Showing posts with label protest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protest. Show all posts
First weapons fired at Malaysia by Bangladeshi hackers
Anyone can start a war, as long as they have weapons. Apparently, Bangladeshi hackers have fired their first salvo, poisoning the DNS of some select sites.
It's not a difficult thing, but it's effective. This proves that anyone can start a war with major effect, not only governments. You don't need to start a major cyberwar if a small hack can give you maximum effect.
Even the dell.com.my DNS entry has been poisoned, and this is a sales site--imagine how much revenue has been lost. And it has been hours since it's been poisoned, and yet it still remains crippled.
The Dell site itself has not been hacked, it's the addressing system which the Internet uses. It may be possible to prevent this in the future, but that takes substantial changes which need to be implemented.
According to Lowyat, MyNIC, the Malaysian registry of .my domains, has been compromised, and DNS servers based off of that official source are therefore all affected. Earlier on, Google DNS servers were also poisoned, but in my last test, Google DNS seems to have been refreshed so it's no longer poisoned. Click here to find out how to switch to Google Public DNS if you have been affected. For now, we're witnessing an attack done the simple way, but with maximum effect
Sites affected so far are Dell Malaysia (.com.my), all Microsoft sites on the .my suffix notable MSN Malaysia (.com.my), Skype Malaysia (.com.my), Bing Malaysia (.com.my) as well as antivirus site Kaspersky (.com.my). Google Malaysia (.com.my), Youtube Malaysia (.com.my) and a few other notable .MY domain sites are also inaccessible at the moment.
At time of writing, none of the online banking sites have been poisoned, but it is a very real possibility that they could be until this issue is resolved. If you have to conduct any online transactions, please ensure that the security certificate for the online banking site you are visiting is valid before keying in your personal details (if you choose to stick to Google DNS servers that is).
OpenDNS Home:
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Level3 :
209.244.0.3
209.244.0.4
TMnet/Unifi:
202.188.0.133
202.188.1.5
Astro told to find amicable solution with MICCAF
PUTRAJAYA: Astro has been asked to discuss the request by the Malaysian Indian Creative Content Action Force (MICCAF) for a full-fledged local Indian channel to air local Indian programmes.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K.Devamani said the matter must be resolved quickly so as to not tarnish the image of the pay-TV station.
Devamani who is also the MIC Vice President said as a corporate social responsibility (CSR), Astro need to give its commitment to enhance the welfare of the community through its business practices.
"To me, MICCAF's request is legitimate and Astro need to view the matter positively. We (Malaysia) cannot depend on foreign contents solely, in this case, from India.
"It is about time Astro dedicate the Vaanavil channel to local contents for the benefit of the local Indian creative content producers," he said when contacted today.
Yesterday, more than 100 local Indian artistes had gathered in Brickfields to go on a hunger-strike, requesting Astro to dedicate a channel (Vaanavil) for local Indian programmes.
The hunger-strike was averted after People's Progressive Party (PPP) President Datuk Seri M. Kayveas arrived at the scene to assure that the matter would be brought to the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Currently, about 90 per cent of the programmes aired on the Vaanavil channel were programmes or products imported from abroad, mainly India, although Astro had promised to increase local contents since its inception 17 years ago.
Devamani said MICCAF had met him in Parliament recently and raised the issue, claiming local artistes and local Indian creative content producers had no platform to showcase their talents or sell their programmes due to an influx of Indian programmes from India.
"There are about 5,000 Indian creative content producers and artistes in the country and yet there was no platform to expose their talents," he said.
The creative industry is said to be contributing RM2 billion worth of income to the country, as such they should be given an appropriate platform to showcase their talent in line with the Prime Minister's aspiration to see the industry bring in RM5 billion.
Devamani added that all TV stations, including those run by the government and private, has a role to play in the success of the country's transformation agenda without sidelining any race.
Meanwhile, MICCAF spokesman N.S. Krishna when contacted said the government's intervention would give a new lease of life to more than 5,000 artistes and Indian creative content producers in the country.
