Sabah to degazette 16,000ha of forest reserve for socioeconomic development
The bill which affects the following forests - 15,978ha of Sipitang Forest Reserve (Class II), Safoda Kinarut (320.9ha, Class IV), Sungai Tiagau (162ha, Class I), Bengkoka Peninsular (158ha, Class V), Trus Madi (55ha, Class II), Umas-Umas (28ha, Class VI), Sungai Serudong (23ha, Class I), Kudat (3ha, Class V), and Tawau (1ha, Class I) - was passed by majority voice after being debated by seven assemblypersons.
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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Relief for 10 Sipitang villages: Settlements excised from Forest Reserve
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Text Size: SIPITANG: A total of 15,000 hectares containing 10 villages have been excised from a Forest Reserve, following passing of the Forest Enactment (Establishment of Forest Reserves and Amendment) 2025 during the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting. Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the move was in line with requests made by locals to the State Government to exclude areas already developed for settlements and agriculture from the Forest Reserve. Advertisement 'The land removed from the Forest Reserve includes areas formerly under Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) stretching to Kemabong, Tenom covering 15,000 hectares or about 40,000 acres. 'There are still a few villages awaiting approval, and I will continue to pursue this with the State Government,' he said at the Tunai Rahmah Cash Assistance Program in Kg Long Pasia, Tuesday. Also present was Datuk Ramlee Kariah, Chief Operating Officer of the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat. Dr Yusof, who is also Chairman of Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, listed the affected villages as Pakiak, Sungai Kanggalan, Motokop, Ulu Babatan Pangi, Basio Anampul Nanahas, Simbuan, Sungai Lukutan, Lamparion, Batu Nundok, and Komadang. He hoped areas along this route would be opened up, especially for the younger generation who do not yet own land, to engage in agricultural activities. According to him, this decision by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan Plus state government demonstrates that the voices and needs of the people are being prioritised for their well-being. Dr Yusof also announced the approval of three projects to benefit residents of Kg Long Pasia namely the construction of a concrete drainage system around the Long Pasia open hall, upgrading of the Long Pasia Open Hall, and building a new bridge for Kg Long Pasia. * 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
2 days ago
- The Star
Brunei Sultan announces landmark reforms and digital transformation on 79th birthday
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah noted that Brunei is now actively implementing priority initiatives under the three blueprints of Vision Brunei 2035. These blueprints – the Human Resource, Social, and Economic blueprints – are expected to bring about significant impact, particularly in ensuring the continued well-being of the people and residents of Brunei. This was underscored in his speech, delivered in conjunction with his 79th birthday celebration at Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, Istana Nurul Iman, on Tuesday (July 15). 'In this new era filled with challenges, it is very important for us to examine and adapt our methods and work approaches in line with the changing social landscape and current needs,' His Majesty said. In this regard, the Government has introduced several improvements to existing policies and legislation. Among them is the Land Code (Amendment) Order 2025, which His Majesty has approved to come into effect on 1 August 2025. The amendment aims to improve and simplify the land ownership process for citizens and several categories of residents in Brunei Darussalam, including those with 'stateless' status. The Government is also drafting the Digital Brunei Transformation Plan, which will highlight the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across multiple sectors as part of the country's transformation agenda. In addition, His Majesty has given consent for the Personal Data Protection Order 2025, which will come into force on 1 January 2026. The order is intended to prevent the risk of data misuse and any form of cyber threats, thereby protecting the interests of the people and residents of the nation. 'From an economic perspective, our Government has also expanded the implementation of the Employment (Minimum Wage) Order to seven additional industries, starting on 1 April 2025,' His Majesty added. These sectors include Banking and Finance; Technology and Info-Communications (ICT); Securities; Tourism and Accommodation; Architecture, Professional Engineering, Quantity and Land Surveying; Medicine and Dentistry; and Private Higher Education. Meanwhile, skills development will continue to be enhanced through the introduction of sixteen new courses under the SkillPlus Programme, tailored to meet the needs of the current market and industry demands. His Majesty expressed hope that Brunei's youth will seize this opportunity to progress, acquire new skills, and become resilient future leaders. The monarch also conveyed his deepest appreciation and gratitude to all levels of society – the general public, civil servants, members of the security forces, and those working in the private sector, including Bruneians serving abroad – for their contributions and continued support to the government. His Majesty further acknowledged the efforts and services of all members of the National and District-level Celebration Committees in ensuring the success of the birthday festivities. 'I pray that Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala will continue to shower His blessings upon all the people whom I love dearly, and that Brunei Darussalam will remain blessed, peaceful, and prosperous under the protection of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala,' His Majesty said. His Majesty also expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to all parties who had sent congratulatory messages to him and the royal family in conjunction with the celebration. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Stark rise in eligible urban voters to impact Sarawak election
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