension World Tour - his only Asian stop.
It was a spectacular concert where Rahman, who is hailed as the man who revolutionised the Indian music industry, and an incomparable entourage rocked the stadium.
There were never a moment of silence befalling the stadium as the raving crowd, ever-energetic singers and ingenious musicians kept the party mood going for almost five hours.
A short but poised appearance by the maestro of Indian cinema later witnessed wild screams from ardent fans of different races.
Starting from Rahman's latest Hindi venture, Yuva, fans were entertained to stupendous chartbuster tracks from movies like Swades, Saathiya, Dil Se, Sapnay and more.
These tracks were interspersed with their original Tamil versions as well as other Tamil songs.
Many could only marvel at the composed music director who guided his singers and fellow musicians with mellowed and robust hits with his synthesiser and piano.
Rahman's orchestra, which included flautist Naveen Kumar, percussionist Sivamani and bass guitarist Keith Peters, presented a unique blend of panache.
Indian music scene's finest voices who made an appearance were Hariharan, Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam, Madhushree and Chitra.
Names familiar to the Bollywood scene such as Kailash Kher earned himself credit for his powerful voice prowess while Alma from Bosnia belted out songs from Rahman's highly acclaimed musical Bombay Dreams.
Together with the young and sensational singer Karthik and India's hottest rap star Blaaze, the concert was one big party.
Favoured tracks such as Chaiya Chaiya (Dil Se), Humma Humma (Bombay) and songs from director Shankar's Boys had many in the audience up and dancing.
Thunderous applause were heard every minute for every performance and every speech uttered by singers on stage on Rahman's excellent work.
"We have only one Taj Mahal marvelled by people worldwide, similarly, we have only one A.R. Rahman," Udit Narayan told the crowd.
Rahman, himself, although fathomed by many as a man of few words, surprised the crowd when he sang along with other singers.
The finale brought the stadium to its feet when the orchestra performed the rousing anthem Vande Matharam.
Rahman burst into prominence after his first Tamil movie, Roja, in 1991. He has, since then, redefined contemporary Indian music.
He won numerous awards, including National awards, Indian Filmfare awards (equivalent to the Oscars), MTV awards, and was conferred the prestigious Padmashree award by the Government of India in 2000.
Rahman has sold more than 100 million copies of albums, including music from blockbuster movies such as Lagaan, Taal, Jeans, Indian, Dil Se, Baba and Alaipayuthe.
He became the talk of West End in London and New York after the success and brilliant soundtrack in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, Bombay Dreams.
His next stage production was for Lord of the Rings, which is scheduled to be performed next year.
Reports say his current ventures include Indian superstar Rajinikanth's next movie.
The Rahman-Shankar combination that produced fantastic soundtracks in Gentleman, Kathalan, Muthalvan, Nayak and Boys previously, has led to the Rajinikanth venture being a sell-out with investors even before production had started.
That says a lot for the Rahman genius, doesn't it?

- nsunt@nst.com.my
**Kamini's attendance at the concert was made possible by the Singapore Tourism Board.
(END)

Headline: Holidays at the click of a mouse

NST
Date :28/09/2005
Page Number :24
Byline :R.S. Kamini
Type: News-Tourism

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. -Booking holiday packages will be much easier when local tour and travel agents converge into Internet marketing soon.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has embarked on a mission to help agents use new technology to boost business and make it convenient for travellers to search for good deals.
Matta vice-president (research and technology) Lee Choon Loong said in Malaysia, technologies such as the Internet were not considered exciting from the perspective of a typical travel company.
To enhance the usage of technology in the travel business, a Matta E-Business conference was held at Putra World Trade Centre today.
At the conference, industry players, including experts in electronic travel marketing, discussed many facets of e-business including domain names, website developments, online booking systems and Internet marketing.
Matta chairman Ngiam Foon said travel companies were seeking ways to reduce cost and enhance business, and one way was by using the Internet to market their products.
"With the Internet, everything is easy, fast and convenient for customers and agents, but only two-thirds of our 1,800 Matta members are technology-savvy."
From the conference, he said, members would learn how to use e-business effectively when responding to customer needs, reducing costs and achieving business objectives.
A speaker at the conference, Ron Andruff from New York, said change was taking place with more travel firms fully using Internet and email to provide travel information and services to their customers.
Andruff, chief executive officer of Tralliance Corporation, said it might take about a year or two for all Malaysian travel companies to adopt Internet marketing.
(END)

Headline : Following in his father's footsteps

NST
Date : 10/09/2005
Page Number : 10
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type: News


KUALA LUMPUR, Fri. - Promoting English usage among rural residents was one of the initiatives his father, the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman, had pushed for.
Today, Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (picture) is continuing with the effort, starting with schools in Negri Sembilan.
Tunku Abdullah, a successful businessman who heads several corporations including the Melewar Group, sees the New Straits Times' School Sponsorship Programme as the perfect channel to achieve this.
He has contributed RM16,480 to benefit about 800 students from 20 schools in the State.
The beneficiaries are SMK Dato Undang Musa Al-Haj in Jelebu, SMK Bahau, SMK Tampin, SMK Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Gemas), SMK Bukit Rokan (Gemencheh),SMK Chung Hua and SM Tinggi Tuanku Jaafar (Kuala Pilah), SMK Serting Hilir Kompleks (Jempol), SMK Pertang (Simpang Pertang), SMK Batu Kikir (Batu Kikir), SMK Datuk Muhammad Yusof (Linggi), SMK Dato Abdullah (Kota), SMK Dato Klana Putra and SMK Agama Sheikh Mohd Said (Seremban), SM Tinggi Dato Lela Maharajalela (Rembau), SMK Datuk Undang Abdul Manap (Johol), SMK Port Dickson, SMK Taman Semarak (Nilai), SMK Labu and SM Tinggi Juasseh.
Six others have joined the list of individual sponsors participating in the programme.
They are sponsoring the NST for one school year.
Gerakan vice-president Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam is adopting SMK Felda Bandar Baru Serting in Negri Sembilan.
Joining him are Rosliza Ibrahim, whose contributions will benefit SMK Dato Abdul Samad, Negri Sembilan; Wong Keng Seek (SMK Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Batu Arang); Puteri Shenaz Majid (SMK Agama Falahiah, Kelantan); Mohamed Yaacob (SMK Sultan Ismail, Kelantan); and Pang Yee Beng (SMK Siong, Kedah).
Sabariah Mohammed Tahir is adopting 12 students from Sekolah Maahad Tahfiz Al-Azariah in Shah Alam, while Badrul Hisham Abdul Wahab and Indran Segaran Arnasalam are adopting eight students each in SMK Tengku Kudin Raub, Pahang, and SK Raja Chulan, Perak, respectively.
Three more who are sponsoring copies for six months are Wong Wai Keh, who is sponsoring SMK (P) Pudu; Che Mat Ariffin Abdul Rahman (SMK Cheneh Baru, Terengganu); and S. Mutukumar (Bangsar Tamil School).
(END)

Headline : 'Don't neglect the language'

NST

Date : 18/08/2005

Page No : 06

Headline : 'Don't neglect the language'

Byline : By R.S. Kamini

Type :News

KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - Being forced to read the English newspapers during his younger days helped Datuk Tony Fernandes come a long way in life.

Today, he stands as a well-respected entrepreneur with an excellent command of the language.

Describing the English language as one of the country's main strengths back in his younger days, the chief executive officer of low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd said students should never neglect the language.

Expressing his hope that the language would be given due priority, he has joined the growing list of individuals pledging their support for the New Straits Times' School Sponsorship Programme in a personal capacity.

Fernandes will be contributing RM16,480 to adopt 200 students from SMK Sri Sepang.

"If my father did not push me hard enough back then, communicating in English today would have been the biggest hurdle for me.

"Advising students to read, write and communicate in English every day, he said the language should always remain one of the country's main strengths.

Also joining the list today were several New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad staff, including production unit director Tun Ibrahim Mohd Jafri and IT unit general manager Akram Mohamad.

Tun Ibrahim will be sponsoring RM820 to adopt 20 students from his alma mater, SMK Clifford in Kuala Kangsar, Perak while Akram will adopt another 20 in SMK Salor in Kota Baru, Kelantan.

Tun Ibrahim said teachers should view English as a staple language and stress its importance to students.

"Since English is only the second language, many choose to stay ignorant about the importance of the language.

This must change," he said.

Housewife Norlailee Abdul Ghani from Kuala Lumpur is also sponsoring RM820 to adopt 20 students from Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.

"We recently found out from my son, who attends the school, that it only receives one copy of the NST every week.

"We hope that with this sponsorship, students would be able to get a copy every day and use it to improve their language proficiency," she said.

Three more individuals, Lachu Thevar from Batu Pahat, Johor, clerk Sandra Lee from Petaling Jaya and Tan Bee Lan will also be sponsoring two copies of the NST to SMK Sri Perhentian, Johor and one copy each to SMK Syed Mashor in Batang Kali and SMK Sg Buaya in Rawang, respectively.

(END)

Headline :24-hour watch on critical slopes

NST
Date :08/08/2005
Page No :16
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type: Prime News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun. - Critical hill slopes will be under 24-hour surveillance with the start of the wet season.

The Works Ministry has directed Public Works Department district engineers to monitor the 100 slopes identified as prone to soil erosion and landslides.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the slopes would be monitored until February when a RM159 million early-warning system is installed."

District engineers must check slopes under their jurisdiction whenever it rains for more than an hour to alert motorists on the possibility of landslides."

The slopes are located along the Simpang Pulai-Lojing-Cameron Highlands road and the Tamparuli-Sandakan road.Others include the road to Fraser's Hill, Genting Highlands, Gunung Raya (Langkawi) and Hulu Klang.