"How long are we going to view dramas and programmes from other countries. Accepting local contents will also mean better job prospective for local artistes and producers and in return contribute tremendously to the economy of the country," he said. -- BERNAMA
Read more:
Jalan Sultan Declared as Heritage Site ...
Najib says ready to declare Jalan Sultan shoplots as heritage sites
He said as prime minister he was aware of the need to have a balance between urban development and heritage, and that Malaysians needed both.
“For us to have development in Kuala Lumpur, efficient public transport necessary; it’s not a choice… the only way forward is MRT.
“We are prepared to declare as heritage buildings... (It is) important for us to preserve history, legacy but (it) should not impede progress… then you are not moving with the times,” Najib told Chinese-language radio station 988FM in an interview this morning.
“Jalan Sultan (landowners) not against MRT but they want assurance that their shophouses not affected. (We have) given assurance,” he added.
The dispute over the tunnelling along Jalan Sultan erupted after landowners were informed by the government that their properties would be acquired for the MRT project.
MRT Corp subsequently made an offer for Jalan Sultan property owners to vacate their premises for six months, and guaranteeing there would be no land acquisition, that any damage will be repaired and loss of income compensated.
Nineteen of the 23 owners along Jalan Sultan have so far said that they will pursue the offer, with another two willing to have their lots bought out by MRT Corp. A further two are still holding out.
_______________________________________________
Jalan Sultan landowners getting paid leave, says MOF
KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 — Putrajaya said today its offer to guarantee the income of Chinatown landowners while they vacated their premises for Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tunnelling work is like giving them a paid holiday.
Project owners MRT Corp has made an offer to Jalan Sultan property owners to vacate their premises here for six months, guaranteeing there would be no land acquisition and that any damage will be repaired and loss of income compensated.
The Finance Ministry confirmed today that two landowners are still holding out, with the rest saying they will either accept the offer or sell their land to MRT Corp.
“The compensation will guarantee income during the six months. This is like giving them a paid holiday. They don’t have to work but get paid,” Deputy Minister Datuk Awang Adek told Parliament.
The dispute over land acquisition began soon after landowners in Chinatown, Imbi and Bukit Bintang were informed in mid-2011 that the government would acquire lots above the MRT tunnel as owners’ rights extend to the centre of the earth under the law.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive Mohd Nur Kamal has said landowners could then apply for stratum titles but added there was no guarantee Putrajaya would re-alienate the surface land back to them.
Critics have questioned the need for compulsory acquisition of both surface and underground land as the National Land Code 1965 was amended in 1990 to allow underground land to be acquired without affecting surface rights.
Unhappy landowners had mounted a high-profile campaign marked by many protests, signature drives and claims that Putrajaya was conducting a “land grab” in order to defray project costs.
But MRT Corp’s latest offer has been agreed to by the majority of landowners, likely clearing one of several hurdles the RM50 billion megaproject has faced since being announced in June 2010.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also said two weeks ago the government was prepared to declare buildings in Jalan Sultan as heritage sites, assuring owners that their shophouses will not be affected by the planned infrastructure project.
_______________________________________________
The Committee to Preserve Jalan Sultan and Jalan Bukit Bintang, or PJSJBB, said that the six-month compensation offered by project owners MRT Corp did not address the loss and suffering of the community while business was suspended.
"It will be difficult for us to resume operations and revitalise our business after being put on hold for six months. It is hard to change our mode of operations," said Stanley Yong, the chairman of PJSJBB, at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here today.
"Smallholders will never survive."
He said that the compensation did not cover tenants and subtenants, who would suffer the most from leaving their businesses, adding that some 3000 families and 30000 people in the area depended on it.
Yong also highlighted the situation in Jalan Petaling, which he said had turned into a haven for drug users, adding that he feared such damage would occur to Jalan Sultan, thus making it more difficult for tenants to resume business afterwards.
He added that if the government were truly sincere about addressing the people’s grievances, they should hold public dialogues regarding the project and extend it for a reasonable amount of time.
