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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Solar streetlights for all Sabah villages
Anwar speaking to Pairin (right) while Hajiji (left) looks on at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 30): Solar-powered streetlights will be installed in nearly all villages and rural areas in Sabah starting this year. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of the federal government's immediate efforts to expand basic amenities for rural communities. He stated that this measure was implemented after discovering that previous proposals involved excessively high costs. Now, the government has successfully formulated a more practical and feasible plan to be carried out in phases using solar technology. 'We are starting in Sabah. Almost all villages will have solar-powered streetlights this year. They are affordable yet bright, and I have approved the necessary allocation,' he said during his speech at the official opening of the 2025 Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival Celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) on Friday. In his address, Anwar emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the state and federal governments, stating that Sabah's demands are now being heard directly in national development meetings such as the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan. This new approach reflects a major shift in development policy formulation, which is no longer entirely decided at the federal ministry level without direct consideration of state needs. 'That is why, if we want Sabah to progress, there must be a spirit to build Sabah's strength and do this together with a sense of unity within one nation,' he said. He also assured that the Federal Government is ready to discuss revenue-sharing matters with the Sabah State Government, as previously agreed with Sarawak, including oil and gas issues. 'I have no problem prioritizing revenue for Sabah, but let the negotiations be conducted harmoniously, not through shouting and cursing. I suggest working together with the State Government and cooperating with the Federal Government so that the benefits reach the people,' he added. Anwar also praised the spirit of unity among Sabah's diverse ethnic groups and the role of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in preserving the heritage and noble values of the local community. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya and KDCA President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
IEM Sabah invites TYT to 50th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration
Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Hj Jaafar (second right) presenting a souvenir to Tun Musa. At right is Ir. Ts. Tan KJ and at left is Ir Nicholas Lim.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 29): The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch paid a courtesy call to Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Musa Haji Aman, at the Istana Negeri today. The delegation was led by Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Hj Jaafar, chairman of IEM Sabah Branch, accompanied by Ir. Ts. Tan KJ, JP (Vice Chairman I), Ir. Yap Kok Wai, Paul (Vice Chairman II), Datuk Ir. Willy Chin Tet Fu (immediate past Chairman), Ir. Ts. Nicholas Lim (Committee Member & Organising Chair of IEM Sabah 50th Anniversary Dinner), Ir. Ts. Jamilah Tukang (Committee Member), Albert Chai Jiin Tsong (Vice Chairman II, Young Engineers Section – YES) and Nor Shakinah Awg Raiman (Chairlady, Women Engineers Section – WE) The main objective of the visit was to brief Tun Musa on the history and progress of IEM Sabah over the past five decades, as well as to formally invite him to grace the upcoming IEM Sabah 50th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration as the guest of honour. The Golden Jubilee dinner will be hosted at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu on June 14. This dinner will bring together engineering professionals, government officials and key stakeholders to celebrate the branch's legacy of excellence and service. During the visit, the delegation also expressed their sincere appreciation to Tun Musa for his past contributions to the engineering fraternity in Sabah. Notably, they acknowledged the RM500,000 government grant approved during his tenure as Chief Minister of Sabah, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the IEM Sabah Training Centre at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). This centre has since served as a crucial hub for continuing professional development, upskilling and technical training for engineers throughout the state. In his response, the Head of State commended IEM Sabah for its enduring commitment to professional development and infrastructure advancement and congratulated the branch on its upcoming 50th anniversary milestone. He also expressed his gratitude for the recognition and welcomed the invitation to attend the jubilee celebration. The courtesy call concluded with a commemorative group photo and presentation of a token of appreciation to the Governor.
