Latest news with #Hilmi
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kelantan to strengthen strategic cooperation with Media Prima
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan state government will continue its strategic partnership with Media Prima Bhd (MPB) to organise a variety of programmes across the state, including both academic and entertainment-based initiatives. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the government welcomes all forms of programmes, provided they comply with guidelines aligned with the state's policies. "Entertainment programmes are a necessity, but we have set specific conditions that all organisers must adhere to. "Kelantan is a state with its own uniqueness. For the past 35 years, we have upheld the 'Developing with Islam' policy, and we continue to maintain that approach to this day." Hilmi made the remarks following a courtesy visit by Media Prima Television Network News and Current Affairs group editor Azhari Muhidin and MPB deputy group managing editor and New Straits Times group editor Farrah Naz Abd Karim, at his office in the Kota Darulnaim Complex yesterday. He expressed appreciation to MPB for the visit, noting that it contributes to fostering positive relations and mutual understanding in efforts to deliver accurate and timely information to the public. "We need the support of media partners to disseminate truthful information about Kelantan's development. "God willing, we will see major progress once key infrastructure projects are completed," he said, referring to the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport upgrade in Pengkalan Chepa, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the Central Spine Road (CSR), and the Kuala Krai–Gua Musang Highway. Meanwhile, Azhari said the visit reaffirmed the long-standing collaboration between MPB and the state government, citing successful programmes such as Jom Heboh.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Kelantan to adopt Act 672, seeks control over waste management contractors
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan is set to adopt the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) in response to rising waste management costs, following a briefing with the National Solid Waste Management Department. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said, nevertheless, Kelantan aims to include a provision that would allow the state to appoint its own waste management contractors, following a model already implemented in Selangor and Penang. "Several states, including Selangor, Terengganu, Perak and Penang, are also in talks to adopt this act. We don't want Kelantan to fall behind," he told Bernama at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration and the launch of Semar Emas Enterprise's new compactor lorry here on Monday (April 28). Kelantan had previously rejected the act due to conditions that required the transfer of state authority over waste management to the federal government, but is now seeking a renegotiation of terms over the sector's growing financial pressures. Hilmi said a special briefing will be held in Putrajaya for district council presidents and the State Economic Planning Unit to discuss the matter further. In another development, he reported that the state's RM2,000 fine for improper waste disposal is showing positive results. Local councils, supported by closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring, have successfully reduced violations, with no new fines issued recently, said Hilmi. "This approach is working and it's helping keep the state clean,' he added. - Bernama
Morocco World
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Who Is Widad Bertal, the Moroccan Boxer Who Won Gold at the World Championships?
Rabat – Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal won the gold medal in the 54kg category at the Women's World Boxing Championships in Nis, Serbia on Sunday. Her victory added another major achievement to her already impressive career. After her win, Bertal expressed her joy and dedicated her gold medal to King Mohammed VI – calling him the 'first sportsman' – as well as to the Moroccan people. She also thanked Jouad Belhaj, the president of the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation, along with her national team coaches and her club, Energic Boxing Club. 'This gold medal is for the first sportsman, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan people, and everyone who supported me,' Bertal told SNRTnews following her win. Bertal's road to the world title was not easy. She missed an important training camp in Belgrade due to an injury but was able to resume preparation in Montenegro. Her hard work paid off as she dominated her opponents in the tournament and eventually defeated Turkey's Hatice Akbas in the final match. Born on August 31, 1999, Bertal is no stranger to success. She has already won the African Championship three times in a row, in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She also won one of the bronze medals at the 2022 African Amateur Boxing Championships held in Maputo, Mozambique. For Bertal, 'This is just the beginning' and she is keen on achieving further success and winning more titles. In addition to Bertal's victory, Morocco also celebrated the bronze medal Sanaa Larti won in the 81kg category. Speaking about the team's performance, Nabil Hilmi, the Vice President of the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation, commended both boxers for their achievements. 'Winning these medals was not easy, even though our goal was to achieve more,' Hilmi said. He noted that Morocco was close to winning two more medals, but faced tough challenges, including a lack of experience and difficult draws against top-ranked fighters. Hilmi noted the need for continued effort and a collaborative approach to ensure Moroccan boxing remains competitive on the world stage. 'We hope to build on this success and achieve even better results in the future for both the men's and women's teams,' he said.