Yong further suggested that MRT Corp realign the tunnel to Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, as it is twice the width of Jalan Sultan and would result in less damage to buildings.
Putrajaya said today its offer to guarantee the income of Chinatown landowners while they vacated their premises for Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tunnelling work is like giving them a paid holiday.
Project owners MRT Corp has made an offer to Jalan Sultan property owners to vacate their premises here for six months, guaranteeing there would be no land acquisition and that any damage will be repaired and loss of income compensated.
“The compensation will guarantee income during the six months. This is like giving them a paid holiday. They don’t have to work but get paid,” Deputy Minister Datuk Awang Adek told Parliament.
The dispute over land acquisition began soon after landowners in Chinatown, Imbi and Bukit Bintang were informed in mid-2011 that the government would acquire lots above the MRT tunnel as owners’ rights extend to the centre of the earth under the law.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive Mohd Nur Kamal has said landowners could then apply for stratum titles but added there was no guarantee Putrajaya would re-alienate the surface land back to them.
Critics have questioned the need for compulsory acquisition of both surface and underground land as the National Land Code 1965 was amended in 1990 to allow underground land to be acquired without affecting surface rights.
Unhappy landowners had mounted a high-profile campaign marked by many protests, signature drives and claims that Putrajaya was conducting a “land grab” in order to defray project costs.
But MRT Corp’s latest offer has been agreed to by the majority of landowners, likely clearing one of several hurdles the RM50 billion megaproject has faced since being announced in June 2010.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also said two weeks ago the government was prepared to declare buildings in Jalan Sultan as heritage sites, assuring owners that their shophouses will not be affected by the planned infrastructure project.
_______________________________________________
Malaysian GOV the land thief
Desecration of Orang Asli graves is another blow to the ancestral land rights of the Orang Laut of Seletar
The Orang Asli laut of Johor's southern coastline are particularly under threat because the state is pushing for direct foreign investments to spur its economic growth. Property development is an important ingredient of the economic cocktail.
But economic development doesn't come without costs, and the Orang Asli laut and their livelihood are paying a heavy price for development they do not want.
Desecration of two Orang Laut of Seletar burial sites, in Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Tenom, near Johor Bahru. These sites are located within the Iskandar Malaysia development area, which is under the purview of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (“IRDA”), a Malaysian Government statutory body. This is yet another blow to the ancestral land rights of, and respect for, the Orang Asli.
As a traditional fishing community, the Orang Laut of Seletar have historically occupied the coastal mangrove areas of Johore as their ancestral lands. This area is the subject of continuing encroachment by the Johore state government and occupation by entities, including IRDA, as it is now prime land amidst rapid development. Through the years, the Orang Laut have consistently maintained that the areas they occupy and forage (both on land and sea) are customary ancestral areas. The authorities have paid scant regard to their claims. As such, these Orang Laut have lost much of their land and their livelihood has been seriously diminished, if not completely wiped out, through decimation of the mangrove swamps and pollution of the coastal seas. Many of these Orang Laut live in abject poverty amidst thriving development on their lands, from which they do not benefit. Government agencies like the Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli have failed the Orang Laut of Seletar.
In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, a sizeable area of burial grounds shared by the Orang Laut of Seletar communities of Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Temon, were reported to have been desecrated and destroyed by contractors purportedly under the purview of IRDA. Police reports were quickly lodged, appeals were sent to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (“SUHAKAM”), and work has been temporarily halted.
The Orang Asli, like any other community in Malaysia, are important members of our society. Their numbers may not be large, but they represent a heritage-rich link with the early peoples of Peninsular Malaysia which, once destroyed, would be lost forever. It is incumbent upon the Malaysian Government to protect and safeguard their way of life. Development goals for Iskandar Malaysia must be carried out in a socially-sustainable and caring manner, and with the utmost respect for the rights of the Orang Asli. These are principles that the Malaysian Government agreed to when it voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”) in 2007. The Malaysian Government also voted in favour of the concept of “free, prior and informed consent” of the indigenous peoples on any policies or projects that may affect their livelihood.