The system to detect ground movements is being tested at the Simpang Pulai-Lojing-Cameron Highlands route.

"Once the system is installed, the slightest earth movement will send a signal to the PWD headquarters within two to three seconds."

District personnel would then be dispatched to the slope to check the need for remedial work and warn motorists of road closure."

Samy Vellu was speaking after opening the 38th general assembly of the Tamil Bell Youth Club Council at Wisma Integriti, near here.

More than 400 delegates from across the country met to discuss long-standing issues involving Indians, including education, employment and the economy.

Club council president P. Ponniah said it was planning to set up a fund to help children of less fortunate members further their studies.

(END)

Headline :Relaxing at Redang

NST-TRAVEL TIMES
Date :02/08/2005
Page :06
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type :Contribution news

CORAL gardens, sunbleached beaches and majestic hills - you'll find all these and more at Laguna Redang Island Resort, writes R.S. KAMINI. Pictures by SALIM SHAARI.

PULAU Redang is simply stunning, with magnificent shoreline of fine white sand and coral garden immersed in a clear blue sea.
A haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, the island is surrounded by majestic green hills casting shadows in the simmering sea and is perfect getaway for holiday makers.
The Laguna Redang Island Resort is the only resort at Pasir Panjang, one of the island's finest beaches with powdery white sand and clear blue waters.
The low-rise resort retains a `modern paradise' concept that cleverly infuses traditional Malay architecture with modern amenities and yet is in perfect harmony with the natural greenery.
It has all the signature touches of its designer, the well-known Terengganu-born architect Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Shah.
One cannot help but marvel at the unique and fine design of the resort which has 212 rooms and suites (with private balcony) either fronting the beach or a well-landscaped garden.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Laguna's natives - mischievous monkeys and curious squirrels peeping from the roof top at the well-spread buffet tables.
Serving local and continental cuisine, the seaview Ala-Carte Restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience.
You can also take a walk along the beach after dinner, dance under the stars at the open disco or head for the private karaoke lounges and indoor beach club which features live entertainment.
There's no shortage of sports and recreational activities - from snorkelling and fishing to night diving, island excursion, sunset cruise, jungle trekking, water sports etc.
It's so easy to fall in love with Pulau Redang, touted as one of the best islands in Malaysia and also among the places with the best coral and marine eco-systems in the region. And at Laguna, you have the advantage of having easy access to the best that the island has to offer.

GETTING THERE
By Air: A 45-minute flight via AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines direct from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu.
By Road: Express buses and outstation taxis offer regular services from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. The trip is between six and eight hours. Once there, there are connecting buses, coaches and taxis commuting between Kuala Terengganu town and Merang Jetty.
By Ferry: From Merang Jetty, take the exclusive `resort passenger boat' for a 45-minute scenic ride to the island.
The resort is located at Pasir Panjang, Redang Island Tel: 09-630 7888
ouldFax: 09-630 7878
You may also call its KL office at 03-2141 1188 or email
enquiry@lagunaredang.com.my
(END)

Headline :Cyber safety programme

NST
Date :27/07/2005
Page :24
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - To curb cyber threats, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), today launched an Internet safety programme that helps raise awareness and protects children from smut sites.
Known as the "Positive Use of the Internet Programme" (Puip), it aims to address uncontrollable access to pornography.
It was launched along with a Kidsafe Internet Campaign spearheaded by software company Computer Associates (CA) International.
At the launch, Mosti, represented by deputy secretary-general Alihan Abdul Hamid, hosted a Puip conference.
Over 300 participants from Government departments as well as non-governmental and corporate organisations attended.
Delivering the keynote address, Alihan said the Internet was a valuable education resource that was being exploited for undesirable activities.
Thus it needed to be monitored so that it did not do more damage to society.
Mosti and CA are also collaborating with the Malaysian Coalition for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse (MCPCSA) by pooling their resources to help parents monitor their children's use of the Internet.
The MCPCSA recently revealed that 1.5 million websites containing pornographic materials are easily accessed everyday.
It was estimated that 74 per cent of smut sites "masquerading" as harmless sites popped out on search engines widely used by school children to assist with schoolwork.
Also, a study by a local Internet service provider showed that a search for famous cartoon characters can lead to web pages containing hundreds of links to porn sites, of which at least 30 per cent are hardcore porn.
CA International managing director (Asia South), Piti Pramotedham (picture) said since cyber threats are becoming more rampant in Malaysia, parents and teachers play an important role.
"In Malaysia, children are more IT savvy than their parents. This does not mean that parents should leave the job of safeguarding children from Internet smut to authorities and schools alone," said Pramotedham.
The Kidsafe Internet Campaign aims to encourage parents to actively protect their children by educating them on the dangers children face on the Internet and highlighting the tools available that can be used to address the situation.
Parents are given tips on how to communicate with their children regarding cyber threats.
The issue is no longer about accessibility to indecent sites alone. It also concerns the number of sex crimes initiated from Internet chat rooms.
As a step to encourage responsible Internet usage, CA also donated 100 copies of security solutions to MCPCSA, which represents 23 NGOs such as the Young Achievers Club.
"We need a concerted effort to promote positive Internet usage.
"To start, local Internet service providers and telecommunication companies should provide optional services for Internet and mobile phone users to filter out smut," Pramotedham said.
(END)

Headline :Backpackers heading here

NEW SUNDAY TIMES
Date :24/07/2005
Page :19
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News Feature

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - Backpackers Gauthier Sebastien and Buffard Aurelie are staggered by the variety of food found in Malaysia.
The French travellers have been having Malay specialties for breakfast,Indian cuisine for lunch and Chinese delights for dinner.
The fascinating variety of food has the shoe-string tourists hankering for more.
Sebastien and Aurelie, in their 20s, have also been taken aback by the plurality of the nation.
"In the month that we have been here, we have found the cultural mix simply amazing. Never have I seen so many different races living together in peace," said the duo who had also visited Turkey, Iran, Pakistan,India and China.
The backpackers have even learnt a little Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil along the way. "Moving around here is not a problem. People don't treat us differently as we try to adapt to the surroundings."
Their experience is similar to that of Andrew Allen and Amy Davies from the United Kingdom, who backpacked to Malaysia and fell in love with the east coast islands.
"We island-hopped from Perhentian to Redang to Lang Tengah. The thick green jungle and a beautiful world immersed by the turquoise- green water was simply breathtaking," said Allen.
The two, who had spent two weeks in Thailand and Singapore, had allocated five weeks for Malaysia.
"We have five weeks to experience the cities, country and sunny seaside in Malaysia with a budget of RM165 per day," said Allen.
"It was either Malaysia or Africa but we are glad that we settled for Malaysia," said Davies.
Canadians Madeline Speedy and Amanda Wilson, both 21, love Malaysia for its cultural diversity, food and shopping facilities.
"My parents are from Sabah. They had always told me how much Malaysia had developed from a small and poor country into this modern nation,"said Speedy.
"We have had a fair share of sweet and bitter experiences, but so far, we are enjoying everything here, especially our daily doses of roti canai and satay," added Wilson.
She added that travelling independently provided much more freedom than planned or packaged vacations.
For some backpackers though, a modern Malaysia was not exactly what they had in mind when they decided to travel here.
Briton Robert Cunning said Malaysia "was just too developed to enjoy travelling".
"I've been to other Southeast Asian countries and I enjoyed travelling in old and dirty buses with clucking chickens," he said.
The Malaysian Backpackers Association (ABM) has found budget travellers do play a role in bringing in the tourist dollar.
"When backpackers started coming into Malaysia in the early 1980s, few wanted to take note without realising that the backpacker market is worth tapping into," said ABM president Dr Wong Sai Hou.
He said the lack of tour packages appealing to backpackers and poor reception could turn them away from Malaysia.
"There are two types of backpackers, the seasonal and the avid.
Seasonal backpackers have their favourite time of the year to visit a country while avid backpackers are those who stay in a place for months," he said.
"The authorities could promote all highlands, lowlands and coastal areas in affordable packages as these are the areas most backpackers focus on," he said.
Wong estimated that, on the average, backpackers spent more than RM100,000 monthly.
"This is just an estimation because most backpackers travel on a tight budget and find ways to get the cheapest accommodation available," said Wong.
He said backpackers could be encouraged to spend double this amount if the authorities worked hand-in-hand with non-governmental organisations and private tour agencies.
As for Tourism Malaysia, it is currently collecting statistical data on Backpackers to market more products.
"We find a lot of young backpackers coming to Malaysia, mostly in search of eco-adventures.
"So we are trying to develop and promote packages that include the rainforest, wildlife and islands," said its director-general Kamaruddin Siaraf.
The independent travellers, he said, looked for tours that were not necessarily cheap but were good value for money.
"We know for a fact that backpacking is a potential market, since cheap motels and inns are mushrooming in the country."
(END)

Headline : 'Use allocation for crucial matters'

NEW SUNDAY TIMES
Date : 19/06/2005
Page : 24
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type :News

