Groups deny they are behind strike by drivers
SINAR Harian Online reported that the Confederation of Land Transport Drivers’ Association Malaysia (GPPPDM) and the Association of Selangor Container Drivers (PPPKS) have denied that they are behind a strike by drivers in Putrajaya today.
The demonstration is said to be related to the new conditions imposed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for driver’s licence renewal.
PPPKS chairman Hisham Bakar said a viral video that purportedly linked the association with the demonstration was untrue.
According to him, PPPKS disagreed with the planned strike as it would affect the image of container truck drivers, as well as impact on the operations of related companies.
“For us, a demonstration is not a real solution. The matter is still under negotiation, and as such, we must choose the appropriate avenue that is in accordance with the law,” he said after making a police report over the strike at the Klang South district police headquarters.
Other than Putrajaya, the social media postings also said simultaneous demonstrations would be held in other cities.
> A 4m-long python was caught on the grounds of the former National Palace on Monday evening, reported Sinar Harian.
Two security officials found the snake under an air conditioner compressor near the garage while patrolling the palace grounds.
The snake was estimated to weigh about 40kg, and was believed to have entered the area from the adjacent forested area.
Head of the Kuala Lumpur Civil Defence Department, Shahrul Kamar Mohd Johari, said five personnel arrived at the scene at about 11.30pm.
“They took five minutes to capture the snake and return it to its natural habitat,’’ he said.
> Berita Harian reported that two men have been arrested in Kelantan over attempts to sell and make handicraft using parts from endangered animals.
The duo, who are locals, were believed to have used African ivory to make traditional weapons such as keris, with the ivory fashioned into the handle and sheath. A complete set is worth tens of thousands of ringgit.
They were arrested by a team consisting of officers from the Wildlife and Natural Parks Department and the police.
A source said the duo were apprehended last Saturday in a raid under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah in the east coast of the peninsula.
“Inspection of the homes of the suspects found a parrot, eight elephant tusks, sambar deer (rusa) hide, bear skin, a few deer antlers, as well as serow horns.
“Also found were hornbill beaks, feathers, as well as an assortment of animal parts,” he said, adding that subsequent investigations yielded a pair of keris with parts believed to be made from elephants tusks.