Karim: Take steps to strengthen border security

April 29, 2015

SIBU: Steps have to be taken to further strengthen security at the border if it is true that Sarawak’s northern border is very porous in order to prevent bad hats from exploiting the loopholes.

It was reported on April 26 that a resident of Ba Kelalan, Tadam Arun, had claimed that a tar-sealed road to Long Bawan built two years ago, had opened the floodgates for smuggled goods to flow across the border.

He further claimed that the new road was also a boon for car thieves as they could now drive the stolen vehicles across the border.

According to Tadam, smuggling activities though rampant in the past were in small quantities, but with the good road, stolen vehicles of all makes and brands, subsidised Malaysian goods including petrol, sugar, cooking oil, and even drugs could all be found there.

Tadam also claimed of the lax control at the checkpoint being the reason smuggled goods and stolen vehicles could cross the border with ease.

“If it is true that Sarawak’s northern border with Kalimantan Indonesia is very porous, this is something for the relevant agencies to look into.

“I find the report of smuggling and lack of security as alarming as this could lead to bad hats using it for human trafficking and smuggling,” said Assistant Minister of Social Development (Youth) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Penyebaran maklumat palsu menimbulkan kesan negatif

April 27, 2015

BETONG: Golongan belia harus sedar bahawa penyebaran maklumat palsu dalam media sosial menimbulkan pelbagai kesan negatif khususnya melibatkan perpaduan rakyat berbilang kaum di negara ini.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia dan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata golongan belia seharusnya sedar penyebaran maklumat palsu bukan boleh dimain-mainkan dalam laman sosial kerana ia mampu tersebar dengan pantas dan boleh menyebabkan salah faham di kalangan masyarakat.

“Jangan menggunakan kemudahan teknologi itu melayari sebarang laman web negatif yang boleh mendatangkan kesan tidak baik pada diri, bangsa dan negara.

“Golongan belia harus bijak mengguna aplikasi-aplikasi teknologi maklumat media sosial untuk membantu mengetahui isu-isu semasa dalam dan luar negeri,” katanya pada Majlis Penutupan Penangguhan Program Motivasi Belia ‘Kawanku Sayang Keluargaku Kenang’ di Pusat Sumber Pembangunan Desa (PSPD) Hulu Layar pada April 18 lepas.

Program dianjurkan Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial (KPS) dan Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Belia Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) Negeri melibatkan 75 belia.

Menurut Abdul Karim, menjadi dasar kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN) mementingkan peranan belia yang menjadi pelapis pemimpin negara supaya mereka tidak terjebak dalam masalah sosial melalui sokongan pelbagai pihak.

“Kerajaan tidak meminggirkan peranan belia dalam mencorakkan kemajuan negara dan pelbagai program belia diadakan bagi mentransformasikan belia maju dalam pelbagai aspek.

Persatuan belia perlu telus manfaat dana

April 26, 2015

Peruntukan bagi aktiviti perlu diurus dengan bijak dan penuh tanggungjawab: Karim

KUCHING: Badan dan persatuan belia diingat amanah dan bertanggungjawab menggunakan dana yang diperuntuk untuk aktiviti persatuan masing-masing.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, dalam setiap organisasi atau badan mahupun persatuan, masalah pertama perlu dihadapi ialah pengurusan kewangan.

“Ia bukan perkara mudah. Di sinilah kita mahu menasihat badan dan persatuan belia supaya lebih bijak mengurus kewangan termasuk mencari bantuan menganjur sebarang aktiviti,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian berucap merasmikan Persidangan Majlis Perundingan Belia Negara Peringkat Negeri 2015 anjuran Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negeri dihadiri Pengarah Jabatannya Abd Haris Ishak di sini, semalam.

Menurut Abdul Karim, tidak dinafikan terdapat persatuan dan badan tertentu mengguna peruntukan atau dana diberi bagi tujuan lain, bukan berasas aktiviti disasarkan.

