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Two men charged for sexual offences against underage girls
Two men charged for sexual offences against underage girls

Borneo Post

time2 days ago

  • Borneo Post

Two men charged for sexual offences against underage girls

KOTA KINABALU (July 18): Two men were separately charged in a Sessions Court here today for committing sexual offences against underage girls. In the first case, 33-year-old Jumat Pilih pleaded not guilty to a charge of raping a 15-year-old girl. The offence was allegedly committed around 6pm on November 20, 2021, in a storeroom at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) grounds in Penampang. He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction. The court fixed August 21 for pre-trial case management. Bail was set at RM10,000, with RM5,000 to be deposited, under two local sureties. Jumat was also ordered to report to the nearest police station twice a month and to surrender his passport. He was reminded not to interfere with prosecution witnesses. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Shafeerah Mad Iskim appeared for the prosecution, while counsel Dominic Chew represented the accused. In a separate case, 43-year-old Olkestria Bandang pleaded not guilty before judge Hurman Hussain to a charge of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The alleged incident took place around 7pm in November 2024, inside a car at a parking lot in Inanam. He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction. The court set October 17 for pre-trial case management and granted bail of RM3,000 under one local surety. Olkestria was also prohibited from approaching or harassing the victim, her family, and any prosecution witnesses. Deputy Public Prosecutor Fazriel Fardiansyah Abdul Kadir prosecuted, while counsel Nartiah F. Mirchelle Sambatan appeared for the accused.

KYC calls for safer school spaces in Sabah
KYC calls for safer school spaces in Sabah

Daily Express

time2 days ago

  • Daily Express

KYC calls for safer school spaces in Sabah

Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 Text Size: Pic by Freddie Anthony Jacob KOTA KINABALU: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Youth Council (KYC) has expressed concern over a recent incident involving a secondary school student in Sabah. KYC chairman Steve Johnny Mositun ( pic ) said the council's thoughts are with the student, their family, and others affected, adding that healing and support are crucial at this time. Advertisement He stressed that KYC takes all bullying-related reports seriously and supports efforts to maintain safe and nurturing school environments. The council also called on schools and communities to encourage open conversations where students feel safe to speak without fear. Mositun said peer support systems, trained counsellors, and early intervention mechanisms must be strengthened in every school. He urged collaboration among parents, teachers, and students to build a culture rooted in empathy, inclusion, and respect. KYC pledged its continued support for awareness campaigns and youth-led efforts to address bullying across Sabah. * 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

Gawai parade highlights diverse heritage in Sarawak
Gawai parade highlights diverse heritage in Sarawak

The Star

time21-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Star

Gawai parade highlights diverse heritage in Sarawak

Vibrant display: Participants in traditional costumes taking part in the annual state Gawai parade in Kuching. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawakians showcased their rich multicultural heri­tage during the annual state Gawai parade here. Over 3,000 participants in 92 contingents from the Iban, Bida­yuh and Orang Ulu communities took part in the Niti Daun parade yesterday. Dressed in traditional costu­mes, they made a colourful sight as they walked from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront, accompanied by 12 decorated floats. This year's parade, organised by the Orang Ulu community, began with the traditional Mamat ritual at the Tun Jugah Building. Historically, the thanksgiving ritual was conducted prior to headhunting expeditions and to seek blessings for the padi planting season. In modern times, the ritual continues to represent the core values of thanksgiving, unity, strength and courage. The parade was flagged off by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, accompanied by other state dignitaries. Participant Vanessa Livan Sigau, of mixed Kayan-Kenyah heritage, said this was her second time taking part in the parade. 'I look forward to opportunities to showcase my culture and traditional costume,' she said, pointing to her beaded sash, belt and feathered headgear known as tapung se'. Watt Enjup, a member of the Persatuan Kebajikan Terabai Menua contingent, said the parade brought together Sara­wakians from all races to celebrate the Gawai festival together. 'It shows that Sarawak has many ethnic groups, but we are all united,' he said. Also taking part was a contingent from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak branch and a delegation from North Kalimantan. Gawai is a festival celebrated by Sarawak's Dayak community on June 1 and June 2 to mark the end of the harvest season. The festival is a time for thanksgiving, celebrating diverse cultures, and strengthening bonds of friendship through open houses and other traditions.

Beware AI misinformation: Pairin
Beware AI misinformation: Pairin

Daily Express

time03-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Daily Express

Beware AI misinformation: Pairin

Published on: Monday, June 02, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 02, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Pairin (center) with Tun Musa (fourth from left), Hajiji (third from left), and others performing the mongomot (rice harvesting) ceremony as a symbolic gesture to mark the closing of the 2025 State-Level Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, here on Saturday. Kota Kinabalu: Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan called for stronger unity among Malaysians while urging caution over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Pairin expressed concern over the rapid advancement of technology, particularly AI, warning that the public must remain vigilant against the uncritical acceptance of AI-generated content and misinformation. 'AI can mislead us from what is true and right,' he said. 'We must be cautious so that we don't go astray.' He referenced a viral AI-generated video that falsely depicted Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un dancing together, as an example of how easily false narratives can be created and spread. He said while technology offers opportunities, it must not overshadow or distort reality, especially when it comes to preserving the culture and values of the community. He said the Kaamatan Festival is more than a cultural celebration — a vital platform to promote national unity, friendship, and collective progress. On the final day of the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025, Pairin said, 'Celebrations like this are a powerful platform to inspire our hopes that we, as Malaysians in Sabah, can truly unite and work together.' He praised the spirit of cooperation shown by the people of Sabah and acknowledged the presence of delegates from Kalimantan and Sarawak, highlighting the cross-border ties that enrich the festival. He also thanked local leaders and ministers who played key roles in ensuring the festival's success. Reflecting on the overall success of this year's event, Pairin expressed pride in the participation of Sabah's youth and students, who showcased confidence in performing and preserving their heritage. 'This year, we've seen real improvement in performances, audience engagement and the involvement of schools in cultural education,' he noted. 'This is the result of consistent collaboration and passion.' Pairin encouraged Malaysians to carry forward the festival's spirit of unity and mutual respect. 'The strength of our friendship and the encouragement to move forward together —this is what will ensure our shared future,' he concluded. The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually in Sabah throughout May, marks the end of the rice harvest and showcases the rich cultural traditions of the Kadazandusun community. It has become a unifying event not just for Sabahans, but for Malaysians and international visitors alike. The closing was officiated by Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, who was joined by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in performing the mongomot (rice harvesting) ritual. This was followed by striking the gong seven times, symbolically marking the end of the 2025 State-Level Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA. * 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

Stacy Anam delights fans with appearance at Kaamatan finale
Stacy Anam delights fans with appearance at Kaamatan finale

The Star

time31-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Star

Stacy Anam delights fans with appearance at Kaamatan finale

Stacy Anam and Hakim Ahmad meeting their fans at the cultural homes witjin the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's Hongkod Koisaan vicinity on Saturday (May 31). KOTA KINABALU: Fans were excited to see Sabah homegrown singer Stacy Anam at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan on the final day of the Kaamatan Festival on Saturday (May 31). Festival goers swarmed to catch a glimpse of the season six Akademi Fantasia winner. Excited cries of "Stacy!" filled the air, with many taking wefies with the Penampang-born star. Stacy, who was with her husband, singer Akim Ahmad, was visibly moved by the warm reception and festive atmosphere. "It has been so long since I celebrated Kaamatan. "I went back to my kampung, which was alive with the Kaamatan spirit. It reminded me of who I am and where I come from," said the 34-year-old. Dubbed as Malaysia's "dancing queen", Stacy said she was proud to be Sabahan and of Kadazan ethnicity. "Our culture is incredibly rich and unique, something that cannot be described with words," she said. Stacy's will be holding a much-anticipated concert at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on June 21. Akim shared his admiration for the vibrant cultural celebration. "This is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together. It is not just limited to Sabahans. We saw Unduk Ngadau contestants from places like Johor, Klang Valley and other states," he said. Kaamatan, Sabah's month-long harvest festival, celebrates unity, gratitude and heritage, and remains one of the most beloved events on the state's cultural calendar.

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