Observer
08-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Preserving the Night: Protecting Oman's Dark Skies
Our night skies are a beautiful canvas to the great galaxies beyond. We look up at the expanse and marvel at the different magic our night sky extends to us, from constellations that tell ancient stories to the wandering planets tracing their celestial paths. Each night unveils its own charm—whether it is the brilliance of meteor showers streaking across the heavens, the serene glow of the Moon, or the distant twinkle of stars that have travelled light-years to meet our gaze. The night sky is a timeless canvas, a source of inspiration, curiosity, and a gentle reminder of our place in the universe. However, there is another reason to appreciate the dark night skies, unpolluted by light; dark nights are better for our health, signalling the brain to produce melatonin, which is necessary for a good night's sleep (this is why it is important to reduce screen time before bed). Good sleep, in turn, has a host of benefits—it is how we reset and recover, and it even strengthens our memory and learning. It is after proper rest that we are able to give our best. Preserving the Night: Protecting Oman's Dark Skies But darkness does not only have positive implications for our health. It is beneficial for our planet's health and ecosystem too, allowing wildlife to thrive in their natural rhythms. From safeguarding nocturnal animals' sleep and hunting patterns to improving plant growth by preserving their natural light cycles, the benefits of dark skies are extensive. Migrating birds and sea turtles, which rely on the stars for navigation, are particularly vulnerable to the disorienting impact of excessive lighting. In Oman, significant steps are being taken to address these concerns through legislation aimed at reducing light pollution. In 2022, Oman launched its National Programme for the Preservation of the Night Sky, which focuses on minimising light pollution and promoting sustainable lighting practices. This initiative aims to protect wildlife, including sea turtles, that depend on natural light for navigation. Preserving the Night: Protecting Oman's Dark Skies To further mitigate light pollution, measures such as using turtle-friendly lighting, shielding lights, and turning off unnecessary illumination during nesting seasons are being encouraged. Such measures help ensure that turtles can safely nest and that hatchlings can reach the ocean, ultimately supporting their survival and population recovery. 'A lot of the practices that improve the night sky are also good for people's finances. Wasteful lighting practices, especially very bright lights that do nothing but illuminate the sky, can be avoided,' explains Hilmi Al Kindy, an astronomer and operator of an astronomy retail shop. He highlights the detrimental effect of spotlights that point upwards or out from buildings. Hilmi advises keeping lighting focused where it is needed, using full-cutoff fixtures with shades that prevent light from spreading unnecessarily. By adopting mindful lighting practices, we can significantly reduce light pollution while preserving the natural beauty of our night skies. Shielded, full-cutoff fixtures, warm-coloured lights, and motion-sensor systems not only minimise unnecessary illumination but also conserve energy and support wildlife. Oman has several designated areas that are recognized for their dark skies, making them ideal for stargazing and astronomical observation. One prominent area is the Raz al Jinz Nature Reserve, located on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula. This site is not only important for its marine and coastal biodiversity but is also acclaimed for its low light pollution, making it an excellent location for observing celestial events. Another notable area is Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak, which offers stunning views of the night sky due to its elevation and remote location away from urban lighting. Additionally, Oman has been exploring the potential for Dark Sky Parks, which are protected areas where the night sky is preserved for the enjoyment and education of the public and astronomers. Efforts to promote stargazing tourism and increase awareness about light pollution have been part of Oman's broader environmental initiatives. Small, intentional changes in how we use light can have a profound impact—not just on the environment but also on our health and well-being. By protecting our dark skies, we reconnect with the wonders of the universe and ensure that future generations can experience the magic of an unpolluted, starlit night.