“Kadangkala ada memohon peruntukan menganjur aktiviti, namun setahun selepas itu sebaliknya berlaku, duit digunakan ke lain.

“Kerajaan akan mempertimbang atau melulus permohonan peruntukan jika mereka membuat kertas kerja dilihat munasabah dan masuk akal,” katanya.

Ketuai patut ngembuan pengelurus ati ngeluanka sesebuah gerempung

April 26, 2015

KUCHING: Pengawa tauka ulah ti enda bechiping ba seseiku ketuai sereta raban komiti dalam sesebengkah gerempung lebuh bejalaika tanggung pengawa deka nentuka pemansang tauka kuing gerempung.

Menteri Muda Pemansang Nembiak (Mengeri) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah, ketuai sereta kaban dalam sesebengkah gerempung patut tetitihka juluk kebuah gerempung nya ditumbuhka.

Ku iya, kaban gerempung ke dipilih megai belanja patut landik nguna belanja ke penguntung gerempung sereta semua kaban.

“Enti deka maju, ketuai dalam sesebengkah gerempung nyengkaum gerempung nembiak tauka Komiti Pemansang enggau Pengelikun (JKKK) Genturung Pendiau sereta semua kaban dalam gerempung patut ulih tetitihka tuju gerempung nya ditumbuhka.

“Ketuai enda tau enda ngembuan pengeliat enggau pengelurus ati lebuh ngiring tauka ngeluan gerempung.

“Duit bantu ti diberi perintah ngagai gerempung nyengkaum gerempung raban nembiak, bala ketuai dalam gerempung enda tau enda landik ngatur program senipak enggau geran ke dipinta.

“Kitai enggai meda ulah ketuai sekalika dalam gerempung nembiak tauka JKKK enggau ke bukai ti deka mangku pengawa dalam gerempung semina ketegal deka ngenebalka kuchik tanchut diri,” ku iya seraya madahka pekara ti baka nya kala nyadi nyengkaum ba gerempung jalai pengarap.

Your key duty to mould future progressive society, youths reminded

April 26, 2015

KUCHING: Youth-based organisations have been urged to focus contributing their expertise towards solving problems in order to deliver a positive impact on the development of youths in the nation.

In this respect, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah reminded youths of their role in shaping quality future generations towards a sound and progressive society.

“The character of the young people will determine the quality of the society we live in now and in the future,” he said in his address at the state-level National Youth Consultative Council (MPBN) Convention at the civic centre here yesterday.

“Therefore, the voice and participation of the young people is important towards improving (our) policies and policy-making. Your input, perspectives and ideas on various issues affecting the state and nation, as well as on youth development, will influence and chart the direction of our society.”

Leaders of 20 youth associations and 13 sports bodies took part in the convention, which included a brainstorming session on education, social issues, economy, employment and sports.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing, said he wanted youth and sports bodies to hold quality programmes towards promoting the well-being of the young people.

“You are encouraged to hold one major activity every year.”

Masalah reka bentuk antara punca RPR Rangau tidak dapat dijual sepenuhnya

April 25, 2015

KUCHING: Masalah reka bentuk rumah yang tidak menarik antara punca rumah Skim Rancangan Perumahan Rakyat (RPR) Rangau di Limbang tidak dapat dijual sepenuhnya.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, kementerian merancang perumahan namun kadangkala ia tidak mencapai matlamat atau tujuan termasuk RPR di Rangau.

Menurut beliau, projek RPR Rangau yang dibina pada tahun 2003 dan siap tahun 2008 itu tidak mendapat sambutan dan hasil maklum balas daripada pembeli serta orang ramai, ia disebabkan reka bentuknya.

“Ekoran itu usaha kita untuk menjual tidak mencapai apa yang diharapkan oleh Perbadanan Pembangunan Perumahan Sarawak (HDC).

