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EDITION JULY 2021
https://sites.google.com/view/beritadimensi
Berita DIMENSi
YOUR DIVERSE SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION RM1 Billion Contracts: Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS General, Page 6
Can Vitamin C Help You Against COVID-19?
Malaysian Drama Faces Backlash over Unrealistic Acting Entertainment, Page 15
Lifestyle, Page 11
AstraZeneca Vaccine
Recipients Shared their Excitement NAJLA ZAID [email protected] KUALA LUMPUR
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orld Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) has become one of the centres for the distribution of the AstraZeneca vaccine to recipients. The recipients shared the excitement and experience of receiving the first dose at WTCKL. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation as Coordinating Minister of the National COVID-19 Immunization Program (PICK), Khairy Jamalud-
din said the administration of this vaccine is done voluntarily — using the concept of first come, first serve — and is open to citizens residing in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur only. Masyithah Md Saiful, 22, an AstraZeneca vaccine recipient recounted her exciting experience. “I was very excited because after a year of waiting, I finally managed to book a slot to be vaccinated and I was the first person in the family to be vaccinated. “The first thing that crossed my mind in terms of getting vaccinated was that I wanted my life back to normal. I think if I start taking the vaccine and encourage
others to take the vaccine, surely Malaysia will quickly achieve herd immunity. “By taking the vaccine, I was able to reduce the risk to dangerous levels when infected with COVID-19,” says Masyithah through an interview by Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. However, there are some preparations done by the vaccine recipient before getting the vaccine. This is to avoid severe or debilitating side effects. “After booking a slot, I started looking for reference material about the AstraZeneca vaccine on the qualifications for individuals who could receive this vaccine and started to ask the doctor
if I was eligible to receive this vaccine. “I also made sure that I am healthy before the day of vaccination,” Masyithah added. Recipients were also satisfied with the process when taking the vaccine at WTCKL. Although it was crowded with many people, the present health workers managed to make the process go smoothly. Masyithah stated that upon reaching WTCKL, the situation outside was very crowded with people, it was difficult to maintain a distance of one meter as many arrived early before the scheduled time.
General, Page 2
ENVIRONMENT
Smartphones without Charger
EXCLUSIVE
For the greater good of the environment?
O
ctober 2020 sees the tech world being environmentally cautious, especially with the likes of Apple with their announcement of excluding the charging brick along with other accessories in their box with the newly launched iPhone 12 line-up. On the basis of pursuing the agenda as an entirely ‘carbon-neutral’ tech industry by the year 2030, these are some of Apple’s initial manoeuvres in achieving the prospect. The logic here is that
with fewer components in the retail box, the packaging will be much thinner hence reducing the raw resources needed and carbon footprint emitted throughout its production.
Environment, Page 10
Online Child Sexual Abuse Materials Access Soars Amidst MCO Special Report, Page ##
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GENERAL
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A Larger Spotlight for the Homeless FAHMI IZZ [email protected] KUALA LUMPUR
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he Movement Control Order (MCO), which enters the third phase from May 12 to June 7, 2021, will be a significant factor in the increase in the number of homeless in Kuala Lumpur. The issue of homelessness is not strange in Malaysia. Still, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, it indirectly raises concerns to this group who are vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak and makes it a national issue that needs to be focused on. A resident of Kuala Lumpur, Hakim Amin, 21, said the issue needed to be addressed immediately as the country is still struggling with the pandemic. “Our main concern now is the COVID-19. We are trying our best to solve the disease, so we need to start from the homeless, those who do not have good personal hygiene and safe shelter,” he said in an interview with Berita DIMENSi through WhatsApp. We can probably expect large-scale homeless clusters in Kuala Lumpur due to the lack of assistance channels to them. At the same time, the rate of increase in cases will cause the government to further tighten the enforcement of the MCO. “The implementation of this stricter MCO has its risks; it can contribute to the rate of increase in the number of homeless due to the community around Kuala Lumpur whom lost their jobs and becoming poor urban status,” he added.
According to Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) report in July last year, Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest number of homeless people as it was the central city for the community to earn an income. As a result, the implementation of MCO led to an increase in the number due to the community was squeezed with financial problems and layoffs so that they could not afford to cover daily expenses. Another Kuala Lumpur resident, Nazrul Danish, 22, has a different opinion on the status of urban poverty that has plagued the country since the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think that the individual can resolve the issue of urban poverty before being given any special assistance. They have to try to find a way to earn a living because it must be admitted that nowadays it is easy
to earn an income in various ways. “In any case, they should be given emotional support to remain positive. Those who are called the poor of this city used to be workers; then they have to instill the attitude of enthusiasm, effort, and independence in life,” he said during a call interview with Berita DIMENSi. Speaking of aids, there were efforts made by the government and NGOs to help the homeless during pandemic. Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development has established a
homeless transit center to assist. But the question is, is it enough? And will it be able to keep them from getting caught up in the spread of the epidemic that is plaguing the country? Adilan Razak, 25, stressed that the government needs a welfare institution with stable funds to help this group. “I feel the government must create welfare institutions thathave stable funding channels. If there are charitable institutions but no substantial funds, how to even save them? “With the current situation of COVID-19, they have no shelter and sleep on the sidewalk with lack of hygiene and health care, necessities are not enough, we need to create more transit centers. “So it is not just the basic needs that should be given. Increase the number of transit and health centers for this group. That is what needs to be done,” he said through a face-to face interview with Berita DIMENSi. With that being said, the government and NGOs should enhance their roles in order to help this community to survive in a long-term plan.
Employee Forced to Work from Home, Tourism Industry Suffers
AINAA HUSNA [email protected] ALOR GAJAH
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efore the onset of the coronavirus disease, Malaysia used to be one of the most interesting places to visit, filled with tourists that came from all over the world. The tourism industry has continually bloomed and is believed to be buoyed primarily by sustained economic growth. However, during this pandemic, Malacca is one of the tourism spots that is currently struggling to survive in this industry. All economic sectors were badly affected, especially the tourism sector.
This includes those who are obliged by law to start working from home. Minister of Defence, Ismail Sabri Yaakob had made a public statement on 22 May, stating that 80% of government employees will work from home involving nearly 750,000 of Malaysians. The analysis included the reduction of employees in the private sector at any one time to only 60% while the rest of the 40% will be working from home, according to the press release. The relaxation of lockdown measures in most Malaysian states provides a chance for the tourism sector to bounce back from the worsening state. The halt in traveling and the closure of global borders has made it logical for the tourism industry in Malaysia
to strategize their advertising techniques especially in adapting to the new norm. Several tourism programs might be proposed in reviving Malacca’s essential tourism spots that were severely affected by the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) early 2020. During the MCO, financial-economic activities are allowed to run as usual, but interstate travel is banned nationwide. Berita DIMENSi has contacted a Functional Consultant from Kamakura Corporation, Nur Amalena via email to gain more insights on her role. “I complied with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) strictly because of the severity of the situation. When the first MCO was announced I just got
back from a working trip in Singapore and I immediately underwent quarantine upon touchdown in Malaysia,” she said. Amalena, 29, also expressed her concerns about the cancellations made by many tourists and people who always travel for work, especially when they have not yet received their vaccine. Preparing the right operating station is also the main thing to do for her to work properly from home. She also said that it is important for her to have a proper working station to support the efficiency of her work. “The nature of my work involves a lot of consultation regarding financial risk management systems. Face-to-face interaction is the best however, there is a workaround solution i.e. through conference and video calls,” she added. Reviving any tourism economy in Malacca comes with many options, she believed that some improvements could be implemented for the tourism sector to survive. “Certainly, there are so many beautiful places in the country, and as Malaysians, we have the responsibility to help the tourism industry bloom again and at the same time contribute towards our country’s growth. Our best option is to travel locally. “Promotions and advertising are the keys. After being in lockdown for too long, many Malaysians are desperate to travel and have holidays, however, the pandemic has also caused the economy to slow down,” she said. She also hopes that the tourism sector not just in Malacca but all states in Malaysia will improve for a better living for everyone.
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The Rise of COVID-19 Cases
The Fate of Selangor’s Economy SYAHEERA IZAMUDDIN [email protected] RAWANG
increasing number of COVID-19 cases. “We used to have a great life where we could fully prepare our children with many meals, but now, we can only serve a smaller amount of food for the family. Now, I am helping my husband running a small business by selling cookies for Hari Raya from home,” said Mashitah. Selangor, especially in Gombak, has shown a worrisome number of cases as most areas are in a red zone. This proves that the fate of Selangor’s economy can be in danger and Selangor will probably face total lockdown, just like what had happened in Kelantan. Che Jalimah Che Tam, 60, a street vendor who runs a stall selling soybean drinks and tau foo fa under the tree near the bridge at Bukit Beruntung, said that the rising cases of COVID-19 in Selangor has made her worry all the time because she often receive few customers. “I am already old, but I have to sell to support my family. My children will help
me at the stall whenever they are free. “I do hope that the government and district council can collaborate and figure solutions to drop down the numbers. Or else, small vendors like me will not survive if Selangor faces total lockdown like before,” said Che Jalimah. In contrast with Shaharom Seman, 45, a vendor who runs a business selling roti john during Ramadan, he said that this issue is common among the citizens of Selangor. “If we, the citizens do not implement it (SOP), then there is nothing we can do except to pray for our safety. I think that no matter what happens, Selangor’s economy will remain the same as it is. “I do pray and hope COVID-19 cases will decrease in number but looking at how Selangor citizens behave towards it, I do not see any hope for Selangor to be in the yellow zone,” said Shaharom.
Never-ending MCO,
Can Small Businesses Survive?
NORSUHANA ROSTAM [email protected] KEMASIK
S
mall traders who had just breathed a sigh of relief when they were allowed to continue operating their business in the month of Ramadan are now back to square one worrying about their fate. On May 21, Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the results of a special session of the National Security Council on the management of COVID-19 crisis. The implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 is said to be more strict on rules and curfews on the economic and social sectors. It is effective from May 12 to June 7.
The Rise of E-Commerce during MCO HARIZ HISHAMUDDIN [email protected] BATANG KALI
T
he rise of COVID-19 cases in Selangor has always been discussed among citizens and what has happened in Selangor brought huge impacts to the economic sector. With such circumstances, it seems like there will be no sign of the numbers dropping as there are no actions being taken, despite it being concerning. In Bukit Beruntung, with few manufacturing and automotive sectors available, people who live there have to find other ways to generate income. It is understandable that street vendors can easily be found on roadsides in small towns as a means to fend for them and their families. During this year’s Ramadan, the economy sector has risen up a bit as Bazar Ramadan is open with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) announced by Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS). According to Megat Azammudin, 32, the rise of COVID-19 cases in Selangor has made his family feel unsafe and terrified whenever they go out just to buy groceries. He also said that he pities the street vendors who struggle to survive during Ramadan in this pandemic. On the other hand, Mashitah Omar, 32, a housewife stated that COVID-19 cases in Selangor has changed her family’s lives drastically. “My husband, who worked as an engineer at Perodua, had been demoted as an admin officer due to the
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Although the government still allows small businesses to continue operating, the time allocated limits the income of the seller’s business. Restaurant owners and employees who are operating at night are likely to be the most affected by the implementation of MCO as the business hours are shortened. Siti Nor Hamizah binti Adnan, 23, is one of the merchants who owns a small clothing business at a night market in Kemasik. Hamizah said that there were a lot of challenges that she faced throughout the MCO period during an interview by Berita DIMENSi’s journalist via WhatsApp. “Most small business owners have lost their main source of income during the first MCO in March 2020. During the Conditional Movement Control
Order (CMCO), the government allows business to normally operate as usual. It is saddening to see that the public nowadays tend to buy essential items only rather than purchasing non-essential items such as clothes. The total income I have earned during MCO is only 15% of the income I usually obtained,” Hamizah said. She also said that she was left with no choice but to save as much as she can because nobody knows when this pandemic will end. Hamizah also offers options such as cash on delivery (COD) and postage charges will be imposed to those who cannot purchase her clothes in-store. Minister of Defence Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob held a special press conference with the Director General of Health on May 22. “The government has set up a special task force comprising the Malaysian Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), the National Security Council and Bank Negara to help on matters involving the health and well -being of Malaysians,” said Ismail Sabri during live press conference on Astro Awani’s Youtube channel. The government expressed their concerns and worries on the well-being of the public, especially those who depend wholly on their small businesses as their main source of income. Monetary assistance is provided by the government through the Geran Khas Prihatin programme to lighten their burden at this time of need.
THE COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed Malaysian e-commerce. According to a news report by The Malaysian Reserve, online trading activity has increased by 28.9% within a month after the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced on March 18 last year. Since the first phase of MCO, most businesses have been taking a beating which has made them jump onto the new norm, that is, online selling because most Malaysians have adapted one step ahead as people shift their shopping towards online platforms. Based on a survey taken from Statista, 62% of respondents revealed the main reason for the increasing online purchases during the pandemic was because their family members were practicing social distancing and wanted to minimize their time spent outside. Nurul Izzati, 23, a Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam (UiTM) student who lives in Batang Kali, a town in Hulu Selangor, believed that MCO is a second chance for online sellers to showcase their brands especially her brand which is TeenagersConcepts since the Malaysian e-commerce sector is on the rise after the MCO was enforced. She also said the growing demand for hijab in her area during MCO has created a big opportunity for Teenagers Concepts to stay afloat during the pandemic crisis where all she could do was move it online to reach a bigger audience. Batang Kali is a town in Hulu Selangor district, which is also a transit point to Genting Highland and it is understandable if a strategic town like Batang Kali was developed in a short amount of time. Izzati also expressed her excitement when her hometown was rapidly developing in terms of courier services which benefited her the most as an online seller and also as an online buyer. “I could see the differences of Batang Kali’s development especially in terms of various delivery options which has made it easier for me to choose what type of courier services that I want to use such as Ninja Van, Shopee Express, J&T Express, Pos Laju, and many more,” she added. She used to consider taking a break from continuing her online business due to the loss she once experienced when opening a booth before MCO, but it changed her perspective when the progress of the sales on Shopee started to change after MCO was enforced. “One of the main reasons the nongroceries purchases are increasing is because everything can be purchased with just a click. It also consists of the most convenient aspect on the internet, which is less timeconsuming,” says Izzati when contacted by Berita DIMENSi via Microsoft Teams. She said she did not know there are so many potential online sellers from Batang Kali until she met a few of them at the nearest uptown, thus, having various courier services being developed in the short amount of time is truly a vital point that helps both courier services and its consumers. New norms are evolving across all parts of the world and due to the pandemic, leveraging technology in business is the driving process. Thus, with the rise of e-commerce, going online should be made one of the new ways to survive.
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GENERAL
5
Coping with COVID-19
The Struggles of University Students LILY NAZEERA [email protected] SHAH ALAM
T
he widespread COVID-19 and the continuous Movement Control Order (MCO) has taken their toll on university students. Since the implementation of the first nationwide MCO in March last year, university students have shifted their study mode virtually due to the closure of universities and restriction of physical classes. Based on a survey carried out by Berita DIMENSi on the effects of COVID-19 towards the mental well-being of university students and online learning, 75.3% of the students agreed that they are among the most affected by COVID-19. Due to the absence of physical classes and lack of physical interactions among the students and lecturers, it is difficult for them to adapt to the new norm of education. Sukinah Ya’cob, 22, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) student at Sunway College agreed and shared her thoughts on this matter. “It is because we (students) are not mentally prepared to study online and most of the lecturers do not have any experience teaching online effectively using technology,” said Sukinah during an interview with Berita DIMENSi via email.
Tun Laila Tun Rafaee, 23, a final year law student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) stated that she too faced the same problem. “Some of the challenges I faced are the expectations from my family while I was having online classes. My family expects me to do house chores as they think online classes mean you just have to sit and listen to the lecturers while doing the dishes, running the washing machine, etc. “I cannot keep track of the lecture if I were to multitask. So, my family sometimes gets annoyed and disappointed with me if I cannot help them with the house chores,” she added during the email interview with Berita DIMENSi. Such situations could easily affect students’ mental well-being. In the recent surveys, a great number of respondents are having difficulties in keeping up with their studies
online and finding themselves having some mental disturbances. Based on the survey, the majority of students are having their online classes at home meanwhile only 4% of the students are staying at the campus and the remaining students are renting. According to a media statement by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) on April 26, students residing at the campus or rental house are permitted to return home for Eid celebration. However, there are some students who decided to stay and celebrate Eid at the campus. Muhammad Azizi Hafiz Mat Zaki, 22, a final year information technology student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) stated the reason he chose to stay at the campus was to take safety measure and did not want to take a risk travelling from a red zone. “We had a simple Eid celebration. We decorated the campus with pelita and we got to eat Eid traditional food such as lemang, lontong, satay, etc. We need to follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) therefore we were not allowed to eat or take photos together,” said Muhammad Azizi Hafiz. During the email interview, Muhammad Azizi Hafiz expressed his sorrow for not being able to enjoy his final year due to COVID-19 and MCO. He urged other students to create memories during university years and try to be active. He also added that studying in physical classes is always better than online classes.
Today, the number of COVID-19 cases are rising and there is no guarantee that university students could continue their study normally. Although 89.3% of the respondents preferred physical classes rather than online classes, they need to keep on striving in balancing their studies and mental well-being.
Flaws in Online Learning
Progress Cannot Be Seen, Added Burden To Parents
BATRISYIA KHAIDAR [email protected] JASIN
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he decision of the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) to shut down all schools and instructing teachers to move towards online teaching and learning methods effective on November 20, has indeed had its own flaws when this situation is affecting both teachers and parents. Teacher from SMK Tan Sri Haji Abdul Aziz Tapa, Meslina Yahaya, 49, said that it was very hard teaching the students online. Most of the students come from less fortunate families, making it difficult for them to join the classes as they are not equipped with essential devices such as laptops and smartphones. “There will be only half of the whole class that will join my lesson on that day and this is because some of the students have to use their parents’ smartphones for the class. “If their parents need to go to work, they have no choice but to not join the classes. In this case, I will provide some homework for them to do when they get the chance in three days’ time.
“However, this situation becomes worse when some of the students fail to do the assigned task. It affects me as a teacher because I barely see their progress and their understanding on the topic. “It is very different to physical classes where I can see all the students’ progress and straight away help them in understanding the topic better,” said Meslina when contacted by Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. To add, she personally thinks that online classes are not suitable for everyone including herself. Since she has never taught online before, she needs to learn to adapt to the new norm quickly even though it is difficult just to make sure the learning process goes smoothly for the students. “As I am teaching at a school where the majority of the students are considered ‘weak’ in learning, I need to be able to teach my students in a variety of ways for them to learn something from my class. “One of the ways is I record myself teaching and explaining a topic so that they could watch it repeatedly until they understand,” she said. Not only teachers, parents are also affected by this pandemic and the drastic changes. Mother of four, Roselinah Othman, 48, said that online classes are very challenging
for both herself and her children. “If my children do not understand something from the topic that they have just learned, they will ask me since they have limited time with the teacher in class. “It is sometimes hard for me to help my children as some of the topics are not what I am majoring in. I need to do some reading before I can help them,” said Roselinah when contacted by Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. According to her, this whole situation
is very different to physical classes where the students can ask their teacher if they are having trouble during the lessons whenever they want because they are at the same proximity. Be it either during recess or after class, the students are free to see their teacher and get the answers right away. Schools are expected to have online classes until COVID-19 cases seem to be decreasing and right after Movement Control Order (MCO) is lifted.
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6
Jalan Jeroco’s Intolerable Condition Ignored by Responsible Parties SYAZA NADIA [email protected] LAHAD DATU
several teachers working at the schools in the area on their opinions of Jalan Jeroco. When asked what is the hardest part of having to deal with unmaintained roads, most of them unanimously agreed on having to splurge on car maintenance to avoid breaking down or getting stuck somewhere along the road. They also mentioned that, when the roads are especially bad, they would be late and at times skipping the school day entirely due to not being able to pass by. There have been many reports over the decades on what the residents and non-residents have been enduring but their efforts are more often than not met with total silence or empty promises. This should be something that needs to be addressed by the local government. This road is one of many in the area and states that are endangering many lives due to the lack of attention it receives. In the future, it is to be hoped that action will be taken to ensure the safety of locals in the area and could ease them in daily matters.
J
alan Jeroco has been a constant point of neglect by the local government. For decades, it has been the main link connecting the town of Lahad Datu to the rural areas populated by several palm oil companies such as Tamaco Oil Mill & Plantation, Hap Seng Plantations, as well as Timora Palm Oil Mill. While the residents are mostly the industry workers with their families, there are also teachers living in the quarters provided by companies with government primary schools such as Sekolah Kebangsaan Amalania in Amalania Koko Berhad (Member of Glenealy Plantations). Despite being provided housing, some still prefer living in the town where resources are easily acquired and a better environment for their family. Because of this, they have to go through Jalan Jeroco to and from their workplaces everyday. Jalan Jeroco received its infamy a long ago when it was still a mucky dirt road that halts even four-wheeldrives and tank trucks from passing. The severity was beyond tolerable even after it has been tarred in recent years. S.K. Amalania teacher, Lydia Siau, 50, was reached out by the Berita DIMENSi for an interview via WhatsApp voice messages regarding the road.
CAPTION “I have lived here since 1997 when the road was still dirt, and even now with the road tarred, it is still bad because it is always neglected by the ones who are responsible for maintaining it. “When potholes are seen on the road it is more often than not left there until it takes up all of the road. There is one part of it that has completely collapsed except for,
at most, a quarter of the initial road which makes it difficult to drive along,” said Lydia. Jalan Jeroco, aside being used daily by heavy-vehicle traffic, was built on soft soil in a hilly area. The weather often determines the severity of the road further down the line where the dirt road begins, nearing more secluded companies. Berita DIMENSi also reached out to
RM 1 Billion Contracts
Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS “ EIMAN EQMAL [email protected] JOHOR BAHRU
N
ine contracts worth approximately RM1 billion were recently awarded to the operator of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) connection, said RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) in a press conference on 12 May 2021. RTS was originally planned back in May 2010, where the project was first announced and inclusively aimed to complete in late 2026. RTS is currently under construction and set to be the first light speed transit route connecting two countries of South East Asia. It is a four-kilometer-long crossborder rail project connecting Malaysia and Singapore. The line is designed as a high-volume shuttle service that runs nonstop from Woodlands North station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The project consists of four contracts related to key programs. The Rolling Stock contract was awarded to CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd. The Signal and Platform Screen Doors contract was awarded to Siemens Mobility Sdn Bhd and Siemens Mobility Pte Ltd. While the remaining two which are Communications System and Integrated Supervisory Control System, fall into the hands of Sapura Rail Systems Sdn Bhd. “We are happy with the results of the tendering exercise. The RTS Connection is a
Likewise, this project is like a door that opens millions of opportunities for people like us. With the current economic situation, it is best to say that Singapore provides the best job opportunity with good payment Ibrahim Ghani, AGE
”
successful combination of local and foreign players,” said Shamsul Rizal Md Yusof, Chairman of RTSO, in a press conference involving the RTS project recently. The big announcement has not only been a joy to the company, in a way, but this project has also been a blessing to millions of Johor Bahru people. Many Malaysian from Johor Bahru commute to Singapore every day as most of them work there. Berita DIMENSi contacted Ibrahim Ghani, a Malaysian working in Singapore for almost six years as a receptionist at Carlton Hotel Singapore to ask him about the project and how it could benefit people like him. “When I first heard about it, I was like wow, finally an initiative for us. The project is estimated to be completed in 2026. I have not decided on working here (Singapore) till 2026, but I am so excited for this project,” he said. Ibrahim adds that over the past six
CAPTION years, Malaysians who work in Singapore need at least three to four hours just to cross the border and go to work. “Before this, my friend and I believed all Malaysian that work in Singapore needed to wake up at four in the morning to ensure a smooth destination to Singapore. “It is a three-hour journey, and occasionally, it may take up to four hours just to reach the checkpoint and not to mention going back from work,” said Ibrahim during an interview with Berita DIMENSi through a phone call. Now, with the RTS project being set, it will benefit a lot of Malaysians who
commute to Singapore every day; it can serve over 10,000 passengers every hour in either direction and reduce congestion along the Johor Causeway making the time estimation to only five minutes. Ibrahim adds that it will be a gamechanger and an impactful project for millions of Malaysians, especially in Johor Bahru, especially for the next generation While the RTS may seem beneficial to Johorean, it is also a big step up in the tourism industry as Singaporeans can commute easily here and make way for a big economic impact on the Johor people and business.
