Latest news with #NationalMonth
The Sun
19 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Fire destroys 60-year-old Kota Kinabalu community hall
A devastating fire has completely gutted the iconic Kota Kinabalu Community Hall, bringing an end to six decades of the building's service to the local community. According to The Borneo Post, the historic venue, which has stood for 60 years along Jalan Dewan, in the state capital was engulfed in flames during the early hours of Tuesday morning at approximately 12.30am. Emergency services from three fire stations – Kota Kinabalu, Lintas, and Penampang – responded swiftly to the incident after receiving the distress call at 12.44am, according to Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station chief Ordine Gilu. Firefighting teams worked tirelessly for over two hours before successfully bringing the blaze under control at 2.41am, with operations concluding at 3.33am. 'Both the main hall structure and storage facility have been completely destroyed. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities,' Gilu confirmed to the East Malaysian daily. Authorities are currently investigating the fire's origin and calculating the extent of financial damage caused by the incident. The community hall served as a cornerstone of Kota Kinabalu's cultural and civic life since the city's post-independence era, hosting numerous official ceremonies, artistic performances, and public gatherings throughout its operational years. Local arts and cultural advocates have described the loss as devastating for the community's heritage and creative sector. Reports indicate that renovation works were planned for the facility in phases, though these improvements had not yet commenced when the fire occurred. Nearby resident Lim Seng Fook, aged 74, witnessed the destruction firsthand and expressed his devastation: 'Seeing the hall ablaze was deeply shocking. This wasn't merely a structure – it represented decades of our city's heritage and collective memories.' The incident has cast uncertainty over the upcoming National Month, Sabah Day and 2025 Flag-Raising Campaign launch, originally scheduled to take place at the venue on August 1. Officials have yet to announce alternative arrangements for the event.
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Historic Kota Kinabalu Community Hall razed in fire
The Kota Kinabalu Community Hall destroyed in an early morning fire. KOTA KINABALU (July 29): A landmark steeped in history, the 60-year-old Kota Kinabalu Community Hall was destroyed in a fire early Tuesday morning. The blaze broke out around 12.30am at the hall located along Jalan Dewan, prompting an emergency response from the Kota Kinabalu, Lintas, and Penampang fire stations. Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station chief Ordine Gilu said firefighters received the emergency call at 12.44am and managed to control the fire by 2.41am. The operation ended at 3.33am. 'The fire completely destroyed the hall and its storeroom. No casualties were reported,' he said, adding that the cause of the fire and estimated losses are still under investigation. The Kota Kinabalu Community Hall has long been a vital venue for official functions, cultural performances, and public forums since the city's early development after independence. Its destruction has been described as a major loss to the community and the local arts and cultural scene. The hall was reportedly undergoing phased renovations, which had yet to fully begin. Several local residents who witnessed the fire expressed shock and sorrow over the loss. Lim Seng Fook, 74, who lives nearby, shared his heartbreak: 'I was very shocked to see the hall on fire. It is not just a building but part of the history and memory of this city.' The National Month, Sabah Day and the 2025 Flag-Raising Campaign is scheduled to be launched at the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall on August 1. It is not known yet whether the event will be held at another place following the incident.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
PM Anwar flags off 2025 KMJG convoy in Muar for National Month
MUAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially flagged off the 2025 Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) convoy at Dataran Tanjung Emas, marking the beginning of National Month celebrations. The event showcased nationwide unity, with participation from fishermen, security forces, and motorsport enthusiasts. A total of 59 fishing boats sailed along the Muar river, proudly displaying the Jalur Gemilang. Government vessels from the Department of Marine, MMEA, and Marine Police also joined, reinforcing coastal community involvement. On land, 88 vehicles carried 133 participants from agencies like JAPEN, PDRM, and Pos Malaysia. The convoy will travel through 88 checkpoints nationwide, covering Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan before culminating at Dataran Putrajaya on August 31. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi attended the launch. The event also featured the Kita MADANI Carnival, offering cultural performances, heritage displays, and entrepreneur booths to engage the public. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
