Latest news with #ChristinaLiew
Daily Express
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Council reminded of role on environment issues
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 Text Size: Liew (centre) chairing the first meeting of the MPASS for the year 2025. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Environment Protection Council (MPASS) was reminded about its important role in advising the Sabah Government on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Environment Protection Enactment 2002 as well as on matters related to environmental management in the State. MPASS Chairman Datuk Seri Christina Liew gave the reminder in her opening speech when the Council convened its first meeting for the current year on Tuesday at the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry's Conference Room. Liew, who is also State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, presided at the meeting, attended by members of the Council, comprising senior officers from both State and Federal Government agencies. 'The Council must take a serious view of environmental issues in line with our commitment to ensuring sustainable environmental governance in line with the Sabah State Environmental Policy 2017. This Policy outlines 83 strategies based on five key areas, namely land, air, water, biodiversity and social dimension,' she said. The Minister expressed appreciation for the views and inputs contributed by the Council members, emphasising the importance of continuous cooperation in ensuring Sabah's environment remains clean, healthy and safe. Liew raised concerns over environmental impacts from hillside clearing activities and the improper management of solid waste, among other relevant issues. 'These issues require close collaboration among regulatory agencies,' she asserted. Advertisement In this respect, the Council meeting agreed that follow-up discussions between technical departments/agencies should be held to discuss this matter further. Two discussion papers were presented by the Environment Protection Department (EPD) - the Study on Environmental Education Materials and Policy Implementation, and the Study on Water Quality Management Plan for the Sungai Inanam Catchment, Kota Kinabalu. Outputs of the studies, namely the environmental awareness modules, best practices of environmental education document and board games, will be distributed by EPD to stakeholders as reference and guidance. Additionally, it was decided that the recommendations from the water quality studies in Sungai Inanam will be adopted by relevant departments to prevent pollution and manage the water quality in that particular river. Among those present were the Ministry's Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, Secretary of Natural Resources Office Sernam Singh, Deputy Director of EPD Daisy Aloysius, Deputy Director of Drainage and Irrigation Department Miklin Ationg, and Deputy Director of Department of Environment (Sabah), Yaras Yurus. * 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
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
Sabah Environment Protection Council holds first meeting of the year
Liew (centre) chairing the first meeting of the MPASS for the year 2025. KOTA KINABALU: The state's stakeholders must address environmental impacts stemming from hillside clearing and poor solid waste management, says Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. "The Sabah Environment Protection Council (MPASS) must take a serious view of environmental issues in line with our commitment to ensuring sustainable environmental governance in line with the Sabah State Environmental Policy 2017,' said Liew during the Council's first meeting for the year on Tuesday (May 27), which she chaired. The council meeting agreed that follow-up discussions between technical departments and agencies should be held. The Environment Protection Department (EPD) presented two discussion papers: the Study on Environmental Education Materials and Policy Implementation and the Study on the Water Quality Management Plan for the Sungai Inanam Catchment in Kota Kinabalu. The department would distribute the results of the studies, including environmental awareness modules, a best practices document for environmental education, and board games, to stakeholders for reference and guidance. It was also decided that recommendations from the water quality studies in Sungai Inanam would be adopted to prevent pollution and manage the water quality in that particular river. Among those present were the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, I Mary Malangking; Natural Resources Office Secretary, Sernam Singh; EPD deputy director, Daisy Aloysius; Drainage and Irrigation Department deputy director, Miklin Ationg and Sabah Environment Department deputy director, Yaras Yurus.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah's tourism sector surges ahead
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah's tourism sector continues to be a vital pillar supporting Malaysia's economy and regional growth. Fuelled by the increasing appeal of community-based tourism and a focused strategy to diversify attractions and improve infrastructure, the sector is experiencing robust and sustained growth, said an industry observer. "With ongoing commitment to promotion and development, Sabah's tourism industry is firmly on a path toward long-term sustainability, making meaningful contributions to the state's economic prosperity and the safeguarding of its rich cultural heritage," he said. The year began with a surge in arrivals, as Sabah welcomed 923,709 visitors between January and March 2025—an 18.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This total includes 366,727 international visitors and 556,982 domestic tourists, signalling growing interest in Sabah from both local and global travellers. Tourism receipts also saw a notable boost, reaching RM2.13 billion in the first quarter—a 17.7 per cent year-on-year increase. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew reportedly said that these figures are a testament to Sabah's enduring appeal and its resilience within an increasingly competitive tourism landscape. Among key international markets, China remains the top contributor with 154,319 arrivals, followed by South Korea (57,995) and Brunei (45,469). Looking ahead, Sabah is optimistic about attracting between 3.2 million and 3.5 million visitors in 2025, supported by promising projections and continued investments in tourism development. To enhance the visitor experience, Sabah Tourism is preparing to roll out a series of new initiatives by year-end, aimed at captivating both new and returning travellers with fresh experiences and improved accessibility. Among Sabah's most iconic tourism highlights is Kaamatan, or the Harvest Festival—a vibrant annual celebration held at the end of May, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Kadazandusun, Murut, and Rungus indigenous communities. The festival is especially popular in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tambunan, and Ranau, where travel packages, cultural tours, and homestays see high demand during this festive season. Central to Kaamatan is the Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah (KDCA), based at the Hongkod Koisaan Cultural Unity Centre in Penampang. Each year, KDCA welcomes locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the spirit of unity and cultural pride, culminating in two days of grand festivities on May 30 and 31—which are public holidays across Sabah. Beyond its cultural significance, Kaamatan serves as a powerful economic driver, generating revenue for local hotels, eateries, artisan markets, and small-scale farmers. Visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine, handmade crafts, music, dance, and rituals that celebrate the diverse heritage of Sabah's indigenous communities. With its unique blend of community-led experiences, cultural richness, and natural beauty, Sabah remains one of Malaysia's most compelling tourism destinations—offering something truly special for every traveller.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Geoparks drive sustainability and economic growth