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ENVIRONMENT
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Greening Malaysia with the Expense of Penang’s Sea Reclamation
ZAFRAN AZHAR [email protected] PENANG
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enang is renowned for its popular street food, pleasant environment, and historical landmarks, but the UNESCO-WorldHeritage-bearer is currently undergoing a major southern reclamation expansion that could endanger marine life and the people’s livelihood. The Penang State Government launched the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project in January 2020 as an international design competition in the hopes of attracting developers and investors to their sustainable and economic growth programme. The competition’s winners were Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Hijjas Kasturi, and Ramboll, who were tasked with designing a master plan that stretches along the southern coast.
Andrew Han
In an interview with Andrew Han, one of the environmental activists from Jaringan Ekologi Dan Iklim (JEDI) condemned the competition entirely. They submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), even though the plan has been completed but still tasked to redesign the entirety of the plan which contradicts to the EIA. Since the southern region is predominantly Malay, this PSR is thought to be politically motivated and socially skewed. When the construction is completed, the population will change. The region is mostly made up of B40s, which would have an effect on those who are struggling to make ends meet. This is why it is a problem that ventures like this exist, as they only help those who can afford to pay. “What they are doing right now is a form of social engineering, they would like to change the demographic of the southern region. In the future when the three islands are there, it will introduce a new community too which politically only benefits parties like DAP as this expands their reach,” said Andrew Han when contacted by Berita DIMENSi via Google Meet. The concept of growth necessitates a compromise that benefits both sides, not just a select group of people. The PSR is unjust because the fishermen — as well as people living in the south — are most at risk if the projects fail or bail out. For those who already live in the city, this raises concerns. The creation of new communities as a result of this project will only help those in the future when the project is completed, where the
Source: World Landscape Architect (WLA) fishermen and people living in the current state will face even greater hardships. Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP) was the earliest example of a reclamation project that happened in the north east of Penang and this has caused fishermen and local communities in the south to change their focus to other occupations. Some people have also moved to the mainland in search of better prospects. This is how environmentalists have expressed their opposition to the project. It is inequitable and unequal to those who have been forced to move in order to survive. The government has taken away their way of life and replaced it with a scheme of social reconstruction that forbids them from preserving their heritage and working in their fields. This has already been proved when the Tanjong Tokong reclamation took place, and seeing it done again in the southern area has sparked a debate between
environmentalists and the government. The building has been halted due to COVID-19, as the government plans to appeal an internal hearing held by the Department of the Environment whether to approve this project based on their newly updated EIA. “The hearing of the Department of Environment, Putrajaya will be on within July, but the State [Penang] Government shows no care with the appeal and would like to go on with the plan. As an NGO, they should have respected the appeal process and waited for the approval but now they are [Penang Gov] pushing it,” said Andrew Han. “The media was used for paid advertisements — especially siding with the government — to publish the fishermen’s support for the PSR. They use this as propaganda of fake news to highlight the good side and promises that come after the mega project,” said Andrew Han.
Melacca’s Sea Raise Concern Over Reclamation Project
PUTI ILYA MAISARAH [email protected] MELAKA
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he hashtag #SaveOurSea petition has been trending on Twitter as Malaysians have signed the petition over the coastal reclamation projects that may harm Malacca’s future heritage, including Malacca residents’ livelihood and marine life. The petition was an initiative by RJ Chen, a member of Malacca’s coastline committee, who set up the petition to seek support and attention regarding the Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ) project announced by the Malacca Chief Minister, Sulaiman MD Ali. According to the project proposed on the M-WEZ website, it stated that the project potentially requires the reclamation of 25,000 acres along 33 kilometers of Malacca’s coastline from Umbai to Sungai Udang that will be a game-changer up to year 2035 in Malacca. Syafiq Afifi, a local resident who actively voiced his concerns about the reclamation project on social media, believes that any development project might have its benefits. “In this case, it should be implemented somewhere else instead of beaches because Malacca has an abundance of undeveloped reclaimed land and land that is more than adequate for construction,” he explained when contacted by one of the Berita DIMENSi’s members via WhatsApp. The project may be a catalyst of economic development in the Malaccan
Source: Utusan Malaysia state but the public questions the aim of the project that affects environmental sectors especially, on the coastal ecosystem. “Malacca's eroded beaches have increased as a result of the reclamation, and Malaccan’s might lose their beautiful seaside due to continuous development projects,” he added. According to Syafiq, this reclamation project also affects the marine ecosystem, which can cause disorientation in animal productivity because animals are unable to adapt to environmental changes. “The reclamation project can cause extinction for some food resources such as fish, squid, and shrimp, and the fishermen will travel even further and risk their lives to find seafood,” he said. Following the reclamation project, the result of the project will cause environmental destruction as it is expected to threaten
biological diversity. Malacca has been experiencing floods, which might harm Malacca's development as a heritage landmark and could lead to the loss of homes, public property, and neces-
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The reclamation project can cause extinction for some food resources such as fish, squid, and shrimp, and the fishermen will travel even further and risk their lives to find seafood. Syafiq Afifi, local resident
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sities as a result of the inundated areas. Amirah Rosli, 28, a Malacca resident, said that when she was young, Malacca was never flooded and Pantai Klebang still had a beautiful seaside where people could enjoy, when interviewed by Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. “Since Malacca's reclamation project was conducted, Klebang areas have more land and sand instead of the sea,” she said. When asked about the implications of reclamation on the community, Amirah said that reclamation will affect tourism attractiveness as people have lost the desire to come to Malacca, even though Malacca is a remarkable city that has historical values and stories. “It is because the sea was the pearl of Malacca and the way we protect our sea shows how we express our gratitude towards preserving environmental life,” she added. Development projects undoubtedly provide the opportunity and assistance to enhance community lives through crossfunctional projects such as construction or reconstruction. The question is how the industries sustain the goals of development while not harming and worsening the ecosystem such as Malacca's reclamation projects that can affect coastal environments. Indeed, revaluating the check and balance of this project in overall sectors is required as the implementation will impact overall marine life sectors, including local people who depend on the sea, as the government will reconsider not carrying out any further reclamation.
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Significance of Agriculture IMAN HUSNA [email protected] SHAH ALAM
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griculture without a doubt, has long been regarded as a significant sector in the country due to its contribution to the economy and export earnings. As a major food supplier, it also acts as a source of raw materials for resource-based industries. When COVID-19 hits, agriculture is severely harmed, with two billion hectares of land degraded, affecting over 3.2 billion people and worsening climate change. Based on Statista, global warming tops the chart for the most concerning issue with 45% of Malaysian citizens agreeing to it. No proper waste management system leads to littering and inadequate garbage disposal. This causes global warming to happen. Plastics and bottles on the sidewalks, as well as the average orange peels, and all people do is turn away. Also, deforestation and deterioration of land, water and air are severely constant occurrences. Sustainable development priorities include a resource of conservation in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Waste of resources is incompatible with the goals of sustainable development. Other SDGs, such as the goals for clean water and sanitation for all, conserving life on property, and preserving life below water, are all about responsible consumption and development. Sectors have chosen Land Management Indicators which are the best practice in agricultural activities. These indicators are used to making decisions on how to handle land and water resources to preserve the environment. Malaysia’s Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has remained the country’s economic
engine. They produced RM72.8 billion in revenue last year from the export of palm oil to the international market. It is Malaysia’s biggest asset and is one of the world’s leading exporters of palm oil and rubber, so the plantation sector is critical to the country’s economic development. More agriculture means more environmental effects. Manufacturers sometimes do not properly divide garbage into biodegradable and nonbiodegradable categories, or simply recyclable and non-recyclable. Proper guidelines are needed to curb this issue. SIRIM Berhad, a sustainable expert
system development, implementation and system maintenance. “As a result, inability or reluctance to engage in responsible consumption and development would have an effect on the other SDGs, resulting in environmental degradation and it is something that we want to avoid,” she shared. Saadiah Enok, Principal Consultant at SIRIM Berhad also said that MSPO certification is necessary to ensure that the palm oil products manufactured in Malaysia are both sustainable and appropriate in the global market. “MSPO certification is required
Source: Sidonews agency is accountable for providing certification for the agricultural aspect — especially palm oil sectors — in ensuring that each agricultural sector complies with the environmental preservation standards. Berita DIMENSi have contacted two consultants from SIRIM Berhad via WhatsApp to gain more insights on their role. Anijah Pangat, Senior Consultant at SIRIM Berhad said that they provide advice and training to help smallholders, plantations, and palm oil mills comply with Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)’s stringent data collection requirements. “Services we offer include understanding the requirements,
to ensure that Malaysian palm oil products are both safe and marketable while protecting the environment. “Certification to MSPO is provided by qualified certification bodies. Without those certifications, they would not be able to market any product,” she said when contacted via WhatsApp. The government is actively working to ensure that the agriculture sector in Malaysia complies with all rules and regulations that do not affect the government. Malaysia will move closer to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2030 by obtaining MSPO certification for palm oil production that leads to a better environment.
Fruit Seasons Brings Nighmares SYAMIRA LIYANA [email protected] SUNGKAI
FEAR haunts the townspeople of Felda
Gunung Besout as the fruit season approaches because they might not be able to taste their crops due to the damage that has been done by wild animals that have lost their habitat because of deforestation. Because of the exploration and logging that has been happening near the villagers’ house, these wild animals such as boars, monkeys and apes have lost their homes. This has caused the animals to run off and find another place to stay. Which includes the trees of the fruit growers. Due to continuing to survive, these wild animals have to find new habitats. However, the relocation of this new habitat has caused the villagers in the nearby area to suffer because of crop damage. According to one of the villagers, Normah Jaafar, 60, for four years they have not been able to taste the fruits that have been planted because of this wildlife. “Over the past four years, after the forests nearby had been cut down, the villager’s crops were mostly damaged, caused by boars, monkeys and apes. There is a fruit orchard in my backyard. There are 22 cocoa trees, 18 durian trees, four rambutan trees, two mangosteen trees, and many more. “All of my family members definitely would not taste all of the crops because the monkeys and apes will disturb the plants and eat the fruits,” she said to Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. Before deforestation, the trees produced a lot of fruit and since there were too many yields, they sold it. However, they can no longer eat their crops and have to buy if they crave.
Gardening as Theraphy during “ MCO
All of my family members definitely woud not taste all of the crops because the monkeys and apes will disturb the plants and eat the fruits
EIZZUDIN EMIR [email protected] SARATOK
Norli Samsudin, 31
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hroughout the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in the country, many new things have become a hobby of Malaysians and one of them is gardening. Gardening is not only a fun way to pass the time, but it can also be used as a form of therapy to relieve stress from being confined at home. Since the MCO was implemented, Siti Fauziah Katmon, 51, had wanted to make full use of the yard until she had the idea to plant crops such as vegetables, fruits, and shrubs. She said that gardening not only provides satisfaction to those who are interested in it, but it also creates a beautiful panorama and great view if the yard is properly utilised. In addition, use gardening as one of your stress relieving hobbies while spending time with your loved ones after a busy working hours. “When I want to turn the yard into a mini-garden area, my husband is completely supportive, especially when it comes to finding or purchasing gardening materials, lifting pots and soil, watering and fertilising the plants on a regular basis.
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“I also involve my children in gardening activities, and they enjoy this hobby as well, despite their commitment to studies. They will assist me in uprooting the grass in the pots and watering the plants on a daily basis,” added the mother of three during the interview with Berita DIMENSi. Siti Fauziah, who is also a housewife, said that among the species grown at her yard were Morning Glory, Silver Cock’s Combs, Rosa Chinensis, Jasmine, Asian Pigeonwings and the plants are very suitable to be used as a landscaping plant and could also be used in cooking. Not only landscape plants, but Siti also grows a variety of local fruits, including durian, mangosteen, langsat, and rambutan. The produce will be harvested according to the season, with any excess being sold at Pasar Tani Saratok. The couple, who live in Saratok, Sarawak also make use of the backyard by
planting herbs like turmeric, curry tree, and pandan. Siti gained a few things from this new hobby, and it really caught the attention of journalist during the interview session. Being kind to the land is a form of therapy as well as a good practise all praises to Allah SWT. “Gardening can help me think more maturely; when we learn new things, we are motivated to continue learning; however, when something does not go as planned, we perceive it as a failure. “I often make mistakes, but I will use it as an opportunity to learn something new,” she added. Even though the garden she produces is not large and fancy, she reaps numerous benefits when she engages in this gardening activity. For her, the result of her garden represents hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will be over soon, and we can all resume our normal lives.
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Another villager who shares the same problem, Norli Samsudin, 31, who said, the problem of crop damage such as vegetables and fruits caused by wild animals has haunted her family for the past few years. “The problem of apes disturbing crops has been around for a long time. Since my son was still a kid, we no longer had the opportunity to eat the fruits of our crops. “All these problems started from deforestation near the house area and some people mentioned it is because of the logging for the planting of oil palm trees,” she said to the Berita DIMENSi by call interview. Sharing the story again, Norli’s husband had been working on a madu kelulut project in their house area but once again it was destroyed by apes. Monkeys and apes did not only damage the crops, they also damaged the property. “My neighbour’s house was entered by apes and monkeys, they entered through an existing hole or the roof and damaged the furniture and appliances in the house,” she added. To curb this problem, the responsible parties whether the government or NGOs are being called to play their role to ensure the safety of the villagers and crops in Sungkai are protected from these wild animals.
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Green Building as a New Trend in Architecture SHAFIQ HAMILI [email protected] SHAH ALAM
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Source: Behance
reen building is a new form of architecture where they emphasise on building structures that are environmentally responsible and minimizing the cost of operation, renovation as well as maintenance. In other words, green building is also known as high performance building or sustainable building. In an interview with Zafree Azhar, 23, Interior Designer at Studio Kanta, who is also a fresh graduate that has showcased his designs at the Royal Institute of British Architects was delighted to share his knowledge and thoughts on green building. “The first thing that we have to put in mind before designing a “green building” is that we have to make sure that the building should be respectful towards nature,” said Zafree during the interview with Berita DIMENSi through Google Meet. In Malaysia, to be qualified as a
green building, an assessment was done by the Malaysian Institute of Architects according to the Green Building Index (GBI) requirements and criterias. Their aim of establishing the GBI is to provide a consistent and trusted benchmark and accreditation together with the growing number of green buildings in the country. The GBI is classified into four categories with a point-based system which requires a minimum of 60 points to be in the Certified tier (lowest tier) as a green building while a building with 86 points and above will be awarded as Platinum tier (highest tier). Zafree also emphasises that the placement of green elements, water features as well as the positioning of the Sun should be taken into account during the first step in designing the concept and structure planning of the building. “Menara Mesiniaga is among the first green buildings to be built in our country, however if you go there around this time the condition of the trees that were placed encompassing the building are dying. Sometimes planning alone is not enough as what Menara Mesiniaga has shown us that there are other aspects that we have to be aware of, such as our country’s climate where the humidity here is high throughout the year,” said Zafree. A green building should also be sustainable and durable. As an example, we can see how well Studio Bikin came up with Plan B in Ipoh and Seksan Design that designed Sekeping Serendah in Selangor . They incorporated nature very well and at the same time conserving it.
Zafree Azhar, 23 “It is so hard to build a green building, it costs a huge amount of funding and the designers have to put a lot of thought into the design,” added Zafree. Nowadays, modern architecture is assimilating green architecture in their design to improve the effectiveness and to make the building more sustainable as well as to improve the quality of the occupants living inside.
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The first thing that we have to put in mind before designing a “green building” is that we have to make sure the building should be respectful towards nature.
” Smartphones without Chargers: For the Greater Good of Environment or is it? Zafree Azhar, 23
ASYRAF MALIK [email protected]
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ctober 2020 sees the tech world being environmentally cautious, especially with the likes of Apple with their announcement of excluding the charging brick along with other accessories in their box with the newly launched iPhone 12 line-up. On the basis of pursuing the agenda as an entirely ‘carbon-neutral’ tech industry by the year 2030, these are some of Apple’s initial manoeuvres in achieving the prospect. The logic here is that with fewer components in the retail box, the packaging will be much thinner hence reducing the raw resources needed and carbon footprint emitted throughout its production. Apple also claims that most of its iPhone users are loyal and existing customers. To include new charging brick in every version of the iPhone can be redundant especially when existing and compatible chargers are already available at home, even with the new USB-C to lightning cable. This initiative by Apple has been the trendsetter for other tech entities such as Samsung and Xiaomi to tramp forward a greener future. On paper, this may seem
like Apple cares for the well-being of the planet, but this approach has been met with outrage from the public, claiming it was only a public relation gimmick. Ulwan Mokhtar Mohed or better known as Cikgu Ulwan on the social media platforms, a tech enthusiast and content creator, shared his thoughts with Berita DIMENSi via Instagram on this whole discussion revolving around Apple and the concern of the environment. “Not every iPhone user that will be upgrading their smartphones to iPhone 12 still has a fully operational charging brick. Years of usage you should expect it to be worn out, some might have even thrown it away.
“Every year, the capabilities of a charging brick could be improved to a new height, for instance we now have the new fast-charging feature, less downtime in charging speed compared to the older ones. The point here is that people are constantly eyeing for an upgrade. “It was also uncalled for by Apple to generalize and assume that their target market is all existing iPhone users. What if a newcomer is planning to buy his or her first iPhone, does it mean that they need to buy the charger separately?” Ulwan questioned the decision by Apple. Ultimately, this group of people will still wind up buying a brandnew charger one way or another. It is a necessity. Thus, it is inevitable. “It defeats the purpose, you want to lower down the rate of production and shipping of
Source: Pinterest
charging bricks to reduce carbon footprint, but the demand for it is still sky-high. “The process was removed to be replaced with another similar process.The charging brick ordered separately will be delivered to the customers using motorized vehicles, more consummation of fossil fuel and even more boxes. The carbon footprint is still there, nothing really changes for the better,” Ulwan stressed on the lacklustre of this strategy by Apple. Apple of all, a corporation of this magnitude, they should have seen this coming from miles away. Ulwan believed that Apple had some plan up their sleeve. “Apple is removing the charging brick to prepare people for the direction they are heading to, a portless smartphone. Wireless charging is the way to go in this foreseeable future. This explains why Apple introduced the MagSafe charger this year, a wireless charging pad. “Wireless charging may be looked at as an ideal concept in this modern world of tech, but do not be fooled. It is more or less the same thing as a charging brick, consumes a lot more power, produces a lot of heat, a heap of energy wasted, and is overall inefficient. “In the long run, it does more harm than good to the environment rather than aligning to the eco-friendly aspect of Apple’s policy,” Ulwan explained. So does this push for the removal of the charger from smartphones is really for the greater good of the environment? Well, think again.
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The Unsung Voices of Malaysian Youths SYAZA NADIA FATIN NURAIN ZAFRAN AZHAR SHAFIQ HAMILI FARAH IZUREEN
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ften regarded as the facet of good governance and the precondition of accountability, transparency implies the open and clear communication that includes, but not excluding, anyone or any party involved. By definition, transparency can be derived into multiple contexts, though they all lead to a singular etymology which refers to openness, communication and accountability. This concept has been the backbone of morals and virtues in any societal governance and administrations. Its antonyms are corruption, injustice, and irresponsibility, which all constitute a risk to a
nation’s democracy built on the principles of liberty and credibility. This manifested in mankind witnessing countless irresponsible leadership and government scrutiny throughout history. Malaysia, as we know it, has seen great wonders in their fight for independence. Monumental progress by zealous leaders of the Pre-Merdeka era proves that Malaysians have always been in love with the idea of being free and are open to working together to achieve a singular goal. Nonetheless, it has evidently changed as corruption and greed dominate the minds of its leaders today. According to the edge market based on a survey done by the Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M), 71% of the Malaysian population who voted agreed that government corruption is indeed a problem.
This specifically points to the parliament, police and the government officials which were ranked the highest for the discernment of corruption. Only in recent years have we seen our youth voicing out their concerns in hopes to have transparency with a broader demographic as seen on events such as the recent ‘Buka Puasa, Buka Parlimen”. The age-old fight between the old and new generation has been the core problem which indefinitely highlights their opposing ideas. This can be seen in the incident where Muar MP Syed Saddiq, a well-known advocate for young voices, was referred to as “budak” by Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin when he was questioning the Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin. The example set by this toxic corporate culture has led to a widespread mindset in the nation that the youth is the enemy of the old. MP Tajuddin’s reply to MP Syed Saddiq was “Sit down, sit down first, child. Sit down, learn more, many more need to learn. Wasting your time, my time.” This indicates that he does not see the youth as his equal but more of a nuisance towards the majority of the parliament. The conservative belief that the presence of the youth brings nothing but disrespectfulness, ego-centric agendas and opposing nature towards the older generation, often leads
to the discrimination that ultimately creates a divide in a supposedly united government. This culture of abiding to blind loyalty for the elderly has brought resistance and rebellious behaviours in the youth of today. A great example of their fervid ambitions is when the youths began participating in peaceful protests such as #Undi18. Their goals often seem extreme because of their rebellious nature, but giving these individuals a chance to voice out their
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ideasand opinions will showcase a healthy transition to public debate and an exchange of ideas. Evidently, it is what is lacking in today’s parliamentary sessions as a majority of them are governed by more traditional, conservative politicians. Megat Firdauz Putra, 23, Project Manager Team Lead at Taylor’s Community gives his opinion regarding this issue. “New problems, new issues should be dealt with new types of solutions and the biggest
DATE challenge for youth right now is to give them a listen, have them speak and have a listen to,”he said in an interview with DIMENSi through Google Meet. The views and opinions of youth should not be discriminated against based on their age or the parties they represent. Passing harsh judgment merely due to being younger and “inexperienced” is more often than not damaging to one’s growth as it stunts the thinking process by constantly having a nagging voice at the back of your head. Although good at times, the amount of scrutiny youths have to go through in order to prove themselves worthy in the eyes of the more “experienced” folks should be taken into consideration. And even then, there are still many hurdles to be dealt with.
When asking Sharizal Denci, agropreneur cum co-founder of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), about his views on the goals of today’s youths compared to the previous generations’, the 39-year-old highlights that everyone deals with a different problem depending on their eras, and that opportunities should be given to the youth. “The world now is moving very fast, and we are in the era of technology. Because we deal with more technological stuff such as an overload of information, they are creative ... [in] my organisation [MUDA], the youth impresses me. “They give me so much more than I expected. Why don’t the country give more chances to the youth? To govern, to be in the parliament, to become the policymaker?” he said in an interview alongside Timmy Ng,
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33, and Chea Hoong Tak held by Berita DIMENSi on Google Meet. Sharizal further explains that he has met a lot of politicians ever since being active under MUDA, but most of them had negative perspectives on youth-inspired movements such as #Undi18. “I strongly disagree when they look down upon the younger generation on the grounds that we should never underestimate them just because we think that they are lacking in experience,” he added. Having to constantly prove yourself worthy without receiving any gratification is tiresome, mentally and physically. It is understandable that it can be seen as a challenge, but continually, it can cause burnouts. When asked about other examples of challenges for the youths, Tak responded: “Of
course, powerplay between politicians, you know, money. “There’s a lot of conflict of interests in Malaysia. But, is our youth ready to accept new politics? And how many [youths] actually understand the current situation of the country?” he said. Tak continues to say that he does not hope to see the youths, if any, get involved in politics for the sake of politics only. “We hope someone who joins [politics] has a good agenda behind him .... We want [them] to serve, to help and want to bring voices to the parliament,” he elaborated. Ng, who works as a remisier at RHB Investment Bank Berhad, during the interview said that we should take a look from a different perspective when talking about challenges. “You want your voice to be heard in the parliament, but how
many youths are actually willing to stand up for it?” he spoke. Both Tak and Ng brought very persistent and prevalent challenges that often dim down the youths’ spry spirits. Naturally, internal problems have a way of revealing themselves in ways we have a hard time to control such as lack of confidence and the fading of motivation. Such problems can be easily overcome when being in a supportive environment. Unfortunately, that is hard to come by because demanding for transparency and sympathy is like running a bootless errand. In a different interview involving the DIMENSi team and MUDA co-founder, Dr. Mathen Nair, he underlined the fact that the youth needs to associate more with reality rather than the illusion of living in a bubble where everything is fine. He portrayed the point through the story of a frog,
featuring the analogy behind the concept of adaptation, change, and how it affects an individual. The frog, if put into boiling water will immediately jump out because it knows the high temperature will kill it in an instant. However, when the frog is placed into room-temperature water, before slowly bringing it to a boil, it will adapt with its surroundings, making itself comfortable amidst the rising heat. Though, as the temperature keeps climbing, it will become unbearable for the frog and it will die, unless it jumps out to save itself. Unlike the first frog who jumped out immediately, the frog that stays and adapts represents the current state of our nation. Hence, we need to always test the bubble. As Dr. Nair said, the youth have the tendency to be curious and provoking in nature where they often question the reality that surrounds them. They are the ones who
This is the reality that we have to live in. We are all civilised anthropological human beings that are going to have different sets of challenges in different times of life.
are willing to adapt and learn new systems, policies and rules. “We are actually in the same fight, but in a different context. We are fighting on the different side of independence, and that is independence from ourselves; to have the liberty to live life on our means,” he further explained. Despite what has happened, the decisions made by those in power will definitely have an impact towards the development of our nation, as well as ourselves. Hence, transparency needs to be the key criteria when modelling for our future. Besides listening to the youth’s take on more important topics, we also need to welcome the debates that will follow and keep an open mind. Ultimately, we should want what is best for the nation and its people. As said by Sharizal, “the mistake of leaders today, will have repercussions for future generations.”
