Sarawak draws Brunei shoppers with variety and lower prices
JUNAIDI BAHRUM
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, March 30, 2009
Bruneians spent RM280m in 1.4m entries across the border in 2007
ON ABOUT 1.4 million occasions that Bruneians are said to have visited Sarawak in 2007, they collectively spent at least RM$280 million.
The amount has left the business community reeling as they themselves wonder if local spending — minus that on vehicles and electronics goods — could match that figure.
The amount spent outside Brunei Darussalam, if spent locally, could bring wonders in facilitating the government's vision of stimulating the economy as well local private sector employment if that were realistic under current circumstances.
Datuk Michael Manyin Anak Jawong, Minister of Urban Development and Tourism Sarawak, in his opening speech at the launching of the Sarawak Travel Fair, two days ago said 1.4 million Bruneian entries multiplied by an estimated amount of RM$200 (spending) was recorded in 2007. "We should say terima kasih or thank you to Bruneians for spending their money in Sarawak," he said.
However, not all were thankful. Richard, an entrepreneur, who was present at the announcement remarked that the number of Bruneians spending in Sarawak alone shows that locals prefer to shop abroad rather than within the country.
"I felt a little embarrassed by the announcement as I hoped one day, that amount would be announced by local authorities on local spending within one year. The public should also realise that excessive spending abroad can hurt our economy. Who would spend in Brunei Darussalam except for us, the locals? " he asked.
The issue of locals spending abroad has long been an issue due to the attractive exchange rate and also on the prices of goods, said Richard. "To tackle this issue, a review of import tariffs on wholesale goods during certain seasons such as school holidays or during public holidays such as Hari Raya, could be the answer. Malaysia manufactures most of its products hence the low prices while we import ours. With lower tariffs, prices can be cut," he said.
A local businessman, who only wishes to be named as Joe, remarked more tourism initiatives such as festivals, which shopkeepers can employ as a sales tactic might also be beneficial.
"Our hard work of meeting public demand could be thwarted by promotions from international competitors. Maybe, we can do similar promotions with the Tourism Board as well. Introduce more of these festivals. These will facilitate the Kenali Negara Kitani initiative. The business community will support the cause by slashing our prices in accordance with the event," he said.
The marketing initiatives taken by local authorities to boost spending in the country has so far been ineffective as the solution is in the hands of the public, said Mustapha, who runs a retail outlet.
"The grand sales are simply not enough. We need more marketing campaigns. Our exhibitions are also running out of steam. So frankly, a different approach needs to be implemented. Our reduction in prices has already been traditionally done due to the bargaining standards which has been part of the Brunei tradition," he said.
He further added that his company will definitely support events which could support and further enhance the government's initiative.
This was also supported by consumers. Jairi Ahmad, 24, said that to entice him to spend every single cent he earns locally, there must be a diverse range of goods for him to pick.
"Everything is the same here. Every shops sells similar items. Our expectations as consumers are always turned down by the high prices. In Malaysia, everything is cheap. If there is a shopping carnival such as the one held there, such as the rainforest festival, where prices of goods are also slashed by nearly half to commemorate the event, then that would be something," he said.
The issue at hand was also brought up previously by local business owners in a question and answer session between them and Hj Murni Hj Mohamed, the permanent secretary at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
The presentation, organised by the French Brunei Business Association was on the National Development Plan (NDP), where business owners questioned on whether the NDP includes initiative to promote further local spending.
According to Hj Murni, the PMO and the relevant ministries are indeed looking for solutions and further awareness campaigns to enhance local spending.
However, he said, the issue of spending lies entirely in the hands of the people as they reserve the right to spend their disposable income anywhere.
The Brunei Times
Showing posts with label Malaysia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malaysia. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Job losses feared in Malaysia
Job losses feared in Malaysia
Gloomy forecast: Malaysian investor looks at the index board at a viewing gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last month. The recession in Malaysia next year is projected to be worse than the Asian crisis in 1997. It would be more like 1986, when commodity prices slumped and exports weakened, prompting factories to retrench workers.Picture: EPA
ANIL NETTO
PENANG
Thursday, November 27, 2008
THE global economic slowdown is slowly creeping onto Malaysian shores leaving many worried about the impact it will have on workers. Although Malaysia's financial institutions and banks are in better shape than they were during the East Asian financial crisis in 1997, the economy is already feeling the effects of the recession in the West.