PM Anwar Flags Off 2025 KMJG Convoy, Marking Start Of National Month Celebrations
MUAR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today flagged off the 2025 Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) convoy at Dataran Tanjung Emas here, marking the official start of the National Month celebrations and spreading the spirit of patriotism across the nation. The historic event saw participation from a wide range of groups, including civil servants, gig workers, motorsport enthusiasts, security forces, and for the first time, local fishermen who proudly displayed the Jalur Gemilang as they sailed along the Muar River. A total of 59 fishing boats, manned by the local fishing community, along with vessels from the Department of Marine (2 units), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) (3 units), and the Marine Police (2 units), were all adorned with the Jalur Gemilang. In total, 172 participants were involved, symbolising the support of rural and coastal communities for the nation's independence. In addition, 88 land vehicles joined the convoy, with 133 participants from various agencies and organisations, including the Malaysian Information Department (JAPEN), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Pos Malaysia, Johor state government departments, the BMW K16 Motorsport Club of Johor, and gig economy vehicles. The convoy will pass through 88 checkpoints - 44 in Peninsular Malaysia, 20 in Sabah, 22 in Sarawak, and two in the Federal Territory of Labuan, before concluding at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31, the location of the 2025 National Day celebrations. Present at the flag off ceremony were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The launch event featured various community-centered programmes, including the Kita MADANI Carnival, with activities such as colouring contests, Bintang Suara MADANI, cultural performances, and local heritage displays. Additionally, the MADANI Community entrepreneur booths brought together micro and small business owners from across the country, while the MADANI Sales programme and booths offering services from both government and private agencies were set up to engage the public.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Muar hosts national month launch, honouring Johor's patriotic contributions
MUAR: Johor's Bandar Maharani being chosen as the venue for this year's National Month and Jalur Gemilang launch is a strong recognition of the state's historical, patriotic, and economic contributions to the nation. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi described the launch in Muar as "no coincidence," noting that the district was the cradle of the country's independence movement. "This is not merely a launch venue. It is a symbol of honour, a tribute to Johor's deep-rooted spirit of patriotism and nationhood," Onn Hafiz said in his speech today. Held at Dataran Tanjung Emas, the event was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present was Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Onn Hafiz expressed gratitude to the prime minister and federal administration for choosing Johor, saying the decision reflected mutual trust and a renewed synergy between federal and state governments. In his speech, he welcomed key federal announcements, including the RM100 SARA aid for 22 million adults, the new RM1,700 minimum wage, reduced RON95 petrol prices, and the expansion of Rahmah Madani sales, calling them concrete steps towards easing the people's burden and realising true independence. "Real freedom isn't just about being rid of colonisers. It means escaping poverty, coping with living costs, and living with dignity in our own land," he said, adding that the theme Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni (Protecting the People's Welfare) resonates strongly with Johoreans. Citing recent data, Onn Hafiz revealed that Johor secured RM30.1 billion in approved investments in Q1 2025 alone, a significant jump from the previous year. "The state's gross domestic product grew by 6.4 per cent last year, surpassing the national average. "These are not just numbers. They reflect Johor's status as not only the economic driver of the south, but one of the key engines of national growth," he said. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration with the federal government would further strengthen Johor's path towards becoming a progressive and compassionate state. Calling for a renewed spirit of national unity, Onn Hafiz urged Malaysians not to let the Jalur Gemilang remain a mere ornament. "Let it live in our hearts as a symbol of struggle, freedom, and dignity. And fly the Johor flag with pride, because this is where our strength began," he said. He reminded the people that the current generation bears the responsibility to preserve and uplift the legacy left by those who fought for independence. "Let Johor not only be a state that develops, but one that unites. Let it not just be advanced, but honourable."
