January 6th, 2009
The Star Online
6 January 2009
MALACCA: Some 8,000 members with the Federation of Malaysian Schoolbus Operators Association have put off a 30% surcharge yesterday to March 1.
This is to relieve the financial burden of parents due to the start of the new school term and with Chinese New Year just around the corner.
Federation chairman Chee Ah Tey said members expected a firm answer from the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) on its memorandum submitted last September.
“The CVLB must give us an answer before March 1 on whether to allow us to impose the surcharge or increase diesel subsidy for schoolbus operators,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
In September, the federation’s request for higher subsidised diesel was turned down by the board.
There are some 15,000 schoolbus operators nationwide with an estimated 8,000 registered with the federation.
Two days ago, Chee was quoted as saying that schoolbus operators nationwide would impose a surcharge at the start of the new school term.
On Sunday, CVLB director-general Datuk Markiman Kobiran warned that the board would carry out joint operations with the Road Transport Department and take stern action against errant schoolbus operators who impose the surcharge unilaterally.
January 6th, 2009
The Star Online
6 January 2009
SEPANG: A member of an international syndicate that steals luggage was caught red-handed after he snatched a bag at the KL International Airport.
A couple, in their 30s from Malacca, had just returned from Australia and were placing their luggage into a taxi at about 6am yesterday.
“I saw from the corner of my eye a smartly dressed man walking away with my hand luggage. I shouted at him and he ran.
“My husband and the taxi driver gave chase and the man dropped my luggage and ran towards a Proton Saga car,” said the woman who declined to be named.
As the thief was about to enter the car, the taxi driver managed to pounce on the man who fell and was hanging onto the car door. He let go of the door and his accomplice sped off.
Passers-by and airport policemen later arrested the man.
“I will be more careful and hope this would be highlighted in the media for others to be careful as well,” the woman said.
She later lodged a report at the Sepang police station.
Sepang OCPD Supt Zahidi Ayub said a 42-year-old Indonesian suspect, who is part of an international syndicate that steals luggage, has been detained.
“The syndicate consists of foreigners who would travel to several countries to commit crimes,” he said, adding that the suspect’s passport showed he had been to countries such as Peru, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Macau.
Be careful when loading your luggages to your car or taxi. If it can happen in the entrance … it can also happen at the parking lot. Always get someone to check the surrounding for you.
