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Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
643 roadside traders benefit cash aid
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Isnin Aliasneh said the initiative aimed at supporting small businesses, following criteria approved by the State Cabinet during a meeting on March 19 this year. Kota Kinabalu: A total of 643 licensed roadside traders across Sabah have been identified to receive a special one-off cash assistance of RM5,000 each, involving a total RM3.215 million, as of April this year. Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Isnin Aliasneh said the initiative aimed at supporting small businesses, following criteria approved by the State Cabinet during a meeting on March 19 this year. He was replying to Nominated Assemblywoman Datuk Amisah Yassin, who sought details on the distribution of the aid, including in the district of Ranau. Isnin said the State Ministry of Finance had already channelled the necessary allocations to the relevant local authorities (PBT) based on the number of qualified recipients. He said these lump sum payment funds would be distributed directly to eligible traders. 'This one-off RM5,000 assistance is targeted at small licensed roadside traders across the state to help them sustain their businesses,' he said. Replying to a supplementary question by Amisah, Isnin said the petty women traders, operating by the roadside, could apply for the RM5,000 one-off assistance and they must have licences issued by local authorities including District Council. * 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
Government yet to consider rent-to-own scheme
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Deputy Chief Minister and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the current policy remains rental-only, as converting these units to rent-to-own would reduce availability for others still on the waiting list. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has yet to consider implementing a rent-to-own scheme for People's Housing Project (PPR) units in Sabah, said challenges due to the overwhelming demand for rental housing. Deputy Chief Minister and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the current policy remains rental-only, as converting these units to rent-to-own would reduce availability for others still on the waiting list. 'This PPR is a temporary measure. If we start offering rent-to-own, it could worsen the problem as many more people are still waiting to rent these units,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday. He was responding to a supplementary question by Lamag Assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who had asked if the government would consider new approaches to help low-income residents eventually own homes, especially amid the rising cost of housing in Sabah. Bung Moktar pointed out that many residents remain stuck in long-term rentals due to the high property prices, and suggested the State work with federal agencies to offer a clearer pathway to home ownership. In reply, Joachim said PPR housing in Sabah is provided by the Federal Government specifically for rental purposes, and there is currently no directive to shift towards a rent-to-own model. 'Perhaps the honourable member for Lamag could bring up this matter again in Parliament,' he said. Earlier, Joachim addressed concerns raised by Tanjung Aru Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong regarding the relocation of residents from the Tanjung Aru Flats, which were deemed unsafe. He said 237 of the 315 tenants had been offered PPR housing under the Low-Cost Housing Allocation Policy, while 58 did not qualify and 20 were found to already own property. Of those offered housing, 113 have accepted and been relocated to various PPR sites including Taman Jaya Diri, Taman Bukit Setia, Taman Puri Warisan, Taman Sri Anak, PPR Kibabaig, PPT Gayang 2, Taman Keramat, and Taman Serigai. However, 124 tenants declined the offer due to distance concerns related to work, schools and healthcare facilities. * 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
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Regatta Lepa listed in Sabah tourism calendar
A captivating musical theater performance titled 'Umaral 1886' enthralled the audience during the closing ceremony of the Regatta Lepa Semporna. – Information Department photo SEMPORNA (June 30): The Regatta Lepa Semporna, an iconic traditional festival of the Bajau community and a major annual tourism attraction for the state, has been listed in this year's Sabah tourism calendar. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this demonstrates the commitment of the people in preserving their heritage while introducing it to tourists worldwide. 'What makes it even more special is that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Regatta Lepa Semporna, proving the steadfast dedication of the Semporna community in upholding their cultural legacy. 'With its inclusion in the tourism calendar, we hope this festival will reach new heights and attract more visitors to experience its vibrant celebrations,' said Hajiji in his speech, delivered by Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew during the closing ceremony of the Regatta Lepa Semporna at Padang Bandaran here on Sunday night. 'Through the Regatta Lepa, we can showcase the beauty of Bajau culture and their efforts in preserving maritime heritage to tourists from around the world,' he added. Hajiji also congratulated the organizers for the success of the Igalthon event, which featured a non-stop one-hour performance of the traditional Bajau dance, Igal-Igal, involving dancers from various cultural groups and communities. The performance on June 21 earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest Igal-Igal dance performance. 'Preserving the cultural and ethnic heritage of this state is a key element that makes it a popular tourism product, as Sabah is rich in diverse ethnicities and traditions. 'The people of Sabah comprise 35 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture, language, and celebrations, yet they live in harmony and mutual tolerance. 'This makes Sabah a top choice for tourists, both local and international,' he said. Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Isnin Aliasnih@ Liasnih, Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Tan Lee Fat, and District Officer Alexander Liew.