Economic growth for the country is projected at 3.5 per cent for next year but even that could be optimistic. Some analysts are not ruling out an economic contraction and there is growing concern that workers, both Malaysian and migrants, could be vulnerable.
"The recession here next year could be worse than the Asian crisis in 1997," warns economist Subramaniam Pillay, an associate professor in international finance at Nottingham University's campus in Malaysia. "It would be more like 1986, when commodity prices slumped and exports weakened, prompting factories to retrench workers."
Now there are similar fears that as consumer demand in the West falters, exports here could slide and factories could once again shed workers before long.
With the experience of the recession of the mid to late 1980s in mind, activists have been calling for a comprehensive social security plan. Increasingly, calls are being heard for a national retrenchment fund to protect workers in anticipation of possible job losses.
The government has said it is considering this "but even if they start it off now, the fund won't be big enough to handle the recession next year," warns opposition parliamentarian Jeyakumar Devaraj.
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress has proposed that employers and employees should each contribute one ringgit per worker to the fund. With around five million salaried workers in the private sector, such a retrenchment fund could collect more than 100 million ringgit ($40 million) in a year.
"But there is no commitment from the government up to now," laments Devaraj. "Instead, we see them injecting 5 billion ringgit from the (state-managed) Employees Provident Fund (a retirement fund for workers) into the stock market."
Some have pointed out Malaysians will be cushioned from job losses by the presence of these migrant workers who could be the first to lose their jobs.
But that may give a false sense of security as thousands of Malaysians are also employed in free trade zones especially as operators in the electronics multinational corporations.
Subramaniam feels that the government should review its low-wage policy in attracting foreign investors. Local wages are suppressed by the presence of some three million low-wage migrant workers, about a third of them undocumented.
"What's the point of being among the world's top trading nations when your workers are being paid peanuts?" he asks.
Meanwhile, economic analysts have noted that a revised budget for next year is necessary as the present one tabled earlier this year was calculated based on an assumption of a global oil prices for next year of US$125 — whereas the price now has plummeted to around 50 dollars now.
About 40 per cent of the national budget is traditionally funded from petroleum revenue — Malaysia is a net exporter of oil — with the remainder coming from taxes, observes Subramaniam.
A sharp drop in the prices of oil and palm oil products will erode Malaysia's earnings and affect the budget - though the country has ample foreign exchange reserves.
Meanwhile, the government has announced a 5 million ringgit allocation to retrain retrenched workers. Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam said the government would top up 1 ringgit for every 1 ringgit spent by employers to retrain workers and upgrade their skills.
From November 1 this year, all skills upgrading retraining programmes would receive full financial aid.
In addition, the government has also announced a 7 billion ringgit economic stimulus package of pre-emptive pump priming.
Devaraj says instead of giving out large infrastructure contracts to private contractors who may hire low-wage foreign workers, the Public Works Department could hire temporary local workers directly as "work brigades", which he says would be a more effective way of creating a multiplier effect for the local economy.
Despite the fall in oil prices, many Malaysians are still finding it hard to cope with the cost of living especially higher food prices, which particularly squeezes the poor.
On November 17, the government slashed the pump price of petrol from 2.15 ringgit per litre to 2 ringgit — the fifth reduction in recent months as global prices sank to US$55 per barrel.
But many noticed that the local pump price is now still higher than it was on January 5 when petrol prices were then raised by 41 per cent to 2.70 ringgit at a time when the global oil price was around US$125.
The effect of the June 5 oil price hike is still being felt. Even as the pump prices locally were reduced, food prices — driven up by commodity speculators and local retailers — have not fallen correspondingly.
"It may be true that the price of oil has gone down but the prices of rice and other basic necessities are still sky high," complained one reader from Sabah in North Borneo of the popular Malaysia Today website. "I was in Kuching (in neighbouring Sarawak state) a month ago and I noted that the price of Beras Malaysia (local rice) was only 15 ringgit (4.1 dollars). Here in Kota Kinabalu (in Sabah) it is sold at 18 ringgit (4.9 dollars). Why is the difference so big?"
Even the poverty line has come under scrutiny. Though the official threshold for monthly household income was raised a couple of years ago from 588 to 691 ringgit, many analysts feel that that benchmark for measuring poverty is grossly understated.