“Bagaimanapun, setakat ini HDC masih dalam proses merancang semula projek tersebut melalui anak syarikatnya Daya Builders Sdn Bhd (DBSB).

“Dalam projek RPR di Rangau, sejumlah 540 unit rumah dibina dan daripada jumlah itu hanya 139 unit dapat dijual manakala selebihnya atau 332 unit tidak dapat dijual dan telah menyebabkan ia terbengkalai begitu sahaja,” katanya.

Karim: Mind your language, even when in DUN

April 25, 2015

KUCHING: Words that are treasonable and seditious are not privileged even when uttered in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), said Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzan.

Karim said it was up to the Attorney-General (AG) to prosecute those who uttered them.

“One is not covered by House privilege for uttering seditious and treasonable words. The final say on whether to prosecute or not rests on the AG,” said the Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban).

“There had been decided cases on this. Case in point is PP vs Mark Koding. He was charged for uttering seditious words in Parliament in 1978, whereby in his speech he asked for the closure of Chinese and Tamil schools in Malaysia.

“He was charged and found guilty,” said Karim on Thursday when asked for his opinion on Pujut assemblyman Fong Pau Teck’s statement made at the DUN.

Santubong MP Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, when contacted yesterday, also confirmed there were several cases similar to Mark Koding’s over the years, but not as many as that in the English Parliament.

“But whether any statement is seditious is defined by the Sedition Act and interpreted by the judge. I cannot remember how many cases like this in Malaysia but certainly volumes of them could be found in England,” said the Deputy Home Minister.

Aktiviti mampu beri impak besar, penyertaan ramai diutamakan

April 24, 2015

Berikutan sumber kewangan terhad, permohonan bantuan kewangan dipertimbang berdasarkan kriteria tertentu

KUCHING: Memandangkan sumber kewangan yang amat terhad, Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial hanya memberi keutamaan kepada aktiviti yang mampu memberi impak besar serta penyertaan golongan belia yang lebih ramai.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata permohonan bantuan kewangan yang layak diberi pertimbangan adalah berdasarkan kriteria seperti badan sukan yang berdaftar di bawah Akta Pembangunan Sukan 1997 serta pertubuhan belia yang berdaftar di bawah Akta Pertubuhan Belia dan Pembangunan Belia 2007.

Selain itu, katanya adalah Sekretariat Rakan Muda di Institut Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA) dan Institut Pengajian Tinggi Swasta (IPTS) yang berdaftar dengan Jabatan belia dan Sukan Negara serta NGO yang ditubuhkan di bawah Akta Parlimen dan bergabung dengan Majlis Belia Malaysia (MBM).

“Aktiviti yang dilaksanakan hendaklah selaras dengan Dasar Pembangunan Belia Negara atau Dasar Sukan Negara, memberi impak positif kepada kumpulan sasar serta menggabungkan nilai integrasi dan perpaduan kaum.

“Aktiviti juga harus berkonsepkan kepimpinan, jati diri, patriotisme, ketatanegaraan, kemahiran, keusahawanan, kesukarelaan dan kesukanan.

“Bagi bantuan aktiviti yang dijalankan bersama NGO, keutamaan diberikan kepada NGO yang mempunyai kepakaran pengurusan, kepimpinan, kejurulatihan dan kemahiran teknikal dalam bidang berkaitan,” katanya pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di sini, semalam.

Karim yang juga ADUN Asajaya menyatakan demikian bagi menjawab soalan Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali (BN-Samariang) yang bertanya tentang kaedah-kaedah yang diguna pakai dan apakah bantuan kewangan untuk belia menjalankan aktiviti yang mereka rancang secara berkumpulan.

YB Fong should not utter words that tantamount to treason -Karim

April 24, 2015

KUCHING: Sixteen questions and 20 supplementary questions were answered by a minister and assistant ministers during the question-and-answer session of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.