For the Orang Laut of Seletar who live within Iskandar Malaysia, there was every reason for them to expect a new model of governance in respect of Orang Asli rights over customary areas. The Prime Minister himself said, in his capacity as Co-Chairperson of IRDA, “The development in Iskandar Malaysia is geared towards being inclusive and sustainable, providing a multitude of prospects for growth and prosperity to be enjoyed by all stakeholders.”1 The Malaysian Bar urges the Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government to do the honourable thing and give effect to the UNDRIP principles and the words in this quote, in a real and meaningful way.
Indeed, the incidents involving Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Temon are by no means isolated affairs. There appears to be a systemic pattern of rampant encroachment of Orang Asli-occupied areas throughout Malaysia, both in the peninsula as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. The continuous violation of the land rights of the Orang Asli is a breach of their fundamental liberties. It has to stop.
The Malaysian Bar calls upon the federal and state governments to immediately observe a moratorium on proposed development on lands and other areas claimed by indigenous peoples, pending the completion of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia currently being undertaken by SUHAKAM. Once its report is ready by September 2012, the full scale of the issue can be properly understood and appropriately addressed, in an inclusive, and environmentally- and socially-sustainable, manner.
The Malaysian Bar will continue to support Orang Asli communities by holding various programmes geared towards legal empowerment. We have called for lawyers to provide pro bono services to the Orang Asli, and are actively advocating for their voices to be heard. We have also launched a defence fund to assist in defraying the costs of litigation, where necessary.
Indigenous peoples all over the world have their way of life threatened by rapid development.
The Orang Asli laut of Johor's southern coastline are particularly under threat because the state is pushing for direct foreign investments to spur its economic growth. Property development is an important ingredient of the economic cocktail.
But economic development doesn't come without costs, and the Orang Asli laut and their livelihood are paying a heavy price for development they do not want.
As a traditional fishing community, the Orang Laut of Seletar have historically occupied the coastal mangrove areas of Johore as their ancestral lands. This area is the subject of continuing encroachment by the Johore state government and occupation by entities, including IRDA, as it is now prime land amidst rapid development. Through the years, the Orang Laut have consistently maintained that the areas they occupy and forage (both on land and sea) are customary ancestral areas. The authorities have paid scant regard to their claims. As such, these Orang Laut have lost much of their land and their livelihood has been seriously diminished, if not completely wiped out, through decimation of the mangrove swamps and pollution of the coastal seas. Many of these Orang Laut live in abject poverty amidst thriving development on their lands, from which they do not benefit. Government agencies like the Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli have failed the Orang Laut of Seletar.
In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, a sizeable area of burial grounds shared by the Orang Laut of Seletar communities of Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Temon, were reported to have been desecrated and destroyed by contractors purportedly under the purview of IRDA. Police reports were quickly lodged, appeals were sent to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (“SUHAKAM”), and work has been temporarily halted.
The Orang Asli, like any other community in Malaysia, are important members of our society. Their numbers may not be large, but they represent a heritage-rich link with the early peoples of Peninsular Malaysia which, once destroyed, would be lost forever. It is incumbent upon the Malaysian Government to protect and safeguard their way of life. Development goals for Iskandar Malaysia must be carried out in a socially-sustainable and caring manner, and with the utmost respect for the rights of the Orang Asli. These are principles that the Malaysian Government agreed to when it voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”) in 2007. The Malaysian Government also voted in favour of the concept of “free, prior and informed consent” of the indigenous peoples on any policies or projects that may affect their livelihood.
For the Orang Laut of Seletar who live within Iskandar Malaysia, there was every reason for them to expect a new model of governance in respect of Orang Asli rights over customary areas. The Prime Minister himself said, in his capacity as Co-Chairperson of IRDA, “The development in Iskandar Malaysia is geared towards being inclusive and sustainable, providing a multitude of prospects for growth and prosperity to be enjoyed by all stakeholders.”1 The Malaysian Bar urges the Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government to do the honourable thing and give effect to the UNDRIP principles and the words in this quote, in a real and meaningful way.
