Boosting Sabah maritime safety
Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: The campaign reflects a comprehensive approach to maritime safety, mobilising resources from the Malaysia Marine Department Sabah, Malaysia Marine Department Labuan, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, Marine Police Force Region 4 Sabah and Sabah Parks. - iStock photo for illustrative purposes Kota Kinabalu: A coordinated maritime safety campaign designed to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and information sharing under the Sabah State Security Working Committee framework involving five government agencies and 84 personnel is being held here. The three-day initiative began on Tuesday and aims to enhance safety awareness among passenger boat operators while demonstrating the unified presence of maritime authorities and Sabah Parks in joint monitoring and enforcement activities across the State's waters. The coordinated effort comes in response to concerning accident statistics, with nine boat and ship incidents recorded in Sabah waters last year. A passenger boat collision involving foreign tourists in 2024, while causing no fatalities, highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures to protect Sabah's tourism reputation. The campaign reflects a comprehensive approach to maritime safety, mobilising resources from the Malaysia Marine Department Sabah, Malaysia Marine Department Labuan, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, Marine Police Force Region 4 Sabah and Sabah Parks. Six maritime vessels have been deployed for the operation, namely Tanjung Nosong and Sabik from the Marine Department, Kilat 39 from MMEA, Sayang Kinabalu 1 from the Ports Department, RH52 from Marine Police and SPV Trigger from Sabah Parks. The safety initiative specifically targets passenger-carrying vessels operating under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Ports and Harbours (Sabah Licensed Small Ships) Regulations 2008, ensuring comprehensive coverage of commercial maritime operations. Maritime authorities expressed confidence that the collaborative approach would improve safety standards among tourism boat operators, fostering greater awareness of maritime safety protocols while maintaining Sabah's status as a premier tourist destination. * 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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Kazakhstan explores tourism ties with Sabah
Published on: Friday, August 22, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 22, 2025 Text Size: Joniston (4th right) presents a handcrafted rural community briefcase to Sugurbayez (4th left). Also pictured are STB Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan (2nd right) and senior STB officers. Kota Kinabalu: The Republic of Kazakhstan has expressed interest in establishing tourism cooperation with Sabah, drawn by the state's global reputation for sustainable, eco, and community-based tourism. This development follows a meeting between State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, and Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Bulat Sugurbayez, on Thursday. Advertisement The discussion focused on potential collaboration in tourism and cultural exchange, including joint promotions between STB and Kazakh tour operators. Also present were Kazakh Embassy Second Secretary Akmaral Belgibekova, STB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tay Shu Lan, and senior STB officials. Sugurbayez revealed plans to bring the popular Kazakh Concert to Sabah in mid-October, with performances at key tourist locations. The events will be covered by Kazakhstan National TV to showcase Sabah to Kazakh audiences. Both parties also explored opportunities for knowledge exchange in rural, nature-based, cultural, and adventure tourism. Sugurbayez highlighted Sabah's appeal to Kazakh travellers due to its islands, diving, food, and cultural diversity. Collaboration with Sabah's rural communities was also discussed. Joniston noted that both Sabah and Kazakhstan, known for their nomadic village heritage, could learn from each other in developing rural tourism. He welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed Sabah's openness to partnerships that promote mutual tourism growth. 'Sabah's strength lies in its rich biodiversity, unique cultural heritage, and successful community-based tourism initiatives,' said Joniston. 'We're pleased to share our experiences and learn from others. Strengthening ties with Kazakhstan opens the door to greater cooperation.' From January to May 2025, 20,102 Kazakh nationals visited Malaysia, with many choosing Langkawi. This suggests strong potential for Sabah to attract more Kazakh visitors. * 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
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Singapore students learn about Sabah's diversity
Published on: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 21, 2025 By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: The 29-member team of students and teachers from Singapore visiting Sabah for cultural experience. Kota Kinabalu: A group of 24 secondary students from Singapore's Tampines Secondary School, accompanied by leader Hannah Devaser, three teachers and their tour leader, recently embarked on a week-long educational visit to Sabah, immersing themselves in the State's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The visit was part of an exposure programme designed to foster cultural exchange and broaden students' perspectives. Advertisement Hannah, the teacher in charge, said the school provides annual funding for international trips and this year, cultural exposure was the main focus. 'We chose cultural exposure and exchange because we believe our students should interact with local audiences. This helps them build confidence, improve their social skills and be more knowledgeable on others' cultures,' she said. Hannah expressed hope that the experience would encourage students to become more open-minded and rethink their perspectives. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Penampang welcomes Majulan Hotel to boost Sabah tourism
Published on: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 20, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Tun Musa (third from left), together with his consort Toh Puan Faridah (fourth from left), cut the ribbon alongside Clarence (second from left), Sylvia (fifth from right), Christina (sixth from right), Alexander (left), his wife Alice Chew (fourth from right), Azhar (second from right), Benjamin Malakun (third from right), and Abigail Malakun (right) to mark the launch of The Majulan Hotel on Wednesday. PENAMPANG: The district has welcomed the newly launched The Majulan Hotel at ITCC, Penampang, to boost Sabah's tourism industry, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). Its Chief Executive Officer, Alexander Hugo Malakun, said the hotel aims to enhance its services and attract both domestic and international tourists to stay at the newest hotel landmark in the area. Advertisement He expressed optimism that the hotel can cater to both tourists' and locals' needs, as ITCC offers a shopping mall and complementary facilities to enhance visitors' experiences. 'Looking ahead, Majulan Hotel will help draw more visitors to Sabah in the coming year. It features 163 rooms, a swimming pool, gym, café, restaurant, rooftop viewing deck, and several event spaces designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers. 'Furthermore, the hotel is part of an integrated development with ITCC, where many activities for locals such as weddings, festivals, cultural events, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs take place. "Our Chairman, Datuk Seri Clarence Bongkos Malakun, also provides free Kadazan language classes weekly. We hope these initiatives will spill over to benefit the hotel and attract more tourists,' Alexander said. He made these remarks to reporters after Sabah's Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, officially launched the grand opening of The Majulan Hotel at ITCC Penampang on Wednesday. Tun Musa signed a plaque to mark the official opening of the new hotel. Also present were Tun Musa's consort, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin; Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew; State Works Assistant Minister, Datuk Limus Jury; the hotel's Chairman, Datuk Seri Clarence B. Malakun; the hotel's Managing Director, Datin Seri Sylvia Malakun; State Police Acting Deputy Commissioner SAC Datuk Mohd Azhar Hamin and other officials. * 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