All of them came from Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives except for five posed by See Chee How (PKR-Batu Lintang) and Fong Pau Teck (IND-Pujut).

The one-hour session went well without bickering while the only minister taking questions was Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who replied on behalf of the chief minister.

Fong asked the chief minister about the number of Bangladeshi and Indonesian workers in the state. After Jabu responded to his question, Fong further queried how many out of the numbers provided were illegal workers.

Maintaining his cool, Jabu said the figures he told the House were based on the records of the Immigration Department, which would not indicate the number of those entering the state illegally.

When pressed, Jabu reiterated: “We do not know the figure on the illegal workers, that is why I asked Pujut to tell us.”

Earlier, instead of posing his question the usual way by reading out the number, Abu Seman Jahwie (BN-Jemoreng) stressed the importance of being given a hearty answer.

‘Need to review Arms Act, 1960’

April 23, 2015

Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar

SIBU: Provisions under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 have to be relooked in order to remain relevant to deal with the issue of imitation guns.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this was especially so if the act or offence committed by a person did not fall under the provision of Section 6 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.

“There are two Acts of Parliament governing imitation guns, one complementing the other under specific circumstances.

“Section 36 of Arms Act 1960 provides punishment for importing or in possession of imitation gun and is punishable with not more than one year jail or a fine of RM5,000 or both. But if the person uses the gun to commit, attempt to commit, or conspire to commit an offence which possibly puts a person in fear of death or grievous hurt shall be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years and three lashes of the whip.

“From the provisions mentioned, obviously there is a need to have a relook at the provisions of Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 to make the provisions more relevant especially, if the act or offence committed by the person does not fall under the provision of Section 6 of Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971,” Wan Junaidi said.

He was asked if there was a plan by the government to review the existing penalty for selling or possessing imitation (fake) guns, making it stiffer to curb the sale of such gadgets that resemble genuine firearms following the arrest of a restaurant waiter from a house in Matang last week after he was found in possession of a cache of ‘never-before-seen’ imitation air rifles and pistols.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuching, district police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad said that police personnel inspected a room in the house and found nine sets of imitation weapons comprising four rifles and five pistols, along with various related components.

Abdul Karim: Tolerance among races, religions must prevail

April 22, 2015

SIBU: Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country and there must be tolerance among the races and those professing different religions.

In stating this yesterday, Assistant Minister of Social Development (Youth) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the case in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya as an unfortunate one that should not have happened.

In that incident, about 50 demonstrators gathered outside a church in Taman Medan on Sunday to protest against a cross on the church’s building. Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, hoped the relevant authorities would take action against religious bigots whose actions were detrimental to the prevailing racial unity and harmony in the country.

Karim tells Chong - Sarawak Bumiputera never questioned why almost all businesses are controlled by one ethnic race

April 18, 2015

SIBU: Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen is playing a serious racial game by harping on racial discrimination in business, says Assistant Minister of Social Development (Youth Development) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said this in response to Chong’s statement in the media claiming that it was unfair for the government to give Pan Borneo Highway project to a single racial group.

“Is he bringing Peninsular Malaysia racial politics into Sarawak? 

"Does he want to create racial tension among the various ethnic groups in Sarawak by harping on issues like a business project being awarded to only one race? 

"I believe it’s never the government policy to award projects based on race. 

"It has always been based on ability, competency and financial capability. 

"Or does Chong want to add one more – race? 

New age for EPF withdrawal is a silly proposition - Karim

April 17, 2015

KUCHING: The proposal to extend the age for withdrawal of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) from the present 55 to 60 years has received flak from contributors.

While some said it was a “silly proposal” there were contributors who described the suggestion as “frustrating”, while others proposed that an acceptable mechanism be worked out.

On the other hand, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he personally disagreed with the idea and was puzzled why someone came up with the ‘silly preposition’.

“I’m just puzzled who came up with this silly proposition…55 is a good age as that is the year of retirement and contributors can opt whether to take out their money in toto at that age or leave it in EPF to reap more dividends,” he said in his WhatsApp message yesterday.