SERI KEMBANGAN, Sat. - Get your priorities right, Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council.
In chiding the council for requesting a whopping RM51.5 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for landscaping and beautification projects, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Zahid Hamidi said such a large sum should be used for other "crucial matters", like poverty eradication and rural
infrastructure projects.
"As impressive as landscaping projects can turn out to be, it does not do much for the tourism industry," he said here today after launching the fifth Malaysia International Travel Mart 2005 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
"Landscaping work is not a necessity. It plays a very minimal role in boosting the tourism industry."
The council was criticised by Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz for proposing an enormous amount for landscaping work instead of focusing on more crucial issues.
Rafidah, who is also the International Trade and Industry Minister, was surprised the council had proposed only RM32 million for infrastructure development and RM7 million for schools in her constituency.
Zahid said the Tourism Ministry agreed with Rafidah's view to give priority to poverty eradication and rural infrastructure projects.
"Local authorities can ask the Government to allocate a sum for beautification work but they must be reasonable."
He added that landscaping work that use up a huge amount of money would also require a huge sum for maintenance, something that was rarely attended to after the completion of a beautification project.
"Malaysians have the habit of creating something new but not when it comes to maintaining or upgrading it."
He advised the council to make the necessary amendments to their proposal before submitting it for review.
On the two-day exhibition which starts today, he said it was the first travel fair adopting the "Muhibbah" concept as it was jointly organised by the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA), Malay Association of Bumiputra Travel Agents (Bumitra) and Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association (Mita).
About 143 exhibitors including tour agents, airline carriers and hoteliers are taking part in this year's event, offering discounted air tickets and travel packages.
(END)

Headline :She scored 13 As

NST
Date :16/06/2005
Page :13
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type: News

KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - When Renuvathy Kansan scored straight As in 13 subjects in her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination last year, she was overjoyed.
For her achievement, she was awarded a certificate of recognition by the Prime Minister.
However, all this no longer means anything to her for she is unable to realise her dream of studying medicine in the United Kingdom.
Renuvathy's application for a scholarship was rejected by the Public Service Department (PSD) despite her having fulfilled all the criteria and performing well at the group interview recently.
"Why? That is all I want to know," asked a perplexed Renuvathy.
Her parents, who accompanied her to Balai Berita today, were disheartened that all their daughter's hard work to secure such good grades was for nothing.
"She received the rejection letter just one day before her birthday last week, which affected her badly," said her mother, Lakshmi, adding that the PSD did not state why her application was rejected.
Her father, Kansan Naider, said Renuvathy not only excelled academically since primary school but also did exceptionally well in extra-curricular activities.
"She participated and performed well in national and international academic and sport competitions and created history by being her school's first straight-A student in 36 years."
"She truly believed it was essential to do well in order to secure a scholarship since we can't afford to finance her studies," said the former Royal Malaysian Air Force officer.
Renuvathy, who has always wanted to become a neurosurgeon, said: "I had wanted to further my studies in the UK, but if the Government is willing to grant me a scholarship, I will go anywhere."
(END)

Headline :Young and talented

Publication :
NEW SUNDAY TIMES-SHOWTIME
Date :22/05/2005
Page :12
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type :Entertainment

The winners of the recent Astro Vaanavil's Short Film Competition, open category, speak to R.S. KAMINI.

SITRA Manoharan loves to act and had the opportunity to enter the local Indian film scene when she was 16. She took part in telemovies, playing bit parts.
But her first attempt at directing earned her the first prize in the open category of the Astro Vaanavil's Short Film Competition.
The 19-year-old from Puchong, who co-owns production house Sitram Vision Sdn Bhd, snatched the prize from seven other shortlisted films.
The prizes were given out at the recent International Tamil Film Awards at PWTC, Kuala Lumpur.
"I've been in the film industry as an actress but now I see it as both an actress and a director," said Sitra.
"I owe this success to my production team because the idea for my film was actually contributed by my production crew, particularly my co-director G. Kathir.
Her short film, Than Vinai (What comes around goes around), is about vandalism in the local Indian community.
It is the usual story about a rebellious youngster who trashes public property and, in the end, his doings almost cause him his life.
"Vandals are all around us but we are largely unaware of the effects of their behaviour." Sitra said she is now on the lookout for new talents to help them grow.
"We have a lot of talented people who are not given a chance and we are willing to take the risk of featuring them in our short or feature films." Sitra and her team are already working on their next project.
Abu Baker Siddiq, 27, and Premnath Pillai, 23, from Kuala Lumpur who met in college, ventured into film making despite strong objection from both their families.
"I enrolled into Akademi TV3 (now known as MIIM) in 2000 for a diploma in Broadcasting," said Baker.
"I met Prem and most of the members of my crew, who were my college mates then, there."

Both Baker and Prem worked together on student projects which were nominated for the Malaysian Video Awards and Hollywood Film Festival.
After college, they set out on their own and worked with local production houses like Pegasus Films and KRU Productions Sdn Bhd.
"We did everything from holding the boom mike to moving the camera and becoming production assistants," said Prem.
After three years, Baker and Prem turned freelancers. They got back together for the Astro competition, and Baker won the second prize for Illusions of Love while Prem won third place for Guns Or Roses in the open category.
"We used the same crew and shared the actors. They had very different roles to play so we had to co-ordinate well for a smooth shoot," said Baker.
Illusions of Love is a quaint story of love and care between two people that is full of drama and surprising turns.
"It was much of a last-minute work and in fact we finished shooting the film without a title a day or two before the deadlines," said Baker.
Guns or Roses is about a bank robber with the story taking place in a single location. "I wasn't expecting much when we started the shoot but y friends delivered more than what I expected," said Prem, referring perhaps to a passionate kissing scene.
Both Baker and Prem used R. Sasitharan as their main actor and the impressive newcomer Samuel Sackris was the cameraman for both films.
Prem added that he is now working on his own telemovie. Both are also getting offers to direct telemovies and commercials after their wins.
(END)

Headline :(HL) National Physical Plan approved by Cabinet

NST
Date :13/05/2005
Page :01

Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : Prime News

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs. - Green belts will have better protection from today. This follows the Cabinet's approval of the National Physical Plan as a guideline for development.
The approval, given on Monday, means the National Physical Council can now rein in unbridled development on forested and environmentally-sensitive areas.
Decisions to develop any land in the peninsula now rested with the council, which is chaired by the Prime Minister, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
"Before the National Physical Plan, every State was free to approve or implement its own projects. Now everything will be under the purview of the National Physical Council," said Ong.
"The Federal and the State Governments will work together to decide which areas to conserve and which areas to develop."
The council consists of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Housing and Local Government Minister and all Chief Ministers.
Unrestrained development in the States has been a major concern for the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, Ong said development plans drafted under the five-year Malaysia Plans will also come under the National Physical Plan.
The National Physical Plan has policies that regulate the use and development of all areas.
It also regulated the conservation of highlands, lowlands, marines and forest reserves, he said after launching the Metal Tech Malaysia 2005 exhibition here.
Through the council, States will also be kept informed of each other's development activities.
"We do not want to over-develop or neglect any State, so each State will have its own commercial zone, agriculture zone and conserved green zone," he said.
(END)

Headline :The winding road leads to Indie film making

NEW SUNDAY TIMES-SHOWTIME
Date :17/04/2005
Page :04
Byline :By R.S. KAMINI
Type : Entertainment

The winding road leads to Indie film making IT was a rush job to get his first short film completed but it was worth it for Kannan Thiagarajan. R.S. KAMINI talks to the fledgling film
maker about his passion.

HE had set his eyes on being an engineer when he was in school but found his true calling as an independent film maker when he was in university.
For Kannan Thiagarajan it was a little bit of luck, some sacrifices and a lot of hard work, and dreams do come true.
The 26-year-old produced a short Tamil film entitled Chittapa (uncle) on a tight deadline and an even tighter budget earlier this year.
He counted himself lucky when his effort was noticed by another indie filmmaker, Amir Muhammad.
His work was screened along with other indie films at one of the Short Film Screenings at HELP Institute recently.
Kannan's film, among others, received good response from the crowd comprising mainly students and members of the public.
Chittapa is about a suave playboy, Raghu (played by C. Jayaretnesh) who meets Nisha (Kavitha) during an Internet chat.
They become close only to find out that she's his older cousin's daughter. It's a boy-girl relationship which could happen to anyone.
But something happened along the way to the editing room and Chittapa turned comical.
Two extra characters, a girl with a yellow umbrella and a frustrated man pushing a motorcycle, added that odd sense of humour to every scene.
"I never expected people to embrace the script, what more be amused by it," said a bemused Kannan, who is from Port Dickson.
Kannan said he has always enjoyed watching movies from young and by 13 he was able to draw his favourite celebrities to be published in magazines.
But Kannan who excelled in maths and science in school was not an arty type at all.
"Whenever anyone asked me about my ambition, I would tell them that I would graduate as an engineer. Everything seemed to be headed in that direction," he said.
But as circumstances would have it, he enrolled at the Multimedia University, where he pursued his degree for Film and Animation and met his now best friend, the director of Chemman Chaalai, Deepak Kumaran.
"I dreamt of making my own movie before I completed my degree and went on experimenting on several projects but dropped them half way through due to study schedules and lack of finance," said Kannan.
Until the Astro Vaanavil's Short Film Competition came about, he never made much effort to complete any of his projects due to mainly lack of finance.
Chittapa was originally intended for the competition but the pre-planning took weeks and he was left with only one week to shoot and submit the piece to Astro.
He almost gave up when he missed the deadline but Astro extended it. "I worked round the clock to get Chittapa done.
"I almost went crazy chasing people who could rent me equipment as well as act for me."
With a tight budget, he asked his close friends to act for him.
He met with disappointment as his effort was not shortlisted for the Vaanavil short film competition.
"It did get me down but I believe that when one door closes, another opens.
"Amir Muhammad noticed my work and shortlisted my film for screening at HELP Institute," added Kannan.
Chittapa is based on a true story.
"The script was written based on someone's personal experience: I'll let you speculate on that," he said.
As a first-time producer and director, it was indeed a learning process for Kannan.
"I had to learn the techniques of shooting, handling the camera.
"I had also to learn the art of being nice to my crew, especially when I had to retake one scene over and over again."
During the screening, he sat quietly with the crowd.
"To be honest, I didn't know what to expect and since it was in Tamil, I wasn't sure if the audience would be able to keep up with the story.
"But I felt that I had achieved something when people came to me and said, 'Job well done'."
- nsunt@nst.com.my
(END)

Headline :Rapt in Grondona's skill

NEW SUNDAY TIMES-SHOWTIME

Date :27/03/2005
Page :02
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type :Entertainment

A maestro classical guitarist gave a special performance in the capital city recently, and R.S. KAMINI came away in awe of both man and instrument.

