Latest news with #Bornean
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Unity govt backing sparked by federal leader's snub of 'Borneo Bloc' term
Hajiji, Deputy Gagasan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, and party leaders exchanging greetings with the delegates at SICC on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor revealed that a federal leader's apparent disdain for the term 'Borneo Bloc' was the turning point that led him to throw his support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Unity Government. In his winding-up speech at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) annual general convention here today, Hajiji shared how the encounter reshaped his political stance and influenced Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) current federal alignment. 'That was before. Not a leader from the Unity Government. That was back then… before the Unity Government,' said Hajiji, recounting a meeting with a former federal leader who dismissed the idea of Bornean cooperation. 'When I heard those words, that is when I made the decision to support the Unity Government. Because to me, those words did not sit well. He did not like the Borneo Bloc,' he later said when met by reporters at the end of the event. Hajiji in his speech earlier, related to the delegates that he was accompanied by Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan during the meeting, where the federal leader not only declared himself 'the master' but also objected to Sabah and Sarawak sharing experiences. 'He did not want us to engage with our neighbours in Sarawak. I was deeply shocked by his words. I thought long and hard about what he meant and why he said it,' Hajiji told party delegates. 'That moment caused me to lose heart in that leadership direction. After much reflection, I decided to bring GRS to support the Unity Government.' 'Alhamdulillah, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, the Unity Government has listened to our voices and treated us well. Therefore, I want to state once again that GRS remains firmly in support of the Prime Minister of Malaysia,' he said. He added that long-standing demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are finally being addressed under Anwar's administration. 'Before this, it was extremely difficult to get them to devolve power or approve our requests. So, what are we hoping for? If the Unity Government is good for our state, why shouldn't we support it?' he said. Urging delegates to remain united and steadfast, Hajiji emphasised that Sabah's destiny must not be dictated by outsiders. 'This is our land, and we are the ones who must determine its direction. Not those from across the sea who presume to dictate to us,' he said and reiterated his commitment to implementing programmes for the benefit of the people, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development blueprint, which is set to roll out in 2026. 'Sabah is our homeland. Insya-Allah, SMJ 2.0 will be implemented starting next year. We will further strengthen programmes for the people,' he said. Among the key initiatives mentioned was the continuation of the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programme, which provides RM300 monthly to eligible recipients for a year. Hajiji also announced additional assistance for women, youth, and Beliawanis wings particularly those aiming to start small businesses. 'We will help those in need. We will improve the aid schemes previously mentioned by Vice President Datuk Arifin and our other colleagues. Never in the history of Sabah's administration have we seen such impactful policies except under the GRS government,' he pointed out. He stressed that while Sabah is focused on large-scale economic development, the state must not forget those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. According to Hajiji, tens of thousands of job opportunities have been created since GRS came into power, reducing the need for Sabahans to seek employment in other states or abroad. 'Sometimes when we stay in hotels in Kuala Lumpur, we encounter Sabahan youths working there. They have degrees and diplomas. But because they had to migrate, it shows we had not created enough jobs for them. That is why GRS has intensified efforts in investor-friendly policies, industrial development, agriculture, and tourism, to generate local job opportunities. 'This is our struggle. Believe me, if we win the election, we will govern the state of Sabah in the best way possible,' he stressed. Before concluding, Hajiji expressed his appreciation to party leaders and delegates for their commitment and support, and extended special thanks to the Permanent Chairman and Deputy Chairman for their smooth handling of the convention. 'Let us stay united. Let this fighting spirit carry us through the next general election. Insya-Allah, we will win in style,' said the Gagasan Rakyat President. Meanwhile Hajiji confirmed that he will be accompanying Anwar on a working visit to Indonesia starting tomorrow.
