KANGKUNGLAND NEWS AND UPDATES

[Kangkungland]

Allah Didn't Create The World For Muslims Alone,Says Ex-President


Hassan Musong was Kangkungland's sixth president from 2005 to 2010.

Allah did not create the world exclusively for Muslims and therefore there must be cooperation with those of other faiths, former Kangkungland President Hassan Musong said today.

Speaking at the United People's Party Youth Wing convention in the capital, the one-term president who served from 2005 to 2010 agreed with party president Jackson Anthony that cooperation with other races and religions was needed in order to achieve harmony.

“It is not the will of Allah to want the whole world to be Muslims. If Allah wanted that, today everybody would be Muslims.

“But Allah doesn't tell everyone to be Muslims. There are those with different race and religion so that everyone can live together in peace and be friendly to all,” he said to party delegates.

Hassan, 62, who is a Muslim and remains a senior party adviser, added that by following the teachings of Islam, moderation should be promoted instead of extremism.

“When we speak about the teachings of Islam, we have to be moderate. A lot won't agree, they would want to be extreme in their understanding of Islam,” he said.

Source:Kangkungland Bulletin

[Kangkungland]

Deputy President Salleh claims trial to graft charges

Former Kangkungland Deputy President Salleh Muhammad Hamid was charged in the Sessions Court here with 33 counts of graft, the earliest of which stretches back to just six months after he assumed office.

Salleh, 56, was sworn in to his post as Minister for Public Works, Housing and Infrastructure in 2010 and according to the list of charges, he allegedly abetted property consultant Alirizal Hamdan on Nov 13 that same year to convert native lots into non-native lots.

Yesterday, the court interpreter took about 15 minutes to read the list of charges to each of the accused in the case, considered one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country.

In total, Salleh is said to have abetted Alirizal, 44, to convert 1,480 houses.
He is also accused of helping to reduce the quantum of payment that developers had to contribute towards the Kangkungland National Housing Fund for converting these lots.

The offences, the last of which supposedly took place on Sept 13, 2016, involved payments of between 100,000 Kangkung Peso and 3.7 million Kangkung Peso.

Totalling some 30.3 million Kangkung Peso this involved development projects nationwide.

Among the converted lots were apartments, double-storey terrace homes, cluster houses, cluster industrial lots, semi-Ds and bungalows.

Salleh was charged under Section 28 (1) (c) of the Kangkungland Anti-Corruption Act for abetment, which was read together with Section 16 (a)(B) for accepting bribes.

Alirizal was charged with 33 counts under Section 16 (a)(B) for accepting bribes for himself and Salleh.

Judge Raymond Ussein set bail at 2 million Kangkung Peso in one surety for each of the accused and ordered their passports to be surrendered until the trial was over. He also fixed May 23, this year for mention.

At press time, only Alirizal posted bail while Salleh, who was unable to raise the amount, was sent to the Kebunan detention centre.

Earlier, 15 minutes after Salleh and Alirizal were ushered into the packed courtroom, a defence lawyer stood up and asked for their “Lokap SBPRK” T-shirts to be removed.

Both Salleh, who took time to hug and shake the hands of several people, and Alirizal then changed into long-sleeved shirts.

Salleh was represented by a six-person legal team led by Mr. Bonny Vui while two lawyers, headed by Mr. Melvin Faria, stood for Alirizal.

The case was prosecuted by Kangkungland's Independent Commission for the Eradication of Corruption (ICEC) Chief Legal Prosecutor Mr. Raflan Mohamad Noor, with assistance from Mr. Bing Hew Ling.

SOURCE:The Kangkungland Post

[Kangkungland]

Salleh quits cabinet posts

Embattled Kangkungland Deputy President Salleh Muhammad Hamid has resigned from his cabinet posts with immediate effect.

This comes after he was charged at the Sessions Court here on Wednesday with 33 counts of graft.

In a statement issued by his lawyer, Salleh thanked President Abdul Aziz Latiff for giving him the opportunity to serve the government.

"Following the charges made against me, I have taken full responsibility to resign from the Government as Deputy President and Minister for Public Works, Housing and Infrastructure.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, the community, and those who have supported me," he said on Thursday.

Salleh however said that he would continue to serve as Member of Parliament for Pakodo.

The government has accepted the resignation of Salleh,said President Abdul Aziz Latiff,adding the resignation letter, dated April 20, conveyed Salleh’s wish to resign from his official position in the government.

“On behalf of the government, I respect the choice made by Salleh. The decision is surely based on good judgment, which is the best for all sides.

“I hope that the legal process would be carried out in accordance to existing legal provisions,” the president said in a statement yesterday.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Omar is new Deputy President

Minister of Home Affairs Omar Izzadeen Yousuf is the new Deputy President of Kangkungland, President Abdul Aziz Latiff announced today.


Omar Izzadeen Yousuf

Omar replaced Salleh Muhammad Hamid,who last week resign from his cabinet post after being charged in court for corruption.

President Abdul Aziz in a live media conference from the State House here, said the decision was made to ensure his administration remains committed.


Mrs. Kasi Giah

In the announcement, the president also named Mrs. Kasi Giah as the new minister in charge of public works,housing and infrastructure,which was previously held by Salleh.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Pres.Abdul Aziz:Agriculture Offers New Economic Dimension

President Abdul Aziz greeting the crowd at the celebration

There is still much to be done to change the general perception on agriculture, said President Abdul Aziz Latif.

He said previously, most would see that agriculture was only meant for the "low class."

"But now, wealth can be generated through agricultural endeavours," he said at the launching of the National-level Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen's Day, here.

"There are many farmers who are successful and rich as agriculture has offered a new economic dimension – it is an industry which are able to develop the country."

