Latest news with #SibuDivisionChineseCommunityLeadersAssociation
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sibu community leader urges responsible dog ownership with rabies vaccination drive
Lau urges the public to take such initiatives seriously in support of public health and safety. SIBU (July 13): Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association president Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau has called upon dog owners to act responsible by ensuring their pets are vaccinated, licensed, and well cared for. Speaking during a free rabies vaccination session for dogs at SJKC Tong Ah, Selangau yesterday, Lau urged the public to take such initiatives seriously in support of public health and safety. 'A vaccinated dog is not only a protected pet but also a shield for our family and neighbours,' he said. Lau also said that the vaccination campaign was made possible through the collaboration of relevant agencies and community leaders. 'We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Veterinary Services Department for their dedicated services, and to all the local leaders and volunteers for their tireless efforts in making this session a success,' he added. Also present at the event was Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. Lau took the opportunity to express gratitude his appreciation to Gira for his contributions to the association's 20th anniversary celebration. 'Your encouragement and support mean a great deal to us and to the community,' he said. dog owners lead rabies Sibu vaccination Vincent Lau
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sibu community leaders urge responsible dog ownership with rabies vaccination drive
Lau urges the public to take such initiatives seriously in support of public health and safety. SIBU (July 13): Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association president Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau has called upon dog owners to act responsible by ensuring their pets are vaccinated, licensed, and well cared for. Speaking during a free rabies vaccination session for dogs at SJKC Tong Ah, Selangau yesterday, Lau urged the public to take such initiatives seriously in support of public health and safety. 'A vaccinated dog is not only a protected pet but also a shield for our family and neighbours,' he said. Lau also said that the vaccination campaign was made possible through the collaboration of relevant agencies and community leaders. 'We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Veterinary Services Department for their dedicated services, and to all the local leaders and volunteers for their tireless efforts in making this session a success,' he added. Also present at the event was Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. Lau took the opportunity to express gratitude his appreciation to Gira for his contributions to the association's 20th anniversary celebration. 'Your encouragement and support mean a great deal to us and to the community,' he said. dog owners lead rabies Sibu vaccination Vincent Lau
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak targets 50,000 dogs vaccinated annually to achieve rabies-free goal by 2030
Gira (front row, second left) gestures as part of a symbolic dog vaccination during the rabies vaccination programme in Selangau. Standing fourth left is Lau. SIBU (July 13): The Sarawak government aims to vaccinate 50,000 dogs each year under the 'One Health' approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, said Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. He said this policy not only involves the implementation of widespread dog vaccination but also includes animal population control, licensing, public education, and the enforcement of the Public Health Ordinance. 'It is proof that the state government and related agencies are committed to making Sarawak rabies-free by 2030,' he said. Gira made these remarks during a Rabies Vaccination Programme, held at SJKC Tong Ah, Selangau yesterday. The event was jointly organised by the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu. Also present was Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau. Gira further stressed that the rabies issue should not be taken lightly as it could lead to loss of lives if left untreated. 'I strongly support this initiative which not only provides free vaccination but also raises awareness among the people about the importance of pet care and preventive actions,' he added. Since 2017, Sarawak has recorded 82 human rabies cases, including 75 fatalities – figures which the assemblyman described as 'heart-breaking statistics'. He revealed that more than 52,000 dog bite cases and 43,000 cat bite cases have been reported. 'These are not just numbers, these are lives, families, and futures impacted,' he emphasised. 'Thanks to proactive public health initiatives, a total of 13,757 dogs had been vaccinated as of October 2024.' Gira said the programme held in Selangau is part of the state's ongoing efforts to curb the spread of rabies, which remains a concern, especially in rural areas and smaller towns such as Selangau. He also highlighted the state government's Rabies Eradication Operation and the establishment of the Mobile Veterinary Team (VMT) as key strategies under the Sarawak Rabies Elimination Action Plan. christopher gira dogs lead rabies Sibu vaccination
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Tiang: Keep politics out of NGOs, focus on serving all Sarawakians