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Sinar Daily
From conflict to coexistence: Sabah's vision for saving elephants and livelihoods
In Sabah, humans are often cast as villains in conflicts with Bornean elephants. Yet this perception is far from the truth. Here, both humans and elephants are victims in what appears to be a complex "dance' for survival. This final in a two-part feature explores solutions to this age-old issue. KINABATANGAN - The sun beats down mercilessly as the boat ferrying Bernama writer Fadzli Ramli and cameraman Arjasneh Ahmad, and Bernama TV videographer Ahmad Jimmy cuts through the murky waters of the Kinabatangan River, infamous for housing Sabah's largest crocodile population. But the team is not there for the prehistoric draws them there is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endangered Bornean elephant, whose population has declined over the years due to habitat loss as a result of forest clearing for agriculture and development, resulting in a long-standing conflict between farmers striving to make an honest living and the displaced animals raiding crops in search of food. Accompanied by their guide Sharon Rahman, known locally as Mai, from RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT), they wait for almost four hours before the boatman's wireless radio crackles to life, relaying news that wild elephants have been spotted along the riverbank, near Tahini Kinabatangan, a nature lodge in Kampung Billit located about 50 kilometres from Kinabatangan town. Two adults emerge first from the forest, moving with a grace that makes one question everything they thought they knew about size and elegance. A curious kid follows, then two more adults join the party - in their natural habitat. Several boats with foreign tourists are there too. There is silence. No selfies, no chatter; just pure, unadulterated awe of the majestic giants. The population of the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to the northern part of Borneo, is down to about 1,000, with the majority found in the Kinabatangan area onthe east coast of Sabah and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The solution to ending or minimising Sabah's man-elephant conflict is not merely about building higher fences. It is about finding that sweet spot where both sides can coexist peacefully. POLICY The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's BorneanElephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Elaborating on this, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew told Bernama in an interview that the essence of the policy lies in its objectives. "We're talking about long-term survival strategies - not just paying lip service but making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared (species),' she said before confessing, "Actually, elephants are among the animals I'm most passionate about. We are very lucky in Borneo we've this particular species. So we must protect them.' Revealing a little nugget of information, she told Bernama that international zoos have been clamouring for Borneo's elephants, but "I told them no, not for the time being'. In a world where conservation often amounts to little more than expensive documentation of extinction, the 10-year action plan outlines the state's various initiatives to mitigate conflict and foster coexistence so that both humans and elephants can share the shrinking landscape without one destroying the other. There is also the stark acknowledgment that some elephants will inevitably end up in human care, with the plan addressing the necessary strategies and measures for effective management of elephants kept in captivity- with an emphasis on treating them with dignity, not merely as sad exhibits in concrete enclosures. Other items in the plan - elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement - read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. "The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. 3R PROGRAMME One of the key components of the Bornean Elephant Action Plan is the Captive Elephant Management Plan launched by Liew in April this year. The transition from "free contact' to "protected contact' management of captive elephants aims to enhance the safety of their handlers by minimising physical interaction with the tuskers while ensuring they are properly cared for. Meanwhile, the state's 3R programme - Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release - is not a conservation fantasy but the real deal. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not just tourist traps but evolutionary arks in a landscape where wildlife habitats are shrinking. "When they (elephants) are hurt, we have to bring them to the sanctuary to treat them, to nurse them. When they are well enough and ready to return to the forest, we will do it when the time comes,' explained Liew. As this interview draws to a close, the minister, referring to the sanctuaries, said earnestly, "This is it. Our final 'dance' forthese magnificent creatures. And, failure? "Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' NAPIER GRASS Another key component of the action plan involves grass cultivation, particularly Napier grass, in designated elephant habitat areas as an alternative food source for wild elephants to prevent them from straying into oil palm estates or farmlands in search of food. In other words, these emerald green,long and slender leaves, which can grow over two metres tall, constitute "peace offerings' to mitigate a conflict as old as agriculture itself. A nine-kilometre stretch of land along the banks of the Kinabatangan River is now blanketed with Napier grass, planted by non-governmental organisation (NGO) RESPECT with the help of the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities. What began as a modest 0.4-hectare experiment in March last year has blossomed into something extraordinary. RESPECT chairman Alexander Yee said by planting Napier grass, they are essentially creating a natural grazing area for elephants to forage, giving them a reason to stay in their habitat, away from the villages and plantations. "It's not just about feeding them… it is about rewriting an age-old story of conflict into one of coexistence,' he said, explaining that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. In the Kinabatangan area, the same villagers who once