A more realistic poverty line could be double that figure, putting many more Malaysians — up to 30 per cent in the industrialised state of Selangor — in the poverty bracket.
Concerned that workers rights could be affected as the economy slides, a coalition of civil society groups, the Oppressed People's Network (Jerit), is organising a nationwide bicycle campaign to highlight their concern about the more difficult conditions for workers. Scores of cyclists from three main locations in the north, south and east coast of the peninsula will be flagged off simultaneously on December 3 and they will pedal towards the Federal Parliament, converging there on December 18.
There they will be present a memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting their demands.
Their main demands include the introduction of a minimum wage, decent housing, price controls for essential goods and an end to the privatisation of essential services.
They are also linking this to broader civil and political rights including the restoration of local government election and the repeal of the draconian Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial.
Along the way, they will also distribute leaflets to the public and present similar memorandums to the chief ministers of the various states.
Devaraj notes that recent global events have proven that the neo-liberal model — with its accompanying assumptions of deregulation and the unchecked pursuit of wealth — has had adverse results ranging from climate change to worsening food security to imbalances in the distribution of wealth between and within nations. "So we need to look at new and alternative paradigms of development," he says.
IPS
Gloomy forecast: Malaysian investor looks at the index board at a viewing gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last month. The recession in Malaysia next year is projected to be worse than the Asian crisis in 1997. It would be more like 1986, when commodity prices slumped and exports weakened, prompting factories to retrench workers.Picture: EPA
ANIL NETTO
PENANG
Thursday, November 27, 2008
THE global economic slowdown is slowly creeping onto Malaysian shores leaving many worried about the impact it will have on workers. Although Malaysia's financial institutions and banks are in better shape than they were during the East Asian financial crisis in 1997, the economy is already feeling the effects of the recession in the West.
Economic growth for the country is projected at 3.5 per cent for next year but even that could be optimistic. Some analysts are not ruling out an economic contraction and there is growing concern that workers, both Malaysian and migrants, could be vulnerable.
"The recession here next year could be worse than the Asian crisis in 1997," warns economist Subramaniam Pillay, an associate professor in international finance at Nottingham University's campus in Malaysia. "It would be more like 1986, when commodity prices slumped and exports weakened, prompting factories to retrench workers."
Now there are similar fears that as consumer demand in the West falters, exports here could slide and factories could once again shed workers before long.
With the experience of the recession of the mid to late 1980s in mind, activists have been calling for a comprehensive social security plan. Increasingly, calls are being heard for a national retrenchment fund to protect workers in anticipation of possible job losses.
The government has said it is considering this "but even if they start it off now, the fund won't be big enough to handle the recession next year," warns opposition parliamentarian Jeyakumar Devaraj.
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress has proposed that employers and employees should each contribute one ringgit per worker to the fund. With around five million salaried workers in the private sector, such a retrenchment fund could collect more than 100 million ringgit ($40 million) in a year.
"But there is no commitment from the government up to now," laments Devaraj. "Instead, we see them injecting 5 billion ringgit from the (state-managed) Employees Provident Fund (a retirement fund for workers) into the stock market."
Some have pointed out Malaysians will be cushioned from job losses by the presence of these migrant workers who could be the first to lose their jobs.
But that may give a false sense of security as thousands of Malaysians are also employed in free trade zones especially as operators in the electronics multinational corporations.
Subramaniam feels that the government should review its low-wage policy in attracting foreign investors. Local wages are suppressed by the presence of some three million low-wage migrant workers, about a third of them undocumented.
"What's the point of being among the world's top trading nations when your workers are being paid peanuts?" he asks.
Meanwhile, economic analysts have noted that a revised budget for next year is necessary as the present one tabled earlier this year was calculated based on an assumption of a global oil prices for next year of US$125 — whereas the price now has plummeted to around 50 dollars now.
About 40 per cent of the national budget is traditionally funded from petroleum revenue — Malaysia is a net exporter of oil — with the remainder coming from taxes, observes Subramaniam.
A sharp drop in the prices of oil and palm oil products will erode Malaysia's earnings and affect the budget - though the country has ample foreign exchange reserves.
