Today, the Animal Ordinance which is more than 50 years old remains obsolete. The authorities should be serious in bringing change to an antiquated law for the welfare of animals in the country. It is a matter of serious concern that various types of cruelties to animals are practised since penalties for animal cruelty are too low and the lawmakers, police and magistrates are not in tune with the way other similar jurisdictions are treating animal abuse cases as a serious crime.

It does not take much of an Internet search to find that most developed countries have revised their laws several times in line with society’s expectations as people have become more sophisticated and educated on animal welfare. The current law is obviously quite inadequate to deal with many of the animal abuses occurring. Animals suffer and experience pain in a manner similar to humans and it is this concept that should be espoused in the code of practice in animal welfare legislation.

In the fight against the burgeoning stray population caused by the frequent dumping of dogs and cats on the streets, collection, sheltering and destruction only treats the symptoms of the disease known as the pet population explosion, not the cause. Even then, the catching and destruction methods of strays adopted by the local councils and City Hall are horrendously cruel going by the various media reports and public sentiments. Dog catchers recruited by the councils are untrained and totally ignorant to the proper methods of handling, catching and the putting down of strays. The local councils spend too much time and money disposing of the stray problem while too little is done in educating the public on how to treat animals correctly.

Pet shops too contribute to the stray problem when people began buying pets on impulse without thinking about what they were doing or knowing anything about breed characteristics. Animals in pet shops are also acquired from puppy mills with many suffering from health problems. SAM had called for stricter legislation over welfare standards in pet shops such as restrictions on dispensing medication and docking tails of puppies as well as addressing the living conditions of puppies and other animals living in cramped, filthy cages, being bred and raised with a minimum of care and little socialization.

This was met with deafening silence from the local authorities. Councils should not be nonchalant in their attitude towards animal welfare but should remain effective in the enforcement of legislation on improving the licensing and regulatory systems for the sale and breeding of pets. Animal registration system which currently applies to dogs, should be expanded to include cats and other pets through micro chipping to prevent abandonment of pets. The Ministry of Agriculture and its relevant authorities should not delay further but look into the amendment of laws, enacting new ones and enforcement of laws and policies about human treatment of animals. It is vital that these authorities work together with NGOs and animal welfare groups in coming out with effective laws covering every aspect of animal rights and welfare legislation.

I would like to bring to the attention that on those employed by the restaurants. As I enjoy eating out, so I frequent various restaurants. Most of those employed in these restaurants are from foreign countries, including India, Indonesia and other nationals. A significant number of the foreign restaurant workers seem to be rude, impolite, arrogant, poke fun on customers, give lackluster service and some times intimidating.

These same workers are known to be polite, humble, hardworking and courteous back home. (Obviously, if they don’t, they will lose their jobs which offer meager wages they get there). What seem to be the cause of this state? Is it that some of them are exploited by their local employers so much so they show their grudge on the customers instead?

Some workers claim that they have been asked to work longer hours than that what had been agreed earlier. Perhaps, this may lead the workers to suffer fatigue and distress in their work. Many of the restaurant operators tolerate the indifferent attitude of their foreign workers since it is quite difficult to get repalcement. Perhaps, because of this tolerant and understanding attitude among Malaysians that encouraged some foreign workers to take advantage.

There seems to be some elements of truth in some of the workers’ claim that they are unpaid, way past tolerable level. However, the foreign workers should get rid of their negative attitude no matter what is the excuse since it would further jeopardize the fate of his employers and his co- workers. Instead, the foreign workers should voice out their grievances to their employers and try reaching an amicable solution through negotiations.

The screening of foreign workers should be more stringent and should ensure no change in their sector of employment other than the sector initially applied for by the foreign workers. Many workers from a neighboring country are employed as maids. Some maids are not happy with the employers who are accused of being cruel by mistreating and exploiting them. Even if the accusation is true, but the number involved is small. This scenario is definitely not only peculiar to Malaysia but is also experienced by other countries as well.