I STUDIED the guitar with an objective: to be a master of classical guitar and play like (Andres) Segovia," said Italian Stefano Grondona.
The 47-year-old is a maestro today, with an affinity for Bach and a love for ancient guitars like the 1887 Torres guitar which he has used throughout his career.
Grondona recently gave a special two-day performance-by-request at the Mont Kiara International School theatre in Kuala Lumpur to an appreciative crowd comprising students of the school and the guitar.
He performed Suite in D Minor by Johann Jacob Froberger and Toccata in E Major by J.S. Bach and interesting classical compositions arranged by Miguel Llobet, Isaac Albeniz and Manuel de Falla.
He played to an audience that listened with bated breath (it seemed) as there was not even a cough to be heard every time he stuck an opening chord.
It was also a little hot in the hall as Grondona had asked that the air conditioning to be turned off to enable him to deliver an impeccable performance.
But the concert went really well and you could feel his intense love for the guitar.
"I grew up with a guitar. It was the first piece of instrument I played even when I was a little boy," said Grondona.
The instrument, according to him, helps him find his identity or the emotion he would like to express to the people around him.
Grondona received his Diploma of Merit from the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena and participated in master classes held by Segovia.
Truth to be told, he turned out to be one of Segovia's favourite students.
His love for guitar also triggered his curiosity about guitar-making which resulted in him producing his first book, Masterpieces of Guitar-making.
"It is filled with photo descriptions that covers instruments built by some of the greatest guitar makers from the 18th century right up to the 20th century," he said in an interview after the concert.
The book has a lot of colours and images that explain the emotional and technical aspects of guitars and guitar-making which he co-wrote with a guitar-maker, Luca Waldner.
"I am not a guitar-maker; just someone interested in the history and mystery of guitars. It took years of research to paste of all the information together."
Grondona also teaches at the Conservatory of Vicenza, and has given master classes in many other institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall in London.
"Teaching is an interesting job. I see myself in my students for I not only guide them in their own quest for excellence but also learn from them."

Grondona has also made a series of discographic recordings on historical instruments mainly using different types of guitars.
He has played different musical instruments which he described as fascinating such as the lute and piano but his soul revolves much around his chosen stringed instrument.
On the (Antonio de) Torres guitar, Grondona said it was played by the composer Llobet himself. "I got it in Barcelona. There was a lady who had this guitar. She is now a very good friend of mine."
The old lady was a student of Llobet (who lived from 1878 to 1938) and the guitar was made by Torres, who lived from 1817 to 1892, and Barcelona is the capital city of the Catalonia province in Spain.
"Through this guitar, I could feel the actual world of Llobet; he has put his hands on this guitar many times. The amazing thing is through their instruments you understand their perfection, and Llobet was not only a guitarist but also a very popular character of Catalan culture."
Grondona is devoted to the classical Western genre. "I am not ruling out other genres but I simply do not have time to try out other musical repertoires," he said.
But he is intrigued by Asian folk music involving guitar instruments.
"There is so much to learn. Different cultures symbolise different listening power and different tastes but the appreciation for guitar is evident."
So, what does he do to relax? He practices with his guitar.
"I enjoy what I do and my whole life revolves around the guitar so I simply don't find any reason to get away from it," he added with a gentle smile.
(END)

Headline :NSTP tax workshop proves useful

NEW SUNDAY TIMES

Date :27/03/2005
Page :25
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - Some 130 people who wanted to get it right the first time came to Balai Berita today to learn how to fill up their income tax forms.
They attended a special workshop on how to submit their income tax returns in the new "Form BE".
The workshop is the first of a series, jointly organised by The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd and the Malaysian Institute of Taxation in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), being held nationwide to help Malaysians, for the first time, self-assess their income.
IRB assistant director of public relations Ravi Chandran said self-assessment provided an opportunity for taxpayers to estimate and pay their own tax liability .
"Since the system is here to stay, it is important for the public to know and understand every detail," he said.
The workshop teaches what every section of the B/BE form (for individuals with or without business income) means while providing guidance on how to calculate the taxable income.
An information counter was also set up at Balai Berita for checking and form submission.
Yeap Chin Aik, 29, said it was daunting when they introduced the self-assessment initially but felt that it was important to know how to estimate one's tax liability.
"We can't run away from paying taxes, so we might as well comply with it," said Yeap.
Irdawati Mohamad, 29, said self-assessment was much simpler since there was no need to attach any sort of documentation.
The workshop, limited to 200 participants per session, will be held in Penang, Johor Baru, Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching between April 2 and April 24.
Registration through the post can be made together with bank drafts or postal orders payable to The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd and mailed to Corporate Communications Department, Balai Berita, 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
(END)

Headline :Call to turn cemeteries into tourist attractions

NST
Date :10/03/2005
Page :26
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

PUTRAJAYA, Wed. - Turn public cemeteries into scenic tourist attractions. They need not be sorry sights.
This was the call made by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, who said burial land should be used to the fullest, including contributing to the nation's tourism industry.
"No doubt cemetery land should be left undisturbed as a sign of respect to the dead, but that doesn't mean it should be neglected," said Dr Ng.
She said hectares of burial grounds nationwide were being completely ignored.
"People are afraid to visit cemetery grounds in our country because people believe they are haunted.
"Some have even become a permanent home for drug addicts."
This had deterred the public from visiting these grounds, she said, except to pay respects to loved ones.
She advised operators to use their funds to beautify cemetery grounds and turn them into peaceful recreational areas like Arlington Cemetery in the United States.
Dr Ng had earlier chaired a dialogue with 150 public cemetery operators at the Ministry of Finance headquarters today.
She said the money used for management and development of cemeteries, including building of crematoriums, would not be taxed.
(END)

Headline :Call to turn cemeteries into tourist attractions

NST
Date :10/03/2005
Page :26
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

PUTRAJAYA, Wed. - Turn public cemeteries into scenic tourist attractions. They need not be sorry sights.
This was the call made by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, who said burial land should be used to the fullest, including contributing to the nation's tourism industry.
"No doubt cemetery land should be left undisturbed as a sign of respect to the dead, but that doesn't mean it should be neglected," said Dr Ng.
She said hectares of burial grounds nationwide were being completely ignored.
"People are afraid to visit cemetery grounds in our country because people believe they are haunted.
"Some have even become a permanent home for drug addicts."
This had deterred the public from visiting these grounds, she said, except to pay respects to loved ones.
She advised operators to use their funds to beautify cemetery grounds and turn them into peaceful recreational areas like Arlington Cemetery in the United States.
Dr Ng had earlier chaired a dialogue with 150 public cemetery operators at the Ministry of Finance headquarters today.
She said the money used for management and development of cemeteries, including building of crematoriums, would not be taxed.
(END)

Headline :(HL) Bukit Cahaya development saw zero monitoring

NEW SUNDAY TIMES

Date :06/03/2005
Page :01
Byline :By R.S. Kamini; Nisha Sabanayagam
Type : Prime News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - Here is the truth: there was zero monitoring of the development around Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam agricultural park by the Shah Alam City Council.
That explains why seven developers were prepared to go-ahead with land clearing work even without approval from the local authority. That also explains why two developers did not follow a pre-approved schedule.
There was no one watching them gorge up the green belt near the park.
Shah Alam deputy mayor Za'ba Che Rus said none of the eight developers given approval to carry out earthworks was monitored as they had been given a pre-approved schedule by the council.
"The council cannot be expected to monitor every project," he said.
Also, since the developers involved were big corporate organisations, the council expected them to follow the rules.
"In fact, they should be able to get environmental consultants to guide them," he said.
His comments will shed more light on the destruction to the green belt in Bukit Cerakah, a situation which has threatened the ecology of the park and invited criticisms from the Prime Minister downwards.
Yesterday, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo rapped the city council for lack of enforcement and monitoring. Za'ba laid some of the blame on the developers.
He said that they did not follow the pre-approved schedule provided by the council. It contained guidelines on a proper drainage and irrigation system, the cutting and felling of trees and land-clearing work.
He declined to comment when asked about the seven developers who started work without approval from the council.

They are going to be charged in court next week and could face a maximum fine of RM50,000.
Alternatively, they could be jailed up to five years. The two developers who had not followed approved specifications in
developing land bordering the park face a RM2,000 fine.
Meanwhile, the WWF Malaysia today welcomed the Prime Minister's proposal to make it mandatory for developers to submit environmental impact assessment reports for any development covering 20 hectares of land or more.
Scientific officer Sara Srinivasan also said that effective monitoring of any development should be accompanied by stricter laws. "Stiffer penalties should be imposed on any developer that flouts the law instead of the RM2,000 fine."

