Floods Subsided In Sibu

This morning, the flooding condition in Sibu eased off, much to the relief of Sibuians who had undergone stress in the past two days.

Subsiding is soothing, but the havoc leaves the flooded areas defaced with mud and debris, making an otherwise clean town filthy.

Now the nature has called it off, albeit only for the time being, it leaves much for us to ponder about and concern with - our accountability, ostrich mentality and carefree attitude ( tidak apa lah! ) !

Sibu is our dear hometown and we are all sentimentally tied to it. We are all part of it and, therefore, it is only natural for us to show our love for it, hoping to better Sibu through our humble concern!

If we all take concerns with negative attitude, then our ostrich mentality would bog Sibu down and take it to no greater height.

In terms of scale, the flooding this time was more serious than the hit in Dec. 1983. At the junction of Jalan Kg. Nyabor and Jalan Central, the knee-height water level has not changed. But, after the attack in 1983, the junction was tar-refilled to one foot higher. This implies that the flooding this time hit a new height!


According to our meteorological forecast, Sibu may be swamped again in a few days' time. We are appreciative for this timely warning.

Flood Havoc Continues In Sibu

The onslaught of this natural havoc on Sibu should not actually arouse fuss over it in any way. All Sibuians got to put hands together to lend a caring hand to the victimized folks who are now in a terrible plight. But it is the unthoughtful planning and negligence in discharge of entrusted duties that breed the utmost frustration among Sibuians.
Sibu's flooding condition had gone from bad to worse last night, aggravated partly by the heavy down-pour in Kapit yesterday and the deluge here in Sibu last night.

The floods turned our life into disorder. For a start, we have to provide in-house accommodation to 35 staff members in order to maintain our operations intact. They are all from the worst-hit spots!

The taxi service in Sibu is in a semi-paralytic state, with the Sibu Taxi Station partly submerged in water. Our guests are practically deprived of their service.

Sin Chew Daily is located in the worst-hit Jalan Lanang. As such, its delivery has been held up by the flooding until 9:00 am. But our dear guests extend their understanding to the interruption.

Wading through water is certainly not that pleasant, but they are so helpless - young and old, they got to do it together because they have no choice!
Sorting out Sin Chew Daily for dear guests - we are three hours late, but they are all very understanding.

Sibu Hit Hard By Floods

Sibuians were very much caught by surprise by the influx of floods last night. The widespread flooding affected most of the low-lying areas, with water level going up to 4 feet in the worst- hit spots.

The torrential down-pour in the past two-three weeks in Sibu and upper Rajang River gave rise to the hit. Flooding was anticipated, but the scale of it was quite beyond our expectation!

On my way to work this morning, I was shocked by the near-paralised traffic in the town centre. At the junction of Jalan Wong Nai Siong and Jalan Kg. Nyabor, I got caught in the jam for close to 40 minutes, moving my car at a snail's pace until a traffic cop came to ease the mess.
Tonight's flooding is anticipated to be worse, making it nightmarish for residents at the flood-prone areas.
Although flooding is a natural phenomenon, certain infrastructural defects can be rectified to improve the overall situation.

Our meteorological service has much room for improvement in giving warning of flood attacks. In the past few days, there was completely no signal given to Sibuians on the impending hit. This put the whole town in a state of total unpreparedness for the flooding. As a result, a lot of unnecessary hardship was sustained.

A proper warning system has to be put in place for the benefits of Sibuians.

Land Issues - Part 2

Even if you have locked up your title deeds, your lands are not necessarily safe!
The Federal Court's precedent case has prompted a dramatic rise in land frauds!
Court of Appeal defied the ruling of Federal Court - a bold move by the honourable judge!

You may have locked up your title deeds, but your lands are not necessarily safe!

A Taiwanese businessman was dumbfounded to be notified that his land located at the golden triangle of KL with a market value of RM 10 million had been fraudulently transfered to a private limited company.

Even greater shock came was when the businessman failed to get the transfer deed requested, only to be told by Department of Land that the crucial document had been lost.

"I have never sought to transfer the ownership and I am still holding the original title deed," the disgruntled owner burst out.

The above is just a typical case of the now rampant land frauds, victimizing unsuspecting landowners in Malaysia. The rise notably set in after 2001, making it nightmarish for landowners.