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Online Child Sexual Abuse Materials Access Soars Amidst MCO IMAN MUTTAQIN LILY NAZEERA ADRIANA NORAZRIN IZZATI IDRIS MAYA BASIR
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he biggest impact of the Movement Control Order (MCO), apart from restricting people from going outside, is the heightened online crimes against children and this has been flagged by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP. The constraints of people being at home have resulted in a massive soar in internet activity across the world, providing paedophiles with more opportunity to access pornography and child sexual abuse materials. According to Sinar Harian taking source from Berita Nasional Malaysia (BERNAMA), a devastating increase of 27 cases over the 18 cases reported before the MCO's implementation from February 18, 2019 to March 17, 2020. It is believed that during the MCO period (March 18, 2020 to April 29, 2021), 45 cases were reported, according to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department The reported cases also involved non-physical contact acts which include utilising words or portraying obscene sexual actions to children in auditory or visual forms.
Malaysia for many years has been combatting this crime as it has become more widespread and prevalent since the internet's availability, as social media gives perpetrators greater accessibility to victimise children. In Clause 4 of Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the term "child pornography" refers to any visual, audio, or written representation that includes a child who engages in sexually explicit conduct; a person who appears to be a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct; or realistic images of the acts. The s exually conduct includes (i) sexual intercourse, or lascivious acts involving private parts (ii) bestiality; (iii) masturbation; (iv) sadistic or masochistic abuse in a sexual context; (v) lascivious exhibition of the private parts; and (vi) use of any object or instrument for lascivious acts. Those found guilty of creating child sexual abuse content face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for preparing to produce child pornography. Those who seek, obtain, sell, or distribute the material are subject to a maximum of 15 years in prison. Accessing child pornography carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and subject to whipping.
Its Caused Damage to People Dr James Nayagam, Chairman of Suriana Welfare Society believes inappropriate materials shared can do severe damage to the families and themselves. “This kind of material when it goes out, other people will pick it up and it can damage their families,’’ said Dr James in a Zoom interview with Berita DIMENSi. Dr James expressed his worries especially when it comes to forg pornography using photoshop. They put their friends’ photographs, for example and it could cause them more damage as it can be used as bullying.
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This kind of material when it goes out, other people will pick it up and it can damage their families. Dr James Nayagam, Chairman of Suriana Welfare Society
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Once it is posted online, it could not be retracted. Dr James said that this could really affect the individual’s mental health and future. In 40 years of advocating on children issues, he had encountered several cases related to suicide and he shared a case with DIMENSi where a girl was so damaged following the fabricated pornography - she decided to end her own life. Dr. James Nayagam emphasises that each individual must take responsibility before posting anything because one day it might come back to you or your close relative may become the
Source: Stoc
victims. “As you sow, so shall you reap. Moreover, Dr. James explained this responsibility is for those to be aware of because it could be a joke to others but it might be a “very poisonous” thing to share. Thus, people need to be careful. When asked about ways to curb such cases that are currently happening in Malaysia, Dr James believed it must start from the parents. “Everything has got to have a source at the beginning, as a parent, we have to trace it back to the house and it all starts from the house,” he added. As an expert, Dr. James believes
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The individual will seek for more aggresive materials as the addiction changes with the reliance of pleasure on pornographic materials without realising it.
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Azzam Sufyan, Malaysian Against Pornography Activist
it all reflects on the parents themselves, especially parents should be committed and careful in order to help their child’s growing process. Equal influence must come from the parents in terms of educating the child about what is right or wrong information and what represents bad or good behaviour. He also stated that there is nothing wrong with knowledge as long as the child knows how to differentiate between right and wrong, know how to respect human rights and would not misuse the information.
“The individual will seek for more aggressive materials as the addiction changes with the reliance of pleasure on pornographic materials without realising it,’’ said Azzam during the Zoom interview The situation becomes more severe in the third level when they start losing their sensitivity as they will keep the materials or create the contents themselves whether to be uploaded or subscribe to more pornographic contents. Azzam also explained the final level which is the fourth level or the ‘acting out’ stage where the said individuals will perform the actions based on the materials they have watched. The negative impact of the addiction could lead someone to become a future p r e d a t o r, s t a t e d A z z a m . “Now, we are dealing with an epidemic of ‘paedophile’
Tackle the Pornography Addiction Now Just as a person can become addic te d to dr ugs af ter a prolonged period of use, one can also become addicted to viewing s exu a l ly explicit mater i a ls after a long period of viewing. Azzam Sufyan, an activist from Malaysian Against Pornography shared with Berita DIMENSi the levels of pornography addiction that lead
Azzam Sufyan someone to abuse the materials. Azzam stated that the first level of addiction begins when someone continuously watches the materials and achieves the level of pleasure without a partner. They could fantasise about the subject and release a feel-good hormone called ‘dopamine’.
which is a disease of the sexual drive towards the children. “It is not only a disorder but an extremism ideology that can circumscribe one’s morality as they took advantage of the fragile children. “ This c i rc u mst anc e is a result of extreme pornography addiction with additional factors of physical appearances and preferences,” he said. Azzam believes those who are dealing with this addiction must seek professional help and expertise. “Without compromise, they must seek psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist that are specialised in the area to treat the pornography addictions. “Mostly these experts will offer ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’, a specialised therapy to treat the addiction as they will facilitate our behaviour daily. “They will monitor one’s behaviour before and after the consumption of pornographic materials, and their behavioural routines,” he said. However, if someone does
not have enough resources to seek professional help, Azzam suggested that those who are dealing with this problem share their struggles with close relatives or trusted friends. “We must have someone to monitor our progress in dealing with this problem. “Even talking to a psychologist, we must be transparent about everything as it revolves around our behaviour and as we grow older, we become more complex. “We must share our history and feelings as it could be the root of this addiction,” he added. Identifying the motivation to watch such contents and replace with other physical activities are the main components to deal with pornography addictions. Azzam believes factors such as access to the internet without supervision, boredom, stress with family
issues, and discouraging society might be the reasons for someone to watch those materials. “It is a must for those dealing with addiction to replace the pornographic activity with physical activities. “Due to this, we need to distract ourselves and make ourselves tired to be able to sleep at night. “When our brain is tired with physical activities and brain-work activities such as drawing, we will not have time to access the pornographic materials,” he said. Malaysians Against Pornography is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2013, by a group of medical doctors in Malaysia targeted to reduce the number of children, teenagers, and young adults in Malaysia who are involved in sexual misconduct.“Due to this, we need to distract ourselves and make ourselves tired to be able to sleep at night. “When our brain is tired with physical activities and brain-work activities such as drawing, we
will not have time to access the pornographic materials,” he said. Malaysians Against Pornography is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2013, by a group of medical doctors in Malaysia targeted to reduce the number of children, teenagers, and young adults in Malaysia who are involved in sexual misconduct.targeted to reduce the number of children, teenagers, and young adults in Malaysia who are involved in sexual misconduct.“Due to this, we need to distract ourselves and make ourselves tired to be able to sleep at night. “When our brain is tired with physical activities and brain-work activities such as drawing, we will not have time to access the pornographic materials,” he said. Malaysians Against Pornography is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2013, by a group of medical doctors in Malaysia targeted to reduce the number of children, teenagers, and young adults in Malaysia who are involved in sexual misconduct.
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SPECIAL REPORT
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“We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.” Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, Father of Independence
2021: The Year of Social Justice
MUHAMMAD ASYRAF AINAA HUSNA ALYA ZULAIKHA EIMAN EQMAL IMAN HUSNA
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Source: Mashable SE Asia
Following the next case, S. Sivabalan has died in custody at the Gombak District Police Headquarters (IPD), according to the relatives of a 42-year-old security guard who died less than an hour after being hauled in. In that case, netizens used hashtag like #BrutalityinMalaysia to express their anger on social media.
ue to controversial deaths in police custody, our country has sparked widespread indignation and calls for police reform. Custodies taken in by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) under the enforcers’ supervision leading to their fatal injuries. BEREAVED FAMILIES Public calls for more inquiries DEMANDS into what transpired and justice Victims’ deaths have gained for the grieving families. public attention. The victims’ families were convinced that NUMBERS OF CUSTODIAL they died when they were brought in for questioning at the DEATHS police station to help with an As to date, Malaysia was shocked with the controversial investigation. death of cow’s milk trader A. It was speculated by Ganapathy during his presence several national human rights commissions such as The in police custody. Human Rights Commission A. Ganapathy and his of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) on friend were held for up to 59 how far the police would go in days without charge under extracting the intel they needed the Prevention of Crime Act from a suspect. (POCA), which permits police to keep suspects without charge The outburst from the public is clear as day, victims’ families for up to 59 days. demanded justification and Rumours circulated that he transparency from the police on was badly abused and died on what (really) happened behind April 18, barely over a month closed doors. after being warded, at the Following this issue, Selayang Hospital. DIMENSi through a survey
conducted via Instagram have managed to gather feedback from the public and their perspectives on this matter. Shafiq Hamili, 22, said that death should not happen in custody of institutions that the public has put trust in. “To die while in custody of an institution that you have trust to protect and see highly off is something that should not happen and is totally unacceptable,” said Shafiq in the survey. Habibah Enok, 54, also said that the public should have a clear understanding of how the procedure will be like for a detainee. “We should improvise from this event and have a clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) from now on. A detainee should know what they will go through once they are brought in for questioning,” said Habibah in the survey. Meanwhile, Gombak police chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Arifai Tarawe during a press conference on A. Ganapathy issue claimed that there is no significant evidence for the case of A. Ganapathy that could suggest the cause of death is coming from police brutality. He also added that A. Ganapathy had every opportunity to voice out the dissatisfaction that he may experience through
the timeline, but he never did. As the discussion goes back and forth, the public’s outrage falls on deaf ears; the idea of ‘being heard’ seems to be the missing vaccine of our society. JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENT Independent Police Complaints of the Misconduct Commission Act 2019 (IPCMC) was one of Pakatan Harapan’s manifestos proposed during the last seating and was so close to being enacted back then. It is a suggested bill that is presumed to undermine the power of the police force. However, this is a bill with explanatory notes specifying its tasks and disciplinary procedures for dealing with police abuse of power. Participants in the surveys were also asked questions about this bill and to score their awareness of this bill. Several responses were included in the analysis. DIMENSi posted the question: “What do you know about the IPCMC bill? ” in this survey. Overall, 63 percent of respondents said that they are aware of the implementation of this bill. While the rest, 37 percent said that they do not know about this bill.
The Bill lists five functions that promote integrity within the police force and to advise the government as well as to recommend measures in promoting the value of integrity. WHAT NETIZEN SAY Participants in the surveys were asked questions about this issue and to score their perceptions of custodial deaths. Several responses were included in the analysis. Through a survey conducted by DIMENSi via Instagram, Hariz Pishal, 22, one of the respondent, says that it is a systemic racism that exposes how Malays have been oppressing other minorities, especially Indians. Another respondent known as Farah Iryanti, 22, said that the public must know the real truth and for the policies to exercise their right truthfully. “Because the public has the right to know what is happening behind the bars. “Also, it is for the policies to know that it is compulsory for them to protect the public, not to misconduct,” she added. Former treasurer of ‘Malaysia Still Cares’ youth activist movement, Aiman Syafiq Annas, in a Google Meet interview with Berita DIMENSi recently said that all the problem with these dubious death-in-custody (DIC)
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SPECIAL REPORT
Over the past few months, Malaysia has recorded
Public Awareness on the Implementation of IPCMC Bill
4
37%
YES
NO
63%
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*Based on a survey conducted by Berita DIMENSi
Cases of Death in Police Custody
With the uprising issues netizens started used hashtag like ‘#BrutalityinMalaysia’ to express their anger on social media. viewpoints is that, one must always assume that everyone is innocent unless proven guilty. “We may argue that the individual who is dead in custody also deserves justice. The safest course of action is to leave it to the law to determine and to always offer the benefit of the doubt. “The fundamental principle of innocence until proven guilty ensures that everyone concerned, including the police and authorities, has the opportunity to prove their innocence,” said Aiman. When asked whether cases of custodial deaths are happening due to the chronological history of systemic racism in Malaysia, Aiman said the statistics and journals have proven otherwise. “In terms of statistics, Malays are more likely than Indians to die in custody, followed by Chinese. However, in terms of population, the ratio of Indians dying in DIC is significantly higher than that of other ethnic groups. “However, in my opinion, it is wrong to ride on the issue by playing the race card because it is not overall about oppression on a certain race just by looking at the numbers,” he commented. Aiman also emphasized that those advocating on the subject must be objective and inclusive in gaining the knowledge and participation of many communities, as well as becoming involved themselves when other groups are affected. “If this conversation does not take place, death while in custody will continue to be viewed as a purely racial issue rather than a human rights issue,” he added Founder of The Indian
Dilemma Instagram page, Shashi Varmaan in a Google Meet interview with DIMENSi recently said that an issue affecting a particular race in a diverse country should be a nation’s issue to deal with. Therefore, a collective and inclusive intervention should be carried out by the government to avoid a chained reaction to the issue. “We live in a multicultural country and our diversity is what bonds us together as Malaysians. “Intervention from the government is needed to stop repetitive tragedies from happening,” he said. He also noted that these custodial deaths are not a racism issue, it is a human rights issue. Social media-fueled movements are nothing new, especially for race-related issues. For Shashi, the establishment of The Indian Dilemma movement is to solely remove the ill narrative of the Indians. “There are a lot of misconceptions that people have towards Indian race, like they have always associated Indians with gang members and it is a mindset that I would like to change. “This movement is also to help the high-risk Indian youths and uncover more custodial deaths, bring justice to the table not just for Indian victims but for other races as well,” he further explained. When asked about his hope on this issue, he wishes for all Malaysians to live in happiness and peace. To add, in order for the IPCMC to be implemented successfully, the government should not have influence over the bill and public pressure needs to
continue. “I wish all Malaysian could live happily, peacefully because Malaysian Indians are Malaysian and we shall live as one, diverse and unique nation. “Public pressure is needed to put IPCMC into effect. The implementation of the IPCMC Act needs to be fully independent and not influenced by the government,” he added.
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The issue of some groups highlighting DIC in a racial manner can be explained and understood. However, it cannot, in any way, be stretched. Aiman Syafiq Annas, Former Treasurer of ‘Malaysia Still Cares’.
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The organisation and cries for justice that have occurred created the form of efficiency that will affect work for decades to come, indicating long-term changes in conscience beyond the adoption of regulated laws. They will undoubtedly continue to shape dialogues and movements in important ways we have not yet anticipated as a result of all that has transpired.
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LIFESTYLE
The Importance of Doing Postnatal Care NATASHA ABDULLAH [email protected] JOHOR
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fter birth, women and newborns require good care and need to be monitored because this is important to make sure the mother and baby’s condition is mentally and physically stable. This is the most crucial period in terms of providing effective maternal and newborn care. They need a centre that provides technical assistance, skilled health workers and community health workers who care for women and newborns after they give birth. Families are advised in taking care of the mother and the infant, and the mothers are taught how to care for their babies and themselves. Midwifery care is an important part of postnatal care. If all goes well with the mother and baby, she is discharged home between six and 24 hours depending on the kind of birth. Midwives normally assist the mother in adjusting to life with the new baby, assisting her with feeding and infant care as well as giving her emotional support. A few of the postnatal midwifery services also prepare food according to the recommended diet menu that is good for both mother and baby.
Berita DIMENSi also reached out to one of the postnatal specialists in Pontian, Johor through WhatsApp. Puan Aika, 41, said that nowadays not many women are aware of the importance of having good postnatal care. It is very important to have good care, there is the risk of side effects such as bentan (complications due to bacterial infections experienced after the birth process of the baby) which is divided into a lot of types from skin to your vulva problem. It is you who decides whether you want to be healthy now, later or never. It may also cause depression and haemorrhage (excessive bleeding) while the baby might risk getting seizures and fever. Postpartum depression (PPD), also known as postnatal depression, is a form of mood illness related to delivery that can affect both men and women. Poor energy, anxiety, impatience, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns are all possible symptoms. The time it takes for the symptoms to appear is usually between one week and one month after the baby is born. PPD can also have a detrimental impact on the newborn child. Postpartum depression is not a shortcoming or a weakness in anyone’s character. Sometimes it is just a side effect of giving birth. If you suffer postpartum depression, getting help as soon as possible will help you manage your symptoms and bond with your baby.
Although the postnatal period is relatively easy for most mothers and babies, it also requires observing any deviation from usual recovery after delivery, examining the situation, and reacting appropriately and quickly. Routine checks after birth are another crucial aspect. By day four to 10 after delivery, if her mental and physical health has stabilized, the lady is released to the care of her Health Visitor. But the story does not end there. A visit to a healthcare professional on a regular basis is required to rule out or treat any health-related difficulties. “If you do not want to get sick now and in your future, you better choose to get a postnatal care on each of your birth or miscarriage,” as Puan Aika mentioned at the end of the interview.
Sometimes they are also affected by their surroundings, who underestimate the importance of having good and disciplined postnatal care. Puan Aika, 41
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Is it Safe to Drink Liquid Chlorophyll? “
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ealth-centric drinks have become particularly popular amongst TikTok influencers with the trendy liquid chlorophyll with claims it could be beneficial to those who drink it. Health-centric gurus on TikTok claim that it can help cure acne and inflamed skin, reduce body odour, avoid cancer, as well as support gut well-being but people began to wonder whether it is safe to drink liquid chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment found naturally in plants. It is high in vitamins and antioxidants, and it also has therapeutic capabilities that are beneficial to our health. The majority of chlorophyll is collected from alfalfa leaves, which have a high chlorophyll content. The acquiring process is divided into numerous stages. The juice of the plant is removed and dried first. The finished product is concentrated and put to good use. Chlorophyll is believed to reduce acne when applied topically or through the use of a chlorophyll-containing gel to the surface of the skin. It can also assist with weight loss. However, more research is needed to ensure that the benefits are legitimate. Aside from that, chlorophyll has been demonstrated to boost the liver’s natural ability to eliminate toxins from the body. Aida Razak, 23, a liquid chlorophyll consumer claimed she had been consuming liquid chlorophyll for a month and discovered that the effect on the drink was
true during an interview by Berita DIMENSi team via WhatsApp. “I continued to consume the liquid chlorophyll once a day for two weeks and saw some results. Chlorophyll is also believed to give you an energy boost, which I experienced myself. “Things appeared to be running smoothly in my intestines, which I believe to be one of the effects of chlorophyll. My skin, on the other hand, received praise on day three. Maybe it was working. “The breakouts on my face had disappeared by the second week of consuming it, and no new zits had appeared. “However, if you are skeptical about it, it is safer to consult a doctor first,” said Aida through an interview by Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. Everyone’s response to a supplement has different side effects. Ashley Trinh claims that her mother forbade her from ingesting liquid chlorophyll since it is believed to cause diarrhoea, cramping, vomiting, and nausea. The colour of your stool, urine, and tongue may change as a result of taking supplements. Itching and minor burning may occur if it is consumed regularly. Overdosing might result in stomach pains and diarrhoea. If you experience any of these changes, see a doctor for assistance. Intravenous chlorophyll injections might make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Increased pigmentation and sunburn might occur as a result of the response. To prevent this, wear sunscreen to the skin before going for a walk. This is particularly appropriate for white folks.
Can Vitamin C Helps You Against COVID-19? NURIZAN KASSAN [email protected] TAWAU
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TikTok Wellness Trend
AQILAH SAFARI [email protected]
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Chlorophyll is the most abundant pigment in plants that make them green, like spinach and asparagus Aida Razak, 23
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Chlorophyll is considered safe in its natural state, and there are currently no contraindications to using it. However, this liquid is unstable. A water-soluble chlorophyll extract manufactured from alfalfa and synthesised by Nature Sunshine Product (NSP) was designed to make this product more convenient to consume. The product’s stability is linked to the replacement of magnesium atoms with copper ones. Supplements containing chlorophyll should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women. According to a Registered Dietitian (RD), Steph Grasso, there are a few things you should know before consuming the liquid chlorophyll. “If you eat one cup of spinach, you are getting in about 24 milligram of chlorophyll which is equivalent to about a little less than a dropper of liquid chlorophyll. “So, when you eat your greens, you are not only getting in your chlorophyll but vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber,” said Steph Grasso via her TikTok content. In conclusion, liquid chlorophyll is not harmful to humans but eating green plants is better because you can get more nutrients from it rather than consuming liquid chlorophyll.
VITAMIN C is extremely unlikely to aid people in their fight against COVID-19. Researchers and physicians are looking for ways to protect and reduce complications of being infected with COVID-19. Once viral on the internet regarding vitamin C as among the methods of prevention and treatment of the pandemic, however, no evidence is provided that vitamin C can help to prevent COVID-19 and more research is needed to know of its effectiveness. Dr. Nur Anina Kamarul Hisyam, 41, also a family health specialist at her clinic, interviewed by Berita DIMENSi via vox pop said Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works to protect the body cells from free radical damage and to boost resistance to infectious diseases such as the flu or influenza. “Vitamin C is considered useful for boosting immunity. By consuming vitamin C, it can improve our health and make a person more susceptible to disease. Meanwhile, someone who is suffering from a disease will have an increased need for vitamin C, due to increased inflammatory and metabolic process, “At this time, there is no scientific proof that vitamins or diet can prevent or treat COVID-19 infection, but to help boost your immune system,” she stated. Although vitamin C will not be able to prevent the infection, it may help to speed up the healing process of COVID-19. “The lungs of individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus are damaged by free radicals, resulting in a state known as a ‘cytokine storm’, which leads to the effects of lung failure known as ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome),” the doctor added. In addition, she said that it is necessary to take 90 mg of vitamin C for an average person while breastfeeding women require 120 mg a day. Vitamin C as a supplement should be ensured to be one with quality and taken in the right dose, which is between 250 to 2000 mg per day. The Shanghai Medical Association published an article in the Chinese Journal of Infection Diseases stated that the high usage of vitamin C as a treatment for COVID-19 and people who suffered from pneumonia could help a patient avoid the use of artificial ventilation or life support. Syuraya Syuna Syukur, 22, a student from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) interviewed by Berita DIMENSi via vox pop, said she has been taking vitamin C for five years and she believes that vitamin C gives a good side effect on health, especially during this pandemic. Vitamin C’s benefits in numerous health conditions have been well documented in the medical literature. Vitamin C can be taken daily to improve our health and aid our immune system in fighting this COVID-19.
