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The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah and Sarawak development focus in 13MP parliamentary debate
KUALA LUMPUR: A proposal for federal and Sabah collaboration in developing the blue economy sector was raised in Parliament today. Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan (GRS-Keningau) emphasised Sabah's potential in fisheries, agriculture, and livestock during the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) debate. 'It needs to be implemented using a new approach that covers the entire industrial chain, rather than through standalone projects,' he said. Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna) urged the government to prioritise Sabah's development projects for tangible public benefits. He stressed the need to address water supply and school infrastructure to ensure balanced progress across states. Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) called for urgent upgrades to rural schools facing classroom shortages. 'Rural education needs to be strengthened through preschool facilities, early exposure to artificial intelligence technology, and interactive digital equipment to ensure children have equal learning opportunities,' he said. He also proposed a dedicated sports school in Sarawak to nurture young athletes like divers Datuk Pandelela Rinong and Bryan Nickson Lomas. Roy Angau Ginkoi (GPS-Lubuk Antu) suggested developing Lubuk Antu as an inland port due to its strategic location near Kalimantan. The parliamentary session will resume tomorrow. - Bernama
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah, Sarawak Development Dominates 13MP Debate In Parliament
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- A Member of Parliament has proposed that the federal and Sabah governments collaborate to develop the blue economy sector as part of efforts to position Sabah as the nation's key food basket. Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan (GRS-Keningau), when debating the motion on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) at the Dewan Rakyat today, called for Sabah's fisheries, agriculture and livestock sectors, which hold vast potential, to be fully explored. 'It needs to be implemented using a new approach that covers the entire industrial chain, rather than through standalone projects,' he said. Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna), meanwhile, urged the government to give serious attention to the implementation of development projects in Sabah to ensure the benefits reach the people of the state. He added that the projects should focus on addressing issues such as water supply and dilapidated schools to ensure balanced development between Sabah and other states. Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) called on the Ministry of Education to focus on constructing additional blocks in critical rural schools to address classroom shortages that have led to classes being merged and the implementation of a two-session system. 'Rural education needs to be strengthened through preschool facilities, early exposure to artificial intelligence technology, and interactive digital equipment to ensure children have equal learning opportunities,' he said. He also proposed that the government establish a sports school in Sarawak to nurture the talents of young rural athletes, following the success of divers Datuk Pandelela Rinong and Bryan Nickson Lomas from the state. Roy Angau Ginkoi (GPS-Lubuk Antu) proposed that Lubuk Antu be developed as an inland port in Sarawak, citing its proximity to major cities in Kalimantan and its role as a gateway from Kalimantan to the state.
Daily Express
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah No 1 agricultural sector contributor
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey said of the total, the crop subsector accounted for the highest number of holdings at 140,018, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164) and forestry and logging (162). Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259, continuing its position as one of the country's top contributors to the agricultural sector. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan said of the total, the crop subsector accounted for the highest number of holdings at 140,018, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164) and forestry and logging (162). Advertisement 'The State contributes 17.4 per cent of the total crop subsector sales value, placing it among the top four states nationally. 'Sabah is also ranked in the top three states for capture fisheries (13.8 per cent) and for forestry and logging (19.6 per cent),' he said during the launch of the Sabah State Interim Report of the 2024 Agriculture Census on Tuesday. Jeffrey, who is also State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, added that the 2024 Agriculture Census data revealed that more than 70 per cent of the State's agricultural holdings are operated by individuals aged 46 and above. He said about 35 per cent of individual holders reported having no formal qualifications or certifications, offering a clear profile of the current farming community in Sabah. 'This report not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current agricultural landscape but also serves as a vital foundation in formulating impactful policies and strategies,' he said. In 2023, Sabah recorded a total planted area of 1.782 million hectares, with the majority cultivated by agricultural organisations. 'This reflects the significant role of organisations and companies in shaping the State's agricultural landscape, which is dominated by commodity crops, particularly oil palm. 'Of the total planted area, 1.574 million hectares or 88.3 per cent were harvested areas,' he said. Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said in addition to conducting the Agriculture Census every 10 years to strengthen the national agricultural statistics system, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will introduce a short-term agricultural survey in 2026 to ensure the data remains relevant and responsive to current trends. 'Following the 2024 Agriculture Census, DOSM has developed an integrated agriculture statistics system portal known as TaniStats,' he said. According to the census report, Keningau recorded the highest number of individual agricultural holders in Sabah with 14,100, followed by Ranau (12,862) and Kota Marudu (12,627). In terms of sales value, Kinabatangan topped the list with RM4.15 billion, followed by Tawau (RM3.93 billion) and Lahad Datu (RM3.50 billion). * 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
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Jeffrey denies RM1.78 million bribe
Published on: Monday, June 30, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 30, 2025 Text Size: 'I reserve the right to pursue all legal avenues, including legal action against Malaysiakini for its irresponsible and damaging report,' Jeffrey said. Kota Kinabalu: Star President and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, has strongly denied allegations published by Malaysiakini accusing him of receiving RM1.78 million linked to a mining scandal. 'These allegations are completely baseless. They are politically motivated attacks meant to destabilise, discredit, and ultimately destroy the existing Sabah government,' he said, adding that he is talking to his lawyers. He stressed that he never had anything to do with any such scandal. 'I have never, at any time, received any funds related to mining applications or any so-called mining scandal. 'This is a deliberate fabrication, orchestrated by desperate politicians trying to exert undue influence over Sabah's political scene. This is a tactic that has been used since the 1960s,' he said. Sabah Tanah Air Ku, he said, has no involvement in any mining activity nor has the party applied for any mining licence. 'As a supporter of the Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA), mining is fundamentally incompatible with our conservation principles,' he stressed. Dr Jeffrey also said he and his party colleagues have fully cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). 'We have given full cooperation to the MACC and provided detailed statements,' he said. He condemned the attempt by certain media to try the case in the court of public opinion. 'This is the price we pay for fighting for Sabah's rights. Earlier statements from the whistle blower cleared Star and PBS of any wrongdoing or receipt of corrupt funds,' he said. 'Because of the seriousness of the false and malicious accusations I am exploring legal options. 'I reserve the right to pursue all legal avenues, including legal action against Malaysiakini for its irresponsible and damaging report,' he said. He warned of more false allegations as elections near. 'We can expect more lies and slander from Malaysiakini and other political manipulators as the election approaches. 'It's no surprise that certain groups and parties are celebrating, hoping that fake news will reshape Sabah's political landscape,' he added. * 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
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Eight million followed Kaamatan Fest
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 Text Size: 'This ceremony serves as a token of appreciation and a symbol of recognition for the media's contributions in elevating the culture and heritage of Sabah's ethnic communities through extensive coverage throughout the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration,' Jeffrey said. Kota Kinabalu: Media coverage of the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration on May 30 and 31 is estimated to have reached almost eight million people. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey G. Kitingan said the State-level Kaamatan Festival Celebration 2025 Main Committee highly appreciates the commitment and role of the media in conveying information about the festival not only to the people of Sabah and Malaysia but also internationally. 'I understand that our media has conveyed this information to nearly eight million people. Congratulations and well done to all media. 'With such reach, it simultaneously proves the important role of the media in spreading the message of unity and Sabah's culture to the whole world. 'Without the media, we would not have been able to convey the message of this festival as effectively as they did. That is why we are holding this appreciation ceremony,' he said in his speech at the Kaamatan Appreciation Ceremony: A Tribute to the Press. 'This ceremony serves as a token of appreciation and a symbol of recognition for the media's contributions in elevating the culture and heritage of Sabah's ethnic communities through extensive coverage throughout the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration,' he said. Also present were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong, and the Chairman of the Kaamatan 2025 Organising Committee, Datuk Suman Yasambun. * 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