He reiterated that agriculture has been one of the main economic sectors which have been given much emphasis, ever since he helmed the Government.

"I have emphasised on developing agriculture, tourism and manufacturing as we have a huge potential and strength on these three sectors," he said.

And to further boost the country's agriculture sector, he welcomed the initiatives of the Agriculture, Fisheriesand Human Resources Development Ministry by launching the Third Kangkungland Agriculture Policy (KAP3) in May.

"I am confident that KAP3 will be able to enhance food security in Kangkungland as well as the revenues of farmers and producers, apart from strengthening productivity growth.

"At the same time, it will also increase the competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture in the country through the Nine Identified Main Sectors."

On this year's theme-"Our Food, Our Future", President Abdul Aziz hoped the public, including farmers, will take advantage of the three-day carnival to explore the potential and enhance their knowledge on innovation and technology in farming, breeding and fishery.

He also hoped the related departments and agencies which showcase the latest technology on farm, breeding and fishery management through their booths can share ideas and recommendations to benefit those involved in the sector.

"Hopefully it will enhance the determination of farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to complement the Government's efforts to develop and modernise the agriculture sector," he said.

At the same event, President Abdul Aziz presented recognitions to 13 farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen as well as 68 high-achieving entrepreneurs.

Among the activities lined up for this year's celebration are livestock exhibition, agro-food festival, food preparation demonstrations, cooking competitions, singing and dancing contests, stage performances as well as telematches.

Meanwhile, Agriculture,Fisheries and Human Resources Development Minister Musayid Nasir urged all departments and agencies under his Ministry to be more proactive and innovative as well as to forge closer cooperation through the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) approach to develop the agriculture sector.

He hoped financial institutions would ease the requirements for entrepreneurs involved in food production.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland Maintains Key Interest Rate



Kangkungland's central bank left its key interest rate unchanged, as widely expected, as policymakers assessed the current stance appropriate to support growth.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Kangkungland Banking Authority decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate at 3.00 percent.

"At the current level of the OPR, the stance of monetary policy remains accommodative," the bank said in a statement.

The bank reiterated that it will continue to assess the balance of risks surrounding the outlook for domestic growth and inflation.

Looking ahead, the bank said growth prospects will be sustained by the more positive global growth outlook and stronger spillovers from the external sector to the domestic economy.

The bank expects growth in 2017 to be stronger than earlier projected.

Going forward, headline inflation is forecast to moderate on expectations of a smaller effect from global cost factors.

Source:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Longest Land Case Settled


The happy villagers outside the courthouse after proceedings.

A 15-year dispute between Native Customary Rights (NCR) holders in Otulid on one side and large corporations and the Kangkungland government on the other was settled amicably after a third mediation.

Justice Mr. Ragas Belachew of the High Court yesterday issued a court order sealing the Settlement Agreement between the parties that was agreed upon early this month.

Villagers (the plaintiffs) – Darin Napa (deceased), Hayak Otnu, Will Lawrence, Ghafar Orong and Saimon Darin as well as Langap Consolidated Bhd, Keleto Development Bhd, Asal Bahagia Sdn Bhd, Director-General of Kangkungland Lands and Surveys and the government, Assistant Collector of Land Revenues Otulid, Registrar of Titles and Assistant Collector of Land Revenues of Otulid (the defendants) have agreed with the terms of settlement of this action pursuant to the Settlement Agreement dated August 10,this year.

In a consent judgement, Justice Ragas said both parties and each of them shall comply with the terms and conditions of the settlement agreement dated August 10.

The judge also said the plaintiffs’ action herein was discontinued without liberty to file afresh and with no order as to cost and the second and third defendants’ counter claim against the plaintiffs was discontinued without liberty to file afresh and with no order as to cost.

In delivering the judgement in an open court proceeding, the judge reminded the plaintiffs not to sell or mortgage their lands given by the government as those were their only properties, and that nowadays it is very hard to find a piece of land.

“Develop your lands given by the government and please don’t quarrel, don’t disturb the companies and those who want to work with the companies, you can work with them as now they are your neighbours and together all of you do your responsibilities,” said Justice Ragas.

The judge also said the case had been on-going for the past 14 years since 2002.

He said the case had taken a long time to be disposed of and was complicated as it involved seven villages where each of them had come up with their set of evidence. It involved seven distinct folklores, oral history, way of life, way of living and seven different ethnics.

“I had to bring my interpreter to translate for me and it was translated into Malay and English, which took a long time and so far, the notes of proceedings were more than 300,000 pages and only 16 witnesses had been called to testify,” explained the judge.

Some 300 villagers comprising ethnic Dayaks, were clad in traditional costumes at the court.

After the proceedings, the villagers and lawyers proceeded to a space next to the court house building to dance and celebrate their happiness.

On October 11, 2002, the five plaintiffs, who also represented the other villagers, had filed the suit against the eight defendants.

In 2003, the first, second and third defendants had appealed to strike out the plaintiffs’ claim on the grounds that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the claim under Order 18 Rules 19 of the Rules of the High Court.

At that time the appeal was heard by the deputy registrar of the High Court, who subsequently dismissed the three companies’ appeal and ruled that the High Court had the jurisdiction to hear the plaintiffs’ claim.

The three defendants then appealed to the judge in chambers against the decision meted out by the deputy registrar of the High Court. On March 21 this year their appeal was dismissed by the High Court here.

In the course of the proceedings, the villagers suffered setbacks after their claim was struck out by the High Court in 2008 and by the Court of Appeal in 2011 on the grounds that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the plaintiffs’ claim relating to NCR under the Kangkungland Land Ordinance.

