5 January 2024
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Jeffrey Ngui, Pengerusi Muda Sarawak – Kematian Tragis Bayi di Pedalaman Menunjukkan Pengabaian di Sarawak Yang Kaya
— Jeffery Baudi, Wakil Penduduk Taman Perumahan SFI - Industri Hutan Sabah – Kerajaan GRS Menjerumuskan Pekerja Sabah SFI ke Dalam Krisis
— Dr. Vivienn How, Pensyarah Kanan di Jabatan Kesihatan Alam Sekitar dan Pekerjaan, Universiti Putra Malaysia – Dilema Pembalakan: Impak Pembalakan ke atas Iklim, Kesihatan, dan Pertanian
— Clare Rewcastle Brown, aktivis alam sekitar dan anti-rasuah, pengasas Sarawak Report – Man on the Run: Mendedahkan Kedalaman Skandal 1MDB Malaysia
On Today Show
— Jeffrey Ngui, Chairman of Muda Sarawak – Desperate Cry: Interior Infant's Tragic Death Exposes Neglect in Wealthy Sarawak
— Jeffery Baudi, resident representative of SFI Housing Park- Sabah Forest industry – The GRS-Led Government Plunges SFI Sabahan Employees into Crisis
— Dr Vivienn How, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia – Deforestation Dilemma: Logging's Impact on Climate, Health, and Farming
— Clare Rewcastle Brown, environmental and anti-corruption activist, founder of Sarawak Report – Man on the Run: Unveiling the Depths of Malaysia's 1MDB Scandal
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*Special Randau*
1. 647 families of Sabah Forest Industry factory workers are still in the dark after more than 8 months. They have no salary and no job. There is no electricity and clean water supply. The GRS Sabah government has failed to protect the fate of Sabah's own citizens.
2. The Sarawak election boundary will begin shortly. The public is asked to propose electoral boundaries to enhance efficient services to the people. MPs who are incapable should not be voted in again.
3. Najib's administration is extravagant. Paying Trump International Hotel RM1.5 million from 2017 to 2020 during Najib's visits to the White House. Najib stayed in the presidential suite at a cost of US$10,000 per night. Don't forget to watch Najib's extravagant behavior in the documentary film "Man On The Run" on NETFLIX starting today.
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Jeffrey Ngui, Chairman of Muda Sarawak
*Desperate Cry: Interior Infant's Tragic Death Exposes Neglect in Wealthy Sarawak*
Muda Sarawak has consistently been in contact with the Penan Baram community. Recently, he received a distress call reporting the tragic death of a 7-month-old baby en route to Miri Hospital via helicopter. As the baby did not pass away at the hospital, the family had to return to the interior clinic to obtain a death certificate. However, they couldn't afford the transportation cost, and the process of handling the death certificate was complicated due to the baby's mother lacking a Malaysian identity card.
Jeffrey mentioned that this incident involved the Penan community from Long Jekitan. Reportedly, the infant sought medical attention at an interior clinic for a persistent stomachache, but as the clinic lacked specialized doctors, the baby's condition worsened. On January 1st, the clinic arranged for an emergency helicopter transfer to Miri Hospital. Unfortunately, the baby passed away during the journey.
According to Jeffrey, the journey from Long Jekitan to Miri by car takes 8 hours, and due to the critical condition of the baby, the clinic arranged for a helicopter. However, the baby did not survive despite these efforts. Since the death did not occur in the hospital, the institution claimed they couldn't issue a death certificate, necessitating the family to return to the interior clinic. Faced with financial constraints, the family sought assistance from Muda Sarawak.
Jeffrey stated that the deceased baby remained in the hospital's mortuary for three days until the support from NGOs and Miri MP allowed the family to return to the interior clinic and arrange for the baby's burial.
He expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that despite Sarawak having billions in revenue and funds, the condition of interior roads and healthcare remains poor. Jeffrey emphasized that there might be excuses for the time required to build interior roads due to the terrain, but clinics should have adequate services and facilities with professional doctors. He questioned why, in this age of AI, while the world talks about renewable energy, there are still people in the interior areas lacking education, unaware of their healthcare rights, and facing citizenship issues. He asked, "How many lives must we sacrifice?"