He was commenting on the call by Malaysian Trade Unions Congress (MTUC) to support EPF’s retirement withdrawal age proposal.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing and Asajaya assemblyman, urged MTUC not to “change the goal post” and frustrate contributors.

“Don’t frustrate contributors as those money kept in EPF are contributors’ money and all through the years of employment, the contributors had been contributing and maybe have specific plan on what to use with the money once they reach 55,” he asserted.

Abd Karim: Growing number of substance abusers alarming

April 16, 2015

Abdul Karim speaking at the ceremony yesterday.

ASAJAYA: The number of intoxicative substance abusers in the state is growing at an alarming rate and something needs to be done to stop it.

In disclosing this, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak was now ranked “among the states with the highest number of abusers” of intoxicative substances, which according to him includes glue, pills, cough syrup and many others.

Although no data or statistics was revealed by him to back his claim, he was adamant that the number was alarming and he wanted greater cooperation from everyone, including law enforcers, community leaders and even members of the public to combat the negative activity.

“Substance abusers are regarded as offenders, although there’s little we can do to prosecute them for now. I firmly believe that they will definitely go on an ‘upgrade’ one day and become drug abusers (in search of stronger intoxicative substances), which is then a criminal offence in the country,” he pointed out yesterday.

On a brighter note, Abdul Karim was delighted to note that Sarawak was again rated as one of the states with the lowest number of drug abusers.

However, the Assistant Minister of Youth and Asajaya assemblyman feared that substance abusers would become drug abusers if nothing was done to curb intoxicative substance abuse in the state.

Hence, he vowed to fight for items known to be intoxicative substances, such as the common glue used for repair works, to be classified as drugs in the country to make it easier to nab the abusers.

‘Pemadam branches should have multi-racial committees’

April 16, 2015

ASAJAYA: Youth Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah reckons that all Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) branches throughout the state should have multi-racial committee members.

At the opening of an annual general meeting for the Asajaya Pemadam branch at SMK Hajah Laila Taib (Asajaya II) yesterday, he said most communities in Sarawak are multi-racial to some extent.

“Drugs do not recognise race, religion or gender. We need to have multi-racial committee members so Pemadam would be more effective in its function in Sarawak at least,” he added.

Should there happen to be no multi-racial committee in any branch in Sarawak, Abdul Karim wants them to appoint “at least one or two” members from other races.

A multi-racial Pemadam unit will help as drug abusers would be more receptive to Pemadam members of their own race, he said.

Sarawak, according to Abdul Karim is unique in that no community in any area is really made up of one race only.

Meanwhile Asajaya Pemadam branch chairman Habari Bakar is looking forward to hold more activities, thanks to a RM10,000 pledge to the branch by Abdul Karim.

Galeri: A Visit to Block E of Sibu Jaya flats

April 15, 2015

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (seated), Datuk Gramong Juna (left) and Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (second left) visit Chantal Angellica Eddy, the one-month old baby who had a miraculous escape with her mother during the explosion.

DAP’s ‘Impian Sarawak’ projects are 'publicity stunts'

April 15, 2015

SIBU: Government projects are meant to last and bring about betterment to the people, says Assistant Minister of Youth Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, adding they are different from DAP’s ‘Impian Sarawak’ projects.

He said this could be seen in the quality and value of all government projects.

“It’s understandable that it may take some time to do infrastructure projects due to the vastness of the state but once it’s done, one can see the quality and value of the project.

“It is not planned and completed in a week like most DAP’s ‘Impian Sarawak’ projects. I can’t even equate DAP’s ‘Impian’ projects as an infrastructure development project.

“What they did were merely ‘publicity stunt’ cheap projects like village concrete lanes, which are merely done to hoodwink the local people that they care when in reality they are not able to do much,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said yesterday.