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LIFESTYLE
The Rise of Influencers on Thrifting & Saving the Environment “
ADRIANA NORAZRIN [email protected]
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o you ever wonder where your old clothes end up in the end? Approximately a total of 2,000 tonnes just end up at your local landfill. Textile waste decomposes and emits poisonous gas such as methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes a lot to global warming and we do not want to be a part of that. The clothes’ dyes and color are also continuously contaminating the soil and river and can potentially harm our daily water use. Elsa Asiah Fauzi, also known as @elsaasiah on Instagram is a 21-year-old student who has been curating an online thrift store called @taketwowear since 2018. With a total of 12.9k followers on Instagram, Elsa realises that she has a big platform that she can use to spread awareness on many kinds of current issues and at the same time do what she loves - fashion. Trendy, individualistic, and girlish are the best three words to describe @taketwowear as the collection is mostly inspired by the fashion trends in the 90s and 2000s. The collections curated are bold, fun, and vibrant and not to forget, one of a kind. Thrifting has become a global phenomenon on social media especially on TikTok and boosted in popularity
It was hard to execute at first but now I cannot believe it has been 4 years since I started my business. It is nice to see a community on Instagram who believes and supports thrifting. Elsa Asiah, Founder of Taketwowear
CAPTION with Gen Z and Gen Y worldwide hopping on the trend. As people are more aware and environmentally conscious, thrifting has actually become a fashion trend itself. Elsa Asiah scours local thrift stores to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that match her store’s concept and aesthetics. She did all the shoots, the editing, and basically everything for her store with the help of her little brother and her boyfriend, as well as Elsa’s best friend, Deanna Deanni famously known as @urfavramen on Instagram who have been part of the journey since day one. Elsa, who is also an avid thrifter,
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650 gallons of water just to make one new cotton t-shirt. Imagine the number of garments produced worldwide, daily. Thrifting is a small but impactful action for the sake of our dying planet. Fashion is a way we express our creativity and by displaying and supporting thrifting, this shows our awareness and understanding of the current political climate and at the same time influencing people to do something good that can make the world a better place.
believes that mass buying — even though it is from thrifting — would be counter-productive if it ends up unworn in your closet. We need to be responsible and mindful by buying essential items only. It is a bad and selfish act to just impulsively purchase stuff and simply discard it in the end. As most clothing nowadays is made from polyester, it would take years to decompose in the ocean thus polluting the sea. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste and the fashion industry alone is one of the biggest water consumers. It takes approximately
Mikano Claytive: From Clay to Fashion ANIS ZULAIKHA [email protected]
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ho knows that you can unleash your creativity by using polymer clay to make various types of jewellery? Mikano Claytive is an independent fashion brand established in early August 2020 that sells jewelleries such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made of polymer clay. The founder and sole creator, Nuradlin Dayana Mohd Ali, 22, a young, ambitious entrepreneur who really loves earrings and is passionate about clay making. When asked about why she created Mikano Claytive, Nuradlin Dayana or Yana stated that in the first place, it was a form of escapism for her as she was feeling unmotivated during the earlier stage of Movement Control Order (MCO) happened. “At one point, I just thought, what should I do to distract myself from thinking all of these things that eventually will hurt myself even more?,” said Yana when she was interviewed by Berita DIMENSi via Google Meet. She then stumbled upon videos on YouTube about clay and that was the first time she knew that people could make earrings from clay. Shortly after, she picked up her new interest as she purchased a few materials for her to experiment on herself and she instantly fell in love with it. “It is a new step to become who I am right now. Back then, I was
CAPTION not someone who was ambitious in these things. I feel a lot healthier these days, my mind is healthy.” Talking about fashion trends, Yana who lives in Simpang Renggam, Johor said that she will always be changing and sometimes, she does not know what customers actually want. Hence, Yana mostly took a lot of ideas into her artwork from the poll she made on her Instagram account @mikanoclaytive, to the designs from local clay makers such as The Mini Diary, Oh How Kind, and Shop Hill Studio – even making herself an inspiration to keep moving forward. Despite having a lot of customers who wear hijab, she believes that her
products, which are also made by using UV Resin and liquid polymer clay – are not limited to women only, anyone can wear them. As she creates new designs and explores more on clay making, Yana is a fulltime student pursuing a degree in Publishing from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. Yana explained that she will start her day early in the morning and sometimes finishes around 2AM to 3AM just to complete customers’ orders. Yana also expressed her concerns and struggles as she works on the brand alone. “I cannot deny that there was a lot of time that I wanted to give up. I always question myself, who are my customers? Is there anyone who wants to buy my products? How to make those who wear hijab wear my product?,” she said. Recently, Mikano Claytive’s biggest achievement is that the brand managed to open a pop-up bazaar in City Square Rooftop Bazaar, Johor Bahru back in April. The creator felt satisfied, fun and proud of herself that she accomplished such a thing in less than a year with her brand. Yana’s best friends, Fareza Elly Hamdanlayali, 22, and Murfiqah Ibrahim, 22, shared their experience in purchasing Mikano Claytive products through an interview with Berita DIMENSi via Google Meet.
Fareza Elly said that the products are light in weight despite the size of it, and suggested Yana to try to make brooches and anklets in the future. On the other hand, Murfiqah stated that Yana always paid attention to details on her products and sold them at affordable prices. When asked for advice and tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur, she said that one must be passionate and happy when making their products as well as being consistent with sales. Yana, who is currently taking a break from her business, exclusively revealed that she is already planning to make a new earrings line for future products.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Tone-Deaf in Raya Advertisement FATIN NURAIN [email protected] SHAH ALAM
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one-deaf Raya advertisement by GDBet333 which involves elements of gambling is still the talk of the town after it went viral on social media a few weeks ago. The controversial advertisement is still under investigation by the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Most of the public on social media opined that the company was callous towards the religious sensitivities because they used Eid Al-Fitr celebration and only Muslim talents in making the advertisement. However, all the parties involved have now been detained under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The video which lasted about two minutes was also deleted on every social media platform such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as instructed by MCMC. According to the Deputy Dean of Creative Multimedia from Multimedia University (MMU), Ellyna Hashim, stated that it is only ethical if it promotes positivity and highlights cultural or racial harmony. “Since YouTube, the Association of Accredited Advertising Agency Malaysia (4A) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has lost control over censorship
Keanu Azman, Radio Announcer and this needs to be addressed as more advertisers are cashing in on publicity stunts rather than a real creative message. “Real agency, real creatives are still out there adhering to the timeless concept of really good creative advertising practices,” she said during an interview session with Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. A well-known actor, Ashraf Muslim, also claimed through Mstar.com on 16 April, social media is the easiest platform to deliver the advertisement, but the concept of it promoted by the production company is considered wrong religion-wise. Based on an interview with a radio announcer cum content creator, Keanu Azman, stated that every director and scriptwriter should look after the sensitivity of religion. “In this context, they used gambling which is haram in Islam and yet it is the commercial about Hari Raya. “They should not be using number one Muslim actors or talents in a gambling commercial and they should not have used an Islamic festivity
as part of a gambling commercial. “They should always tell the talents upfront that this is a gambling commercial and make sure the talents are comfortable with it,” said Keanu Azman during an interview session with Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp. He also stated that most talents in Malaysia do not bother asking when they are offered money because to them, this is a form of income. The risk that comes with it is sometimes worth more than the payment they received. Newcomers in the industry should always be brave enough to ask about the project that they want to be in if they are offered a commercial with a certain amount of money. “Does not matter how small or big the amount of the money, they should ask first the synopsis of it. “I think newcomers in the industry should not be too money-minded. “Yes, money is a very important income, but they did not care about the message of this commercial,” he said. He also urges all newcomers in the industry to stay out of a certain project if they deem it is insensitive and may cause harm to their well-being. Somehow, this tone-deaf advertisement has given the opportunity for the advertising industry to be more conscious in regards to sensitive topics such as religion. They should also take into account the context, and the talents used to avoid issues such as that have been mentioned. Nevertheless, the police are still aware of two more videos of the gambling advertisement.
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Online Divorce Among Celebrity HADY ARMEEN [email protected]
Divorce cases among artists in this country can be said to be ‘normal’, but so many celebrities do it openly by pronouncing talaq via online, on the WhatsApp message and even more extreme by pronouncing divorce on Instagram Story. Divorce can occur due to the possibility of the couple’s financial problems as well as internal problems such as not being able to control their anger. Recently, our country was shaken by the story of the second divorce between actress Zarina Anjoulie and her ex-husband, Eilyas Azhar, which took place on their Instagram account. Zarina’s ex-husband, Eilyas has pronounced talaq to Zarina through his Instagram account and it has spread on social media as well as being a hotly debated issue for social media users and on average, there are many questions regarding the status of the divorce whether if it is valid or not since it happened online. Siti Nur Zulaikha, 25, a legal practitioner, during a virtual interview session with Berita DIMENSi, she stated that the pronunciation of talaq by using social media as a platform is not something that is weird as we are living in this digital era. “The concept of writing instead of pronouncing the talaq is legal and valid under the Islamic law but the practise in Syariah Court however will determine the intention, purpose and the state of mind of the person who pronounce the talaq before affirming that the talaq is valid and accounted,” said Zulaikha. Commenting further on why this online divorce could happen, Zulaikha said that she believed the digitalization era makes things easier and faster hence people tend to take the instant way of doing something and hoping to find an instant result. “However, this is not as what being thought by Islam since it is morally wrong to divorce your wife on social media which ironically rarely showcased and intentionally to let the public know graduates from those institutes on TV. especially if the couple is someone who is Moreover, the same storyline had been well known in the society,” added Zulaikha. preached by the local dramas and it is time for the Malaysian film industry to produce something better, said Syamim as a part of It is morally wrong to his personal opinion on Malay Mail Online. divorce your wife on social Aiman Haziq, who aspires to bring media and intentionally the Malaysian Film Industry parallel to to let the public know the westerner’s, stated his urge towards National Film Development Corporation especially if the couple is Malaysia (FINAS) to be open to new ideas someone who is well known and implement or plan the next move in in the society. producing better quality films. Siti Nur Zulaikha, Legal Practitioner
Malaysian Drama Faces Backlash over Unrealistic Acting
K
WAN NURUL DAMIA EMAIL DATELINE
ekasih Hati Mr. Bodyguard caught up in negative comments and criticisms on its first day of airing on television. Albeit the audience who could not care less and just watch the drama nonetheless, people on the internet have showcased their opinions particularly on Sharifah Rose Sabrina’s portrayal of her character. The 23-year-old social media influencer was heavily panned for her “unrealistic” acting and netizens claimed that there are better actors that could have played the role. Despite the harsh reviews, she is able to accept them with an open heart and admits to her shortcomings in the drama. The issue was fired even before Kekasih Hati Mr. Bodyguard began airing, when actress Izara Aishah allegedly criticized the influencer through Twitter, pointing out the influencer’s acting performance. “A lot of Instafamous turned to actors. TV is running out of budget because of COVID-19 is it? Some of them are not even interested in acting. Back in the day, we had to go for auditions. “Our passion is to really become an actor. We studied performing arts to get into the industry,” said Izara through her Twitter account. The tweet received more than 12,000 retweets and a total of around 21,000 likes. Netizens were linking Izara’s tweet to Sharifah Rose’s appearance on television as she is among the Instafamous-turned
actresses. Nevertheless, Izara Aishah claimed the tweets were not for Sharifah Rose. TV and Film Production Manager, Aiman Haziq, stated in an interview via Whatsapp Messenger by Berita DIMENSi that netizens are not in the wrong to give out critics. However, the comments given must be reasonably followed by its own reasonable justifications. “The ‘sandwich method’ is one of the ways that could be used as a form of feedback to negatively comment on something professionally. “Emotional or negative criticism without basis would not get a person to be better,” he said. Netizens are skeptical about the quality of the show and only think of TV ratings as Sharifah Rose is wellknown onsocial media with more than 700,000 followers on Instagram. When Berita DIMENSi’s reporter asked Aiman Haziq, who is also a part of the film industry about his thoughts for the TV station to choose Sharifah Rose over any other actresses, he said that the Instafamous-turned actor has her own selling points and ratings. Malaysian Twitter users were angered by this issue as Sharifah Rose has no background in any art school nor the graduates of Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) and neither the Creative Industry ,
“
Sharifah Rose, Social Media Influencer and Actress
”
Zulaikha also stated that when a divorce case happens outside the court, in any ways, either the husband or the wife needs to apply to the court. “To affirm the pronouncement of talaq by submitting a ‘summon’ in Form 2 of the Syariah Court Civil Procedure (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 And Rules, and also the ‘Statement of Claim’ by virtue of Section 57 of the Islamic Family Law (State Of Selangor) Enactment 2003 And Rules,” she added. Zulaikha said the ‘Summon’ and the ‘Statement of Claim’ need to be served to the other party either wife or husband in order to let them know about the registration that was about to be made and to let both parties attend the court at stipulated time and date. “This is to let the man affirm the pronouncement of talaq which was being made outside the court,” she added again.
DATE
ENTERTAINMENT
19
The Uprising of Underground Hip-Hop ALIF AZRAI [email protected] SELANGOR
U
nderground Hip-Hop has been an established music genre in Malaysia since the 90’s, but the new wave of artists are putting our country on the map once again achieving great hits. Rhythm and Poetry or known as RAP is not a new phenomenon in Malaysia as this genre emerged at the end of the 90s towards 2005 marks the major achievement of this genre. It only lasted a few months before being replaced by indie and mainstream music bands like Hujan in early 2007. The RAP scene was unable to compete with the long-standing genre that Malaysians have traditionally adored. RAP music has died off in the mainstream. Many young people have been motivated to preserve and expand their own HIP-HOP scene, and they are doing it UNDERGROUND. South East Asia is quickly establishing itself as a hotbed for various performers with enough star power to capture the hearts of a cosmopolitan audience. The city has progressively developed its own hip-hop culture, and the rest of the globe is finally taking notice. It is home to young, multi-racial, and multilingual communities. Malaysia has one of the most diverse music scenes in Southeast Asia, representing the country’s multicultural blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous peoples. Not many people
are aware of the underground Hip-Hop scene, but for the past few years we can see that a new wave of artists and producers are setting a new standard for the RAP culture in our country. Each one of us has their own struggle, 21-year-old artist popularly known as Vertgin direct his struggle making music since 15-years-old. “My surroundings shape my creative sense because I started rapping first during high school but since I did not have a microphone I reverted
to producing. It started as a coping mechanism and looking at my friends performing at Good Vibes Festival 2019,” he said in an interview with Berita DIMENSi through video conference. He has produced for K-Main, Forceparkbois, Adam Imanullah, Chronicalz, Aye Darko, B-heart, Guccimith, Tashey and many more unreleased projects throughout the year. He is hoping to produce Sxph, Sonaone, and Aesop Cash after getting on the same track in
the LOTUS ALL-STAR REMIX. “Local underground hip hop for me is where people can say anything they want, any sound that they want to bring without having the mainstream trying to gatekeep everything and I hope soon the local underground scene can break through the mainstream,” he added. Malaysian Underground Hip-Hop is a jack of all trades, the songs’ vocabulary, double interpretations, and depth opened a whole new world for the listeners. Despite its interesting lyrics and rhythm, the new wave of hip-hop that is produced by our young talent is not gaining enough attention from the public. “I think it is mainstream hip-hop that is holding us back, I am sure one day we will get there. We have Gard and Forceparkbois already making their way through with their music,” said Danish. ForceParkBois is the uprising artist looked up upon by many other underground rappers because this rap group along with Slatan, Clumsygang became a catalyst in changing how the society accepts their music. The mix of culture and language in their song gives Malaysian something that they can relate to and something to call our own sound. The song ‘Syndicate Bois’ produced by Vertgin gained almost two million views on Youtube and he made the beat using only a smartphone. “Sxph showed me that producing on a pirate FL Studio could also win awards like Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM). He produced Budak Flat for Aman Ra,” he said.
SHA2Z: Dream Duo Made in UiTM
FIRDAUS HANAFI [email protected] SHAH ALAM
I
t all began with a tiny aspiration from two Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Perdana students, on a path becoming great musicians. Shazriq Azeman began to express his love for singing when he was five years old. Faizzwan Shaari, on the other hand, has longed to be a well-known keyboardist since he was a child. They established the duet SHA2Z as a result of their aspiration. “I started to show my interest in singing and my family has been supporting me ever since,” said Shaz, who is the main vocalist in
this duo, during an interview session with Berita DIMENSi via Google Meet. Meanwhile for Faiz, he is more into lyrics and poetry as well as playing the keyboard. “I played my part more as the sound maker for our group, also wrote the lyrics,” said Faiz in an online interview via Google Meet with Berita DIMENSi. When they both enrolled at UiTM Puncak Perdana in 2016, their relationship blossomed. Faiz studied film at the Faculty of Film, Theatre, and Animation, and Shaz earned a Diploma in Artistic Writing (FiTA). Every year, UiTM Puncak Perdana hosts a competition called FiTA Got Talent, in which all students are welcomed to compete and showcase their talents, such
as singing, acting, and writing. Shaz entered the competition as a soloist at first, however he was unable to go to the next level. In 2018, FiTA once again hosted a new talent competition but has been renamed Clash of Talent where the entrees open to all UiTM branch in Selangor, including UiTM Shah Alam, UiTM Sungai Buloh and UiTM Puncak Alam. Shaz has noticed Faiz’s talent in playing various types of musical instruments especially the keyboard and decided to make a collaboration with Faiz to join Clash of Talent. Since then, they have been practicing together until they have advanced to the Semi Final. They mashed up two songs, Berhenti Berharap with A Jar of Hearts for their semi-final performance. The dynamic duo started to gain interest from the students and on social media platforms when the video of their performance was posted. They won first place in the competition’s final round and because of this, videos of their final stage performance have gone viral on social media, attracting the attention of local celebrities such as Aepul Roza. Since then, they have captured the hearts of the public with their performances, and have been invited to perform at Suria FM Tour, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, and other venues. When Aepul Roza, a wellknown name in the industry,
released their debut single, Sesuatu Yang Takkan Mungkin, in 2019, their career as a duet in the music industry reached its summit. They have had to overcome obstacles as they seek to establish their brand in the industry. “We can say that almost every day we will see new faces like us, trying to build a career in the industry. We have to compete together with the new talents to survive in paving our way,” said Shaz. “During the quarantine period, we were in a tight situation because our plans and projects for this year were disrupted. But we did not give up and keep on going making progress to carve our name and to entertain people with our songs. The love and support that we get from our families, friends and especially our fans have become our backbone to keep on creating masterpieces,” said Faiz.
EDISI JULAI 2021
https://sites.google.com/view/beritadimensi
Berita DIMENSi
SUMBER BERITA DAN MAKLUMAT ANDA YANG PELBAGAI
Norma Baharu untuk Bersosial di Alam Maya ZAFRAN AZHAR [email protected] SHAH ALAM
W
alaupun COVID-19 telah membataskan segala rutin harian dan mengurangkan interaksi antara rakyat Malaysia, namun cabaran bagi setiap individu untuk bersosial dapat dikurangkan dengan adanya laman sosial maya sebagai norma baharu untuk kekal berhubung bersama orang yang tersayang. Susulan Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) yang diperketatkan oleh kerajaan,
interaksi sosial secara berdepan hanya terhad kepada mereka yang tinggal sebumbung, dan penjarakan sosial perlulah diutamakan bagi mengelak kontak rapat apabila berada di tempat awam. Bagi mengelakkan jangkitan virus dan mengurangkan risiko yang tidak diingini, laman sosial atas talian (online social platforms) seperti Discord dan Google Meet telah menyaksikan peningkatan pengguna aktif mereka susulan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) yang diumumkan. Jadi, bagaimana kehidupan di alam maya bagi mereka yang sudah biasa bersosial secara fizikal?
Adakah kehidupan sosial mereka akan mengalami perubahan rutin yang drastik? Amalan bersosial dalam komuniti manusia penting bagi mengeratkan hubungan antara satu sama lain. Namun, kekangannya wujud apabila PKP dan SOP yang tegas diumumkan oleh kerajaan. Aplikasi media sosial seperti Instagram, Twitter dan Facebook merupakan medium yang lama manakala aplikasi seperti Discord dan Google Meet memberi permulaan norma rutin yang baharu bagi yang menginginkan interaksi sosial semasa PKP ataupun secara maya. Menerusi temu bual yang dijalankan secara maya oleh wartawan Berita
Masa Depan Harimau Malaya Kabur
Umum, Halaman 2
Netizen Puji Selebriti Malaysia Tunjuk Solidariti Buat Palestin
Alam Sekitar, Halaman ##
Hiburan, Halaman ##
Terkandas di Negara Jiran Beginilah Kehidupan Gaya Hidup, Halaman ##
EKSLUSIF
Jenayah Siber Meningkat Ketika Pandemik COVID-19 Laporan Khas, Halaman ##
DIMENSi melalui Google Meet bersama seorang pelajar dari Dublin Business School, Haziq Zahid, 24, menyatakan pendapatnya mengenai pendekatan maya ini sebagai alat interaktif yang berguna untuk ekstrovert dan introvert susulan PKP. “Saya sendiri dapat lihat makin ramai menggunakan Discord bila berlakunya pandemik. Saya mempunyai server sendiri dan walaupun tidak ada perubahan sangat, saya tetap online di mana-mana peranti saya walaupun saya tidaklah bersosial,” kata Haziq.
DATE
UMUM
22
PERINTAH KAWALAN PERGERAKAN
KESAN TERHADAP JURANG EKONOMI RAKYAT
FIRDAUS HANAFI [email protected] KUALA LUMPUR
K
erajaan telah mengumumkan bahawa Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) akan kembali dilaksanakan di seluruh negara. Pengumuman dibuat oleh Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin pada 10 Mei 2021. Antara yang harus dititikberatkan semestinya jurang ekonomi antara rakyat yang dilihat semakin ketara kesan daripada pelaksanaan PKP ini. Antara sektor yang akan menerima tempias daripada pelaksanaan PKP ini sudah tentu sektor ekonomi yang melibatkan rakyat. Jurang ekonomi rakyat yang dimaksudkan di sini ialah apabila golongan yang mempunyai kemudahan prasarana digital akan terus-menerus mendapat lebih banyak kelebihan kerana pelaksanaan PKP memaksa pelbagai aktiviti harian untuk dilakukan secara atas talian. Menurut pakar analisis politik, Tuan Haji Mohd Roslan Mohd Saludin yang dihubungi melalui aplikasi WhatsApp, keputusan pelaksanaan PKP 3.0 ini dibuat berdasarkan penilaian pakar-pakar virologi daripada Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM). “Mereka adalah pihak yang benarbenar memahami situasi semasa dan semestinya pilihan yang dibuat mereka itu adalah yang terbaik bagi rakyat,
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Perdana Menteri Malaysia dalam
masa
yang
sama
merupakan
satulangkah bagi memutuskan rantaian jangkitan virus COVID-19,” ujarnya. Antara contoh yang paling dekat, pelajar yang tinggal di bandar akan mudah untuk menerima apa yang disampaikan oleh guru mereka melalui pengajian secara atas talian kerana mereka memiliki capaian internet yang bagus jika hendak dibandingkan dengan rakan mereka di luar bandar yang tidak mempunyai kemudahan sebegitu lengkap. Itu adalah contoh jurang antara pelajar, lain pula cerita tentang mereka yang dewasa dan yang sudah bekerja, namun mereka juga menghadapi kesukaran kerana jurang yang sebegini. Jurang ekonomi rakyat adalah isu yang terbentuk apabila adanya kumpulan masyarakat yang menerima impak berbeza
daripada pandemik ini, tidak semua terkesan secara sama rata. Perbezaan dari segi akses kepada dunia digital khususnya akan menyumbang kepada kewujudan perihal ini. “Mereka yang mempunyai akses kepada internet dan teknologi komunikasi melalui telefon pintar atau komputer di rumah, mereka mempunyai peluang yang lebih tinggi untuk memanfaatkan teknologi digital yang sedang giat dibangunkan, antaranya penawaran pelbagai aplikasi mudah alih yang mampu
“
Rakyat harus memberi kerjasama kepada petugas barisan hadapan dan kerajaan bagi melancarkan proses ini supaya PKP kali ini mampu menjadi tunjang untuk kita membendung virus ini dari terus tersebar, sekaligus membuahkan hasil. Tuan Haji Mohd Roslan, Pakar Analisis Politik
”
memudahkan kehidupan harian manusia. “Dibandingkan pula dengan mereka yang tidak mempunyai akses dan kemudahan digital, mereka akan sedikit tertinggal, khususnya mereka yang tinggal di luar kawasan
bandar,” kata Tuan Haji Mohd Roslan. Kerajaan seharusnya memikirkan beberapa cara untuk mengelakkan jurang yang sebegini dari kian melebar bagi memastikan keseimbangan ekonomi sesama rakyat boleh dicapai. Berita DIMENSi turut mendapatkan cadangan daripada Tuan Haji Mohd Roslan yang mungkin boleh diambil kira oleh kerajaan bagi mencapai matlamat ini. Antara langkah-langkah yang boleh dipertimbangkan adalah seperti penambahbaikan infrastruktur teknologi dan akses internet ke seluruh negara. Pemberian insentif sebagai galakan kepada pengusaha dan pembeli untuk terus aktif dalam aktiviti perekonomian. “Selain memberi manfaat dan galakan, insentif ini boleh dilakukan dengan cara pengecualian cukai bagi membolehkan penawaran harga barang yang lebih murah selain mampu mengawal pergerakan rakyat dengan lebih efektif. “Bank juga seharusnya digalakkan berkolaborasi bersama institusi utiliti untuk memberikan rebat yang lebih meluas untuk transaksi dan urusan secara maya bagi mengelakkan berlakunya urusan bersemuka secara fizikal,” kata Tuan Haji Mohd Roslan. Dengan pemberian dan pengagihan vaksin yang sedang dijalankan bagi mempercepatkan proses pembendungan wabak virus COVID-19, keresahan dan kesukaran rakyat juga seharusnya dalam masa yang sama diberikan perhatian oleh kerajaan.
