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Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Research pact with Russians
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: MoU signing between Sabah Parks and delegation from Russia. Kundasang: Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between Sabah Parks Trustees Board and two entities from the Russian Federation, here, on Saturday. The MoUs aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of academic research, sustainable development, and sustainable management of natural areas involving aspects of geoscience, mineral resources, climate change and sustainable tourism. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the signing would form the basis for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the implementation of collaborative projects between the two parties. Sabah Parks Board of Trustees was represented by Chairman of the Sabah Parks Trustees Board, Peter Lintar and the Director of Sabah Parks, Dr Maklarin Bin Lakim. The delegation from Russia was represented by the Executive Director of The Committee of The Republic of Bashkortostan for Unesco, and Co-Chairholder at The International Research and Educational Centre 'Geoparks and Territories of Sustainable Development', UFA University of Science and Technology, Dr. Renata Razifovna Lukmanova; and Chairholder at the same center, and Doctor of Geology and Mineralogy at The UFA University of Science and Technology, Professor Larisa Nikolaevna Belan. Advertisement Also participating in the event was a special guest, Director of Bashkiria National Park and The Bashkiria Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Representing The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of The Russian Federation, Vladimir Kuznetsov. Abidin welcomed the MoU and said that the presence of the delegation from Russia here really strengthens the bridge of international cooperation in sustainable development and science diplomacy. 'Sabah is very fortunate to have natural wealth, extraordinary biodiversity, and unparalleled cultural diversity. All these elements make Sabah not only a superior tourism destination, but also a reference in holistic regional development through the Geopark approach based on conservation, education and community development. 'This Geopark approach is very much in line with the State Government's development policy which emphasizes sustainable development, rural community empowerment, and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. 'What we are witnessing today is a manifestation of success resulting from close and continuous cooperation between various parties which include government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and strategic partners from home and abroad,' he said. Abidin, who is also Paginatan Assemblyman, said this while representing the Deputy Chief Minister and Kundasang Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam in opening the Sambutan Tamu Geopark 2025 here on Saturday. The organisation of this Tamu, he said, not only celebrates the diversity of community heritage, but also presents an integrated approach to sustainable development based on geoparks. 'The Tamu Geopark held today brought together various levels of society, including agency representatives, Geopark partners and communities from across the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark. 'The organisation of this programme highlighted various important elements such as exhibitions by government and private agencies, local products and handicrafts, traditional clothing, as well as food exhibition featuring the uniqueness and diversity of traditional dishes from various districts in Sabah. 'Not to be missed is the traditional cooking competition which is a medium to introduce local food culture to the community and external visitors,' he said. Abidin added that this approach is not just about showcasing the results of community efforts, but reflects how the Geopark concept can encompass various sectors such as tourism, community economy, education and conservation simultaneously. Meanwhile, he said, through the State Tourism Development Strategic Plan and planning under the National Tourism Policy, initiatives such as the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) can be used as an important platform to strengthen inclusive and resilient community-based tourism. 'In fact, the efforts of the State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment in supporting international recognition such as the Unesco Global Geopark are seen in line with the National Geopark Development Policy which is currently being actively developed by the Federal Government. 'This policy aims to provide a more structured, cross-ministerial Geopark management framework, as well as emphasising the balance between the conservation of geological, cultural and biodiversity heritage with local socio-economic progress. 'We believe that the success of a Geopark does not only depend on international recognition, but also on the extent of the involvement and awareness of the local community towards the values of the heritage they possess,' he said. Therefore, he said, the Tamu Geopark is one of the most effective approaches to bring the community closer to the values of the Geopark through direct cultural, economic and educational activities. Also present were State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Member Gabriel Sinit, 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
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Aizen emerge champions
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Hillary (standing sixth from the left) with the winners. RANAU: Aizen emerged champions of the Ranau Open Slingshot Competition organised by the Bahab Slingshot Club (BSC) after collecting 29 points and beating 49 other participants here recently. In second place were Kumpit GSC with 28 points, followed by Azdie Debra with 27 points after winning the sudden death round with five other participants. Fourth to eighth places went to Perantau Desa (fourth), Alpian Sahadi (fifth), Wairin GSC (sixth), Kiong KGS (seventh) and Aidee TST (eighth). Participants who got 26 points were shared by Muliadi Padu, Faizul MGS, Ajan SSC, Samli Libra, Idin GSTC and Well LST. Meanwhile, participants who got 25 points were shared by Mirul SSC, Ajirie SSC, Sam Tai Wong, Pak Nim, Mass Apid and Sofea MPR. Collectors of 24 marks were shared by nine participants, 23 marks by 11 participants, 22 marks by 10 participants and 21 marks by five participants. Advertisement The Ranau Open Slingshot Competition held at the Kg Bahab Hall was officiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister cum Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Abidin Madingkir. His speech was read by the Head of Paginatan Wiramuda Star, Hillary Salmoen who represented Abidin. Abidin congratulated the organisers and participants. 'Seeing the encouraging response this time shows that the organisers have achieved their goal and are very successful.' He added that organising the competition could strengthen the relationship between the participants, leaders and the surrounding community. 'The encouraging participation in the event shows the youth here always practise a healthy lifestyle. It also indirectly allows participants to show their talents. 'A competition like this can also unearth talents that can be showcased at a higher level. 'The event can even prevent the youth from falling into unwanted activities, namely social ills,' he said. * 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
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Express
Logging behind Sook's worsening floods?