Daily Express
07-06-2025
- Daily Express
Alarming rise in sexual assault cases
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Dr Joachim presenting an Anti-Sexual Harassment Notice to Tawau Ministry of Health Training Institute Director Dr Kogilavani Subermaniam. TAWAU: A concerted effort from all parties is crucial to address the rising issue of sexual harassment, which has shown a significant increase nationwide, said Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. He noted that based on reports from the police there were 477 sexual harassment cases recorded in 2022, which rose to 522 cases in 2023 and surged further to 788 cases in 2024. Advertisement As of March this year alone, 214 cases have already been reported, including five in Sabah. He said the increasing numbers reflects the severity of sexual harassment and the need to raise public awareness while strengthening support channels for victims. 'Sexual harassment is an immoral act that can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion. 'This issue must be addressed early because if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious crimes such as rape and violence against women,' he added. Advertisement Dr Joachim said this at the closing ceremony of the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry's (KPWKM) 2025 Kembara Kasih Programme at the Tawau Sports Complex Hall here on Saturday. Present were KPWKM Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) Farah Adura Hamidi, representing the KPWKM Minister, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Tawau MP Datuk Lo Su Fui, Balung Assemblyman Datuk Hamild Awang and Kukusan Assemblywoman Datuk Rina Jainal. Dr Joachim welcomed KPWKM's initiative in establishing the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) as an alternative to civil courts, providing a faster, easier and more cost-effective complaint process. Thus, he urged more victims to come forward and seek justice. He said violence against women is not an isolated issue, but many victims remain silent due to stigma, social pressure or a lack of awareness about available support channels. 'We all have a responsibility to create a safe environment and support victims in standing up for their rights,' he said. Earlier, he commended the Ministry's Kembara Kasih Programme, which covered six districts in Sabah, namely Tuaran, Papar, Penampang, Lahad Datu, Kunak and concluded in Tawau. The programme saw the implementation of 34 initiatives by various agencies under KPWKM, targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Dr Joachim, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Linda Ewit, also expressed appreciation to the organisers for choosing Sabah as this year's Kembara Kasih destination. During the event, he presented Anti-Sexual Harassment Notices to relevant departments and agencies as a symbolic commitment by the government to prevent such crimes. * 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
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Seven events planned for Sabah Governor's birthday celebration
Joachim (fifth from right) presenting a souvenir to Tun Musa during the visit.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 14): Seven events have been organized in conjunction with the 72nd Official Birthday Celebration of the Governor of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, starting from June 14. Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the chairman of the Main Celebration Committee, stated that related programs have been arranged to enliven the occasion. 'This year, we only have seven events or seven programs, which we hold annually. 'The first will be a tea party with special-needs children on June 14. 'After that, on June 15, we will hold Sabah Ethnic Day. We believe that Tun, as the Governor, is the umbrella for all the people of Sabah, so this event is to celebrate everyone in Sabah. 'Following that, on June 19, there will be a tahlil (prayer recitation) and thanksgiving ceremony. As usual, on June 21, we will hold the official parade ceremony, the Conferment of Sabah State Awards, Honors and Medals, and the State Banquet in the evening,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Wednesday. He added that the Sabah Ethnic Day Celebration, scheduled to take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), is expected to bring together nearly all ethnic groups in the state, with an estimated attendance of over 1,000 visitors. Also present were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Kota Kinabalu City Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah and director of the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department, Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani.