Meanwhile, the government has announced a 5 million ringgit allocation to retrain retrenched workers. Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam said the government would top up 1 ringgit for every 1 ringgit spent by employers to retrain workers and upgrade their skills.
From November 1 this year, all skills upgrading retraining programmes would receive full financial aid.
In addition, the government has also announced a 7 billion ringgit economic stimulus package of pre-emptive pump priming.
Devaraj says instead of giving out large infrastructure contracts to private contractors who may hire low-wage foreign workers, the Public Works Department could hire temporary local workers directly as "work brigades", which he says would be a more effective way of creating a multiplier effect for the local economy.
Despite the fall in oil prices, many Malaysians are still finding it hard to cope with the cost of living especially higher food prices, which particularly squeezes the poor.
On November 17, the government slashed the pump price of petrol from 2.15 ringgit per litre to 2 ringgit — the fifth reduction in recent months as global prices sank to US$55 per barrel.
But many noticed that the local pump price is now still higher than it was on January 5 when petrol prices were then raised by 41 per cent to 2.70 ringgit at a time when the global oil price was around US$125.
The effect of the June 5 oil price hike is still being felt. Even as the pump prices locally were reduced, food prices — driven up by commodity speculators and local retailers — have not fallen correspondingly.
"It may be true that the price of oil has gone down but the prices of rice and other basic necessities are still sky high," complained one reader from Sabah in North Borneo of the popular Malaysia Today website. "I was in Kuching (in neighbouring Sarawak state) a month ago and I noted that the price of Beras Malaysia (local rice) was only 15 ringgit (4.1 dollars). Here in Kota Kinabalu (in Sabah) it is sold at 18 ringgit (4.9 dollars). Why is the difference so big?"
Even the poverty line has come under scrutiny. Though the official threshold for monthly household income was raised a couple of years ago from 588 to 691 ringgit, many analysts feel that that benchmark for measuring poverty is grossly understated.
A more realistic poverty line could be double that figure, putting many more Malaysians — up to 30 per cent in the industrialised state of Selangor — in the poverty bracket.
Concerned that workers rights could be affected as the economy slides, a coalition of civil society groups, the Oppressed People's Network (Jerit), is organising a nationwide bicycle campaign to highlight their concern about the more difficult conditions for workers. Scores of cyclists from three main locations in the north, south and east coast of the peninsula will be flagged off simultaneously on December 3 and they will pedal towards the Federal Parliament, converging there on December 18.
There they will be present a memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting their demands.
Their main demands include the introduction of a minimum wage, decent housing, price controls for essential goods and an end to the privatisation of essential services.
They are also linking this to broader civil and political rights including the restoration of local government election and the repeal of the draconian Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial.
Along the way, they will also distribute leaflets to the public and present similar memorandums to the chief ministers of the various states.
Devaraj notes that recent global events have proven that the neo-liberal model — with its accompanying assumptions of deregulation and the unchecked pursuit of wealth — has had adverse results ranging from climate change to worsening food security to imbalances in the distribution of wealth between and within nations. "So we need to look at new and alternative paradigms of development," he says.
IPS
Thursday, August 28, 2008
His Majesty tours Iskandar Development Region
His Majesty tours Iskandar Development Region
Royal visit: His Majesty (3rd L) being briefed on the Iskandar Development Region by CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Dato Ikmal Hijaz (4th L) as Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2nd R) looks on in Johor yesterday. Picture: Infofoto
IZAM SAID YA'AKUB
JOHOR, MALAYSIA
Thursday, August 28, 2008
THE involvement of Brunei Darussalam in the Iskandar Development Region could very well be realised after the development corridor in Johor received a royal visit by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
His Majesty had a closer look at the Iskandar Development Region during an indepth briefing by Chief Executive Officer of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Dato Ikmal Hijaz Hashim. During the briefing the Chief Executive Officer highlighted that a delegation from the Brunei Investment Agency had earlier visited the area in March 2008.
The Iskandar Malaysia Project comprises five zones within the multi-billion dollar mega project. Each of the zone plays a vital role in establishing the five existing pillars of the project. They are electrical and electronics, petro-chemical and oleo-chemical, food and agro processing, logistics and related services, with the last pillar being the tourism.
