One home, one computer mission, a total failure?

The move by the gov't to make Malaysia an IT literate nation was ambitious. That was way back years ago. Every Malaysians welcomed the move, furthermore they were allowed to withdraw a portion from their EPF savings for the purchase of computers. However, the facility was revoked due to abuse by a group of contributors.

Who were to be blamed for the short lived facility? Let's not point finger at anyone. Let's look at the issue in a positive perspective.

First and foremost, concerning the honesty of the contributors. The contributors themselves were not honest when withdrawing their EPF for this purpose. The proceeds of the withdrawals were not use for the purchases of computers, instead for others. There has always been temptations to indulge the proceeds of the withdrawals for other purposes, which has deviated from the original intentions.

Secondly, concerning the greed of computer dealers. The dealers shouldn't be allowed to compromise with contributors to deviate the transactions. There has been reports that dealers co-operate with the contributors in cheating EPF. When their applications for withdrawals were approved, they didn't purchase the computers, they took cash from the dealers instead. The dealers then deducted a certain percentage from the approved amount. Easy money for the dealers! However, until lately, it seems to be quiet and no actions against the dealers for breach of gov't policy.

Thirdly, concerning the EPF's policy itself. After approving contributors applications for withdrawals, the EPF didn't do follow-up closely to ensure the genuineness or authenticity of the transactions. The EPF should have formulated ways to ensure that the said withdrawals were for the genuine computer purchases and not otherwise. The EPF should have taken actions to prosecute members who misused the facility and make them pay back the amount they withdrew. This will become a deterrent factor for future malpractice. One may conclude that, the system for the withdrawals of EPF contributions then, particularly in the case of withdrawals for computer purchases was not reviewed properly before implementation, thus contributed to the failure.

At present, not many homes or families in Malaysia owns computers, not even 50% of the total households in Malaysia. If this situations persists, the vision of our ex PM will not be realised, furthermore if there is no commitment on the part of the present gov't to make it a reality. How many families can afford to purchase computer by cash in view of the present high living cost? How many families with average monthly income can afford to save money for the purchase of computers? Not many. Hence, the gov't's move to allow the withdrawals of EPF savings was seen as a positive first step towards the realisation of the vision of transforming Malaysia into an IT literate nation. But not anymore, it is just like morning mists floating into thin air engulfed by the morning sun.

Aluminium smelting plan at Similajau near Bintulu - a threat

As most of us are aware of, an aluminium smelting plant is to be set up at Similajau near Bintulu. It is now at the early stage of environmental impact assessment study and will start construction by next year. It is expected to start production by year 2010.

http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=25117

Dear fellow Sarawakians and Bintuluans in particular. Imagine the seriousness of pollutions it brings to your environment if this plant is to operate, especially so if you are living near the project site. The degree of air pollution will be intolerable. Will you allow yourselves and your children to breath the unhealthy air emitted by the plant? Imagine the damage that it brings to your life. Will you allow your life span be shortened as a result of the polluted air caused by the plant.

Some reliable sources are quoting that the residents at the vicinity of the project site are considering an option to migrate to avoid the detriment. Why should they do that? They will face hardship and difficulties in finding new place to settle. I am making this call to advise them not to give in, but to fight. Fight for your land, fight for your rights. I urge the NGOs, Greenpeace or the opposition to act promptly or sign petition to oppose the project in order to protect the lives and health of the Bintuluans.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SO CALLED ALLUMINIUM PLANT AT SIMILAJAU NEAR BINTULU MUST NOT GO ON. IT MUST BE OPPOSED.

Don't listen to the lies of the parties concerned that it is particularly safe as they have an interest in the project. It is not safe at all. It is a threat and detrimental to our health and well-being.

http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=25078

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2000/jan2000/alco-j15_prn.shtml

FACTS OF ALUMINIUM TOXICITY EMISSIONS:



Hydrogen Fluoride - lung and bladder cancer, bone deformity, teeth decay etc.

Sulphur Dioxide - Respiratory problems, corrosive to plants and buildings, acid rain.

Pungent Odour.

Perfluorocardon gases- Contribute to global warming, higher temperatures and tides.

Oxides of Nitrogen - air pollution.

Benzene - highly toxic and explosive

Class 3 indicators - extremely hazardous, carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic, highly toxic.

Castor Oil - used as a lubricant when discharged is harmful to the environment.

Polychlorinated biphenyls - group of chlorinated organic compounds, soil contaminant.

Spent potlining (SPL)- contains fluoride and cyanide, soil contaminant.

Since the late 1970s, scientists have correlated elevated bladder cancer rates in smelter potroom workers. In 1989, Alcoa told an Australia newspaper that it "emphatically rejects" any such risk for smelter workers. In the Associated Press Friday 17th December 1999. Alcoa warned thousands of past and present employees that they may face a greater risk than previously believed of developing lung and bladder cancer. Symptoms take 15-20 years to manifest. Three times as many miscarriages and more than sixteen times as many birth defects as elsewhere. Bones are malformed.Cancer, heart disease and artery problems runs between 2-8 times higher as elsewhere.Doctors noted high rates of anemia, irritability, rashes diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory and thyroid disease. Joint and bone disorders.Teachers stated that students appeared to be suffering from chronic fatigue and complained of aching legs muscles.

"Sodium aluminium fluoride is an essential raw material in the smelting process, and the process does generate fluoride emissions". Alcoa

FLUORIDE & DENTAL FLUOROSIS - Excessive ingestion of fluoride during the early childhood years can damage the tooth-forming cells, leading to a defect in the enamel known as dental fluorosis. Teeth impacted by fluorosis have visible discoloration, ranging from white spots to brown and black stains. It is currently estimated that 48% of children living in fluoridated areas now have some form of dental fluorosis, while 12.5% of children have fluorosis significant enough to be of "esthetic concern" (York Review, 2000). According to Dr. Hardy Limeback, Head of Preventive Dentistry at the University of Toronto, "it is illogical to assume that tooth enamel is the only tissue affected by low daily doses of fluoride ingestion.

FLUORIDE & BONE DISEASE - Excessive exposure to fluoride is well known to cause a bone disease called skeletal fluorosis.   Skeletal fluorosis, especially in its early stages, is a difficult disease to diagnose, and can be readily confused with various forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In its advanced stages, fluorosis can resemble a multitude of bone/joint diseases, including: osteosclerosis, renal osteodystrophy, DISH, spondylosis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In individuals with kidney disease, fluoride exposure can contribute to, and/or exacerbate, renal osteodystrophy.