In a Flash 27 April 2009

IN A FLASH 27 APRIL 2009

GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM MUHIBAH.

IT IS NOW TIME FOR IN A FLASH.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will build a new air base in Kota Kinabalu next year, its second air base after the one at Subang.

MMEA air branch director First Admiral Zammani Mohd Amin said the Sabah air base would make safeguarding the country's territorial waters and search and rescue (SAR) operation more efficient.
He said this at the handing over ceremony for MMEA Northern Region Chief in Bukit Malut.

He said he hopes that his successor Maritime Admiral Zulkifli Abu Bakar from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) would succeed in checking piracy ion the country's territorial northern waters.

Zammani said to achieve this, MMEA need to have more sophisticated boats and equipments to move fast particularly in bad weather conditions adding that assistance from the air branch will make MMEA's efforts at sea more effective.

MMEA personnel also need to upgrade their knowledge as they have to enforcement laws under several acts like the Customs and Fisheries Act.

Also present was Deputy Chief Director, Maritime Rear Admiral, Dato' Noor Aziz Yunan.

/ENDS-BERNAMA

The Information, Communication and Culture Ministry would launch a contest to identify the best composer for the '1Malaysia' song.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said just like other patriotic songs that inculcate patriotism in their composition, especially songs like 'Budi Bahasa Budaya Kita' and those to promote reading, the Ministry also wants the 'IMalaysia' song lyrics to have all the values that can attract listeners.

He told reporters after attending a dinner hosted by Kelab Rekreasi Warga Tua, Kuala Klawang last night.

Dr Rais who is also Jelebu Member of Parliament said the song composition would have the representation of all races.

The '1Malaysia' song, to be in composed in Bahasa Malaysia, would be widely aired on all TV and radio stations, just like what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had wished for.

Meanwhile, Dr Rais also said that he was surprised with his appointment to the Umno Supreme Council by Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Friday.

He said he did not expect to be among those appointed but he is deeply honoured with the announcement and hope to do his very best to strengthen the party.

/ENDS-BERNAMA


Sungai Merbok, Lembah Bujang and Pantai Merdeka in Kedah will be given a face-lift as these areas will be developed into the latest tourist destination.

This is after the tourism ministry has approved 1.5 million ringgit allocation to upgrade the areas for tourists.

General Manager of Kedah state tourism council, Dato Othman Aziz said these destinations are suitable for tourist for more than one reason.

He added, for example Sungai Merbok with Gunung Jerai in the background has four thousand one hundred fourteen acres of mangrove forest containing thirty-six mangrove species with more than seventy species of birds apart from other species.

This area will be upgraded with water sports facilities.

He then added Lembah Bujang with its historical value and Pantai Merdeka with its natural beauty will also be upgraded to be more attractive to tourists.

He was speaking to RTM at the closing ceremony for Merbok Go Green Challenge 2009 in Sungai Petani, yesterday.

He added KTAC will intensify the promotion for the state.

//ENDS-RTM


THAT’S THE END OF IN A FLASH FOR TODAY.

SALAM MUHIBAH.