Month: June 2024

BACHOK, Being gigantic is the main factor for cows dubbed ‘lembu sado’ being the preferred choice to be sacrificed during Aidiladha – even when the price of one can easily reach five digits.

Breeder Noraimi Hasan, 53, better known as Paksu Mie, said the gigantic cattle were not just being sought after for their size, but also for the fact that, once cooked, the meat tasted better and more tender compared to normal-size local cattle.

He said two out of nine gigantic cows on his farm, each weighing more than 700kg and priced at almost RM11,000, have already been sold to buyers in Kota Bharu to be sacrificed on Aidiladha, which falls on June 17.

‘It is not uncommon for buyers to come looking for gigantic cattle to be sacrificed on Aidiladha as the bigger the cattle, the more meat it will have, other than the fact that it is indeed tastier.

‘Normally, the gigantic cattle is sold for about RM1,300 to RM1,500 per part, depending on its size. Since its is gigantic, it needs at least eight men just to pull it do
wn for slaughtering, he told Bernama when met at his house in Pantai Senok here.

Elaborating, Noraimi who has been breeding gigantic cows or six years said he only bred Charolais and Limousin cattle because the price was higher than local cattle.

He said he started the business with a capital of RM4,000 to buy a Charolais cattle before it breeds and is able to give a good return.

‘In order to ensure that these cows continue bearing calves, we resort to artificial insemination. This procedure is done using seeds imported from France and Ireland, with the help of the Veterinary Department,’ he said.

Noraimi said he allocated around RM10 ringgit per day for each of his cattle to be given bran and grass in the morning and evening with the quantity depending on their sizes.

‘Among the constraints of rearing these cattle is the cost of expensive food supply in addition to the risk of contracting foot-and-mouth disease. To reduce the risk of this infection, I will make sure each cattle is injected with FMD vacc
ine every three or four months which cost me around RM70,’ he said.

A buyer, Mohd Izwan Seman, 31, said it is an annual routine for him for the past three years to get a gigantic cow for sacrifice during Aidiladha.

‘Although the price is more expensive than local cattle, I am satisfied and I think it is worth it because the meat obtained is very abundant and can be distributed to many people in need,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MAKKAH, Another Malaysian Haj pilgrim died in the Holy Land yesterday, bringing the death toll to five.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced that Zuraida Mohd Haris, 37, from Ampang, Selangor, died at 8.15 pm yesterday at King Abdulaziz Hospital in Makkah.

“The deceased died due to a brain hemorrhage after receiving treatment for six days.

“Her body was taken to Masjidil Haram for funeral prayers before burial after Subuh prayers at 5.07 am today at the Syuhada Al-Haram Cemetery,’ he told media personnel at Tabung Haji (TH) main office here today.

So far, he noted, five Malaysian Haj pilgrims have died from various causes, including aneurysm, heart attack, organ failure and brain hemorrhage.

Mohd Na’im extended condolences to families of the Haj pilgrims who died, adding that TH will perform Haj on their behalf, with the expenses covered by the Malaysian Haj Pilgrims Welfare Fund.

Currently, 56 Malaysian Haj pilgrims are hospitalised, wi
th 13 in Saudi Arabian hospitals and 43 at the TH Medical Centre in Makkah.

“Pilgrims admitted to TH Medical Centre and Saudi hospitals suffer from respiratory issues, heart problems, hypertension, psychiatric disorders and muscle/joint pain.

“Insha-Allah, Tabung Haji will ensure these patients receive proper care for their recovery,’ he assured.

With just four days until the Day of Arafah, he urged Haj pilgrims to prioritise their health and avoid prolonged exposure to the hot temperatures in the Holy Land.

“We expect hot weather during Haj, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 45 degrees Celsius. Avoid prolonged exposure and drink plenty of water to prevent heat stroke,” he advised.

In addition, he urged Haj pilgrims to comply with Saudi government regulations and follow instrctions from Tabung Haji officers.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

GEORGE TOWN, ASEAN member states must keep pushing for improved integration by linking up the railway network to achieve greater free flow of goods within the region, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said rail connectivity, particularly to link up the railway network from Peninsular Malaysia to Thailand, Laos and China, has been a long-term vision of ASEAN.

“If we can have this, then we can realise the Pan-Asian railway network because once you reach Kunming, you can reach Central Asia and even Europe. We have been talking about this the past 30 years.

“There has not been much progress on the Kunming-Singapore railway network even though there are already railway lines connecting these countries. However, there are missing dots and missing links,” he told a press conference after opening the 57th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) here today.

Besides the physical railway track, member states must also iron out issues regarding regulations and cross-border customs clearance for the re
gion to have a streamlined journey for goods and passengers in the future.

Loke said Malaysia is conducting a preliminary feasibility study on the Trans-Borneo Railway project to explore the pros and cons in terms of the commercial, technical and other aspects of the proposed network to complement the existing transport networks in Borneo.

“The feasibility study will be completed in the next nine months and once that is done, we can decide how to move forward,” he said.

The three-day 57th ASEAN STOM from today is attended by delegates headed by secretaries-general/permanent secretaries from ASEAN member states and ASEAN dialogue partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea and the United States.

Earlier, in his speech, Loke said that over the years, STOM has been a valuable and effective platform for ASEAN member states to deliberate on matters concerning the unique challenges and opportunities within the transportation sector in the region.