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak mulls increasing allocation for digital learning devices like iPads, laptops for students
Abang Johari browsing through the books on display at the event. Also seen are Safiee (left) and Abang Haliman (right) and Dr Annuar (background). – Photo by Information Department (Penerangan) KUCHING (May 24): The Sarawak government is considering increasing its allocation for digital devices such as iPads and laptops for students, following rising demand for such tools over traditional books. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said students today are more inclined to access books and reference materials digitally, leading to a decline in requests for physical books. 'We have conducted a study and found that our children nowadays are more inclined to download books onto their iPads or laptops. They would rather read reference materials directly from these devices. Requests for physical books have decreased significantly.' 'Therefore, I have told Datuk Annuar Rapaee (Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development) to increase the allocation for iPads, but we will have to reduce the budget for book vouchers,' he said when delivering his keynote address at the Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards Ceremony at a hotel here last night. These digital devices will assist students to gain knowledge online, he said. Abang Johari said that if all goes well, the budget proposal will be presented at the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting. The move aligns with the state government's ongoing digital transformation efforts and its goal of improving access to education, especially for students from the B40 income group. Currently, the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Foundation runs initiatives such as the 'Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance' and 'Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance' to support B40 students in higher education institutions. Among those present at the ceremony were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad, Department of Language and Literature Development director Abang Haliman Abang Julai, DPB Sarawak director Dr Azizul Ismail, heads of departments, and other dignitaries. Abang Johari Tun Openg books devices education ipad laptops
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
51 contestants to vie for Unduk Ngadau title at Kaamatan Festival
Toh Puan Faridah (center) posing with the Unduk Ngadau 2025 committee. – Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 22): A total of 51 participants from across the country will compete for the title of Unduk Ngadau 2025 in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival on May 30 and 31. This prestigious pageant, now in its 65th edition, remains a relevant platform to showcase the beauty, intelligence and identity of Sabahan women. Chairperson of the Women's Council of the Kadazandusun Murut Malaysia Association (KDCA), Tindarama Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan, stated that thorough preparations have been made ahead of the grand event. 'The entire Unduk Ngadau 2025 committee is fully prepared to ensure the smooth running of this year's event,' she said after a courtesy visit to the wife of the Sabah Head of State, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, on Wednesday. The visit aimed to introduce the Unduk Ngadau 2025 committee members and extend a formal invitation to Toh Puan Faridah to attend the Sodop Pintutunan ceremony on May 28 and the grand finals on May 31. She added that various exciting programs have been lined up throughout Unduk Ngadau Week, starting on May 26, including the traditional Sodop Pintutunan, which will be officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. 'On May 27, participants will visit the Sabah Museum to explore the state's history and cultural heritage, as well as take part in traditional activities such as gong-beating and preparing ethnic dishes like hinava and tuhau. 'The afternoon session will feature a screening of the Culture, Agro-tourism and Nature competition, to be inaugurated by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai,' she added. The Sodop Unduk Ngadau event and ethnic costume competition will be held on May 28, followed by the grand finals on May 31 at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, KDCA. Meanwhile, Unduk Ngadau 2025 Co-Chairperson Dr Mary Gambidau said the pageant has proven to be a platform for young Sabahan women to showcase their talents in various fields, including tourism, entrepreneurship, emceeing and performing arts. 'This competition has opened many opportunities for young women to advance further and bring pride to Sabah at higher levels,' she explained. She also informed that 70 tables have been reserved for the Sodop Unduk Ngadau event, but the public still has the chance to purchase gallery tickets priced at RM30 each.
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Pelagus rep proposes state constitutional amendment to expand Sarawak Cabinet
Wilson noted that the current cap of 10 ministers was set during an earlier era of the state's development, when the scale and scope of governance were significantly smaller. – Information Department photo KUCHING (May 21): Wilson Nyabong Ijang (GPS – Pelagus) has proposed an amendment to the Sarawak State Constitution to allow for an increase in the number of ministers in the State Cabinet. Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's opening address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today, Wilson urged for the proposal to be seriously considered, citing Sarawak's rapid development and the growing complexity of its governance responsibilities. He noted that the current cap of 10 ministers was set during an earlier era of the state's development, when the scale and scope of governance were significantly smaller. 'Today, with Sarawak playing a far more prominent role, not just within Malaysia but also on the global stage in areas such as green energy, digital transformation, education, infrastructure, and economic diversification, our governance structure must evolve accordingly. 'Expanding the number of Ministers would enable more focused portfolios, strengthen policy delivery, and enhance the overall administrative efficiency of the Sarawak government,' he said. He further emphasised that such a move is both timely and necessary to ensure Sarawak remains agile, responsive, and future-ready in managing its development agenda. constitutional amendment DUN lead sarawak cabinet wilson nyabong ijang