However, this case was revived in 2011 when the Supreme Court allowed the plaintiffs’ appeal against the dismissal of action by the High Court and Court of Appeal.This case had been tried since November 26, 2012.

After that, in early March, 2016, a third attempt of mediation conducted by Chief Justice of Kangkungland Mr. Joganathan Arumapillai and High Court deputy registrar Mrs. Lissa Ong was successfully concluded.

The plaintiffs were represented by counsels Mr. Nathaniel Garimpang and Mr. Epin Suhaidi.

Counsels Mr. Russel Tang, Ms. Suriati Bangking and Mr. Mohammad Orob Abdullah acted for the first defendant while counsels Ms. Suzanne Jinu and Mr. Sarkunan Faizul represented the second and third defendants. The fourth to eighth defendants were represented by counsel Ms. Norfarah Keong.

Meanwhile, outside the court, the committee chairman of the seven villages, Mr. Christopher Raga, 59, expressed his gratitude to all parties and expressed hope that this decision would be a stepping stone for them to plan on how to improve their economy and lives.

One of the plaintiffs, Hayak Otnu, said he felt very happy with the decision, and added that what had been given to them would help them develop their standard of living.

Secretary General of the Coalition of Indigenous Native Kangkungites (CINK), Ms. Arra Faseh, said: “Today is a significant victory for the indigenous natives of Kangkungland. This Settlement Agreement acknowledges by law, yet again, the indigenous native’s right to their NCR,”

“Companies and governments should take note of this landmark case and respect NCR to land to avoid the long and costly court process.

“We applaud the dedication of the Otulid community for their strength and resilience throughout the case, as well as their lawyers for following through this case for 15 long years on a pro bono basis,” she added.

The closure of this case however is bittersweet for those involved.

“It has been a very pitiful and depressing experience for the villagers to have their case last this long,” counsel Mr. Nathaniel Garimpang shared.

“The justice system and operation is a serious disadvantage to poor people such as our villagers who are in no position financially or otherwise to go through and sustain the long and costly court process. Especially as they have to spend time away from their home and travel to the city for the trial, while having to also make ends meet at home.

“Fortunately they have very good, committed and determined leadership and a strong desire to have a better life in the future. I have learned much from this group of villagers who deserve a much better way of life. They have been deprived all these years,” added Mr.Nathaniel,who together with co-counsel Mr.Epin are also opposition members of the Kangkungland Parliament.

SOURCE:Voice of Free Kangkungland

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland Government To Ban "Fight of Gods" Video Game


A screenshot of the Fight of Gods title screen.

THE Kangkungland Information, Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KICMM) will be asking the platform provider for the video game "Fight of Gods” to disable downloads for Kangkungite users within 24 hours, said its minister Gilbert Ajiun.

“Failing which, further action will be taken,” the Minister said in a statement, referring to the release of a video game titled "Fights of Gods" which features the likes of Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha as player characters.


Minister of Information,Communications and Multimedia,Gilbert Ajiun.

He said the video game developed by a Taiwanese gaming studio degraded religions and religious leaders and posed a huge threat to racial unity and harmony.

“It is in the public interest to ensure that immediate steps are taken so that such contents do not continue to harm others,” he said.

Gilbert said creating and spreading offensive content was an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and stressed that the KICMM would continue to cooperate with all relevant parties in curbing the crime.

“Kangkungites respect all cultural and religious sensitivities, and the sale and distribution of the religiously insensitive and blasphemous games must be stopped immediately,” he said.

Gilbert also reminded consumers to make wise choices when selecting content to access.

Meanwhile, Kangkungland's religious leaders have commended the government’s plan to ban the Fight of Gods video game, which they have claimed to be “offensive”.

Leaders from many religious communities, including the Kangkungland Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism thanked the government for their “swift and decisive” action to nip the “sensitive” issue in the bud.

“We hope the government will also act as swiftly as they did for this game, in any other matters that are similarly offensive in nature against any religion in the future,” the council’s deputy president Mr.Siew Jin Chang said.

However, Mr. Jin Chang pointed out that the game can still be downloaded on other platforms.

The Kangkungland Council of Churches general-secretary Rev Terry Laurent echoed Mr.Jin Chang’s sentiments and commended the government’s quick action.

“I hope the game's developer and distributor will comply with the KICMM request,” he said.

The game was developed by Taiwanese gaming studio Digital Crafter and will feature characters based on gods, prophets and religious icons such as Zeus, Odin, Moses, Guan Gong and was announced in March.

Prophet Muhammad was said to be a “fan favourite addition” to the line up.

This led to religious leaders including Kangkungland Mufti Dr.Salain Abdul Hadi calling for government action.

Source:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

UMA Slams ‘Immoral’ Kebunan City Beer Festival

The Best Beer Festival is due be held in Kebunan on October 13 and 14.

The opposition United Muslim Alliance (UMA) has slammed a craft beer event due to be held in Kangkungland's capital city,Kebunan next month, saying it could lead to vices.

“We’re not willing to allow Kebunan or the country,for that matter, to be known worldwide as the largest vice centre in Asia,” said UMA central committee member Dr Shukry Mohd Arifin.

“What is the assurance of safety to be given to the public that there won’t be any crime, free sex, rape and so on?

“It is regrettable that Kangkungland is chosen for this beer festival although the organiser said it is for non-Muslims, besides promoting tourism.”


Dr Shukry Mohd Arifin

The Best Beer Festival will be held on October 13 and 14, and is expected to draw a crowd of 5,000 people.

Dr Shukry said society’s hatred of immoral activities must be taken seriously instead of allowing a small group to fulfil its desires.

He said such events might result in extremist actions by those “hurt” by them.

