Latest news with #IskandarTurkee
Borneo Post
01-08-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Bintulu Port sets benchmark in corporate anti-drug initiative
BINTULU (Aug 1): Corporate and private sector players are being encouraged to take a more proactive role in combating substance abuse by emulating Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), the first corporate body to establish its own Friends of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Rakan AADK) group. Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, who is former Sarawak AADK director, hailed BPHB's initiative as a model of corporate integrity and commitment to a safe, drug-free workplace. 'This move reflects the company's strong resolve to integrity in its daily operations and its drive to deliver quality services while minimising misconduct,' he said during the Bintulu Port Ethics Day programme yesterday. He praised BPHB's leadership for fully supporting the government's integrity agenda under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and for spearheading the Rakan AADK programme. 'This is a visionary step. In the past, anti-drug committees were common in government departments, but what Bintulu Port is doing now goes further – they have formed an anti-drug entity within a corporative environment, which is very commendable,' he added. Iskandar also emphasised that drug prevention efforts must extend beyond the workplace to include employees' families. 'This kind of top-level commitment ensures that integrity is not only preached but felt by all stakeholders,' he said, encouraging other private companies to emulate BPHB's efforts. He acknowledged that substance abuse affects both the public and private sectors and highlighted AADK's collaboration with employers to conduct urine screenings during recruitment as a preventive measure. Drawing from his experience in rehabilitation centres, Iskandar noted that many addiction cases stem from fragile family backgrounds, and expressed hope that BPHB's programme would include parent-focused sessions and family engagement activities to create a protective environment for children and youths. He added that elected representatives must support these efforts by providing recreational and sports facilities, helping young people lead active, meaningful lives that steer them away from negative influences. Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Group president and chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani expressed pride in the company's pioneering role. 'We initiated Rakan AADK as a preventive platform to foster awareness and engagement through talks, outreach, and continuous education. We aim to build a drug-free culture among our staff and their families,' he said. Ruslan reiterated that substance misuse remains a major concern and stressed the need for inclusive, sustained efforts to protect the workforce and the surrounding community.
Borneo Post
31-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pasar Tani Jepak launches tomorrow to boost local economy
Iskandar (fifth right) hands over a canopy to one of the stall operators. BINTULU (Aug 1): Pasar Tani Jepak is set to open its doors tomorrow (Aug 2), providing a vibrant platform for local entrepreneurs and small traders to showcase their products and grow their businesses. Conveniently located near GiatMARA Jepak, the market will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 1pm. With over 20 stalls, visitors can look forward to various fresh farm produce, traditional delicacies, beverages, and locally made products. Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee highlighted that the launch of Pasar Tani Jepak aims to boost the local economy by empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and enhancing community involvement in the agri-food sector. 'This market serves as an important platform to uplift the income of our people and to increase community engagement in the agri-food industry,' he said during the canopy handover ceremony for stall operators at the DUN Jepak Service Centre yesterday. 'It aligns with the aspirations of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.' In a move to make the market more inclusive and dynamic, it will also feature car boot sales and flea market-style stalls, encouraging participation from different community groups. To mark the grand opening, a variety of events will be held over the weekend, including 'Fama's Jualan Agro Madani', car boot sales, and community-driven activities. Iskandar also extended his appreciation to the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Fama, and other agencies for their continuous support. 'I hope this initiative not only empowers small entrepreneurs but also acts as a catalyst for overall economic growth in Jepak. It's a step toward creating sustainable economic opportunities for the community,' he added. Bintulu Iskandar Turkee lead Pasar Tani Jepak
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hydrographic survey needed to tackle Bintulu flooding, says Jepak rep
Iskandar says that the survey's findings would enable the government to implement targeted short- and long-term flood mitigation measures. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): A hydrographic survey is urgently needed to identify the root causes of flooding in Bintulu, particularly to assess the depth and sedimentation levels of local rivers that contributed to severe inundation earlier this year, said Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee. Speaking during his Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Iskandar highlighted that the flooding on January 29 had paralysed activities in the division, especially in the town area. 'Besides natural causes, we believe there are other contributing factors to the disaster. One of them is the weakness in the drainage system in Bintulu, which prevented Sungai Sebiew from effectively discharging excess water, leading to a rapid surge in river levels,' he said. To address the problem, Iskandar proposed several risk management strategies, starting with the hydrographic survey. 