Family receives most meaningful ‘Gawai gift’

Posted on May 29, 2012, Tuesday By he Borneo Post

 PRECIOUS GAWAI GIFT: PMC chairman Lo Khere Chiang (front second left) hands over the mock house key to Luis in front of the newly completed house during the simple presentation ceremony yesterday.

KUCHING: A family from Kampung Seratau at KM24 Kuching-Serian Road near here have no words to describe their happiness as their Gawai gift this year is a house worth RM43,000.

Housewife Shalia Charles from Kampung Sinjok said since she was born 45 years ago she grew up in a split bamboo and atap roof house.

After she married Snless Luis Siup from Kampung Seratau, the couple and their son and three daughters aged between 23 and 17 continued to stay in a similar house.

This was because her husband was only doing odd-jobs while she was unemployed until she managed to get a job as a cleaner at a supermarket in Kota Padawan recently.

In view of their living standard, the family never dreamed of living in a decent concrete house like others but now they have one as a Gawai present.

“A big thank you to the government, through the urban poverty eradication programme and the Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) for helping to construct the concrete house at a cost of RM43,000.”

Luis said the beautiful thing was the house was handed over to them just before the Gawai Dayak celebration.

“We will remember this Gawai gift from the government for the rest of our lives,” he said.

Constructed since March 14, the house with three bedrooms, bathroom, toilet, dining room and kitchen, was completed a month later.

It was, however, officially handed over to the family by PMC chairman Lo Khere Chiang at a simple occasion witnessed by some of his councilors and Kampung Seratau village headman and his committee members.

“This is the most precious gift I have ever received throughout my life. It is most meaningful to our family and I want to thank the government, from the bottom of my heart, for helping us build our house.

“If not with the government’s help we would still be living in our old house until this very day. Like anyone else I also hope to have a decent home to live in but we just can’t afford to. Every time I hope to strike lottery so that we can build a new house but that also never comes true,” he said in jest.

Shalia said she used to feel jealous whenever she saw neighbours or relatives moving into their new concrete houses.

“So every time I will pray to God that one day He will fulfill my wish of having a proper house and my dream came true when the council advised me to apply for a housing project under the urban poverty eradication programme. Our application was duly approved,” she said.

The family, whose household income was below RM720 per month, was among those registered under e-kasih.

Other criteria for hardcore poor families to be eligible for the housing scheme were that the houses they were living in are dilapidated, rotting and unsafe to live in.

They must also own a piece of land and priority would be given to senior citizens or those having more than five family members.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/29/family-receives-most-meaningful-gawai-gift/#ixzz1yl4U5Q5o

Padawan Fair promises 30 nights of fun

Posted on May 29, 2012, Tuesday

PADAWAN: It’s going to be 30 nights of live performances, various shows and fun-filled games at the 2012 Padawan Fair.

The annual event, into its 16th year, will be held at the Town Square of Batu Kawah New Township from June 15 to July 15. There will be 51 trading stalls in operation throughout the period.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with the opening of 44 food stalls plus various trading and game booths.

“The Padawan Fair this year promises to be another exciting and interesting event. Apart from the trading stalls, there will be events every night. The fair caters to both young and old,” Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang told a press conference at MPP headquarters here yesterday.

Also present were deputy chairman Mohammad Hashim Yap, councillors Isabell Julau Mejat and Richard Kian Hua Mudeh who is the fair’s organising chairman Lo added that entry to the fair, which will operate from 6 pm to 12 midnight, is free of charge.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the official opening of the fair on June 23 at 7.30 pm.

Among the artistes slated to perform during the month-long Padawan Fair are Iban singers Melissa Francis, Ricky Anderson, Ricky El, Jenarino Jeraki, Embat Lala, Betty, Sima, Maxwell Franklin, Bidayuh singer Timothy and others such as Farid Spencer and Rannee Pat.

Artistes from Kuala Lumpur such as Sui Rong and Jenny, Xiao You of Johor and China duo Dou Dou and Mei Yan will be making appearances to entertain visitors during the festival.

