Latest news with #LarryRalon
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Scholarships for pre-U studies
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Rahim Matnin Text Size: Hajiji posing with the scholarship recipients and students. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) is offering scholarships to students pursuing foundation, matriculation and A-level studies beginning this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'Apart from that, the scholarship allowance for all sponsored students currently studying in public and private universities will also be standardised. 'This initiative is part of BKNS' ongoing commitment to support the development of education in the State to ensure that more promising students gain access to higher education,' he said. Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Monday, the Chief Minister said this year, the State Government has allocated the highest amount for scholarships compared to previous years. 'From only RM50 million in 2020, the BKNS allocation has continued to increase year by year over the past five years, reaching RM136 million in 2025. 'This marks an increase of RM86 million from 2019, reflecting the State Government's commitment to supporting the education of young Sabahans,' he said. The Chief Minister said the State Government has made significant investments to implement various initiatives in the development of education in the State, benefiting a total of 13,550 students from 2021 to 2024. He said the Yayasan Sabah Group's commitment was evident, with an allocation of RM67.17 million for the education sector last year, benefiting 3,234 students. It represented a significant increase of 148.96 per cent compared to only RM26.98 million in 2020, he said, adding that some 10,104 recipients benefited from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) that he had launched in June 2022, involving a total expenditure of RM15.8 million. He said through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) Zakat and Fitrah Division, more than 48,000 students across Sabah have benefited over the past five years, with a total expenditure of RM92.4 million. Hajiji said the initiative will help to improve the education standards of young Sabahans and support the development of quality human capital. He reiterated that in line with efforts to strengthen and diversify education aid initiatives in the State, various types of assistance have been implemented through the Deputy State Secretary (Special Task) Office. This year alone, he said, a total of RM77.5 million has been allocated to fund 14 educational assistance initiatives, among them were the One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid (Budi); Computer Assistance Initiative (Baik); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-Subfly); and Sentosa - aid for students studying in higher learning institutions in Sabah. These education assistance initiatives were also supported by agencies such as the Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and the Sabah Baitulmal Corporation, he said. Hajiji said the various educational assistance initiatives provided through different departments and agencies reflected the State Government's strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of young Sabahans. 'We will continue to ensure that the people's wellbeing is always protected and given due attention, regardless of their background. To our youths, study diligently and strive for greater excellence. 'Explore professional fields such as oil, gas and energy, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to produce highly skilled and quality individuals from Sabah across various sectors,' he said. Hajiji hoped this award would serve as a strong motivation for the students to excel further and at the same time help elevate Sabah's name on the national and international stage. 'I would also like to remind all recipients not to let this award become a reason for complacency. Instead, let it be an aspiration to continue striving for excellence, in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision. 'Students who receive this excellent scholarship award carry a greater responsibility and trust in the future. This includes being exemplary role models to their peers, not easily influenced by sentiments, excessive rhetoric or matters that could ultimately harm our State and country,' he said. * 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
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Gagasan Rakyat to outline state election strategy this weekend
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) will hold its General Assembly this weekend to outline its strategy ahead of the upcoming State Election. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor ( pic ), who is also the party's President, said the gathering comes at an important time as the polls could be called at any moment. Advertisement He confirmed that discussions on political cooperation have been held with Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and a formal decision will be announced when ready. Hajiji said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will contest most seats, guided by local aspirations to ensure political stability after the election. He also reaffirmed the State Government's focus on education and human capital development, urging Sabah's youth studying outside the State to return and serve their communities. * 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
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sarawak eyes inclusive global energy transition — Dr Hazland
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Dr Hazland Abang Hipni KUCHING: Clean energy must be accessible, create jobs, and uplift marginalised groups, said Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, urging global leaders to prioritise equity in the sustainability race. 'This is not just the right thing to do. It is essential for lasting and equitable development,' he said when opening the International Energy Week (IEW) Summit 2025 on Tuesday. Advertisement Themed 'From Sarawak to the World: Journey to Clean Energy Leadership', the summit gathers global players to share strategies for a low-carbon, resilient future. 'The global energy landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace,' he said, pointing to rising demand and a worsening climate crisis. Addressing both requires bold ideas, smart policies and meaningful partnerships. He emphasised that technology alone isn't enough. 'We must ensure that enabling systems, in policy, technology, finance and workforce development, evolve in tandem.' Stressing collaboration over competition, he said, real progress is driven by collaboration. "Engage fully, ask questions, share openly and explore partnerships.' Reaffirming Sarawak's role, Dr Hazland said the state is charting its path as a clean energy leader in Southeast Asia, leveraging resources and policies for a sustainable future. 'If we are willing to innovate with courage and collaborate across boundaries, we can shape a future that is secure, inclusive and sustainable for all,' 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