However,the ruling party's (Democratic Front of Kangkungland) religious harmony bureau chairman Mr Rimin Chaukam hit out at the Islamist party for not respecting the freedoms of non-Muslims as provided for under the nation’s laws.

“UMA should not oversimplify social problems by selectively picking on certain events and saying these will lead to immoral acts, crime and violence as morality and crime rates are not solely attributable to one event or two.


Rimin Chaukam

“What they are doing is a form of intimidation. The spirit of Kangkungland is founded on tolerance, and as leaders, we should advocate and practise this instead of having extremist views.”

Source:Kangkungland Bulletin

[Kangkungland]

Army deployed in northern Kangkungland as floods displace thousands



Military forces were deployed on Sunday to help thousands of displaced people in northern Kangkungland, officials said, as floodwater rose from more than 24 hours of incessant rain.

At least 2,000 people had been evacuated and 80 per cent of the state was hit by typhoon-like winds and heavy rain, President Abdul Aziz Latif said in a statement.

He said floodwater had risen to 3-4 metres (10-12 feet). Abdul Aziz also warned that more rain was expected and advised residents to stay at home,adding the National Security Council was coordinating with police and the military to assist flood victims.

Hundreds of trees were toppled and roads were submerged, leaving many areas practically paralysed, Kangkungland news agency KNNA reported. At least two people had been killed, it said.

“We remain fearful that there may still be untoward incidents because of the strong winds, the like of which have never been experienced before, and flash floods might recur," the president said, according to KNNA.

Hundreds of people had been placed in temporary shelters after their homes were flooded or destroyed by the storm.

SOURCE: Kangkungland Bulletin

[Kangkungland]

President Abdul Aziz Latif: Kangkungland will never accept Jerusalem as capital of Israel
     
Kangkungland rejects and will never accept the proposal to make Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, said President Abdul Aziz Latif.

The president said he was confident and believed that the Muslim ummah will never be able to accept the shocking proposal by the United States.

"I, as the president of Kangkungland, would like to invite all party leaders, and others who are present in this hall or who are outside, to stand up.

"We must voice our stand clearly so that the world listens to the voice of the Muslims in Kangkungland, that we reject forever and in the harshest terms the suggestion to make Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel," Abdul Aziz said in his presidential address at the Democratic Front's (DF) annual party assembly, Thursday.

On Wednesday (Dec 6), US President Donald Trump officially recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Kangkungland has never and will never compromise on any matter that involves an insult to the sanctity and teachings of Islam, not just in Kangkungland, but in every corner of the world.

STEPS that need to be taken in addressing the plight of the Palestinian people will be highlighted at a gathering to be attended by President Abdul Aziz Latif and Kangkungland's Islamist opposition party United Muslim Alliance's (UMA) leaders in Kebunan on December 22 .

Abdul Aziz said DF and UMA must seek ways in jointly addressing the issue.

“There must be common ground when it comes to an issue important to Islam and the Muslim community,” he said.
Abdul Aziz said he would also highlight Kangkungland’s position on the matter.

It was reported that Abdul Aziz would join the rally together with UMA president Fawzi Shariff to condemn the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The president said he would also highlight the outcome of the recent Organisation of Islamic Cooperation extraordinary summit in Istanbul on the subject.

The decision by US President Donald Trump to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has sparked anger and condemnation from Muslim communities all over the world.



Meanwhile, President Trump’s decision to acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel’s capital sparked anger in Kebunan.

Over a thousand Kangkungite Muslims marched to the U.S. Embassy in Kebunan on December 8 to protest against U.S.

President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kangkungland is extremely concerned about the decision.

Kangkungland has reaffirmed that the the issue of Jerusalem is at the core of the Palestinian cause and requests that all member states of the United Nations not recognize any illegitimate changes to the pre-1967 borders.

To the protesters, recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel ignores the reality on the ground, endorses Israel’s repressive policies, violates Palestinian human right and contravenes international law.

For these reasons, Kangkungland,which has no diplomatic relation with Israel, joined the chorus of states urging the United States to reconsider its decision.

SOURCE: Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Jackson Anthony: Trump’s Jerusalem move against international law



Opposition Member of Parliament leader Jackson Anthony (pic above) condemned today US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, adding that such a move against international convention may lead to war.

The United People's Party president said the Opposition pact are shocked by Trump’s announcement.

“We feel this is against international laws and this move is condemned by all those who love peace.
We hope the US will reconsider this shocking decision as it will cause tension and even wars,” said Jackson,who is MP for Kinachang.

He added that the US move will not help fight against terrorism nor bring peace to the conflict-riddled Middle East.

“This will not lead to peace but instead, it will encourage violence,” he said and hoped President Abdul Aziz Latif will convey the Kangkungland people’s concerns over Trump’s actions to the US government.

Source: The Daily Kangkung

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland rivers being cleaned up for flood mitigation



Immediate measures are underway to clear up the Matakulu river and other rivers to alleviate the frequent flooding situation in the northern district.

Public Works, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Ms. Kasi Giah said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) would be carrying out short term flood mitigation measures in the rivers there.

“There will also be long term works on the rivers to minimise the incidence of flooding in the future,” said Ms. Kasi, after chairing a meeting on Saturday (Dec 16) at the District Office of the floods earlier this week that had forced the evacuation of hundreds of families.

Floods have become a regular occurrence in the greater Matakulu area as the river mouths there have become clogged with rocks and silt.

Ms. Kasi said the government had allocated some 80 million Kangkung Pesos (about US$26.7 million) for flood mitigation works of the rivers in the northern districts.

She said the meeting, which was attended by police, Fire and Rescue Services, Civil Defence representatives, also discussed ways to improve their response to evacuating flood victims.

“We are also looking at how we can activate flood evacuation centres more rapidly,” Ms. Kasi added.