Over all, many Malaysians are paying more than the minimum amount set, in appreciation of the maids’ work, sincerity and dedication. Many Malaysians treat their maids as part of their family members. However, it cannot be denied that some of the maids do mischievious things and conduct disobedient behaviour. As a result, some employers punish such maids in their own ways. Of course, some go overboard and if they get caught by the authorities, they are severely punished for that. If the foreign workers are not happy with the treatment they get in Malaysia, they are free to go to any other countries which might offer better deal to them.

There are two lessons to be learnt here. (1) The Malaysian employers should treat their foreign laborers professionally and considerately. The wages to the foreign laborers should be paid promptly. (2)The foreign workers should be courteous, polite, professional and execute their duty in a caring manner. 

Besides this, the ministry is also building five mini-incinerators on Pulau Tioman, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Labuan and in Cameron Highlands. We urge the Malayisan government not to set-up harmful facilities with discredited technologies such as incineration. Landfills and incinerators are only end-of-pipe solutions.

By disposing waste in a landfill or by incinerating them, the problem is only deferred not solved! Firstly, landfilling produces leachate containing toxic chemicals which would eventually leak. Landfill leachate has been responsible for contaminating ground water supplies and surface water ecosystems in communities all over the world. The extent of damage by leachate is largely unknown, given the complexity of leachate flows within landfills, the complex systems of aquifers, which may be impacted, and a lack of data. Although the impacts are uncertain, the precautionary principle should apply given the toxic nature of the materials involved.

Similarly, incineration is also a dangerous technology, with emissions and ashes containing hazardous materials, including heavy metals, toxic gases and organic compounds such as dioxin. Despite reductions of some chemicals in stack emissions, modern incinerators nevertheless still emit numerous toxic substances to the atmosphere as well as in other residues such as fly ash and bottom ash. Moreover, reductions of dioxins and other chemicals in stack gases commonly leads to increased releases of these same chemicals in the other incinerator residues.

Besides these, the micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter of exhaust gases from the incinerator together become hundreds of tonnes of air pollutants every year. At the end of the day, no matter what technology has been tacked on, incineration remains a means of transferring waste from one form to another and then dispersing it into the environment.

Cancer, birth defects, reproductive dysfunction, neurological damage and other health effects are known to occur at very low exposures to many of the metals, organochlorines and other pollutants released by incineration facilities. Increased cancer rates, respiratory ailments, reproductive abnormalities and other health effects are noted among people living near some incinerators, according to scientific studies, surveys by community groups and local physicians. Moreover many pollutants released in incinerator air emissions have been shown to accumulate in and on food crops. While thorough washing of produce may remove a portion of pollutants on crop surfaces, a significant amount will remain.

There is already sufficient human health and environmental contamination evidence to reject incineration and landfilling based on the precautionary principle. Hence, we urge the Malaysian government to develop and implement waste minimization efforts, move towards cleaner technologies and embrace the path of sustainable development. Aside from creating job and livelihood opportunities, waste diversion from landfilling and incineration would conserve resources and prevent the contamination of the environment with persistent organic pollutants, climate-warming greenhouse gases and other toxic releases.

We need to put a stop to dirty waste disposal technologies. We must move towards sustainable consumption and lifestyle so that we do not generate more waste. Organics must be diverted away from landfills for composting, recyclables returned to the economy, virgin materials replaced with recycled materials. No public money should be used to fund projects that will bury or burn waste and end up releasing greenhouse gases and other environmental pollutants. Instead, the Malaysian government should expedite the formulation and implementation of regulations with regards waste segregation and waste reduction to promote reuse, composting and safe recycling.

The 1Malaysia concept was introduced to regain public support for Barisan Nasional. It had drastically eroded during the 2008 general election. 1Malaysia has 8 key principles, known as the 8 pillars, i.e. Perseverance, Culture of Excellence, Humility, Loyalty, Acceptance, Education, Integrity & Meritocracy.

The purpose, content, need and aim of 1Malaysia have been thoroughly interpreted and discussed. Some criticized it as a dream and ploy. Some said it would only be on papers but would not be practised. Some fear that the superiors in the public sector might still stick to the old policy unless thorough enforcement and check and balance is compelled. Some say that certain key policies introduced in National Economic Policy would remain status quo even if it conflicts with the 1Malaysia.

