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Daily Express
14 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM72 million tourism boost for Sabah: 77 projects approved under 12th Malaysia Plan
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Handover of the mock cheque for the Maintenance Project for the Year 2025 of Sabah by Khairul to Josie. RANAU: The Federal Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), has approved 77 development projects in Sabah totalling more than RM72 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Deputy Minister of Motac Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said one of the projects is the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang, Mount Kinabalu. Four other major projects that are currently underway covering the areas in Kinabatangan, Lok Kawi, Sipadan and Manukan. 'All of this demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring Sabah is at the forefront of sustainable tourism, thus contributing to the economic and social progress of all the people,' he said. Khairul, who is also the Member of Parliament for Batu Sapi, said this when officiating the Handover Ceremony of the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang Area, Mount Kinabalu at the Interpretation Centre, Kinabalu Park, on Friday. He commended the State Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Sabah Parks for successfully organising the programme. He also congratulated Sabah Parks for the efforts and initiatives of being the Project Manager for this project which was approved under the Fourth Rolling Plan, Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RP4, RMKe-11) with a project cost of RM13.8 million. 'Motac also expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the contractors and consultants for their efforts and commitment in completing this project. 'Indeed, this project that has been implemented is proof of the Ministry's commitment in its efforts to drive the tourism sector, especially ecotourism products, as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic growth. 'In addition, it is to make Sabah a sustainable area as a main destination for tourists, especially for the ecotourism segment,' he said. Khairul believes that this project can have a significant impact not only on the people of Sabah, but also on the country itself, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. 'Motac hopes that with the completion of this project, it will be able to further increase the number of domestic and foreign tourists coming to Sabah. 'Indirectly, it will not only boost tourism and climbing activities on Mount Kinabalu, but will also provide economic benefits to local residents such as restaurant owners and accommodation providers, as well as providing added value to various other industries,' he said. Meanwhile, he urged Sabah Parks as the Owner Agency, to continue to work with local residents so that all parties can together make this latest tourism product a success. 'I hope Sabah Parks can ensure diligent maintenance and proactive management so that this facility will continue to be able to provide value not only for today, but for future generations, in line with the Government's desire to manage resources prudently and with vision. 'I believe Sabah Parks cares about the importance of this periodic maintenance in ensuring that this project can operate optimally for the long term and can prevent any accidents,' he said. During the ceremony, there was also a signing ceremony of the Project Handover Document between the Permanent Secretary of KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai and Motac Secretary-General Dato' Shaharuddin Abd Sohot. Meanwhile, Josie said, the Layang-Layang area is located at an altitude of 2,744 metres, at kilometre 4 (KM4) of Mount Kinabalu and climbers will usually reach this area between twelve (12.00) noon or one (1.00) pm. 'Before this project, the existing facilities were very limited, with only one open rest hut that could only accommodate around 10 people in unpredictable weather conditions. 'Meanwhile, other climbers had to take shelter in the open, facing rain and cold temperatures,' she said. Looking at this need, she added, the Ministry through Sabah Parks took the initiative to plan to build restaurant and accommodation facilities in the Layang-Layang area. Apart from being a place to rest and eat, she said, it is an alternative to extend the length of stay for climbers on the mountain. 'The implementation of the Layang-Layang Area Tourism Facilities Improvement Project, Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Ranau, Sabah began in December 2020 and was successfully completed in September 2024. 'The implementation of the project in the Mount Kinabalu area is different from other development projects because of its location at high altitude and in an environmentally sensitive area recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site. 'This challenging geographical position requires more careful logistical planning; for example, delivery of building materials must be done manually by porters, the use of low-impact construction methods, as well as strict adherence to existing biodiversity conservation guidelines and park regulations,' she said. In addition, she said, the unpredictable weather factors; rain and fog affect the contractor's working time as well as limited physical access, namely no regular road access to the project site. According to Josie, these factors greatly influence and contribute to the implementation period, delays and completion date of this project. 'Now, this new facility can accommodate more than 50 people, complete with restaurant facilities, accommodation, and treatment rooms, control centre and checkpoint areas. 'I believe these facilities can not only improve the comfort of Mount Kinabalu climbers, but also support more systematic visitor management and further enrich the tourism experience on Mount Kinabalu,' she said. Also present were the Director of Sabah Parks, Datuk Dr. Maklarin bin Lakim, heads of departments, Officers from Motac, Park managers and others. * 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