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Safeguarding carbon sink status: State Assembly passes the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: 'Governments and industries around the world are investing billions to shift towards greener economies. Sabah already has this natural advantage. The challenge now is how to use it wisely – and not lose it,' Abidin said. Kota Kinabalu: The State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, positioning the State as a leader in environmental stewardship and climate resilience in Malaysia. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the Bill was a crucial step to protect and leverage Sabah's rare status as a net carbon sink – one of the few jurisdictions in the world to absorb more carbon than it emits. 'In 2024, Sabah conducted its first comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. Although there are still data gaps to refine, the findings are striking – we absorb more carbon than we release,' he said when tabling the Bill, Tuesday. Abidin revealed that Sabah alone contributes approximately 36 per cent of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. 'This means Sabah has already gone beyond what the world is asking for under the Paris Agreement. We have already done our part – today – for Malaysia's 2050 net zero commitment,' he added. Describing the net sink status as a 'strategic economic asset', Abidin stressed the importance of safeguarding it through sound policy and governance. 'Governments and industries around the world are investing billions to shift towards greener economies. Sabah already has this natural advantage. The challenge now is how to use it wisely – and not lose it,' he said. He warned that failure to act responsibly could cause the State to forfeit its environmental edge and fall into the same carbon-intensive trap as many others. At the same time, Abidin said Sabah faces increasing threats as one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in Malaysia. 'We are seeing the effects through worsening floods, coastal erosion and the changing livelihoods of our rural communities. These dual realities demand both vision and urgency,' he said. The Bill aims to develop comprehensive systems for carbon governance, resilience-building and inclusive climate action – with the ultimate goal of ensuring that benefits reach all Sabahans. 'We want this unique position to not only serve global climate progress, but to improve the daily lives of our people,' he said. He emphasised that achieving this would require 'capacity, investment and partnership', with active collaboration across local, national and international stakeholders, including the Federal Government. 'Our approach will be constructive, inclusive and grounded in what makes Sabah truly exceptional,' said Abidin. Abidin said the State had already taken early steps by establishing the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC) as the State's advisory body on climate policy. The newly passed Bill formalises and strengthens this role through a two-tier governance structure – with SCAC as the policy authority and a Director overseeing implementation and regulation of carbon activities and GHG emissions. The Enactment also asserts that all carbon rights within Sabah belong to the State Government, positioning SCAC as the central one-stop agency for all carbon-related matters. Abidin said this institutional framework adopts a top-down approach to ensure climate governance is mainstreamed into the entire State administration, including ministries and departments, while also aligning policies across all economic sectors to strengthen institutional capacity and long-term resilience. He said the Enactment reflects Sabah's determination to build its own robust and transparent climate governance system, aligned with national and international developments. Carbon assets will be used through regulated carbon projects, supported by a strong carbon accounting mechanism to steer the State's development goals. This strategy will promote economic growth – including emission balancing efforts – while protecting the competitiveness of key economic sectors, especially in job creation and support for vulnerable communities. Abidin said environmental matters are not explicitly listed under the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution and, under Article 77, fall under State jurisdiction. Furthermore, issues concerning land, forests and water are on the State List (List II), giving Sabah clear justification to enact its own climate and carbon governance laws. By asserting full ownership of carbon rights, the State Government can safeguard Sabah's interests and ensure the benefits of carbon-related initiatives are returned to the people. Without clear regulation at the State level, these interests risk being exploited without fair returns. Through registration and clear carbon rights recognition by the State, all authorised carbon activities can be monitored and their benefits channelled into sustainable development and ecosystem protection. 'This is essential to maintaining State sovereignty and ensuring that all carbon-related activities are transparently and centrally governed,' he said. The Enactment also places strong emphasis on indigenous community participation, particularly for carbon activities proposed on Native Customary Land under the Land Ordinance. 'Any such activity must involve meaningful consultation with the relevant communities or their appointed representatives. This ensures indigenous people play an active role in carbon initiatives while preserving their rights, heritage and identity,' he said. In addition, the law introduces mandatory GHG emissions reporting by entities specified in the Enactment. Abidin said this is crucial to ensuring Sabah has comprehensive, up-to-date and verifiable data on the environmental impact of its economic activities. Accurate data will enable the State Government to shape better policies, implement effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, and elevate Sabah's credibility in global climate governance. The Bill consists of 11 parts. The first addresses preliminary matters including the title, commencement, and legal consistency. The second establishes SCAC as the apex body for climate governance, chaired by the State Secretary and comprised key ministry representatives and appointed experts. The third part creates the Sabah Climate Registry and Inventory Centre, a technical and administrative body managing climate data, carbon rights and a Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system aligned with national and global mechanisms. Part four sets up the Sabah Climate Fund, managed by the Centre's Director, to support climate projects, capacity development and administrative needs. Part five mandates the involvement of indigenous communities in proposed carbon activities on native customary land, including direct engagement, benefit sharing and, if needed, community development elements – all subject to approval. Part six sets the legal framework for carbon activities, including recognition, registration and ownership of carbon rights, while prohibiting unregistered claims. Part seven governs carbon credits, stating only registered rights holders may generate them. It also introduces levies on transactions and annual royalties for credits produced in Sabah. Part eight mandates GHG emissions reporting and introduces a State carbon budget – a cap on cumulative net emissions – along with requirements for sectoral reporting, emissions balancing and Council-led mitigation and adaptation planning. Part nine covers enforcement, while Part ten addresses general provisions. Abidin said the Bill was drafted through extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure that its implementation will meet policy objectives effectively. Its core mission is to establish a credible, transparent climate and carbon governance system that safeguards State sovereignty, protects indigenous rights and builds Sabah's long-term climate resilience. * 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
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah passes landmark climate change and carbon bill
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly has passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, positioning Sabah as a national leader in environmental protection and climate resilience. Assistant Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the Bill safeguards Sabah's status as a 'net carbon sink' – one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. Sabah currently accounts for 36pc of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. He called this a 'strategic economic asset' that must be protected through sound governance to avoid losing its environmental advantage, while noting that Sabah is also one of Malaysia's most climate-vulnerable regions. The new law will create a comprehensive carbon governance framework, promote inclusive climate action, and ensure that climate benefits reach all Sabahans. Abidin said success will require investment, capacity-building, and collaboration across all levels, with a focus on using Sabah's natural advantage wisely. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