KOTA KINABALU (May 23): Geoparks go beyond beckoning locals and tourists to visit these destinations, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Speaking at the opening of the Malaysia Geoparks Network Conference with the theme 'Geopark – A Catalyst for Sustainability' at Hotel Marriott yesterday night, she said geoparks are a development concept that integrates the preservation of geological heritage, public education and sustainable socio-economic development of communities. 'Through the geopark concept, we learn that environmental conservation and economic development can actually move hand in hand. Hence, geoparks are not just interesting areas to visit, but also for education about the history of the earth, local culture and the value of sustainability. 'Geoparks are not just a recognition but they also carry great responsibility. This is because they play an important role in protecting geoheritage, fostering environmental awareness, and contributing to the economic development of local communities through ethical geotourism,' Liew said. The minister observed that the concept of geoparks in Malaysia has grown rapidly since the recognition of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark in 2007, which was the first geopark in Southeast Asia to receive such recognition from UNESCO. She said this development continued with the success of Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah which was recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023, making Malaysia among the countries with more than one international-class geopark. In addition to these two UNESCO-listed geoparks, Liew noted that Malaysia now has 12 national geoparks that have been recognised by the National Geoparks Committee, each of which features its own unique geology, biodiversity and cultural heritage. 'This effort strengthens Malaysia's position on the world stage in the field of geoheritage preservation and empowers sustainable development at the national and global levels,' she said. Given the unique geology and culture as well as the diversity of ecosystems in our country, the minister stressed that this phenomenon provides great potential for more areas to be developed as geoparks in the future. Liew called on all relevant parties to continue their support for more effective geopark management. 'Local communities in particular can be ambassadors for their respective geopark areas in promoting and preserving these natural treasures. For the private sector, I would encourage more investment in sustainable, ethical and responsible geotourism.' This year (2025) marks the second anniversary of Kinabalu Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Despite this geopark recognition, Liew reminded all stakeholders that there are still many challenges that they need to face together. Among the main challenges confronting efforts in the development of a geopark, she said, are human and financial resource constraints, lack of public awareness of the value of geoheritage, uncontrolled development, and the need for better coordination between government agencies and local authorities. 'It is for this reason that the Sabah Parks management organised this Malaysia Geoparks Network Conference to bring together experts from various sectors from across the country to exchange their views and experiences in managing geopark areas,' said Liew. The conference (participated by three delegates from the Federation of Russia too) can also build and strengthen a network of cooperation between relevant parties, and identify issues and challenges in forming a national strategy towards more sustainable geopark development, she added. Also present were the chairman of Sabah Parks Peter Lintar, director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lakim, Global Geoparks Network Vice-President, Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Ibrahim Komoo, Sabah Parks Senior Principal Assistant Director (International Relations), Dr Nasrulhakim Maidin Director, Deputy Director of the Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG Sabah), Jenneth Liliana Cyril, and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Datuk Hj Mohd Hanan.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Geoparks key to sustainable growth, says Liew
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew (centre) joins others in cutting a Mt Kinabalu-shaped cake to mark the second anniversary of the Declaration of Kinabalu Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (May 22). KOTA KINABALU: Geoparks are more than just scenic destinations as they are also vital platforms for sustainable development, says Datuk Seri Christina Liew. The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister also said geoparks are sites for geological heritage conservation, education, and community-driven economic growth. 'Geoparks show that conservation and economic progress can go hand in hand. "They empower local communities, raise public awareness of natural heritage, and support sustainable tourism,' she said at the launch of the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference 2025 here on Thursday (May 22). She added that in addition to offering stunning landscapes, geoparks also give visitors the chance to learn about the planet's history, local culture, and the importance of sustainability. Liew noted that Malaysia has made significant progress in this area, starting with Langkawi's designation as South-East Asia's first Unesco Global Geopark in 2007. With Kinabalu Geopark gaining global recognition in 2023, Malaysia now has 12 national geoparks rich in geological, biological and cultural value, she said. 'This effort strengthens Malaysia's role on the global stage in geoheritage preservation and supports sustainable development at both national and international levels,' she said. Given Malaysia's rich geology, culture and ecosystems, Liew said, the country holds strong potential for more geopark designations. She called on all stakeholders to continue supporting effective geopark management, urging local communities to become ambassadors for their respective sites and encouraging the private sector to develop tourism responsibly. However, she acknowledged several challenges, including limited resources, low public awareness and weak coordination among stakeholders. Describing the conference as timely, Liew said it provided a crucial space for experts to exchange ideas, build networks and forge a stronger path forward. 'That is why Sabah Parks organised this conference … to bring together stakeholders from across the country to share insights and experiences in managing geopark areas,' she said. Commending Sabah Parks and the Malaysia Geopark Network for hosting the event, she reiterated Sabah's commitment to becoming a leader in geoconservation.