21 hours ago
- Daily Express
Two men killed and another hurt in Ranau, Kuala Penyu crashes
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Clarence Dol, Ahmad Apong Text Size: Fire and Rescue personnel inspecting the Perodua Kancil at the scene of accident. RANAU: A man was killed while another was injured after a Perodua Kancil collided with a palm fruit-laden lorry here on Sunday. Head of Fire and Rescue Department Rantey Fred said the incident occurred at Km 45, Ranau-Telupid Road at about 1.15pm. In the incident, the victim, Sylvester Pius Gulmit, 42, who was driving Perodua Kancil was confirmed dead when receiving treatment at the Paginatan Health Clinic. A passenger, an 18 -year -old man, suffered minor injuries with scratches and injuries to the body. The victim's car was moving from Telupid to Ranau town. 'We received a call at 1.07pm, and the rescue team reached the location situated 45km away at about 1.54pm. 'Upon arriving at the scene, the car was believed entering the opposite lane before colliding with the lorry in the opposite direction,' he said. Rantey said the victims were sent to the Paginatan Clinic before firefighters arrived. The lorry driver was not at the scene. 'The firefighters cut the battery cable to prevent fire,' he said. Meanwhile, he called on all motorists to be extra careful when driving across the district, especially on narrow and bending village roads. 'People are asked to be more careful when driving in rainy weather conditions as well as damaged or under-repaired roads. 'Always be attentive while on the road and give good cooperation to other road users. Do drive slowly especially when on uneven roads. 'Drive prudently and be sensitive to the surrounding conditions, because we all want to reach our destination safely and meet our beloved family,' he said. In KUALA PENYU, a 41-year-old man died after being hit by a Toyota Hilux in a three-vehicle accident on Sunday. Kuala Penyu District Police Chief Supt Wong Leong Ming said initial investigations showed that the Hilux had veered into the opposite lane, colliding with the victim's motorcycle before sideswiping another oncoming vehicle. 'The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel,' he said, adding that the body was sent to the Kuala Penyu Hospital for further action. He urged road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before driving. 'Check your tires, brakes and signal lights beforehand. If there are issues, avoid using the vehicle to prevent accidents,' he said. Wong also reminded motorists to drive responsibly and respect the lives of others. * 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
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
470 Sabah supermarts, stores: Sara recipients can use MyKad to buy
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Armizan presents the grand prize of a motorcycle to the lucky winner at the event. RANAU: A total of 470 supermarket and grocery premises in Sabah are now part of the 4,152 nationwide outlets where Sara recipients can use their MyKad to purchase basic necessities. Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that apart from purchases at existing fixed premises, KPDN proposed that Sara assistance could also be used for purchases at the Mobile PJRM in the future. This initiative, he said, allows Sara recipients, especially in rural and inland areas, to make purchases using the SARA assistance provided in the MyKad at the mobile PJRM locations. According to him, for the state of Sabah, until July 2025, a total of RM410 million has been disbursed to 830,000 STR recipients. He added that RM500 million has also been disbursed to 506,000 Sara recipients. Armizan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Papar, said this while officiating the KPDN Carnival Tour Program 2025 and the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign for the Sabah Zone held at the Ranau Sports Complex on Saturday. The KPDN continues to organize the KPDN Carnival Tour Program and the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign Series 2 for the 2025 Sabah Zone in Ranau. The 3-day program from 25 to 27 July 2025 is expected to attract 60 thousand visitors. The main objective of the organization is to popularize government services at the grassroots, especially services under the responsibility and functionality of the KPDN. The KPDN Carnival 2025 also serves as a catalyst in strengthening the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) 2025 through the theme 'Let's Buy Local' as continuous support for local products and strengthening the domestic economy. Armizan added that this campaign is a strategic step to strengthen domestic economic growth while helping entrepreneurs and local micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) in expanding their market network. 