There are four other clusters which will be implemented, Health Services, which comprises a Medical Park and Medical City; Education Services, which will feature universities and industry centric research and development clusters, whilst courses will also feature a wide variety; Financial services which will see an extension of Malaysia's role in Islamic Financing and the region's premier Islamic Financial Hub; Creative Industries, with a 1,000 acre park dedicated to an extensive digital content industry, the creative entertainment hub will look to open new and available opportunities for multimedia graduates.
Earlier, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and also joint Chairman of the Iskandar Malaysia project, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that "the Sultan has indicated his desire to consider whatever investment opportunities that are available in the region. And his visit to the area also enables him to observe the development that has taken place in Iskandar Malaysia."
His Majesty took a hands on approach with viewing the region, piloting a helicopter alongside HRH Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, the Tunku Mahkota of Johor. After landing in the Iskandar Malaysia region, His Majesty and the Tunku Mahkota of Johor met the Malaysia Prime Minister and a delegation from IRDA, who took His Majesty on a brief tour of the projects.
Following his visit to the Iskandar Malaysia development, His Majesty attended a luncheon hosted in his honour by Sultan Iskandar of Johor at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baharu.The Brunei Times
Royal visit: His Majesty (3rd L) being briefed on the Iskandar Development Region by CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Dato Ikmal Hijaz (4th L) as Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2nd R) looks on in Johor yesterday. Picture: Infofoto
IZAM SAID YA'AKUB
JOHOR, MALAYSIA
Thursday, August 28, 2008
THE involvement of Brunei Darussalam in the Iskandar Development Region could very well be realised after the development corridor in Johor received a royal visit by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
His Majesty had a closer look at the Iskandar Development Region during an indepth briefing by Chief Executive Officer of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Dato Ikmal Hijaz Hashim. During the briefing the Chief Executive Officer highlighted that a delegation from the Brunei Investment Agency had earlier visited the area in March 2008.
The Iskandar Malaysia Project comprises five zones within the multi-billion dollar mega project. Each of the zone plays a vital role in establishing the five existing pillars of the project. They are electrical and electronics, petro-chemical and oleo-chemical, food and agro processing, logistics and related services, with the last pillar being the tourism.
There are four other clusters which will be implemented, Health Services, which comprises a Medical Park and Medical City; Education Services, which will feature universities and industry centric research and development clusters, whilst courses will also feature a wide variety; Financial services which will see an extension of Malaysia's role in Islamic Financing and the region's premier Islamic Financial Hub; Creative Industries, with a 1,000 acre park dedicated to an extensive digital content industry, the creative entertainment hub will look to open new and available opportunities for multimedia graduates.
Earlier, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and also joint Chairman of the Iskandar Malaysia project, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that "the Sultan has indicated his desire to consider whatever investment opportunities that are available in the region. And his visit to the area also enables him to observe the development that has taken place in Iskandar Malaysia."
His Majesty took a hands on approach with viewing the region, piloting a helicopter alongside HRH Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, the Tunku Mahkota of Johor. After landing in the Iskandar Malaysia region, His Majesty and the Tunku Mahkota of Johor met the Malaysia Prime Minister and a delegation from IRDA, who took His Majesty on a brief tour of the projects.
Following his visit to the Iskandar Malaysia development, His Majesty attended a luncheon hosted in his honour by Sultan Iskandar of Johor at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baharu.The Brunei Times
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
SCORE can provide training and facilities in renewable energy
SCORE can provide training and facilities in renewable energy
Sarawak State Secretary: Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot at the briefing on SCORE. Picture: Jefrisalas
HADI DP MAHMUD
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
THE Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will be able to provide Brunei with a convenient destination for training and human capital development facilities, the state secretary of the Sarawak government said.
"The training facilities that we will be offering will not be restricted for our use only. It will be for the people in this region," Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot told The Brunei Times following a briefing attended by the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ministry officials at the Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday.
SCORE, which stretches 320km from Bintulu to Mukah in the Malaysian state of 607,800 people, is expected to bring in up to RM500 billion worth of investments and create some 1.6 million jobs over a 30-year period. Out of the 67 industries identified, 10 priority industries have been pinpointed to attract local and foreign direct investors.
"When you're starting an industry, manpower will be needed. Initially we will be sourcing them from the outside. But by 20, 30 years from now we're going to see this pool of expertise from many different countries, who will be sharing essential knowledge amongst themselves," said Datuk Amar Wilson.
