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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sipitang MP hopeful post-mortem will shed light on student's death
KOTA KINABALU: Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah is hopeful that the post-mortem on the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, carried out today at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (QEH1), will shed light on the circumstances surrounding her death. "We are hoping that today will provide clarity on all aspects of this case," he told reporters at the QEH1 compound. He urged the public not to speculate on social media regarding the matter. "We hope that netizens and the public will refrain from making or sharing unverified claims on social media. We do not want such actions to cause confusion or worsen the situation," he said. Responding to allegations that certain politicians or leaders had not shown support for the case, Matbali stressed that this was untrue. "Leaders at all levels have given their full support. In fact, the prime minister himself has been in contact with the home minister and the attorney-general to ensure that the investigation is conducted transparently. "There will be no compromise for anyone involved. This is a case that we must ensure is handled openly and fairly," he said. He also expressed gratitude to the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, the Home Ministry, the police and the Health Ministry for their attention to the case. On the #JusticeForZara solidarity event scheduled for this evening in Sipitang, Matbali said he would be unable to attend as he needed to return to Kuala Lumpur for the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan in Parliament. However, he hopes that everything will proceed smoothly, including the investigation into Zara Qairina's case, as not only leaders but also netizens were praying and hoping for justice to be served for her. Zara, a Form One student at a religious school in Papar, Sabah, was found unconscious after allegedly falling from the dormitory building. She was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital at 1.07pm on July 17. The 13-year-old student's body arrived at the hospital at 10.30pm yesterday after being exhumed from the Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery in Sipitang at 7.30pm. It was sent to the Radiology Department for a CT scan before being kept at the Medical Forensics Department. Four pathologists, including one from Peninsular Malaysia, conducted the post-mortem on Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Daily Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Cocoa Board looks towards Sabah interior
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Matbali (second right) and Abdul Karim (third from left) holding up cocoa beans. KENINGAU: The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) will continue to play an active role in supporting the development of the country's cocoa industry, particularly in Sabah's Interior region. Its Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah, said various initiatives are being implemented, including the Cocoa Farm Rehabilitation Programme, agricultural input assistance, research on superior cocoa varieties, and technical guidance for farmers. Advertisement He said these efforts are important to ensure that the dried cocoa beans produced meet high quality standards, thereby increasing market value and enhancing Malaysia's reputation in the international cocoa market. Matbali, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sipitang, said this while officiating the Cocoa Cluster Strengthening Programme for the Interior Zone of Sabah held here, on Thursday. Organised by the MCB, the programme brought together more than 200 participants from various zones, including Keningau, Tenom, Sook, Tambunan, and Nabawan. 'This is a proud achievement because we are not only sharing knowledge but also fostering a sense of unity among the cocoa community in Sabah,' he said. Matbali also stressed the importance of good agricultural practices, sustainable pest and disease management, and the adoption of the latest cocoa farming technologies. He said MCB hopes cocoa farmers in Sabah will take further steps by joining cooperatives and becoming involved in downstream processing, including the production of locally made chocolate products. He expressed confidence that with support from entities such as Koperasi Koko Kluster Sabah Berhad, the cocoa industry holds great potential to stimulate the local economy and attract interest from rural youth. Also present was the MCB Director Transfer of Technology And Extension (ToTE) Abdul Karim, representing its director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin. * 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
25-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysian International Cocoa Exhibition secures more than RM2.72 million in potential business deals
Ramle (second from left), Matbali (centre) performing the gimmick launch of the soft opening. KOTA KINABALU (May 25): The Malaysian International Cocoa Exhibition (MICE) 2025 was officially launched today by Datuk Matbali Musah, chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). The exhibition is a key highlight of the broader Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, celebrating Malaysia's growing role in the global cocoa industry. The theme is 'MyCocoa: Indulge, Meet and Connect', aims to create a vibrant space for visitors and participants to taste high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, meet potential business partners, and connect with industry leaders for future collaborations. The exhibition features several key attractions such as Malaysian Cocoa Board Pavilion, Cocoa Knowledge Hub, 160 booths by local and international exhibitors, including global producers, food artisans, and technology providers, Business Talks and Business Matching Sessions with 17 international and 20 Malaysian buyers. Other attraction is the exciting lucky draws with prizes worth over RM100,000. Virtual International Sourcing Program (INSP), held earlier this month in collaboration with MATRADE, has already secured RM2.27 million in potential business deals. Matbali congratulated the MICF 2025 Organizing Committee, led by Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, for their tireless efforts in organizing the event, and extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Sabah State Government, all strategic partners and sponsors for their support. MICF 2025 is also strongly supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB). During the event, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that had been signed earlier between the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) and the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) was exchanged. This MoU aims to establish a strategic collaboration between LKM and UPSI across various areas, including strengthening collaboration among staff, students, and industry players in teaching, learning, training, and research; Exposing students to real-world scenarios in the chocolate manufacturing and marketing industry; Sharing the latest expertise and technologies, particularly with students in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Embedding soft skills among students to enhance graduate employability; Collaborating in the commercialization of innovative products developed by students and lecturers; and other areas of cooperation to be mutually agreed upon from time to time. The MoU will be effective for a period of five years from the date of signing and may be extended upon mutual agreement. It also outlines the commitment of both parties in matters related to confidentiality, intellectual property protection, dispute resolution, as well as the involvement of entities under LKM in the implementation of this collaboration. This collaboration is expected to bring significant impact in human capital development, technology transfer, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national cocoa industry.