MERENTAS SEWAKTU PKP Alasan Munasabah atau Double Standard?
ANIS ZULAIKHA [email protected]
S
etiap hari, ada sahaja cerita yang tular di laman sosial berkaitan dengan masyarakat yang mencuba nasib untuk merentas daerah dan negeri menggunakan 1,001 alasan tanpa mengemukakan sebarang dokumen yang kukuh. Menurut kenyataan media yang dikeluarkan oleh Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pada 10 Mei lalu, merentas daerah dan negeri sewaktu Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) adalah dilarang kecuali bagi urusan kecemasan, pekerjaan, perniagaan, kesihatan, vaksinasi dan pasangan jarak jauh. Rata-rata masyarakat faham dan patuh akan arahan tersebut, namun ada juga antara mereka yang ingkar sehingga sanggup
membayar kompaun yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak polis. Pegawai tadbir, Ahmad Fauzi Zainuddin, 48, ketika ditemu bual bersama Berita DIMENSi di rumahnya di Pandan Indah, berpendapat bahawa larangan rentas kawasan ini bermaksud sesiapa pun tidak boleh lepas ke mana-mana tempat tanpa urusan yang mustahak, penting ataupun berada dalam status kecemasan. “Ianya tertakluk kepada budi bicara pihak polis. Kadang-kadang, mereka (masyarakat setempat) mencuba nasib. Kalau lepas, lepas. Kalau tidak lepas, patah balik,” kata beliau yang sebelum ini pernah merentas negeri ke Kelantan atas urusan kecemasan, perubatan dan kematian. Pelajar Institut Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) yang perlu merentas negeri untuk tujuan pendidikan ataupun pulang dari kampus pula akan diberikan surat kebenaran merentas oleh universiti masing-masing.
Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Menteri Kanan Keselamatan Bagi pelajar Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Aida Syahira Roslan, 22, hanya dengan menggunakan surat yang ada, keluarga beliau tidak perlu memohon ataupun mengisi borang merentas dari balai polis. Berkenaan dengan isu double standard seperti yang diuarkan-uarkan oleh masyarakat setempat, ramai di antara rakyat Malaysia tidak berpuas hati dengan layanan yang diberikan terhadap golongan kayangan, iaitu mereka yang berpendapatan tinggi, selebriti dan juga menteri. Menteri Kanan Keselamatan, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata, tiada keistimewaan dan pengecualian diberikan kepada sesiapa saja termasuklah orang ternama dan selebriti untuk membenarkan mereka merentas negeri. Bagi Aida Syahira yang ditemu ramah oleh Berita DIMENSi melalui panggilan telefon, beliau percaya isu double standard itu wujud meskipun hanya perkara kecil.
“Sebagai contoh, kes Neelofa yang merentas negeri untuk membeli karpet. Kalau saya merentas negeri membeli karpet, saya kena saman, tetapi Neelofa beli karpet tak kena saman,” tambah Aida lagi. Ketika menemu ramah agen insurans sambilan, Nur Ameera Merican Badrul Hisham Merican, 22 melalui panggilan telefon, beliau juga bersetuju adanya double standard itu, dengan mempercayai bahawa pihak polis ini dibayar oleh selebriti dan orang kenamaan agar mereka terlepas dari kawalan merentas yang ketat. “Ada di antara kita yang membuat surat palsu dan terlepas dari sekatan pihak polis. Kadang-kala, pihak polis terpaksa menghubungi syarikat yang membenarkan pekerja ini bekerja untuk mendapatkan kepastian dan kesahihan surat yang ada,” kata Ameera ketika ditemubual bersama Berita DIMENSi. Nur Adlina Muhamad Azhan, 19, pelajar Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) Kuantan pula berkata, kedua-dua pihak pemimpin dan juga rakyat tidak menjalankan tanggungjawab dan akur akan perintah sewajarnya. “Yang selayaknya kena denda, tidak dikenakan (denda) dan tidak disiasat pun kesalahan dia betul-betul. Tetapi, yang tidak sengaja melanggar SOP terus didenda, tidak disiasat,” kata beliau ketika ditemu bual bersama Berita DIMENSi menerusi aplikasi Telegram. Oleh itu, orang ramai dinasihatkan untuk sentiasa mematuhi SOP yang ditetapkan dan duduk di rumah sekiranya tiada keperluan untuk keluar. #kitajagakita
DATE
UMUM
23
Sekolah Pendalaman: Bagaimanakah Kualiti Pembelajaran Ketika PKP?
ATIRA KHALISHA [email protected] LAWAS
K
ualiti pembelajaran di zon pedalaman boleh dikatakan agak terjejas akibat pandemik COVID-19. Kelas dalam talian seperti yang disarankan oleh pihak kerajaan bukanlah sesuatu untuk ditawarkan kepada muridmurid disebabkan bekalan elektrik mereka yang tidak menentu dan tiada jaringan internet di kawasan kediaman. Situasi ini amat berbeza dengan para pelajar yang tinggal di kawasan bandar kerana rata-rata daripada mereka mempunyai peranti yang canggih, bekalan elektrik dan kestabilan internet bagi mengikuti kelas secara maya supaya
tidak ketinggalan dalam pelajaran. Menurut seorang guru yang pernah berkhidmat di Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Sukang, Muhammad Nazmi Rosli, 28, beliau dan rakan-rakan guru yang lain terpaksa mencari jalan supaya murid-murid tidak ketinggalan dalam pelajaran ketika Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) dilaksanakan. “Pada PKP yang pertama, saya telah menyuarakan cadangan kepada komuniti di Kampung Long Sukang untuk membantu murid-murid iaitu dengan menghantar modul yang dilengkapi dengan nota, penerangan dan latihan ke 111 buah rumah. “Kami para guru bernasib baik kerana cadangan itu diterima tetapi dengan syarat semua bahan pembelajaran seperti kertas mestilah dari sumber sekolah dan tidak dibenarkan beli di
luar bagi mengelakkan virus tersebar. “Semua modul berjaya dihantar ke rumah para pelajar walaupun pada awalnya sukar untuk menjejaki setiap tempat tinggal mereka kerana masih tidak biasa dengan laluan tersebut. Namun ia berjaya diatasi setelah hampir sebulan projek ini dilaksanakan,” katanya ketika dihubungi Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi Cisco Webex. Menurut beliau lagi, terdapat kegusaran daripada pihak guru kerana kualiti pembelajaran pada ketika itu terganggu disebabkan murid-murid tidak terbiasa belajar secara dalam talian. “Murid-murid dapat melepasi sasaran seperti yang dicadangkan tetapi ia mengambil masa yang sangat lama. Kami ada silibus yang perlu dikejar, Petunjuk Prestasi Utama (KPI) yang harus dicapai dan ada ujian yang perlu dilakukan tetapi ianya tidak dapat diteruskan. “Jadi ketika itu, guru besar harus bertindak untuk melakukan sesuatu kerana kami tidak boleh kekal dengan situasi yang sebegini dan membiarkan prestasi pelajaran murid-murid terganggu,” tambahnya. Nasib menyebelahi pihak guru di sekolah pedalaman tersebut apabila kerajaan memutuskan bahawa warga pendidik boleh hadir ke sekolah untuk memudahkan proses pengajaran. “Pada waktu itulah semua guru boleh meluangkan masa bersama dan fikirkan apa yang terbaik untuk para pelajar. “Bukan itu sahaja, komuniti di sini telah mengusahakan sebanyak tujuh
stesen pembelajaran yang dilengkapi dengan meja, kerusi dan papan tulis untuk para guru supaya boleh digunakan sebagai medium pembelajaran. “Inisiatif yang diambil oleh masyarakat ini sedikit sebanyak telah membantu pihak sekolah mengatasi kekangan yang sedang dihadapi. “Jadi jika PKP terjadi lagi, guru-guru sudah tidak perlu datang rumah ke rumah untuk menghantar modul kerana para pelajar akan dikumpulkan di satu tempat agar mereka dapat menimba ilmu bersamasama,” katanya lagi. Beliau juga memberitahu Berita DIMENSi bahawa usaha yang dilakukannya ini tidak sedikitpun membuatkan dirinya berasa terbeban kerana apa yang penting pelajarnya tahu untuk menghargai ilmu yang dicurahkan kepada mereka. “Ada suatu masa ketika pada bulan Ramadan, cuaca sangat panas dan saya sudah keletihan kerana terpaksa melalui dua buah bukit untuk mencari sekumpulan pelajar yang duduk di kawasan tersebut. “Tetapi rasa penat itu automatik hilang apabila saya nampak wajah kegembiraan dan sifat keterujaan mereka ketika saya sampai di destinasi untuk menghantar modul,” katanya lagi. Penerima anugerah RISE Educator Award 2021 dari Taylor’s College ini juga berpendapat bahawa beliau boleh dikatakan sesuai untuk mengajar di sekolah pedalaman kerana mempunyai kelebihan iaitu seorang yang kreatif dalam memberikan kelainan dalam proses pengajarannya.
Hospital Pengajar UniSZA
Pusat Pembangunan Perubatan Masa Hadapan Terengganu
HARIZ HISHAMUDDIN [email protected] KUALA TERENGGANU
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ospital Pengajar Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) bakal memberi manfaat seperti hospital biasa kepada masyarakat awam negeri Terengganu dan juga negeri-negeri Pantai Timur, kata Dr. Nik Ahmad Shaiffudin, Pengarah Hospital Pengajar UniSZA. Beliau berkata dengan wujudnya hospital pengajar ini, ia bukan sahaja dapat memperkasakan lagi peranan Fakulti Perubatan UniSZA, malah ia membantu untuk mencapai visi fakulti iaitu memberi perkhidmatan perubatan dan kesihatan yang bertaraf antarabangsa. Menurut kenyataan beliau yang diperoleh melalui sesi temu bual di Webex bersama Berita DIMENSi, bangunan hospital enam tingkat yang dibina di atas tapak seluas 12 hektar itu mempunyai 400 katil dan dijangka akan menerima kira-kira 935 staf akhir tahun ini. “Justeru, reka bentuk hospital ini dibina dengan mengimplementasikan elemen-elemen kebudayaan negeri Terengganu, sebagai contohnya dinding hospital dibina dengan berkonsepkan corak songket yang mengetengahkan imej negeri Terengganu,” ujar Nik Ahmad Shaiffudin. Ciri-ciri lain yang boleh menambahkan lagi kualiti perkhidmatan Hospital Pengajar UniSZA ini ialah konsep rawatan melalui rangsangan lima deria
manusia yang diterapkan di therapeutic garden, bakal diwujudkan apabila hospital itu mula beroperasi sepenuhnya. Beliau berkata hospital ini secara fizikalnya dibina berkonsepkan patuh Syariah di mana kemudahan beribadah akan disediakan di setiap tingkat dan juga wad. “Difahamkan juga, dengan wujudnya konsep hospital patuh syariah ini, lokasi katil pesakit yang terlantar tidak perlu diubah jika mereka hendak bersolat kerana kita mengambil kira arah kiblat yang dirancang sebelum pembinaan hospital ini lagi,” kata Nik Ahmad Shaiffudin. Sementara itu, Hospital Pengajar
UniSZA akan turut hadir dengan sistem informasi hospital komprehensif yang mewujudkan pengurusan data dan pengurusan dokumen hospital secara paperless atau sistem tanpa kertas. Seiring dengan dunia teknologi perubatan yang pesat membangun, segala rekod rawatan dan rekod pesakit juga akan disimpan secara dalam talian. Selain itu, dengan adanya kemudahan sebegini, sistem kiraan kos rawatan pesakit juga bakal diadaptasikan melalui sistem pembayaran tanpa tunai seperti penggunaan aplikasi mudah alih dan juga kiosk. Menyentuh aspek teknologi perubatan
yang pesat membangun, Hospital Pengajar UniSZA akan berkolaborasi dengan Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) untuk membangunkan perkhidmatan perubatan penyakit kardiovaskular dan torasik di negeri Terengganu. Selari dengan perancangan tersebut, integrasi teknologi yang melibatkan kursus kardiologi ke dalam program-program di Fakulti Perubatan UniSZA merupakan salah satu manfaat yang dikecapi daripada kolaborasi bersama IJN ini. Sementara itu, Nik Ahmad Shaiffudin juga berkata dengan wujudnya kolaborasi ini, ia dapat memberi manfaat terutamanya kepada rakyat negeri Terengganu dan juga negeri-negeri di sekitar Pantai Timur. “Dengan adanya kolaborasi ini, perkhidmatan istimewa yang bakal membawa kelainan di Hospital Pengajar UniSZA ialah terapi oksigen hiperbarik yang akan memberi sinar baru bukan sahaja kepada perkhidmatan itu sendiri, malah akan memberi keyakinan kepada pelancongan kesihatan atau Health Tourism di Terengganu. “Oleh kerana Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) merupakan universiti komuniti, kita memperkasakan perkhidmatan komuniti dengan menyediakan perkhidmatan klinik bergerak dan InsyaAllah akan wujud bas bergerak yang menawarkan perkhidmatan ujian mamogram kepada komuniti,” katanya sambil menambah keutamaan akan diberikan kepada rakyat negeri Terengganu.
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Projek Lebuhraya SUKE Memakan Nyawa ALIFF ASHRAF [email protected] CHERAS
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rojek Lebuhraya Sungai Besi – Ulu Kelang Elevated (SUKE) dikenali sebagai ‘Projek Memakan Nyawa’ kerana di dalam kemegahannya, terpalit insiden-insiden yang tidak begitu menyenangkan sepanjang proses pembinaan lebuhraya ini. Projek ini merupakan sebuah projek pembinaan lebuhraya baharu sepanjang 24.4 kilometer yang bermula dari Sri Petaling ke Ulu Kelang oleh syarikat Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (PROLINTAS). Lebuhraya yang masih dibina ini mempunyai tiga laluan, 14 susur keluar dan masuk lebuhraya, serta merangkumi laluan ke lebih daripada 60 kawasan perumahan. Lebuhraya SUKE juga mampu dihubungkan dengan lebuhraya utama atau jalan-jalan biasa di sekitar Kuala Lumpur. Lebuhraya ini merupakan salah satu projek yang agak besar dan turut dipenuhi dengan kontroversi sepanjang proses pembinaannya. Pelbagai kemalangan telah berlaku di kawasan pembinaan lebuhraya ini, di mana telah melibatkan nyawa pekerja-pekerja tapak pembinaan tersebut serta orang awam yang menggunakan jalan di sekitar kawasan projek itu. Hal ini telah menimbulkan kebimbangan orang awam yang terpaksa menggunakan laluan di sekitar kawasan pembinaan itu. Menurut laporan oleh Berita Harian, antara kemalangan yang berlaku adalah
insiden runtuhan struktur lebuhraya tersebut pada bulan Mac tahun ini. Insiden tersebut melibatkan sebuah treler lebih muatan yang telah merempuh binaan lebuhraya tersebut. Treler tersebut dikatakan melanggar perencah besi pada struktur pembinaan lebuhraya tersebut. Walaubagaimanapun, menurut pemaju projek tersebut, treler yang melanggar struktur binaan itu tidak terlibat dalam pembinaan. Kemalangan itu telah menyebabkan kerosakan serta kesesakan lalu lintas yang teruk. Tidak lama selepas insiden tersebut, berlaku pula sebuah lagi kemalangan pada bulan yang sama di mana sebuah kren pembinaan projek itu menghempap sebuah kereta, menurut laporan oleh laman sesawang Mstar. Insiden tersebut telah mengakibatkan dua orang pekerja pembinaan terbunuh setelah mereka terjatuh dari ketinggian 36 meter dari tapak
pembinaan. Manakala pemandu kereta itu, seorang warganegara Malaysia cedera parah setelah keretanya dihempap kren itu. Melalui laporan oleh Astro Awani, pada hujung tahun lepas juga berlaku sebuah kemalangan di mana sebuah konkrit batu telah jatuh dari struktur pembinaan dan menghempap sebuah kereta. Pihak pemaju projek memaklumkan bahawa kejadian tersebut telah menyebabkan seorang pemandu mengalami kecederaan ringan dan telah dibawa ke hospital untuk mendapatkan rawatan segera. Menerusi temu bual melalui aplikasi WhatsApp bersama salah seorang penduduk di sekitar kawasan pembinaan Lebuhraya SUKE, Nurul Afiqah binti Abdul Razak, 22, beliau menyatakan kemalangan tersebut telah memberikan kesan kepada orang awam terutamanya insiden yang melibatkan kematian. Menurutnya lagi, insiden yang berlaku ini perlu dititikberatkan oleh pihak pemaju
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agar dapat memastikan tahap keselamatan tapak pembinaan diperketatkan serta tidak mengambil mudah tanpa mengikut prosedur keselamatan yang betul. Apabila diajukan soalan berkenaan adakah projek ini wajar diteruskan, Nurul Afiqah berpendapat projek tersebut wajar diteruskan bagi menangani isu kesesakan trafik di kawasan berkenaan yang sering berlaku. Namun begitu, kawalan keselamatan di situ haruslah dipertingkatkan oleh pihak pemaju. Selain itu, melalui satu lagi temu bual melalui aplikasi WhatsApp bersama seorang lagi penduduk di sekitar kawasan pembinaan tersebut, Nur Ardilla binti Meor, 22, turut mencadangkan agar pihak atasan mengetatkan peraturan berkenaan pemakaian alatan keselamatan oleh pekerja pembinaan di tapak projek itu. Beliau juga berpendapat pihak atasan perlu mengambil kira waktu kerja-kerja pembinaan dijalankan. Kerja-kerja pembinaan pada waktu kemuncak dan waktu hujan harus dielakkan. Aktiviti pembinaan pada waktu itu akan membahayakan keselamatan orang awam yang menggunakan jalan raya di bawah tapak pembinaan tersebut. Walaubagaimanapun menurut laporan laman sesawang MalaysiaKini, terdapat juga gesaan daripada beberapa ahli parlimen Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP) sebelum ini supaya projek Lebuhraya SUKE tersebut dihentikan. Hal ini adalah bagi memastikan keselamatan orang awam terjamin ekoran insiden-insiden mengorbankan nyawa yang telah berlaku di tapak pembinaan lebuhraya tersebut sebelum ini. Mereka juga mencadangkan agar satu siasatan bebas dilakukan berhubung insiden yang telah berlaku di tapak projek lebuhraya tersebut. Ahli Parlimen DAP turut mencadangkan Putrajaya untuk mengikut langkah kerajaan Pulau Pinang dengan mengadakan suruhanjaya siasatan mengenai kemalangan tersebut.
Penjagaan Landskap Kuarters KLIA Terabai MUHAMMAD ASYRAF [email protected] NILAI
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uarters KLIA merupakan sebuah kompleks kediaman khas bagi pegawai beruniform seperti kastam dan imigresen yang berkhidmat di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA). Namun begitu, buat lima tahun lamanya penduduk setempat di situ telah diselubungi dengan isu penjagaan landskap yang tidak diselia oleh pihak berwajib. Wartawan Berita DIMENSi telah turun padang untuk meninjau sendiri keadaan komuniti Kuarters KLIA dan mendapatkan maklum balas daripada wakil penduduk di situ. Sudah tiba masanya rintihan mereka perlu didengari dan dibawa ke saluran yang betul. Nu’man Basyir, 21, telah tinggal di Kuarters KLIA sejak dari kelahirannya. Tempat ini adalah sebahagian daripada diri beliau dan beliau menghadapi secara terus isu penjagaan landskap yang sedang dilalui oleh penduduk. “Pada mulanya, ada khabar angin yang menjadi bahan bualan masyarakat di sini. Katanya kerajaan sudah tidak ada lagi dana untuk membayar kontraktor yang menjaga kawasan kami. Kami tidak ambil endah sangat sewaktu itu. “Tetapi apabila hari bersilih ganti, rumput semakin panjang tidak dipotong, lalang tumbuh merata-rata, dan sampah lambat dikutip, kami mula
merasakan ada kebenaran di sebalik ura-ura tersebut,” ujar Nu’man Basyir. Berita DIMENSi membuat rondaan di sekitar blok kediaman Kuarters KLIA yang terdiri daripada beberapa pecahan kawasan, dinamakan sebagai ‘Kelompok 10’. Berdasarkan pemerhatian awal, kenyataan yang diberikan Nu’man Basyir itu sememangnya berasas. Di laluan masuk ke Kelompok 10, kami dikejutkan dengan pemandangan kurang enak, tempat pembuangan sampah bertaburan, ada sampah tercampak keluar daripada tong komunal, longgokan sisa pepejal yang berkemungkinan sudah berhari-hari tidak dikutip. “Unit yang saya tinggal selang beberapa buah sahaja dari tempat pembuangan sampah ini. Kalau hari yang angin datang ke arah saya, bau itu memang naik ke atas dan sangat memualkan,” adu Nu’man Basyir. Memasuki ke perkarangan Kelompok 10, kami melihat blok bangunan di situ berada dalam kondisi yang daif, cat yang sudah luntur dan berlumut memberikan tanggapan negatif kepada orang luar akan kediaman Kuarters KLIA. Seterusnya, apa yang menarik perhatian kami juga adalah taman permainan kanakkanak di perkarangan Kelompok 10 yang dikelilingi penghadang besi pembinaan. “Taman permainan kanak-kanak itu dinaik taraf sejak dari awal tahun ini, masih belum siap sampai sekarang walaupun dah masuk lima bulan, budakbudak tak sabar, sebab mereka tiada tempat lain nak pergi untuk bermain. “Jadi, mereka robohkan penghadang
dan masuk ke dalam taman permainan itu tanpa kebenaran. Agak bahaya untuk budak-budak bermain dekat situ sebab masih belum siap sepenuhnya,” tambah Nu’man Basyir kepada Berita DIMENSi. Berita DIMENSi meneruskan tinjauan ke sekitar halaman Kelompok 10, begitu menghampakan apabila dilihat rumput yang panjang sehingga melebihi paras buku lali, lubang yang berbahaya untuk sesiapa yang tidak perasan serta sofa dan motosikal usang yang ditinggalkan begitu sahaja di tepi blok bangunan. Bukan itu sahaja, padang bola berdekatan juga terbiar, bahu jalan dipenuhi dengan daun-daun kering, laluan pejalan kali sudah hampir ditutupi sepenuhnya oleh rumput dan sampah-sarap, ini sama sekali bukan sebuah tempat tinggal yang kondusif. “Kalau ikutkan, keadaan dulu jauh lagi teruk daripada sekarang. Kami sudah
ambil inisiatif sendiri untuk bergotongroyong bersihkan kawasan kuarters KLIA ini sebulan sekali, tolong potong rumput, kutip sampah, dan sapu daun kering. “Biasanya cuti hujung minggu kami buat ini, kami tak dapat nak buat banyak sebab kami pun ada komitmen lain. Ini bukan kerja kami sebenarnya. “Sejujurnya saya agak terkilan, kami ada buat aduan ke pihak pengurusan tetapi memang tiada tindakan yang diambil. Kerajaan seharusnya lebih bertanggungjawab ke atas penjagaan Kuarters KLIA sebab kawasan ini adalah hak milik mereka,” luah Nu’man Basyir. Nasib penduduk Kuarters KLIA harus dibela, bayangkan di siang hari mereka bekerja di lapangan terbang, sebuah ikon negara di mata antarabangsa. Manakala di sebelah malam pula mereka harus pulang ke rumah yang berkeadaan sebegini rupa, di manakah keadilan di situ?