ENDS/

Headline : Foreigners crowd KL shopping centres

NST-News
Date : 11/02/2005
Page : 11
Byline :By Nurjehan Mohamed; R. S. Kamini; Devinder Singh

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs. - If you expected a nice quiet outing in the city at the start of a long festive holiday when people are supposed to be back in their home towns and kampungs, you would have been disappointed.
Shopping centres and areas such as Kota Raya, Central Market, Suria KLCC and Midvalley Megamall are no longer what they used to be during these holidays.
Take the first day of Chinese New Year yesterday. While thousands left the city for their home towns, there were thousands others celebrating at the many shopping centres.
At Jalan Silang, a crowd had gathered as early as 8am. By noon, there were thousands, mainly foreigners: Indonesians with some Nepalis and Bangladeshis. They even caused road congestion, blocking buses and taxis.
Rath Mandal, 45, from Nepal said Jalan Silang is a meeting point for many foreign workers.
"My Nepali friends use the long holiday to come here from all parts of Malaysia," said Mandal, a construction worker in Puchong.
"We do not plan to do anthing other than talk over drinks at the roadside stalls."
Indonesian contract worker Warikin, 31, who uses only one name, said the availability of public transport in the vicinity makes the area an ideal location for a get-together.
"I came from Johor today just to catch up with some friends.
"And I plan to go back later this evening," said Warikin, who has been working in Malaysia for two years.
The huge crowd included local students like Universiti Teknologi Mara student Raja Nurul Nadiah Raja Mohd Noordin, 23, who was catching a bus to Putrajaya.
Hawkers were doing a roaring business, with one drinks vendor saying sales in the morning more than triple that of a normal work day.
"Although there's a big crowd on weekends, I have not seen this many people here before," remarked the vendor.
Mydin Wholesale Supermarket, which is located at Jalan Silang, however, saw mostly locals doing their shopping.
Its manager, S.Rajendran, said some customers found it difficult to get to the entrance as the sidewalks were occupied by foreigners mingling around. He said that, expectedly, with such a huge crowd, there were two reported snatch thefts during the rush to get in when the doors were opened.
Mydin stationed security personnel at the entrance and inside the store to control the crowd while also constantly reminding the public to guard their belongings through the public address system, said Rajendran.
For Singaporean Lim Thiam Hooi, 41, it was a fitting occasion to take his family to Suria KLCC.
Lim, who arrived from Singapore on Tuesday night for a reunion dinner, was at the Kinokuniya Book store with his daughters Vernice, eight, and Vikki, five.
Eddy Lim, a worker with Tomei Jewellery Store, said they would normally be open for business on Chinese New Year because there were always customers.
Even National Service trainees were given leave from training to enjoy the holidays. A group of 170 trainees from the Benum camp in Pahang made a trip in their uniforms to a popular shopping mall.
Others were undeterred by the hot weather and went to the parks with family or friends.
But one area was different. The usually congested Jalan Bukit Bintang saw few cars and pedestrians, making it a breeze for motorists.

ends/

Headline :Deaf student gets diploma with SMS help

NST
Date :31/01/2005
Page :09
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

CYBERJAYA, Sun. - Her mother once threatened to punish her for not speaking, although she was deaf.
Today, her mother proudly watched Lim Beng Keat collect her diploma in IT at the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology graduation ceremony.
Lim, 24, from Petaling Jaya, had been deaf since three, but had never allowed her disability to lower her self-esteem.
Her mother's determination and her own fear of being labelled as a disabled drove Lim to work hard since elementary school.
Speaking to the New Straits Times with the help of an interpreter, Lim, whose interest in IT was sparked by computer classes in school, recalled the difficulties she faced during lectures.
"It was difficult in the beginning. The lessons were in English and some of them were complicated.
"But I communicated with my lecturers and friends using Short Messaging Service (SMS). I took notes and if there was a need to clarify anything, I would just SMS my lecturers or friends."
Lim aspires to set up her own IT firm, and knows it will not be easy.
But she is undeterred. Her next goal is a Bachelor's degree and then a Master's.
Some 600 graduates from the university received their scrolls at the ceremony today.
(END)

Headline :Overwhelmed by response

NST-TRAVEL TIMES
Date :25/01/2005
Page :04
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

OVER 2,000 entries and growing. The overwhelming response to the Tourism Malaysia Photo Contest has caused a slight delay in the announcement of the winners.
Even shortlisting the best pictures for the various categories was no easy task for the organisers but they have promised that the winners will be announced next month.
According to Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board's audio visual deputy director, Ramzi Abu Yazid, more than 2,000 entries were received initially.
The number has been whittled down to 1,500 but Ramzi said the judges will still have to go through a few rounds of selection process.
Held for the first time in the country, the contest was part of the Tourism Malaysia Photo Festival 2004 which included a photo exhibition, a forum and a two-day photo carnival.
Jointly organised by the Tourism Ministry and Travel Times, the event was aimed at encouraging professionals, amateurs, students and photo enthusiasts to capture various aspects of the country's many tourism attractions.
Five judges from various organisations - including the Tourism Board, The New Straits Times and Kodak Malaysia - are in charge of choosing the winning entries.
Prizes worth RM50,000 await winners in the human life, nature and family holiday categories.
(END)

Headline :Mandarin oranges to cost more

NST
Date :11/01/2005
Page :10
Byline :By Sim Bak Heng; R.S. Kamini
Type : News

JOHOR BARU, Mon. - Despite the abolition of the 10 per cent import duty on mandarin oranges, consumers may still have to pay more for them this year due to rising fuel prices.
Prices of two popular mandarin oranges, lokam and teochew, are up by 10 per cent this year despite the bountiful harvest in China.
Cheou Ah Lek, an importer and retailer in Taman Sri Tebrau here, said the quality of mandarin oranges this year is, however, better due to increased rainfall.
"Generally, the fruit this year is juicier and sweeter than previous years. In terms of pricing, consumers will have to pay from five to 10 per cent more due to higher transportation and labour costs."
Checks showed lokam, which come in five-kg packs, are priced at RM11 for medium sizes and RM12 and RM13 for large and extra large sizes respectively, an increase of RM1 to RM1.50 compared to last year.
Retailers said there was no standard packaging for lokam as some are packed according to weight.
Teochew mandarin oranges, which come in wooden crates of different sizes and are sold for between RM24 and RM28 per crate cost about RM1 more per crate than last year.
The fruits are from China, with lokam mainly grown in Zhangzhou and Wing Chun while teochew is produced in Swatow, all in the coastal Fujian province.
Lokam has a better appearance and is juicier than teochew mandarin oranges, which are usually smaller and have a rougher surface and a thicker skin.
Fruit seller Chee Lum Fah said he started selling lokam last month but the response was not good as the fruit from the first shipment was still green.
"Sales are picking up this week. The slight price increase this year should not deter people of all races from enjoying the fruit, which is very highly sought-after before and after the Chinese New Year every year," he said.
Checks at supermarkets and hypermarkets showed that the fruit is mainly sold loosely at between RM2.50 and RM3.50 per kilo.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) adviser Prof Datuk Dr Hamdan Adnan said there was a small increase in fruit prices even at hypermarkets but said it was ridiculous to relate the fruit price increase to fuel increase.
"If the retailers say the increase in imported fruit price is due to the global fuel price increase, we might as well settle for local fruits."
He added that retailers were probably taking advantage of the coming Chinese New Year to sell fruits, especially mandarin oranges, at higher prices.
"Fruits are perishable items and not a necessity, so if consumers stop buying fruits for a while, the prices will automatically go down."
(END)

Headline :You never know who's listening

NEW SUNDAY TIMES

Date :19/12/2004
Page :08
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News Feature

THE call came from out there, from space.
"Nine Whiskey two Quebec Charlie, this is November Alpha one Sierra Sierra, from the International Space Station, I am reading you 59 ...Where is your exact location in Malaysia?"
For Sion Chow Qi Chao, the reply from the international space station, was the pinnacle of his ham radio experience, a life-long dream.
Like many things about ham radio, you never know who's listening. "I was just placing a few general calls to other hams in different frequencies," said the 20-year-old Sion.
"I usually get through to a Thai station but having an astronaut on board the International Space Station reply my call was the most rewarding moment that a ham can enjoy.
"Having spoken to him was one thing but having my country's name pronounced in space was simply amazing."
For amateur radio operators (who call themselves ham operators), like Sion, talking to people all over the world and even out of it is what makes it exciting.
"There is no limit to what you can do with a ham radio. We could use them to track the weather and other satellite movement with the help of the Internet," said Sion.
That is why the number of ham operators in Malaysia has multiplied in the last 30 years.
In Malaysia, you need to pass a written exam conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), a body that regulates all radio, television and multimedia licensing and operations.
The exam tests applicants for knowledge of the Morse code among other things.
According to MCMC Technical division general manager Zamani Zakariah, there is a growing interest in ham radio services among youths since MCMC took over the conduct of the exams in 2001.
"There were 92 candidates below 30 in 2001 but in 2002 there were 208," said Zamani.
The figure rose to 506 in 2003 and last November, there were 840 candidates.
"Although the number of candidates increases every year, the passing rate is not very encouraging," said Zamani.
"The good news is that, although many failed the first time around, there have been a large number of candidates who came back to re-sit and passed the exam."
Sazali Isnin, 32, is one such candidate. Despite failing the exam on his first try in 2003, he sat for it again recently.
"I have a ham radio installed in my four-wheel-drive which I make use of on my adventure trips," said Sazali.
According to Sazali, little is known about the existence of hams in the country, mainly because Malaysia is not a disaster-prone country.
"We usually get an opportunity to transmit emergency messages when trekkers lose their way in thick jungle," said Sazali.
Ham radio is also the perfect communication tool to meet new people, according to 24-year-old technician Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah.
"I love making contacts and there is always the thrill of getting to know someone without face-to-face interaction," said Firdaus.
"We have a few societies such as the Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency-Service Society (Mares) or Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters Society (Marts), which offer technical classes to prepare you for the exam," said Firdaus.
To operate a ham radio, an operator must be familiar with basic electronics and communication principles but, just as important, they must know how to behave when on air.
"Once we pass the exam, we'll be given a certificate and a call sign which we use to identify ourselves.
"For example, Nine-Whiskey-Two is Peninsular Malaysia's identification code which will be followed by a name code assembled from the International Phonetic Alphabets (see appendix) guide.
"Anyone who pages in with the country identification code would automatically be identified as a Malaysian," said Firdaus.
According to Zamani, all hams are obliged to adhere to the guidelines prepared by MCMC.
"All radio transmission activities are monitored, including those used an amateur radio.
"You cannot use foul language, discuss politics, religion or other taboo matters on air," said Zamani.
(END)

