Credit BN for law reforms, says Najib

No one else should take credit for the law reforms mooted by Barisan Nasional which saw the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the three Emergency Declarations when both the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat have their next sitting, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

He also announced that the government will do away with annual printing and publishing permits with permits that can be cancelled if regulations are flouted.

He said that the law reforms would put Malaysia on the right track to becoming a more open and progressive democracy while ensuring harmony.

The prime minister said the decision to scrap the ISA was part of his promise to amend the controversial law when he took office in 2009.

“These are not the fruits of their struggle. This was a decision made by the Barisan Nasional government because we listened to Malaysians who want this change.”

Forest law enforcement to curb illegal logging

Flying Squad in Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia is the forest law enforcement unit that plays a vital role in curbing illegal logging.

Under the law, all forest produce are the property of the State Authorities and only those with permission are allowed to enter and extract the forest produce.

Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General Of Forestry Department Peninsular M'sia

Forests are under the responsibility of the states as enshrined in the Malaysian Federal Constitution. Under Article 74(12) of the Federal Constitution, land and forest ownership and management is the responsibility of the State governments.

The executive authority of the Federal Government only extends to the provision of advice and technical assistance to the States, training and the conduct of research, unless the State agrees to delegate some of their authority to the Federal Government.

However, the Federal Government is responsible for trade policies, import and export controls and international cooperation among others. The Enforcement Unit at the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia coordinates and supports the enforcement actions undertaken by the Forest Operations Division at the State Forest Departments of Peninsular Malaysia only.

Zahari Ibrahim, Director of Flying Squad

The challenge of sustainability management of production forests faces highly complex processes. It is interesting to note that Forestry Department has taken various measures in to curb illegal logging.

Let’s see what Datuk Razani Ujang, Director General of Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia and Zahari Ibrahim, head of Flying Squad say about the modus operandi on Corporate Illegal Logging and the issues to the Star, the biggest circulation newspaper in Malaysia…

Read the full article below:

http://mstar.com.my/kolumnis/cerita.asp?file=%2F2011%2F7%2F18%2Fmstar_kolum_khabarnya%2F20110718101827&sec=mstar_kolum_khabarnya

http://mstar.com.my/mingguan/cerita.asp?file=%2F2011%2F7%2F19%2Fmstar_mingguan%2F20110719112155&sec=mstar_mingguan

Illegal logging

The issue of illegal logging has become a hot topic as the awareness of the environmental issues not only gains its momentum but become social agenda.

Datuk Razani Bujang, Director General of Forestry Dept. Peninsular M'sia

Illegal logging is the harvest, transportation, purchase or sale of timber in violation of laws. It is a pervasive problem, causing enormous damage to forests, local communities and to the economies of producer countries.

The activities contribute to deforestation and by extension global warming causes loss of biodiversity and undermines the rule of law. These illegal activities undermine responsible forest management, encourage corruption and tax evasion and reduce the income of the producer countries, further limiting the resources that can be invested in sustainable development.

Illegal logging not only destroys the country’s unique rainforests, but also causes a series of environmental problems including flooding. The seriousness and negative impact of the economic and social implications for the poor and disadvantaged shouldn’t be overlooked.

Many Malaysians might not be aware that the forest that they are so used to is actually complex ecosystems that are filled with an assortment of plant life and wildlife.

Malaysia has been blessed with an abundance of rainforests. Many forested areas in Malaysia have been designated as National Parks and forest reserves. Malaysia’s efforts in preserving its rainforests are not in vain.

Malaysia has always done its best in the fight against illegal logging, which not only destroys the country’s unique rainforests, but also causes a series of environmental problems, including flooding.

It is interesting to note that Forestry Department has taken various measures to overcome the problems. Let see what the Director General of Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia said....

Read the full article below:

http://mstar.com.my/mingguan/cerita.asp?file=/2011/7/19/mstar_mingguan/20110719113620&sec=mstar_mingguan

PM wants review Prepaid tax

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the government has nothing to do with the telecommunication companies' decision to pass the burden of the six percent service tax on mobile phone prepaid reloads to the customer.

He said the move was decided entirely by the telecommunication companies, and should be reviewed so as to not burden the rakyat.

"The Finance Ministry did not approve it. It was done by the telecommunication companies themselves," he said in Kuala Lumpur.

The premier added that he has received much feedback on the matter and feels that a review of the decision is needed especially as the rakyat is now facing increasingly lean times.

“I have received information and feedback from the people at large and find that the decision is unpopular.

“So I hope it can be reviewed to reduce the burden of the rakyat who are now facing hikes in food prices,” he said.

Yesterday, telecommunications companies announced that it will now charge consumers the six percent tax it had previously been footing.

The opposition has hit out at the Najib administration, saying that it is proof of its uncaring stance.