East coast students kayak 22km flying Jalur Gemilang for Merdeka
The UMT Merdeka Kayak Expedition 2025 aimed to boost patriotic spirit ahead of National Day on August 31.
Participants paddled from Pantai INOS UMT to Pasir Tenggara, Pulau Bidong, a journey lasting six to eight hours.
Prof Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, UMT deputy vice-chancellor, said the expedition included students from UMPSA and UMK.
He noted that kayaking to Pulau Bidong, though seemingly close, demands significant time and effort.
The event symbolised the struggles of past generations in securing Malaysia's independence and peace.
It also aimed to inspire youth to cherish and preserve the nation's prosperity.
The programme, last held years ago, may become an annual event to promote environmental awareness.
Twenty kayaks were accompanied by five escort boats for safety and support.
Participants underwent basic kayaking training earlier this week to ensure readiness.
Nur Muhammad Aqil Nazri, a UMT student, said the event showcased unity among universities.
He described it as proof of young people's love for the country.
UMK student Nur Ileeya Mysara Kamal Bashah called the experience challenging but rewarding.
She hopes to join again next year with her friends.
The expedition highlighted both patriotism and environmental sustainability efforts. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Cooperation key to security, growth on Sabah's east coast
Published on: Saturday, August 16, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025 Text Size: Victor flagging off KMJG Convoy participants. LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) continues to stress the importance of strong collaboration between local communities and security forces to maintain peace and safety across Sabah's east coast. Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said that such cooperation is essential in ensuring regional stability, which in turn supports the tourism industry and economic development. 'The community acts as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Government, working hand-in-hand with security forces and international partners to keep the east coast secure,' he said. 'This region is not only rich in natural beauty but is also safe and peaceful to visit. It should be experienced in person—not just seen through social media. 'We hope people will come here as tourists, and perhaps, later, even as investors,' he added. Victor made the remarks during the District-level Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) 2025 convoy flag-off ceremony at Dataran Esscom. He also expressed pride and appreciation that Dataran Esscom was chosen as one of the stopover points for the patriotic convoy and hoped the National Day celebration programme would proceed smoothly, safely, and with lively participation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Celebration of Malaysia's favourite culinary creation
Sunset Terrace is serving a nostalgic journey through Malaysian flavours in the form of the beloved 'nasi lemak'. THIS National Day and Malaysia Day season, diners can enjoy a nostalgic journey through the country's most iconic flavours with a spectacular 'Nasi Lemak Buffet'. Curated by chef Amir Roslie, the buffet at Sunset Terrace, Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, highlights the nation's culinary creation with a vibrant display of rice, sambal, sides and heritage hot dishes. Fragrant coconut rice, believed to have originated as far back as 15th century Melaka, takes centre stage. A charming tale surrounds its name – when a daughter accidentally spilled coconut milk into a pot of rice, her mother, Mak, returned home and asked what the delicious aroma was. The daughter replied: 'Nasi le, Mak!', which turned into the moment that may have given rise to the name nasi lemak. This legend is brought to life through Amir's creative interpretations such as Nasi Lemak Hijau Pandan, Nasi Lemak Kuning Royal, Nasi Lemak Bunga Telang and Nasi Lemak Putih, each cooked with distinctive ingredients and presented with flair. Complementing the rice is slow-cooked sambal made from premium chillies, including Sambal Bawang and Sambal Nyonya, alongside a curated showcase of anchovies, from Pangkor's Ikan Bilis Mata Biru to the delicate Ikan Bilis Jepun. Guests can also enjoy a colourful spread of traditional crackers and an array of spiced chicken, beef and fish serunding. The buffet also features rotating selections of hot dishes that highlight the diversity and depth of Malaysian cooking. Highlights include Ayam Goreng Berempah, Cockles Rendang, Chilli Fried Beef Lung, Sambal Sotong, Daging Dendeng and Lamb Rendang. Vegetarian options such as tempeh and Tauhu Goreng Kicap also make an appearance, ensuring there's something for every palate. While nasi lemak remains the star of the show, guests can look forward to a wide selection of international buffet favourites including seafood on ice, salads and sushi. The Nasi Lemak Buffet is on from Aug 22 to Sept 16. It is available for lunch on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, priced at RM188+ per adult and RM94+ per child or senior citizen. The dinner option from Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays is at RM198+ per adult and RM99+ per child or senior citizen. For reservations, call 03-7495 2009, WhatsApp 019-381 5568 or email
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Malaysian hiker sets high target for National Day
IPOH: No mountain is too high for R. Loga Chandran, who is planning to reach nine summits in seven days to mark the nation's 68th National Day. 'I've heard that someone once hiked seven mountains in seven days. That inspired me to go further, which is to scale nine mountains in seven days. 'Doing it during Merdeka week makes it even more meaningful,' he said. Loga, 26, will begin his trek on Aug 25 and plans to complete his final summit on Aug 31. 'This mission is more than a physical challenge. It's a patriotic journey in honour of our National Day,' he said when contacted. His journey will take him across seven states, conquering Gunung Ledang in Johor (1,276m), Gunung Angsi (824m) and Gunung Datuk (884m) in Negri Sembilan, Gunung Hitam in Selangor (1,220m) and Gunung Siku in Pahang (1,916m). Seasoned explorer: Loga has hiked about 30 mountains since 2020. He will also be going to Gunung Sarut in Terengganu (1,259m), Gunung Jerai (1,217m) followed by Gunung Bintang (1,882m) in Kedah and his final peak at Gunung Kerunai in Perak (1,000m). Loga, who is from Sitiawan, Perak, and now works as a protection officer in Singapore while pursuing a part-time degree at a Malaysian private university, said his 'Merdeka mission' carries three purposes. 'It is to celebrate the occasion in a meaningful way by completing the final summit on Aug 31, showing our love for the country through action, unity and endurance. 'It is also to inspire youths in Malaysia to embrace a healthy, adventurous lifestyle and stay away from illegal or negative activities. 'The next aim is to promote unity, discipline and resilience, proving that together as Malaysians, no peak is too high,' he added. Loga's love for physical challenges isn't new. Since his primary school days, he had represented his district and state in badminton, athletics and football. Hiking became a passion in 2020 when he joined his colleagues for weekend climbs. Sometimes, he would venture out for solo treks. 'It was during the lockdown, with little else to do, that I decided to try hiking. 'I began hiking hills in Singapore and then across hills and mountains in Malaysia including Mount Kinabalu, and Indonesia's Mount Rinjani,' he said. Amid his work schedule and studies, Loga would find time for daily cardio workouts. He maintains a healthy diet to prepare for the challenge ahead. 'You have to do cardio exercises and take care of your food intake. Everything has to be balanced,' he said. Loga will be joined by a team of four and is seeking sponsors to help cover the estimated RM15,000 needed for transportation, permits, accommodation, food and equipment, among others. 'So far, we've managed to raise about RM8,000. Sponsorships don't have to be in cash. Accommodation, transport or gear would be a great help too,' he said. He also aims to make an entry into the Malaysia Book of Records. For him, this journey is about showing the younger generation that there's a world beyond their phone screens. 'I want young people to see that no matter how busy life gets, you can still make space for your passion. 'It doesn't have to be hiking. Any sport can give you a healthy outlet and a sense of purpose. But hiking has taught me discipline and patience,' he said. Next year, Loga hopes to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Japan's Mount Fuji.