Indeed, the incidents involving Kampung Bakar Batu and Kampung Sungai Temon are by no means isolated affairs. There appears to be a systemic pattern of rampant encroachment of Orang Asli-occupied areas throughout Malaysia, both in the peninsula as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. The continuous violation of the land rights of the Orang Asli is a breach of their fundamental liberties. It has to stop.
The Malaysian Bar calls upon the federal and state governments to immediately observe a moratorium on proposed development on lands and other areas claimed by indigenous peoples, pending the completion of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia currently being undertaken by SUHAKAM. Once its report is ready by September 2012, the full scale of the issue can be properly understood and appropriately addressed, in an inclusive, and environmentally- and socially-sustainable, manner.
The Malaysian Bar will continue to support Orang Asli communities by holding various programmes geared towards legal empowerment. We have called for lawyers to provide pro bono services to the Orang Asli, and are actively advocating for their voices to be heard. We have also launched a defence fund to assist in defraying the costs of litigation, where necessary.
GO Vegetarian ! by Peta
KUALA LUMPUR March 7 — Shoppers in the Bukit Bintang area here were left gawking at the sight of four “mermaids” sprawled across a fishing net, their silver bodies glittering in the hot midday sun.
Decked in “fins” and slathered in silver body paint, the four members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an international animal rights organisation, held signs that read “Try to relate to who’s on your plate — go vegetarian” to encourage the public to not eat fish.
Cars passing through the busy intersection between Jalan Sultan Ismail and Bukit Bintang slowed as drivers craned their necks to witness the unusual spectacle.
At the same time, other PETA members walked around the area distributing pro-vegetarian pamphlets to the crowd of onlookers.
The campaign manager, Claire Fryer, 32, stressed that fish feel pain as other animals do, and that it is the duty of the public to stop eating all animals and adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.
“People can look into the works of God’s teachings and what God actually asked was for us to care for animals and to respect all life. ‘Thou Shall Not Kill,’” Fryer told The Malaysian Insider today, quoting the Bible.
Any form of unnecessary use of animal cruelty, including slaughtering animals by the throat as done by Muslims, is unjustified and could be stopped through vegetarianism, she said.
Fryer added that those whose livelihood depends on the fishing industry should look for “other options to support themselves, without putting fish and animals through needless cruelty.”
Among the crowd of curious spectators was student Fara Bani.
While Fara described herself as a “semi-vegetarian”, she said this campaign was a wake-up call for her to take the plunge and swear off eating fish for good.
“Campaigns such as these help inform people about how eating animals contribute to their continued suffering,” Fara told The Malaysian Insider.
PETA is the world’s largest animal rights organisation, with more than three million members and supporters around the world.
Operating under the principles that animals are not to be eaten, worn, experimented upon or used for entertainment, PETA has held vegetarian events across the world.
PETA is most known for enlisting global celebrities to pose in the nude while promoting the group’s cause.
Umno and Perkasa members attack peaceful gathering
A group of about 50 unruly pro-Umno thugs tried to disrupt the anti-Lynas solidarity gathering at Speakers’ Square in Penang this evening.
In a very peaceful and civilized gathering of anti-Lynas activist in Penang's Padang Kota, some journalists were being attacked by violent and racist members of Umno and Perkasa who were out there to create disturbance.
_______________________________________________
These Umno and Perkasa members who attacked the peaceful gathering were throwing stones, unwanted shoes, plastic bottles as well as hurling abusive and racist words onto the people who gathered there to voice their support for the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally protesting against the construction of a radioactive rare earth plant in Gebeng, Pahang.
The question here is why didn't the police act against all these violent and racist troublemakers. If you just observe the actions of these supposedly potential terrorists or suicide bombers, you would be able to identify who started the trouble first.
The question here is why didn't the police act against all these violent and racist troublemakers. If you just observe the actions of these supposedly potential terrorists or suicide bombers, you would be able to identify who started the trouble first.