The core of the corridor is the energy resources, particularly hydropower (28,000 MW), coal (1.46 billion tonnes), and natural gas (40.9 trillion square cubic feet) found in abundance in the Central Region. The Regional Corridor Development Authority, which will be managing and implementing the projects, says this will allow Sarawak to price its energy competitively and encourage investments in power generation and energy-intensive industries.
The state secretary gave the briefing in the presence of Dato Sri Hj Awg Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak's second Minister of Planning and Resource Management and Minister of Public Utilities, who was in the country with Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The Sarawak delegation was in Brunei for three days as part of Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin's introductory visit.
Sarawak State Secretary: Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot at the briefing on SCORE. Picture: Jefrisalas
HADI DP MAHMUD
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
THE Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will be able to provide Brunei with a convenient destination for training and human capital development facilities, the state secretary of the Sarawak government said.
"The training facilities that we will be offering will not be restricted for our use only. It will be for the people in this region," Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot told The Brunei Times following a briefing attended by the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ministry officials at the Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday.
SCORE, which stretches 320km from Bintulu to Mukah in the Malaysian state of 607,800 people, is expected to bring in up to RM500 billion worth of investments and create some 1.6 million jobs over a 30-year period. Out of the 67 industries identified, 10 priority industries have been pinpointed to attract local and foreign direct investors.
"When you're starting an industry, manpower will be needed. Initially we will be sourcing them from the outside. But by 20, 30 years from now we're going to see this pool of expertise from many different countries, who will be sharing essential knowledge amongst themselves," said Datuk Amar Wilson.
The core of the corridor is the energy resources, particularly hydropower (28,000 MW), coal (1.46 billion tonnes), and natural gas (40.9 trillion square cubic feet) found in abundance in the Central Region. The Regional Corridor Development Authority, which will be managing and implementing the projects, says this will allow Sarawak to price its energy competitively and encourage investments in power generation and energy-intensive industries.
The state secretary gave the briefing in the presence of Dato Sri Hj Awg Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak's second Minister of Planning and Resource Management and Minister of Public Utilities, who was in the country with Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The Sarawak delegation was in Brunei for three days as part of Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Hj Muhammad Salahuddin's introductory visit.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Miri losing its pull with shoppers
Miri losing its pull with shoppers
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, June 14, 2008
MIRI has always been a popular hot-spot for Bruneians who wish to stock up on food and miscellaneous supplies due to its cheaper products.
Of late, however, it appears that travel costs and safety fears has deterred many from travelling across the border to perform the monthly grocery run.
According to a news report from the media in Miri, it was found that there was a significant decrease in the number of Bruneians visiting the city.
For the first five months of this year, it was stated that there was a total of 365,190 visitors passing through the Sg Tujoh Immigration Post. This is a decrease of 126,774 visitors compared to the same period last year. Of this decrease, 80 per cent, or 101,419 travellers were Bruneians.
A civil servant, Suriani Hj Abdurahman, said that it was probably because people were afraid their cars may be stolen or broken into. She had heard frightening stories of Bruneians who had their vehicles hijacked, or held at knife-point.
She added that the higher cost of fuel in Malaysia, the tolls at the checkpoints and the length of journey itself, may have made Bruneians less inclined to travel to Miri.
"Rather than spend a lot of money to travel to Miri, they might as well shop here," Suriani told The Brunei Times.
She said that Bruneians were now more likely to shop at local supermarkets, as the goods may be cheaper when all the other factors were taken into account in the trip to Miri.
Hj Md Zunaidi Hj Zakaria, an employee at the Prime Minister's Office had similar views. He felt safety concerns may be the main reason for fewer people going to Miri.
He also felt that this was due to the trend that Bruneians now travel to Malaysia for holidays rather than shopping.
One 30-year-old male, working in the Tutong District said that car theft was common in Miri. He had heard of offenders smashing through car windows to steal valuables such as laptops and cameras.
"These stories makes us afraid to go to Miri," he said.
The Brunei Times
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, June 14, 2008
MIRI has always been a popular hot-spot for Bruneians who wish to stock up on food and miscellaneous supplies due to its cheaper products.
Of late, however, it appears that travel costs and safety fears has deterred many from travelling across the border to perform the monthly grocery run.