chased elephants away are now helping to plant Napier grass. Relating to Bernama about their initiative's first breakthrough moment, Yee said: "Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered the grass and devoured half of it.' This served as confirmation that the wild elephants would consume grass cultivated by humans within designated feeding areas. The success has been nothing short of remarkable. By January this year, RESPECT expanded its Napier grass cultivation project to another 13.5 ha inland at the Kampung Billit riparian reserve along the Kinabatangan River, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Just recently, more than 20 wild elephants were seen grazing on this Napier grass field, not far from the Tanini Kinabatangan resort. The herd arrived at dawn, 6.45 am to be precise, and stayed until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before. This initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own "dining rooms', far away from the farms and palm oil plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour barau and perupok grasses, though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision."We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he added. ELEPHANT PASTURE Meanwhile, in Lahad Datu, another similar grass-planting initiative has taken root - the 33-ha Malambabula elephant pasture, a project that is as ambitious as it is necessary. Initiated by Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) and funded by The Hornbill Award of Climate Governance Malaysia, with plantation industry player Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd providing assistance in kind, the project got going in August 2021. The success behind this initiative lies in its simplicity: create an "all-you-can-eat buffet' in elephant habitats, which the tuskers will find more appealing than the neighbouring oil palm plantations. "Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. According to the observations of NGOs involved in planting Napier grass as an alternative food source for wild elephants, the animals have shown a particular fondness for Napier grass, especially just before it begins to flower - about a month after planting. The grass remains their preferred food until the third month when the stems are tender, juicy and sweet. Its height of less than two metres also makes it accessible to baby the fourth month, the stems become harder and less sweet, making the grass less appealing to elephants. But the beauty of it is, the grass grows back again profusely after they have been consumed. BORA programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from the Malambabula River. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. The results? While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an "extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass - six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. Interestingly, these elephants have developed their own eating schedule. They seek refuge in the forest during daylight hours, emerging for their evening meal around dusk and continuing until dawn. To the project initiators, the Malambabula elephant pasture represents more than just a feeding programme - it is a blueprint for coexistence. "That's all we want. Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that's two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. "Recently, they stayed there for three weeks… it was a bonus for us. But now they've moved to the far end of the pasture,' Zainal said, smiling. "They might return (to our pasture) at the end of the year but we have to accept that we can't control these animals - they decide. What we're trying to capture is the attention of the young ones. If you look at the videos (of them grazing on the pasture), you can see the young elephants are happy here.' WORTHWHILE He said watching the playful antics of the calves makes the entire pasture experiment feel worthwhile. "You should see these baby elephants out here - pure joy, pure life, discovering this sacred space we've carved out for them. It's beautiful, raw and real,' he said. "We want them to remember… just like how I still remember my late father taking me to play by the beach, we want these young elephants to carry these memories into adulthood. So when they grow up, they'll lead their own herds back here, just like their mothers did before.' The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and subtle preferences. Most people may not realise this but elephants are complex social creatures with intricate family dynamics. The matriarch, wise and watchful, leads her family through their daily feeding ritual. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. "These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' Zainal said. "If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. No questions asked. It's all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how BORA manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grassis also made available so that the calves can eat too. OIL PALM With Sabah having the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia after Sarawak, how is the industry stepping up to help reduce human-elephant conflict? How does the state strike a balance between conserving the environment and boosting its palm oil industry? A crucial step taken in this direction is the implementation of the Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the establishment of the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC) in 2016. Central to JCSPO is the jurisdictional approach, seeking wider commitments from stakeholders to sustainable palm oil practices state-wide. The approach also seeks to align interests and coordinate the actions of the government, businesses, local communities and non-governmental organisations toward shared conservation, supply chain sustainability and green development goals to bring about a sustainable palm oil industry. Sabah chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan told Bernama it is not just about sustainable palm oil - "it's about reimagining how we can coexist with nature'. "We need to think bigger,' he continued, gesturing at the vast landscape beyond his office window. "This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest or managing a few herds of elephants. It's about creating a new model where both nature and industry can thrive.' RESPECT guide Sharon, meanwhile, believes they are on the right track towards mitigating human-elephant conflict. "But we need more people to join in (the efforts), we need a lot more help to protect them (elephants),' he added. - BERNAMA