SOURCE: Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland Govt in JV with Chinese firm to develop robotics town


President Abdul Aziz Latif said the JV would be implemented under an agreement to be signed soon between government-owned Mewaasil Corporation and Lung Lai Robot Investment Company.

A joint venture (JV) company will be established between the Kangkungland government and a company from China to develop a Robotics Town.

President Abdul Aziz Latif said the JV would be implemented under an agreement to be signed soon between government-owned Mewaasil Corporation and Lung Lai Robot Investment Company.

He said the formation of the company is aimed at planning and establishing among others, the pathway for the Robotics Town, which would encompass eight key developments.

The developments include the construction of the Smart Industrial Development Institute, Robotics Research Institute, a Robotics Exhibition and Services Centre.

“It will also see the development of the Robotics Manufacturing Industrial Financial Centre, Robotics Manufacturing Industry, Robotics Industry Big Data Centre, Collaboration Centre and Smart manufacturing Industry Operations and Robotics Engineering Academy.

Abdul Aziz said this in answer to a supplementary question from Fauziah Rinador (UPP-Kalacha) in respect of the current status of the Robotics Town in the Kangkungland Parliament here today.

Meanwhile, in another development, he stressed that China’s Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Kangkungland was not a threat to the sovereignty of the country, rather, ensured various benefits as it was not just focused on real estate but also energy, transport and minerals.

“There are views that may state otherwise, but generally, the investments from China bring benefits to Kangkungland.

“We just need to take measures to ensure that in receiving the investments, our community is protected,” he added.

The President said China was a global economic power and cooperation with that country will open up various opportunities for Kangkungland in respect of prospering the people.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Fake infant milk seized in Kangkungland capital



Kangkungland's Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs (MTCICA) officers seized 210 boxes of infant formula, believed to be fake, in five raids in Kebunan on Dec 17.

MTCICA Enforcement Director-General Mr. Mohidin Zulkarnaen said the raids on five premises comprising drug stores and convenience stores was the result of investigation and complaints received from the original milk producers since August.

“This followed a report regarding a baby who suffered severe vomiting after taking an infant formula which was later found to be fake by the producer,” he told reporters at the MTCICA office here today.

Three of the premises were found to be selling fake milk worth about 42,000 Kangkung Pesos (about US$14,000).

“The fake infant formula boxes were placed together with the original ones on the shelves and sold at the same price as the original ones at about 200 Kangkung Pesos (about US$66) each.

“When asked about the matter, the 50-year-old business operator claimed that he did not know that the 1.8kg boxes of infant formula were fake.”

Mr. Mohidin added that the invoice for the purchase of the infant formula bore the name of a false company and a false address to confuse the authorities.

“Hence, we will intensify the raids in other districts to detect fake infant formula in an effort to identify the source of the fake producers.”

Samples of the seized infant formula and original infant formula were sent to the Chemistry Department to identify the differences between the two.

The fake infant formula boxes were seized under Section 8 (2) (b) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.

First offenders face a 10,000 Kangkung Pesos (about US$3,300) fine for each item exhibited, or jail not more than three years or both, while second offenders face a 20,000 Kangkung Pesos (US$6,600) fine for each item exhibited, or jail for not more than five years or both.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland to build $7.5m hockey stadium


Artist's impression of Kangkungland's new hockey stadium.

Kangkungland will construct a hockey stadium that meets international standards in Sajaya next year.

Kangkungland President Abdul Aziz Latif said the country needed a new permanent hockey stadium for the national hockey team to train.

“Kangkungland only has one hockey field recognised by the International Hockey Federation, which is at Kangkungland National University,” he said.

He said the new stadium will be built on a 2.42ha plot at Stuart Road in Sajaya constituency, and that the Cabinet had on November 2 last year agreed to build the new stadium on state land.

“The construction of this stadium is the state’s social obligation to develop sports in the country and it is also in recognition of the national men’s hockey team that won bronze in the Asia Island Games 2016,” he said.

The stadium is expected to cost 7.5 million Kangkung Pesos (around US$2.5 mil) and the government will fund 3.5 million Kangkung Pesos (around US$1.1 mil), while the remainder will come from Solanki Constructions International (SCI) Ltd.

SCI Ltd Managing Director Mr. Vallabhbhai Solanki, who is also the Kangkungland Hockey Association president, said no other parties will be involved in the construction.


Mr.Vallabhbhai Solanki

“We will expedite the construction of the stadium so that it will be ready before the Asia Pacific Masters Game in September next year,” he said, adding that the stadium will also be the first with live telecast facilities.

Kangkungland has another hockey field in the Kebunan Sports Complex, but that has not been upgraded.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland theme park to get world’s longest water slide


The water slide called Speed Devil at RUSH Water World in Kebunan, Kangkungland.

The longest water slide in the world – spanning one kilometre – is being planned for the RUSH theme park in the capital Kebunan.

It will see thrill-seekers ascend 420m by chairlift to the top of a hill in the theme park to reach the start of the slide.

“From the hilltop, people will zoom down the slide which will cross Wancez Road beside a pedestrian link bridge and end in a swimming pool inside our water theme park,” said RUSH founder Mr. Tony Soo.


Mr. Tony Soo

“The hilltop will also be the start of other rides like the luge (downhill sleds), zip coasters and tubby slides.”

Soo revealed his plans at the official opening of RUSH Water World on Saturday, the second phase of the theme park after Adventura World, which was opened in 2012.

The water theme park features 20 attractions.

Soo added that the water slide and other hilltop attractions, collectively known as Gravity World, are slated to be opened by December next year.

Kangkungland President Abdul Aziz Latif complimented RUSH for being rated the top theme park in Kangkungland by TripAdvisor.