According to a news report from the media in Miri, it was found that there was a significant decrease in the number of Bruneians visiting the city.
For the first five months of this year, it was stated that there was a total of 365,190 visitors passing through the Sg Tujoh Immigration Post. This is a decrease of 126,774 visitors compared to the same period last year. Of this decrease, 80 per cent, or 101,419 travellers were Bruneians.
A civil servant, Suriani Hj Abdurahman, said that it was probably because people were afraid their cars may be stolen or broken into. She had heard frightening stories of Bruneians who had their vehicles hijacked, or held at knife-point.
She added that the higher cost of fuel in Malaysia, the tolls at the checkpoints and the length of journey itself, may have made Bruneians less inclined to travel to Miri.
"Rather than spend a lot of money to travel to Miri, they might as well shop here," Suriani told The Brunei Times.
She said that Bruneians were now more likely to shop at local supermarkets, as the goods may be cheaper when all the other factors were taken into account in the trip to Miri.
Hj Md Zunaidi Hj Zakaria, an employee at the Prime Minister's Office had similar views. He felt safety concerns may be the main reason for fewer people going to Miri.
He also felt that this was due to the trend that Bruneians now travel to Malaysia for holidays rather than shopping.
One 30-year-old male, working in the Tutong District said that car theft was common in Miri. He had heard of offenders smashing through car windows to steal valuables such as laptops and cameras.
"These stories makes us afraid to go to Miri," he said.
The Brunei Times
Miri losing its pull with shoppers
Miri losing its pull with shoppers
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, June 14, 2008
MIRI has always been a popular hot-spot for Bruneians who wish to stock up on food and miscellaneous supplies due to its cheaper products.
Of late, however, it appears that travel costs and safety fears has deterred many from travelling across the border to perform the monthly grocery run.
According to a news report from the media in Miri, it was found that there was a significant decrease in the number of Bruneians visiting the city.
For the first five months of this year, it was stated that there was a total of 365,190 visitors passing through the Sg Tujoh Immigration Post. This is a decrease of 126,774 visitors compared to the same period last year. Of this decrease, 80 per cent, or 101,419 travellers were Bruneians.
A civil servant, Suriani Hj Abdurahman, said that it was probably because people were afraid their cars may be stolen or broken into. She had heard frightening stories of Bruneians who had their vehicles hijacked, or held at knife-point.
She added that the higher cost of fuel in Malaysia, the tolls at the checkpoints and the length of journey itself, may have made Bruneians less inclined to travel to Miri.
"Rather than spend a lot of money to travel to Miri, they might as well shop here," Suriani told The Brunei Times.
She said that Bruneians were now more likely to shop at local supermarkets, as the goods may be cheaper when all the other factors were taken into account in the trip to Miri.
Hj Md Zunaidi Hj Zakaria, an employee at the Prime Minister's Office had similar views. He felt safety concerns may be the main reason for fewer people going to Miri.
He also felt that this was due to the trend that Bruneians now travel to Malaysia for holidays rather than shopping.
One 30-year-old male, working in the Tutong District said that car theft was common in Miri. He had heard of offenders smashing through car windows to steal valuables such as laptops and cameras.
"These stories makes us afraid to go to Miri," he said.
The Brunei Times
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, June 14, 2008
MIRI has always been a popular hot-spot for Bruneians who wish to stock up on food and miscellaneous supplies due to its cheaper products.
Of late, however, it appears that travel costs and safety fears has deterred many from travelling across the border to perform the monthly grocery run.
According to a news report from the media in Miri, it was found that there was a significant decrease in the number of Bruneians visiting the city.
For the first five months of this year, it was stated that there was a total of 365,190 visitors passing through the Sg Tujoh Immigration Post. This is a decrease of 126,774 visitors compared to the same period last year. Of this decrease, 80 per cent, or 101,419 travellers were Bruneians.
A civil servant, Suriani Hj Abdurahman, said that it was probably because people were afraid their cars may be stolen or broken into. She had heard frightening stories of Bruneians who had their vehicles hijacked, or held at knife-point.
She added that the higher cost of fuel in Malaysia, the tolls at the checkpoints and the length of journey itself, may have made Bruneians less inclined to travel to Miri.
"Rather than spend a lot of money to travel to Miri, they might as well shop here," Suriani told The Brunei Times.