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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
No such mining permit issued: Sabah Lands and Surveys Department
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Bernard and Farhash. PETALING JAYA: The Sabah Lands and Surveys Department clarified that no mineral prospecting licence had been issued to Bumi Suria Sdn Bhd, the company linked to businessman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak. Director Datuk Bernard Liew said no prospecting licence was awarded to the company under the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960 and that allegations claiming otherwise were baseless. He added that the department was the authoritative body governing mining in the Bornean state. 'Any mineral exploration activity in Sabah can only be conducted after obtaining a legitimate licence issued under Sections 6 and 8 of the Sabah Mining Ordinance. And this is subject to technical conditions and other relevant laws that are already in place. The department views seriously any statement made via the media that can mislead the public,' he said in a statement. MalaysiaNow had reported that Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) had awarded Bumi Suria an exploration licence for coal mining. The report said it had been granted exclusive rights to explore and search for minerals on 70,000ha of forest reserve in Kalabakan and Gunung Rara near the Kalimantan border. SMM CEO Natasha Sim earlier said the state government agency was not a licence-awarding body, nor did it have jurisdiction to award or issue licences. On Monday, Farhash said his lawyers had served MalaysiaNow with a cease and desist letter, saying allegations that he owned Bumi Suria and that the company had been awarded a mineral prospecting or exploration licence in Sabah were false and defamatory. The lawyers said Farhash was merely a director and shareholder of Bumi Suria, and demanded that the article be removed from the website and all social media channels. * 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
6 days ago
- The Star
Taking a compassionate approach to jumbo care
Conservation measures include cultivation of Napier grass along Sg Kinabatangan as alternative food source for Bornean elephants UNDER the relentless sun, a boat glides through the murky waters of Sungai Kinabatangan, a habitat known for Sabah's largest crocodile population. Today, however, the focus is not on these reptilian giants but on the endangered Bornean elephant, which numbers have been steadily declining due to habitat loss. This decline in their population is primarily due to the clearing of forests for agriculture and development, leading to conflicts between farmers and elephants displaced in search of food. Guided by Sharon Rahman from the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect), the boat passengers await a signal. After nearly four hours, a crackling radio announces the sighting of wild elephants near Kampung Bilit, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring encounter. Two majestic adults first emerge from the dense forest, their movements with unexpected grace belie their massive size. A curious calf follows and then two more adults join, creating a scene of serene beauty along the riverbank, observed by tourists in hushed silence. The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest subspecies of the Asian elephant and endemic to northern Borneo, now numbers about 1,000, with the majority residing in the Kinabatangan region and some in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Towards long-term survival The solution to Sabah's human- elephant conflict involves more than just physical barriers. It requires finding a balance where both humans and elephants can coexist peacefully. The Bornean elephants are protected by law, including Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Also in place is the state government's Bornean Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Viewed as a pragmatic policy by experts, the 10-year plan focuses on habitat protection, research and, most importantly, human-elephant conflict mitigation. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew recently discussed the plan's importance in an interview with Bernama. 'We are making genuine attempts to prevent these gentle giants from joining the ranks of the disappeared,' she stressed. 'Elephants are among the animals I am most passionate about,' said Liew. 'We are very lucky in Borneo that we have this particular species. So we must protect them.' Despite interest from international zoos in Borneo's elephants, Liew has remained firm in her resolve to keep them in their |natural habitat, stating, 'They belong here, not in foreign zoos.' The action plan outlines a |comprehensive approach, acknowledging that some elephants will inevitably require human care. It emphasises humane treatment and dignity, moving beyond the outdated practice of displaying them as zoo exhibits. Other items in the plan – elephant corridors, habitat restoration, community engagement and enforcement – read like a conservationist's dream. Progress reports are already rolling in and Liew can barely contain her excitement. 'The impact of the action plan has been significant, with several key initiatives now underway,' she said. Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release A cornerstone of this initiative is the Captive Elephant Manage-ment Plan, introduced by Liew in April. The plan transitions from 'free contact' to 'protected contact' management, enhancing the safety of handlers while ensuring the elephants receive proper care. This approach minimises direct physical interaction, prioritising the well-being of both elephants and their caretakers. One of the key components of the plan is Sabah's 3R programme – Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release – which embodies a pragmatic and compassionate approach to conservation. The Bornean Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu are not mere tourist attractions; they serve as sanctuaries for elephants in need. 