The case of vandalised tomb stones closed

KUANTAN: The case of 90 tomb stones at the Bukit Beirut Chinese cemetery which were vandalised and damaged has been resolved after parents of the three children involved made a formal apology.

A meeting was held at the district police headquarters on Wednesday where the parents admitted their mistake and apologised on behalf of their children, one aged nine and two aged 11.

Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming, Indera Mahkota Umno division chief Datuk Hazmi Yusof and OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Jasmani Yusoff witnessed the event.

The three children, who were accompanied by their parents and school teachers, apologised to the Fei Chiew Kar Chinese Cemetery Association secretary Tan Meng Lee.

Their actions earlier last week was captured by a member of the public who handed over the information to the cemetery’s management.

A report was lodged and subsequently, the parents took their children to the police voluntarily.

Pang commended the authorities for the prompt action and was relieved the issue was not prolonged.

“I have asked the management to estimate the cost of damage and will try to seek an allocation from the state government,” he said.

Hazmi said cemeteries were similar to places of worship and must be respected by all and no one should encroach or cause damage to the resting place of the dead.

“I hope the issue now can be put to rest and not be exploited by third parties,” he said.

Tan said it was the first time such an incident had taken place at the 40-year-old cemetery.

“We are deeply hurt but what has occurred cannot be undone and I hope, such irresponsible actions will not be repeated in future,” he said.

ACP Mohd Jasmani had instructed his investigating officer to wrap up investigation promptly and to indicate in the investigation papers that all parties had agreed to resolve the matter amicably.

Double joy for Chinese old folk in conjunction with CNY

Wednesday February 16, 2011
KUANTAN: A total of 818 senior citizens received gratuity payment from the state government in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

On hand to present the payment was Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming.

Pang said the Chinese recipients resided in his constituency and were aged 70 and above.


Getting registered: Some of the 818 senior citizens residing in the constituency of Semambu registering to receive gratuity payment from the Pahang state government in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

He said this year, the state government decided to separate the recipients according to the festivities to enable the presentation ceremony to be more orderly and completed faster.

“The Malay community received the payments during Hari Raya Aidilfitri while the Indian community received theirs during Deepavali.

“This is more suitable and recipients need not wait too long for their turn,” he said when met after the ceremony on Thursday.

Pang said among the criteria for the recipients to receive the payment was they had to be Malaysian citizens and born in 1941 or after.

He said in addition, their identity card must bear a Pahang address or they must be a registered voter in the state.

“As long as they meet these requirements, they are automatically entitled for the one-off gratuity payment.

“This is the fifth year I am disbursing the payment on behalf of the state government,” he said.

Pang said each recipient would receive RM150 and registration was completed about one month ago.

He said those who could not attend the ceremony could visit the district’s office to collect the amount with proper identifications.

“The payment was made in appreciation of their past contributions in nation-building.

“Barisan Nasional will continue to look after the welfare of all races and this initiative is a clear testament,” he said.

Carnival atmosphere at CNY launch

KUANTAN: The festive mood was apparent in Air Putih with the launch of the inaugural Chinese New Year carnival to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.

Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming said the area had 90% Chinese residing in the neighbourhood.

“Hence, we proposed to stage a carnival to usher in the Lunar New Year and received favourable response from the Kuantan Municipal Council president Datuk Zulkifli Yaacob.

Good support: Pang (centre in red shirt) and Shafik Fauzan (third from left) distributing mandarin oranges to residents in Air Putih, Kuantan while opening the carnival.

“More lanterns were displayed around Kuantan town this year particularly along the junction leading into Semambu, SJK (C) Pei Chai and Air Putih.

“We are thankful for his support and urge the business community and individuals to complement the efforts to generate a more colourful and lively Chinese New Year atmosphere for all to enjoy,” he said after launching the carnival with Pahang Arts, Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif recently.

Pang and Shafik Fauzan later proceeded to distribute mandarin oranges to residents who turned up in droves to attend the nightly programmes and activities.

Among the events lined up were lion and dragon dances, wushu and acrobatic performances, cultural dances, karaoke contest and parading of lanterns.