'To ensure smooth river flow from upstream to the estuaries of Sungai Sebiew and Sungai Kemena, a hydrographic survey must be conducted to determine the depth and sedimentation that may be causing floods,' he said. He added that the survey's findings would enable the government to implement targeted short- and long-term flood mitigation measures. 'These measures may include river dredging, construction of flood retention ponds, upgrading of drainage systems, expanding monsoon drains in densely populated residential areas, and relocating residents affected by floods,' he said. Iskandar also stressed the importance of enhancing communication and utility infrastructure resilience during disasters. He suggested that power supplies for petrol stations and telecommunications towers be backed by standalone systems, and that substations be constructed on elevated terrain to prevent flood damage. 'This is to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and functional communication systems during flood emergencies,' he said. Furthermore, Iskandar advocated for broader adoption of satellite communication technology, such as Starlink, especially in rural areas, with solar power as a sustainable energy source. Lastly, he called for the establishment of a Smart Data Utility Bank encompassing every division, district, town, village, and longhouse to maintain a comprehensive inventory of key infrastructure locations. 'This would help the government manage risks more systematically, swiftly, and effectively by enabling relevant departments or agencies to respond accordingly,' he said. Bintulu DUN flooding hydrographic survey Iskandar Turkee lead
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Dr Annuar: With IGCSE, Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary Schools won't be affected by changes to national education policies (Video)
File photo shows the first Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School cohort and staff. KUCHING (May 20): The sustainability and quality of education offered by Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary Schools are assured under the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) syllabus, said Dr Annuar Rapaee. The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development said the IGCSE, which is run by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a part of the University of Cambridge, is widely adopted by international schools worldwide and reflects the latest developments in teaching and learning pedagogy. 'In other words, it is not affected by any form of changes to the policy by the national system because it is an international syllabus. 'Whoever changes the national syllabus will not affect our international students, who are in this school. 'Therefore, I can assure you that this form is sustainable, as well as the quality will be assured by the IGCSE,' he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly here today. He was responding to questions from Iskandar Turkee (GPS-Jepak), who had asked the ministry about the new Yayasan Sarawak International School in Bintulu and what the state government is doing to ensure the sustainability and quality of education at the new school. Dr Annuar said the new Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School in Jepak New Township will adopt the comprehensive and standardised educational framework aligned with the IGCSE syllabus. 'Cambridge University will monitor periodically and provide feedback to assess the effectiveness of teaching and learning, in accordance with the standards,' he said. He explained that the school will cater to students from Years 7 to 11, with the Cambridge Checkpoint exam in Year 9. 'This checkpoint examination is very important. Number one, because it will compare peers to peers not only locally, as it is an international examination, therefore it will also compare us with other international students. 'This examination consists of three subjects – Mathematics, Science, and English – and it is assessed throughout according to the topics of the subject. Not only the subject, but based on each individual topic within that subject. And the score is given from one to 50,' he said. He shared that the first cohort of students at Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Petra Jaya managed scores above the international average. 'In other words, they are better off than many of international students who sat for this examination. 'This is very important because we know that these students are above other international students, so in other words, what we are doing now is on the right path for our students in Sarawak,' he stressed.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bintulu's Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School to be built in Jepak New Township
Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee KUCHING (May 20): The upcoming Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School for Bintulu will be established in Jepak New Township, said Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. He said the school will adopt a comprehensive and standardised educational framework aligned with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) syllabus. He explained that the IGCSE syllabus is adopted by international schools worldwide to ensure quality and sustainability in education, while also reflecting the latest developments in teaching and learning pedagogy. 'Cambridge University will monitor and give feedback mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of teaching and learning periodically following the standards set by them,' he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assemblyman (DUN) here today. He was responding to questions from Iskandar Turkee (GPS-Jepak), who had asked the ministry about the new Yayasan Sarawak International School in Bintulu and how the state government would ensure the standard of education and results during the Year 9 checkpoint examination. Dr Annuar said the school will cater to students from Years 7 to 11, with a checkpoint examination for Year 9 known as the Cambridge Checkpoint Year 9 assessment. 'Just last year, the first cohort of students at Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Petra Jaya achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in all three subjects – English, Mathematics, and Science. 'The students have delivered an impressive and commendable performance,' he added.