Jeffrey strongly urged the Sarawak government to prioritize human lives, not just enjoy superficial achievements (flagpoles), and ensure equal citizenship rights for people, regardless of whether they are from the city or interior. After decades, it's enough. Help them and save them!
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Jeffery Baudi, resident representative of SFI Housing Park- Sabah Forest industry
*The GRS-Led Government Plunges SFI Sabahan Employees into Crisis*
Through a media statement dated November 26, 2023, the Sabah State Government claimed victory in a 13,000-hectare land dispute case. The court ruled that Grant Thorn (GT) was a trespasser, and the state government's land acquisition process was deemed complete. This implies that GT, its agents, and employees must vacate the land immediately, allowing the Sabah state government to implement forest sustainability programs, research, and conservation. However, according to Baudi, this statement is not entirely accurate. The court allowed GT to appeal, and GT was appointed by four banks to handle SFI's assets, challenging the court's decision.
The Sabah state government (GRS) is utilizing Section 3(b) of the Sabah Land Code, citing public interest, to control SFI land. However, contrary to this claim, the Sabah government, through SILICO ASIA, ESL, and UNIGLORY (mentioned by Jeffrey Baudi and noted to be a Sarawak-based company), has commenced logging all acacia trees in the SFI land area.
Residents of the SFI factory have filed a report with the MACC, but as of now, there has been no investigation. According to Baudi, it has been eight months since SFI workers have been living in darkness in the SFI housing area, lacking clean water supply, electricity, and employment. The GRS-led state government continues to struggle with the business crisis surrounding SFI, and the victims are the SFI employees, who are Sabahans. They are demanding their rights, employment, and resolution of business disputes.
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Dr Vivienn How, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia
*Deforestation Dilemma: Logging's Impact on Climate, Health, and Farming*
Dr. Vivien emphasizes that many people tend to overlook the environmental impact of climate change on agricultural production. The effects of climate change extend beyond influencing yields; they also impact the environment and the health of farmers. For instance, prolonged periods of drought or flooding may lead farmers to use excessive pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals to enhance or increase production. Paradoxically, the more these chemicals are used to combat climate change, the less fertile the land becomes.
Furthermore, climate change contributes to the spread of infectious diseases. Both droughts and floods influence the breeding of diseases, ultimately affecting farmers. Recent surveys indicate that farmers relying heavily on pesticides are less adaptable to climate change.
Dr. Vivien urges the government to address these issues, especially since farmers fall under three different ministries. She suggests that the government should consolidate these ministries to create a unified approach aimed at providing a healthy environment for farmers. Encouraging reduced dependence on pesticides, chemicals, and weedicides during planting, along with promoting composted fertilizers, is crucial. In Malaysia, there are activists advocating for organic farming as a sustainable alternative.
Dr. Vivien highlights that logging activities contribute to climate change, as trees play a vital role in producing oxygen and serving as natural filters. As industries continue to grow, preserving natural filters becomes essential. Trees' roots also help retain topsoil and deep soils during both rainy and dry seasons, absorbing carbon dioxide in the process.
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Clare Rewcastle Brown, environmental and anti-corruption activist, founder of Sarawak Report
*Man on the Run: Unveiling the Depths of Malaysia's 1MDB Scandal*
"Man on the Run" is a Netflix documentary that brings closure to the 1MDB scandal, a major story in Malaysia. Filmed by a South Korean filmmaker with an Asian perspective, it focuses on how the scandal impacted Malaysians. Despite not securing an interview with Jho Low, the documentary explores the real people behind him, including powerful figures. Interviews with journalists, politicians, and insights from FBI and DOJ agents provide a comprehensive view. The film even features an interview with Najib Razak just before his imprisonment, offering Malaysians a chance to hear his side. The documentary highlights the profound consequences of a leader embezzling billions, shedding light on Malaysia's struggle. The international involvement, geopolitical rivalry, and the debt incurred with China add depth to the narrative. Despite Jho Low's elusive status, the documentary provides a comprehensive overview of a complex scandal.