_______________________________________________Guess what the police responded then? Instead of taking action against all those Umno and Perkasa terrorists, the police claimed that it was the anti-Lynas group who had provoked the situation into tense.
Just where exactly are the sense of justice and security of the people in the police itself? There are merely serving the interests of Umno and the ruling elites.
CARS BEING DAMAGED ...
UMNO THROWING SHOES AT PEACEFUL CROWD ...
REPORTERS BEING ATTACKED ...
REPORTED EARLIER THAT DAY ABOUT 100 motorbikes paraded at Speakers Square with Umno flags. (OFFICIAL UMNO MAT REMPIT'S)
The hecklers were five metres away from the Guan Eng, said the Chief Minister’s special assistant Jeffrey Chew. “The CM was prevented from leaving. Fights broke out. Media people were beaten up by unruly thugs. Some went to the crowd to threaten them.”
But the crowd displayed courage. “What seems to be a simple event became a political showdown,” said Chew, who was part of the human shield around the CM.
“(The) thugs were shouting profanity and stupid remarks about 1Malaysia and asking the CM to go home,” he recalled, adding that they also hurled abuse at the crowd.
Malaysiakini, for its part, reported that two journalists were struck with crash helmets.
Uniformed police reportedly moved in at 7.15pm and ordered the gathering to disperse. An activist ended the event by leading the crowd with Negara Ku.
Just where exactly are the sense of justice and security of the people in the police itself? There are merely serving the interests of Umno and the ruling elites.
CARS BEING DAMAGED ...
UMNO THROWING SHOES AT PEACEFUL CROWD ...
REPORTERS BEING ATTACKED ...
REPORTED EARLIER THAT DAY ABOUT 100 motorbikes paraded at Speakers Square with Umno flags. (OFFICIAL UMNO MAT REMPIT'S)
The hecklers were five metres away from the Guan Eng, said the Chief Minister’s special assistant Jeffrey Chew. “The CM was prevented from leaving. Fights broke out. Media people were beaten up by unruly thugs. Some went to the crowd to threaten them.”
But the crowd displayed courage. “What seems to be a simple event became a political showdown,” said Chew, who was part of the human shield around the CM.
“(The) thugs were shouting profanity and stupid remarks about 1Malaysia and asking the CM to go home,” he recalled, adding that they also hurled abuse at the crowd.
Malaysiakini, for its part, reported that two journalists were struck with crash helmets.
Stop LYNAS Rally 26/2/2012
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today dismissed concerns raised by anti-Lynas protesters, insisting the RM700 million rare earth refinery in Kuantan is “factually and scientifically” safe.
The prime minister charged that the opposition is using the issue to gain political mileage by attacking the government to shore up local support.
“But what they are doing is not to find a solution for this.
“We want to find a solution acceptable to the people but at the same time, would not affect our investments,” he told reporters after a function here this afternoon.
Thousands of anti-Lynas protestors attended an opposition-backed mass rally in Kuantan today, in the single largest protest yet against the rare earth refinery that is expected to fire up operations later this year.
Buoyed by a successful turnout this morning, the anti-Lynas protest group, Himpunan Hijau, issued a 24-hour deadline for the federal government to shut down the Lynas plant in Gebeng or face an even bigger demonstration.
Today’s protest comes hot on the heels of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board’s (AELB) decision on January 20 to grant Lynas a temporary operating licence (TOL), which will let it embark on a trial run.
Critics have alleged that the Australian miner has not given enough assurances on how it will handle the low-level radioactive waste that will be produced at the refinery.
But Najib said today that the government has already reviewed Lynas Corp’s operations and the firm has been given strict guidelines to follow.
“We would not give an operating license unless we are satisfied that the local community can accept that this project is safe,” he said.
He noted that one of the conditions attached to Lynas Corp’s TOL is that toxic waste materials have to be disposed at remote location away from the local community.
Save Malaysia Stop Lynas ...
