Latest news with #Bombon
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
B&M shoppers spot rare flavour of Snickers they've ‘never seen' before selling for £1
B&M shoppers have spotted a rare flavour of Snickers selling for £1. Customers were surprised to see coffee flavoured versions of the classic chocolate stocked on the shelves of the bargain store. Posting on the Facebook group Food Finds UK Official, a user wrote: "Not sure if these are new, but in B&M and I've never seen this flavour!" One user wrote: "I've been meaning to check out B&M for ages now and this might just be the push I need to go." Another added: "Imported from Australia, I had them over there and so so good I'll need to head to B&M." "I will be trying these," a third wrote. The bar sells for up to £2.99 at online retailers like Bombon and Candy Mail UK - nearly triple its price at B&M. The unusual chocolate bar appears to be a rare find, currently unavailable in other major UK supermarkets. The company Mars Incorporated launched Coffee Snickers back in February, with fans describing it as a bittersweet twist on their classic peanut, caramel and chocolate combo. The controversial new flavour comes after two years of development and 13 different product prototypes. Shoppers learned of the release through NewfoodsUK on Instagram. The bar divided opinions with one user calling it a "win-win" and another saying it was "disgusting". Mars Wrigley Research & Development director Chris Hutton said: 'We know how much Aussies love their coffee, and after two years of development and 13 different product prototypes, we're excited to bring this new twist on Snickers to life. 'Snickers Coffee Flavour is a proudly Australian-made product, formulated by our local team in Ballarat to deliver on both taste and sustainability, and we can't wait for fans to try it.' It comes after B&M shoppers spotted almond flavoured Snickers at the bargain store. The bar, containing almond pieces alongside peanuts, nougat, caramel and milk chocolate, was launched in the US six years ago. But it is not typically sold in the UK, making it an unusual find. Shoppers at B&M also previously spotted a brownie Snickers, which was another hit in the US. The Snickers bar was introduced by Mars, Inc. in 1930 and was named after the Mars family's favourite horse, Snickers. For decades, the bar was sold in the UK and Ireland under the name "Marathon" before being changed to Snickers in 1990. How to save money on chocolate We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs... Go own brand - if you're not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you'll save by going for the supermarket's own brand bars. Shop around - if you've spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it's cheaper elsewhere. Websites like let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you're getting the best deal. Look out for yellow stickers - supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they've been reduced. They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged. Buy bigger bars - most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar. So if you've got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.
Borneo Post
01-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Reviving rivers: History and success of Sabah Tagal System
Tagal ecotourism history was created on 19th November 2006 when senior fisheries officers from Putrajaya collected money and passed to the chairman of Tagal Luanti, Jeprin Majangki. In the past, rivers in Sabah teemed with fish. However, with global population growth and rising demand for freshwater fish, many of these aquatic ecosystems began to suffer from overfishing and environmental degradation. In response, local communities across Sabah, as well as in other parts of the world — including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Malawi — developed traditional conservation practices to protect and replenish fish stocks in their rivers. In Sabah, these efforts eventually evolved into what is now recognized as the Sabah Tagal System, a fisheries co-management model combining indigenous wisdom with modern ecological principles with support of the fisheries department. Success of Tagal system in Kiulu. The Origins of Bombon and Tagal in Sabah The practice of Tagal/Bombon — derived from the Kadazan-Dusun language meaning 'prohibition' — originated among Sabah's indigenous communities. In Kota Belud and Kiulu, the local call it Bombon and Penampang they call it Tagal. The system involves a community-enforced fishing ban in designated river sections, allowing fish populations to regenerate. The term Bombon/Tagal signified the prohibition of fishing within the river sections. Jephrin Wong started the Sabah Fisheries Department model Tagal experiment in 2002. But in 2004 at Sabah first Tagal Seminar organized by Sabah Fisheries Department, the term Bombon and Tagal was formally renamed as Sabah Tagal System. The first efforts to implement the Bombon system dates back to the 1980s. In Kota Belud, native chief Hj Razali Goroh of Kampung Taginambur led the initiative in 1988 in response to declining fish stocks. In Kiulu, similar efforts were initiated by native chief Rampas bin Gumai in 1980s, with the system officially revived and launched in 1998 at Kampung Malangang Baru, Malangang Lama, Tambung and Namadan by then-Chief Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, according to former district officer Tuaran Ariffin Gadait. In Penampang, the initiative was introduced in 1997 by Vitalis Galasun, a member of the Kampung Notoruss Village Development and Security Committee and a former Fisheries Department staff. These pioneering efforts laid the foundation for a broader, more structured approach to river conservation. Under the traditional system, strict rules were enforced by the community. Fishing was only permitted once a year, and violators faced penalties (known locally as sogit), which could include fines or livestock. The harvested fish were distributed among registered community members. Government Support and Scientific Innovation by Sabah Fisheries Department In 1999, after being appointed Head of the Inland Fisheries Division of the Sabah Fisheries Department, Jephrin Wong met with Hj Razali Goroh 2001, who suggested strengthening the Bombon system with institutional and material support. In 2002, Sabah Fisheries Department began to apply small funding from the state to finance the operation, research and development of the Tagal system project. In January 2002 Jephrin established a model Tagal site at the Fisheries Department's Babagon freshwater fisheries station, where scientific studies were