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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Not over the hill to maintain Kepayang Hill
SEREMBAN: A nature-loving group of friends, many in their golden years, have been maintaining and beautifying the hiking trails of Kepayang Hill near here. Over the past six years, the 16-member group has been the guardians of the scenic hiking spot which offers a challenging climb and a breathtaking view at the peak. What started as a one-man effort by septuagenarian Hooi Ah Lek, or Uncle Iceman as he is known, evolved into a larger volunteer squad. Jessie Chew, who at 49 is the youngest of the volunteers, said Uncle Iceman, 70, was doing the work single-handedly for almost two decades until she approached him to lend a helping hand. 'Now a bigger group, we actively maintain the trails and carry out beautification work, including decorating certain stretches of the trails during major festivals.' Labour of love: The 'hill crew' sprucing up the trails with the Jalur Gemilang and Negri Sembilan flags for National Day. Led by Uncle Iceman and retired carpenter Ng Kong Siong or Uncle Kong, the group painstakingly clears the hill's 46 trails of fallen trees and obstacles. They even installed safety ropes along sections of the more challenging terrain. There are also strategically placed benches and tables, many made by Uncle Kong. To prepare for National Day, the team has spruced up the route with the Jalur Gemilang and Negri Sembilan flags. The group has also given names to the trails such as Sky Garden, Sand Beach, Eagle, Hong Cai, Wishing Tree, Tiger Way, Old Ladder and Stone Wall, so they are easily identifiable. Their commitment goes beyond cleanliness and safety. Chew said the volunteers have acquired chainsaws and other tools to cut and remove uprooted trees. Funding to finance equipment and activities is mainly raised through an annual T-shirt sale. 'We love Kepayang Hill and want to help out for as long as we can. We also help those new to the area to familiarise themselves with the trails so they can truly enjoy the experience,' said Chew who is a professional mountain guide, adding volunteers hike up the hill on a daily basis. Chew said it was heartening that the number of visitors to Kepayang Hill, also known as Kanni Kuil or Victoria Hill, have been increasing. 'We have families coming together and many bring their children along,' she added. Chew said there are two Hindu temples located at the hilltop and frequented by devotees with one said to be more than a century old. It can take between 20 and 25 minutes to reach the top depending on one's pace and fitness.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Umno machinery all set to assist in Sabah election
JERTIH: Umno has prepared its machinery to assist in preparations for the 17th Sabah State Election, which is expected to be held any time, said its Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said Umno in each state had received their respective zone divisions, and the state machinery would move to the assigned areas. Mohamad said the zone divisions had been well arranged by the operations room at the party headquarters, and some of the personnel were already in Sabah to begin work. "Yesterday, all the Kelantan Umno division heads were in Sabah because they are in charge of the Eastern Sabah area. "Terengganu Umno will also go to manage the Tawau, Sandakan and Kudat areas. "For Negri Sembilan and Melaka Umno, we were given the mandate to take care of the Putatan, Penampang, Sepanggar and Kota Kinabalu areas." Mohamad, who is also the foreign minister and Rembau member of parliament, said this to reporters after opening the Besut Umno division meeting at the Besut District Council Hall in Kampung Gong Kemuntong, near here today. – Bernama
The Star
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Negri gear up for a fightback season
PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan are on a full throttle mode in a bid to leave last season's struggles behind and stake a stronger claim in the upcoming Super League campaign. Head coach Nidzam Jamil hopes a revamped squad will be ready to face Johor Darul Ta'zim in their opening Super League game on Aug 12 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium at Iskandar Puteri. Powered by eight import players, they are hoping to turn things around after the Deer finished 12th out of 13 teams. Nidzam said their aggressive recruitment drive reflected a renewed ambition. 'Two more foreign players are arriving next week. I can't disclose names or positions yet, but they'll add much-needed depth and balance to the squad,' said Nidzam. Sources suggest they are likely to be a central defender and another midfielder – positions critical to strengthening the spine of the team. The club have retained some familiar faces from last season, including Japanese midfield maestro Takumi Sasaki, who is expected to pull the strings in the middle of the park, and versatile South Korean An Sang-su, who offers flexibility in both midfield and attack. On the new arrivals list, Bosnian winger Jovan Motika joins from Kuala Lumpur, while Ghanaian forward Joseph Esso makes the move from Dreams Dawu in Ghana. To further bolster the side, Negri have also brought in two players on loan - tough-tackling Ghanaian midfielder Alex Agyarkwa from Selangor, and nimble Japanese winger Mio Tsuneyasu from Gainare Tottori. The club's impressive domestic recruitment includes striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin, goalkeeper Azri Ghani, centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, fullback Ariff Ar-Rasyid, winger Hakimi Abdullah, and young midfielder Haiqal Haqeemi. Negri are currently in the thick of pre-season preparations, with a series of friendlies designed to build rhythm and refine tactics. 'These friendlies are vital, not just for fitness, but for building understanding within the squad,' said Nidzam. 'We want to sharpen our tactics and improve the team's dynamism, especially in defence and attack.' 'Facing JDT first is a huge challenge, and we need to be at our absolute best from day one. 'Momentum is everything.'
