Sinos demand clarity on land issues
Published on: Wed, Jul 02, 2025
By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: The Sino-KDMR Association with their supreme council members at the recent AGM meeting. Kota Kinabalu: The Sino-KDMR Association saw more than 10,000 members officially accepted into the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) as of March this year. It was a major milestone in their pursuit of greater recognition and support. Its President Datuk Johnny Goh expressed his gratitude, stating that the association celebrated its acceptance under the KDCA umbrella, strengthening its connection with the wider native community. Acknowledging the challenges and despite holding Certificates of Native status (Sijil Anak Negeri), many Sino-mixed individuals continue to face difficulties in native land transactions, struggling with long and tedious processes when handling land ownership and inheritance matters. 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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
15,000ha in Sipitang approved for village settlements
Published on: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 13, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: Dr Yusoff said this is the Chief Minister's intention to listen to and fulfil the wishes of rural residents in need of land. SIPITANG: A total of 15,000 hectares within a forest reserve area in Sipitang have been approved by the State Government for village settlements. Qhazanah Bhd Chairman and Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusoff Yaccob said this during a meeting with the Sabah Forestry Department on Thursday, adding that the land was recently approved by the State Legislative Assembly. The land comprises a Class Two Forest Reserve, which was formerly under the concession of Sabah Forest Industries. The meeting was aimed at organising, coordinating and standardising matters related to villages already inhabited by local residents. 'This is good news for the people. The Forestry Department has agreed to release the land for the settlers, particularly for residents who have already opened and cultivated the land,' he said. The meeting also discussed gazetting areas from Long Pasia, Long Mio, Meligan, Iburu, Mendulong, Sulub, Pakiak, Kampung Klias Baru and several other locations deemed suitable for opening. Residents hope this decision will become a reality, ensuring that those who have already opened the land will no longer feel threatened or fear eviction. Dr Yusoff said this is the Chief Minister's intention to listen to and fulfil the wishes of rural residents in need of land. Also present were Forest Resource Management Division Chief Azman Said, Sipitang District Forestry Officer Andrew Monis, Kota Kinabalu Regional Forestry Officer Mohd Nasir Ag Suman, Community Development Leader Unit representative Wendy Agung Baruh and District Chief OKK Daut Kassim. * 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
Feature: Tanzanian acrobats carry forward Chinese legacy across generations
by Xinhua writers Hua Hongli, Lucas Liganga DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- In the heart of Ilala Mchikichini, a bustling neighborhood in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam, the sound of spinning hoops and synchronized flips rings through the warm afternoon air. At the center of the action, nine-year-old Aisha Juma, a fourth-grader at Ilala Boma Primary School, twirls hula hoops with remarkable precision. "I like acrobatics because it makes me healthy and sharpens my mind," she said with a smile. Since beginning her training two years ago, Aisha has not only built strength and flexibility but also noticed better results in the classroom. Her story is the latest episode in a tradition that began nearly six decades ago, when 20 young Tanzanians were sent to China to study acrobatics -- a milestone in the history of Sino-Tanzanian cultural exchange. The program took shape after a Chinese acrobatic troupe performed in Tanzania, impressing national leaders and inspiring the idea of sending young talents for formal training in China. In the winter of 1965, Hamis Adam Nyota and 19 others -- 14 boys and five girls, aged between nine and 18 -- arrived in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei Province. "Life in China was tough at first," Nyota, born in 1954, recalls. "Most of us fell ill, except for one." Despite the challenges, they trained diligently at the Wuhan Acrobatic Institute. Their dedication led to a historic meeting in 1968 with Chairman Mao Zedong, during a visit by Tanzania's founding President Julius Nyerere. "We met Mao face to face, spoke with him, and took photos together. It was a tremendous honor," said Nyota. Returning home in 1969, the group established the National Acrobatics Troupe, the first of its kind in Africa. Under government direction, they toured extensively within Tanzania and abroad, performing in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, the Comoros, and