Headline :Energised by Maksim

NEW SUNDAY TIMES-SHOWTIME
Date :19/12/2004
Page :04
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : Entertainment

IT was a showcase like no other for five grand prize winners of the Showtime/EMI Maksim in Genting contest recently.
The winners were not only given VIP treatments but also a golden opportunity to meet and greet their idol, the Croatian piano player, Maksim Mrvica, on stage, much to the envy of thousands of restless fans.
At the Maksim Showcase held at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highland last Saturday, excited fans including the winners were fervently wishing they could get a closer look at the fingers that drove them crazy by playing piano.
"His fingers move faster than a humming bird. Its like he has got super powers to hypnotise people simply by striking piano keys," said a contest winner, Noreen Ooi.
"We get a certain energy by just watching him play," she added.
Another winner, Lee Zhi Wei, 15, said that his love for classical music had gotten him so engrossed-with Maksim when he saw the pianist on TV.
"I love the way he fuses classical music with modern music," said Lee.
Another ardent fan, Liew Jee Fong, 19, said she is so fascinated by his performance style.
"He has got such a style when he play the piano. I've never seen anyone with so much passion," she said.
Maksim was greeted by an auditorium full of screaming fans when he entered the stage and took a bow.
He performed tracks from his latest album Variations I & II including Kolibre, Amazonic, Merry Xmas Mr Lawrence and two encore performances.
His latest album was a composition of classical beats combined with what Maksim calls electro-pop music.
The crowd got more excited when he played The Flight of the Bumble-Bee track from his previous album The Piano Player, which became an instant hit after it was released.
Although his performance was over within a solid 40 minutes, the packed auditorium did not clear up as fans begin to move in closer to the stage, hoping to get a glimpse of their favourite piano player again.
Lucky contest winners from numerous publications were, brought up the stage after the showcase for an autograph and photograph session.
It was a short performance indeed but Maksim sure delivered a maximum show.
(END)

Headline :35km gained after facing snowstorms, snow waves

NST
Date :11/12/2004
Page:05
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri. - Intrepid ski-sailor Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir is now 35km away from the South Pole station - the starting point of her 1,100km solo Antarctic expedition.
Although exhausted from her first-day journey, which started yesterday, the 39-year-old sports lecturer will continue to cover another 30km to 40km distance on her second day.
She still needs to ski-sail 1,065km to be the first woman ever to have ski-sailed solo from the South Pole to Hercules Inlet on the western edge of the Antarctic.
For those who wish to keep track of her journey using a home-based tracking device or GPS-based map, her co-ordinates at her last known position were latitude 89 degrees 41.5 minutes South and longitude 88 degrees 44.7 minutes West.
According to the expedition's project director Hazimah Zainuddin, Sharifah Mazlina needs a lot of rest to keep herself fit for the six-to-eight hour journey daily.
"The weather condition is unpredictable as snowstorms and huge snow waves, which Sharifah Mazlina experienced yesterday, could occur anytime," Hazimah said.
Sharifah Mazlina said in an email to the New Straits Times that she was still trying to get used to the 100kg extra weight, which includes the sled, food, clothes, telecommunications equipment and other things she has to bring along.
Her activity list for the second-day journey to Hercules Inlet, however, was not available at Press time.
(END)

Headline :Proposal on ways to ease burden of fuel subsidies

NEW SUNDAY TIMES
Date :14/11/2004
Page:02
Byline :By R.S. Kamini; Sim Bak Heng
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - A proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet on ways to ease the burden of fuel subsidies without resorting to a price hike.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shafie Apdal said: "The proposal shows how the Government can economise on the fuel subsidies." The plan will be put to the Cabinet on Nov 24.
The Government estimated that with oil prices at US$53 (RM201.40) a barrel, annual fuel subsidies would set it back by RM13.9 billion.
"Millions of ringgit could be saved and channelled to government projects like building schools or hospitals," he said.
The proposal, he added, would also call on the Government and the public to monitor fuel subsidy exploitation.
"The subsidy is meant for lower income earners but certain parties are using it for their own profit like selling subsidised fuel to neighbouring countries or industrial sectors," said Shafie.
He was speaking after launching Pre-Raya Sales Programme at Taman Melawati Market today.
In Johor Baru, some petrol station operators and industrial dealers are shortchanging the Government by manipulating the sale of diesel intended for general consumers.
As diesel costs less at the pump due to government subsidies, unscrupulous station operators are selling some of their stock to industrial dealers for a profit.
(Industrial dealers are those appointed by oil companies to sell diesel to industrial users.)
Diesel retails at 83 sen per litre at petrol stations, while industrial users like factories pay RM1.50 per litre. The price difference has led to the scam.
An industrial source said petrol stations were known to sell the fuel to dealers at 95 sen per litre. The latter then sell the diesel to their customers at RM1.20 per litre, which is below the standard price.
The illegal trading, he said, benefited these parties. Petrol station operators make an extra 12 sen per litre and industrial users save 30 sen per litre, while dealers earn 25 sen for every litre sold.
The losers are the general consumers and the Government, which allocates huge fuel subsidies every year.
The source said the illegal trade between petrol station operators and dealers was rampant.
(END)

Headline :Cued Speech enables deaf children to talk

NST
Date :01/11/2004
Page:10
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News Feature

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun. - Aini Ali was resigned to never hearing her deaf son speak.
Like most parents with deaf children, she thought the only way her son could communicate with her was through sign language.
Aini enrolled her son, Nazri, in pre-school when he was six where he learnt sign language. He started to communicate by signing, but he stopped trying to speak altogether.
Then she heard about "Cued Speech".
Aini signed up for a course in Cued Speech at a centre in Cheras. There she learnt the basics; how to break words into syllables and how to coach her son to say them out loud. Within a year, he was gamely forming words.
According to Aini, when Nazri was pronounced deaf, doctors said his vocal cords were perfectly normal.
"Nazri can speak, but when he uses sign language he refrains from speaking. Cued Speech basically cured him," said Aini.
The Cued Speech centre is run by the National Society for the Deaf (NSD). It is the only centre in the country applying the Cued Speech method.
NSD vice-president Tan Chin Guan said it was a common misconception that if a child is born deaf, they will eventually be mute too.
"This is not true. Generally deaf children only suffer from partial hearing impairment and have perfectly functional vocal organs," said Tan.
Tan said in some ways, teaching deaf children sign language alone may do more harm than good and most deaf children end up mute.
Tan said almost 90 per cent of deaf children grow up to be illiterate adults and end up jobless.
"By using sign language alone, a deaf person could end up not only socially deprived, but dependent on others all their lives," said Tan.
"Cued speech, however, if combined with sign language and assisted with hearing aids, can make a big difference as the child would not only be able to slightly hear but also lip-read and talk to communicate," said Tan.
Tan said cued speech was initially introduced in English but works even better with Bahasa Malaysia because words can be broken down into simple pronounceable syllables.
(END)

Headline :Creative effort in short takes

NEW SUNDAY TIME-SHOWTIME
Date :31/10/2004
Page:07
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : Entertainment

SHORT films introduce to you to a world that does not exist in the commercial cinemas.
For example, I8?, Defend Human Rights, Legalise Ganja - these graffiti and more have been mysteriously appearing on walls around Kuala Lumpur but is it an act of vandalism or professional art?
That was what Danny Lim explored through a self-produced short documentary titled 18?. He spoke to professional artists and critics about the agenda behind the graffiti.
"The whole idea of the graffiti made me wonder who is behind this and what they were trying to prove. That provoked me to pursue the topic," said Danny Lim, a journalist.
"Some said it concerned money-politics at a time when 18 politicians were being investigated for corruption. I wanted to know how far this was true," he added.
Lim's documentary was among six screened by Kelab Seni Filem Malaysia at HELP Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
The show was hosted by independent film-maker, Amir Muhammad. One documentary worth mentioning is young Zan Azlee's R.A.H.M.A.N who explored a prophecy created by urbanites on the first alphabet of each Prime Ministers reigning the country and what comes after the final
letter.
Another short offering came from former YouthQuake writer Malina Shamsuddin and student Halimatul Saadiah. They took Arranged Marriages and looked at this topic from different cultures
The full-house auditorium stayed for even the question-and-answer session.
According to Amir, the documentaries were chosen based on the directors' ability to entertain and present the subject without self-censorship. -nsunt@nst.com.my
(END)

Headline :Creative effort in short takes

NEW SUNDAY TIME-SHOWTIME
Date :31/10/2004
Page:07
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : Entertainment

SHORT films introduce to you to a world that does not exist in the commercial cinemas.
For example, I8?, Defend Human Rights, Legalise Ganja - these graffiti and more have been mysteriously appearing on walls around Kuala Lumpur but is it an act of vandalism or professional art?
That was what Danny Lim explored through a self-produced short documentary titled 18?. He spoke to professional artists and critics about the agenda behind the graffiti.
"The whole idea of the graffiti made me wonder who is behind this and what they were trying to prove. That provoked me to pursue the topic," said Danny Lim, a journalist.
"Some said it concerned money-politics at a time when 18 politicians were being investigated for corruption. I wanted to know how far this was true," he added.
Lim's documentary was among six screened by Kelab Seni Filem Malaysia at HELP Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
The show was hosted by independent film-maker, Amir Muhammad. One documentary worth mentioning is young Zan Azlee's R.A.H.M.A.N who explored a prophecy created by urbanites on the first alphabet of each Prime Ministers reigning the country and what comes after the final
letter.
Another short offering came from former YouthQuake writer Malina Shamsuddin and student Halimatul Saadiah. They took Arranged Marriages and looked at this topic from different cultures
The full-house auditorium stayed for even the question-and-answer session.
According to Amir, the documentaries were chosen based on the directors' ability to entertain and present the subject without self-censorship. -nsunt@nst.com.my
(END)

Headline :`Thosai' with a twist

NST-LIFE & TIMES
Date :22/10/2004
Page:04
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type :Feature

THE thosai is given an international flavour at a Bangsar restaurant, which offers about 70 variations of the dish, writes R.S. KAMINI.

