MACC gets wildlife memos

Saturday August 29, 2009

MACC gets wildlife memos

By YENG AI CHUN
KUALA LUMPUR: A group of animal rights activists has submitted documents to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to back their allegations against the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

The documents allegedly show Perhilitan deputy director-general Misliah Mohamad Basir endorsing the renewal of special permits for convicted wildlife trafficker Anson Wong.

The endorsement later led to the approval of the special permits by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

Paper trail: This letter about an application to export tigers is among the documents handed over to the MACC.

Malaysian Animal Rights Society president N. Surendran said the documents were dated 1998 to 2003 and were correspondence between Misliah, who was the then Penang Perhilitan director-general, with the head office in Kuala Lumpur.

“During that time, Wong was in prison in the United States for wildlife smuggling. How can the permits be renewed for a man who is in jail for wildlife smuggling?” asked Surendran as he showed the letters bearing Misliah’s signature to reporters.

“We believe the special permits were used as a cover to facilitate wildlife smuggling all over the world. It is embarrassing that Malaysia is helping Wong with his smuggling activities.”

He showed reporters a letter dated March 24, 1998 in which the ministry approved Wong’s request to have a tiger shipped to Higashi Tsukuba Utopia Zoological Garden in Japan.

The group checked and could not find any information on the zoo, and yet Wong now had permits from Perhilitan to keep two tigers.

Surendran called on the ministry to abolish the special permits.

Pet Positive president and PJ councillor Anthony Siva Balan Thanasayan demanded that Misliah be sacked to restore confidence in Perhilitan.

On Aug 14, the group filed reports with the commission, urging it to probe allegations of Perhilitan’s link with Wong made by author Bryan Christy in his book The Lizard King.

On the same day, Misliah dismissed the group’s claims.

She said the signatures on the documents were forged and that Wong had complied with local laws and had the necessary licences.

The others who accompanied Surendran and Anthony were Malaysia Animal Welfare Society president Shenaaz Khan, SPCA Selangor chairman Christine Chin, Independent Living and Training Centre president Francis Siva and two MPs – S. Manikavasagam (Kapar) and M. Manogaran (Teluk Intan).

Flash News: Malaysian First Disabled Senator Sudden Death

First Disabled Senator, Prof Datuk Dr Ismail Md Salleh, who is blind, created history in Malaysia when he became the first disabled person to be appointed a senator died on a flight from China to Singapore. He was 61.

78 Percent Of 10,802 Disabled Found Jobs - Maznah

August 20, 2009 19:48 PM

78 Percent Of 10,802 Disabled Found Jobs - Maznah

By: Ramjit

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said 78 percent of 10,802 disabled registered with the online Disabled Placement System (SPOKU) have found jobs with the government and private sector.

"Some RM12.5 million of the RM22 million allocated to help the disabled under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) had been given to 328 recipients since 2007," she told reporters after opening a study and work-from-home programme here Thursday.

Maznah said the business encouragement aid scheme for the disabled was a strategy by the government to help develop their business.

The aid was given to those with five types of disability namely physical handicap, blind, deaf, mental and also midgets.

The Welfare Services Department would give RM2,700 to the disabled just starting their business before the aid arrived.

She said those who had proven their business ability would be given grants of RM10,000-RM100,000.

Razali Abdul Hamid, 39, who has a handicapped right hand said he would use the grant of RM20,200 to buy a new machine to increase production of "Zali Deli" at Puduraya bus terminal.Loo Soon Nyong, 39, who is blind said she would use the RM66,300 grant to renovate her 'Blind Touch Massage Services' in Brickfields.

BERNAMA

MP lodges report against mystery letter

MP lodges report against mystery letter

Hazlan ZakariaAug 21, 0911:31am

Kapar member of parliament S Manikavasagam today lodged a police report at the Brickfields police station over the mystery letter which appeared at the Teoh Beng Huat inquest on Wednesday.

UPM DOGATHON™ 16/8/2009 at Bukit Ekspo UPM 6.30am-2pm

UPM DOGATHON™ 16/8/2009 at Bukit Ekspo, UPM 6.30am to 2.oopm

ILTC friends and I joined for this year's Dogathon. This year, UPM break the record by having the most number of volunteers to assist the disabled.

I enjoyed a lot of programmes at Dogathon 2009 which was held in Bukit Ekspo, UPM last weekend.

We managed to visit at the Annual UPM dogathon organized by the Students' Society of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (VETERNAK) and Zoologico Club, UPM.

Dialog with Minister of Welfare on Budget 2010 For Pwd

ILTC members had participated in the Dialog with Y.B. Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga Dan Masyarakat Dengan Persatuan Bukan Kerajaan pada 9 Ogos 2009 at Hotel Hilton, KL Sentral.