The night’s performances will be accompanied by various musical performances from local music schools, association, clubs and others including aerobic and dance exhibitions.

A ‘1Malaysia Karaoke’ competition will be held from June 24 followed by Miss Padawan pageant from June 29. This will be followed with the ‘Battle of the Band’ competition from July 1 and Cosplay Costume contest on July 9 and 10. Finals of the karaoke competition will be held on July 12, Battle of the Band on July 11 and Miss Padawan grand finale on July 14.

Lo highlighted that weather should not be a cause for concern this time around as canopies and tents would be set up throughout the square as rain shelters.

“We are expecting bigger number of trade stalls promoting various products ranging from automotive to household items and appliances. The council hopes to engage the whole community to the fair. We are encouraging involvement of local communities in the activities organised by the council as all these are for the people’s benefit,” he continued.

Local entrepreneurs interested in setting up food or trade stalls at the fair can contact the fair operator, Embun Kiara Sdn Bhd at 013-8026857 (Micheal) or 019-8871269 (Annie).

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/29/padawan-fair-promises-30-nights-of-fun/#ixzz1yl2yQSMw

Lo thinks opposition definitely not capable of running country

by Lee Ya Yun, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 11, 2012, Friday

KUCHING: The opposition does not have the capability to run the country, says Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang.

Lo, one of SUPP potential candidates for Stampin in the coming general election reasoned that the opposition was not as organised as the Barisan Nasional and was also lacking experience in governing.

“Maybe, it is not a problem for the opposition to govern a state like Penang, but, they definitely cannot govern an entire country. I just feel that they are not ready.

“Furthermore, BN has 53 years’ history of governing this country,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

The SUPP Kota Sentosa Branch secretary also said that although the opposition was a coalition entity, each party namely PKR, DAP and PAS had their own agenda.

He believed that if the opposition were to form the next government, a leader from PAS was most likely to be named as prime minister.

“I would like to ask Sarawakians this: Are we ready to take the risk by allowing a PAS leader to be our next prime minister?”

On the ‘risk’, he reminded Sarawakians on the eagerness of PAS to form an Islamic country.

Lo said he could not see the benefit if Sarawakians elected more opposition MPs in the upcoming general election.

“Will the opposition MPs bring more development to the state? Personally, I see no benefit in having more opposition MPs in parliament.

“Sarawakians, please think carefully. Value the prosperity and the peace we have enjoyed and are enjoying right now. You hold your own future and the future of many generations after you in your hand. You are the kingmaker in this 13th general election!”

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/11/lo-thinks-opposition-definitely-not-capable-of-running-country/#ixzz1yl16KfNT

2012 Kuching Autoshow and Accessories Event

Hash Run

Hash Run

Hash Run

Padawan Festival

Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman

Padawan has great tourism potential

by Chen Ai Shih, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 5, 2012, Saturday

KUCHING: Kota Padawan and its surrounding areas have great potential to be a leading tourist attraction.

Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said this at the opening ceremony of the ‘2012 Kuching Autoshow and Accessories Event’ at Giant Hypermarket in Kota Padawan on Thursday.

He said: “Kota Padawan is one of the significantly growing areas apart from the commercial and residential properties in Kuching. There are many places for local visitors and tourists to go to in Padawan. It would create more businesses and bring in more job opportunities.”

Meanwhile, he also said the event was a good example of the increasing cooperation between the private sector and the government that benefit the people and the community at large.

“This is a win-win situation. The council is fully behind the holding of such events because this would raise the status of surrounding areas while creating important businesses to locals,” he explained.

On Kota Padawan area, he said it was a rapidly developing and vibrant region and a perfect place to hold events for peoples from all walks of life.

The show is held from Thursday until Sunday (May 6) and is participated by more than 12 car and car accessory dealers showcasing more than 20 brands of vehicles, latest products and technologies.

The ‘one-stop’ station promises to be a convenient venue for visitors to enjoy shopping.