Pang said the carnival was mooted by his Indera Mahkota MCA division with the support of Chinese guilds and associations and businessmen.

He said the division had set aside RM30,000 for the purpose and the organising committee had worked tirelessly to look for sponsors.

“We hope this signals a good start and will continue with this tradition in years to come so that the Chinese community can celebrate the joyous occasion and share it with others,” he said.

-The Star-

A truly grand Mooncake Festival in Kuantan

KUANTAN: The Mooncake Festival was celebrated in grand fashion this year as Kuantan folks put out a show of Chinese tradition at its best.

The event, organised by the Kuantan Chinese associations with the cooperation of East Coast Mall, saw some 3,000 people from all walks of life attending the four-day event.

The highlight was a one km street parade with members of the public carrying lanterns, accompanied by dragon and lion dances as well as a showcase comprising a brass band, kompang troupe and Indian musical instruments.

Leading the parade were Teruntum assemblyman Chang Hong Seong, association chairman Datuk Chow Liong and organising chairman Datuk Pheng Chin Kiat.



Earlier, there were performances by Jeannie Dance Academy with several hip hop dances to the cheers of the crowd at the mall.

Other activities included a Chinese chess competition, calligraphy demonstration and exhibition, Chinese painting, lantern-making contest and quiz, colouring contest, children singing contest and other cultural performances.

Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming, who officiated the event said the event was important to ensure Chinese arts and tradition was understood by the young and passed on to the future generation.

Pang said people from other races could also be exposed to these traditions so that they would respect and appreciate the multi-racial people of the country.

“This is truly a celebration that reflects the 1Malaysia concept as propogated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“By understanding and observing the arts and tradition of others, it will help to foster closer rapport among all Malaysians,” he said.

Pang urged all parties including non-governmental organisations to initiate more community-related programmes to strengthen the unity among the people.

He said the country could only prosper and move forward to face global challenges if its citizens lived in peace and harmony.

Kuantan falls short of festive decor

Monday February 8, 2010

KUANTAN: The Pahang government does not provide allocations for festive decorations in public areas during major festivals, an assemblyman here revealed.

Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming said, all these years, there was no budget for assemblymen to put up decorative items.

“Shopping centres, hotels and supermarkets carry out their own initiatives in conjunction with major festivities to beautify their premises and attract customers.

“On the state’s part, there is just not enough money as the poor and needy are given priority.

“As such, the private sector plays an important role in creating the festive atmosphere during the major celebrations,” he said.

Pang was asked to comment on the lack of decorations in Kuantan to usher in the Year of the Tiger which is just around the corner.

“We hope the private sector can help.

“The slow start may be due to the gloomy economic situation. When the economy is good, this is not an issue,” he said.

Pang said that Kuantan was unlike places with a historical background such as Penang and Malacca, and Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur for which the local authorities allocated a budget for beautification to attract tourists.

He said that Kuantan had no plans to set up a Chinatown although the Air Putih area had the highest number of Chinese residents.

“If we want to put up lanterns, I suggest that all residential and business areas with a majority of Chinese to be included, not just Air Putih.

“Otherwise, Chinese in areas such as Jalan Datuk Wong Ah Jang, Jalan Haji Ahmad, Jalan Galing and Bukit Sekilau will be upset,” he said.

Don’t give up easily, youths told

Saturday January 23, 2010

KUANTAN: Those who fail to complete their secondary education can still make something of themselves, said Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming.

He said a person should not give up so easily and instead look for opportunities that might come their way.

He cited the automotive training programme at the accredited centre in Semambu as an example.

“Today, 30 youths are graduating with useful skills and can look forward to securing a job.

“The important thing is to never give up and constantly look for opportunities to upgrade,” he said in his speech before presenting certificates of completion to students of an automotive course conducted by KUJT Resources Sdn Bhd.

Pang said, even though some of them were school dropouts, they managed to learn and complete the courses through determination.

He said they could now choose to pursue a career in the automotive industry or further their studies to obtain a diploma in this technical field.

He reiterated that the Government was putting emphasis on human capital and development to achieve Vision 2020.