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PERANAN PESAWAH DALAM PEMBANGUNAN EKONOMI NEGERI KEDAH “ HASANAH YUSOF [email protected] KEDAH
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embangunan ekonomi di negeri Kedah semakin berkembang dengan adanya para pesawah yang berpengalaman dalam menghasilkan bekalan padi yang berkualiti tinggi. Justeru, di sebalik ekonomi negeri yang membangun, peranan pesawah amatlah penting dalam membantu negeri Kedah menjana pendapatan. Dalam bidang pertanian, peranan pesawah adalah untuk memelihara alam semulajadi dan bertanggungjawab untuk menghasilkan bekalan padi yang berkualiti kepada masyarakat. Walaupun sudah berada di tahun 2021, pekerjaan sebagai pesawah tetap relevan kerana padi merupakan sumber utama pengeluaran negara dan menjadi sumber utama pendapatan bagi penduduk di negeri Kedah. Menurut Mohd Yusof bin Ahmad, 60, proses penghasilan padi akan dimulakan dengan penyediaan tanah. Proses ini dilakukan untuk memusnahkan tunggultunggul jerami, anak-anak rumput dan sebagainya. Proses ini akan dilakukan secara berulang kali sehingga tanah menjadi
Proses meracun rumput dan tumbuhan liar akan dilakukan selepas padi sudah seminggu ditabur. Setelah selesai meracun, tunggu dua atau tiga hari kita akan masukkan air ke dalam sawah. Mohd Yusof, 60
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rata. Sebelum proses seterusnya, racun siput gondang emas akan disembur ke atas tanah untuk mengelakkan siput membiak. “Kemudian, benih padi akan direndam semalaman dan disejat lalu dibiarkan semalaman juga untuk membiarkan benih padi bercambah. Selepas itu, baru kita akan melakukan proses menabur benih padi. “Proses meracun rumput dan tumbuhan liar akan dilakukan selepas padi sudah seminggu ditabur. Setelah selesai meracun, tunggu dua atau tiga hari kita akan masukkan air ke dalam sawah. “Apabila usia padi sudah mencecah 20 hari kita akan melakukan proses meracun ulat dan serangga. Proses meracun dilakukan kerana pokok dalam keadaan lembut dan segar. Ia juga akan dilakukan
sebanyak lima hingga enam kali sehingga padi tersebut masak,” kata Mohd Yusof, menerusi temu bual bersama Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi WhatsApp. Beliau menjelaskan bahawa baja akan ditabur sebanyak tiga kali sewaktu padi berusia 20 hari, 40 hari dan 70 hari. Kemudian, pesawah hanya akan menunggu padi tersebut masak dan dalam pada itu, air akan dikeluarkan supaya batang padi akan menjadi keras, tidak mudah rebah dan tanah menjadi kering. Menurut Muhamad Syahir, 25, terdapat beberapa peralatan yang digunakan dalam proses penanaman padi. “Dari segi peralatan yang digunakan ialah mist duster. Kegunaan mist duster ialah untuk semburan padi dan semburan baja. Mist blower pula untuk kegunaan semburan racun serangga,” kata Muhamad Syahir menerusi temu bual bersama Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi WhatsApp. Cara untuk menghasilkan padi yang berkualiti perlu dilihat dari segi jenis baja dan racun yang digunakan. Selain itu, tanaman padi perlu dijaga dengan rapi supaya hasilnya berkualiti. “Kerajaan telah menyediakan baja subsidi kepada para pesawah. Sebagai contoh, ada tiga jenis baja iaitu baja campuran, baja urea dan baja tambahan. Tetapi bergantung kepada pesawah itu sendiri sama ada mahu membeli jenama yang lebih mahal.
Menurut Mohd Roshidi bin Ahmad, 30, segala proses penanaman padi mempunyai jadual dan ia telah ditetapkan oleh pihak yang bertanggungjawab. “Pastikan penanaman padi mengikut jadual yang ditetapkan oleh Lembaga Kemajuan Pertanian Muda (MADA). Pesawah juga perlu pastikan baja dan racun serangga yang digunakan mengikut kuantiti yang disyorkan,” kata Mohd Roshidi menerusi temu bual bersama Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi WhatsApp. Tanaman padi merupakan tanaman yang berskala besar dan kini kos membuat sawah padi juga semakin naik. Beliau berkata kos anggaran untuk 10 relung sawah padi di negeri Kedah ialah hampir RM5,000. “Benih padi sudah RM900, racun pula RM600 itu tidak kira jenis racun, kalau ambil yang mahal kos lagi tinggi. Kemudian, upah mesin padi RM1,200 dan traktor membajak RM2,000,” tambahnya. Akan tetapi bergantung kepada pesawah itu sendiri jika mahukan hasil padi mereka lebih berkualiti maka mereka perlulah mengeluarkan kos yang lebih tinggi. Pekerjaan sebagai seorang pesawah mungkin tidak sehebat mana tetapi mereka merupakan punca utama ekonomi negeri Kedah yang membangun selama ini. Oleh itu, teruskan menyokong mereka supaya tidak luput pada generasi akan datang.
Kek Lapis Rempah, Rasa Klasik Rumpun Melayu ALYA ZULAIKHA [email protected] JOHOR BHARU
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ebut sahaja mengenai “kek lapis”, pasti ramai yang terbayang akan kek lapis Sarawak yang amat popular sebagai kuih tradisional rasmi negeri Bumi Kenyalang itu. Walau bagaimanapun, lain pula kisahnya dengan kek lapis Johor. Kek lapis Johor juga dikenali sebagai kek lapis rempah. Resepi kek lapis ini mempunyai akar tradisi bersambung dari negara serumpun iaitu Indonesia. Di sana, kek lapis rempah dikenali dengan pelbagai nama, antaranya spekuk yang diambil daripada perkataan bahasa Belanda spekkoek, memberi maksud bacon layer cake dek warna lapisan kek yang seakanakan lapisan bacon. Jika kek lapis Sarawak terkenal dengan keunikan susunan lapisnya yang kreatif dan unik, kek lapis rempah Johor terlihat lebih ringkas dan polos. Rasa lemak masin daripada gabungan rempah Melayu seperti bunga cengkih, kayu manis dan buah pala memberikan kek tersebut rasa klasik kepada sesiapa yang memakannya. Kerlapis (@kerlapis.my) adalah satu jenama yang baru membuka langkah dalam mempromosikan keunikan rasa klasik kek lapis rempah Johor. Wafa Nadiah Sunyib, 22, pengasas Kerlapis berkata walaupun jenamanya baru menapak dalam industri bakeri dan pastri di Johor kurang daripada setahun, tetapi kek lapis rempah yang dijualnya merupakan
air tangan ibunya, Rahani Muda, 55, yang telah berada di pasaran selama 20 tahun. “Ibu saya seorang yang pemalu, jadi penjualan kek lapis hanya menggunakan orang tengah atau agen yang membeli kekkeknya untuk dijual semula. Pada awalnya juga, hanya keluarga terdekat sahaja yang menjadi pelanggan setia ketika musim perayaan. “Ibu mula menjual kek lapis sejak saya masih kecil sebagai sumber pendapatan keluarga. Tambahan pula, dia merupakan suri rumah sepenuh masa. “Sejak itu, pengeluaran kek lapis sepanjang bulan Ramadan boleh mencecah sehingga 700-900 biji kek di mana ia merupakan hasil jualan melalui orang tengah dan buah mulut orang ramai yang merasanya,” ujar Wafa kita ditemu bual pihak Berita DIMENSi secara maya. Namun begitu, dek kerana pandemik yang melanda dunia dan negara sejak awal tahun lalu membuatkan pembuatan kek lapis ibunya mula bergerak perlahan dan hasil jualan mula menurun secara drastik. Oleh sebab itu, dia bertekad untuk memulakan satu jenama untuk kek lapis rempah ibunya. Wafa, pelajar tahun kedua jurusan Perhubungan Awam di Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) berkata, pandemik juga memberi ruang dan peluang untuknya membantu mempromosikan kek lapis ibunya kerana sesi pembelajaran dijalankan sepenuhnya di rumah dan secara atas talian. “Kelas (secara atas talian) selalunya berakhir sekitar jam 4 petang dan saya akan mula membuat penghantaran kek selepas waktu itu
dan kembali fokus kepada tugasan hakiki sebagai pelajar pada waktu malam,” katanya. Menyentuh aspek perbezaan antara kek lapis Johor dengan kek lapis Sarawak, Wafa berkata kek lapis Johor mempunyai rasa yang lebih klasik, autentik dan enak kerana kurang penggunaan bahan perasa dan pewarna berbanding kek lapis Sarawak. CAPTION Tambahnya lagi, kek lapis berperisa rempah hanya ada pada kek lapis Johor, menjadikan kek lapis ini agak sukar “Rata-rata yang memberi maklum untuk didapatkan di pasaran. balas selepas membeli kek lapis kami adalah mereka sangat bersyukur kerana masih ada yang menjual kek lapis rempah asli terutamanya ketika musim Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP).” Kek lapis rempah yang dihasilkan Kerlapis mempunyai 20 lapisan dan disebabkan proses pembuatannya agak rumit menyebabkan harga jualan agak mahal berbanding kek lain kerana proses “melapis” dan membakar boleh memakan masa sehingga lapan jam sehari untuk Wafa Nadiah, beberapa biji kek lapis. Pengasas Kerlapis Dengan berkembangnya jenama Kerlapis di pasaran, Wafa berharap agar kek lapis rempah asli Johor akan lebih dikenali ramai seperti mana terkenalnya Ibu saya seorang yang kek lapis Sarawak. Dia juga berharap agar kek lapis tradisional ini tidak hanya sekadar pemalu, jadi penjualan dinikmati ketika musim perayaan, tetapi kek lapis hanya boleh dijadikan kudapan atau hidangan menggunakan orang minum petang harian di rumah. tengah atau agen yang Kerlapis bukan sahaja menjual kek lapis membeli kek-keknya rempah tradisi Johor, malah mereka turut menjual pelbagai perisa lain termasuklah untuk dijual semula. kek lapis asam manis, kek lapis prun serta perisa moden seperti oreo dan coklat. Wafa Nadiah, 22
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DATE
UMUM
Pura Tanjung Sabtu Kembali Bernafas WAN NURUL DAMIA [email protected] KUALA TERENGGANU
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ampir sepuluh tahun dibiarkan usang, namun ianya bakal diberi nafas baharu. Itulah Pura Tanjung Sabtu, yang dahulunya merupakan kediaman bagi Almarhum Tengku Ismail Tengku Su yang berdiri gah di Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Manir. Selepas kemangkatan beliau pada tahun 2011, istana tersebut dibiarkan sehingga usang dan ditenggelami oleh semak-samun yang tebal. Istana agam tersebut yang kebanyakannya menggunakan kayu cengal menjadikan struktur bangunan tersebut kukuh dan mempunyai nilai yang tinggi. Namun begitu, sebahagian daripada binaan istana seperti pintu dan tangga yang diperbuat daripada kayu cengal telah dicuri oleh penceroboh sehingga menyebabkan kecacatan yang ketara pada istana tersebut. Walau bagaimanapun, antara punca utama struktur istana ini menjadi reput adalah kerana dibiarkan dengan begitu lama serta tidak diselenggara. Pada tahun 2019, pemegang amanah tanah istana Tanjung Pura akhirnya membenarkan kawasan ini dimajukan oleh penduduk kampung itu sendiri. Pengerusi Majlis Pengurusan Komuniti Kampung (MPKK) Tanjung Sabtu, Mohd Fauzi Mustaffa, individu yang mengetuai gerakan tersebut, mula membersihkan pokok serta semak-samun yang sudah hampir lapan tahun bertapak di kediaman itu. “Kos pembersihan semak-samun yang
sudah lebat seperti hutan ini mencecah RM20,000. “Untuk pembaikan istana pula akan mencecah sehingga jutaan ringgit kerana boleh dikatakan hampir 50 peratus daripada istana tersebut telahpun rosak,” kata pengerusi kampung itu ketika ditemu bual secara bersemuka oleh Berita DIMENSi. Pihak MPKK juga berhasrat untuk membaiki kawasan tersebut mengikut kemampuan kewangan yang ada. Tambahnya lagi, komuniti kampung ini kini sedang berganding bahu dalam membaikpulih istana tersebut dengan membuka kedai, kios dan tapak sewaan kepada umum. Beliau juga berkata, inisiatif lain termasuklah melalui dana kerajaan, pinjaman daripada agensi-agensi kerajaan atau NGO serta membuka peluang kepada pelabur setempat.
Malah, hasil daripada kesatuan hati penduduk kampung ini juga, istana tersebut kembali diberi nafas baharu. Inisiatif untuk menghidupkan kediaman ini juga melibatkan penduduk kampung menjalankan kegiatan penanaman pisang secara berkelompok di hadapan rumah tersebut. Pengunjung yang ingin melawat tapak ini sudah tentu akan melalui tanaman pokok pisang terlebih dahulu sebelum tiba di istana ini. Menurut Aman Norhakim, 23, segala usaha membaikpulih rumah tersebut telah membuahkan hasil apabila ia tidak lagi nampak seperti sebuah rumah yang usang. “Sejak usaha-usaha membaik pulih dilakukan, kawasan rumah tersebut kini dilihat menjadi semakin meriah berbanding dahulu yang dilihat seperti rumah berhantu,” katanya ketika ditemui dalam satu sesi temubual bersama Berita
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DIMENSi menerusi WhatsApp. Beliau yang juga merupakan penduduk kampung itu berkata, inisiatif MPKK untuk menghidupkan kembali tempat tersebut tampak berbeza apabila pelbagai aktiviti telah diadakan di rumah tersebut antaranya adalah aktiviti berkala seperti gotongroyong dan sering dikunjungi pelajarpelajar Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) untuk tujuan pembelajaran. Memetik daripada Cadangan Kertas Kerja Eko Pelancongan Pura Tanjung Sabtu, kerja kerja membaikpulih ini bukan sahaja untuk menghiasi keadaan istana tersebut, malah ia juga bertujuan untuk menggalakkan, memajukan dan mempromosikan ekopelancongan Tanjung Pura secara teratur dan berkesan ke arah menjadikan program ini sebagai salah satu penyumbang utama kepada masyarakat tempatan. Antara objektif lain juga ialah untuk membuka peluang perniagaan yang wujud daripada ekopelancongan serta mengawal aktiviti yang berasaskan sungai bagi meminimumkan degradasi kepada alam sekitar. Ekopelancongan adalah satu produk pelancongan yang telah diperkenalkan di Malaysia yang berasaskan ekologi, pendidikan dan pertanian. Tanjung Pura merupakan salah satu tempat yang masih lagi mengekalkan nilai seni bina tradisional serta persekitarannya yang mempunyai sungai yang tidak tercemar. Istana ini tidak seharusnya dibiarkan dimakan usia tanpa penjagaan yang konsisten kerana kediaman ini yang dahulu pernah menjadi tempat penginapan orang kenamaan kini masih lagi berpotensi untuk menjadi produk pelancongan negeri Terengganu. Sebarang sumbangan dana untuk pembaikpulihan Pura Tanjung Sabtu amat dialu-alukan dan boleh dibuat dengan menghubungi MPKK kawasan tersebut.
Rumah Hutan Bonda Penyumbang Kepada Sektor Pelancongan di Hulu Selangor IZZATI ZAINI [email protected] BATANG KALI
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ika dulu bandar ini hanya menjadi tempat persinggahan pelancong dari daerah lain untuk ke Genting Highlands, namun sejak 2018 setelah terbinanya Rumah Hutan Bonda Rozita, lokasi ini kian dibanjiri orang ramai sekaligus meningkatkan sektor pelancongan di Hulu Selangor. Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, adalah sebuah bandar kecil yang terletak di antara sempadan Pahang dan Perak yang memiliki banyak keunikan alam semula jadi sekaligus
menarik perhatian para pelancong dari dalam mahupun luar daerah dan negeri lain. Di samping keunikan alam semula jadi yang sedia ada di Batang Kali ini, Rumah Terapi Alam oleh Bonda Rozita yang bertemakan konsep terapi alam semula jadi menjadi sebutan orang ramai dari semua pelosok negeri. Berdasarkan jawapan oleh Adun Y.B. Datuk Rizam Bin Ismail melalui Portal Rasmi Dewan Negeri Selangor tahun 2020, pelancong domestik ke negeri Selangor pada tahun 2017 meningkat daripada 3,921,285 pelancong ke 4,015,068 pelancong pada tahun 2018 dimana mencatatkan jumlah keseluruhan sebanyak 44,801 pelancong domestik ke negeri Selangor pada tahun tersebut. Ini menunjukkan sisi positif terhadap industri pelancongan negeri Selangor yang telah terbukti mampu menarik minat pelancong baik domestik mahupun luar negara hasil sumbangan pelbagai inisiatif yang dilakukan oleh kerajaan mahupun pemilik tempat-tempat pelancongan persendirian seperti Rumah Terapi Alam ini. Harisya Razak, 23, warga Batang Kali yang juga salah seorang pengunjung tetap Rumah Terapi Alam yang ditemu bual oleh Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi WhatsApp, turut mengakui kawasan tersebut sedikit sebanyak memberikan sumbangan kepada peningkatan jumlah pelancong yang datang melawat ke Batang Kali.
Rozita Ibrahim, Pemilik Rumah Hutan Bonda Rozita “Seperti yang kita tahu, Bonda Rozita adalah ibu kepada Dato’ Aliff Syukri, iaitu seorang usahawan yang terkenal di Malaysia. Jadi dengan pengaruh yang mereka ada, ditambah pula dengan pemasaran yang dibuat di laman sosial media mereka, sekaligus menjadikan masyarakat dari luar daerah atau negeri lebih tertarik untuk melawat kawasan lain di Batang Kali juga. “Tambahan pula, dengan tarikan yang baru dibina dalam sekitar kawasan yang sama iaitu Rumah Sungai Bonda Rozita, ia lebih meningkatkan lagi jumlah pelancong domestik ke kawasan ini dengan menawarkan pakej rumah peranginan yang terletak di tepi sungai dengan harga yang berpatutan,” tambahnya lagi. Harisya berkata, Rumah Sungai Bonda Rozita amat sesuai buat sesiapa yang ingin meluangkan masa dengan keluarga mahupun kawan-kawan tersayang. Kawasan nan hijau dengan udara yang segar, dapat membuatkan sesiapa pun terlupa tentang
kesibukan yang dihadapi di bandar-bandar besar. Bukan itu sahaja, kawasan yang bersih dan kemas menambahkan lagi nilai dalam setiap kunjungan para pelancong untuk kembali semula ke sini. Menurut kenyataan oleh Adun Y.B. Datuk Rosni Sohar melalui Portal Rasmi Dewan Negeri Selangor tahun 2020, Rumah Hutan dan Rumah Sungai Bonda Rozita adalah merupakan antara tempat pelancongan yang baharu yang dikenal pasti mampu untuk diketengahkan dan dipromosikan kepada para pelancong dalam mahupun luar negara. Sememangnya, usaha-usaha untuk mempergiatkan industri pelancongan khususnya di Batang Kali haruslah dipertingkatkan lagi tidak kira inisiatif daripada kerajaan mahupun pemilik persendirian. Taburan penduduk di Batang Kali ini juga kelihatan makin bertambah dari tahun ke tahun, sekaligus membuktikan bandar ini kian mendapat perhatian dari masyarakat luar. Melalui keratan akhbar Sinar Harian pada Disember 2020, peruntukan bernilai RM5 juta bagi membaik pulih dan menaik taraf beberapa infrastruktur di daerah ini juga telah diluluskan oleh Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) pada tahun lepas. Justeru, semua pihak haruslah berganding bahu dan mengambil peluang bagi memperkasakan lagi industri pelancongan di Batang Kali agar mampu berdiri setanding dengan bandar-bandar maju lain di sekitar negeri Selangor Darul Ehsan.
06.07.2021
ALAM SEKITAR
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Muhammad Fikri, Ketua Operasi iCycle
Pengurusan Sisa Eletronik Nadi Malaysia Baharu EIMAN EQMAL [email protected] KUALA LUMPUR
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ari ini, masyarakat Malaysia sudah menunjukan perkembangan yang amat baik apabila ramai di antara kita sudah cakna mengenai kepentingan mengitar semula sisa pepejal seperti plastik, kertas dan kaca. Namun, dalam menuju ke arahMalaysia pintar, terdapat pelbagai usaha yang perlu dipergiatkan antaranya adalah meningkatkan tahap kesedaran terhadap pelupusan barangan elektronik atau e-waste di kalangan rakyat Malaysia. Melihat kembali, isu sisa elektronik ini bukanlah perkara yang baru bagi rakyat Malaysia, akan tetapi masih ramai lagi yang mengambil ringan tentang isu ini. Dalam satu kajian yang dijalankan oleh Japan International Cooperation Agency meramalkan bahawa sisa elektronik di setiap isi rumah di Malaysia mampu melonjak ke 24.5 juta di akhir tahun 2025.
Ini sekaligus menimbulkan kegusaran apabila setiap bandar di Malaysia seperti Ipoh dan Johor Bahru, disasarkan akan menjadi “Bandar Pintar” menjelang 2030. Berita DIMENSi telah menemu ramah Muhammad Fikri, Ketua Operasi bagi syarikat iCycle yang menguruskan sisa elektronik di Malaysia yang berpangkalan di Nusajaya, Johor untuk mengetahui isu ini dengan lebih mendalam. Secara dasarnya, sisa elektronik tertakluk di bawah Peraturan-Peraturan Kualiti Alam Sekeliling (Buangan Terjadual) 2005, yang menyatakan bahawa setiap peralatan elektronik seperti telefon bimbit, mesin basuh, pendingin hawa dan komputer yang tidak lagi diguna pakai atau rosak akan dikategorikan sebagai sisa elektronik. Muhammad Fikri berkata bahawa tahap kesedaran dan pengatahuan bagi rakyat Malaysia tentang isu ini adalah sangat rendah. “Orang kita (rakyat Malaysia) belum ada pendedahan yang luas tentang perkara ini (pelupusan sisa elektronik) dan ramai yang tak tahu cara bagaimana nak buang
barang-barang elektronik dengan betul. “Tambahan pula kesedaran tentang perkara ini masih kurang lebih-lebih lagi di kawasan pedalaman.” kata Muhammad Fikri. Menurut beliau, pelupusan sisa elektronik itu sendiri mempunyai kaedah pembuangan yang betul dan mematuhi piawaian. “Kita tak boleh main buang sahaja, sebagai contoh, di dalam peti ais yang ada di setiap rumah, ada bahan penyejuk dan jika tidak dilupuskan dengan cara yang betul, bahan penyejuk itu mampu menjadi sebab utama penipisan lapisan ozon,” ujarnya. “Kalau nak cerita kesan buruk dia memang banyak, dari sudut saintifik lain, dari sudut alam sekitar lain tapi kesan yang paling buruk adalah dalam setiap sisa elektronik itu ada bahan toksik yang berbahaya yang mampu beri kesan kepada kesihatan kita apatah lagi dengan situasi sekarang ini (Covid-19),” tambahnya lagi. Apabila ditanya mengenai kesinambungan di antara pelupusan sisa elektronik dan Malaysia pintar, beliau tampak
gembira dengan usaha yang dijalankan kerajaan dalam mendokong inisiatif ini. “Kita tak perlu lihat yang jauh, kita tengok jiran kita Singapura dan bagaimana mereka, bukan sahaja pihak kerajaan tetapi rakyat mereka yang begitu cekap dalam menguruskan sisa elektronik ini. “Di Malaysia, saya boleh cakap yang beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini kerajaan memang giat mempromosikan tentang sisa elektronik ini dan saya merasakan itu perkara yang bagus,” katanya. Syarikat iCycle adalah salah satu syarikat di Malaysia yang banyak membantu dalam urusan pelupusan sisa elektronik sekaligus menandakan betapa seriusnya Malaysia dalam menjayakan usaha ini. “Di sini (iCycle) kami bukan sahaja memfokuskan tentang pengurusan sisa elektronik tetapi kami juga mempunyai pasukan operasi yang membantu dari segi kesedaran dalam mendorong penglibatan pengguna dalam isu ini,” kata Muhammad Fikri. Pada masa yang sama, pelbagai inisiatif dari jenama-jenama terkemuka di Malaysia telah mengorak langkah dalam menangani isu ini. Sebagai contoh Samsung, barubaru ini telah mengadakan kempen “#iChanged” dimana pemilik peranti Samsung boleh menukar peranti lama mereka kepada peranti baru. Ini sekaligus dapat mengurangkan pembuangan telefon bimbit dan memberi keuntungan kepada pelanggan Samsung. Ternyata pelupusan sisa elektronik adalah batu pengukur yang penting dalam aspirasi menjadikan Malaysia sebuah negara pintar. Oleh itu, usaha berterusan dari semua pihak adalah penting dalam merealisasikan impian ini.