'When elephants are hurt, we bring them to the sanctuary for treatment and rehabilitation,' said Liew. 'Once they are well enough, we release them back into the wild.' Referring to the sanctuaries, she said: 'This is it. Our final 'dance' for these magnificent creatures. 'Failure isn't an option when extinction is waiting in the wings.' Napier grass: A peace offering Another innovative strategy involves cultivating Napier grass within designated habitats, providing an alternative food source to deter elephants from encroaching on farmland. A 9km stretch along Sungai Kinabatangan, managed by Respect with support from the Australian-based Intrepid Foundation and local communities, has shown promising results. 'We are rewriting an age-old conflict into one of coexistence,' remarked Respect chairman Alexander Yee, adding that the Napier grass they plant is sweeter than the variety commonly found on riverbanks. Initially a modest 0.4ha experiment launched in March last year, the project has grown significantly. Yee recounted a pivotal moment: 'Two months after planting, seven elephants, including a calf, discovered and devoured half of the grass.' This confirmed that wild elephants would consume human-cultivated grass within designated feeding areas, paving the way for broader acceptance and success. By January, the initiative expanded to 13.5ha at Kampung Bilit riparian reserve along Sungai Kinabatangan, creating what they now call the Borneo Elephant Food Corridor. Yee said more than 20 elephants were recently observed grazing peacefully from dawn until dusk, longer than they have ever stayed before, marking a significant shift towards a harmonious coexistence. Villagers who once viewed elephants as nuisance are now actively involved in planting Napier grass. Even resort operators along the river have taken to planting the grass. Yee said this initiative is not just about feeding elephants. It is about creating harmony in a land where man-wildlife conflict has become all too common. The strategy is straightforward: just give them their own 'dining rooms', far away from the farms and oil palm plantations they are forced to raid. Besides Napier grass, elephants also favour Barau grass and perupok (a type of shrub), though more research is needed to determine which type of grass works best. Elephants, it turns out, are master gardeners. As they move through the forest, they create natural clearings that allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, fostering new growth. Yet challenges remain. Incidents of intrusions are still reported, like a case where a baby elephant wandered into a house in Kalabakan, Tawau, searching for food and water. But Yee and his team remain committed to their vision. 'We need long-term support from all parties, namely the government, NGOs and local communities,' he highlighted. Blueprint for coexistence In Lahad Datu, another ambitious grass-planting initiative has taken root – the 33ha Malambabula elephant pasture. Initiated by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (Bora) and funded by The Hornbill Award, with assistance from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, the project began in August 2021. It offers an 'all-you-can-eat buffet' for elephants, meant to entice them away from neighbouring oil palm plantations. 'Buffet', in this case, consists of tall, lush grasses, mostly Napier and a couple of other varieties. Bora programme director Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin said the Malambabula pasture project architects have thought of everything these creatures need. There is ample fresh water flowing from Sungai Malambabula. There is even an artificial salt lick, complete with all the essential nutrients their massive bodies require. While initial visits to the project site were sporadic, the breakthrough came in June 2023 when a herd of 70 elephants showed up for an 'extended feast'. They consumed about 20 tonnes of grass – six days without any incident of human-elephant conflict in the area. The project illustrates how nature and industry can coexist sustainably, Zainal said. Elephants have shown a preference for Napier grass, particularly before it flowers, about a month after planting. As the grass matures, it becomes less appealing, but its ability to regrow swiftly ensures a continuous supply. 'The Malambabula pasture is more than a feeding programme; it is a blueprint for coexistence,' Zainal emphasised. 'Even if the elephants stay in our area (elephant pasture) for just two days, that is two days of not disturbing people or entering plantations. 'Recently, they stayed there for three weeks. It was a bonus for us. 'But now they have moved to the far end of the pasture,' he noted. The team managing the pasture studies every elephant visit and feeding pattern, learning their habits and preferences. But while the adults can handle the tough, tall grass, the calves need something more tender and manageable. 'These giants are incredibly attentive parents,' said Zainal. 'If the little ones can't eat, the whole herd moves, searching for more suitable feeding grounds. It is all or nothing with them.' This insight has revolutionised how Bora manages the grass at the elephant pasture. To ensure the entire herd gets to eat, young Napier grass is also made available so that the calves can eat too. Oil palm and conservation Sabah, with the second-largest oil palm cultivation in Malaysia, faces the challenge of balancing conservation with industry. The Jurisdictional Certification of Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) and the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC), established in 2016, aim to harmonise these interests. The initiative seeks broader commitments from stakeholders to sustainable practices, aligning the goals of conservation, supply chain sustainability, and green development. Sabah's chief forest conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan shares his vision for coexistence: 'This isn't just about protecting a few patches of forest. It is about creating a model where both nature and industry can thrive.' Local communities play a crucial role in the success of these initiatives. Respect guide Sharon underscores the importance of community engagement and support: 'We are on the right track, but we need more people to join the efforts to protect these elephants.'