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Villagers rescue an elderly woman who was trapped in her orchard. SOOK: Residents of five villages in the Sook district are now increasingly desperate as floods continue to occur almost every month, with three floods in May alone. It is not known if it is due to decades of illegal logging, among others. This situation has also affected more than 300 students from five schools, in addition to threatening the safety of senior citizens, daily wage workers and small traders. Since the last State Election (PRN), the problem of flooding on the main route from Kg Malima to Kg Binuwou Tengah, which is a daily route for residents of Kg Seribulu, Kg Nukakatan, Kg Terlobou Baru, Kg Johan Jaya and areas near Syarikat Jutaya has become increasingly acute and worrying for residents. Flooding has now become a monthly routine, and what is more worrying is that flooding still occurs even though it only rains moderately. The main route is impassable due to the collapsed surfaces and the drainage system that is no longer functioning properly. According to a resident, repair work was once carried out by a company by spreading stones on the route including road grading. Advertisement However, this not only did not solve the problem, but also caused the road to become lower and more prone to flooding. The scattered stones also got washed away by the flood, making the road even more dangerous. Kampung Terlobou head Matilin Bin Sapin, said: 'Every time it rains, we worry. The roads here are not only flooded, but also endanger lives. Many residents are trapped, students are forced to skip school and daily wage workers who work in Sook town and Keningau town have lost their income. 'We have made many reports in writing, through social media and verbally to the authorities, elected representatives, the Public Works Department (JKR) and the companies that maintain the roads in this area, but still no concrete solution. 'We really hope the authorities, elected representatives, JKR and the State Government will go to the ground and see for themselves our suffering,' he said. The impact of the floods was so significant that the five schools involved — SMK Sook, SK Malima, SK Bunang, SK Binuwou Tengah and SK Sook — had to implement PDPR when students were unable to attend school. There were also incidents of students almost drowning while trying to cross the flood, and small traders and crops such as palm oil were damaged and could not be sold due to the road being cut off. An elderly person was trapped when returning from the garden, but was successfully rescued by villagers. Residents have worked together to clean the ditches and try to build temporary paths, but without long-term support, this situation has not changed much. The problem of flooding still occurs. Villagers just want safe roads, especially for children to go to school. Villagers hope that the authorities, State and Federal governments will take this issue seriously. Among the urgent proposals include upgrading the main road from Kg Malima to Kg Binuwou Tengah, filling low-lying areas that are prone to flooding and enlarging the size of culverts and drainage systems along the main route. The villagers' hopes are clear, they want immediate action, change and a comprehensive solution, not just visits like those that were done in the past. * 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
20-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Uphold image, Rela members told
Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Rela members in a group photo with Jonathan. RANAU: Members of the Malaysian Volunteers Department (Rela) are advised to always practice high self-discipline, integrity and stay away from any wrongdoing that can tarnish their image. Ranau Member of Parliament, Datuk Jonathan Yasin, said as one of the backers of maintaining public order and safety, they must always cultivate self-discipline for the good name of the department and the entire Rela team. 'I expect every Rela member to be smart, sincere, honest and have integrity at all times in carrying out the tasks entrusted to them,' he told the more than 50 members present. Jonathan said this when officiating the two-day District Rela Platoon Management Programme at Kg Togop Darat, some 55.8km from town. According to Jonathan, the role of Rela in providing the best service to the local community is important and highly praised. 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
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Tamparuli GRS backs going solo
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: We want to participate in this movement to realise the people's wishes from the grassroots level,' Jess said. TAMPARULI: The recent statement by Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor that GRS is ready to contest solo in the coming State Election (PRN) was met with full support here. N14 Tamparuli Parti Star Wiramuda Chief cum Wiramuda Exco Secretary and GRS Youth Exco Member, Jess Joel Moriga, said the voice of the young is very clear that the future of Sabah must be determined by the people of Sabah. Advertisement 'The leadership of Sabah's local parties will be inherited by the next generation, so if GRS decides to contest solo, this is a very good starting point for the youth of Sabah. We want to participate in this movement to realise the people's wishes from the grassroots level,' he said in a statement. Hajiji's wisdom in handing over the final decision to the GRS Supreme Council shows transparency and openness in his leadership, and this gives space to all coalition components to express their stance, he added. A call was also made for all GRS component parties to unite and be prepared to contest solo, as a symbol of mature and sovereign local political strength. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