Pelitup Muka Punca Peningkatan Sampah Sarap IMAN FARISAH [email protected] KOTA DAMANSARA
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enggunaan pelitup muka merupakan salah satu inisiatif Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) bagi mengurangkan kadar jangkitan COVID-19. Namun, terdapat segelintir masyarakat yang kurang prihatin tentang cara pembuangan sisa pelitup muka dengan betul sehingga menjejaskan dan meningkatkan kes pembuangan sampah di Malaysia. Tinjauan yang dilakukan di sekitar Kota Damansara mendapati terdapat banyak pelitup muka terpakai yang dibuang di merata-merata tempat sehingga mengakibatkan peningkatan pencemaran baharu. Antara lokasi yang menjadi tempat pembuangan pelitup muka ini adalah di tepi longkang, di tepi jalan dan di kawasan taman perumahan.
Nurwani Balqiz binti Mazlan, 22, merupakan salah seorang penduduk di kawasan Kota Damansara mengatakan pembuangan pelitup muka di merata tempat ini bukan sahaja dapat meningkatkan kes pembuangan sampah sarap namun ia juga dapat menyebarkan bakteria yang berada pada pelitup muka yang terpakai itu. “Sebagai rakyat Malaysia yang bermoral tinggi, kita seharusnya memandang serius cara pembuangan pelitup muka yang betul agar tiada perkara yang tidak diingini seperti peningkatan pencemaran alam sekitar dan penyebaran virus COVID-19 berlaku,” menurut Balqiz ketika ditemu ramah bersama Berita DIMENSi. “Orang yang membuang pelitup muka di kawasan perumahan ini pun akan memburukkan lagi landskap persekitaran di kawasan ini.” tambahnya lagi. Menurut Balqiz, kerajaan juga seharusnya menyediakan tong sampah khas bagi membuang pelitup muka di kawasankawasan tertentu agar memudahkan
proses pengasingan sisa domestik ini. Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif syarikat kutipan sisa domestik dan pembersihan awam, Ramli Mohd Tahir dalam temu ramahnya bersama Astro AWANI mendemonstrasikan cara membuang pelitup muka dengan betul dan mudah. “Kalau nak buang pelitup muka dengan betul mari saya tunjukkan cara paling senang. Dah buka pelitup muka, ambil, lipat dua dan gulungkannya. Setelah itu, ikat gulungan tadi dan campakkannya ke dalam tong sampah yang disediakan,” katanya. Pelitup muka yang dibuang merata-rata tempat bukan sahaja boleh merosakkan pemandangan di kawasan terbabit malahan ia juga menyukarkan kakitangan pembersihan untuk melakukan tugas mereka. Petugas kebersihan terpaksa mengutip pelitup muka yang dibuang di merata tempat seperti di bawah kereta, tepi tong sampah dan di tangga kawasan perumahan. Hal ini secara tidak langsung akan mengakibatkan petugas kebersihan
berisiko berhadapan dengan virus dan bakteria yang terdapat pada pelitup muka yang kotor itu. Kerja-kerja pembersihan juga akan mengambil masa yang lama ekoran daripada sikap acuh tak acuh segelintir masyarakat akan perihal ini. Setiap rakyat Malaysia haruslah mengutamakan kepentingan pembuangan pelitup muka yang betul agar tidak memberikan kesan buruk kepada alam sekitar.
DATE
LAPORAN KHAS
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Kes Keganasan Rumah Tangga: Umpama Wabak Kedua COVID-19 di Malaysia
SYAMIRA LIYANA HIDAYAH HISHAMLY SITI MARDHIAH IZZUL NAZARUDDIN SYUKRI ARIFFIN Tanpa kita sedari, dalam usaha untuk mengekang penularan wabak Koronavirus (COVID-19), pelaksanaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakkan (PKP) telah menyumbang kepada peningkatan kes keganasan rumah tangga. Memetik laporan Sinar Harian bertarikh 4 Mei yang lalu, sebanyak 902 kes keganasan dikesan di seluruh negara. Dalam kenyataan sama, Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun ketika sidang media Majlis pelancaran Masjid Sebagai Pusat Transit berkata, sebanyak 5,260 kertas siasatan telah dibuka oleh Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) berikutan kes yang melibatkan keganasan rumah tangga tahun lalu.
Rina Mohd Harun, Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat
“Sepanjang tahun berkenaan, kementerian menerima sebanyak 2,540 panggilan menerusi Talian Kasih berhubung kes keganasan rumah tangga,” ujar beliau. Perkara ini diperkukuhkan lagi melalui kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Pegawai Kanan Advokasi Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), Rusni Tajari bahawa kes keganasan rumah tangga menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak dua kali ganda berbanding tahun 2019. “Pada tahun 2019, WAO menerima sebanyak 600 panggilan sahaja tetapi pada tahun 2020, kami menerima dua kali ganda iaitu kira-kira 1,500 panggilan melalui talian hotline. “Manakala menerusi talian Think I Need Aid (TINA) iaitu talian menerusi WhatsApp, mencatatkan pada tahun 2019 sebanyak 800 panggilan, tetapi pada tahun 2020, kami menerima sebanyak 1,500 panggilan,” katanya ketika tampil sebagai ahli panel dalam rancangan terbitan TV3, Wanita Hari Ini. Beliau juga berkata, keganasan terhadap kaum wanita, rogol dan penderaan kanak-kanak juga adalah antara 4,000 kes yang telah diterima. Baru-baru ini, berlaku satu kes keganasan terhadap suri rumah sehingga mengakibatkan beliau mengalami kecederaan parah. Melalui perkongsian di laman Facebook, Fazariah Nordin menceritakan tentang penderaan yang berlaku ke atas kakaknya walaupun sedang hamil empat minggu pada awal Jun ini penderaan telah mengakibatkan keretakan pada tulang belakang, rahang, dan kesan-kesan lebam
hingga menyebabkan kakaknya terpaksa dimasukkan ke dalam Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU). “Kata doktor pakar, kakak (saya) mengalami pendarahan otak yang sangat serius di mana keseluruhan otaknya dipenuhi darah. “Doktor terpaksa membuat pembedahan otak selama 12 jam untuk memotong tulang tengkorak kiri agar tiada tekanan yang sangat kuat pada bahagian itu,” kata beliau. Fazariah tidak menyangka keadaan yang menimpa kakaknya itu begitu parah kerana beliau dikenali dengan sifatnya yang lemah lembut dan tidak pernah melenting. Beliau berharap agar pembelaan berpihak kepada mereka sekeluarga dan suspek diberikan hukuman yang setimpal. Dalam konteks ini, perkhidmatan undang-undang percuma Sister in Islam (SIS) Telenisa turut menjalankan kajian terhadap kes keganasan rumah tangga. Menurut statistik yang dikeluarkan, berlakunya peningkatan punca perceraian disebabkan oleh keganasan rumah tangga. Pada tahun 2019, keganasan rumah tangga merupakan punca utama perceraian berlaku iaitu sebanyak 15 peratus; diikuti kecurangan 15 peratus, kegagalan komunikasi 15 peratus dan masalah suami tidak memberi nafkah 14 peratus. Manakala pada tahun 2020 pula merupakan tahun permulaan pelaksanaan PKP, keganasan rumah tangga masih kekal menjadi punca utama perceraian. Hal ini meningkat sebanyak tujuh peratus
kepada 23 peratus diikuti suami tidak memberi nafkah 18 peratus, kecurangan 14 peratus seterusnya poligami dan kewangan sebanyak 10 peratus. Laporan berkenaan turut merekodkan pelbagai keganasan dilakukan terhadap mangsa iaitu penderaan fizikal sebanyak 37 peratus, penderaan psikologi 31 peratus, penyalalahgunaan kewangan sebanyak 16 peratus diikuti penderaan sosial 11 peratus dan keganasan seksual lima peratus.
Berita DIMENSi turut melakukan kaji selidik di media sosial Instagram berkaitan keganasan rumah tangga sewaktu pandemik dan merekodkan seramai 485 responden. Berdasarkan kaji selidik itu, seramai 402 responden (83 peratus) bersetuju bahawa kes keganasan rumah tangga di Malaysia sewaktu pandemik semakin meningkat, dan seramai 392 responden (81 peratus) bersetuju bahawa perlaksanaan PKP menjadi salah satu punca tekanan masalah rumah tangga berlaku. Kaji selidik diteruskan dengan 357 responden (74 peratus) yang turut bersetuju bahawa suami merupakan pelaku utama dalam keganasan rumah tangga. Nurul Ain Rosli, 24, salah seorang responden yang menjawab kaji selidik ini, berkongsi pandangan beliau kepada Berita DIMENSi menerusi temu bual di laman sosial Instagram. “Ini kerana, apabila suami merasa dirinya sebagai tulang belakang keluarga, mereka sepertinya mampu melakukan apa sahaja yang mereka mahukan terhadap isteri tersebut,” kata Ain. Yusriyanis Eldamia Riyandra, 22, pelajar Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), juga merupakan salah seorang responden yang telah ditemu bual oleh Berita DIMENSi menerusi laman sosial Instagram. “Perempuan mempunyai fizikal yang lebih lemah berbanding lelaki, jadi apabila si suami melepaskan kemarahan kepada isteri, ini membuatkan si isteri tidak mempunyai daya untuk melawan perbuatan itu,” kata Eldamia. Katanya lagi, apabila isteri
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tidak bekerja dan suami yang memberikan nafkah, maka mereka terpaksa membiarkan sahaja perlakuan terkutuk suami itu. Lanjutan daripada itu, seramai 136 responden (28 peratus) bersetuju bahawa mereka tinggal berhampiran kejiranan yang mengalami masalah rumah tangga. Punca terdorongnya keganasan Rumah Tangga Masalah kewangan, status pekerjaan, dan tiada persefahaman antara suami isteri menjadi punca utama kes keganasan rumah tangga meningkat sewaktu PKP terutamanya bagi mereka yang bekerja dengan majikan. Menurut peguam, Mahmud Abdul Jumaat, 33, kes keganasan rumah tangga sememangnya menunjukkan peningkatan sepanjang tempoh PKP dilaksanakan. “Majoriti kesemua ahli keluarga akan duduk di rumah sepanjang PKP. Namun, perkara itu bukanlah menjadi isu utama dalam masalah keganasan rumah tangga, sebaliknya status pekerjaan dan perniagaan seseorang individu tersebut,” kata beliau ketika ditemu bual menerusi Google Meet bersama Berita DIMENSi. Tambah beliau, secara lumrahnya jika berlaku kegawatan ekonomi, hal ini akan mencetus kepada peningkatan dalam kes keganasan rumah tangga. Beliau juga berkata bahawa pengambilan dadah juga boleh menjurus kepada terjadinya kes keganasan rumah tangga sewaktu PKP berlangsung. “Saya pernah kendalikan kes di mana si isteri didera suami selama tiga tahun berturut-turut dan pada kali ini, si isteri berkata suaminya mengambil dadah jenis methamphetamine atau syabu. “Sewaktu PKP, proses pengedaran dadah agak perlahan dan si suami tidak dapat bekalan (syabu). Kesannya, jika timbul masalah antara mereka dia akan mudah gelisah dan agresif seterusnya mencederakan si isteri,” ujar beliau.
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Pada saat genting ini, kita mestilah ketepikan ego dan merendahkan diri sesama pasangan kerana saya percaya COVID-19 ini adalah ujian yang diberikan Tuhan Mahmud Abdul Jumaat, Peguam
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Bagi mangsa keganasan rumah tangga, Mahmud menegaskan bahawa perkara pertama yang perlu dilakukan adalah membuat laporan polis seterusnya mendapatkan rekod perubatan dari hospital berdekatan. Tegasnya, mangsa tidak boleh melambat-lambatkan proses aduan kerana akan mendatangkan kesukaran untuk mendakwa pelaku. “Jika ingin membuktikan kecederaan yang dilakukan
terhadap mangsa bukanlah perkara yang sukar, tetapi dengan adanya rekod perubatan juga tidak menjamin mangsa mendapat pembelaan, kerana bergantung kepada bukti bahawa pelaku telah memukul atau mendera,” jelas Mahmud. Mahmud melalui temu bual itu juga berharap agar semua pasangan di luar sana diberi kekuatan dan kesabaran dalam menghadapi cabaran ketika musim PKP, kerana ini merupakan ujian kepada semua lapisan masyarakat. “Pada saat genting ini, kita mestilah ketepikan ego dan merendahkan diri sesama pasangan kerana saya percaya COVID-19 ini adalah ujian yang diberikan Tuhan,” ulas Mahmud. Langkah-langkah Menangani Keganasan Rumah Tangga Semasa PKP Tidak dinafikan, perintah berkurung yang dilaksana kerajaan di kala pandemik COVID-19 ini telah menyukarkan lagi mangsa untuk keluar dan meminta bantuan sekiranya dipukul si pelaku. Berdasarkan laman web (WAO), beberapa pilihan boleh dilakukan oleh mangsa penderaan rumah tangga, antaranya ialah terus hubungi talian khidmat pelanggan WAO yang beroperasi 24 jam. Menurut laporan portal Astro Awani yang dikeluarkan pada awal April lalu, WAO telah menerima sebanyak 264 panggilan daripada mangsa-mangsa yang ingin mendapatkan pertolongan, nasihat, serta sokongan dalam menghadapi krisis ini. Selain itu, mangsa juga boleh menuju ke hospital kerajaan untuk mendapatkan rawatan di bawah unit One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC). Menurut laman Facebook mereka, OSCC ialah sebuah pusat penyelarasan yang melibatkan pelbagai agensi untuk memerangi segala bentuk keganasan seperti rogol, penderaan kanak-kanak, liwat dan keganasan rumah
tangga. Rawatan rapi akan diberikan kepada mangsa mengikut struktur perancangan oleh pihak hospital dan ini termasuklah sokongan psikologi. Malah, mangsa juga boleh merujuk kepada Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) untuk mendapatkan Perintah Perlindungan Kecemasan (EPO) selama tujuh hari bermula dari tarikh pengeluaran perintah. Menurut kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh mantan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim pada tahun 2017 di portal Berita Harian, mangsa juga boleh menghubungi Talian Nur untuk mendapatkan EPO. “Pihak polis akan menyerahkan sendiri EPO kepada mangsa selepas 24 jam aduan diterima. “Jika EPO ini dilanggar oleh pelaku, mereka akan dikenakan
denda sebanyak RM4,000, serta penjara selama dua tahun, atau kedua-duanya sekali. “Pelaku juga tidak dibenarkan tinggal sebumbung, menghubungi, dan mengugut mangsa dengan apa cara sekalipun, meskipun menggunakan orang ketiga, selama seminggu,” jelas Datuk Seri Rohani. Langkah terakhir yang mangsa boleh lakukan adalah dengan membuat laporan polis dan meminta Perintah Perlindungan Interim (IPO) di balai polis yang berdekatan. Muhammad Syarafi iaitu Perunding Keluarga Islam dan Guaman Syarie, menerusi perkongsiannya di laman Facebook ada menyatakan, setelah pegawai penyiasat (IO) selesai menyiasat kes, mereka akan memohon IPO di Mahkamah Majistret untuk si mangsa. “IPO ini bersifat sementara sahaja selagi mana kes masih di bawah siasatan polis dan
pembicaraan mahkamah. “Tujuan melaporkan wujudnya kes keganasan rumah tangga kepada pihak polis adalah untuk mengukuhkan lagi bukti agar proses permohonan IPO dapat diluluskan,” tambah beliau. Menerusi ciapan @AidaSue di laman sosial Twitter, yang menyaksikan sendiri jirannya dipukul suami, menasihati orang ramai agar segera melaporkan kejadian sebegini ke pihak polis. “Ramai mangsa takut atau diugut suami, maka peranan kita sebagai jiran tetangga seharusnya mengambil berat akan keadaan sekeliling dan suami sepatutnya melindungi isterinya, bukan menyakiti,” katanya lagi. Oleh yang demikian, menjadi jiran yang prihatin terhadap masalah sekeliling dapat membantu mangsa keluar dari kepompong penderitaan keganasan rumah tangga.
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Peluang Pekerjaan Semakin Kabur: Apakah Nasib Para Graduan? diberikan kepada majikan setiap syarikat bagi semua pekerja tempatan yang bergaji di bawah RM4,000 sebulan. Inisiatif lain yang telah dikemukakan oleh kerajaan adalah Program Insentif Pengambilan Pekerja iaitu satu inisiatif kerjasama antara kerajaan dan majikan syarikat. Melalui program ini, majikan akan Muncul sinar harapan menerima bantuan kewangan untuk buat para graduan setelah membuka peluang pekerjaan kepada mendapat gulungan ijazah golongan belia dan penganggur. mereka namun situasi ekonomi Bagi meningkatkan kebolehpasaran negara yang membimbangkan para graduan, kerajaan juga telah telah memperjudikan menyediakan insentif kepada majikan nasib mereka semua. Kerajaan bakal untuk menyediakan dan membuka Langit yang disangkakan panas peluang pekerjaan kepada lepasan menyediakan insentif hingga ke petang, rupanya hujan graduan pada kadar RM600 sebulan, kepada majikan yang di tengah hari apabila peluang selama enam bulan berturut-turut. menyediakan peluang pekerjaan dilihat semakin Kerajaan juga menyatakan bahawa berkurangan dari tahun ke pekerjaan kepada lepasan mereka akan memperuntukkan sebanyak tahun sekali gus mendatangkan RM2 bilion bagi menjalankan program sekolah serta graduan kebimbangan buat para graduan peningkatan kemahiran terhadap dengan kadar RM600 tersebut yang berharap untuk golongan belia yang sedang menganggur. setiap bulan. memulakan hidup baru. Program ini dianggarkan bakal memberi Pada ketika ini, antara faktor manfaat kepada lebih 200,000 orang. yang jelas mempengaruhi kadar Aswannudin Hariffudin , Presiden Banyak golongan terjejas akibat pengangguran di Malaysia ialah situasi pandemik COVID-19 yang melanda Majlis Belia Negeri Perak. pandemik COVID-19 yang melanda negara sehingga kini, antaranya negara sejak Mac tahun lalu. ialah graduan yang baru sahaja Menurut artikel daripada Pengangguran Di Malaysia Menurut artikel Malaysia Gazette menghabiskan pengajian mereka dan Berita Harian, industri yang jelas golongan belia di bawah umur 30 kelihatan merudum dari segi tenaga keluaran Jun 2020, anggaran sebanyak tahun. kerja adalah industri yang berkaitan RM9 bilion telah diperuntukkan oleh Presiden Majlis Belia Negeri dengan pelancongan seperti kerajaan bagi menangani masalah Perak, Aswannudin Hariffudin berkata, penginapan, perkhidmatan makanan, pengangguran yang melanda negara. kerajaan bakal menyediakan insentif pengangkutan, penyimpanan, Berdasarkan teks ucapan Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi kepada majikan yang menyediakan kesenian, hiburan dan rekreasi. peluang pekerjaan kepada lepasan Wa l a u b a g a i m a n a p u n , Negara (PENJANA), beberapa penggunaan tenaga kerja inisiatif khas telah dikemukakan dalam sektor pembuatan telah bagi membantu para graduan menunjukkan peningkatan yang dan golongan belia yang masih tidak bekerja ataupun sedang positif pada Disember 2020. Daripada pelbagai perspektif, menunggu pembukaan peluang Berita DIMENSi menyingkap pekerjaan. kebenaran di sebalik isu Menerusi teks PENJANA tersebut, kekurangan peluang pekerjaan kerajaan menganggarkan seramai dalam kalangan graduan yang 300,000 graduan akan menerima mengakibatkan peningkatan manfaat daripada inisiatif ini. kadar pengangguran di Malaysia. Antara inisiatif utamanya ialah lanjutan bantuan kewangan Program Kerajaan Komited Tangani Masalah Subsidi Upah (PSU) yang akan
IZZATI ZAINI AHMAD IRFAN BOBBY ANIS SYUHADA SHARMILA SHAHRULNIZAM NATASHA ABDULLAH
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sekolah serta graduan dengan kadar RM600 setiap bulan, menerusi artikel Sinar Harian bertarikh 13 Jun yang lepas. Tambah beliau, keadaan ini bertepatan dengan kegusaran kerajaan terhadap golongan belia menghadapi kehidupan pasca COVID-19 kelak. Kerajaan telah menganggarkan bahawa hampir 50,000 lepasan institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) bakal memasuki alam pekerjaan pada tahun ini. Wa l aub agaimanapun, isu pengangguran dilihat semakin berkurangan berdasarkan statistik Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM). Pada April 2021, kadar pengangguran telah menurun kepada 4.6 peratus yang merekodkan kadar pengangguran terendah sejak Oktober tahun lepas iaitu seramai 7,427 orang penganggur. Penurunan ini mungkin berlaku disebabkan oleh wabak COVID-19 yang melanda negara kita di samping usaha kerajaan dalam membendung masalah pengangguran ini. Inisiatif Universiti untuk Kebersediaan Graduan Merebut Peluang Pekerjaan Peluang pekerjaan terhadap lepasan graduan yang dilihat semakin tipis juga dikaitkan dengan kebersediaan graduan dalam menempuhi alam pekerjaan. Kebanyakan pihak akan menuding jari terhadap institusi pendidikan kerana tidak mampu
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Bukan itu sahaja, penulisan e-mel juga mempengaruhi faktor penerimaan graduan untuk ke fasa temu duga. Kemudian, sikap tidak peka dan cakna terhadap syarikat yang dimohon jelas ditunjukkan oleh para graduan ketika dihubungi oleh pihak majikan
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Eksekutif Sumber manusia, Sahira Razak
mempersiapkan pelajar mereka. Menerusi sesi temu bual bersama Berita DIMENSi di Google Meet, Nathasya Mohd Kamal, 35, seorang pensyarah merangkap Koordinator
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Bahagian Latihan Perindustrian di Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech MARA (KUPTM) Kuala Lumpur, telah mengulas lanjut berkenaan peluang pekerjaan yang semakin menghilang buat para graduan daripada perspektif pihak universiti. “Dunia kita sedang dilanda pandemik yang tidak dijangka sejak tahun 2020 dan mengakibatkan peluang pekerjaan semakin berkurangan ekoran keadaan ekonomi dunia yang tidak stabil dan pelbagai lagi konflik syarikat. “Jadi, kita tidak boleh menyalahkan para graduan semata-mata apabila mereka tidak mendapat peluang pekerjaan tersebut. Sebaliknya, kita perlu melihat kepada keadaan semasa yang menunjukkan bahawa ada sektor yang semakin mengecil dan tidak relevan untuk dijalankan lagi,” kata Nathasya. Nathasya juga berpendapat bahawa latihan industri yang telah menjadi salah satu silibus untuk para graduan di universiti juga mampu menyelamatkan tempat mereka dalam sektor pekerjaan mengikut bidang yang mereka ceburi. “Situasi sebenar menunjukkan bahawa terdapat graduan yang terus diserap masuk oleh beberapa buah syarikat selepas menjalani latihan industri berdasarkan prestasi mereka yang mengagumkan dan menepati kehendak professional untuk bekerja dengan syarikat tersebut. “Silibus latihan industri ini dapat memberi pendedahan menyeluruh, pengalaman yang baharu, serta dapat menyerlahkan kemahiran graduan terhadap alam pekerjaan sebenar, seterusnya memberi ruang untuk syarikat menilai mereka dengan penilaian mengikut standard yang telah ditetapkan,” ulas Nathasya. Apabila ditanya berkaitan dengan kebersediaan dalam mempersiapkan para graduan untuk menempuhi alam pekerjaan, Nathasya menyatakan terdapat beberapa inisiatif yang telah diambil oleh pihak universiti. “Pihak universiti akan menyemak semula tahap relevansi silibus serta kerap berkomunikasi dengan wakil industri bagi mengetahui kehendak dan kriteria yang diperlukan industri untuk mempersiapkan para graduan dengan kemahiran terkini. “Kami juga sering menganjurkan
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program-program rangsangan kerjaya seperti bengkel persediaan temu duga, seminar kerjaya, dan kelas membuat resume. Tambahan pula, kami juga menjemput beberapa pemain industri dan syarikat bagi menjalankan sesi temuduga terbuka untuk memberi peluang optimum kepada para graduan,” jelas Nathasya kepada Berita DIMENSi. COVID-19 Mempengaruhi Majikan Dalam Pengam bilan Pekerja Bahagian sumber manusia dalam sesebuah organisasi merupakan pihak yang bertanggungjawab dalam pengambilan dan pembuangan pekerja. Namun begitu, sejak pandemik melanda, purata keuntungan dan peratusan kilang beroperasi yang terkesan menyebabkan kriteria kelayakan serta pengagihan gaji perlu dinilai semula. Eksekutif Sumber Manusia, Sahira Razak, yang bekerja di sebuah syarikat yang bertempat di Johor Bahru berkata, di syarikat beliau, kadar pengambilan pekerja terhenti buat sementara kerana wujudnya pelaksanaan Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) yang membenarkan hanya 60 peratus tenaga kerja. “Sebenarnya, bilangan itu sudah memadai untuk kitaran sesama pekerja sedia ada. Kebarangkalian pekerja untuk diberhentikan juga adalah sangat tinggi kerana pihak syarikat tidak lagi dapat menampung kos perbelanjaan yang melebihi keuntungan semasa,” jelas beliau. Jika dilihat kepada konteks persediaan graduan itu sendiri dalam menghadapi dunia pekerjaan pula, kebanyakan graduan hanya mengamalkan konsep ‘asal dapat kerja’ tanpapersediaanyangcukupmenyeluruh. “Antara kesilapan yang biasa dilakukan oleh para graduan semasa memohon pekerjaan ialah mereka bersikap melulu, mengambil mudah semasa mengisi serta menghantar permohonan jawatan kosong. “Bukan itu sahaja, penulisan e-mel juga mempengaruhi faktor penerimaan graduan untuk ke fasa temu duga. Kemudian, sikap tidak peka dan cakna terhadap syarikat yang dimohon jelas ditunjukkan oleh para graduan ketika dihubungi oleh pihak majikan,” kata Sahira ketika ditemu bual oleh Berita DIMENSi menerusi WhatsApp.