conducted on fish behavior, spawning cycle and river ecosystems to get first-hand information on improving the Tagal system. By 2004, the population of this prized species mahseer (pelian or kelah) had rebounded, showcasing the effectiveness of blending traditional conservation with scientific methods. The research also confirmed that the endangered mahseer could be tamed and could recognize people, revealing significant potential for ecotourism Sabah Fisheries Department introducing Tagal Zoning System in 2004 Recognizing the need for broader implementation, Jephrin introduced the Tagal zoning system. The Sabah Fisheries Department launched the world's first Tagal Zoning System in late 2004. This new model divided river sections into three distinct zones: Red Zone: Strictly protected for conservation, ecotourism and catch-and-release fishing Yellow Zone: Seasonal fishing under regulated supervision Green Zone: Year-round fishing using traditional and eco-friendly practices This zoning system was first introduced at Babagon and quickly proved effective, benefiting local communities through conservation and sustainable income. The introduction of zoning system (red, yellow and green) at Tagal sites has triggered great attractions to many stakeholders in Malaysia and other countries. The Official Launch of the Sabah Tagal System by Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry in 2004 The first Tagal Seminar was held on November 25, 2004, led by the Sabah Fisheries Department and officiated by Datuk Rahim Ismail, then Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry. The term 'Sabah Tagal System' was officially adopted, with over 40 Tagal system community leaders and government representatives in attendance. Top river fish anglers and experts from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as well as fishing magazine editor gave their comments on potential of catch and release fishing at Sabah Tagal system sites. An outreach event was subsequently held at Babagon, attended by NGOs led by Datuk Wilfred Lingham, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Renowned figures from the angling community, including the editor of Angling Magazine (Kuala Lumpur) and Pak Amin from Fly Fishing Singapore, were also invited, helping popularize catch-and-release practices and fish spa tourism. Sabah Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Enactment 2003 The Tagal system (Community Fisheries Management Zone), has been incorporated into the Sabah Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Enactment 2003, placing it under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Fisheries Department Milestones and Expansion of Sabah Tagal system 2004: Penampang became the first district to implement the zoning-based modern Tagal system and pioneered ecotourism on catch-and-release fishing. 2006: Tagal Luanti in Ranau pioneered eco-tourism activities such as fish spas and fish feeding venture. 2005-2007: Tagal system expanded to Sarawak in 2005 and Pahang in 2007 2009-2011: The Tagal system expanded to marine environments, including artificial reef conservation in Kuala Penyu in 2009 and sea cucumber habitats on Jambongan Island in 2011. Notable recognitions on success of Tagal system: Sabah Most Outstanding Environmental Friendly Project Award 2005 to Sabah Fisheries Department by Sabah Ministry of Tourism & Environment. Tagal system Luanti, Ranau won River Care Award 2006 with the help of Sabah Fisheries Department. River Care Award 2006 to Tagal Luanti by Global Environment Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Special Achievement Award to Sabah Fisheries Department 2009 presented by the Chief Minister of Sabah. Economic and Cultural Impact Tagal system has become a significant source of sustainable river fish and income for rural communities. The local community can do ecotourism activities to create new source of income at red zone and harvest more fish (at yellow zone) during seasonal fishing and at green zone, whole-year fishing through sustainable fishing. Beginning 2005 the Babagon and Penampang Tagal sites began attracting both local and international anglers in 2005, generating revenue from guide services, entry fees and so on. In 2006, Tagal Luanti in Ranau officially launched its fish spa and fish feeding venture. During a visit on November 19, 2006, by 20 senior officers from the Putrajaya Fisheries Department led by Dr Sukarno Wagiman (Director of Conservation Division), they were willing to be the first paying visitors. This marked the formal birth of Tagal ecotourism in Sabah and Malaysia. From 2007 onwards, many other Tagal sites in Sabah and Sarawak follow suit. Jephrin Wong attended the first Tagal launching in Sarawak. It was held in Lawas on 12th August 2005. From Local Traditional to National Model Tagal system By 2025, the number of Tagal sites in Sabah had grown from just over 40 in 2002 to 642 across 23 districts, involving more than 232 rivers according to Sabah Fisheries Department. The success of the Sabah model inspired other Malaysian states. Sarawak adopted the system in August 2005, followed by Pahang in 2007. As of 2024, Sarawak has more than 140 active Tagal sites according to Sarawak Agriculture Department. The key difference between the old and modern Tagal system lies in structure and economic viability. The traditional approach allowed only one annual harvest with no tourism component. Other districts and other states in Malaysia are not keen to adopt the old Tagal system. The modern Tagal system introduced zoning, making conservation economically attractive and sustainable; a win-win to all stakeholders.. A Model for the World The Sabah Tagal System has been recognized as a pioneering example of successful Fisheries Co Management system. It demonstrates how indigenous knowledge, when supported by government policy and scientific research, can become a tool for sustainable development. The system has received praise from high-level figures, including former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who commended its success during a national exhibition in 2006. In conclusion, what began as a local conservation tradition has evolved into a dynamic and sustainable fisheries management model — one that restores rivers, empowers communities, and inspires the world. We say big thank you to the pioneers: Hj Razali Goroh, Rampas Gumpai and Vitalis Galasun and credit should be given to Sabah Fisheries Department headed by Jephrin Wong for introducing Tagal system site zonings (red, yellow and green) in 2004 which had attracted many stakeholders in Malaysia and worldwide and to Datuk Wilfred Lingham for his strong support since 2002.