There is another positive thinking group which claims that given 1Malaysia some time to be implemented and assessed. If there were a setback, then the Prime Minister and his cabinet should take remedial measures. All in all, there are a lot of expectations from 1Malalysia by various groups in Malaysia. This includes ordinary laymen. Even though they may not understand clearly as to how the 8 pillars will benefit them but they know and want it as follows (at random):- They want competitive and fair price for the goods and services they acquire.

2. Adequate wages that match their education and their effort.

3. Proper distribution of government service offices throughout the country.

4. Fair and just treatment of citizens irrespective of race creed.

5. Take stern action on those who are corrupt or commit serious crimes irrespective of their position, political affiliation, religion and race.

6. Auctions and tenders involving central and local government should be held open.

7. Tolls should do away with as it has been collects for far too long.

8. Education should be free to all until tertiary education. Free hostels should also be provided to Non Bumiputra students.

9. Stop manipulation of law for political and financial gains.

10. Security and enforcement authorities, including branches in the Armed Forces, Fire and Rescue Service, Anti Corruption Commission and Special Branch of the Royal Police Force should convince the public that these are service oriented institutions for the people and country. 

11. Their children be allowed to study any subjects, any courses, anywhere and anytime of their choice.

12. Public servants, top to bottom, should be thrifty and accountable for all the expenditures they incur or sanction. The above expectations seem reasonable. realistic and acceptable. I am sure Datuk Seri Najib would have considered all the above before launching his 1Malaysia Campaign.

Yes, 1Malalysia is an ideal vision for contemporary Malaysia. However, it would only materialize and be accepted by all Malaysians, if and only if, Malaysians get rid of racial, religious, skin color and class prejudices. Are we ready? The answer is in each Malaysian's hands.

The wife was given the honor and trust to take in charge of the home, cooking and children. One should acknowledge that these are not easy tasks unless the wife is reasonably educated, self dedicated, self disciplined, has proper time management and most importantly render love in abundance and at the same time be strict with the children when it comes to discipline and education. It is really not an over statement to call her as the "Queen of the House".

What is happening today is paving the way for the destruction of family institution. The moral value and the discipline among the children have dipped tremendously. The food prepared for the family is done in haste and mostly (the lunch) less nutritious. Why? It is shocking to realize that more than 75 per cent of the couples are mutual wage earners. This means that the children are under the care of the maid (who hardly speaks English), nanny (reasonably educated) or with the close acquaintances. Surprisingly, the amount earned by one of the couple would not be significantly higher that than that paid for all the household chores (opportunity cost).

On non-monetary aspects, the parents are quite restless and not at peace of mind doing their work. A lot of the parents call home frequently to check on their children and their maids. To the extreme, many parents installed CCTVs in their homes to have a first-hand look at what is going on in their house. Previously, the children had less contact time with their dads and it was treated as normal. However, today the contact time with their mothers too have reduced to bear minimum. Now, the younger children seem to be very much attached with the maid, nanny or others in the house as compared to the mom. There are significant cases where the child is attached with the dad more than the mother. Some children fall sick when the maid or nanny take leave. Some mothers feel enviously jealous of this scenario. Even if the maid or the nanny seem very caring, there is certain element of doubt in the sincerity as there is no blood relationship between the child and the nanny.

Working couples claim that it is a necessity for both to work as the salary they get is low. The salary would obviously be low if many apply for jobs. If either couple applies, the demand for workers would increase tremendously and the wages would increase. Thus one person's income is sufficient for the family. Why the wives shun being queen of the house, instead go for employment? Many of them are now highly educated and is seem to be a waste if they stay on as queen of house. The husbands too are to be blamed for not valuing, honoring and respecting the contributions of housewives.