He was asked to comment on Bernama report, where Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem reportedly urged the people in the state not to be taken in by the opposition DAP’s ‘Sarawak Dream’ (Impian Sarawak).

Adenan was also quoted to have said the DAP only managed to implement a few projects yet its leaders talked loudly.

State BN leaders welcome PAS support for integrity pledge

April 14, 2015

SIBU: The Integrity pledge is Barisan Nasional (BN)’s commitment towards a more transparent administration, free from corruption and abuse, Assistant Youth Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday.

He was responding to PAS’ declaration of support for state government in leading the way with the pledge.

“We welcome any positive comment, even from members of the opposition, on what we are doing as long as those positive comments are done in good faith,” Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, added.

Last Monday, 26 BN elected representatives and 30 political secretaries signed the integrity pledge, while earlier on Jan 15, Adenan led his ministers and assistant ministers to sign similar pledge.

State cabinet members were also required to submit declarations of assets to Adenan and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

State PAS deputy commissioner III, Jofri Jaraiee had said the elected representatives should also declare their assets to avoid accusations of wealth accumulation after assuming office.

Abdul Karim said: “PAS Sarawak deputy commissioner should ask their counterparts especially in Kelantan, where they are the state government, to emulate what the Sarawak government and BN had done before asking us to do more.”

Galeri: National Academic Decathlon

April 14, 2015

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (fourth right) celebrating with members of the Lodge School teams, who were crowned overall champions of both junior and senior categories at the National Academic Decathlon.

Flat owners want ‘blasted’ Block E pulled down

April 14, 2015

Notice for evacuation has been put up in front of the damaged building.

SIBU: The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will wait for the full ‘worthiness’ report on the four-storey Block E flat in Sibu Jaya before deciding whether to assist in repairs or to help rebuild it.

Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this yesterday in response to calls from several owners of the flat to rebuild Block E.

An explosion occurred in one of the units in the wee hours of Saturday, and the impact was so powerful it blew off six walls on the ground and first floors of the flat.

Some owners of the flat hoped HDC would pull down the building and build a new one, instead of repairing the damaged parts.

HDC is the government agency behind the Sibu Jaya Township development.

Owner Catherine Bernard claimed of suffering from emotional and psychological scars, adding that many people would not dare enter the flat if only repairs were made.

Abdul Karim said the house owners were the beneficial owners of the apartment, not HDC.

Galeri: Program Jiranku Keluargaku - Peringkat Daerah Asajaya

Program ini telah diadakan di KRT Asajaya Laut pada April 12, 2015. 

Dalam program tersebut beberapa pertandingan telah diadakan untuk mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim dikalangan ahli-ahli KRT Daerah Asajaya.

Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah bersedia untuk meniup wisel bagi memulakan pertandingan tarik tali.

Abdul Karim: PKR Sarawak is still sleeping

April 12, 2015

SIBU: Assistant Minister of Youth Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah lambasted PKR yesterday for wanting to rally against the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on May 1.

He described it as just another political rally aimed at causing a nuisance and inciting hatred towards the government.

He was commenting on a recent media report saying that PKR Kanowit would work with other non-governmental organisation (NGOs) to stage a rally against GST implementation in Kanowit town this May 1.

Its secretary George Chen had claimed the implementation of GST was burdening the people and pushing up the prices of most goods.

“What does PKR hope to achieve with this proposed rally?” Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, said.

“PKR Sarawak is still sleeping and does not know the mechanism of its (GST’s) application. I advise them to wake up from their slumber.”

He added that PKR should know that the majority of countries in the world are using GST.

HDC to check Sibu Jaya apartment safety

April 12, 2015

Firemen look at the deep crack on the ground floor that cut through the flat.

SIBU: Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is now checking the building structure and other units in the Sibu Jaya township apartment following the collapse of some portions of the ground floor unit caused by an explosion.

When contacted yesterday, Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the inspections were to ascertain whether it is safe for dwelling.