Thursday August 6, 2009

Common voice needed
WHEEL POWER By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

The disabled community needs to be seen and heard.

I RECEIVED an interesting e-mail from a new friend I made recently. Daniel Ahmad Sharani who lives in Petaling Jaya, writes: “People often ask me if I was born a quadriplegic. The answer to that question is no,” says Daniel. Showing Support: Daniel Ahmad Sharani holding a playcard in the middle towards the controversial pedestrian pavement along Jalan Gasing is a pilot project for barrier-free access in Petaling Jaya.

“I was a healthy young boy who grew up just like any other normal kid in the neighbourhood.

“I was an energetic kid who participated in numerous recreational activities even though books should have been the order of the day.”

Daniel was actively involved in sports, especially football.

“I enjoyed almost everything I did. I thought life could only get better once I was done with school and all the exams.”

However, Daniel had no idea how his life would change suddenly.

“My active lifestyle came to a halt, hardly a month before my 18th birthday.

“I recall everything vividly,” says Daniel. “That fateful day kicked off perfectly.

Together with my best friend who had just purchased a brand new bike, we had spent quite a bit at the nearby arcade we regularly frequented.

“Both of us were in a jovial mood while shooting balls before proceeding to a different location to meet up with some friends.

“That was when it happened. A lady driver knocked both of us off my friend’s new bike. That accident claimed my friend’s life, and it changed my life forever.”

Daniel, who has riding pillion, sustained spinal injuries which left him paralysed.

It was only after he was discharged from hospital that reality set in.

“It was a very painful reality,” recalls Daniel. “Never in my life had I felt so dejected.

Once I used to think that life was full of promises within my reach. But after the accident I struggled to keep alive.”

The accident kept Daniel down most of the time. Instead of tagging along with his buddies like he used to, most of his time was now spent at home.

The depression affected his family members. Friends who used to laugh with him once soon stopped coming.

It was Daniel’s family membrs who helped him pull through that dark period.

“I am thankful that my family stood by me all the way. They were there for me as a much-needed morale booster.

"Looking back, I wouldn’t trade their love and support for anything. Their role was vital in lifting up my spirit and getting me back on my feet.

“Fortunately, people don’t stare at you as much as they used to in the past. I’ve learnt that it’s all about mental strength.

Once that area is beefed up, you’re game to take on bigger challenges. The outside world can be mean to people with limited physical mobility.

“Generally, rational people are willing to ‘wheel’ with us to make the environment disabled-friendly. It all boils down to upholding our rights and standing up for them.

“Many in the community are not aware of the rights of the disabled. It is the disabled community that needs to get the ball rolling. We have a long way to go. Without a collective voice, it’ll take a longer time before we are heard.

“We need to crank up the decibel a few notches for the authorities to notice our presence and needs,” adds Daniel.

5th Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 15 to 19

Malaysia will be hosting the 5th Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 15 to 19 and which will feature athletes from 11 countries, including Timor Leste.

The government has allocated RM4 million to host the Asean Para Games but don't just be the best hosts but try to become the best contingent.

Meanwhile, Asean Para Sports Federation president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin in a speech at the launch of the Games torch mission relay urged the public to give support and watch the games.

The Rakan Muda youth volunteering squad - Unicefare, is seeking about 40 volunteers for the games and rehearsal will be conducted from Aug 10 to Aug 14.

Those interested and aged between 15 and 25 are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact Azmi at 012-939 8186 or Hasimah at 012-459 8819.

Chew: Not a must to register

Tuesday August 4, 2009



Chew: Not a must to register
By NG CHENG YEE

THE Government has no plans to make registration with the Welfare Department compulsory for disabled people, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said.

She said this was because persons with disabilities must be given informed choice.

“As of March 2009, 256,364 disabled people were registered with the department and the actual figure is expected to be significantly higher,” she said at the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign in Petaling Jaya recently.

However, she said, it was necessary to create awareness among persons with disabilities and their families on the importance of registration and to encourage them to register themselves.

“Persons with disabilities encounter a myriad of physical and social barriers and challenges that impede their participation in society. The society’s attitude, prejudices, beliefs and ignorance create obstacles to inclusion,” she said.

She said the lack of accommodation in employment, education and transportation also presented a serious challenge.

“As a result, persons with disabilities often do not have access to the same opportunities as others, have higher rates of unemployment, live in poverty and are more likely to be socially isolated,” she said.

However, she said Malaysia had put in place the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities to enhance their well-being and ensure that they enjoyed equal rights and full participation in the society.