THE traditional south Indian dish thosai is not only a breakfast favourite of many but also something which can be eaten on its own, as a complete wholesome meal.
Chances are you would have come across various types of thosai at your favourite mamak stall or restaurant, and sampled the more common varieties such as the rawa, paper, onion, egg and masala thosai.
One restaurant which has made an extra effort to come up with ingenious variations of thosai is Subash House of Thosai in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
The restaurant prides itself on being a thosai specialist, serving about 70 varieties. It started more than 10 years ago with just 25 and soon built a reputation for its mouthwatering thosai.
Its popularity grew through word of mouth, so much so that even foreigners came to Bangsar to look for the thosai house, said chef and owner M. Rajasingam.
"Since there are thosai fans from all ethnic groups, I created a thosai fusion menu by tapping on Asian and Western flavours," said Rajasingam.
His outlet is said to be the largest restaurant in town specialising in thosai, and the first to introduce thosai pizzas - with toppings like cheese, meat and vegetables on top of a cooked thosai. Names like "Honey-cheese thosai pizza" and "G-Boom Bah thosai pizza" draw some chuckles from customers.
"Each has its own taste and preparation style. I used my creativity to come up with them. I don't follow recipe books," said Rajasingam, who recently introduced a few house specials, which he believes will be widely accepted, not least for their catchy names - "Honey...Darling, Lovers
Thosai Pizza", "Miss Fina-Lady's Choice" and "Conti-Man's Choice".
"The Honey...Darling" is targeted at couples. Seafood and meat toppings are spread on the thosai and served on one plate to be shared.
Prices range from RM1 to RM20 per thosai. The restaurant caters for both vegetarians and nonvegetarians.
"Every year, I try to introduce something different, not to make money but to satisfy my love for creative cooking," said Rajasingam.
A word of advice: If you are not a heavy eater, stick to the smaller servings.

* The writer can be contacted at kamini@nst.com.my
(END)

Headline :Dancing up a new form

NEW SUNDAY TIME-SHOWTIME
Date :17/10/2004
Page :13
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type: Entertainment

A CULTURAL club started by Universiti Putra Malaysia students three years ago is dancing up new steps.
Putra Kalakshetra, now boasting 80 members and bursting with new ideas out of the UPM campus, has been combining traditional Indian dance steps with the cultural forms of Malaysia and even modern dance and thrown in story-telling as well.
Its artistic director R. Ravi Shanker says there is plenty of room for such a dance form.

* What's Putra Kalakshetra all about?
"It involves a diverse dance repertoire. It's like going for musical theatre but what we do is tell a tale through dance. It has traditional Indian dances at its core but you can find a blend of Western and Malaysian dances which we create and choreograph.

* Whose concept was this?
There is a pause before Ravi replies: "Mine", and smiles sheepishly. "Why did we do this? Traditional Indian performers usually never venture from their roots whereas I want my dance concepts and presentation to appeal to the multi-cultural society and at the same time, they will learn a thing or two about our Indian dances."

* What has been the audience's reaction?
"People love our performances because the concept is unique. Some are amazed at how organised we are although we present a few dances at each event We incorporate mainly moves from odissi, kuchipudi and bharatanatyam.

* Is this a full-time thing for you?
"None of us are full-time with Putra. We juggle our time between work, study, life and dance. It is the passion that brings us together."

* How did you develop from a small-time university club to where you are now?
"We initially took part in inter-college competitions and then went on to sign a memorandum of understanding through UPM with some Cultural and Arts Exchange Programmes bodies to perform in Peru, Amsterdam, Thailand and Indonesia. But that was just unrecorded live stage shows. Our appearance on national television was through Astro Vaanavil and TV3 when we were given an opportunity to perform for their in-house productions like talent shows, Padal Thiran Potti and Talking Telephone Numbers.

* Tell us about your dance for the International Tamil Film Awards (ITFA) 2004:
"We danced Swarnabumi or land of gold and this time we had to collaborate with performing arts associations like Lasya Arts, Sai Performing Arts, Sri Rekha Dance School and Stanaka Arts Academy. The dance showcases the seven classical dances of India (odissi,kuchipudi, bharatanatyam, manipuri, kathakkali, mohiniattam and kathak) blended with our Chinese, Portuguese and Orang Asli dances. We used 36 dancers to tell the story of the emergence of Indian traders and the transformation of Malaysia into a rich avenue for arts, culture
and traditions.

* Where do you see yourself and Putra in the coming years?
"I see myself a creator of Indian Broadway and I want to introduce my `story-telling through dance' concept to the whole world."
(END)

Headline :Go for regular breast checks

NST
Date :02/10/2004
Page :13
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri. - This is one cliche that needs to be repeated - prevention is better than cure.
Just consider that one in 19 women in the country is diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
So ladies, go for that mammogram at least once every two or three years, because the good news is that breast cancer can be cured if it is detected early.
Malaysian Oncological Society (MOS) president Dr Gurcharan Singh said though breast cancer was no longer uncommon, a survey carried out in the Klang Valley last July revealed shocking details.
"About 65 per cent of 1,200 women we asked rarely if ever performed self-breast examination, and 79 per cent weren't even aware of mammography and tumour markers."
"A significant number of women actually think that radiotherapy and chemotherapy are dangerous and more than 90 per cent agreed that alternative medication is more effective."
Experts from MOS emphasise that breast cancer can be cured by detecting it early by mammography or self-examination.
Dr Gurcharan was speaking after the launch of the "Care for your Bosom Buddies" campaign at Hotel Istana today.
The awareness campaign, opened by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, comprises the awareness survey, public forums, and an exhibition, as well as the official launch of the MOS website.
The website contains information on types of cancer, detection, curative measures and myths about cancer.
Visit www.malaysiaoncology.org for details.
(END)

Headline :Moving tribute to a celluloid legend

NEW SUNDAY TIMES-SHOWTIME
Date :01/08/2004
Page :04
Byline :By R.S. Kamini
Type : Entertainment

POPULAR old Tamil songs echoed inside the closed auditorium of Wisma Tun Sambantham in Kuala Lumpur as ardent fans silently paid their respects to a legendary star recently.
A garlanded portrait of the legendary Tamil film star, Sivaji Ganesan, was placed on the stage, as fans remembered his movies and his great acting prowess.
Sivaji may have died on July 21, 2001, but to many a fan, he is still alive, at least in their Memory.
It was a mournful moment for many fans as they watched with admiration and overflowing emotion the videoclips that were screened.
Some clapped, some cheered, some were saddened and some smiled, remembering the good old times of growing up watching his movies.
Born Villupuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan on Oct 1, 1927, he took his screen name "Sivaji" after the stage play about the Maratha emperor Shivaji.
Sivaji made his film debut in the unforgettable Parashakti in 1952 at the age of 25.
"He reflected a persona of a seasoned actor in his first movie attempt and it was a major success," said writer poet, C. Pandithurai.
Hit movies followed for almost five decades later, with movies like Veerapandiya Kattaboman (1960), Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Vasantha Maligai (1972), Muthal Mariyathai (1985) up to his final role in Pooparikka Varigiroom (2000) with his grandson.
Some of those at the memorial said that thanks to Sivaji and his movies, people came to know of historical figures like warrior hero Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Kappalottiya Tamizhan after watching his movie. Sivaji brought life to history and colour to acting.

The Sivaji Ganesan Society of Malaysia (SGSM) formed after the actor died, organised a poetry contest titled Nadigar Thilagam (The Ultimate Actor) for those aged 18 to 30.
Ten best poems were selected at the event.
The contest was provided an opportunity for younger fans to express their appreciation of a grand old actor.
Big fan K. Divyarani, 27, said only Sivaji could converse through his eyes and facial expression "and you don't get them from actors today".
Pandithurai and producer/director V. Vijeyasingham shared the sentiment and relished the versatile star and Indian cinema for his genuine acting skills.
"Sivaji Ganesan will always shine as long as his fans appreciate the art of good acting with a good story and moral to be told."
(END)

Headline :NGOs to get cash incentives

Publication :
NEW SUNDAY TIMES
Date :27/06/2004
Page:06
Byline :By Joseph Bingkasan; Koh Lay Chin; R. S. Kamini
Type :News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - Some of more successful privately-run drug rehabilitation programmes in the country are likely to get a major cash boost from the Government.
This is a reward for the sterling work they are doing in getting drug addicts to kick the habit and stay clean.
The non-governmental organisations who run these centres may also be invited to run any of the 28 Government rehabilitation centres.
The move to give them financial assistance is among the moves being considered by the Government as part of its revamp of the drug treatment policy.
At the moment, 66 drug rehabilitation centres are managed by non-governmental organisations.
Internal Security Deputy Minister Datuk Noh Omar told the New Sunday Times: "We must also take care of the NGOs, we must work together. We must help them, give them financial llocations."
He acknowledged that the relapse rate was lower in centres run by NGOs than in the 28 Government-run rehabilitation centres, known as Pusat Serenti.
Noh said that there was a need to find out which NGOs were most successful in their treatment methods, and also be open to the idea of employing different approaches in treating addicts .
Beside offering financial assistance, NGOs may also be allowed to run any of the 28 Pusat Serenti using their own rehabilitation programmes.
"My proposal is that effective NGOs' programmes could be adopted by the Government," he added.
Several NGOs responded positively to the growing recognition of their efforts by the Government.
Pax Tan, Malaysia Care's senior director of prison, drugs and AIDS services, said: "The move to finance NGOs is long overdue and had been suggested by numerous organisations involved with drug treatment."