Peningkatan dalam pengambilan pekerja asing dalam syarikat-syarikat tempatan juga jelas menggusarkan sesetengah graduan kerana mereka beranggapan pekerja yang diimport ini akan menimbulkan persaingan hebat untuk mereka mendapatkan tempat dalam industri pekerjaan. Namun, pendapat Sahira berbeza berkenaan dengan isu ini. Beliau berkata, faktor pengambilan pekerja asing sama sekali tidak mempengaruhi kadar pengambilan graduan. Hal ini kerana syarikat di Malaysia lebih memilih untuk mengambil pekerja dalam kalangan warganegara sendiri. “Memang pada dasarnya, gaji kepada pekerja warga asing adalah lebih rendah namun kos pengambilan mereka secara sah adalah tinggi dan prosesnya rumit serta mencabar. “Oleh yang demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahawa kemasukan dan pengambilan pekerja warga asing tidak menjejaskan mahupun mempengaruhi kuota pengambilan graduan dan warganegara,” jelasnya. Berkenaan gaji minimum yang sering menjadi rungutan para graduan, Sahira bersetuju sekiranya kerajaan menaikkan kadar gaji minimum pekerja di Malaysia berdasarkan tahap pendidikan masing-masing. Beliau turut menambah, kos sara hidup yang semakin meningkat juga merupakan salah satu sebab mengapa tindakan menaikkan kadar gaji minimum perlu dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan. Graduan Perlu Tahu Hala Tuju dan Kemahuan Sendiri Acap kali kita mendengar masalah para graduan yang buntu dan tidak tahu untuk bekerja di bidang yang mana selepas tamat belajar. Kegagalan mereka untuk memutuskan hala tuju mereka selepas tamat pengajian akan mengakibatkan proses permohonan jawatan-jawatan kosong yang ada hanya akan menjadi sia-sia. Syaza Nazura, 27, seorang jurulatih kerjaya di bawah inisiatif Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (HRDC), Kementerian Sumber Manusia, berkata, para graduan perlu mengenali diri mereka
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dipelajari semasa menjadi seorang mahasiswa,” katanya. Syaza juga beranggapan bahawa tidak salah untuk graduan memilih kerja kerana mereka lebih tahu apa yang mereka inginkan dalam hidup. Gaji yang rendah, jarak perjalanan, atau suasana di tempat kerja merupakan antara asbab para graduan sering mempertimbangkan segala aspek sebelum bekerja di sesebuah syarikat itu. Ulasnya lagi, spesifikasi asas yang dikehendaki setiap para graduan ketika memilih kerja sangat penting bagi memastikan mereka dapat fokus terhadap usaha yang mereka lakukan sebelum ini sekaligus memberi impak positif terhadap kualiti kerja mereka dalam industri kelak.
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Penting bagi graduan untuk menganalisis kelemahan, kekuatan, kemahiran, ilmu atau hala tuju diri sendiri sebelum memutuskan untuk memohon jawatan kosong yang diiklankan majikan Syaza Nazura, 27
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dengan lebih mendalam dahulu sebelum memohon apa jua pekerjaan. “Kebanyakan graduan tidak tahu apa yang mereka belajar di universiti dan apabila tamat belajar, mereka buntu untuk bekerja dalam bidang yang mana. Maka, terjadinya berpuluh permohonan kerja yang dimohon, namun tiada satu pun yang berjaya dipanggil. “Penting bagi graduan untuk menganalisis kelemahan, kekuatan, kemahiran, ilmu atau hala tuju diri sendiri sebelum memutuskan untuk memohon jawatan kosong yang diiklankan oleh majikan,” katanya ketika ditemu bual oleh Berita DIMENSi menerusi panggilan video Google Meet. Beliau menjelaskan bahawa para graduan perlu sentiasa mencari dan bertanya kepada mereka yang berkelayakan dalam sesuatu bidang tersebut. Perkara ini akan membantu mereka dalam memahami pengalaman sebenar, cabaran, nasihat atau panduan pekerjaan dalam industri yang ingin dimohon. “Di universiti sendiri terdapat Career Services yang mampu membantu para graduan untuk menghubungi alumni yang telah pun bekerja bagi bertanyakan tentang pengalaman mereka. Jadi, tiada masalah untuk para graduan menyelidik dahulu sebelum memohon jawatan kosong dalam industri yang diminati,” tambah Syaza lagi. Ap abi l a B er it a DIMENSi bertanyakan peluang untuk para graduan mendapatkan pekerjaan yang sama seperti mereka pelajari di universiti, penulis blog Fresh Grad 101 ini berkata, realiti sebenar tidaklah indah seperti yang disangkakan. Kebanyakan graduan dilihat tidak berjaya untuk bekerja dalam industri yang ingin diceburi. “Namun, itulah cabaran sebenar dalam dunia pekerjaan. Para graduan dinasihatkan supaya tidak hampa dan berputus asa jika apa yang telah direncanakan tidak menjadi. “Jangan letakkan limitasi terhadap diri sendiri dan terus kembangkan potensi diri anda dengan mengingati semula segala kemahiran yang pernah
Cabaran Para Graduan Dalam Mencari Pekerjaan di Masa Kini Realiti mencari pekerjaan pada era ini sangat mencabar dan tidak semudah yang disangka Walau bagaimanapun, kebanyakan para lepasan graduan bukanlah malas untuk mencari pekerjaan, malah pelbagai usaha telah pun dilakukan oleh mereka. Menurut Nurul Hafizah, 23, yang merupakan seorang graduan dalam jurusan perakaunan dari Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), pengalamannya dalam mencari kerja sejurus sahaja tamat belajar sangatlah mencabar walaupun pelbagai alternatif telah diusahakan olehnya. Ini termasuklah dengan memohon pekerjaan menerusi laman web seperti LinkedIn, JobStreet, Johor Career, dan pelbagai lagi. Lebih 10 syarikat yang telah dimohon olehnya, namun setelah hampir dua bulan masih tiada respon daripada mana-mana syarikat. “Dalam masa saya mencari kerja, saya dapati kebanyakan syarikat mahukan pekerja yang berpengalaman lebih daripada satu tahun. Ini adalah salah satu kekangan yang saya hadapi dalam proses mencari kerja,” ulas Hafizah. “Tidak dinafikan lagi, saya tidak mempunyai sebarang pengalaman selain daripada menjalani latihan industri selama enam bulan,” tambahnya lagi “Selain itu, ada juga sesetengah syarikat meletakkan syarat yang terlalu tinggi dan spesifik sebagai contoh, mereka hanya menerima pekerja yang boleh berbahasa Mandarin sahaja,” kata Hafizah ketika ditemu bual oleh Berita DIMENSi menerusi aplikasi WhatsApp. Oleh sebab pelbagai kekangan yang dihadapinya, beliau telah membuat keputusan untuk mengambil sijil dari the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) di bawah tajaan Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) di Kolej Yayasan Saad Business School (KYSB). Ini adalah kerana pihak KYSB akan memastikan graduan MICPA akan mendapat tempat kerja sebelum tamat belajar. “Salah satu tujuan saya mengambil sijil profesional ialah untuk memastikan bahawa masa depan saya terjamin meskipun saya sudah bergraduasi. “Saya tidak mahu membuang masa dengan menunggu tawaran kerja, lebih-lebih lagi pengambilan kerja untuk lepasan graduan ini merupakan salah satu isu buat masa ini, jadi saya mengambil keputusan untuk meneruskan pelajaran dalam bidang profesional,” tambah Hafizah. Jika dilihat pada zaman dahulu,
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LAPORAN KHAS
Jenayah Siber: Meningkat Ketika Pandemik COVID-19
ATIRA KHALISHA PUTI IYLIA MAISARAH ALYA HASLIN ANIS KAMSANI SYAFIQ SHUKLI
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elaksanaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) telah menyebabkan rakyat Malaysia kini beralih menggunakan platform dalam talian untuk melakukan aktiviti harian mereka. Adaptasi dunia digital ini telah membuka satu peluang besar kepada pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab untuk mengambil kesempatan melakukan jenayah siber. Isu jenayah siber bukanlah satu isu yang baharu, bahkan perbuatan ini sudah lama berlaku sejak zaman teknologi mula menguasai dunia. Walau bagaimanapun, memandangkan rakyat Malaysia sedang mula menerima dan mempraktikkan norma baharu dengan duduk di rumah dan bekerja dari rumah, kemudahan internet kini telah menjadi salah satu perkara yang utama buat mereka. Menurut Eksekutif Kanan Teknologi Maklumat di Defence Technology (DEFTECH), Ts. Mohamad Hazuwan Abdul Wahab berkata, terdapat peningkatan jenayah siber sebanyak 20 hingga 30 peratus semenjak PKP dilaksanakan. “Boleh dikatakan 70 peratus dari penjenayah ini merupakan rakyat tempatan tetapi dalang disebaliknya ialah orang luar antaranya warga Afrika. “Penipu dari benua Afrika ini mereka sebenarnya ada agensi khas yang mengajar mereka untuk melakukan jenayah siber. Ayat-ayat manis yang sering digunakan telah dipraktikkan terlebih dahulu bagi memastikan dalang mahir dan menguasai ayat tersebut,” kata Ts. Mohamad Hazuwan ketika ditemu ramah Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi Zoom. Jenayah siber termasuk buli, intai siber, cubaan menggodam, penipuan dan spam, kebanyakannya berlaku di kawasan bandar yang mempunyai akses internet berkelajuan tinggi lebih-lebih lagi ketika perintah kawalan pergerakan (PKP) dilaksanakan. JANGAN SUKA BERMAIN API, KELAK TERBAKAR DIRI SENDIRI Jenayah siber bukanlah per-
kara yang boleh diambil remeh oleh masyarakat kerana jika tidak cukup ilmu di dada, kelak memakan diri tanpa kita sedari. Pensyarah kanan pengkomputeran di Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof. Ts. Dr. Suhaidi Hassan, menasihatkan pengguna media sosial agar sentiasa berhati-hati jika ingin mengenakan atau bermain-main dengan penjenayah siber kerana dikhuatiri termasuk ke dalam perangkap yang dirancang mereka. “Saya sarankan jangan berani untuk mencuba perkara yang bukan dalam bidang kepakaran kita kerana penjenayah tersebut mungkin mempunyai taktik lain untuk mengenakan mangsa. Pastikan anda mempunyai ilmu jika ingin membuat perkara sedemikian. “Walaupun kami tenaga pengajar ada mengajar tentang etika untuk menggodam kepada para pelajar, namun mereka diingatkan untuk mempunyai sikap yakin dan berani dalam mengaplikasikan ilmu yang dicurahkan supaya tidak mengeruhkan lagi keadaan apabila mereka gagal melawan boleh dipandang ringan, malah penjenayah tersebut,” kata beliau. perlu dititikberatkan dalam semua bentuk penglibatan sosial setiap DATA PRIVASI, MILIK PERIB- individu bagi mengelakkan data ADI diambil tanpa pengetahuan kita. Malaysia mempratikkan Akta “Sekiranya anda menghadiPerlindungan Data Peribadi 2010 ri suatu majlis yang memerlukan (Akta 709) untuk melindungi rakyat, anda untuk mengisi data peribnamun masih ada yang degil dan ti- adi, anda mempunyai hak untuk dak takut terhadap hukuman yang bakal diterima jika didapati bersalah. Wakil Berita DIMENSi sempat bertanya tentang bahayanHal ini kerana seya jika maklumat peribadi kita bagai rakyat Malaydidedahkan secara awam, hal ini sia kita mempunyai seakan-akan membuka pintu unhak untuk melindungi tuk penjenayah menggunakan data data peribadi daripaitu dengan sewenang-wenangnya. “Nama penuh, nombor teleda digunakan atau fon dan kad pengenalan yang kita mendedahkannya, tulis di mana-mana borang sanbegitu juga apabila gat bahaya terutama sekali ketika kita melayari suatu musim pandemik ini yang melaman sesawang, seminta orang awam untuk merekodkan maklumat mereka setiap kali pengisian belum masuk ke sesuatu premis. data diperlukan, kita” “Jika disalah guna oleh harus mengisi borang pihak yang tidak bertangpersetujuan untuk gungjawab, penjenayah siberkongsi data terseber boleh menggodam privasi untuk mengancam kesebut. jahteraan hidup seseorang,” tambah Prof. Suhaidi ketika dihubunProf. Ts. Dr. Suhaidi gi melalui aplikasi Cisco Webex. Hassan Menurut beliau, data peribadi ini bukanlah suatu perkara yang
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Sumber: Utusan
PENGGODAM DATA, ANCAMAN NEGARA Terbaharu, tular di media sosial mengenai kumpulan Anonymous Malaysia yang terlibat dalam ancaman serangan siber dan dipercayai akan menggodam laman web kerajaan Malaysia. Menurut video berdurasi sekitar dua minit yang masih belum dapat ditentukan kesahihannya, motif serangan kumpulan ini dilakukan adalah kerana sistem keselamatan negara sangat lemah dan menyum-
Sumber:Sinar Harian
bang kepada pendedahan data yang membolehkan penggodam mencuri dan menjual maklumat negara. Prof. Ts. Dr. Suhaidi Hassan yang juga merupakan ahli Lembaga Teknologis Malaysia (MBOT), turut menyatakan pandangan beliau mengenai isu serangan siber yang menjadi kepincangan negara. “Masalah pencerobohan data ini bukanlah isu yang kecil dan tidak ramai mengetahui akan impaknya, apa yang cuba dilakukan oleh kumpulan ini menunjukkan bahawa sistem sekuriti siber masih tidak begitu kuat dan mencukupi di Malaysia. “Namun, kejadian ini bukan hanya berlaku di Malaysia, malah boleh berlaku di negara-negara maju dan membangun. Misalnya di Singapura, kejadian pendedahan data sebuah hospital telah digodam yang mengakibatkan maklumat kesihatan rakyat Singapura terdedah,” jelas beliau. Beliau juga berpendapat bahawa insiden kumpulan penggodam ini seharusnya tidak wajar berlaku. “Sekiranya tujuan tindakan kumpulan ini adalah ingin memperbetulkan sistem keselamatan negara, ia boleh dilakukan dengan cara dan kaedah yang betul sebagai contoh mereka boleh menghantar surat kepada institusi kerajaan melalui saluran yang tepat,” cadang beliau.
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LAPORAN KHAS
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Sumber: Berita DIMENSi SIMPANAN PANGKALAN DATA Menurut Suhaidi, data yang melibatkan maklumat diri dan negara sangat penting terhadap keselamatan siber di Malaysia. Perkara ini menjadi satu keperluan untuk memadam informasi dalam sistem pangkalan data daripada diakses semula bagi tujuan penipuan siber. “Hal ini kerana setiap aktiviti dan pergerakan dalam talian seperti simpanan gambar atau maklumat sekiranya dipadam, salinan itu masih tetap ada dalam sistem,” tambah beliau. Persoalannya, bagaimana pula dengan maklumat peribadi yang pernah disimpan melalui jaringan internet ini dipadam secara keseluruhannya agar tidak dapat dikesan oleh penjenayah siber bagi tujuan penipuan dalam talian? Beliau berkata, isu data peribadi merupakan satu subjek yang begitu signifikan, namun dalam konteks Malaysia, isu ini dianggap tidak begitu penting berbanding di luar negara yang menekankan hak untuk memadam data. “Sekiranya di negara Eropah, dalam satu kes yang melibatkan Kesatuan Eropah (EU) menyaman Google, ahli EU ini mendakwa bahawa mereka mahu data mereka dipadam dalam pangkalan data Google atau tindakan saman akan dikenakan,” tambahnya. Setiap maklumat dalam sistem pangkalan data boleh dijadikan graf analisis oleh pihak ketiga dalam mengenal pasti hubungan individu yang berkaitan, lalu terjerumus kepada penipuan jenayah siber.
EVOLUSI E-DAGANG Wabak COVID-19 yang semakin agresif ini pastinya menyumbang kepada peningkatan penggunaan teknologi yang lebih produktif, lantas menjadi keperluan rakyat mengadaptasi keterhubungan digital dalam melakukan aktiviti harian seperti urusan jual beli atau e-dagang. Bagaimanapun, peralihan urusniaga dalam talian telah menimbulkan pelbagai reaksi daripada pemain industri, antaranya ialah penipuan e-dagang yang menjadi cabaran dan risiko perniagaan sekali gus menggugat kredibiliti peniaga dalam perkhidmatan e-dagang. Shaidatul Aishah Waharudin, 28, menyatakan pandangan beliau mengenai impak jenayah siber terhadap dunia perniagaan dalam talian yang kian meruncing. Beliau yang bekerja sebagai akauntan pernah menjadi mangsa kepada penipuan siber ini. “Kesan jenayah siber ini telah menyebabkan peratusan jual beli dan kepercayaan pelanggan terhadap kaedah membeli-belah dalam talian menurun lebih-lebih lagi ketika pandemik, hal ini kerana kerajaan turut menyarankan rakyat melakukan urusan pembelian secara dalam talian. “Disebabkan wabak COVID-19 yang melanda ini, peratusan mangsa jenayah siber semakin meningkat berbanding sebelum pandemik kerana 95 peratus urusan jual beli bergantung kepada perniagaan dalam talian,” kata Aishah ketika di temu ramah Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi WhatsApp. “Saya juga pernah menjadi mangsa jenayah siber yang menyebabkan saya mengalami kerugian, dan baru-baru ini saya telah membeli barang melalui platform
e-dagang Shopee dan menyebabkan saya kehilangan wang hampir RM100,” tambah beliau. Isu jenayah siber ini pastinya mendatangkan sisi negatif terhadap kualiti perniagaan dalam talian, justeru, pentingnya pelan tindakan yang mampan bagi menguatkan asas kemahiran digital yang semakin berkembang pesat. PENGALAMAN PAHIT KETIKA AWAL PKP Kebanyakkan penjenayah tidak kisah terhadap latar belakang mangsa yang menjadi sasarannya kerana apa yang penting adalah mereka mendapat hasil daripada penipuan yang dilakukan. Farah Natasya Jamalludin, 22, yang juga merupakan mangsa jenayah siber telah dijadikan kambing hitam oleh seseorang yang menggunakan identitinya sebagai modus operandi penipuan di laman Instagram. “Pada awalnya, kawan (saya) beritahu bahawa ada seseorang menggunakan gambar dan nama milik saya, tetapi saya tidak mengambil serius akan hal tersebut kerana saya fikir akaun itu dibuat tanpa mempunyai niat yang jahat. “Jadi, saya hanya membuat satu kenyataan di laman Instagram saya supaya tiada yang terpedaya dengan akaun palsu tersebut,” katanya. Namun, sikap tidak mengambil endah ini telah membawa sesuatu insiden yang serius kepada Farah apabila terdapat seorang rakan dalam aplikasi itu yang kurang bernasib baik telah terjerumus dengan penipuan individu di sebalik akaun palsu tersebut. “Rakan saya yang kurang bernasib baik itu telah memberikan
kod kebenaran transaksi (TAC) kepada penjenayah tersebut selepas memberikan nombor telefonnya apabila diminta,” menurut Farah.
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Beliau tidak berasa musykil dengan akaun tersebut pada mulanya sehinggalah beliau menerima satu mesej daripada pihak bank menyatakan bahawa duit di dalam akaunnya yang berjumlah RM200 telah ditolak. Farah Natasya Jamalludin, 22
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Sejurus menerima aduan dari rakannya, Farah terus membuat laporan polis dan telah diberi nasihat untuk membuat aduan kepada Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC). “Saya difahamkan bahawa akaun tersebut tidak dapat lagi dijejaki kerana dalang di sebalik penipuan tersebut telah menutup akaun itu,” tambahnya lagi ketika di temu ramah Berita DIMENSi melalui aplikasi Zoom. LANGKAH MENANGANI J E N AYA H S I B E R Oleh kerana kurangnya keprihatinan dan kesedaran terhadap isu jenayah siber dalam kalangan masyarakat, mereka cenderung untuk terdedah dengan ancaman siber yang amat berbahaya ini. Aktiviti di laman siber semakin
hari semakin mencabar kerana penjenayah siber mempunyai pelbagai taktik seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi yang canggih dan moden. Masyarakat perlu mengambil inisiatif dalam meningkatkan tahap kesedaran dan pengetahuan dunia digital sebagai langkah persediaan bagi mengelakkan daripada terkena ancaman jenayah siber. Menurut Prof. Suhaidi, pengguna telefon pintar seharusnya menetapkan kata laluan sebelum dapat mengakses peranti tersebut. “Bukan itu sahaja, kita tidak patut berkongsi kata laluan akaun media sosial dan juga kata laluan telefon pintar kepada sesiapa termasuk ahli keluarga kita sendiri. Hanya diri sendiri sahaja yang patut tahu kata laluan untuk peranti kita,” kata beliau. Pada zaman sekarang, sudah menjadi lumrah manusia untuk berkongsi tentang aktiviti seharian mereka. Walaupun nampak tidak berbahaya, namun di sebalik ruang maya ini, akan ada penjenayah siber yang aktif mencari sasaran untuk dijadikan mangsa mereka. “Penjenayah siber boleh mengambil maklumat daripada aktiviti seharian kita melalui perkongsian di media sosial. Mereka boleh menganalisis tentang mangsa berdasarkan data yang dikongsi,” tambahnya lagi. Data kerajaan juga pernah digodam, apatah lagi rakyat marhaen yang sering kali alpa dalam melakukan aktiviti dalam talian. Justeru, pentingnya langkah berjaga-jaga dalam berkongsi maklumat peribadi di media sosial agar tidak menjadi mangsa jenayah siber. Beringat sebelum kena.