16 November 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Richard Regan, Penduduk Long Terawan Mulu - Kempen menentang pembinaan empangan Tutoh
> Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak - Perjalanan ke Mykad: Pertempuran untuk MyKad di Kawasan Pendalaman
> Paul Wan dari Long Lama - Dari Hospital ke Klinik Container: Kebimbangan Meningkat Mengenai Akses Kesihatan di Long Lam> Nasir Nash, aktivis dari Gua Musang Kelantan - Sensitiviti Budaya dalam Pendaftaran: Menangani Isu Nama bagi Keluarga Orang Asli
On Today Show
> Richard Regan, Resident of Long Terawan Mulu – Campaign against the construction of the Tutoh dam
> Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – Journey to Identity: The Battle for MyKad in Remote Regions
> Paul Wan from Long Lama – From Hospital to Container Clinic: Growing Concerns Over Healthcare Access in Long Lama
> Nasir Nash, activist from Gua Musang Kelatan – Cultural Sensitivity in Registration: Addressing Name Issues for Orang Asli Families
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*Special Randau*
1. Three national giants - Petronas, CMS, and Gamuda - fiercely compete to develop the green energy industry in Sarawak. According to the Sarawak Premier, he has directed SEB to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of the Trusan hydroelectric dam in Limbang, in addition to dams in Kapit and Baram. The Premier stated that by 2026, Sarawak is poised to generate 7,000 MW of energy through dam construction. Furthermore, the Ulu Padas dam in Sabah will also be built at a cost of 4 billion. CMS, SEB MCHJV, KKB Engineering, Gentari, and many more will benefit. As activists point out, indigenous people in the interior are likely to face the most severe negative impact.
2. PAS hopes that Members of Parliament who have expressed support for PMX will withdraw their support.
3. The PPBM/BERSATU party failed in their application in the high court to vacate four parliamentary seats in Sabah. During PRU15, BERSATU was part of GRS. However, after the election, there was no longer cooperation between GRS and BERSATU. Therefore, the parliamentary seats should remain with BERSATU. However, these four MPs switched to GRS.
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Richard Regan, Resident of Long Terawan Mulu.
*Campaign against the construction of the Tutoh dam*
Richard is from Long Terawan. A village that will be affected if the Tutoh hydro dam is built. Yesterday Sarawak's deputy minister of energy and environmental sustainability - Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni assured that the Tutoh dam that will be built, is safe and strong. According to the minister, similar dam construction has been built in several other countries and it has proven to be strong.
According to Richard, we do not question the strength and safety of the dam. We question building dams is not a good development plan for rural people. Those who will profit, the state government, cronies and big companies. This has been proven in Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai. Those who will be severely affected in their lives, are the original people who live or are displaced due to the construction of the dam. This has been proven in Sarawak. We ask to cancel the Tutoh dam construction plan. Build roads and bridges to our village. For agricultural projects, planting vegetables, rice or raising chickens or fish to us. This will further advance our nation. Dr. Hazland was interviewed by reporters after attending the Borneo Environment 2023 conference at a hotel in Kuching.
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Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak
*Journey to Identity: The Battle for MyKad in Remote Regions*
Abun Sui's call for the relaxation of conditions in MyKad applications for elderly individuals from the interior regions reflects the challenges many face in obtaining this crucial identification document. The process, though vital for citizenship and associated rights, becomes a daunting task for those residing in more remote or less accessible areas.
In highlighting the predicament faced by PKR Sarawak in assisting interior residents, Abun Sui pointed out that the National Registration Department's straightforward dismissal of applications due to insufficient documentation adds another layer of difficulty.
The crux of the matter lies in the arduous journey elderly applicants must undertake, involving multiple trips to interior cities. This process not only consumes considerable time but also incurs additional financial burdens, often resulting in futile outcomes. Abun Sui argues that a more empathetic approach is necessary, considering the unique challenges faced by the elderly population in these regions.
Furthermore, he emphasizes the need for the JPN to streamline the document requirements, making them both sufficient and manageable for elderly applicants. The goal is to strike a balance that ensures the authenticity of applications without subjecting elderly citizens to unnecessarily complex and burdensome procedures.
In advocating for a more accessible MyKad application process, Abun Sui aims to facilitate the elderly population's ability to enjoy their rightful privileges as Malaysian citizens. The call for a review of the current stringent conditions reflects a broader societal concern for inclusivity, acknowledging the diverse circumstances faced by citizens across different regions of the country.
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Paul Wan from Long Lama
*From Hospital to Container Clinic: Growing Concerns Over Healthcare Access in Long Lama*
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has recently unveiled its strategy to address healthcare infrastructure challenges in Long Lama, Baram. The plan involves the construction of an interim clinic, utilizing a container cabin system, to serve the community while essential repairs are undertaken on the existing clinic. In response to queries from Baram MP Anyi Ngau, the MoH clarified that the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) and the state government are actively engaged in the site selection process for this temporary clinic.
However, Paul, expressing the sentiments of the local community, revealed that the proposed container clinic is initially intended for the establishment of the Long Lama hospital. Despite enduring years of anticipation, the community has yet to witness any progress on the promised hospital. Compounding this issue is the unfortunate state of disrepair of the hospital on the opposite riverbank, damaged by a landslide four years ago and left unattended. Consequently, the Ministry's decision to employ containers for a makeshift clinic has sparked concerns among the residents.
Paul emphasized the prolonged wait for a proper hospital in Long Lama, and the repercussions during emergencies when ambulances from Miri must navigate challenging road conditions to reach the area. Many of these ambulances suffer damage during the journey.
In light of these challenges, Paul urgently called upon Baram MP Anyi Ngau to address the longstanding issues faced by the people of Long Lama. He stressed that a clinic constructed from containers falls short of meeting the healthcare needs of Long Lama and the surrounding inland population. Furthermore, considering the substantial travel time of at least two hours from Miri to Long Lama, the urgency for a comprehensive healthcare solution for the region becomes even more evident. The community looks to its representative to advocate for a sustainable and effective healthcare infrastructure that aligns with their long-standing aspirations for a formal hospital in Long Lama.
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Nasir Nash, activist from Gua Musang Kelatan
*Cultural Sensitivity in Registration: Addressing Name Issues for Orang Asli Families*
Nasir provided an update on the State JPN registration program, emphasizing its overall success, particularly within the Orang Asli community. Legally married couples within this community face minimal issues when registering their children. However, a notable challenge arises for those who are married to foreigners, specifically concerning the registration of their children. In such cases, the children often end up with names like "Bin Abdullah" or "Binti Abdullah."
Despite having Malay names, these children are not Muslims. This discrepancy becomes particularly problematic during the fasting month, as Muslims are required to observe fasting. Consequently, indigenous children with Malay names, though not adherents of Islam, find themselves compelled to participate in fasting activities at schools. This situation has been a source of distress for the affected children and their families.
Efforts have been made to address this issue by attempting to change the children's names. However, the process has proven to be excessively challenging. Nasir expressed concern about the unnecessary hardships faced by these families, as they navigate the complexities of altering names to better reflect their cultural and religious identities.
He highlighted the need for a more flexible and understanding approach within the registration system, especially when it comes to children born to couples with international marriages. The goal is to ensure that children receive names that accurately represent their cultural and religious backgrounds, preventing unnecessary confusion and distress during significant cultural and religious events, such as the fasting month. Nasir called for a more inclusive system that respects the diverse identities present within the Orang Asli community.