“Ever since the hosting of STOM and ASEAN Transport Ministers Mee
tings (ATM) by Malaysia in 2015, we have witnessed incredible efforts by the ASEAN Transport Bodies in implementing various initiatives as outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Action Plan (KLTSP) 2016-2025.

“Deliberations under STOM are also consistent with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 in creating a regional network of people and infrastructure to improve the way we live, work and travel,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA TERENGGANU, A total of 400 Pasar Payang I traders are requesting the Terengganu government to review the rental rates for the new premises, which they claim to be very high.

State Pasar Payang and Heritage Bazaar Traders Association chairman Ahmad Sukri Abdullah said the traders received a notice from the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) on Sunday (June 9) indicating a rent increase of between 300 per cent and 500 per cent.

He said the excessively high increase could be a burden to the traders, especially those who rely fully on their sales at the market for their livelihood.

‘The rental rates vary according to the type and size of the shop. For example, (the rent for) a kitchenware shop with an area of 3.05×3.05 square metres (10×10 square feet) has increased from RM110 to RM400 a month while a goldsmith shop with an area of 3.05×7 square metres (10×20 square feet) has increased from RM380 to RM1,600.

‘In the current uncertain economic condition and with the rising cost of living, most traders
are losing sleep over how to cope with the new rental rates,’ he said when met at Pasar Payang 2 here today.

Ahmad Sukri said that in addition to the new high rental rates, the fee of RM1,600 imposed for the shop signs is also quite expensive and unreasonable.

He said he supported MBKT’s efforts to beautify Pasar Payang I with the installation of uniform signboards but hoped that its implementation would not burden the traders.

‘We, at the association, always support all state government efforts to beautify or add value to attract more visitors to Pasar Payang I.

“But we are just small traders with modest incomes, and the RM1,600 fee imposed for installing the signboards is too high and needs to be reconsidered,’ he said, adding that an appeal letter was sent to an MBKT representative yesterday.

Meanwhile, 41-year-old kitchenware trader Saripah Ahmad said she did not expect such a high rent increase as the business premises are owned by the state government.

Saripah said the number of customers has also
decreased, except during school holidays due to the uncertain economic situation and with a net profit of about RM2,000 a month, she has to use that amount to support her five children, including three who are still in school.

‘The shop’s rental rate went up from RM110 to RM400 a month… very high. If it had gone up to about RM200 or RM250, it’s still acceptable.

‘I also need to pay a deposit and pay for the electricity, water and signage amounting to RM3,530 to get the keys to the new shop.

‘That doesn’t include the cost of wiring, moving items and other expenses that will amount to thousands of ringgit. It’s really stressful trying to raise the money,’ she said, while appealingto the state government to hear the traders’ grievances and consider a more reasonable rental rate.

Pasar Payang I was demolished and rebuilt in August 2019. It was completed in July last year and is expected to start operating on July 1.

The two-storey building, which is more modern, will house 412 shoplots, including goldsmiths,
clothing stores, batik shops, handicrafts, kitchenware and cafes.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Friso Gold has launched a new campaign under the banner ‘Give Them the Guts to Explore the World’ to spotlight the importance of gut protection in nurturing children’s growth and development.

Imun Lim, Marketing Director of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad, the holding company of Friso Gold, said that the campaign aims to empower parents with children aged one and above to strengthen their child’s gut, enabling them to explore the world with confidence.

‘This campaign stems from Friso Gold’s belief in the goodness of natural nutrition, harnessing and preserving nature’s gifts in harmony with science and modern technology to provide children quality checked formula milk that is easy on tummies.

‘As such, the campaign, which kicked off with the #GutsToExplore Roadshow 2024 in Sunway Pyramid sought to encourage parents to empower their kids to explore their world,’ she said in a statement today.

The roadshow also included a panel session in conjunction with World Milk Day, celebrating the jou
rney of childhood development while shining a spotlight on the foundational role of gut protection.

Present at the event were a dietitian and nutrition expert for children and adolescents Rozanna Rosly and parenting coach and certified speech therapist Zuraida Shahime.

Rozanna was quoted as saying in the statement that the importance of nutrition in enabling children to explore cannot be overstated, especially the area of gut protection, which is often overlooked.

She said the gut plays a central role in nutrient absorption, and a diet rich in fibre, probiotics and prebiotics are essential in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

‘These nutrients support the growth of beneficial bacteria, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.

‘Additionally, the gut produces key neurotransmitters like serotonin, vital for mood regulation and emotional balance. By protecting our children’s guts, we can help them manage stress, reduce anxiety, and maintain a positive emotional state, which supp
orts growth,’ she explained.

Meanwhile, Zuraida said that children are experts at finding wonder in the smallest things, from shadows on the wall to the sounds of the wind in the trees, in which their boundless curiosity drives them to explore, touch and experience everything around them.

‘A protected gut allows them to learn and grow, building the foundation for their minds and hearts as they become the amazing adults they’ll one day be. Parents and educators play an important role in this journey, creating environments and providing guidance that nurtures this innate drive to explore,’ she said.

Friso Gold now introduces a new formulation with the inclusion of 2′-FL which plays an important role in children’s gut microbiota development.

Made from quality-checked NOVAS Signature Milk, Friso® Gold is specially formulated with over 50 essential nutrients like DHA, Calcium, Protein, Vitamins and Minerals to support children’s development.

Utilising LocNutri technology, it preserves the natural structure of
milk proteins for easy digestion, while the inclusion of GOS, nucleotides and Bifido Lactis enhances nutrient absorption and bolsters internal defences.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency