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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Call to act on Mabul's worsening condition brought by Illegal homestays, squatter settlements
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: The 822-metre long Mabul Island has more than 10 homestay operators, a population of roughly 2,000 and a school. Kota Kinabalu: Semporna Bajau Bumiputera Association (Perbubas) President Mansor Santiri urged the State Government to act on the deteriorating condition of Mabul Island brought by illegal homestay operators and squatter settlements, which threatens the island's status as a world-class tourism destination. He called on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the District Office and the Land and Survey Department to enforce existing laws and relocate unregistered settlers from the island. 'Mabul has been gazetted as a tourism industry zone and what's happening now is far from what was intended. 'The island is dirty, the waters are polluted with plastic waste and many homes are illegally built on stilts over the sea,' he said, adding that he has been raising the issue since the Barisan Nasional era. 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
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Unesco status not mere badge: Liew
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Liew (fifth left) joins others in cutting a Mt Kinabalu-shaped cake to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Declaration of Kinabalu Geopark as a Unesco Global Geopark. Kota Kinabalu: Unesco Global Geopark status should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a symbolic accolade, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew. She underscored the need for stronger cooperation across all levels of government and civil society to maintain and grow Malaysia's geopark credentials. 'Let us not treat Unesco recognition as a mere badge of honour. It comes with responsibility to protect, educate and uplift,' she said at the opening of the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference 2025 on Thursday, Malaysia currently has two Unesco Global Geoparks - Langkawi (recognised in 2007) and Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah (recognised in 2023). Kinabalu Geopark is now celebrating its second anniversary as part of the Unesco network, said Liew, and affirmed Sabah's commitment to sustainable environmental leadership. Liew emphasised that geoparks are not simply tourist attractions, but critical sites for environmental education, community empowerment and heritage preservation. Advertisement 'They are spaces where we preserve history, empower communities and prove that conservation and economic development can progress side by side,' she said. Despite progress, she warned of ongoing challenges, including funding constraints, lack of skilled personnel, low public awareness of geoheritage and insufficient coordination between agencies. The conference brings together stakeholders from across the country, including government agencies, academics, NGOs and local leaders, to share insights and develop strategies for more resilient and inclusive geopark management. Liew also called for greater involvement from the private sector, urging responsible investments in ethical geo-tourism and asking local communities to actively champion the preservation of their natural heritage. Jointly organised by Sabah Parks and the Malaysia Geopark Network, the conference is expected to shape future national policies and deepen Malaysia's role in global geoconservation efforts. * 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
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
UNESCO Geopark status comes with responsibility
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Liew (fifth left) joins others in cutting a Mt Kinabalu-shaped cake to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Declaration of Kinabalu Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. KOTA KINABALU: UNESCO Global Geopark recognition should be treated as a responsibility, not just a title of prestige, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said. In her opening address of the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference 2025, Liew called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, civil society, and local communities to ensure Malaysia's continued leadership in geoconservation and sustainable development. 'Let us not treat UNESCO recognition as a mere badge of honour. It comes with responsibility to protect, educate, and uplift,' she said. Malaysia currently has two UNESCO Global Geoparks, Langkawi, designated in 2007, and Kinabalu Geopark, recognised in 2023. Liew said Kinabalu's second anniversary as a UNESCO site reaffirms Sabah's commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical geotourism. She noted ongoing challenges in geopark development, including funding gaps, manpower shortages, and limited public awareness. Addressing these, she said, is key to expanding Malaysia's geopark network in a meaningful way. Advertisement Jointly organised by Sabah Parks and the Malaysia Geopark Network, the conference brings together stakeholders from across the country to exchange strategies and strengthen the country's national geopark framework. Liew also encouraged the private sector to invest in responsible geotourism and urged communities to serve as local champions for conservation. * 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
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Stricter enforcement for this year's State-level Kaamatan celebrations
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Jeffrey (middle) and the KDCA organising committee during the press conference. Kota Kinabalu: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) announced stricter enforcement for this year's State-level Kaamatan celebrations, promising a more organised, family-friendly and culturally respectful event. KDCA Deputy President and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the festival, set to culminate on May 30 and 31 at the KDCA grounds in Penampang, would no longer tolerate unruly behaviour such as table dancing, excessive drinking, or music blaring past permitted hours. 'Last year, we saw several issues, including noise complaints and operators violating closing hours. 'This year, all music will stop by 1am sharp, and stricter penalties will be imposed for any breaches,' he told a press conference, Thursday. Traditional houses are expected to uphold cultural authenticity and only serve traditional foods and drinks. He said operators caught selling non-traditional alcoholic beverages or remaining open beyond permitted hours risk being compounded up to RM1,000. Advertisement 'Last year, six houses were fined for such violations… We want the celebration to reflect our rich culture, not over-indulgence,' he stressed. KDCA also reduced stall rental fees this year, with rates starting as low as RM2,500 compared to RM7,000 last year in a move to promote broader participation and economic inclusivity. The issue of overpriced food items has been publicly criticised for years, with regular allegations of monopoly through subleasing stall lots. Multiple viral videos showing the consequences of excessive drinking at the fairgrounds have become the subject of ridicule by certain quarters, ironically dubbed the 'spirit' of the KDMR. Jeffrey hopes the event will attract not just local visitors but also investors who see potential in Sabah's culture and biodiversity. Festival highlights include the rebranding of the iconic Mr Kaamatan competition to Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, increased inter-state participation and continued collaboration with international partners like the Food and Culture Organisation and International Union for Conservation of Nature. On top of the cultural celebration, programmes such as Seed Spirit Revival linked to global biodiversity and food security initiatives will also take centre stage. The national-level opening ceremony will be officiated by the Prime Minister on May 30, and the closing by the Head of State the day after. * 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
- Politics
- Daily Express
GRS must fix internal issues before seat talks: Jeffrey
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must first resolve its internal matters before engaging in seat negotiations with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), said its deputy chairman Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan ( pic ). Jeffrey, also Star president, said GRS remains open to working with any party for political stability, but decisions must reflect the majority sentiment of the rakyat. He said it was too early to predict whether the coming Sabah election would see a battle between local parties and national coalitions. Responding to Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's call for an open debate over the 'Sabah for Sabahans' issue, Jeffrey said it was unnecessary unless it produced meaningful outcomes. He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's scheduled officiation of the Kaamatan celebration on May 30 is unlikely to include any major political announcements. * 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