'At the same time, this initiative provides space to highlight the quality of local products which can be the main choice and thus reduce dependence on imported goods. 'Additional Allocation for the Rahmah Madani Umbrella Initiative KPDN welcomes the additional allocation for the Rahmah Madani Sales Program (PJRM) of RM300 million announced by Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister on July 23, 2025. 'Through this additional allocation, KPDN will increase the frequency of PJRM implementation nationwide with a target of 20 thousand series of PJRM implementation throughout 2025,' he said. For the state of Sabah, Armizan said that KPDN is targeting 2,276 series of PJRM throughout this year. Starting from 1 January to 26 July 2025, a total of 1,089 series of PJRMs have been implemented in Sabah. Expansion of Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) for All KPDN also welcomes and appreciates the initiatives and efforts focused on the well-being of the people through the additional allocation of Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) from RM13 billion to RM15 billion for this year. This additional RM2 billion is for a one-off Sara assistance of RM100 to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. At the same time, he said, KPDN will collaborate with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to expand access for Sara recipients to purchase basic necessities. Meanwhile, about 60,000 visitors flocked to the 2025 KPDN Carnival Sabah Zone KBBM held over three days starting on Friday (July 25-27) at the Ranau Sports Complex (free admission). KPDN Business Development Division Director Adiratno Che Ani said the target is also to chalk RM250,000 in sales value through the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM). 'A total of 60 entrepreneurs from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia are present to market various products,including handicrafts, food and beauty products. All products are of good quality and comparable to foreign goods. 'Based on the response since this morning, I am confident the sales target of RM250,000 can be achieved when this programme ends on Sunday,' he said at the Ranau Sports Complex. He said the KBBM themed 'Jom Beli Lokal' (Buy Malaysian Goods), is also a platform for local entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) to expand their marketing network to boost the domestic economy. Various interesting activities at booths provided include Arm-Wrestling, KPDN Little Stars Bintang Lokal (two karaoke contests with prize-money) colouring contest, the Mobile Legends E-Sports Sara Hidup/Living Costs competition (RM3,000 in prizes), the Cost of Living Expedition based on a fact-finding concept and a concert billed as The Band Showdown which features music as a medium for the cost of living message. The big attraction is a Lucky Draw offering grand prizes of a Perodua Alza 1.5L (H), Proton S70 1.5T Premium and a Modenas Karisma EX 125 motorcycle. Also present at the event were Ranau Member of Parliament Datuk Jonathan Yasin, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Abidin Madingkir and others. * 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
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Driver dies, teen injured in Ranau crash
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Firefighters at the scene. RANAU: A 42-year-old man died and another was injured after the Perodua Kancil they were travelling in collided with a palm fruit-laden lorry along KM45 of the Ranau-Telupid Road on Sunday. The Fire and Rescue Department said the car, believed to be heading towards Ranau, had veered into the opposite lane before the crash at about 1.15pm. The driver, Sylvester Pius Gulmit, was confirmed dead while receiving treatment at the Paginatan Health Clinic. His 18-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries, including scratches and bruises. Firefighters, who arrived after the victims were taken to the clinic, disabled the car battery as a safety measure, while the lorry driver was not present at the scene. * 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
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sara recipients can shop at over 470 premises in Sabah
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Armizan presents the grand lucky draw prize to the winner. RANAU: A total of 470 supermarket and grocery premises in Sabah are now part of the 4,152 nationwide outlets where Sara recipients can use their MyKad to purchase basic necessities. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said his Ministry is also exploring ways for the Sara aid to be used at Rahmah Madani Sales programmes (PJRM), especially in remote areas. As of July this year, RM410 million has been channelled to 830,000 STR recipients in Sabah, while RM500 million has reached 506,000 Sara recipients. Armizan, who is also Papar MP, announced this during the KPDN Carnival Tour and Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign 2025 for the Sabah Zone, held here from July 25 to 27. The event supports local entrepreneurs and promotes domestic products under the 'Let's Buy Local' theme, with KPDN targeting 2,276 PJRM series across Sabah this year and welcoming the recent RM300 million federal boost to the Rahmah initiative. * 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