“There was a slight collapse of some portion of the ground floor unit of HDC apartment in Sibu Jaya.

“We will let the authorities carry out the investigation.

We are looking into whether the building structure and other units in that building are safe for human habitation.

“If not, we will make arrangement to place the occupants in safe units,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman told thesundaypost.

The incident was believed to have happened around 2.30am yesterday. Several people were reported to be injured.

Galeri: Earth-breaking Ceremony for Sungai Tengah People’s Affordable Housing Programme (PPR)

April 12, 2015

Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (third left) presenting a memento to Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg after the earth-breaking of the housing project, witnessed by (from left) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Dato Sri Fadillah and Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

TAHNIAH warga Serian

Buka akaun bank permudah agihan BR1M

April 11, 2015

SESAK: Penerima Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia berbaris untuk mengambil baucar masing-masing di Kompleks Sukan Asajaya semalam.

Pembayaran guna baucar banyak kesulitan, undang risiko kepada penerima dan bank

ASAJAYA: Penerima Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) yang masih menggunakan kaedah pembayaran melalui baucar dinasihat membuka akaun bank.

Perkara itu diingatkan oleh Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yang memberitahu keadah pembayaran melalui baucar mungkin tidak akan dipakai sekiranya BR1M diteruskan pada tahun hadapan.

“Kaedah pembayaran melalui baucar ini memberi banyak kesulitan, sebab itu kerajaan menyarankan agar penerima bantuan BR1M membuka akaun masing-masing bagi memudahkan pembayaran dilakukan dengan cepat dan mudah tanpa perlu melibatkan banyak pihak,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penyerahan BR1M kepada 1,231 penerima terdiri daripada keluarga dan individu bujang di Kompleks Sukan Asajaya di sini semalam.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan berkata, kaedah lama itu mendatangkan pelbagai risiko kepada penerima mahupun pihak pengurusan dan perbankan semasa pengagihan dijalankan.

“Kalau dahulu pihak bank terpaksa turun padang bagi memudahkan penerima BR1M menunaikan baucar tersebut sekali gus mendatangkan pelbagai risiko kepada penerima mahupun pihak perbankan.

“Tetapi kaedah baharu pembayaran melalui akaun lebih memudahkan dan selamat digunakan oleh penerima mahupun pihak bank,” tambahnya.

Use ‘educational approach’ to combat drug abuse, says Abdul Karim

April 6, 2015

SIBU: Drug awareness programmes should be intensified to educate the public, particularly students, on the dangers of drug abuse.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who made the suggestion, said educating the people was more important than conducting drug screenings in schools, which is not something new.

“This has been done in some schools in Sarawak, where some students were suspected of drug abuse,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Rakyat will see wisdom of GST — Abdul Karim

April 4, 2015

KUCHING: The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1 will not erode public confidence towards the government.

In stating this, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, believed that the public confidence would increase with the new tax system.

“I don’t see that public confidence (towards Barisan Nasional government) will erode, but instead, given time, public confidence will increase.

“I’m saying this because I expect the Malaysian coffers will increase with the new tax implementation and with that, bigger and better projects could be implemented and by then the rakyat and public will be able to see what the government did was good,” Abdul Karim said in his Whatsapp message yesterday.

The Assistant Minister of Housing also believed that the implementation of GST definitely would not have an adverse effect on BN in the forthcoming state election.

According to him, the rakyat was prepared for GST, adding that the anxiety over the new tax system was expected as the media had been publishing the issue day and night.

“The rakyat, I can see has accepted the fact that GST is here to stay and Malaysia will be among the many countries in the world that would be implementing the GST system,” the Asajaya assemblyman stressed.

State DAP doesn’t need PKR or PAS to help them

April 4, 2015

SIBU: State DAP is running dry on issues and their latest move to go against hudud law proved it – knowing that PAS is not strong in Sarawak.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi was reacting to state DAP organising secretary Violet Yong’s statement, echoing party chief Chong Chieng Jen’s call to state PKR to quit Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Sarawak and work with them to form a new coalition.

