5 March 2024
On Today Show
— Apai from Residents of Kapit and Dixon Anak Naga- Resident of Nanga Sebiru Sg. Gaat – Environmental Disaster Strikes Katibas River: Illegal Logging Suspected
— Brune Yee, the PKR branch chief in Sarikei – Supply Chain Struggles: Sarikei's Challenge with LPG Cylinder Exchanges
— Nasir Nash, activist from Gua Musang Kelatan – Ensuring Financial Access: Government's Responsibility to Open Bank Accounts for Indigenous Peoples
Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Apai dari Penduduk Kapit dan Dixon Anak Naga, Penduduk Nanga Sebiru Sg. Gaat - Bencana Alam Melanda Sungai Katibas: Pengloggingan Haram Disyaki
- Brune Yee, ketua cawangan PKR di Sarikei - Cabaran Rantaian Bekalan: Sarikei Berdepan dengan Pertukaran Silinder LPG
- Nasir Nash, aktivis dari Gua Musang Kelantan - Memastikan Akses Kewangan: Tanggungjawab Kerajaan untuk Membuka Akaun Bank bagi Orang Asli
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*Special Randau*
1. The police recorded the statement of PAS President- Abdul Hadi Awang today. Hadi was investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for insulting the Malay Rulers.
2. SRC International Sdn. Bhd sued Najib Razak and demanded damages of US 1.18 billion. The SRC alleged that the Vice had abused his power and obtained personal benefits from the company's funds in addition to committing embezzlement. Today is the first day of the trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
3. Illegal logging upstream of the Katibas river. There is a logjam that endangers the lives of residents and pollutes the environment. That's the problem with so much modern technology these days. Why can't these environmental criminals be caught and punished. Are the superiors involved?
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Apai from Residents of Kapit and Dixon Anak Naga- Resident of Nanga Sebiru Sg. Gaat
*Environmental Disaster Strikes Katibas River: Illegal Logging Suspected*
Lai reported on March 2, 2024 that thousands of tons of waste logs were swept away by the strong current through the Katibas river in Kapit. The incident caused a logjam like what happened in the Baleh river a few years ago. According to Lai, he has no doubt that the incident was caused by illegal logging and could also be due to the plantations carried out by the TA AN group in the upper reaches of the Katibas river. I used to work with the TA AN group in Hulu Katibas and they have palm oil plantations and also a logging license in Hulu Katibas. But I believe more that this incredible amount of wood waste is caused by illegal logging. I believe that NREB is monitoring the farms and logging areas of the TA AN group. It is very likely that they comply with the requirements of the license issued. But these illegal loggers will cut wood unethically and leave a lot of waste. This illegal logging is believed to be the result of cooperation with villagers who are desperate for quick money. Asked why NREB did not succeed in cracking down on illegal logging and arresting these environmental criminals. Lai said, NREB can also be bribed by the parties concerned. They will not be caught because there must be an informant who informed these illegal loggers before the raid.
For Dixon, such incidents should be investigated and the perpetrators should be punished. But he wondered why the GPS minister did not issue a statement, when the incident had happened a few days ago. I suspect they just want to save themselves. Don't want to make negative comments. Afraid of being scolded by their respective bosses. Or the minister and YB GPS have shares with plantation and logging companies - Ask Dixon Anak Naga.
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Brune Yee, the PKR branch chief in Sarikei
*Supply Chain Struggles: Sarikei's Challenge with LPG Cylinder Exchanges*
Brune commented on the crisis involving yellow LPG gas cylinders in Sarikei, which is very worrying, especially for owners who want to exchange them for red cylinders. Abg Jo had previously assured that there were enough red cylinders to exchange for yellow ones, but the situation doesn't seem as stated by Premier Abg Jo.
Yellow cylinders can still be exchanged, but why do most shops not accept exchanges from yellow to green or red? Mr. Yee was informed that distributors from Bintulu did not allocate enough stock for exchanging yellow cylinders. Mr. Yee is very disappointed with the monopoly of red cylinders, which has caused a Mygaz Yellow company to face a decline in business. They have been distributing yellow gas cylinders in the market for much longer, and this is very unfair in any business.
If Petros wants a monopoly, they should not give people an insufficient time to exchange their cylinders.
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Nasir Nash, activist from Gua Musang Kelatan
*Ensuring Financial Access: Government's Responsibility to Open Bank Accounts for Indigenous Peoples*
In a bid to support the Orang Asli communities residing in the remote interiors of Perak, Pahang, and Gua Musang, Kelantan, the Second Finance Minister has launched an initiative to provide much-needed financial assistance. This initiative comes at a crucial time as approximately 14,000 Orang Asli households in these areas are without bank accounts, hindering their access to financial services and government aid.
Under this program, the government will personally visit these remote areas to disburse the Sumbangan Tunai Rahman. This direct approach aims to ensure that the financial assistance reaches the intended recipients efficiently. Nasir, a member of the Orang Asli community, views this initiative positively and believes it should be continued to uplift the living standards of his fellow community members.
Nasir also highlights the importance of Orang Asli households opening their own bank accounts. He emphasizes that having a bank account will not only ease their access to financial assistance but also encourage savings for their future needs. Despite the challenges, Nasir encourages those without bank accounts to take the initiative to open one whenever they have the opportunity to visit town areas, as it will benefit them in the long run.
While acknowledging that many Orang Asli do not have bank accounts, Nasir is unsure if this is due to lack of identification documents. He notes that in the Batang Padang district, where accessibility to town areas is not an issue, there should be no reason for Orang Asli households to not have a bank account.
However, Nasir raises a valid concern about the possibility of the financial assistance not being fully delivered to the recipients. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the distribution process to ensure that every eligible household receives their entitled assistance.
In conclusion, the government's initiative to assist the Orang Asli communities in the remote interiors is a commendable step towards financial inclusion. By providing direct financial assistance and encouraging the opening of bank accounts, this initiative has the potential to uplift the socio-economic status of the Orang Asli communities and empower them for a better future.