Latest news with #KePKAS
Daily Express
05-08-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Funding sought to restore historic KK Community Hall
Published on: Tuesday, August 05, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 05, 2025 Text Size: Liew (left), accompanied by government officials at the site of the fire incident. KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will request state funding to restore the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall, which was destroyed by fire on July 29. Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the building, completed in 1958, will not be demolished due to its historical and cultural significance. It has hosted countless events, including government programmes, festivals, and youth activities. Declared a State Heritage building in 2017, the hall was previously recognised as a cultural heritage site from 1999. Liew, also Chairman of the State Heritage Council, urged for immediate debris clearance and safety measures to protect the public. She visited the site on Monday with officials from the Ministry, Sabah Museum Department, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. * 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
Borneo Post
27-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Semporna takes action against unsustainable tourism
Participants showing their certificate after completing the Eco-Friendly Snorkelling Guide Training. – Photo courtesy from Reef Check Malaysia. SEMPORNA (June 27): Unsustainable tourism practices such as anchoring on coral reefs, feeding fish, harassing marine wildlife and polluting the ocean remain ongoing concerns in Semporna. These actions have been frequently reported to Reef Check Malaysia and if left unchecked, will continue to degrade the fragile coral reef ecosystems that are vital to Sabah's marine biodiversity and tourism economy. In response, Reef Check Malaysia, with support from Green Fins, KePKAS (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah), and MetLife Foundation, has launched a targeted initiative under its Sustainable Tourism Programme. As part of this effort, 65 local snorkelling guides across Semporna and other key locations in Sabah have completed the Eco-Friendly Snorkelling Guide Training this year. Developed by Reef Check Malaysia, the four-day training is the first of its kind to provide standardised guidelines for snorkelling guides in Malaysia. It equips participants with knowledge on marine conservation, responsible tourism practices, and essential lifesaving skills, including CPR and first aid certification. 'This training fills a critical gap. There is currently no formal training for snorkelling guides in Malaysia. By strengthening their understanding of marine conservation and eco-tourism practices, we're not only empowering local guides with valuable skills, but also actively protecting our coral reefs,' said Adzmin Fatta, Programme Manager of Reef Check Malaysia in Sabah. 'We're encouraged by the growing interest and hope to expand this initiative further across Sabah, especially in high-tourism areas like Semporna,' he said. For many of the participants, the training was a first and eye-opening experience. 'We learned about coral reefs, their importance, and how some of our common guiding practices can harm marine life,' shared Siti Rugaiyah Maadil, a local snorkelling guide. 'Most importantly, we were trained to deliver proper tourist briefings that promote reef-safe behaviour. The first aid session was especially helpful – now I know how to respond if someone is drowning,' she said. 'Although I've been a snorkelling guide for years, this is my first formal training,' added Mohd Fifi Hafizi Bin Amir Hamja. 'I didn't realise that some things we've been doing damage to the reefs. I'm grateful for this opportunity and hope more guides receive similar training – it's not only good for us, but for the reefs we depend on,' said Mohd Fifi. With the growing pressures of marine tourism, initiatives like this serve as a vital step toward a more sustainable future, one where local communities are both stewards and beneficiaries of a thriving marine ecosystem.
Borneo Post
27-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Sun Bear Sanctuary thrives, welcomes 79,000 tourists last year
Dr Wong (left) taking Liew and her entourage on a guided tour of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. SANDAKAN (June 27): The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has nurtured the growth and development of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) since its inception in 2008. Its minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, said BSBCC, the only one of its kind in the world for protection of this endangered species, is a partnership project with the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), an agency under the ministry, and Sabah Forestry Department. Sun bears are a Class 1 Protected Species under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. 'Last year, we (KePKAS) allocated RM228,420 for the construction of phase one of the Entrance Foyer, which has since been completed. This year saw an additional allocation of RM250,000 for construction of phase two of the Entrance Foyer. Work is expected to start this year,' Liew told reporters after a recent visit to the centre here. The minister noted that this 17-year-old tourist attraction, which is home to 42 rescued sun bears, draws local and international visitors like a magnet. 'I was informed by its founder and CEO, Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te, that the centre received 79,362 visitors in 2024, with an average of 6613 visitors per month. That year, there were international visitors from 115 countries with the nationalities from United Kingdom, Australia and Italy being the top three who visited the centre. 'The peak season is from July to October generating the most number of visitors. In fact, we have more Malaysian visitors during the school holidays,' she said. Educationists, researchers, school children and teachers, wildlife conservationists, animal lovers and the like make up the composition of visitors and tourists, the majority being nature lovers and nature-based tourists. Many may not be aware that the BSBCC is also the main implementing agency for the 10-Year State Sun Bear Action Plan, Liew said. The main attraction to visitors at BSBCC is watching the sun bears' natural behaviour in their natural habitat, the rainforest. 