It’s the disabled who need help, not students

Monday August 3, 2009



It’s the disabled who need help, not student

The Prime Minister announced recently that first year university students are to get 100 units of ASM for free. I can’t help feeling sad and annoyed when I read the report.

I have nothing against college or university students, but why must the Government pamper them so much. To be able to attend university or college usually means one’s future is quite secure in terms of employment.

Compare that with the disabled. Most of them have no chance at all to attend college and may never get a proper job. Shouldn’t they be more deserving of our help? Yet time and again, they are left out when Government “goodies” are handed out.

Not too long ago, the Government announced that college students are entitled to second class wards at Government hospitals whereas the disabled will still have to make do at the crowded third class wards.

And recently, I was told that special pupils can only remain in schools up to when they are 19 years old (reduced from 20 previously) which means they only have an extra two years to sit for PMR and SPM.

After that, their options are limited. So, why the hurry to kick them out of school?

Don’t get me started, but I could go on and on about how the Government seems to lead the way in marginalising the very people who needs assistance most.

CONCERNED MOTHER,

Kuala Lumpur.

A safe haven for the elderly

Friday July 31, 2009

A safe haven for the elderly
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

FOR some, The Little Sisters of the Poor St. Francis Xavier Home for the elderly in Cheras may seem extravagant.

But in planning the new home, the Catholic Church saw the need to provide facilities, equipment and fittings suitable for the comfort, convenience and safety of the elderly residents.

The home is an epitome of love where nuns go about feeding, washing, bathing, cleaning and tending to the sick to ensure that those who are with them can live out the last years of their lives with dignity and comfort.

These women have been taking care of men and women in their twilight years who have little or no income and no family to take care of them. Caring: Sr Cecelia chatting with centarian Wong as Sr Marie Angela gets ready to take her out for a stroll.

“These people have led a hard life, many are in their twilight years who come from poor families or have no family to care for them,’’ said Sister Cecilia, sister-in-charge of the home.

The home was motivated by Jeanne Jugan who founded the Little Sisters of the Poor one winter evening in 1839 in St. Sevan, France.

She opened her heart and her home to an elderly, blind, paralysed woman who found herself all alone after the death of her sister. Jugan carried Anne Chauvin through the streets of their small town to her apartment and placed her in her own bed.

Soon another old woman followed, then a third and this was how the congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, with its unique mission of hospitality to the elderly was born.

The Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in Kuala Lumpur in 1965 during the feast of St. Francis Xavier.

At the Cheras Home, voluntary doctors and dentists offer their services and many people have also taken an active interest in the residents’ welfare by taking them out for picnics, games or simply coming for a chat.

“We want to bring back to them the dignity that they have lost or have been deprived of. That is why in their new home they each have their own room with attached bathroom for better privacy,’’ added Sr Cecilia.

There are now 67 residents at the home. The oldest is centenarian Wong Lai Yong.

Wong has been at the home for the last 30 years when the Little Sisters of the Poor had their humble beginnings at a 16-room bungalow which once belonged to a Chinese millionaire, in the then Klang Road.

Many are bedridden, the more able ones sit about in the courtyard chatting away while some help the volunteers and nuns with the daily chores of preparing food in the kitchen and laying the tables for meals.

“There is no time to day-dream as there are various activities lined up for the residents each day,’’ said Sr Cecilia.

From Monday to Thursday, residents take part in Bible sharing, on Tuesday there is a 45-minute bowling session conducted by Paul Duane, an American who has volunteered his services beyond bowling lessons, physioteraphy every day and a 90-minute taichi lesson every Saturday.

“There is no feeling of being unwanted and abandoned as there is self-giving love for everyone.

There is a spawn of dedicated volunteers who care for the elderly with love and personal attention,’’ said Sr Cecilia.

Unlike the hundreds of old people who have been left abandoned by their children or next-of-kin in government hospitals and old folks homes throughout the country, the Little Sisters of the Poor has a mission — to provide constant maternal protection to those entrusted under their care.

The home is equipped with air-conditioning, lifts, full kitchen and laundry facilities, a physiotherapy department, doctor’s office and treatment room, pharmacy and dental clinic for the physical needs and comfort of the residents.

The home also has a proper chapel which conducts Sunday services, a separate multi-purpose hall, games room and a hair salon.

The St Francis Xavier’s Home for the elderly is at No. 3 Jalan 5/96, off Jalan Sekuci, Taman Sri Bahtera, 5th Mile Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-9131 1464 ).

ILTC CHARITY BAZAAR - FOOD, FUNFAIR & CHARITY SHOW

On the 4th July ILTC organised a ILTC CHARITY BAZAAR – FOOD & FUN FAIR 2009:
(Together With A Blood Donation Campaign) at Padang Sekolah Kebangsaan Rawang.