Malawi. Nyota stayed with the troupe until 1977, when the government decentralized acrobatics training. Posted to the Mtwara region, he continued to teach even as many of his peers left the profession. Along with colleague Rajab Zubwa, he later founded Bantu International Acrobatic to revive the art. "In time, every performing arts troupe wanted to include acrobatics," Nyota said. "That's how the art grew -- both locally and internationally." One of his proteges, Saidi Ramadhani Yusuph, now serves as an instructor at Happy Center Acrobatic Talent. Inspired by visiting Chinese performers, Yusuph began training with Nyota at the age of 16. "He taught me for five years before I entered the profession," Yusuph recalled. Since becoming a teacher in 2008, Yusuph has trained over 70 students, focusing on balance skills and team activities. Despite limited facilities and modest institutional support, he remains committed to his work. "Teaching is my passion, and acrobatics is a talent within me," he said. "Acrobatics brings many benefits. Physically and mentally, it builds strength. Financially, it can provide a livelihood. We've had job opportunities through hotels, weddings, and various events, both in Tanzania and overseas," Yusuph explained. He adds that public perception has shifted. Once viewed as simple entertainment, acrobatics is now recognized as a legitimate career path. "Some artists have secured contracts abroad, earning between 1,500 and 2,000 U.S. dollars a month -- a significant income in Tanzanian terms," he said. Happy Center Acrobatic Talent, a registered institution, now boasts over 200 members. Alumni include internationally known acts such as the Ramadhani Brothers, who competed on "America's Got Talent," a popular U.S. television talent show. Nyota believes the Tanzania-China bond remains strong. "Comparing the China we visited to the China of today shows a dramatic transformation," he said. "They have progressed impressively." From the icy streets of Wuhan to the sunlit training grounds of Dar es Salaam, the story of Tanzanian acrobatics continues to unfold. As young Aisha spins her hoops with poise and joy, she carries forward a tradition that bridges continents and generations.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Plea to government to upgrade 6.8km Beaufort stretch
Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: Deteriorating condition: Residents urged the authorities to expedite upgrade of the road in question. BEAUFORT: Residents of Kampung Binunuk here urged the Government to upgrade a 6.8-kilometre stretch that was previously approved for an allocation of RM32 million, but has yet to be implemented. Resident, Ajip Usop, said he was made to understand a contractor had already been appointed for the road upgrade but years have passed without any visible sign of work being carried out. Advertisement 'A contractor came to survey the road, claiming they had secured the project. But to this day, we've never seen them return. It has been years,' he said. Ajip added that the road frequently floods, making it impassable and worsening its already deteriorating condition, riddled with potholes. He stressed that the upgrade should be expedited. 'The Public Works Department (JKR) must implement this project as soon as possible, for the comfort and safety of Kampung Binunuk residents,' he said. According to him, speaking through Daily Express is the only way to highlight their plight to the authorities, as previous appeals had been ignored by elected leaders. 'Just look at the condition of this road, how are we supposed to use it? It's full of potholes everywhere. Even vehicles owned by villagers are damaged,' he lamented. He pointed out that although the road is only 6.8 kilometres long, it has been neglected since independence, forcing the local community to continue using it out of necessity. 'Pity our children who have to walk through mud just to get to school. The same goes for our senior citizens and expectant mothers who need to get to hospital for treatment,' he said. Ajip added that many residents still use the muddy road on a daily basis, but questioned why the Government continues to overlook their suffering. 'People still brave this road, even in poor conditions. Does the Government not care about the residents who have no choice but to use it every day?' During the monsoon season, he said, the road becomes severely damaged and even cuts off access to town, making it hard for villagers to buy food and essential supplies. In emergencies, he added, damaged roads could delay the arrival of fire and rescue teams, putting lives and property at even greater risk. 'It would be in the best interest of everyone if the Government upgrades this road to ensure safer and easier access for all residents,' he said. Ajip appealed to Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sipitang Member of Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah to take this issue seriously. * 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