'Sometimes visitors can see the bears climbing and sleeping high on the trees. Random feedings enable the visitors to see them eating as well,' said Dr Wong. According to him, all the sun bears at the BSBCC have been rescued from illegal pet keeping after their mothers were brutally killed by poachers. Over the past 17 years, the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) has rescued 70 sun bear orphans and sent them to the conservation centre, he disclosed. Liew commended Dr Wong for his unwavering commitment, patience and perseverance in keeping the BSBCC afloat, despite the multiple challenges that came his way. In a guided tour, he drew the minister's attention to sun bears kept in Pen B, C and D where visitors can view and learn about them. 'We regard them as ambassadors for their species to raise awareness among the general public, apart from being subjects of our research projects,' said the wildlife conservationist. Sharing his multitasking role as the founder and owner of BSBCC, Dr Wong said: 'Since founding the centre 17 years ago, I have been running the place at all levels, from designing the facility, taking care of the bears, and conducting education and research programs to development of the centre and fund-raising efforts. Everything that you can think of, even gardening and cleaning the toilets. 'We try our best to take good care of the bears and rehabilitate them. Thirteen rescued sun bears were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. In addition, the latest two rescued sun bear cubs have been sent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve to undergo the 'soft-release' program.' Acknowledging the ministry's contribution, Dr Wong said KePKAS has helped BSBCC a lot for the past 17 years. 'The ministry even helped us to raise funds for the centre to get off the ground in 2008, and gave us a grant for our operational cost in 2013. I hope the ministry will continue to support our work in the future.' He said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), an agency under KePKAS, has assisted him in many ways to promote the centre to the local tourism market and internationally, too. 'On our part, our promotional efforts are through social media platforms (FB, Tiktok, X, YouTube) and websites.' In retrospect, Dr Wong said in the infant years (from 2008 to 2013), BSBCC survived on public donations and grants from various funders across the world, adding 'Since opening to the public on January 16, 2014, we have been depending heavily on ticketing fees and souvenir purchase revenue to run the centre. ' Admittedly, his greatest challenge in operating the centre is the need to seek sufficient funds, not only to maintain the facility but also to expand it wherever necessary. 'Yes, finding competent staff to help me manage the centre is also a big challenge.' On his future plans, the farsighted founder and CEO envisions a third observation platform, an interpretation centre and new office building, and a captive breeding enclosure. 'For BSBCC, these construction plans need financing. I have an undying passion and boundless energy to work for another 30 years. By that time, I am sure I have a lot of successors who can take over my life mission,' Dr Wong quipped. He added that he still needs to raise RM1,000,000 to build the field office and staff house for the Tabin Sun Bear Project.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah sets new scuba diving SOPs to boost safety
Sim (fourth left) and Deus Diving Club members presenting a memento to Lai (second right) during the courtesy visit. KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has officially introduced a new set of safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) for scuba diving activities in the state, marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainable and responsible tourism in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. President of the Sabah Dive Squad Club (also known as Deus Diving Club), Sim Fui, welcomed the move, describing it as both timely and essential for enhancing diver safety and supporting the growth of Sabah's tourism sector. 'Sabah is world-renowned for its diving spots — from Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar, and Kota Belud to Kudat, Lahad Datu, and Semporna. According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, scuba diving has contributed over RM500 million to the state's revenue, which is a substantial boost to the economy,' said Sim. He noted that recent diving-related incidents, particularly those involving international tourists, have highlighted the need for stricter safety compliance. 'Strengthening SOP compliance is crucial to maintaining Sabah's reputation as a premier diving destination,' he said. The club recently paid a courtesy visit to KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, who stressed the importance of full adherence to the new SOPs. The ministry plans to publicly release the SOPs soon and has welcomed support from industry players in promoting awareness and implementation. As part of their efforts, the Sabah Dive Squad Club will organize a safety and medical talk for its members on July 20, aimed at reinforcing best practices and raising safety awareness among divers and operators. The initiative follows several recent diver fatalities, some of which were linked to negligence. 'We are fully committed to working with KePKAS and will incorporate the new SOPs into our upcoming safety talk,' Sim added. 'Engaging dive operators and tourism professionals is key to reducing accidents.' The club urges all dive professionals, tourism operators and recreational divers to participate in the event and stay informed on the latest safety protocols.
Daily Express
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah launches scuba diving safety SOPs ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: The Deus committee - Facebook pic KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has introduced official safety SOPs for scuba diving to promote responsible tourism and prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Advertisement Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui praised the move as vital for diver safety and tourism growth, noting scuba diving contributes over RM500 million to the state's economy. The club met with KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, who stressed strict compliance and upcoming public release of the SOPs. In response, the club will host a Safety and Medical Talk on 20 July 2025 to educate divers and operators, following recent fatal diving incidents linked to negligence. Dive professionals and enthusiasts are urged to participate. * 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