The Star
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Pros and cons of alcohol ban in Port Dickson's public spaces
SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan's ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in some public places has received backing, but the prohibition along Port Dickson's beaches has kicked up a row. National Indian Crime Prevention Society (ICPS) president Datuk Ignatius Lourdsamy, who gave his support, described the ban as progressive and necessary in the interest of public safety and community well-being. 'Over the years, ICPS has received numerous reports and complaints about disruptive and unsafe behaviour from alcohol consumption in public areas affecting children, women, senior citizens and families trying to enjoy some peace in the outdoors. 'By curbing alcohol use in these spaces, the state is taking a firm stance against public nuisance, potential criminal activity and vandalism,' he said. MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (pic) however felt the ban 'violated the spirit of diversity' and harmed tourism. 'Which foreign tourist will come if he or she may be fined just for having a drink at the beach. This is not welcoming of tourists,' he said. Urging the state government to review the policy, he pointed out that Visit Malaysia 2026 was approaching with federal authorities working hard to attract international tourists. Former Chuah assemblyman Datuk Michael Yek Diew Ching described the ban on alcohol at beaches and open spaces as a shortcut solution. 'Bad behaviour, littering and public disorder should be dealt with targeted enforcement and not a blanket ban. 'Why not increase patrols, issue fines and take other measures to ensure the culprits are held responsible?' he asked. A Port Dickson resident who wished to be known as Patrick said he was swarmed with text messages from friends in other states mocking the blanket ban. 'My friends and I gather at the beach for barbecues at least once every six months, during which we will drink alcohol, but responsibly and always clean up before leaving. 'With the ban, they'll probably stop coming to PD because we can't afford to pay for drinks at hotels or other beachfront establishments,' he lamented. Another individual said the ban at beaches would be all right if enforced after certain hours. 'Ban it, say from 10pm to 10am like in some places abroad,' he added. State local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar maintained that the ban along Port Dickson's public beaches was necessary. However, he said hotels, resorts, private clubs, cafes and restaurants there can continue to serve alcoholic drinks. 'We had no choice but to impose the ban on public beaches as irresponsible individuals leave trash, which gives a bad image,' he said, adding that broken bottles also posed a hazard to beachgoers. 'The area is packed with people exercising and engaging in recreation during the day but some gather at night to drink and leave a mess,' he added. On Wednesday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public recreational spaces such as parks, playgrounds, fields and beaches with immediate effect. Enforcement will be conducted by local authorities and police, with a maximum fine of RM2,000.
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Over 100 ministers and MPs take part in 'Ukhuwah Madani' programme in Port Dickson
PORT DICKSON: Over 100 unity government leaders, including cabinet ministers and members of parliament, took part in a community gotong-royong this morning as part of the Madani government Ukhuwah (brotherhood) Leadership programme in the district. The initiative, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Madani administration, aims to foster closer ties between leaders and the people in a relaxed, inclusive setting rooted in shared values and solidarity. It also seeks to normalise the practice of leaders engaging directly with the public, creating a continuous culture of ground engagement and offering citizens a platform to voice their needs, concerns and ideas. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, along with several cabinet members and Madani MPs, arrived at Kampung Sawah at 8.45am and were briefed by the village head before spending about 25 minutes at the site of the Sejahtera Komuniti Madani event. The delegation comprised Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. They were later joined by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, and several other Cabinet members, who arrived at 8.30am at the Kampung Teluk Pelandok Fishermen's Jetty to take part in a jetty painting activity and engage with residents. Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun was also present to show support, spending nearly 30 minutes at the jetty with the leaders and community members. Saifuddin described the programme as a meaningful experience that allowed him to connect with residents, gain insights into their daily activities and explore the area's economic potential. "This programme allows us to engage directly with the local community. "We got to know some of their products, such as homestays. With this kind of approach, it becomes clear that Madani is not just about developing the nation, but also the individual," he told reporters. The programme was part of the broader Ukhwah Madani and the Madani government leadership retreat for ministers and MPs in Negri Sembilan. Among the key highlights were the free distribution of 3,000 fresh chickens to residents, Rahmah sales booths and various community activities, including a kenduri rakyat as well as meet-and-greet sessions with villagers. Meanwhile, a group of 37 MPs arrived at the mosque within the Army Basic Training Centre at 8.50am to paint the mosque, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Army Training and Doctrine Commander Major General Datuk Marzuki Mokhtar expressed his appreciation for the contributions made towards upgrading the centre's mosque, which can accommodate over 3,500 congregants. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and members of the cabinet are scheduled to attend the kenduri rakyat at Dataran Kampung Pachitan this afternoon, marking the finale of the programme. – Bernama
