Orang Asli villagers bridge gap to kids' studies
Compiled by BENJAMIN LEE, C.ARUNO and R.ARAVINTAN
ORANG Asli villagers from Pos Balar in Gua Musang, Kelantan, have taken it upon themselves to build a temporary bridge to cross the torrential Sungai Balar as school holidays draw to an end, reported Berita Harian.
The new bridge, made out of wood, was built with a team of 57 villagers with the primary goal of enabling their kids and teachers from the nearby villages to attend the nearby SK Balar across the river with the first term holidays ending on June 9.
Orang Asli Village Development and Safety Committee chairman Hanan Anjang said the temporary bridge took nearly eight hours to complete and was the third one built at the exact crossing location.
He said the bridge was a temporary measure as plans for a new permanent bridge have finally been announced to be in the works.
'We were informed that the construction of a new bridge will begin this month but while waiting for the new bridge to be completed, residents still need to cross the river to get to school.
'So, we rebuilt the temporary bridge for the third time to ease access for parents and teachers,' he said.
Previously in March, a permanent steel suspension bridge crossing for the river was destroyed after heavy rains resulted in extremely strong currents that left Pos Balar villagers isolated.
On June 1, the Orang Asli Development Department announced the construction of a new RM400,000 bridge for Pos Balar.
> Actress Amira Othman has denied talks of her potential marriage to fellow actor Fattah Amin, Kosmo! reported.
The 31-year-old singer said there were currently no wedding plans, despite appearing to have grown closer to Fattah in the eyes of their fans.
'There has been all kinds of speculation with some even saying I'd be getting married in May, but I was performing in Johor. So, it was all just playful teasing from my fans.
'There's nothing like that (getting married).
'If anything is really happening, I'll definitely share it,' she told the daily.
Speculation began shortly following Fattah's divorce from Nur Fazura Sharifuddin in October last year.Rumours of the pair's close relationship only intensified after they were featured together in several high-profile brand campaigns, with social media photos of them together also going viral.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Borneo Post
From hillside shrine to iconic landmark: Miri temple's journey of faith, unity
(From right) Hock Seng, Ting, Georgina, Lee, Khien Ku, Yii and Chaw pose for a photo-call, taken during a symbolic handover of a Unifor cheque for RM300,000 to Some Shak Lung Kung Temple. MIRI (June 28): The transformation of Some Shak Lung Kung Temple from a small hillside shrine into a prominent religious and tourism landmark stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and unity within the local Chinese community, said Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. He made the remarks during a grand banquet celebrating the recognition of the temple's Tow Boo Kong Nine Emperor Gods as the 27th Seal-Holding Sacred Palace of Malaysia Tow Boo Kong Temple on Friday. 'What began as a humble temple by the hillside has now become a majestic landmark admired by all,' said the Senadin assemblyman, highlighting the temple's decades-long journey to secure land and establish its current structure. He emphasised that the temple, now a magnet for devotees and tourists alike, is not only a place of worship but also a representation of Miri's cultural and tourism potential. 'This transformation would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the community, the leadership of Sea Dragon Master Ng Khien Ku, and the strong backing of the Sarawak government,' he added. The state minister, who had been closely involved with the temple for over 30 years, recounted the early struggles, from land donations being withdrawn after ground-breaking ceremonies to losing sites due to government development plans. 'Despite these setbacks, the temple committee persevered and eventually secured a permanent site at Jalan Jee Foh 9, overcoming stiff competition from other associations,' he said. 'Today, the temple stands as a striking symbol of Miri's cultural landscape, featuring a grand hall that accommodates over 1,000 guests and a twin-dragon gate that has become a local icon.' Lee also revealed that over RM20 million had been invested into the temple's development, part of which was funded by the Sarawak government. 'The story of Some Shak Lung Kung Temple is more than just a religious journey – it embodies the resilience of our people and our collective dedication to preserving cultural heritage,' he added. The event, attended by over 1,000 guests from across Malaysia and also from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, and Brunei, also brought together representatives of more than 60 affiliated temples. A highlight of the banquet was the presentation of a RM300,000 grant by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), proposed by the Pujut constituency. The grant would be used to complete the infrastructure of the temple's new meeting hall, which could accommodate over 1,000 guests at any given time. Also present yesterday were Deputy State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; Pujut assemblyman Mayor Adam Yii; Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau; Immigration and Labour Unit Sarawak director Richard Lon; temple chairman Ng Hock Seng; and Chaw Zhe Jian, who representing Miri MP Chiew Choon Man. Lee Kim Shin miri Some Shak Lung Kung Temple
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Fattah says mum approves of relationship with Amira Othman
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Fattah Amin, 35, has confirmed that his mother, Azizah Abdul Ghani, approves of his relationship with singer Amira Othman. However, the Kulit Wayang star clarified that their relationship is strictly professional. Addressing recent reports of his mother visiting Amira in the hospital after she suffered food poisoning, Fattah explained that the visit held no romantic significance. He said that his mother was merely showing concern, particularly as their families are already acquainted. "My mother hadn't had the chance to visit Amira before. Coincidentally, we were out together that day, so we decided to visit her straight after," Fattah told Berita Harian. "Mum must have been worried about Amira's condition because I'd never heard of her having low blood pressure issues before. After all, my family, including my siblings, already know Amira and support her products. So, my mother went as a sign of concern for my colleague." Fattah also downplayed the significance of giving Amira flowers for two consecutive days, reiterating that the bouquets were simply a gesture of remembrance and concern for a sick colleague. When asked about netizens' speculation regarding him and Amira wearing matching outfits at different events, Fattah expressed surprise and claimed to be unaware. "I don't know what she (Amira) wore. My outfit for that day was chosen by my stylist, Johan. Maybe it was just a coincidence," he said.
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Borneo Star to debut in peninsula
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Lord Justice will face stiff competition in tomorrow's Race 4. Kota Kinabalu: Royal Sabah Turf Club's (RSTC) talented two-year old Borneo Star will make his debut (Race 6) this Sunday in the peninsula at Selangor Turf Club. Prepared by veteran trainer Richard Lines, Borneo Star is expected to use this run to familiarise race conditions for future assaults. Infinity Spirit is the favourite with Pahlawan, Cheeky White Face and El Chubasco to challenge. Race 7 (Class A) over 1,200m is feature race with hard to beat Pacific Vampire against Honesty and Filial Dragon. Always switch on type, 'veteran' 10-year old Cheval Blanc should be regarded while Witness Impact has ability to upset. Top draw for local races (Sunday) is Race 4 (Class 1/2) over 1,400m featuring Lord Justice against a plethora of combatants bent on overthrowing the lord. Leading the contingent are Kinabalu Warrior, David's Sling and Summer Glitter. Stiff competition is also expected from Sukoli Beauty (ex Coronation II) and Easylights. Race 3 (Class 4) over 1,100m sandtrack will be keenly fought. A princely pot of RM17,000 carry forward pool adds to the fanfare. Biduan and North Star are in excellent form homing in for a win with Golden Express and Dedek Beauty lurking not far behind. Race 5 (Class 3) over 1,400m will be fierce with dependable Classic Head taking on Messi. Lady Lara and Silent Arrow are proud and honest-types, and they will have a major say in the proceedings. Avid race-goers can visit RSTC's Off-Course centres in Tanjung Aru and Keningau or Tambalang Racecourse for 'live' racing actions locally and from Hong Kong, Australia, Selangor and Perak, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more details, visit RSTC's website or Facebook. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