SMSL (save malaysia stop lynas) team urges the authorities to exercise restraint to allow citizens their democratic rights and to give them the space to peacefully express themselves at Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally
Chairperson of SMSL, Mr Tan Bun Teet explained, “The people have fought hard to stop Lynas and a number of other environmental problems. It is our duty as responsible and caring citizens to keep our country and our family safe.”
Earlier this month, a temporary operating licence was issued to Lynas Malaysia, a wholly owned operation of Australia’s Lynas Corporation,for its controversial rare earth refinery plant in Gebeng, an industrial estate about 20 km from Kuantan.
“We have tried every possible avenue and yet the Government has gone ahead with its bad decision which threatens our future. It is understandable that this will spark outrage and anger amongst people.” Said Haji Ismail Abu Bakar, Vice-Chairperson of SMSL.
He added, “Many families living in kampungs along the coast in Pahang will be directly affected once Lynas starts to dump its waste water into the South China Sea. These families depend on the seafood and tourism industry. They run small businesses to sustain their livelihoods. Who will want to buy contaminated seafood? Who will want to holiday next to a toxic plant?”
SMSL is disappointed that the Government has not taken on board grave concerns of the public which leave the people no choice but to take to the street to protest. The injustice is felt everywhere, not just in Kuantan but the whole of Malaysia. The good reputation of Malaysia is at stake over the handling of this issue.
The Lynas issue is a problem for ALL Malaysians. The pollution will spread over a wide area,even into our ASEAN neighbours through the South China Sea. Contaminated seafood and agricultural produce can create serious food safety issue not just for the people of Kuantan but to all the consumers of agriculture and seafood and seafood products. Air pollution from the Lynas plant can be carried far and wide by the north eastern monsoon wind.
Where will Lynas find a permanent location for its waste? Which state in Malaysia or which town in Pahang will be the next target?
Having a polluting industry will deter investment from clean technology and ethical companies which is the way of the future. Rare earth oxides are crucial raw materials but locating it in an ecologically sensitive area so close to so many families is a bad and regressive move.
“SMSL has engaged a strong team of experts to prepare for our legal action with the help of the Pahang Bar. We have strong grounds and we want to leave no stone unturned to present the strongest possible case. Letting Lynas operate is NOT an option.”
Malaysia Bans sex education book ! WTF...
Malaysia has banned a nearly 40-year-old sex education book written by a British author following complaints by Muslim activists that it is obscene.
The book contains cartoons that narrate the reproductive process. It was first published in 1973 and is listed on some international websites on books as being intended for children between 4 and 12 years old.
Datuk Muhammad Khairun Aseh, Chairman of the UMNO Youth Community Complaints Bureau, commented that the book might be detrimental to the morality in the younger generation. And surely this book was not categorized as pornography, otherwise it would not have appeared on bookshelves in the first place. Is it really detrimental to society? Muhd Khairun said although it might be suitable for children at the writer’s country of origin, it was still not suitable in Malaysia. Which begs the question, why not?
Ministry deputy secretary-general in charge of security Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi said the ban is in accordance to the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
Under the Act, anyone convicted of circulating and distributing the book could be fined no more than RM20,000, jailed three years or less, or both.
KID"S PLSZ HOLD YOUR HORSES TILL YOU GO TO SECONDARY SCHOOL OR GO TO YOUR MAMA FOR ANSWER.
Save Jalan Petaling & Jalan Sultan
Jalan Petaling & Jalan Sultan, some of which are more than a century old, are at risk of being demolished to make way for an underground MRT line. Acquisition notices were also served to business owners, which came as a shock because there was no prior consultation or correspondence from the government. As a result, a famous Malaysian tourist landmark known all over the world is now in danger of having its landscape changed forever.
Malaysians gathered peacefully on Jalan Sultan (China Town) on February 5th to show solidarity in the face of a new public transportation project that will result in the destruction of the historic buildings along this street and Petaling Street. The event involved, artists, religious leaders and everyday shop owners. It was full of lanterns, painting, and music. It was an incredible scene that hopefully sends a message to the government about what exactly the people want
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