“We must upgrade our skills and improve our knowledge from time to time to meet the market demand.

“There must be an initiative to practise lifelong learning to remain competitive,” he advised.

Pang also hoped that private colleges and skills training centres would continue to produce quality graduates to meet Malaysia’s manpower needs.

No issue too small for Pang

Pang (right) speaking to Indah Water Konsortium officials during a site visit recently.

KUANTAN: Friday May 8 2009 - Rain or shine, Semambu assemblyman Datuk Pang Tsu Ming is a public servant dedicated to resolving day-to-day living issues in his constituency.

Pang said since its was his duty to serve the people, no issue was deemed too small to undertake.

He took his stride in taking complaints of stray dogs,sewage problems and even on cat poop.

“I have no qualms in providing assistance within my capacity to any one who walk in to my service centre or by telephone calls.

“My mobile phone is on for 24 hours and I even received complaints and request for help via SMSes,” he said in an interview.

Citing an example, Pang said dozens of SMSes were received by him when there was an unscheduled water disruption.

He said he managed to get in touch with the district engineer and forwarded the reasons for the disruption to the senders, including the press.

Pang, 47, said he had developed a keen interest in politics ever since he joined the MCA in 1990. His hard work was duly rewarded with him leading the Indera Mahkota MCA division at present.

He said his main task was to help his voters find solutions to their problems and develop his constituency further.

“I get great satisfaction from the complainants whom I assist including the needy and less fortunate.

“However, there are also an equal share of brickbats from those who were unreasonable in their demands.

“I hope these complainants can be patience as not all problems can be resolved immediately,” he said, adding that he would pass on complaints and information to the relevant authorities and do follow-ups later.

Pang said his assistants would help him sort out complaints and suggestions daily and those which needed urgent attention.

“We will try to assist all voters, regardless of their political affiliations, race and social status.

“We hope to win back the hearts and confidence of the people and show them that we are serious in initiating changes and bringing development,” he said.

Pang also praised the local council for its improved efficiency, citing a recent case where within a short time, had acted on complaints of stray dogs and rounded them up in several neighbourhoods.

“People will be happy that their localised problems were looked into by the authorities promptly. It’s a win-win situation for all,” he said.

The public are urged to visit his website and give their feedback or suggestions at www.pangtsuming.blogspot.com

Pay Pahang for conserving

KUANTAN: The Federal Government should set aside funds for the Pahang Government as the state endured losses when it conserved 1.981 million hectare or 55.09% of its total forest area.

Datuk Pang Tsu Ming (BN — Semambu) said the state government’s “sacrifice” for preserving large tracts of forest to protect the environment and water resources of the country must be taken into consideration.

“The state government has taken positive measures in providing a sustainable management of its forest. These are not only meant for the future generation but something that will benefit other states in the country as water can be supplied to them as well,” Pang said when debating the state budget yesterday.

In tabling the state budget last Friday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob had said the forest area conserved included the state park, wildlife reserves, water catchment areas, peatland, recreational forests, rivers and lakes.

To date, 1.4 million hectares had been gazetted as permanent forest reserve while another 74,120ha would be gazetted later, added Adnan.

Pang said if the state government had preferred to earn more income by developing the forest, the next generation would inherit huge losses and damages to the environment.

He also urged harsh penalty be imposed on those found to be involved in encroachment, illegal logging and mining.

On a different issue, Pang highlighted the plight of 12 children at the Tengku Ampuan Fatimah Charity Home in Alor Akar here who could not attend school because they did not have birth certificates.

“I hope the relevant authorities will look into this matter as they should not be denied the opportunity to get education,” he said.

Resolve the delays, land offices told

Saturday May 24, 2008
By ROSLINA MOHAMAD


KUANTAN: Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob chided district land offices for delays in processing applications, which require consent by the state government before an applicant could carry out any transaction.

Based on his investigations, some files were left idle at the land offices for up to three months, he said.

He told the Pahang State Aseembly that this was because they would send applications in bulk to save cost and those submitted earlier would be further delayed while waiting for others to arrive before they were sent to the respective departments.