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah cocoa production on the rise
Ramle (left) and Matbali speaking to reporters after the walkabout. KOTA KINABALU (May 24): Sabah has recorded a rise in cocoa production, attributed to sustained government assistance and initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers. Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasim said that although he did not have the exact figures on hand, production has notably increased compared to a decade ago. 'This can be seen with current cocoa prices nearing RM30,000 per tonne. We foresee this figure continuing to rise,' he said. He credited the increase to various government efforts, particularly at the upstream level, in helping cocoa farmers improve productivity and livelihoods. 'The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), through LKM, has been providing aid for cocoa planting, rehabilitation and other forms of assistance to boost production and strengthen the economic standing of our target groups,' Ramle told reporters after a walkabout at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Friday in preparation for the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF). He added that LKM remains committed to ensuring cocoa farmers in Sabah are supported and actively working to uplift the state's cocoa industry. Meanwhile, Ramle said more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day MICF, driven by extensive promotional efforts. The event will feature 160 booths showcasing various cocoa-based products and information, including participation from international exhibitors from China, Singapore, Europe and Africa. In addition to chocolate, visitors can explore cocoa-based skincare products made from cocoa butter, view exhibitions on advanced chocolate-making machinery from other countries, and enjoy a chocolate-making competition. Also present at the walkabout was LKM chairman Datuk Matbali Musah.
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah cocoa soars on strong global prices
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 Text Size: Ramle and Matbali during the press conference. Sabah's cocoa industry saw a significant surge in the first quarter of 2025, driven by soaring global prices and promising output from local plantations. Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) director general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin said cocoa prices are currently approaching RM30,000 per tonne, fuelling optimism amongst farmers and industry players. 'There's real momentum in Sabah's cocoa sector right now. With prices this strong, we're seeing renewed interest from smallholders and large estates. 'The price rally has revived cocoa cultivation across the state and we anticipate even higher yields in the coming quarters,' he said after a walkabout of the Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025 on Friday. Malaysia's cocoa industry registered a total export revenue of RM8.87 billion as of August 2024 with Sabah being the largest producer of cocoa beans in the country, accounting for 57 pc of cultivation. Advertisement The MICF is a landmark event that showcases the full spectrum of Malaysia's cocoa industry from upstream farming to downstream chocolate innovation. The event from 24 to 28 May features conferences, exhibitions and a grand gala dinner on May 28 at SICC. The exhibition boasts over 160 booths, with more than 20 percent from international exhibitors including participants from China, Singapore, Europe, Indonesia, and Africa. More than 30,000 visitors are expected thanks to months of aggressive promotions and attractive incentives including a Perodua Axia, ATVs and motorbikes as lucky draw prizes. Besides indulging the public, MICF will showcase cutting-edge chocolate-making machinery, cosmetics derived from cocoa butter and even live chocolate-making demonstrations and competitions. LKM Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah who is also Sipitang MP said they want to show that cocoa is more than just chocolate. 'It's a diverse product with potential in food, beauty, and health. The festival is also a platform to highlight government efforts to support cocoa farmers in Sabah. 'We are actively providing assistance for cocoa replanting and rehabilitation and committed to ensuring Sabah remains at the forefront of cocoa excellence,' he said, adding that strategic government support has proven to boost both yield and farmer incomes. * 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