(END)

Headline : Running 2,004km for cancer patients

NST
Date : 16/06/2004
Page: 05
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type : News
KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - Running on the heels of compassion and love. That will be what local long distance runner, Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir, will do come Aug 22.
And with her will go the hopes of many cancer patients who will benefit from her fund-raising trek across Peninsular Malaysia.
It is hoped that with her punishing 2,004 km run, many patients, especially the thousands of children diagnosed with leukaemia, will be as fortunate as survivor Normahira Mahmood.
The 13-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2000. Fortunately for her, she could afford to pay for the treatment and is today recuperating.
But it is the fate of other less fortunate ones that will drive Suwaibah on. More than 40,000 other cancer cases are detected annually and most cannot afford to pay for the expensive treatments.
The Cross Nation Run 2004 is being organised by Majlis Kanser Nasional (Makna) in conjunction with its 10th anniversary.
It was launched at the KL Towers today by Datuk Rosmah Mansor, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The flag-off will also be at the KL Tower on Aug 22, and will end when Suwaibah, 31, makes her way back to the tower on Oct 7.
Most importantly, the marathon and steeplechase athlete will also help spread the message on cancer to rural and urban folk, many of whom know very little about the disease.
Makna president Datuk Farid Ariffin said the public could make donations of as little as one sen as "donation boxes will be set up at all places that Suwaibah stops at".
He added that the Akademi Tentera Malaysia would provide moral support and help out during exhibitions and seminars that would be conducted by Makna during the run.
Suwaibah will also make it into the Malaysian Book of Records as the first female solo runner around the peninsula if she completes the run.
(END)

Headline: Elderly up in arms over MyKad

New Sunday Times
Date : 13/06/2004
Page:13
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. - Senior citizens are up in arms over the National Registration Department's insistence that the white background for Mykad photographs will not be changed.
They said the government department should take into consideration the feelings of those who had white hair and appear "ugly" and "ghastly" in the photographs.
NRD director-general Datuk Wan Ibrahim Wan Ahmad said yesterday its computerised camera had been programmed to only accept the white background and the department had no intention of changing it.
Leong Seng Piew, 63, who runs a salon at Bangsar, said the NRD's reasons were not acceptable and showed the bureaucracy of government departments.
"Machines seem more important than people," he said.
He said in these days when even the young coloured their hair, there was a need to be flexible and government departments should not dictate how a person maintains his "crown".
Noraini Abdullah and Mohd Arif Ishak, both 54, agreed that a coloured backdrop that brought out the natural look of individuals should be made available.
Retired diplomat, Datuk K.T. Ratnam, 73, said he could barely recognise himself in the card.
"An identification card is meant to identify the holder and I can't even recognise my own photo even after I was asked to take it twice. I look like I am wearing a white wig."
Insurance manager G. Sunderesvaran, 51, is also dissatisfied with his photograph on the Mykad and said the NRD should deliver quality service, including a good photograph.
(END)

Headline: Chinese women live longer

Date :04/05/2004
Page :07
Byline :By Nurjehan Mohamed; R.S. Kamini
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Mon. - Chinese women live longer than others in Malaysia, with many going beyond the magical 80 mark.
This fact was noted by the National Statistics Department. It noted that Chinese women had a life expectancy of 82 years.
The life span of Malaysians, in general, is over the age of 77 for men and over 79 for women.
Doctors and health professionals interviewed said that the findings were not surprising since Chinese women were generally more health-conscious.
Dr Mustaffa Omar, head of the Human Development Programme of the School of Psychology and Human Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said that the Chinese community was generally more health-conscious than their ethnic groups.
"I find that the Chinese are relatively conscious about dietary habits and give priority to a healthy lifestyle," he said.
President of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society Dr Rajbans Singh also sees the truth in this theory.
"Based on my own observation, Chinese in general are the most health-conscious group - they are very particular about their health, and are active from young to old age."
He said that unlike people from other races, the Chinese went for regular check-ups and were involved in physical activity.
Still, he said that although people were living longer because of advances in medicine and technology, the quality of life was not improving.
"There is an increase in the number of people suffering from stroke, cancer, heart diseases and who are generally more immobile in their old age," he said.
Malaysian Medical Association member Datin Dr Jayanthi Krishnan said the Chinese community was more hardworking, especially the older generation.
"The older people are more conscious about their health compared to others and tend to exercise, eat healthily and pursue healthy lifestyles," she said.
Kong Sok Cheng is a member of this club. The 83-year-old has never had a sweet tooth and has worked hard all her life.
Remisier Chew May-Ann, 35, is following this pattern. After reaching age 30 she became careful about her diet and lifestyle after seeing her family members and close friends suffer from diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
"I try to limit my carbohydrate intake and eat more vegetables and drink more water," she said, adding that she also took health supplements.
Though she does not exercise as much as she would like to, caring for her two young sons keeps her active, and she tries to keep herself occupied with the occasional swim and some cycling.
"I treat myself to occasional spa visits and reflexology and body massages to keep myself fresh and healthy," she added.
Her commitment to religious activities also help to keep her stress level down.
She agreed to a certain extent that women should always have something to look forward to in life. She felt that the endurance, capacity and perseverance of women helped them live longer.
"Even after I retire, I am not going to settle down immediately," she said.
(END)

Headline : Malaysian men not focused on health

NST
Date :03/05/2004
Page : 09
Byline : By Ranjeetha Pakiam; Zeeneeshri Ramadass; R.S. Kamini
Type: News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun. - Malaysian men, take heed: You are not as healthy as you may think you are.
Compared to men in the west, Malaysian men were not enjoying the best of health, said a medical expert who noted this in a Klang valley study conducted recently.
The study showed that 67 per cent of men over the age of 58 had two or more medical conditions than their counterparts in western countries.
Urologist Prof Datuk Tan Hui Meng said the study was conducted in the Klang Valley because it had the most affluent and educated people.
"Although men in the Klang Valley are supposed to be more health-conscious and have better access to good medical facilities, I find their health to be poor compared to those in developed Asian countries and the West," said Prof Tan.
"Most men here are ignorant about health care. "Almost 70 per cent of men do not go for a complete medical check-up," he noted.
According to him, men seem to think that urine and blood tests were all it took for a complete medical check-up.
"This is not true because these tests alone cannot detect all diseases," he said at the First Malaysian Conference on Anti-Aging Medicine today.
Speaking on Men's Health and Aging, Tan advised men to go for thorough medical check-ups.
He also said that a huge number of Asian men wanted to appear "macho", indulging in high-risk sports.
"This macho culture discourages them from taking care of their health," Prof Tan said.
Another speaker, National Academy of Sports director Dr Ramlan Abd Aziz, said that physical exercise was the most practical and effective way to slow down the aging process.
In his paper on Exercise, The Ultimate Anti-Aging Pill, he said exercise would prevent age-related muscle loss and strength.
"Active aging is what people should be seeking to achieve, as the biggest fear most people have about old age is not death but the loss of independence," he observed.
(END)

Headline :Parents hail call for views involving NS

Date :29/04/2004
Page :13
Byline :By Syed Umar Arif; R.S. Kamini; Arman Ahmad
Type : News

KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - Parents, teachers and non-governmental organisations today lauded the Government's move to allow parents' involvement in the planning of future National Service programmes.
They feel that this showed the Government wanted to be transparent in the matter, which will bring about a win-win situation for all concerned.
They were commenting on a statement yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak that feedback would be obtained from parents of the first batch of trainees, who would complete their three-month training stint on Saturday.
National Union of Teaching Profession secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng said parents could help by getting themselves directly involved in the programme.
Malaysia Youth Council secretary-general Norizan Sharif suggested that all parties concerned should have a sense of ownership for such programmes.
"The post-mortem should not be confined to the management team alone. All parties including the students and trainers should give their feedback on the programme."
Malaysia Xiang Lian Youth Association secretary-general Joseph Wang believed the move would further enhance the effectiveness of the NS as the feedback would allow the Government to formulate future measures to ensure its smooth running.
Several parent-teacher associations agreed that constructive views from parents would further improve the programme.
Senior principal and PTA adviser of SM Taman Petaling, Alainal Hasani Md Noor, saw this as a step to improve the NS.
"Parents have only been fed negative stories from NS camps. It is about time for them to give feedback," said Alainal.
A member of the parent-teacher association of SMK Sultan Sulaiman 2, Kemaman, Terengganu, Dr Rajendren Gopalsamy, was confident that the Government would take heed of the parents' suggestions.
Administrator Margaret Edward, 48, whose daughter is a trainee at Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam, agreed that parents should be consulted prior to future NS programmes.
"I believe that the authorities should be more careful in the selection of trainers as some of the current trainers are unprofessional and not duly trained," she said.
A security firm employee, Yunassogaram Supperamaniam, whose daughter is also a NS trainee, said parents could now co-operate with the Government to make the programme a success.
On the other hand, parent Rozita Kamarudin, 43, said it would be difficult to take into consideration all the whims of parents.
"My greatest concern as a parent is probably the safety of my child," she said.
(END)