“The files are then sent to the land and mineral department for the next course of action and it normally takes another two months before the documents finally arrive at the Mentri Besar’s office,” he said when replying to a written question by Pang Tsu Ming (BN-Semambu) yesterday.

“If the Mentri Besar is bogged down with programmes or the general election, it will take a longer time to finalise the whole thing and it is no surprise if it takes about seven months before consent is obtained,” he said.

He added that from May 1, he had instructed that applications must be sent every Monday.

Car racing at industrial site brought to an end

Wednesday May 21, 2008

KUANTAN: Plans by a local organiser to stage weekend races at the Indera Mahkota industrial estate near here was put to a stop by Semambu assemblyman Pang Tsu Ming.

Pang reasoned that the site was not conducive for car racing as it was an industrial area.

“Public safety was at risk as many adults brought their children to view the races.

“There were no safety precautions although the road is wide enough to accommodate three to four cars.

“My other worry was the condition of the vehicles as most of the cars were modified.

No races: Members of the public at the race site in the Indera Mahkota industrial estate near Kuantan over the weekend.

“Are they insured?” he said after visiting the site recently.

Pang said he was not against car racing for youths as it was a sport.

“It must be done via proper channels and all facilities must be in order.

“If we allow racing at unsuitable locations, it will send a wrong message especially to youths, that they can race anywhere,” he said.

Pang said the organiser had obtained approval last month from the police and local council to hold a race at the site.

He said, however, that council president Datuk Azizan Ahmad was not aware of it and had directed that the approval be revoked.

“I was told that several sites had earlier been identified at Sungai Soi and Tanjung Lumpur.

“I hope the organiser will follow-up with the proposals,” he said, adding that he had received complaints from the factory owner and public over problems caused by the large crowd.

Promote Sportmanship

Thursday May 8, 2008
Rep: Hold friendly matches
By S. SUPAMANIYAM

KUANTAN: To improve the quality of cricket here, friendly international cricket matches should be a regular affair.

Citing the Pahang cricket team as an example, Semambu assemblyman Pang Tsu Ming said frequent tournaments helped improve the skill of the players.

He said the Youth and Sports Ministry should provide more allocations to sports bodies for intensive training.

Good sportsmanship: The cricket players posing for a photo during the gathering at Kuantan Club recently.

“Cricket, for example, can be improved in the state with the necessary support.

“I hope the state and ministry will provide more funds and facilities,” he said in his speech during a gathering at Kuantan Club recently.

The event, attended by about 500 guests, was hosted by Pahang Cricket Association.

Earlier, the state Under-15 team bowled at a friendly match with Canberra Ceylonese Cricket Club.

Association president Dr C. Sethugavalar said the match gave exposure and benefited the players in terms of sportsmanship and cultural exchange.

“I am proud of the Pahang team as most of the players in it were from SM Seri Pekan,” he said.

Stray Dogs Problem Solved Within 24 Hours

Friday May 9, 2008
Kuantan council solves problem of ticks
By SIMON KHOO


KUANTAN: A problem involving stray dogs in Lorong Sekilau, Taman Awali, here, was resolved following prompt action by the local authority.

Residents in the housing area had tolerated the strays for weeks. However, the problem got out of hand as dog ticks started to creep into the houses.

Resident Elaine Koh, 35, said she had sleepless nights after spotting several ticks on her sliding door.

She said she had to remove and destroy ticks daily to prevent her children from exposure to the parasites.

“If the problem was left unattended, the population of ticks will increase and infest the neighbourhood.

“Luckily, the local authority came to our rescue and resolved the problem by catching the stray dogs,” she said.

Koh brought up the matter to Semambu assemblyman Pang Tsu Ming at his service centre.

Upon hearing the complaint, Pang told the local council to act on the matter.

“I was told the stray dogs were wandering around and sleeping outside the homes every day.

“I am concerned about the residents’ welfare as ticks can pose health problems, especially to children,” he said.

Pang lauded the council workers for resolving the problem within 24 hours.

A council van with six workers circled the neighbourhood and rounded up the strays in 15 minutes.