Focus Malaysia
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Sabah UMNO's identity crisis and the cost of being an easily-swayed political ‘lalang'
SABAH UMNO wants Sabahans to believe that it has always been a 'local boy', has deep roots in the Bornean soil and that its leaders are true sons of the land. This is certainly a bold move from a party long seen as an extension of peninsula politics, especially by those who still remember how the phrase 'Sabah for Sabahans' was once dismissed as insular, unpatriotic or even divisive. But politics – like the jungle wind – often blows in new directions; for Sabah UMNO at this very moment, the breeze seems to be blowing towards survival at any cost. Embracing the slogan it once mocked In a recent statement, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, UMNO's war room strategist and supreme council member, remarked hat UMNO should not be viewed solely as a Peninsula-based party. 'UMNO in Sabah is no longer a Malayan party. When a party has existed for 34 to 35 years in the state, it is no longer accurate to call it a Parti Malaya. Its leadership today is made up entirely of local Sabahans,' he enthused. This is a striking change in tone as once upon a time, Sabah UMNO was viewed as the regional arm of a national powerhouse. Its central leadership in Kuala Lumpur called the shots while state leaders – even senior ones – were often expected to toe the line. But as UMNO's influence continues to wane across Malaysia, the Sabah chapter seems to be scrambling to find a new identity. One that appeals to the growing grassroots sentiment that Sabah's fate should be decided by Sabahans, not Putrajaya. The irony is that this same sentiment, 'Sabah for Sabahans,' was long treated with suspicion by UMNO and its allies – painted as parochial and even anti-national. But now, with its influence diluted and voter trust on shaky ground, the party appears ready to adopt the very rhetoric it once ridiculed. This shift, however, is not just about public messaging. It's about political survival. Fractures below the surface The internal cracks in Sabah UMNO are already visible. The party's Sabah deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan recently broke ranks to criticise the infamous Langkah Kinabalu. It was a decision by Sabah UMNO to pull out of the state government in early 2022. In Abdul Rahman's view, it was a strategic misstep that has 'greatly weakened' the party, leading to a loss of credibility and a wave of defections. Instead of making a principled stand, he argued, party leaders should have resigned if dissatisfied, not torpedoed the entire coalition from within. These are not small words. Coming from someone of Rahman Dahlan's stature, they point to unresolved tension within the party. It's something that Sabah UMNO's current leadership is keen to downplay. In response, state chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin issued a carefully worded statement by contending that while differing views are respected, the party has since moved forward through consensus. But consensus doesn't always mean unity. Sometimes, it's just plain silence. The broader question is what does Sabah UMNO actually stand for today? Is it still the same party that believed in top-down politics and centralised decision-making? A party in the wind Right now, the signals are mixed. The 'Sabahanisation' of UMNO feels more like re-branding than re-invention. It's seen as an attempt to stay relevant in a political landscape that has dramatically shifted. Local parties like PBS and STAR – who are part of the ruling GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) state government – have anchored themselves in Sabahan identity and issues. For them, the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment wasn't just a slogan. It was the foundation of their political existence. But for Sabah UMNO, it's a costume worn out of necessity. This lalang a.k.a. sitting on fence mentality of shifting positions depending on political winds has long haunted Malaysian politics with Sabah UMNO being no exception. Their decision to leave the Sabah state government in 2022 was framed as a stand on principle. Now, it's being quietly acknowledged as a mistake. UMNO's embrace of Sabah-centric rhetoric is framed as organic evolution but in truth, it smells more like desperation. Voters have lived through a decade of instability, crossovers, defections and backdoor deals. The old model of loyalty to party brands no longer holds. Sabahans are now asking sharper questions such as who fights for Sabah's rights? Who listens? Who flip-flops when it's convenient? Sabah UMNO is running out of time to answer those questions convincingly. If the party hopes to reclaim its footing, it will have to do more than tweaking its messaging. It must show through action that it has shed its peninsula-first instincts, that it can be trusted to put Sabah first even when it's politically costly. Until then, Sabah UMNO remains a party adrift – caught between its past and its future – with no clear anchor but the pursuit of power. – July 22, 2025 Main image credit: Sabah News