“Hudud will not be implemented in Sarawak, therefore there is no issue here as clearly clarified by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

Abd Karim: ‘Too early to see GST’s impact on house prices’

April 3, 2015 

BINTULU: Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday said it was still too early to see the real impact of the Good and Services Tax (GST) on the price of houses in the state. 

“It will be a slight change but at the end of the day it will be always market forces that will determine the price of houses. 

“How much the unscrupulous developers try to capitalise, they want to jump into the bandwagon because all other things might seem to go up in price, so they start to increase the price but with no takers or no buyers they still need to settle the loan with the bank. 

“This kind of thing we will have to see as it goes, after a while then you will be able to see whether there is really a big jump, small jump or even a reduction on the price of houses,” he said in a media conference after officiating at the seminar on Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance 2013, Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2014 and Housing Development (Control and Licensing) (Amendments) Regulations 2015 at ParkCity Everly Hotel yesterday. 

He said if many houses were developed at the same time, especially in Bintulu, the price of houses would definitely go down. 

But with increase in demand every year, he added, prices tend to increase. 

“Now we have to see whether the introduction of GST might have an effect on the price of houses but as it is I would say there might be a small increase in price, on how much percentage we would not be able to see but at the end of the day it is still determined by market forces, the consumer is the one who rules the day,” he elaborated. 

Kesan GST ke atas pembelian rumah dikaji

April 1, 2015

MIRI: Kerajaan sedang mengkaji dan akan memain peranan meminimumkan kesan pelaksanaan Cukai Barangan dan Perkhidmatan (GST) ke atas harga rumah melalui pelbagai cara.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, ini termasuk pemberian sumbangan modal, levi dan beberapa perkara berkaitan.

“Kerajaan cuba meminimumkan kesan GST ke atas kos pembelian pelbagai cara supaya ia tidak membebankan rakyat,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian dalam ucapan perasmian Seminar Kesedaran anjuran bersama Kementerian Perumahan (MOH) dan Persatuan Pemaju Perumahan dan Hartanah Sarawak (SHEDA) di sebuah hotel di sini semalam.

Menurutnya, pembeli tidak harus terbeban dengan kewujudan GST dan pada masa sama tidak mahu pemaju mengambil kesempatan ke atas perkara itu.

“Bagaimanapun, kita turut akan lihat situasi apabila GST sudah dilaksana sepenuhnya nanti,”katanya.

Terdahulu, beliau memberitahu bahawa seminar itu bertujuan memberi kesedaran dan pemahaman lebih kepada pemaju perumahan dan pihak berkaitan seperti bank dan firma guaman mengenai penguatkuasaan serta keperluan Ordinan Pembangunan Perumahan (HDO) 2013 dan pindaan-pindaan dalam Syarat Pembangunan Perumahan (HDR) 2014 dan 2015.

State govt strives to soften impact of GST — Abd Karim

April 1, 2015

Abdul Karim (centre) at the awareness seminar hosted by the ministry and Sheda.

MIRI: The state government will continue to monitor and look for ways to minimise the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the housing sector.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said among the things under scrutiny by the government would be capital contribution and imposed levy.

“The government will look into the mentioned matters so as to set prices down by improving all the mechanisms involved in housing purchases,” he said at the launch of a seminar conducted by the ministry and Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) here yesterday, which was attended by some 100 participants.

Abdul Karim said although some building materials would cost more under GST, housing developers must not unnecessarily increase property prices.

“House prices in Sarawak, especially in major towns, are already deemed to be unaffordable, particularly by those from the lower income group.

“Therefore, housing players should not take advantage of GST by profiteering from it.”

He further said although GST might lead to a certain increase in house prices, no one could predict how much it would be until the implementation of GST got into full swing.