There are a lot of mothers who are in dilemma between choosing family well-being and having successful career. In the end, they end up choosing one lackadaisically. I am sure if many half day positions (4 hours a day) are created, many such mothers would gladly accept such positions as it would give them more time to spend with their family. Some can work in the morning shift and the others in the evening shift. Of course, the shifts could be swapped between them. I hope the Ministry of Human Resource encourage and promote the creation and increase a half day work for mothers who desire such opportunity. My conclusion is that., the parents should assess whether there is a need for both of them to work. Serious consideration should be given on non monetary aspects. 

In the promotion of sport fishing, the Terenganu State Government has opted to stock Tasik Kenyir with fish species that are both attractive and exciting to fishers. The one species that got environmentalists and several quarters worried is none other than the Mekong Giant Catfish. But the Menteri Besar remained nonchalant to the voices of the NGOs and others preferring to defend his fish stocking practices.

By refuting the argument of environmentalists that water ways should contain only native species he pointed out the government had done its homework to bring the giant catfish as an attraction for the fishing competition. He further added that it is not an invasive species. Whether or not the alien species can be invasive is an important factor to be considered.

Recreational impacts and economic costs associated with invasive species can be substantial if invasive species do become a problem. Control measures usually are very expensive and difficult to implement. While other countries are spending millions to get rid of invasive species the state has retrogressed in the introduction of alien species into our local environment.

There is a price to pay for the introduction of non indigenous species into waters where they did not evolve. Non-native fish often prey on native species, or compete with them for food and spawning sites. A non-native animal may survive better than a native, not only because it has no natural enemies in the new environment, but because it grows more quickly or in less favorable conditions than natives.

This causes increased competition for resources by native species. There is also possibility of the giant catfish spreading into river tributaries and lakes. Furthermore its vulnerability as an endangered species where it is listed as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union calls for its protection in its natural habitats, not to be brought in for the pleasure of fishing enthusiasts. International efforts are already under way to save the species where it is now illegal in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia to harvest giant catfish. A most significant step in the conservation of the Mekong giant catfish!

Taking these into consideration the Terengganu Menteri Besar should be more responsible in recognizing the threats of alien species, and in recognition of the critical status of Mekong Giant catfish as critically endangered, there should not be any import of this fish into our lakes.

It is reported that the federal government is funding for the project is RM150 million while the concessionaire is to come up with the rest. In return, the concessionaire is seeking rights to reclaim 150 acres in Gurney Drive and another 350 acres in Middle Bank, near Jelutong. When asked if the state government was in favour of the project, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng reportedly said that the state government welcomed any project which would help reduce traffic congestion and generate economic growth and revenue for the state. He also said that the Penang Government is still waiting for feedback from the federal government on the project.

On whether the state government would consult the public on the PORR, Lim had said public consultation had already been held, and there were differing views. We are concerned of these new developments. Since the PORR was first announced in 2002, civil society groups and affected communities who had formed the No-PORR committee had been calling on the government to scrap the project because the environmental repercussions of this project are potentially disastrous, involving hill-cutting and coastal reclamation.

Many citizens and groups have expressed concern not for the sake of simply opposing the PORR, but out of a genuine concern that the social, environmental and economic costs of this project are way too high for an option that does not have long term benefits. Besides this, the PORR project had been lacking in transparency right from the start. No public consultation was done before the government decided to implement the project. Now we are exasperated that the Penang Chief Minister feels that there is no need to consult the public.

Earlier when the public’s concerns were raised during several consultations with the previous government, it had not been seriously considered. Now, with the new government, civil society is not even being given an opportunity to raise their concerns. We have been contending that the PORR is a futile attempt in reducing congestion on existing roads, as stressed by the Penang Urban Transport Study which was commissioned by the State and published in 1998. Based on the findings of the study pertaining to the effectiveness, usefulness and efficiency of the PORR, the report stated that the PORR will not be of much use to alleviate traffic congestion in the long run.

We have been demanding for an integrated public transport system for more sustainable and cost effective solution in the long-term. We suggest that the government put its energy and resources into upgrading public transportation in the State. With better public transport, there would be no necessity for the PORR as there would be less private vehicles on the road. Thus, we urge the Federal and Penang State government to scrap the construction of the PORR and instead focus on implementing an efficient and integrated public transport system in the State.