“This theme park brand was born in Kangkungland and created by a Kangkungite.

“We will soon see the brand expand into other countries.
“I have been told that RUSH Group has started negotiations for a major RUSH theme park in Thailand,” he said.

SOURCE:Kangkungland Post

[Kangkungland]

Omar: Kangkungland won’t heed any UN resolution to legalise drugs



Kangkungland will not bow to any resolution passed by any world body, including the United Nations (UN), to legalise the use of habitual narcotics, says Deputy President Omar Izzadeen Yousuf (pic).

He said any effort to legalise the use of such drugs was seen to be outside the norm as it could give rise to more social problems and crime.

“The Kangkungland government will not compromise on this even though there are resolutions made by international bodies to legalise the use of dangerous drugs.

“The government’s stand is that for as long as drug addiction is not eradicated 100%, social problems and crime due to drug addiction will continue to occur,” he said at a news conference after opening the 48th annual general meeting of the Kangkungland Drug Prevention Association (KDPA) here today.

Omar said, in tackling drug abuse, Kangkungland preferred a holistic approach by focusing on combating drug smuggling, trafficking and production, and treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, including through the inculcation of religious values.

Several countries in Europe and South America have reportedly proposed to the UN to come up with a resolution to allow the possession of drugs for personal use.

Earlier, in his speech, Omar, who is also Home Affairs Minister, urged the enforcement agencies and NGOs involved in drug-prevention activities and rehabilitation of addicts to collaborate in identifying more holistic approaches in combating drug production and trafficking, hence helping to eradicate drug abuse.

He said this was because the trend now was producing and trafficking in synthetic drugs which were difficult to detect but would have more detrimental effects on addicts compared with traditional drugs.

“We must set aside our differences and take drastic action because from traditional drugs like cannabis, heroin and morphine, users have turned to taking synthetic drugs, the making of which can be learned from the Internet and can be produced in a lab set up at home,” he said.

He admitted that combating drug abuse had not been successful so far although various efforts had been made and a lot of allocations spent on it.

He said one of the factors for the failure was because eradicating the problem was placed solely on the government while it required a joint effort involving various parties, including the family institution and community.

At the event, Omar also announced an allocation of 10 million Kangkung Pesos (about US$3.3 million) for KDPA and the relevant NGOs to carry out efforts towards reducing drug abuse.

He said the allocation would be channelled through the National Anti-Drugs Agency under the Home Affairs Ministry before being distributed to KDPA and the other NGOs involved starting next year.

“Hopefully, the allocations would be beneficially used to the fullest as I want to see drug abuse reduced by 50% next year,” he said.

SOURCE: Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

More cruise liners to visit Kangkungland
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More to come: An aerial view of two passenger cruise liners berthing at Otelo Pier in Kebunan in this Dec 5 photo.

Next year is expected to be a boon for Kangkungland tourism with international cruise ships expected to bring in 1.8 million passengers.

The number of international cruise ships is also expected to increase with 350 to arrive compared to 270 this year.

Kebunan Port Authority (KPA) chairman Bernard Eddy said the Otelo Pier Cruise Terminal (OPCT) received 1.35 million passengers so far this year.


KPA Chairman Bernard Eddy

“It has been a good year for international cruise ships this year as there were only 117 vessels that made port calls here last year.

“We expect 37 vessels with 114,000 passengers and crew at the OPCT this month,” he said during a press conference at the KPA headquarters here yesterday.

Bernard said the number of cruise ships which were more than 300m long has increased at the OPCT including the maiden arrival of Genting Dream recently.

“We made history when G enting Dream and Mariner of the Seas berthed here together on Dec 5 with 7,000 passengers and 3,800 crew members.

“Early next year, we expect to see at least another three such arrivals where two mega cruisers would berth at the OPCT at the same time,” he said.

Bernard added that a survey has shown that each passenger would usually spend about US$50 (about 150 Kangkung Pesos) when they are here in Kangkungland which would give a big boost to the retail sector.

On the expansion of the OPCT, Bernard said the planning would begin next year once certain technical details have been ironed out.

SOURCE:The Daily Kangkung

[Kangkungland]

Staggering 15% of Kangkungland’s population diabetic

About 14.8% or 147,676 out of 1.6 million people in Kangkungland are diagnosed with diabetes, said Health, Community Welfare and Social Services Minister Mrs. Uttpati Kaasbhatta (pic).



She said this year alone, a total of 7,344 new patients were diagnosed with the disease.

“Checks on current data revealed there are 44,214 patients currently receiving treatment at outpatient clinics at all state health facilities.

“Of the total, there are 26 patients aged 18 and below, while 1,867 are in the 18 to 39-year age bracket, with the rest aged 40 and above,” she said.

She added that statistics also showed 73% of deaths in government hospitals were from diabetes and complications related to the disease, especially heart attack and stroke.

About 35% of the total deaths, she said, were patients under 60 years old.

As a result, Mrs. Uttpati said, Kangkungites should take proactive measures to take care of their health.

She hoped that with an increase of awareness on the disease and its risks, people in Kangkungland will lead a healthier lifestyle and curb the rise in the number of people diagnosed with the disease.

SOURCE:Kangkungland Bulletin

[Kangkungland]

Three below par colleges ordered shut by Kangkungland Education Ministry

(File pix) The Education Ministry has ordered 3 colleges shut this year for falling below standards.

The Education Ministry has ordered 3 colleges shut this year for falling below standards.

Its Minister Mrs.Kamisah Sulaiman Daras said this was to ensure the quality of education provided would not be jeopardised.

The colleges were ordered close for failing comply with requirements set by the ministry which monitors the institutions throught its Kangkungland Quality Evaluation System for Private Colleges or KQUEST.

Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 6 colleges were also ordered closed by the ministry, she said.

Mrs.Kamisah said the ministry is also looking into re-evaluating and improving rating exercises under KQUEST to continue enhancing the quality of private colleges.

KQUEST evaluation is conducted twice a year, and is made up of three categories namely quality, course cluster and international students services.

Mrs.Kamisah said the ministry would in the future be more in control of regulating private higher education institutes via the newly-amended Private Higher Education Act (Act 555).

The act which came into force on Nov 27, makes it compulsory for private colleges to provide information and data to the ministry for purposes of coordination.

"Before this, they were not obliged to do so (provide information).

"With the act, we are more transparent as we know how many students they have, where their students are from, the number of lecturers they have, the number of classrooms, equipment and the works."

The enforcement of the act is expected to improve the quality of private higher education institutes as well as rate them through a performance-based regulation.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Bus Rapid Transit Priority Not Monorail



Kangkungland Minister for Public Works,Housing and Infrastructure Ms.Kasi Giah (pic) said her Ministry had no plans yet to build a monorail in the capital city.

She was replying to Tinamis MP Mr.Mat Zin Samsul who asked whether the government will build the Kebunan city monorail to reduce traffic congestion and solve the city's lack of car park bays problem.

However Ms.Kasi said the Government planned to implement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) two years ago where the Government agreed to finance the construction of a new public transport system in Kebunan.

"The proposed BRT will use a dedicated lane and be implemented through the concept of Public Private Partnership (PPP) with a total cost estimate of 2 billion Kangkung Pesos (about US$660 mil).

"The project involves two phases with a 44km range. Phase 1 of Line 1 Bukit Aji-Kebunan-Tinamis of 15km will be implemented first at a cost of 1 billion Kangkung Pesos (about US$330 mil).

"At this time the government has identified a consultant to carry out the feasibility study for the BRT project in Kebunan.

"It is expected to take four months to complete and the scope of the research will cover traffic research, social impact assessment, environmental assessment, earthquake assessment, selection of line and locations of stations, terminals, depots and parks and ride, preliminary implementation and operational requirements, provisions for BRT scheme and economic and financial analysis.

"At this moment the Public Works Department has begun the preparations for the corridor on the new northern route and also roads that have been upgraded for alternative transportation for public transportation, bicycling and pedestrian walkways.

"On the issue of lack of car parking areas in the city, as this is under the responsibility of City Hall, my ministry is in constant contact with City Hall to find the best way to solve the problem."

Ms.Kasi said in this matter City Hall has confirmed two approaches to address the issue.

"The first is supply management which is increasing the number of car parking areas through rearrangement of the road spaces to increase the number of car park bays and plans for the construction of multi-story carpark buildings.

"The second is demand management which is to use car parking fee structures that encourage the short time use of car parks. Such as the creation of A1 parking charges 1.50 Kangkung Pesos (about US$0.50) for half hour with a maximum two hour limit) in high demand areas such as areas close to banks.

"For the long term strategy, when the public transportation system has been upgraded, the provision of car park bays in areas where public transportation stations are located to encourage the use of public transportation to the city centre."

Replying to a supplementary question from Tinamis MP Mr.Mat Zin Samsul that people will not use the BRT fully as they want to use their own cars and the BRTs vehicles will only add to the City's congestion and secondly whether the Government going to consider building the monorail using 'one' fund as the (monorail) company can fully finance the project, Ms.Kasi said she appreciated what Mr.Mat Zin was trying to say but said there were many factors involved and that having a monorail did not mean 100 percent utilisation.

"Whatever system created in the world it will not be fully utilised by humans. That is a fact.

So we cannot talk about 100pc utilisation.

"What we need to put across is a type of facility and its going to be a varied facility.You are thinking of a scenario whereby needs of people, community , business and industry increase.
So we need to use our ingenuity to plan short, medium and long term.

"So when we emphasize the monorail of course its on the agenda, it all depends on the scenario or the situation, demand and also the capacity of the government and the solution which is provided by other type of facilities that the government provides.

"For example the flyovers (in the city) and the Pan Kangkungland Highway and the need to increase the number of parking areas. That is to me crucial," said Ms.Kasi.

Replying to a supplementary question from Rolay MP Mr.Nathaniel Garimpang on whether the Government plans to provide free bus services encourage the people use the bus services and not to drive and secondly whether the state government will take up multilevel car park designs in limited car park areas i.e. A1 areas due to the city's congestion, Ms.Kasi said she was not sure about offering free bus rides.

She said City Hall did introduce the city bus service which she thinks is free but how effective it was remains to be seen.

"Obviously in certain areas in various developed places, they have a system to provide public transport to tourists for example. You hop on and get a free ride and this is already there and of course is monitoring to see how effective and useful.

"We are encouraging private company multi level parking. Anybody interested are welcome so their proposal can be considered."

Ms.Kasi said she also noticed that the Golden Shopping Mall multi level car park seems to having a lukewarm response from the public.

"There seems to be no rush from the public to occupy the multi-level car park there.

Of where there is demand (for car parking areas) that is where we will try to find a place to set up multi story carparks," she said.

SOURCE:Kangkungland National News Agency (KNNA)

[Kangkungland]

Kangkungland Government tells 48 pig farms to shape up or ship out

Dr James Adak (right) said the state would not compel the farmers to sign up with any of the companies that gave the briefing, saying all that mattered was that farm effluents did not enter the local ecosystem.

Forty-eight pig farmers risk being shut down if they fail to comply with the criteria set by the government come 2018, according to the Kangkungland Veterinary Services Department (KVSD).

