English

From: Daniel Ak Joseph
To: Jess Carter
Subject: Your visit in December

Dear Jess,

Thank you for your email, and sorry that I (0) reply so late. I (9) am living in Kuching since I was born, and I love it. My father works as (10) engineer for a company that makes solar panels.

You asked about my new tablet. It is (11) more fast than my old one, and the screen is very clear. My sister types very (12) quick on it when she does her homework.

You also asked what we can do when you visit in December. Kuching is hot, but if it (13) will rain, we can go to the museum. At the beach you can (14) swimming or go kayaking. Fort Margherita, which (15) built in 1879, is just across the river. I am really looking forward (16) of meeting you!

Best wishes,
Daniel

STUDENTS BUILD A SOLAR BOAT TO CLEAN THE RIVER

KUCHING, Saturday - A team of five Form 3 students from SMK Seri Perdana has built a solar-powered boat that collects floating rubbish from rivers. The boat, called Sungai Bot, won first prize at the National Young Inventors Contest, which was held in Putrajaya last week.

The idea began when the team leader, Adam Hakim, 15, saw plastic bags and bottles floating in the Sarawak River near his house. "Every weekend, the river looked dirtier," he said. With the help of their Science teacher, Puan Grace Anak Jimmy, the team spent four months and RM800 on the project. They made the body from an old plastic water tank and used four solar panels borrowed from the school workshop.

The boat is controlled by a remote and has a net at the front. In a test on a 200-metre part of the river, it collected 38 kilogrammes of rubbish in one hour, mostly plastic bottles. The team says the boat can work for six hours on a sunny day, but only for two hours when the sky is cloudy.

The students now want to improve their design so that it can carry heavier loads. They have also been invited to show the boat to the Kuching City Council in January, and they hope that the council will buy ten boats. "We want to see clean rivers across Sarawak," said Adam.

KINABATANGAN WILDLIFE RIVER CRUISE
Meet the wild side of Sabah!

1. Sabah's longest river is home to orang-utans, pygmy elephants and over 200 kinds of birds. Our boats carry only eight passengers, so the engine is quiet and the animals are not frightened. Our guides grew up in the nearby villages, and they can spot wildlife that visitors would never see alone.

What to bring. Bring a hat, insect repellent and binoculars; we can lend you a pair for RM10. Wear dull colours such as green or brown, because bright clothes may disturb the animals.

Important. A cruise is cancelled when the river is too high after heavy rain. You may then choose another date or ask for a full refund.

Our promise. Ten per cent of every ticket is donated to the Orang-utan Rescue Fund, which plants trees along the riverbank.

MY DAY ON THE JUNGLE RAILWAY

Last December, I travelled on the Jungle Railway from Gemas to Tumpat with my uncle. The journey takes about ten hours, and most people prefer to fly or drive. (35) ______ He says that a train gives you time to see a country slowly.

We left Gemas at 8.40 a.m. (36) ______ After an hour, the houses and shops disappeared, and we were travelling through thick green rainforest.

Every hour or so, the train stopped at small stations such as Kuala Lipis and Dabong. (37) ______ I bought a bag of hot banana fritters for only two ringgit. Just after lunch, we crossed a high iron bridge. (38) ______

At about 7.00 p.m., the train began to slow down. (39) ______ "Tumpat!" called the conductor. It had been a long day, but I did not feel bored at all. (40) ______