Tiang (fourth left) presents an MRP cheque to a representative from the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association, Penghulu Yong King Sung, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 21): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). He said their autonomy must be respected, and that politicians should not encourage dissatisfied members to leave their associations. 'I think that is irresponsible. And I urge the politicians never use all these NGOs to leverage their political mileage,' he said. Speaking during the distribution of Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds here today, Tiang stressed that service delivery should remain above political interests. 'They don't care which party actually appoints which community leaders,' he added. Tiang also urged councillors and community leaders to resolve disputes through proper internal channels, instead of airing grievances publicly. 'Do not openly fire against each other or exchange comments in newspapers. Because that is not Sarawak culture. Sarawak culture is all about unity, peace, harmony and respect for each other. 'So, I urge them to seek a proper channel to resolve (any dispute),' he said. The Pelawan assemblyman also presented RM1.28 million in MRP grants to 131 associations and NGOs. He emphasised that the allocations are for the benefit of all Sarawakians, regardless of race, background, or political affiliation. 'People means those who support ruling parties and also those who support opposition parties. It doesn't matter; no matter what background, what race you're from. 'So long as you're part of Sibu, you're from Sibu, you're a Sarawakian, we go out to serve. 'We all provide our services. We don't look at your political background. And we believe that political inclinations do not stop us from providing services for the general public. 'Our duty is to listen and to react and to find solutions for the people,' he said. Tiang noted that although his elected role is for Pelawan, his team strives to assist anyone in need across Sibu and beyond, if resources allow. He also reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the public. 'I always keep my word. Today's RM1.28 million in MRP grants is part of that promise,' he said. associations Michael Tiang ngos politics
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Temenggong Lau urges stronger support for teachers to tackle shortage in Chinese primary schools
Lau (centre) leads the cake-cutting ceremony to mark the celebration. SIBU (June 13): School Boards of Directors must actively seek support from the government and Chinese education organisations to provide more in-service training and incentives to retain teachers, said Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming. The Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association president said that nurturing a stable and professional teaching workforce is key to addressing the longstanding shortage of qualified teachers in Chinese primary schools. 'Hopefully, this would help resolve the shortage of qualified teachers and the attrition of young educators, which has long troubled Chinese primary schools,' he said during the Teacher's Day celebration of SJK(C) Tung Hua today. Lau, who also chairs the school's Board of Directors, said another pressing challenge lies in the slow pace of updating teaching materials and resources in curriculum development. 'Teachers should not merely be implementers of textbooks, but should take the initiative to become curriculum adapters and content creators,' he said. He encouraged educators to jointly develop lesson plans and teaching tools tailored to students' needs by integrating teaching content with local culture and real-life contexts to make learning more engaging and practical. On the growing role of educational technology, Lau emphasised the importance of keeping pace with change, noting that Chinese primary schools must not be left behind. 'We should actively upgrade school networks and infrastructure, encourage teachers to enhance their digital literacy, and promote blended learning models to cultivate students' diverse capabilities,' he said. Lau also noted that Chinese-language education continues to face systemic challenges such as insufficient funding, land constraints, and bureaucratic hurdles. 'Addressing these issues requires persistent advocacy through school boards, parent-teacher associations, and the Chinese community. We must strive for fair treatment while strengthening communication and cooperation with mainstream society to showcase the contributions and value of Chinese education to national development,' he stressed. He added that with rising parental expectations for academic achievement and higher education, more attention must also be paid to students' mental health and character development. 'Teachers should serve as life mentors – not just educators, but guides for personal growth – fostering a caring, inclusive, and warm learning environment,' he said. Although these challenges are significant, Lau expressed confidence that with continuous professional growth of teachers, strong school leadership, and community support, the vision of meaningful education reform is within reach. 'Educational reform cannot rely on teachers alone. It requires the collective effort of the entire educational ecosystem. 'May we join hands and move forward steadily as SJK(C) Tung Hua undergoes its transformation, continuing to shine on the path of Chinese-language education and pave a broader road of learning for future generations,' he concluded. Chinese schools teachers' shortage Vincent Lau