To date, 53 of the country’s 114 farmers have begun meeting the standards that include modern pig farming zones (enclosed farming), zero-sewage discharge and a buffer zone of at least 200m from residential areas, schools, places of worship and other public facilities, as well as good animal husbandry practices.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a bipartisan committee meeting at the State Secretariat building here today, KVSD Director Dr. James Adak said 13 have fully complied with the set criteria, with three now equipped with biogas plants to treat animal waste.

Another 10 have also started employing modern pig farming zones.

“There are no two ways to it. The 48 have to comply as the authorities have been engaging the farmers since 2014,” he said.

Altogether the pig farmers supplies 36.77 per cent of the nation’s pork.

Kangkungland Animal Husbandry Association (KAHA) president Mr.Fredeli Chung, who was also present, said members who have started upgrading their farm are almost 50 per cent done and was confident they would meet the 2018 deadline.

On the 48 farmers who have yet to comply, Lee said they were operating on state land.

“They (will) need to engage with the government to have their operations relocated,” he added.

Earlier during the meeting, farmers were briefed on biogas plants by three companies.

Dr James said the government would not compel the farmers to sign up with any of the companies that gave the briefing, saying all that mattered was that farm effluents did not enter the local ecosystem.

SOURCE:Kangkungland Bulletin

[Kangkungland]

Woman gets jail time, fine for mocking Islam


Housewife Leila Ooi sentenced to six months' jail and fined for mocking Islam outside a Kebunan mosque last year.

A housewife was sentenced to a total of six months’ jail and fined 15,000 Kangkung Pesos (about US$5,000) by the Magistrate’s Court here today after she was found guilty on three counts of insulting Prophet Muhammad.

Magistrate Maslan Joari handed down the sentence on Leila Ooi after finding that the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubts against the prosecution’s case.

He sentenced Leila to two months’ jail and and fine of 5,000 Kangkung Pesos, in default three months’ jail, on each count.

Leila, 36, was charged with making offensive remarks at the Prophet at the Al-Hikmah Mosque, Unity Road, Kebunan at about 5.30pm on May 4, 2016.

The remarks, which were intended to annoy others, were heard by Khasly Maslim, 44, Tamby Ahmad, 53, and Aliff Shah, 73.

The charge, under Section 298 of the Penal Code, carries an imprisonment for up to a year, or fine, or both, upon conviction.

The court, however, allowed a stay of the sentence pending an appeal, and set bail at 5,000 Kangkung Pesos in one surety.

Leila was also ordered to surrender her passport to the court.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Kasim Mahat,while Leila, who has two children, was represented by lawyer Adrian Locke.

SOURCE:Radio Free Kangkung

[Kangkungland]

Boom time for hotels in Kangkungland
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Tourists from China enjoying their bicycle ride around the capital Kebunan.

THE influx of tourists during the year-end holidays has been a boon to hotels in Kangkungland, with many reporting good occupancy rates.

Local travellers, as well as those from neighbouring countries and booming markets like China and Europe make up the bulk of numbers.

De' Grande Hotel Kangkungland, which has the most rooms for a single property in the country at 662, saw occupancy rise to between 80% and 90% earlier this month.

Its assistant marketing communications manager Ms. Geovinia Cheah said December is normally a peak period with increased numbers of holidaymakers.

“This year, we noticed a sizeable number of locals.We also had many big tour and conference groups throughout the year, while numbers of international corporate travellers from America, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy are also picking up," she said.

Radjawali Hotel and Hotel Kelawa recorded a combined average occupancy rate of over 90% for its total 520 rooms, according to communications director Mr. Mohamad Salih.

He said the hotels had been averaging 85% throughout the year, with a large portion being corporate travellers.

The surge in December is typical, said Mohamad Salih, as leisure travellers come in for the year-end holidays.

“In fact, we were fully booked for five days, including the recent Christmas weekend,” he said, adding that many were from Singapore and America.

The 232-room Ttinger Hotel had an average occupancy rate of 87% in December, though the numbers have been steady throughout the year.

Ttinger Hotel's hospitality and lifestyle director Mr. Merson Kutai said a large percentage of their guests were Australians, Britons and local Kangkungites.


Tourists exploring Kebunan on trishaw.

“Domestic tourism improved this year, as the weakening Kangkungland Peso made a stay home vacation more attractive. The mainland Chinese market is also growing and shows huge potential.

“Kangkungland is also a favoured destination among Europeans as it is affordable and safe, besides having wonderful weather, people and food,” Merson said.

Kangkungland Association of Hotels chairman Mr. Jalani Abu Samah said its 80-plus members recorded steady occupancy rates averaging a little over 60% until November.

This translates to an average increment of 4.23% compared with that of 2016, with the highest being in May, June and October with rises of 7.37%, 7.33% and 6.64% respectively.

Kangkungland's Ministry of Tourism,Culture,Youth and Sports Secretary-General Ms. Betsy Robert said the upturn was also seen at the Tagailoilo International Airport.

She said a total of 5,342,089 arrivals were recorded between January and September this year, a rise of 8.67% compared to the same period in 2016.

By end of December, the figure is expected to top out at an estimated 7,100,000 arrivals, compared to 6,700,000 for the whole of 2016.

“Hospital statistics also show a total of 187,376 foreign patients, which brought in revenue of 259.3mil Kangkung Pesos (about US$86.43mil) in the first six months of this year, compared to 175,216 patients and revenue of 131.7mil Kangkung Pesos (about US$43.9mil) the same period last year.

“Cruise calls to Othello Pier at Kebunan Port are also rising. We've had 125 calls up to September this year, with more coming in now as Westerners escape the winter season.

“The final number for 2017 is set to exceed the 136 total calls we had for 2016," she said.

SOURCE:The Daily Kangkung