The purpose is that we are raising funds for maintaining the training centre.
We had over 30 stalls ranging from a variety of food, toys, clothes, books, games, face paintings as well as selling ILTC products and also motor show. We had a colouring competition sponsored by Nestle Malaysia and two clown entertaining the children. We also had a with many fantastic prizes for games. There were lots of volunteers to help out with the stalls and we had a famous emcee to entertain everyone as well as made announcements.
There was a St Johns ambulance standing by just in case anyone needs medical attention.

We set up an information counter so that if anyone is interested to know more about ILTC we were able to answer their questions.
End of the day we made some money but we fail to achive our target

On the behalf of committee and staff I would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and friends for helping us sell coupons, sponsor products, and helping out at the Fun Fair. We could not have done it without all your support.
Thank you also to the organising committee who has work very hard to make this a successful event: Mr. Packya Narayanan, Mr. Krishna, Mr. A. Subramaniam, Ms. Santriga, Mr. Sathiah and Mr. Arasu

Proposal for the disabled to be 1% of private sector workforce

Published: Tuesday July 28, 2009 MYT 1:38:00 PM

Proposal for the disabled to be 1% of private sector workforce

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry wants private sector employers to ensure that one percent of its workforce to be those with disabilities.

Deputy Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said Tuesday that the proposal would be forwarded to the Cabinet soon.

She said that the Government was already hiring people with disabilities but said that even the public sector had yet to fulfil the one percent quota.

“Only the Welfare Department has a 1.8 percent employment of disabled people. Other departments need to increase their employment of people with disabilities,” she said.

IVARGALUM HERO

ILTC President - Francis Siva will be featured in the program.

"IVARGALUM HERO"

Channel: Astro Vaanavil (201)

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Time: 10:00:00 PM

Synopsis:Ivargalum hero is a lifestyle show featuring disables. Their daily life and moments of achievements will be featured in the show as an encouragement to the viewers.

ILTC SUPPORT FOR MBPJ

Disable friendly PJ pavement gets positively 'Madd' reviews

Disable friendly PJ pavement gets positively 'Madd' reviews
Emily Chow
Jul 16, 094:00pm
Efforts by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to turn the pavement along Jalan Gasing disabled friendly was lauded by a coalition of NGOs calling themselves Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (Madd) today.

Madd has been advocating the rights and the needs of disabled people in Malaysia since 2007.

Present at today's gathering organised by Madd were a group of activists from several NGOs including the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PETPOSITIVE), Independent Living and Training Centre, Pewira K9 and the Malaysian Association for the Blind.

"The purpose of this (gathering) is to show the public that we are here, as most people are still in denial about disabled people," said Anthony Thanasayan (left), PETPOSITIVE president.

"We also 'stand' together to support the MBPJ for what they have done (in rebuilding the pavement). We applaud them." he said.

Anthony was also a former MBPJ councillor."I raised the issue of making the pavement (along Jalan Gasing) more disabled friendly back then, and the construction of a 'universal design pavement' by MBPJ began a year ago." Anthony said.

The pavement stretches for about 500 meters from the row of shops along Jalan Gasing to the nearby Thai temple.

The pavement is still undergoing construction but is estimated to be completed iwithin two months.Universal design pavementAnthony later explained to reporters the characteristics of a 'universal design pavement' used by the MBPJ:

• has guiding blocks for the blind so they can walk about independently


• made for people in wheelchairs with the slightest of gradients as possible


• void of obstacles, including lamp posts and post boxes

"It is a pavement that is for everyone to use, not just the disabled. Everybody includes the able- bodied, the disabled, mothers with prams, pregnant women, children and the elderly," he said.

Anthony also brought up the issue of criticism levelled at the pavement project which was said to be too costly and estimated at RM180,000."They (the public) asked 'Where are the blind? How many blind use this?'

The public is still going through a process of denial as they are afraid to admit these disabilities exist.

"It's time for the public and our government to stop giving excuses and start addressing this issue.

We demand today that they (MBPJ and all the other local councils) start making disabled friendly pavements instead of feeling sorry for us," said Anthony.

"It doesn't help us at all, it just destroys us. Stop this attitude of charity. Treat us like equal people, for we also want to have a right to go out." he added.

Finally, a start

After speaking to reporters, the group of activists then 'wheeled' their way down the disabled friendly pavement.
Gurdip Kaur Rina, a former Selayang district councillor and activist Antony Leopold from PETPOSITIVE praised the project as it is said to be the first such sidewalk in the country with this universal design.

"It's a good start that we are all here, and we hope that the other councils will take this as an example.

We do this to highlight to the government that they have to include this type of facility for the disabled." said Rina.