A Federal Court's judgement in 2001 on a land fraud case prompted the dramatic increase in fraudulent land dealings. In the ruling, the judges gave their favour to the buyer who acquired the said land by way of using forged documents.

This judgement represents a dramatic shift of court protection from landowner to buyer in land frauds.

The judgement sets a precedent case and it has profound implications for land fraudulent cases. The crooked scamers have been taking full advantage of the loopholes to scheme on land cheating. It is not surprising since the judgement is very protective to them. That explains the worrisome rise.

Recently, a judge of Court of Appeal defied the precedent ruling and gave his favour to the landowner in a land fraudulent case. In his judgement , the judge denounced the precedent case as unjust. The honourable judge's boldness has been applauded loud and clear throughout the nation.

But, sadly, the Federal Court's precedent ruling remains a threat to landowners!

Land Issues - Part 1

Last year's state elections saw SUPP being severely bashed up by DAP in all Chinese-majority seats with 7 constituencies lost to the opposition.

One of the contributing factors was the land lease issue which majority of the Chinese voters have been vehemently concerned with. DAP vigorously capitalised on it, resulting in the voters, especially those of Chinese origin, to take their emotions to voting.

In the aftermath of the record defeat, SUPP took the issue up and vowed to work on it within the spirit of BN.

The recently released, albeit revised, land lease renewal premium rates came as a disappointment to rakyat. The revised rates are perceived to be still very burdensome to landowners . Especially tricky is that the rates are to be on the basis of market value, a point which casts uncertainty.

As such, the noise over the sticky issue is growing. In time to come, it is poised to burst into an election issue in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

DAP would certainly cling to it for maximum capital gains at the cruel expense of SUPP!

As nothing more promising is expected to be forthcoming on lease renewal rates, SUPP has every reason to take on the upcoming elections with extra caution.

Sim of SUPP and Chong of DAP have shown that the land lease renewal is definitely going to be a burning issue in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Stay tuned to it!

AGM 2007 of MAF of Sibu East District

MAF of Sibu East District held its AGM this noon from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at Premier Hotel to elect its new line-up of office bearers for 2008.

By virtue of the constitution which allows a maximum of 3 terms straight in a similar post by any office bearer, I had to step down from the chairmanship of the fellowship in the AGM.

We kicked off with a buffet lunch after a thanksgiving prayer by Rev. Kiew Tie Siong. It was an orderly queue-up for foods to fill up everbody which was a living testimony by itself.

Coming up next was a sing-along time led by MAF of Xin Fu Yuan Methodist Church. I call it a wonderful time stirring up everybody ! I was much touched by their lively lead and inspiring singing.
Then DS Rev. Kong gave a sharing to the delegates. "As adult fellowshippers, you have to set a fine example to your young generation in service to our Lord," he called on the adult fellowshippers.

Next on the agenda was election of office bearers with DS as the returning officer.

After casting our votes, Peter Goh led a bible quiz to excite everybody. It was a fun time with lots of surprises.

Then came the time we showed appreciation to all those who participated in this year's programmes.

The AGM was brought to a conclusion with a closing prayer by Rev. Lau Hui Tat.

SHEDA Home & Properyu 2007

SHEDA Home & Property 2007 - a venue for sellers to meet buyers.
ICT Shopping Complex - Sarawak's largest one-stop ICT hub.

Fascinating antique car on display in the exhibition hall for photoshooting use in conjunction with World Miss Tourism Pageant.
Investment opportunities in UK lands.

SHEDA came back to Sibu on Dec. 6 for a 4-day straight Home & Property 2007 at Sibu Trade Exhibition Centre to showcase the latest real estate opportunities.



My keen interest in real estate took me there for a round to catch up with the market trend.



It was around the lazy noon time and, as such, the crowd was scanty. I noticed that certain booths were not even manned, making the whole place look a bit sketchy. Some workers took time off and ate away in their respective booths, leaving visitors wandering away. They really could have taken turns to break off to srerve visitors better.



Among all,ICT Shopping Complex stood out and aroused my interest. Promoted as Sarawak's largest one-stop ICT hub, the concept of the property is quite creative. Strata-titled with 80 units for sale, ICT Shopping Complex promises better than average rental income and strong capital growth potential. Located at Jalan Tabuan Laru, Kuching and competitively priced, the property seems to be an attractive investment.



Visiting SHEDA exhibition is one quick way to be in touch with the market. It is definitely worth your while to pop over for a visit.