She said that Bruneians were now more likely to shop at local supermarkets, as the goods may be cheaper when all the other factors were taken into account in the trip to Miri.
Hj Md Zunaidi Hj Zakaria, an employee at the Prime Minister's Office had similar views. He felt safety concerns may be the main reason for fewer people going to Miri.
He also felt that this was due to the trend that Bruneians now travel to Malaysia for holidays rather than shopping.
One 30-year-old male, working in the Tutong District said that car theft was common in Miri. He had heard of offenders smashing through car windows to steal valuables such as laptops and cameras.
"These stories makes us afraid to go to Miri," he said.
The Brunei Times
Sunday, January 20, 2008
SABAH Development Corridor (SDC)
Sabah development plan to be launched this month
KOTA KINABALU
Sunday, January 20, 2008
SABAH Development Corridor (SDC), set to be launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi later this month, is seen as a symbolic new year gift for more than three million people in the state.
The initiative, a brainchild of Abdullah, is holistic in manner, covering all sectors of the economy, including infrastructure development and benefiting all segments of the community.
Soon after launching the new Kota Kinabalu International Airport's Terminal II building on February 14 last year, Abdullah indicated that development in Sabah needed to be accelerated.
In what is seen as a panacea to fast track development in Sabah, dubbed the 'Land Below The Wind', he said that there was a need for a blueprint called the Sabah Development Corridor or SDC to achieve the desired result.
Showing his seriousness in the matter, Abdullah then asked the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Musa Aman to finalise the details as soon as possible, hoping for Sabah to become one of the most developed states in the country.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to launch the SDC, which will be spearheaded by the state's government-linked Yayasan Sabah, at the Sabah Container Port in Menggatal on January 29.
At a media briefing on the SDC here recently, Musa said: "We want a balanced development between urban and rural areas. This development corridor will cover the whole state and not just be confined to pockets."
"Sabah is a big state and if we were to develop only the eastern part, that is Lahad Datu, Tawau and Sandakan, the people in other areas, especially in the interior, might be left behind in terms of development," he said.
That's why we need to develop the whole of Sabah, so that everybody will share the cake of development, he added.
Musa said he believed that the SDC would benefit many people and enhance the quality of life of people in Sabah.
"This SDC is good for everybody and the people of Sabah can expect a better life and hence, we must work together to make it a reality," he said.
Musa said the SDC would create more job opportunities for Sabahans , thus helping to uplift the standard of life as well as reducing unemployement in the state.
The people of Sabah will take the lead, he added.Bernama
KOTA KINABALU
Sunday, January 20, 2008
SABAH Development Corridor (SDC), set to be launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi later this month, is seen as a symbolic new year gift for more than three million people in the state.
The initiative, a brainchild of Abdullah, is holistic in manner, covering all sectors of the economy, including infrastructure development and benefiting all segments of the community.
Soon after launching the new Kota Kinabalu International Airport's Terminal II building on February 14 last year, Abdullah indicated that development in Sabah needed to be accelerated.
In what is seen as a panacea to fast track development in Sabah, dubbed the 'Land Below The Wind', he said that there was a need for a blueprint called the Sabah Development Corridor or SDC to achieve the desired result.
Showing his seriousness in the matter, Abdullah then asked the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Musa Aman to finalise the details as soon as possible, hoping for Sabah to become one of the most developed states in the country.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to launch the SDC, which will be spearheaded by the state's government-linked Yayasan Sabah, at the Sabah Container Port in Menggatal on January 29.
At a media briefing on the SDC here recently, Musa said: "We want a balanced development between urban and rural areas. This development corridor will cover the whole state and not just be confined to pockets."
"Sabah is a big state and if we were to develop only the eastern part, that is Lahad Datu, Tawau and Sandakan, the people in other areas, especially in the interior, might be left behind in terms of development," he said.
That's why we need to develop the whole of Sabah, so that everybody will share the cake of development, he added.
Musa said he believed that the SDC would benefit many people and enhance the quality of life of people in Sabah.
"This SDC is good for everybody and the people of Sabah can expect a better life and hence, we must work together to make it a reality," he said.
Musa said the SDC would create more job opportunities for Sabahans , thus helping to uplift the standard of life as well as reducing unemployement in the state.
The people of Sabah will take the lead, he added.Bernama
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